Difference between revisions of "Holes/Session 9"

A fragment of the Garden of Remembering
m
(FORMAT)
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EXT. Coffle - day
EXT. Coffle - day


The party comes in on a main road. It's a short walk into the gates. A guy passes on a horse on the way in, but he's in too much of a hurry to acknowledge them.
The city is much bigger than anything they've seen before on this particular world, nestled around a harbour and possibly something of a trading hub, or what passes for one in these parts. Low meaningless walls line the perimeter, holes filled in with fencing, from the look of it largely only intended to keep out wildlife.
 
The buildings are fairly uninteresting, but the city's lamps appear to be somewhat advanced - either magical or electrical.
 
The party comes in on a main road. It's a short walk into the gates. A guy passes on something that might be a horse on the way in, but he's in too much of a hurry to acknowledge them.


RHU
RHU
(muttering)
(muttering)
Egotistical city person, thinks he's too good for everybody...
Egotistical city person, thinks he's too good for everybody...
The city is much bigger than anything they've seen before, nestled around a harbour and possibly something of a trading hub, though it's unclear if this would actually be apparent at this point. The city's lamps appear to be somewhat advanced - either magical or electrical.


Two guards stand by the gate and give the party strange looks, but don't say or do anything else.
Two guards stand by the gate and give the party strange looks, but don't say or do anything else.


RHU
RHU
(to guards)
(to the guards)
Hello! Do you know where we are?
Hello! Do you know where we are?


Line 25: Line 27:
No! I have no idea!
No! I have no idea!


Andre backs away slightly. The other guard, Darien Versouss, looks at his companion suspiciously.
Kelsof backs away slightly. The other guard looks at him suspiciously.


AMADI
AMADI
Line 35: Line 37:


GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
This is Coffle, by the way. Seat of Deslan. Which I'm sure you've never heard of.
This is Coffle, seat of Deslan. Which I'm sure you've never heard of.


GUARD ANDRE KELSOF
GUARD ANDRE KELSOF
Line 43: Line 45:
Pleased to meet you, Seat of Deslan. My name is Rhu, and I am a servant of Hazz'ridan the Magnificent. My companions and I are from normal places via Sarathi, which is full of holes.
Pleased to meet you, Seat of Deslan. My name is Rhu, and I am a servant of Hazz'ridan the Magnificent. My companions and I are from normal places via Sarathi, which is full of holes.


The first guard gives Rhu one look, groans, and leaves.
Kelsof gives Rhu one look, groans, and leaves.
 
RADEK
Well, I'm sure you've never heard of electrical power, so perhaps we can both be disappointed.


AMADI
AMADI
I'm not from there. I'm from elsewhere.
I'm not from there. I'm from elsewhere.


Rhu watches the guard walk away.
RADEK
Well, I'm sure you've never heard of electrical power, so perhaps we can both be disappointed.


GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Line 67: Line 67:


GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Not so many. Just enough to try the nerves with these questions. Each time, always the same. 'How do I get home?' 'Where is this?' 'Do you have a gate?' 'Excuse me, but where'ś the terminal?'
Not so many. Just enough to try the nerves with these questions. Each time, always the same. 'How do I get home?' 'Where is this?' 'Do you have a gate?' 'Excuse me, but where's the terminal?'


AMADI
AMADI
Questions are important. You shouldn't... should... Questions. Ask questions.
Questions are important. You shouldn't... should...
Questions. Ask questions.


RADEK
RADEK
Line 101: Line 102:


GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Woah, slow down, will you? This was about three years ago, and if I even KNEW what a terminal was... satellite, now there's a new one. As for 'less than educated', you could work for the council. And yeah, there's been a few. That's why we got so many guards here, mostly. It's like some had lost their minds, others never even had them...  
Woah, slow down, will you? This was about three years ago, and if I even ''knew'' what a terminal was... satellite, now there's a new one. As for 'less than educated', you could work for the council. And yeah, there's been a few. That's why we got so many guards here, mostly. It's like some had lost their minds, others never even had them...  


RADEK
RADEK
Line 107: Line 108:


GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
hy, we got a guy just last week who seemed convinced he was a dog. Mighty hairy, too. Maybe he was a dog!
Why, we got a guy just last week who seemed convinced he was a dog. Mighty hairy, too. Maybe he was a dog!


RHU
RHU
Line 172: Line 173:


RHU
RHU
What? Sorry? No. Yes. Hang on. I think I just heard Hazz'ridan's voice inside my head. He said "Mind the present. There's something here.
What? Sorry? No. Yes. Hang on. I think I just heard Hazz'ridan's voice inside my head. He said "Mind the present. There's something here."
(Rhu looks at Darien again)
(Rhu looks at the guard again)
He must mean you.
He must mean you.


Line 186: Line 187:
(she giggles)
(she giggles)
But they're fun!
But they're fun!
AMADI
Wouldn't be half so fun if they knew everything. Questions are... answers. Important.
Wouldn't be half so fun if they knew everything. Questions are... answers. Important.


Line 203: Line 202:
No, I'm a native of the moon.
No, I'm a native of the moon.


Darien looks at Rhu suspiciously. Rhu looks around to see if there's anything important that they missed. ''(rolled 25 perception)'' It's mostly just normal city. Some folks are watching, others doing... city folk things. There's a guy with a pigeon on his head standing in the middle of the road further down.
Versouss looks at Rhu suspiciously. Rhu looks around to see if there's anything important that they missed. ''(rolled 25 perception)'' It's mostly just normal city. Some folks are watching, others doing... city folk things. There's a guy with a pigeon on his head standing in the middle of the road further down.


RHU
RHU
Line 226: Line 225:
Shouldn't live on moons. Bad dreams.
Shouldn't live on moons. Bad dreams.


Darien looks up at Gravy, startles slightly at the sight of his head, and then nods gratefully.
Versouss looks up at Gravy, startles slightly at the sight of his head, and then nods gratefully.


GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
You can try the temples, or the College. Philosophers might know more, but they're generally pretty... well...
You can try the temples, or the College. Philosophers might know more, but they're generally pretty... well...
 
(he looks skeptically at the guy with the pigeon on his head)
Darien looks skeptically at the guy with the pigeon on his head.
 
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Loony?
Loony?


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Thanks.
Thanks.


Darien nods again and turns to yell at the guy with the pigeon on his head, who runs off into an alley.
Versouss nods again and turns to yell at the guy with the pigeon on his head, who runs off into an alley.


