01[12:08] <DHGM> 6* Wolfram watches over the arbites captain from a more or less discreet angle, still watching over his shoulder occasionally.
01[12:08] <DHGM> <COGM> The Baron eyes Cortez curiously, standing straight again, ordering a small drink in a stilted crystall glass.
01[12:08] <DHGM> <Cortez> "I keep most...diverse company, you could say."
01[12:08] <DHGM> <COGM> "So I've seen. Your friend certainly seems interested in the unorthodox."
01[12:08] <DHGM> <Cortez> "He is his own man, what can I say. He does his job well, at least."
01[12:08] <DHGM> <COGM> "I can't help but notice your supply of funds, however. Normal courtesy would prohibit such curiosity, but I find myself forced to ask; Who are you?" He leans on an elbow on the counter, two titanic steel fingers carefully holding a string-thick strand of crystal glass between themselves as he swooshes the drink around.
01[12:08] <DHGM> 06* Steel pauses and turns her head slightly towards the two, wondering what's going to unfold.
01[12:08] <DHGM> 03* fleur is now known as Cromwell
01[12:08] <DHGM> <Cortez> "It's not me, it's Lord Mazeric. He has been a most...interesting leader thus far. A shame he had to step out, but his methods are not mine to question."
01[12:08] <DHGM> 06* Cromwell emerges from behind the ogryn, placing a reassuring hand on the abhuman's shoulder, smiling with a hint of menace.
01[12:08] <DHGM> <Cortez> "Speak of the devil himself."
01[12:08] <DHGM> <Cromwell> "A minor noble and a navy captain. It's all you really need to know."
06[12:09] * Cromwell removes his hand from the abhuman's shoulder, using it now to cup an elbow, scanning the room.
06[12:10] * Wolfram watches over the arbites captain like a hawk. A hawk ordering a glass of caffiene and reading data-slates. A hawk in disguise.
01[12:11] <DHGM> "Ah. Lord Mazeric." The Ogryn smiles politely. "I have found some items to tinker with, as it were."
[12:11] <Cromwell> "Truly? Let us see."
06[12:12] * Cromwell smiles again, this time making no attempt to hide its insincerity.
01[12:12] <DHGM> "A suit of ancient Adeptus Astartes Tactical Dreadnaut Armour, and an incomplete Standard Template Construct shard from Fervossa."
[12:13] <Cromwell> "Quite the finds. As for you, Captain Zane? Did you perchance acquire any interesting items?"
[12:14] <COGM> The abhuman observes the two men talking, content with calmly sipping his stilted drink.
[12:14] <Cortez> "Myself, I managed to snag an entire keg of the legendary 250-proof Grox Piss Ale. Right now, we're working on something a little...heavier..."
06[12:14] * Cromwell ... A faint hint of boiling range creeps across Cromwell's face. "Is that all?"
[12:15] <COGM> The Ogryn snaps a smirk at Cromwell's discontent.
[12:15] <Cortez> "No, our associate secured some sort of...tome...that was apparently very important. You'd have to ask him, you know I don't trouble myself with such things..."
[12:15] <Cromwell> "Which one? You must remember, we have many associates."
06[12:16] * Wolfram sips his drink over the way, taking a quick look over his dataslate then checking his suitcase.
06[12:16] * Cortez beckons to Wolfram. "Wolf, explain to our dear Lord Mazeric what, again, it was you bought...?"
06[12:17] * Wolfram cringes a bit, his cover more or less blown, but gets his suitcase and walks on over.
[12:18] <Wolfram> "Well, it's not exactly a tome you talk about in public, I'm sure our Lord Mazeric understands well." 6He leans in closer.
[12:18] <Cromwell> "We are among friends here. Isn't that so?"
06[12:19] * Cromwell looks at Baron von Schvindledindle.
[12:19] <COGM> The Baron looks back, nodding calmly.
06[12:20] * Cromwell looks back to Wolfram. "Let's see it now, shall we, old boy?"
[12:20] <Wolfram> "Picture this, pages made from the ground bones of various human donors, bound in human skin, menacing with signs of proscribed powers..."