RHU
RHU
Line 266: Line 262:
You're not turning me off knowledge, girl. Just the company of lunatics.
You're not turning me off knowledge, girl. Just the company of lunatics.


A pigeon lands on Greibel's head.
A pigeon lands on Greibel's head. He looks up cautiously.
 
Greibel looks up cautiously.


GREIBEL
GREIBEL
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EXT. Dead end alley - day
EXT. Dead end alley - day


Rhu corners the pigeon guy at the end of an alley. It's a bit dark because the buildings are pretty close together.
Rhu corners the pigeon guy at the end of an alley. It's a bit dark because the buildings are pretty close together here.


The guy is just sort of staring at the wall, with pigeons landing all around him.
The guy is just sort of staring at the wall, with pigeons landing all around him.
Line 329: Line 323:
HEAD PIGEONS!
HEAD PIGEONS!


He and starts trying to claw through the wall.
RHU
Excuse me. I... I think you might be important to my ques-
 
The guy suddenly starts trying to claw through the wall.


RHU
RHU
Excuse me. I... I think you might be important to my ques- hey!
Hey!
(yelling)
(yelling)
GUYS! A LITTLE HELP HERE!
GUYS! A LITTLE HELP HERE!
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Rhu tries to restrain pigeon guy.
Rhu tries to restrain pigeon guy.


Another guard pushes past Rhu and grabs the guy, pulling him away from the wall.
A guard pushes past Rhu and grabs the guy, pulling him away from the wall.


GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
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Sure, sure, he is. He's also due for a nice lie in the dungeons to sleep it all off.
Sure, sure, he is. He's also due for a nice lie in the dungeons to sleep it all off.


Alex pulls the guy past Rhu.
The guard pulls the guy past Rhu.


RHU
RHU
Where are the dungeons? What's his name? Who are you?
Where are the dungeons? What's his name? Who are you?


Alex ignores Rhu and heads off, half pulling, half-dragging the guy.
The guard ignores Rhu and heads off, half pulling, half-dragging the guy.


The pigeon philosopher mumbles about pidgeons and holes and the nature of spinach.
The pigeon philosopher mumbles about pidgeons and holes and the nature of spinach.
Line 362: Line 359:
GREIBEL
GREIBEL
(after the philosopher being dragged away)
(after the philosopher being dragged away)
Pigeon head guy! Shame, we had so much in common
Pigeon head guy! Shame, we had so much in common.


PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Line 377: Line 374:
Ooooo, that sky. What a sky. What a...
Ooooo, that sky. What a sky. What a...


Rhu follows the guard/pigeon guy combo to the end of the street and sees which direction they head off in.
Rhu follows the guard/pigeon guy combo to the end of the street.


Amadi yawns.
Amadi yawns.
Line 414: Line 411:
The Gravedigger turns his soulful gaze to the woman and notices she seemed to be messing with Radek's bag. ''(rolled 39 perception)'' Somehow she managed to put something in it, even past the chrome stuff.
The Gravedigger turns his soulful gaze to the woman and notices she seemed to be messing with Radek's bag. ''(rolled 39 perception)'' Somehow she managed to put something in it, even past the chrome stuff.


The Gravedigger grabs her. ''(rolled 17 vs reflex)'' She tries to twist away, then punches Gravy in the eye. This hardly hurts him, but she is very clearly annoyed.
The Gravedigger grabs her and picks her up. ''(rolled 17 vs reflex)'' She tries to twist away, then punches Gravy in the eye. This hardly hurts him, but she is clearly very annoyed.


THE GRAVEDIGGER
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Line 431: Line 428:
I did nothing! You clearly are ahead of yourself. Now if you do not put me down...
I did nothing! You clearly are ahead of yourself. Now if you do not put me down...


Radek checks his bag and finds a small paper-wrapped package. It's covered in chrome, though the chrome seems to be getting... thinner.
Radek checks his bag and finds a small paper-wrapped package. It's covered in chrome, though the chrome seems to be getting... thinner. He opens it. Inside he finds a small stone with a mask symbol carved into it.


Amadi strolls slowly up to Gravy and the lady with a wistful smile.
Amadi strolls slowly up to Gravy and the lady with a wistful smile.
Line 459: Line 456:
Amadi suddenly breaks out in uncontrollable giggles.
Amadi suddenly breaks out in uncontrollable giggles.


</screenplay>
Meanwhile Greibel begins haggling with a merchant for a weird used hat to put on the porridge. He offers herbs, and the guy nods.


<pre>
HAT MERCHANT
Greibel begins haggling with a merchant for a weird used hat to put on the porridge
Yes, yes, something like that would be great, but do you have... well, you know. Good for the dreams, nice... herbs. Not ones that put you to sleep, though. You know what I mean?


Bear Soup Guy: I have....herbs?
Greibel nods and gets out some specific ones.
Bear Soup Guy: Rare nature herbs!
Apheori (GM): RAHB: He wants a hallucinogenic but doesn't want to call it that.
Bear Soup Guy: Are my rare herbs hallucinogenic?
Apheori (GM): RAHB: Probably. He certainly seems to think so, though he won't say it, instead insisting on various euphamism...


Greibel plays along with the various euphemisms
GREIBEL
You can definitely uh... become enriched and... enlightened by these, uh... materials. Man.
 
HAT MERCHANT
No, no, these aren't so extraordinary, just simple herbs, absolutely nothing wrong with wanting them, of course.


GREIBEL
GREIBEL
You can definitely uh... become enriched and... enlightened by these, uh.... materials. Man.
Yes, this is a transaction that may mutually benefit us.


Apheori (GM): The guy becomes more insistent that these are not so extraordinary, and that there is utterly nothing wrong with wanting them.
HAT MERCHANT
They're just for... well, you know...


Gaurav: Griebel: hehe. If the guy is being secretive about it, it might be illegal around these parts, keep an eye out for guards!
He turns bright red with embarassment, hastily makes the trade, and shoos Greibel away with the hat.
Bear Soup Guy: Probably but they seem to be having their fill with crazy people :)


GREIBEL
Greibel walks back to the others, putting the hat lovingly atop Rasputin's non-head.
Yes, this is a transaction that may mutually benefit us.
 
Gaurav: BSG: fair point
Meanwhile a random woman who may or may not be the guy's wife puts her hands on her hips and stares disapprovingly at Greibel.
Apheori (GM):
GREIBEL
You finally manage to make the transaction after the man finally turns bright red with embarrassment, and hastily waves for you to go away, this never happened, shoo.
Bear Soup Guy: HAT GET
Greibel walks away, putting the hat lovingly atop Rasputin's non-head
Apheori (GM): Gravy and
GREIBEL
You notice there's a woman with her hands on her hips staring at Greibel's... well, the guy he was dealing with... disappointedly.
Frezak (GM): I doubt that;
I'm still looking at the woman i'm grabbing.


GREIBEL
GREIBEL
Hmmm
Hmmm.
Frezak (GM): While I wait to see what Radek found.
Apheori (GM): You've got mad perception. You may not have noticed the context, but you saw here.
Bear Soup Guy: Well then
Ganelon: Yes, this is a thing I must be told.
Apheori (GM): Whereas Greibel saw here but may nto put it togethere.
Bear Soup Guy: Ah
Apheori (GM): Did you open the package?
Oh, that was what you found in your stuff.
I could have been clearer on that.
A small paper-wrapped package.
Oh, you did open it.
Sorry, too much stuff.
Apheori (GM): It contains... a rock.
Ganelon: No worries.
...An ordinary rock?
Apheori (GM): A round black one. Like a river rock. It has something carved into it.
(From Amadi): So... do I actually have any idea why the woman reacted to me? xD
Ganelon: A magic rune, perhaps?
I mean, it's either that or the image of a rubber duckling. Those are my guesses.
(To Amadi): At this point I don't even know why. Or what the rock is or what she wasdoing or anything. I mean, she probably recognised you as Eapherod, but... how or why, I have no idea.
Rhu looks at the rune to see if he can make any religious sense of it
Apheori (GM): Could be magic. Looks more like a symbol for something.
Rhu:
rolling 1d20+8 religion check
(
11
)
+8
=
19
Apheori (GM): A stylised mask? Doesn't mean anything to you, though.


RADEK
RADEK
(holding the stone)
What's the meaning of this?
What's the meaning of this?
Ganelon: To the woman who put it there, of course.


MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
It's a rock. Let me go!
It's a rock. Let me go!
Frezak (GM): I'll just lift her.
 
Legs dangling in the air.
The Gravedigger lifts the woman, leaving her legs dangling in the air, and says nothing.
And say nothing.
 
Apheori (GM): Some other folks have noticed this as well. But they're staying out of it. So far.
Some random passersby stop and watch.


RADEK
RADEK
It's a rock you wrapped in paper and put in my bag.
It's a rock you wrapped in paper and put in my bag.
Amadi stops giggling just long enough to look at the image, then breaks into even harder laughter.
 
Apheori (GM): The woman says nothing as well and just glares at Gravy.
Amadi stops giggling just long enough to look at the symbol on the stone, then breaks into even harder laughter.
Frezak (GM): Does anyone have a good intimidate?
 
Ganelon: I think we're all pretty thoroughly unlikable people.
The woman says nothing as well and just glares at Gravy.
At least as far as the stats are concerned.
Gaurav: +0. I couldn't scare a toad.
Ganelon: If the stats reflected things more accurately, Radek's charisma would not be as high as 10.
Frezak (GM): If I use Str for intimidate I'm still only +5.
Ganelon: Weird, considering who you are.


THE GRAVEDIGGER
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Listen. I'm tired of all the crazy. My guys are either on drugs, talking to voices in their head, or talking gibberish. So if I don't have some clear answers for once I'm gonna take it out on you.
Listen. I'm tired of all the crazy. My guys are either on drugs, talking to voices in their head, or talking gibberish. So if I don't have some clear answers for once I'm gonna take it out on you.
The Gravedigger starts walking out of town, still holding the woman up off the ground. Two guards follow at a distance.


MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Line 565: Line 518:
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
If you would put me down, perhaps we can talk. Or, if you would simply learn how to read...
If you would put me down, perhaps we can talk. Or, if you would simply learn how to read...
Radek checks the paper to see if it had anything written on it, but it's completely wrecked by the chrome substance.


THE GRAVEDIGGER
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Line 571: Line 526:
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
You mean like you getting arrested, for one?
You mean like you getting arrested, for one?
Ganelon: Wrecked to the point that it's impossible to read?
Frezak (GM): I'm gonna start walking out of town, still holding the woman up there.
Apheori (GM): A pair of guards have been watching, it seems, but given that all Gravy has done so far is pick the woman up, they haven't really done anything...
But now they start moving, drawing... sticks, apparently, from their holsters...
Frezak (GM): Sticks?
Apheori (GM): The note is illegible, yeah. The chrome wrecked it.
Rods.
Frezak (GM): Do they look like whacking rods or magic focus rods?
Apheori (GM): Probably magic.
A bit short for whacking, though it'd work.


RADEK
RADEK
(holding what may or may not have even been a note)
This is absolutely illegible.
This is absolutely illegible.
The guards draw some sort of magic rods from their holsters.


THE GRAVEDIGGER
THE GRAVEDIGGER
(to the guards)
(to the guards)
Don't mind me. Just doing your job for you.
Don't mind me. Just doing your job for you.
The guards hesitate slightly.


MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Will you just put me down?
Will you just put me down?
The guards hesitate slightly.


THE GRAVEDIGGER
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Nope, not interested anymore.
Nope, not interested anymore.


Frezak (GM): Gonna keep walking.
The Gravedigger keeps walking.
Dammit, I thought giant horned guys were scary.


RHU
RHU
Maybe we should take this to a bar or somewhere. Somewhere less quiet but less threatening.
Maybe we should take this to a bar or somewhere. Somewhere less quiet but less threatening. May... be... the dungeons? There's a man I want to see about a pigeon.
 
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I'm gonna need open space for this. A nice big open patch of dirt...
 
Amadi lies down on the street, laughing. She calms slowly, still shaking a little. And then she disappears.


Apheori (GM): This is probably why they're only following at this point...
The guards raise their rods. At first one points his at Radek and the other at the Gravedigger, then both point them at Radek.


RHU
'''''Gaurav''' (Rhu): Some hostage.
May... be... the dungeons? There's a man I want to see about a pigeon.


THE GRAVEDIGGER
'''''Ganelon''' (Radek): Ooh, big mistake. Nobody likes Radek.
I'm gonna need open space for this. A nice big open patch of dirt...