01[12:20] <DHGM> (PROTIP: No items have been given to the purchasing parties as yet)
[12:21] <Cortez> (Idiot)
[12:21] <Cromwell> "There must have been some fierce competition."
[12:21] <Cortez> "Not as fierce as we've faced for this sword..."
[12:21] <Cromwell> "I cannot imagine the types of people that would be bidding on such."
[12:21] <Wolfram> "Oh, I haven't picked it up yet. And yes, there was a few with their eye on it. I suggest, with all due respect Lord Mazeric, that we be constantly vigilant."
[12:22] <Cortez> "Agreed." He nods. "Besides, we secure THIS item, and we'll have made a name for ourselves. This looks to blow everything else out of the water."
[12:22] <COGM> The Baron: "Not as much fierce as a small bidding war between your 'Wolf' and the gentleman in the back row." He chuckles, a deep, rumbling noise, "It was fun to watch."
[12:22] <Cromwell> "Oh? Do I know him? The gentleman, I mean."
[12:22] <Cromwell> "Not to say that our dear wolf isn't a gentleman."
06[12:23] * Cromwell chuckles softly, a hint of annoyance.
01[12:23] <DHGM> The mentioned man in the back sits in his seat still, watching the party discuss and ordering a drink, which sits at his empty table untouched while he stares at the party.
06[12:23] * Cromwell throws a glance over.
[12:23] <Cortez> (the guy in the mask, right?)
06[12:23] * Sioret leans back in her chair, arms crossed.
[12:23] <COGM> The Baron: "I would not know. Unless you accompany yourself with masked men of deadly natures. I would not be surprised if you hear from the fellow again. He might have looked calm, but, I believe he was biding his time."
01[12:24] <DHGM> His silver deathmask stares wordlessly.
[12:24] <Cortez> "Speaking of which, what do you know of those two bumbling nobles? I assume you know which ones I speak of..."
[12:24] <Wolfram> "Mmm, yes. Good thing some of us here are hired for more than their intellect." 6Wolfram cracks a small smirk.
[12:25] <Cromwell> "Yes. Hm. I may have met them on my sojurn. I am unsure. I've acquired a bit of an item for myself."
[12:25] <Cromwell> "I will show it to you later. You will /love/ it."
06[12:25] * Cortez raises eyebrow
06[12:26] * Cromwell sits down and raps his fingers on the table.
[12:28] <Wolfram> "Odd that they'd call a break in the middle of a bidding war."
[12:28] <Cortez> "Cool our heads off? Maybe get us to negogtiate?"
[12:28] <COGM> Baron Schvindledindle eyes Cromwell with an oversized oculus. "How so? Rather brew some tension than let them burn themselves out."
[12:28] <Cortez> "The masked man doesn't seem to be interested in negogtiating, though, which is all for the best, I guess. We're NOT letting this one get away..."
[12:30] <COGM> The Baron: "Why not? You deal in the occult, then?"
[12:30] <Cromwell> "What was that thing you said, baron? Discretion is the better part of valour?"
[12:30] <Cromwell> "We shall see."
01[12:30] <DHGM> The silver masked man stands suddenly, walking calmly over to the group at the table. His eyes stay on Cortez, the bidder he was facing for the blade.
06[12:30] * Cromwell keeps rapping his finger, looking for somewhere he can order a recaf.
[12:30] <COGM> The Baron nods to Cromwell.
06[12:31] * Cromwell puts his hands in his pockets.
06[12:31] * Wolfram notices the masked man approach and turns to face him, hand sliding within his flak greatcoat.
[12:33] <Cromwell> ( brb, checkin' on dog )
06[12:34] * Sioret watches the masked man's approach and then looks over at Cortez.
06[12:34] * Cortez attempts to keep his composure, that's all he CAN do, really
[12:34] <Cromwell> ( back )
06[12:35] * Cromwell eyes the masked man. "Is there a problem?"
01[12:35] <DHGM> Stopping several feet from Cortez, the masked man speaks, his voice level.
01[12:35] <DHGM> "Truly your pockets must be limitless, for this game is going too far for my liking."
[12:36] <Cromwell> "It is your choice to keep playing."