Apheori (GM): Okay, how do you do an encounter in a street full of people?
GUARD AMARIN STREL
Well, not encounter.
Stop now.
Battle-thing.
Fight. Blasting.
Lasers!
Ganelon: That's what 4E calls an encounter.
Apheori (GM): Oh.
Okay.
Frezak (GM): Make a street.
Just.. draw some lines.
Ganelon: And you just... do it. People roll initiative, there are enemies. If there are obstacles, you'll want to draw them on the map layer.
I recommend using the "Draw Shape" tool since it makes nice boxes. Or circles.
Also, holding shift snaps them to the grid.
Ellemerr: Amadi has lay down on the street, laughing. She calms slowly, still shaking a little. And then she disappears.
And I'll brb.
Frezak (GM): HAH
Ganelon: Those boxes are not grid-aligned, but they are boxes.
You can also use the polygon/line tool to make... still-straight but non-box shapes.
Right click "finishes" the line.
Ctrl-z lets you undo steps in one.
If there are no meaningful obstacles, none of this is necessary.
Apheori (GM): Blargh.
Ganelon: Though this map size would make for a really big street.
Pfft, this is nothing. You should see all the nonsense I've drawn for my campaign.
Frezak has his pretty pictures while I just have lines.
Apheori (GM): I'm just too tired to sort it out.
Meh, nevermind.
Bear Soup Guy: IS IT TIME TO FIGHT GUARDS
Apheori (GM): Almost.
Bear Soup Guy: :D
Apheori (GM): They raise their weapons and point them at Radek.
Frezak (GM): What?
That doesn't make any sense >.>
Apheori (GM): You have a hostage.
Guard: Stop now.
Apheori (GM): Now they have one too.
Maybe.
Gaurav: Some hostage.
Ganelon: Ooh, big mistake. Nobody likes Radek.


THE GRAVEDIGGER
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Sure. As soon as the lady says why she was messing with his stuff.
Sure. As soon as the lady says why she was messing with his stuff.
Frezak (GM): Yeah.


MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Line 666: Line 575:
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
(to the guards)
(to the guards)
Put those away! In the name of the Council of Ancients, I command you to stand down!
Put those away! I'm with the Order! In the name of the Council of Ancients, I command you to stand down!


The guards hastily put their rods away.
The guards hastily put their rods away.
Frezak (GM): Oh, great.
Rhu:
rolling 1d20+3 history check to see if I know what a "Council of Ancients" is
(
3
)
+3
=
6
Bear Soup Guy: Rhu can't remember breakfast
Apheori (GM):
RHU
It makes you think of butter for some reason.
Frezak (GM): IT WAS PORRIDGE
Bear Soup Guy: XD
Ganelon: "What did we have for breakfast?"
"Nutrients."


RHU
RHU
Line 692: Line 583:


MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
(to Gravy)
I was delivering a message. A warning. I don't know what it is and I don't know why, but that is what it is. Now. Put me down.
I was delivering a message. A warning. I don't know what it is and I don't know why, butthat is what it is. Now. Put me down.


Frezak (GM): Long, drawn out sigh.
The Gravedigger lets out a long, drawn-own sign and then puts her down.
And I'll put her down.


Apheori (GM): Do you also let go?
As soon as he lets go, she vanishes.


Frezak (GM): yeah
The guards make warding gestures as soon as she does.
 
Apheori (GM): She vanishes as soon as you do.
Ganelon: And on the first of February, 2014, Frezak experienced the joys of a healthy grab-based playstyle, if only for a few minutes.
Apheori (GM): The guards make warding gestures when this happens.
Ganelon: Except not really.


RHU
RHU
Line 711: Line 595:
Does she do that often?
Does she do that often?


Ganelon: I assume you mean like, religious "lord protect me" warding gestures?
GUARD TELMIN SMITH
Apheori (GM): Looks like.
The Order... they... do as they do.
Ganelon: I'll approach a guard.
 
Guard: She was a mystic! They... do as they do.
Apheori (GM): There's a hole in my ankle.
A guard watches Radek.
Ganelon: That sounds like a terrible place for a hole to me.
Be*
Radek points at the guard's rod.
Radek points at the guard's rod.


RADEK
RADEK
That's a weapon, right?
That's a weapon, right? Who made it?
Who made it?
 
Guard: Rorik.
GUARD AMARIN STREL
Or his sons.
Rorik. Or his sons.


RADEK
RADEK
Magical in nature?
Magical in nature?


Guard: Standard two-length quickshot.
GUARD TELMIN SMITH
Shoot magic. Does that make it magic?
(calming down)
Look, I'm sorry, okay?
Standard two-length quickshot, shoots magic. Does that make it magic?
It's your friend you should worry about.
Look, I'm sorry, okay? It's your friend you should worry about.


RADEK
RADEK
No, no, I don't even care about that. Tell me where I can find this Rorik.
No, no, I don't even care about that. Tell me where I can find this Rorik.
Apheori (GM): A pigeon lands on Radek's head.
 
Guard: Down Enth Street. There's a really big sign.
A pigeon lands on Radek's head.
Ganelon: I'll grab at it, try to throw it off.
 
Guard: Between that and the odd explosions, you can't miss it.
GUARD TELMIN SMITH
Apheori (GM): The pigeon falls off on its own and hits the ground, ded.
Down Enth Street. There's a really big sign. Between that and the odd explosions, you can't miss it.
dead
 
They guards eye Radek and especially the Gravedigger worriedly, but then they leave them alone.
 
Radek tries to grab at the pigeon and throw it off, but then it just tumbles off and hits the cobbles, dead.


RHU
RHU
Huh.
Huh. Don't touch it, it might be sick.
Don't touch it, it might be sick.


RADEK
RADEK
Blasted vermin.
Blasted vermin.
The woman appears again out of nowhere, hands Rhu a package instead, and disappears again, muttering to herself irritatedly.
 
Greibel picks up the dead pigeon and feeds it to Rasputin. The porridge eats most of the pigeon except for the feet, which it breaks off with a crunch and spits out on the ground.
 
The mysterious woman reappears out of nowhere, hands Rhu a package instead, and disappears again, muttering to herself irritatedly.


RHU
RHU
Thank you.
Thank you.
Rhu looks down at package.
Bear Soup Guy picks up the dead pigeon to feed it to Rasputin
Bear Soup Guy: errr
Apheori (GM): It's another letter-wrapped rock.


GREIBEL
Rhu looks down at package. It's another letter-wrapped stone. He unwraps it carefully.
does that
 
Greibel does that
This rock has a slightly different symbol on it - some sort of bird, and an extra little note stuck to it that says 'extra, not sure what this goes to'.
Bear Soup Guy: I KNOW HOW TO THINGS
 
Rhu unwraps it careful, in case that helps the paper not to get crumpled.
Rhu shows it to everybody, then puts the rock away.
The porridge eats most of the pigeon except for the feet, which it breaks off with a crunch and spits on the ground.
 
Apheori (GM): This rock has a slightly different symbol on it - some sort of bird, and an extra little note stuck to it that says 'extra, not sure what this goes to'.
The larger note appears to be a set of instructions with what may or may not be bad poetry at the bottom:
Rhu shows it to everybody, then puts it away.
 
Apheori (GM): The larger note/letter thing appears to be a set of instructions, saying to be careful, don't stand out, don't get noticed, go to a place, and some bad poetry.
: ''To progress:
Frezak (GM): I DEMAND TO HEAR THE POETRY
 
Bear Soup Guy: ^
: ''&bull; Take closest care.
Gaurav: Any information on hwat sort of place we should go to?
: ''&bull; Do not stand out, or get noticed.
Apheori (GM): Oh dear.
: ''&bull; Go to the juncture of 5th and Salma, and the way will open.
It's a street address. Apparently in the city.
 
: ''The shoulders in the sand on the repeats of the world...
: ''There's a blisters of something memory...
: ''Look at the characters whip thy bum...
 
: ''Kumquats devouring mundial smiley-faces.


RHU
RHU
Oooooh.
Oooooh.
Apheori (GM): http://wiki.zaori.org/compendium/Repeats_of_the_world
I still think we should head to the dungeons first.
That.
 
That's at the bottom of the note.
Greibel is enraptured by the poetry and ponders at its layers of significance.
 
 
INT. Coffle constabulary no.2 - day
 
The place is full of a guards. There's a desk at front with one asleep with his feet up on it. Another bunch of guards are at a table. Several others are loitering around. They all seem to be quite bored.
 
A couple look annoyed at the intrusion, another smiles amiably, and the one from the pigeon philosopher incident just sighs.
 
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
You here for Freidel?


RHU
RHU
I still think we should head to the dungeons first.
Yes! Him. The guy with the...
Apheori (GM): It may not even be poetry.
 
The shoulders in the sand on the repeats of the world...
Rhu gestures over his head.
There's a blisters of something memory...
Look at the characters whip thy bum...
Kumquats devouring mundial smiley-faces.
Frezak (GM): Sure, let's go to the dungeons.
Greibel is enraptured by the poetry and ponders at its layers of significance
Gaurav: We should totally go to this mysterious address first! Rhu has an awful taste in places to go.
Apheori (GM): Y'all head to the dungeons!
Also you notice Amadi is gone. Do you care?
Ganelon: Radek would probably rather just talk to someone who can make magic tools.
Well, she comes and goes.
He still follows these clowns, though.
Apheori (GM): Quite.
Ellemerr: I am back. Amadi is not. Maybe she will be.
Gaurav: Rhu totally hasn't noticed yet. It's been an exciting few minutes! DId we ever figure out what happend with htat woman who was checking Griebel out?
Apheori (GM): You head into the building and there's a bunch of guards at a table. A couple glare, another smiles amiably, and the one from before sighs and asks if you're hear about the pigeon philosopher.
here
Gaurav: Nothing with that woman, no.


RHU
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
Yes! Him. The guy with the ... *makes a pigeon-on-head gesture*
(indicating a hallway)
Guard: Down there. Just... don't let him out. Or anyone else. Or do anything stupid.
Down there. Just... don't let him out. Or anyone else. Or do anything stupid. Please.
Please.
I don't want to get up.
I don't want to get up.


Line 814: Line 691:
I fully understand.
I fully understand.


Guard snorts.
Karekov snorts. A couple of the others now look slightly concerned, but clearly they don't actually want to get up either.
 
The party heads down the hall into the prison.


Apheori (GM): A couple of the others now look slightly concerned.
The philosopher is passed out face-down in a cell. The cell door isn't even locked, just shut.
Rhu walks down corridors pigeon-philosopher-wards
Ganelon: Radek isn't too concerned about Gravy doing stupid things, but it's best to cover all the bases.
Apheori (GM): The guy is passed out face-down in a cell.
The door isn't even locked, just shut.


RHU
RHU
Hullo? Mister? Pigeon-guy?
Hullo? Mister? Pigeon-guy?


The pigeon philosopher guy is passed out.
The pigeon philosopher fails to respond on account of being passed out.


RHU
RHU
HULLO?
HULLO?


The guy is still passed out.
The philosopher continues to be passed out.


RHU
RHU
Line 855: Line 730:




EXT. The Garden - Nightmare
Amadi Dreams.


(From Amadi): The dream is of the moon. Or a moon, anyhow. Or something that would look like a moon at a distance - a crescent moon, to be exact. Some lady is sitting on it, dangling her feet over a black pond that is full of stars (unless they're not stars). She's dressed in a white fur. She speaks in a language I do not understand, or perhaps she's just making up nonsense words, since there's no language I don't know. Black birds with eyes in their talons circle around us, making me aware that I'm actually present. I'm standing on the lake. I must be, since there's nothing else. I feel naked, with the stars watching me from below, and small, very small. "I chose this," I tell the lady on the moon. She looks at me with pink eyes and answers with her gibberish words. Frustrated, I repeat myself: "I chose this!" One of the birds land on her head, crushing the eyes against her skull, spilling vitreous humour into her hair. I flinch away as another one comes for my own head.
: ''The dream is of the moon. Or a moon, anyhow. Or something that would look like a moon at a distance - a crescent moon, to be exact. Some lady is sitting on it, dangling her feet over a black pond that is full of stars (unless they're not stars). She's dressed in a white fur. She speaks in a language I do not understand, or perhaps she's just making up nonsense words, since there's no language I don't know.


</pre>
: ''Black birds with eyes in their talons circle around us, making me aware that I'm actually present. I'm standing on the lake. I must be, since there's nothing else. I feel naked, with the stars watching me from below, and small, very small.
 
: ''"I chose this," I tell the lady on the moon. She looks at me with pink eyes and answers with her gibberish words. Frustrated, I repeat myself: "I chose this!"
 
: ''One of the birds lands on her head, crushing the eyes against her skull, spilling vitreous humour into her hair.
 