Session Close: Fri Mar 26 12:36:35 2010

Session Start: Fri Mar 26 12:36:43 2010
Session Ident: #teamoldfag
03[12:36] * Now talking in #teamoldfag
03[12:36] * Topic is '[14:51] *** VindicareFaiz quit (Quit: ) [15:11] <Taiga> What a feisty girl~'
03[12:36] * Set by TheWarp on Wed Mar 03 03:08:49
[12:36] <Cortez> <Cortez> "I hope you bear no ill will towards us..." (asshole)
[12:36] <Cromwell> Cortez>	"I hope you bear no ill will towards us..."
01[12:37] <DHGM> "As it is yours. You should bow out gracefully, however. You invite terrible things should you take this blade..." The mask swings to face the sword, still on its stand on the stage. "It is worth more than you know."
[12:38] <Cromwell> "And it may just be worth more than you have."
06[12:38] * Wolfram resists the urge to chuckle.
01[12:39] <DHGM> "You would risk your lives and immortal souls for what you see as a petty trinket that costs more than a light frigate?"
06[12:39] * Cromwell lets out an exasperated sigh. "I have no love of games. If you have something to say or something to do, say it. If not, leave us be."
01[12:40] <DHGM> "You have no love of games, and yet you play with your safety by simply being here. You are stupid or brave, and likely a measure of each. Cease bidding on the sword, or something terrible will happen to you, by my hand or another's."
01[12:40] <DHGM> The eyeslits of the mask carry malevolence, anger. Impatience.
[12:40] <Cortez> "That IS a threat. I don't like your tone, sir. Coming to an auction and becoming a sore loser..."
[12:41] <Cortez> "If you lose, you lose. Accept your defeat and move on."
06[12:41] * Cromwell bursts out into all-out laughter. It is an awkward sound, as if he's never done it before.
06[12:41] * Wolfram steps a tiny bit closer. 1"Sounded like a threat to me, boss."
[12:41] <COGM> The Baron is barely able to supress a thunderous laughter.
[12:41] <Cromwell> "Something will happen to us? SOMETHING? Are you new to this universe? One cannot take a single step in the world without something bad happening by one's hand or another."
06[12:41] * Sioret calmly eyes the masked man.
[12:42] <Cortez> "See, THIS is why I don't like practicioners of the dark arts. They always have this aura of ENTITLEMENT, like just because they understand the profane workings of the universe that the laws of common decency and such don't APPLY to them."
01[12:42] <DHGM> "Very well then. Let us see how deep your coffers are. Common decency was warning you."
[12:43] <Cromwell> "Our thanks, then."
06[12:43] * Cromwell inclines his head politely.
01[12:43] <DHGM> The man turns and walks back to his table, sitting and waiting for the bidding to resume.
[12:43] <Cromwell> "Baron, a word with you, in private?"
[12:43] <Wolfram> "I hope he does know sorcery, someone that skinny just isn't as fun to rough up."
[12:44] <COGM> The Baron: "And I thought I had seen the best passive-aggressive men in the galaxy already." A deep, rumbling chuckle. Looking at Cromwell, "Why, of course Lord Nadarius." He motions for Cromwell to lead the way.
06[12:44] * Cromwell heads for a secluded space.
[12:45] <COGM> Putting his stilted drink down with miraculous ease, the lumbering abhuman follows Cromwell.
03[12:45] * Rakiel (ions@sux-EFDFEC0B.abhsia.telus.net) has joined #teamoldfag
06[12:46] * Cromwell snaps his fingers and heads deeper into the wings.
[12:46] <Sioret> "You handled that admirably, Sir Cortez."
[12:47] <Cortez> "You really think so? I'm worried."
[12:47] <Wolfram> "Ugh. I hate public places. Too many witnesses." 6He takes a seat.
06[12:47] * Trantia stands in a secluded corner of the auction hall, her shotness making her barely stand out among the crowd. She is a young woman, clearly dressed in the red robes of the AdMech, with shocking pink her. Currently, her eyes, slightly squinting, are darting around the room, looking for something
[12:48] <Sioret> "Worried about him, or about the direction the bidding is heading in?"