: ''I flinch away as another one comes for my own head.
</screenplay>


{{holes nav
{{holes nav

Revision as of 02:40, 3 March 2015

≪ PreviousNext ≫
Session 9 (raw log) (Overview)
EXT. Coffle - day
The city is much bigger than anything they've seen before on this particular world, nestled around a harbour and possibly something of a trading hub, or what passes for one in these parts. Low meaningless walls line the perimeter, holes filled in with fencing, from the look of it largely only intended to keep out wildlife.
The buildings are fairly uninteresting, but the city's lamps appear to be somewhat advanced - either magical or electrical.
The party comes in on a main road. It's a short walk into the gates. A guy passes on something that might be a horse on the way in, but he's in too much of a hurry to acknowledge them.
RHU
(muttering)
Egotistical city person, thinks he's too good for everybody...
Two guards stand by the gate and give the party strange looks, but don't say or do anything else.
RHU
(to the guards)
Hello! Do you know where we are?
GUARD ANDRE KELSOF
No! I have no idea!
Kelsof backs away slightly. The other guard looks at him suspiciously.
AMADI
(muttering)
I know where we are.
RHU
Ah, well. Same here, I suppose. Is there a good inn in town?
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
This is Coffle, seat of Deslan. Which I'm sure you've never heard of.
GUARD ANDRE KELSOF
Ugh, more?
RHU
Pleased to meet you, Seat of Deslan. My name is Rhu, and I am a servant of Hazz'ridan the Magnificent. My companions and I are from normal places via Sarathi, which is full of holes.
Kelsof gives Rhu one look, groans, and leaves.
AMADI
I'm not from there. I'm from elsewhere.
RADEK
Well, I'm sure you've never heard of electrical power, so perhaps we can both be disappointed.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Coffle is the seat of the country. Deslan is the country. Ignore him. He's tired of visitors... like you.
GREIBEL
Why does a country need to sit down?
RHU
Oh! My apologies. Why so? Have there been a lot of visitors lately?
The Gravedigger

(muttering)

Hrmph. Visitors have a choice.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Not so many. Just enough to try the nerves with these questions. Each time, always the same. 'How do I get home?' 'Where is this?' 'Do you have a gate?' 'Excuse me, but where's the terminal?'
AMADI
Questions are important. You shouldn't... should...
Questions. Ask questions.
RADEK
Oh? Interesting.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
We actually did have a gate, you know. Went down shortly before you lot started coming in. Fancy that.
AMADI
What time is it?!
Amadi fidgets.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
20 to seven, my lady.
AMADI
Oh.
Amadi turns from the guard sullenly.
RHU
When did 'we lot' start coming in? And, err... where is the terminal? Do you have a satellite uplink around these parts?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
They don't have one. Wrong world. We're at the other end of the cosmic drain.
RADEK
Does that mean you've never encountered outsiders who seemed... less than educated?
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Woah, slow down, will you? This was about three years ago, and if I even knew what a terminal was... satellite, now there's a new one. As for 'less than educated', you could work for the council. And yeah, there's been a few. That's why we got so many guards here, mostly. It's like some had lost their minds, others never even had them...
RADEK
Not surprising.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Why, we got a guy just last week who seemed convinced he was a dog. Mighty hairy, too. Maybe he was a dog!
RHU
Any cats?
AMADI
(muttering to herself)
Tastes like burning. Minds wandering off, answers without questions... There's the taste. Burnt. Cut off the tongue.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
My lady, are you quite okay?
Amadi turns her head to the guard.
AMADI
(dryly)
Are you?
And then she turns back.
RADEK
Would you say that you've never seen someone like us who was impressed by whatever passes for high technology in this, er... "city"?
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Hah. High technology? And what might that be?
RADEK
How should I know what you consider advanced? I arrived here yesterday.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
I'm a guard, not a technologist. They pay me to look pretty and drink.
RADEK
(he sighs)
Do they all ask about 'terminals' and 'computers'?
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Some.
RADEK
And the others?
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Quite a few on about 'proxies' and 'avatars', too. Usually it's just home or passages.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(in Rhu's mind)
Mind the present. There's something here.
Rhu looks around.
RHU
Who said that?
HAZZ'RIDAN
(in Rhu's mind)
You know. You have always known.
Rhu looks astonished, and his eye go wide.
AMADI
(to Rhu)
Voice. Did you ask a question?
RHU
What? Sorry? No. Yes. Hang on. I think I just heard Hazz'ridan's voice inside my head. He said "Mind the present. There's something here."
(Rhu looks at the guard again)
He must mean you.
AMADI
I can hang. Swing. Ropes and ladders and air and dancing.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(to Amadi)
Mortals... useless, the lot of them.
AMADI
(she giggles)
But they're fun!
Wouldn't be half so fun if they knew everything. Questions are... answers. Important.
HAZZ'RIDAN
(To Amadi)
Try not to have too much fun with these, dear sister.
AMADI
It's not my fault! I... was dreaming... Now I'm here.
RHU
Tell us more about yourself, Sir...? Are you a native of this town?
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
No, I'm a native of the moon.
Versouss looks at Rhu suspiciously. Rhu looks around to see if there's anything important that they missed. (rolled 25 perception) It's mostly just normal city. Some folks are watching, others doing... city folk things. There's a guy with a pigeon on his head standing in the middle of the road further down.
RHU
(not really paying attention, since he's distracted by his search)
Mhmm, is that right? Which moon would that be?
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
Brains, you heard of them?
GREIBEL
Ouch. Burn!
Rhu keeps looking around, although every once in a while his eyes drift back to the pigeon man.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Excuse him. He's a little insane and people can live on moons where we come from. Is there anyone that can tell us about the Cataclysm? Scholars or magisters?
RHU
Ah, yes. What? Sorry? Oh. Not right now, please. Yes, you're clearly not who Hazz'ridan is talking about. Thank you all the same.
AMADI
Shouldn't live on moons. Bad dreams.
Versouss looks up at Gravy, startles slightly at the sight of his head, and then nods gratefully.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
You can try the temples, or the College. Philosophers might know more, but they're generally pretty... well...
(he looks skeptically at the guy with the pigeon on his head)
Loony?
AMADI
Asking questions. Always. Nothing good can come of it. Knowledge is bad for you.
RHU
(to Amadi, not taking his eyes off pigeon man)
Knowledge is good for you. An unknown path is just a road. You can't discover the dead end until you know the whole road.
Amadi shakes her head sadly at Rhu.
GUARD DARIEN VERSOUSS
There's also Nadrine - a newcomer like yourselves, who speaks of wayfarers and rarely makes much sense. But she's still alive, if you want to give her a try.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Thanks.
Versouss nods again and turns to yell at the guy with the pigeon on his head, who runs off into an alley.
RHU
(shouting after the fleeing pigeon man)
WAIT!
RADEK
We have a diverse selection of madmen at our disposal. Of what consequence is another to add to our collection?
AMADI
You don't know. Be glad.
RADEK
You're not turning me off knowledge, girl. Just the company of lunatics.
A pigeon lands on Greibel's head. He looks up cautiously.
GREIBEL
PIGEON HEAD! YEAH!
Greibel strokes its beak.
The pigeon leans foward and pecks at the porridge.
GREIBEL
Hey now, you guys play nice.
The porridge opens up and eats the pigeon.
GREIBEL
Hmmm... hungry little fella.
Amadi

(smiling at the porridge)

Tastes like burning.
The porridge beams at Amadi without eyes.
RHU
I think we should go after that guy!
The Gravedigger shrugs.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Then you better get running.
RHU
Okay. Don't leave without me!
Rhu takes off after the pigeon guy and chases him into an alley.
The others follow after Rhu at a walk.
Amadi frowns, and nods to Greibel and the porridge on his shoulder.
AMADI
Your friend has the gist of it, you know.
The porridge jiggles.