06[12:48] * Trantia sees Cromwell coming in her direction, and smiles enchantingly
[12:49] <Cortez> "Both."
[12:49] <Cromwell> "My." he says, passing by. "You've got quite the enchanting smile. Why not stop by and have a chat once we are finished with our talk? Our table is just over there."
06[12:49] * Cromwell heads deeper into the wings.
[12:50] <COGM> (BRB food is here)
06[12:50] * Trantia nods silently and walks towards the table, not yet approaching too close, watching the people sitting there. [Are all of you but Cromwell there?]
06[12:51] * Wolfram nods to Trantia, then humphs and takes a seat.
06[12:51] * Sioret nods greetings to a fellow tech adept.
[12:52] <Sioret> "Sir Cortez, do you still plan to continue bidding on the blade?"
06[12:52] * Trantia "tsk"s at herself then goes to the table. "May I take a seat? There isn't much room elsewhere."
[12:53] <Cortez> "Erm...well we're sort of a private party, but..."
06[12:53] * Sioret pats the chair beside her.
[12:53] <COGM> (back)
[12:54] <Trantia> "It's ok, I've met the Prime" she says in a whisper, a slight resonant hum affecting her voice
06[12:55] * Trantia takes the seat and looks around at the others, before wiping her mouth on her sleeve
06[12:55] * Cortez blinks a couple times. "All...right then!..."
[12:55] <Wolfram> "Thought you looked familiar. Ah, that's right, you were there when I shot that guardsman for trying to slow me down."
[12:56] <Trantia> "That was you? Well don- um, well met!"
[12:56] <Cortez> "Did I...miss something?"
06[12:56] * Wolfram nods, extending a hand to Trantia.
[12:57] <Wolfram> "You saw the race to get on that ship, it was... heated."
[12:57] <Cortez> "True. Didn't see you make it though..."
06[12:58] * Trantia takes the hand and Wolfram may feel a slight tingling in his palm...
06[12:59] * Wolfram gives the hand a light shake before returning it, then flexing it to find the source of that sensation.
[13:00] <Wolfram> "Yes, you were smart enough not to stop me, but you didn't make it on board. How did you get here?"
06[13:00] * Trantia smiles bemusedly at Wolfram's perplexion, and shows her palm - the feint steely outline of an electoo traces around her hand
06[13:01] * Wolfram nods with comprehension.
[13:02] <Trantia> "The- I fled the port as soon as i realised my error, took a different ship."
[13:03] <Cortez> "Surprise you didn't get killed."
[13:04] <Wolfram> "I told you, she didn't get in m- Oh yeah, they said something about kill-squads."
06[13:04] * Cortez nods. "Which means you MIGHT still be in trouble with our employers..."
03[13:04] * Clarence_Mage (Clarence_M@sux-DEB849FA.szbn2.lon.bigpond.net.au) has joined #teamoldfag
03[13:04] * Clarence_Mage is now known as Steel
[13:05] <Trantia> "It was my great sense in running away at the right time that allowed me to get the job. I was contacted on the ship i took here, a luxury cruise liner."
[13:05] <Cortez> "Lucky little..."
06[13:06] * Wolfram looks at Trantia in exasperation.
[13:06] <Wolfram> "We rode in a ship full of grox-shite and you work on a luxury cruise liner."
06[13:08] * Sioret waits for the bidding to start again.
01[13:09] <DHGM> Eveready takes the podium again, announcing that the bidding will resume in five minutes.
[13:09] <Trantia> "The Omnissiah smiles upon his servants." The phrase comes out instantly, clearly an oft-repeated mantra
[13:09] <Wolfram> "About damn time."
[13:09] <Cortez> "So anyway...in all likelihood we're not going to make it out of here without a fight. That masked man is going to attack us if we win, and even if he wins he'll probably waste us, those idiot nobles are...idiots, and Wolf did you learn about that captain?"
[13:10] <Wolfram> "He wasn't doing much, I suspect everyone's as keyed up and paranoid as we are."
[13:10] <Cortez> "Did you at least learn his NAME? I need SOMETHING to report back to my employers."
[13:10] <Cortez> "I am NOT leaving here without some way to get that information BACK, and neither are you, so help me Emperor."
[13:11] <Sioret> "Where has Steel gone off to?"
[13:11] <Cortez> "What th-
06[13:12] * Trantia flicks her gaze from person to person, not comprehending.
06[13:12] * Cromwell returns, with his usual expression of sullen boredom.
[13:12] <COGM> The Baron returns behind Cromwell, immediatly returning to his dainty drink.
06[13:13] * Cromwell sits at the table.
[13:13] <Sioret> "Sir waiter, more tea, if you please."
06[13:13] * Cortez is dead serious in his face, this is probably the first time you've seen him unhappy
01[13:13] <DHGM> A waiter swings by, taking the order and returning with tea in time for the bidding to start.
[13:13] <Wolfram> "It's not easy to get information in a closed environment and everybody suspects you. Lord Schvindledindle, you ever seen those Arbites types before?"
01[13:14] <DHGM> Eveready: "The bidding will resume with the gentleman at the front table at 12,500,000."
06[13:14] * Wolfram looks to one of the others for the bidding. His arm is sore still.
[13:15] <COGM> The Baron has returned to his seat, the tiny drink still clipped between the fingers of his power fist.
06[13:15] * Cortez looks to Cromwell, he IS the one in charge
06[13:15] * Wolfram groans and reaches over for the marker.
06[13:15] * Cromwell looks at the item in question.
06[13:15] * Cromwell nods.
06[13:15] * Sioret holds her hand out hopefully.
06[13:17] * Wolfram holds the marker up, ready to watch the ensuing shitstorm.
06[13:18] * Sioret gives Sir Wolfram a thumbs-up.
06[13:20] * Steel subtly opens the door at the back, and makes her way to the table the group's sitting at, coughing into her hands, then lighting up.
06[13:20] * Steel finds that her seat is occupied by someone new.
06[13:21] * Steel taps Trantia on the shoulder
06[13:22] * Cortez sighs, and stands up like a gentleman, offering his seat to his 'wife'
06[13:22] * Trantia turns around and tries to suppress a grimace at the sight of Steel
[13:23] <Trantia> "Oh! Have I taken your place?"
06[13:23] * Sioret blinks in surprise, she did not know that Cortez and Steel were married.
[13:24] <Steel> "You have, but..." she looks to Cortez. "Apparently that's no problem. Thanks, honey."
06[13:24] * Cromwell calmly raps his fingers on the table.
01[13:24] <DHGM> The masked man bids on the blade, and the price rises to 12,600,000.
06[13:24] * Steel sits down in Cortez's seat and flashes a grin at the man.
06[13:24] * Cromwell nods to Wolfram once more.
06[13:25] * Trantia nods at Steel. "Technographer Trantia Zeraph."
06[13:25] * Wolfram just keeps on bidding, not glorifying the masked idiot with eye contact.
[13:25] <Steel> "Steel."
01[13:25] <DHGM> The bidding continues and continues, reaching heights of 19,100,000.
06[13:25] * Cromwell nods to no-one in particular.
[13:26] <Trantia> "Your name or line of work?"
06[13:26] * Cortez mutters to his group, "Do NOT let this one go. Our benefactors WILL want this artefact."
[13:26] <Cromwell> "I have not heard any suggestions contrary to that thought."
06[13:26] * Steel ponders between treating this pink-haired girl seriously, or fucking with her.
06[13:26] * Cromwell keeps tapping his fingers.
06[13:26] * Wolfram throws his arms up again. Real good deltoid exercise, even if for one arm at a time.
06[13:27] * Sioret sips from her cup of tea and watches the masked man and Sir Wolfram alternately bid.
[13:27] <Cortez> "Just making sure everyone understands spending 20 million thrones on this thing is NOT frivolous."
[13:27] <Steel> "My name. I didn't have a 'line of work', as you'd say."
01[13:27] <DHGM> The cost increases, minutes and minutes passing by. The cost passes 25,000,000 shortly.
[13:28] <Trantia> "Just recently I was blessed with knowledge of steel, its properties and method of pro- oh, I see."