EXT. Dead end alley - day
Rhu corners the pigeon guy at the end of an alley. It's a bit dark because the buildings are pretty close together here.
The guy is just sort of staring at the wall, with pigeons landing all around him.
RHU
...excuse me? Sir?
The guy doesn't respond. Then a pigeon lands on Rhu's head as well.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
(screaming)
HEAD PIGEONS!
RHU
Excuse me. I... I think you might be important to my ques-
The guy suddenly starts trying to claw through the wall.
RHU
Hey!
(yelling)
GUYS! A LITTLE HELP HERE!
Rhu tries to restrain pigeon guy.
A guard pushes past Rhu and grabs the guy, pulling him away from the wall.
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
Again, Freidel? Really? You know the mushrooms aren't good for you...
RHU
Hey! Be gentle! He's... important!
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
Sure, sure, he is. He's also due for a nice lie in the dungeons to sleep it all off.
The guard pulls the guy past Rhu.
RHU
Where are the dungeons? What's his name? Who are you?
The guard ignores Rhu and heads off, half pulling, half-dragging the guy.
The pigeon philosopher mumbles about pidgeons and holes and the nature of spinach.
The rest of the party catches up.
GREIBEL
(after the philosopher being dragged away)
Pigeon head guy! Shame, we had so much in common.
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Waffle head moose!
He waves at Greibel.
Greibel smiles.
RHU
Holes! He said holes! Something about holes!
PIGEON PHILOSOPHER
Ooooo, that sky. What a sky. What a...
Rhu follows the guard/pigeon guy combo to the end of the street.
Amadi yawns.
RHU
I think we should follow the guy! I think he's important!
The porridge gurgles.
AMADI
He had head-pigeons. If I gave advices I'd... flowers? Why isn't this a dream?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
So we're gonna follow voices in your head? Eh, whatever. Let's go talk to the guy with pigeon-poop hair, then.
RHU
To the dungeons!
GREIBEL
Espionage!
RADEK
Surely this will be productive!
Radek grumbles.
The party heads after the guard and the pigeon philosopher guy regardless. Hawkers try to hawk random baubles and food and crap at them. There are no cats.
Amadi frowns, watches the others going, turns to start in the other direction... and then comes along after all.
Then a woman bumps into Radek and then hastily moves away.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Excuse me!
The Gravedigger turns his soulful gaze to the woman and notices she seemed to be messing with Radek's bag. (rolled 39 perception) Somehow she managed to put something in it, even past the chrome stuff.
The Gravedigger grabs her and picks her up. (rolled 17 vs reflex) She tries to twist away, then punches Gravy in the eye. This hardly hurts him, but she is clearly very annoyed.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Do that again and I'm gonna put this shovel to use. Explain yourself.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
What in the hells do you want?! Are you trying to get yourselves killed? Release me!
RADEK
What's wrong?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
She put something in your bag. Check your stuff.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
I did nothing! You clearly are ahead of yourself. Now if you do not put me down...
Radek checks his bag and finds a small paper-wrapped package. It's covered in chrome, though the chrome seems to be getting... thinner. He opens it. Inside he finds a small stone with a mask symbol carved into it.
Amadi strolls slowly up to Gravy and the lady with a wistful smile.
AMADI
I think I'm ahead of myself... but I'll probably catch up someday.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
What?
The woman stops struggling and stares at Amadi.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
You... no, this is impossible.
Amadi narrows here eyes on the woman, staring long and hard.
AMADI
(with utter certainty)
Apple pie.
The woman looks at Amadi for a long moment.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Oh.
Amadi suddenly breaks out in uncontrollable giggles.
Meanwhile Greibel begins haggling with a merchant for a weird used hat to put on the porridge. He offers herbs, and the guy nods.
HAT MERCHANT
Yes, yes, something like that would be great, but do you have... well, you know. Good for the dreams, nice... herbs. Not ones that put you to sleep, though. You know what I mean?
Greibel nods and gets out some specific ones.
GREIBEL
You can definitely uh... become enriched and... enlightened by these, uh... materials. Man.
HAT MERCHANT
No, no, these aren't so extraordinary, just simple herbs, absolutely nothing wrong with wanting them, of course.
GREIBEL
Yes, this is a transaction that may mutually benefit us.
HAT MERCHANT
They're just for... well, you know...
He turns bright red with embarassment, hastily makes the trade, and shoos Greibel away with the hat.
Greibel walks back to the others, putting the hat lovingly atop Rasputin's non-head.
Meanwhile a random woman who may or may not be the guy's wife puts her hands on her hips and stares disapprovingly at Greibel.
GREIBEL
Hmmm.
RADEK
(holding the stone)
What's the meaning of this?
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
It's a rock. Let me go!
The Gravedigger lifts the woman, leaving her legs dangling in the air, and says nothing.
Some random passersby stop and watch.
RADEK
It's a rock you wrapped in paper and put in my bag.
Amadi stops giggling just long enough to look at the symbol on the stone, then breaks into even harder laughter.
The woman says nothing as well and just glares at Gravy.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Listen. I'm tired of all the crazy. My guys are either on drugs, talking to voices in their head, or talking gibberish. So if I don't have some clear answers for once I'm gonna take it out on you.
The Gravedigger starts walking out of town, still holding the woman up off the ground. Two guards follow at a distance.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
That's great. Really. But I don't have them.
RADEK
Just because you're an uneducated rube doesn't mean I'm talking gibberish!
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Shut it, Radek. So you don't know why you put this... whatever it is in his bag? It just seemed like a good idea or a slug was controlling your mind?
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
If you would put me down, perhaps we can talk. Or, if you would simply learn how to read...
Radek checks the paper to see if it had anything written on it, but it's completely wrecked by the chrome substance.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
You're clearly fully able to talk up here. Start now or see what happens when I run out of patience.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
You mean like you getting arrested, for one?
RADEK
(holding what may or may not have even been a note)
This is absolutely illegible.
The guards draw some sort of magic rods from their holsters.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
(to the guards)
Don't mind me. Just doing your job for you.
The guards hesitate slightly.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Will you just put me down?
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Nope, not interested anymore.
The Gravedigger keeps walking.
RHU
Maybe we should take this to a bar or somewhere. Somewhere less quiet but less threatening. May... be... the dungeons? There's a man I want to see about a pigeon.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
I'm gonna need open space for this. A nice big open patch of dirt...
Amadi lies down on the street, laughing. She calms slowly, still shaking a little. And then she disappears.
The guards raise their rods. At first one points his at Radek and the other at the Gravedigger, then both point them at Radek.
Gaurav (Rhu): Some hostage.
Ganelon (Radek): Ooh, big mistake. Nobody likes Radek.
GUARD AMARIN STREL
Stop now.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Sure. As soon as the lady says why she was messing with his stuff.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
Oh, for the light, will you all stop this!
RADEK
What are those, wands?
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
(to the guards)
Put those away! I'm with the Order! In the name of the Council of Ancients, I command you to stand down!
The guards hastily put their rods away.
RHU
What is a breakfast?
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN
I was delivering a message. A warning. I don't know what it is and I don't know why, but that is what it is. Now. Put me down.
The Gravedigger lets out a long, drawn-own sign and then puts her down.
As soon as he lets go, she vanishes.
The guards make warding gestures as soon as she does.
RHU
(to guards, pointing at the space hitherto occupied by the woman)
Does she do that often?
GUARD TELMIN SMITH
The Order... they... do as they do.
Radek points at the guard's rod.
RADEK
That's a weapon, right? Who made it?
GUARD AMARIN STREL
Rorik. Or his sons.
RADEK
Magical in nature?
GUARD TELMIN SMITH
(calming down)
Standard two-length quickshot, shoots magic. Does that make it magic?
Look, I'm sorry, okay? It's your friend you should worry about.
RADEK
No, no, I don't even care about that. Tell me where I can find this Rorik.
A pigeon lands on Radek's head.
GUARD TELMIN SMITH
Down Enth Street. There's a really big sign. Between that and the odd explosions, you can't miss it.
They guards eye Radek and especially the Gravedigger worriedly, but then they leave them alone.
Radek tries to grab at the pigeon and throw it off, but then it just tumbles off and hits the cobbles, dead.
RHU
Huh. Don't touch it, it might be sick.
RADEK
Blasted vermin.
Greibel picks up the dead pigeon and feeds it to Rasputin. The porridge eats most of the pigeon except for the feet, which it breaks off with a crunch and spits out on the ground.
The mysterious woman reappears out of nowhere, hands Rhu a package instead, and disappears again, muttering to herself irritatedly.
RHU
Thank you.
Rhu looks down at package. It's another letter-wrapped stone. He unwraps it carefully.
This rock has a slightly different symbol on it - some sort of bird, and an extra little note stuck to it that says 'extra, not sure what this goes to'.
Rhu shows it to everybody, then puts the rock away.
The larger note appears to be a set of instructions with what may or may not be bad poetry at the bottom:
: To progress:
: • Take closest care.
• Do not stand out, or get noticed.
• Go to the juncture of 5th and Salma, and the way will open.
: The shoulders in the sand on the repeats of the world...
There's a blisters of something memory...
Look at the characters whip thy bum...
: Kumquats devouring mundial smiley-faces.
RHU
Oooooh.
I still think we should head to the dungeons first.
Greibel is enraptured by the poetry and ponders at its layers of significance.