[13:28] <Steel> "So you're good with machines, huh?"
06[13:29] * Wolfram switches arms. Got to have a balanced workout.
[13:29] <Steel> "You'll get along fine with Sioret."
06[13:30] * Sioret slides a cup of tea to Sir Wolfram. Organics must stay rehydrated.
06[13:30] * Wolfram nods thanks and takes a sip.
06[13:30] * Trantia flashes a face of despair at Steel before giving a meek smile
01[13:31] <DHGM> It rises further still. And further. Some folks have grown bored, and the ship captain Cortez wanted to plan a hit on has started taking bets on who will win, as well as a card game.
01[13:31] <DHGM> 36,700,000.
01[13:31] <DHGM> Further still.
[13:31] <Cromwell> "Keep it going."
[13:31] <Wolfram> "He's growing bored. That makes him easier." 6 He keeps bidding.
[13:31] <Sioret> "Or growing angry."
[13:31] <Sioret> "Same result."
[13:31] <Steel> "Or growing a beard, considering how long this is taking."
[13:32] <Cromwell> "Steel, I truly hope that in due time you will come to understand the reality of things. Truly."
[13:32] <Steel> "They're called 'Jokes', Cromwell."
06[13:32] * Cromwell keeps rapping his fingers, looking off at the sword.
01[13:32] <DHGM> The cost hits 61,300,000.
01[13:32] <DHGM> Further still.
[13:32] <Steel> "Humour helps keep us frosty."
[13:33] <Steel> "Speaking of keeping frosty, keep your hands on your guns."
[13:33] <Cromwell> "Worry not."
[13:33] <Cromwell> "Trust me."
06[13:33] * Sioret nods.
06[13:33] * Cromwell keeps tapping his fingers.
06[13:33] * Wolfram just keeps on bidding. Sure beats stake-outs, at least he gets exercise.
06[13:33] * Trantia glances around. "Do you expect trouble, Steel?"
01[13:34] <DHGM> 78,400,000.
01[13:34] <DHGM> Higher yet.
[13:35] <Wolfram> "Heh, why would you pay so much when you could get it for free?"
[13:35] <Wolfram> "Of course there'll be trouble. Now who's good with swords?"
[13:36] <Cortez> "I don't plan on touching that thing, and neither should any of you."
[13:36] <Trantia> "I can use one, in fact I own one, but I have not practised on a live body."
01[13:36] <DHGM> The price goes up and up and up and up and up, breaching 95,000,000.
[13:37] <Cromwell> "Ah, ignorance. What a refreshing change of affairs. Is that the sound of doubt creeping into my mind?"
[13:37] <Cortez> "Blessed is the mind too small for doubt, my good man."
[13:37] <Wolfram> "Can anyone spot who else apart from shinyface is looking at my sword?"
01[13:37] <DHGM> 96,000,000...
06[13:37] * Steel snorts.
06[13:37] * Cortez doesn't really understand what he just said, but it always sounds cool...
[13:37] <Cromwell> "I do not understand this modus operandi. Are we to acquire an item simply because it is sought-after?"
01[13:37] <DHGM> 97,000,000...
[13:37] <Steel> "Don't you start saying that stuff, Cortez."
[13:38] <Cromwell> "There is no-one else."
[13:38] <Cortez> "Because it is sought after by unsavory characters who say it is damning."
[13:38] <Cromwell> "And yet, could this be a ploy of theirs? Ah, decisions, decisions."
01[13:38] <DHGM> 98,000,000...
[13:39] <Cortez> "Our employers would likely we be safer than sorry."
[13:39] <Cromwell> "Go for 100,000,000."
01[13:39] <DHGM> 99,000,000...
[13:39] <Cromwell> "It is their money. Perhaps it would have been better spent on a few macrocannon rounds."
06[13:39] * Wolfram keeps his arm up.
[13:39] <Cromwell> "We would not have to worry about any of this."
01[13:39] <DHGM> The bidding stops at 100,000,000.
[13:40] <Cromwell> "Are you still with us, Baron?"
06[13:41] * Cromwell taps his fingers on the table.