INT. Coffle constabulary no.2 - day
The place is full of a guards. There's a desk at front with one asleep with his feet up on it. Another bunch of guards are at a table. Several others are loitering around. They all seem to be quite bored.
A couple look annoyed at the intrusion, another smiles amiably, and the one from the pigeon philosopher incident just sighs.
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
You here for Freidel?
RHU
Yes! Him. The guy with the...
Rhu gestures over his head.
GUARD ALEX KAREKOV
(indicating a hallway)
Down there. Just... don't let him out. Or anyone else. Or do anything stupid. Please.
I don't want to get up.
RADEK
I refuse to be held accountable if any of these three do something stupid.
RHU
I fully understand.
Karekov snorts. A couple of the others now look slightly concerned, but clearly they don't actually want to get up either.
The party heads down the hall into the prison.
The philosopher is passed out face-down in a cell. The cell door isn't even locked, just shut.
RHU
Hullo? Mister? Pigeon-guy?
The pigeon philosopher fails to respond on account of being passed out.
RHU
HULLO?
The philosopher continues to be passed out.
RHU
...maybe we should go check out that mysterious address until he wakes up. Now that we know where he is.
RADEK
What exactly makes you believe his insight is valuable?
RHU
Hazz'ridan spoke to me earlier and said that there was something important around somewhere. I think it might be him. I'm not sure. Also... I wonder if he's a druid? If so, he might know something about the little tree on the big tree above the rift, which might tell us something about the rift.
RADEK
...This is why I don't deal with druids and priests.
Ganelon (Radek): Visions and pigeons.
RHU
Look at this man in this cage, and tell me that Hazz'ridan has not lead us to a glorious dead end.
The Gravedigger sighs.
GREIBEL
Well... no arguments there.


EXT. The Garden - Nightmare
Amadi Dreams.
: The dream is of the moon. Or a moon, anyhow. Or something that would look like a moon at a distance - a crescent moon, to be exact. Some lady is sitting on it, dangling her feet over a black pond that is full of stars (unless they're not stars). She's dressed in a white fur. She speaks in a language I do not understand, or perhaps she's just making up nonsense words, since there's no language I don't know.
: Black birds with eyes in their talons circle around us, making me aware that I'm actually present. I'm standing on the lake. I must be, since there's nothing else. I feel naked, with the stars watching me from below, and small, very small.
: "I chose this," I tell the lady on the moon. She looks at me with pink eyes and answers with her gibberish words. Frustrated, I repeat myself: "I chose this!"
: One of the birds lands on her head, crushing the eyes against her skull, spilling vitreous humour into her hair.
: I flinch away as another one comes for my own head.


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Session 9 (Overview)
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People might wonder what point there is in leading a life in which you do not touch any other lives, but it would be arrogant of us to assume that. Every life is a contribution, we just may not see how.