[13:41] <Cortez> (WE didn't stop bidding...)
[13:41] <Wolfram> "Of course he is." 6Wolfram wonders if he's meant to dissuade them with FASTER bidding."
[13:41] <Cromwell> ( therefore )
06[13:41] * Sioret looks over at the masked man.
06[13:41] * Cromwell puts his left hand in his pocket.
01[13:42] <DHGM> Eveready: "Gentlemen. While I applaud your efforts, I cannot in good conscience continue to this bid. I hereby invoke Rule 34 of the Mulm Auction House. You have 1 hour to find some way to breach this stalemate."
[13:42] <Cortez> (He better not be, we've been talking in the capacity of inquisitors, not our fake identities)
[13:42] <Cortez> (He's off at the bar)
06[13:42] * Steel power-drags her smoke, and puts another one in her mouth.
[13:43] <Cromwell> "Well, shall we go to him or let him come to us?"
[13:43] <Wolfram> (He's in his own seat you derps)
06[13:43] * Steel takes out her packet, and shares them around.
[13:43] <Steel> "Anyone want one?"
[13:43] <Cortez> "Well, this is a disappointment..."
01[13:43] <DHGM> The masked man stands and glances at the table, pausing.
01[13:43] <DHGM> The Baron looks over to the table, smiling at Cromwell and raising his glass in a mock toast.
06[13:43] * Cromwell keeps his hand in his pocket, looking over his shoulder at the masked man.
[13:44] <Cromwell> ( sorry gotta take a wee shit
[13:44] <Cromwell> ( don't start without me
[13:44] <Cortez> "OK. Ideas?"
06[13:44] * Sioret starts going through her backpack, her pockets, and whatnot.
[13:46] <Cromwell> ( back
[13:47] <Cromwell> ( how far away is the man with the mask? )
[13:47] <Wolfram> "As much as i'd like to drag all my competitors into another room and shoot them, I don't think that'll work."
01[13:47] <DHGM> He is standing at his table.
06[13:47] * Cromwell taps his fingers on the table.
[13:47] <Steel> "Last call, anyone want a smoke?"
06[13:47] * Cortez walks over to the Baron and attempts to address him
06[13:47] * Cromwell reaches out to Steel.
[13:47] <Trantia> "I would rather not poison my body."
01[13:48] <DHGM> The Ogryn looks up at Cortez. "Yes, Captain Zane?"
06[13:48] * Steel lets Cromwell take one.
[13:48] <Cortez> "My good Baron, I am...concerned...that this will all end poorly. In violence. That man bidding on the sword, I worry he may make good on his threats in an attempt to break this impasse. My colleagues are unsure how to proceed..."
[13:48] <Cromwell> "Worry not, Captain Zane."
[13:48] <Cromwell> "A lighter, dear Steel?"
06[13:49] * Cortez wasn't talking to you
06[13:49] * Cromwell is aware.
06[13:49] * Steel lights it up for Cromwell
[13:49] <Trantia> "Can we not pay the man off?"
06[13:49] * Cortez wasn't within earshot either
06[13:49] * Cromwell chuckles.
[13:49] <Cromwell> ( I thought he was at our table )
[13:49] <Cortez> (of course not, we discussed this)
[13:49] <Cromwell> ( have we? )
[13:49] <Steel> (Yes)
[13:49] <Cortez> (if he WERE, we'd be in trouble for talking like Inquisitors, pay attention)
[13:50] <Cromwell> ( gary is this true )
01[13:50] <DHGM> The Baron smiles. "Captain, if he is to resort to violence, I cannot see the problem. He will be either gunned down by the guards or by your bodyguards. He is, as far as I have seen, alone."
01[13:50] <DHGM> (The Baron is at his own table. The masked man is at his own table.)
06[13:50] * Cromwell tips his chair back.
[13:50] <Cromwell> ( ah )
01[13:50] <DHGM> (The Baron's table is close to your own, however)
[13:50] <Cortez> "Perhaps...and perhaps not. I take nothing for granted when dealing with those who deal in such matters..."
06[13:51] * Cromwell smokes, awkwardly, not holding it in the lungs at all, eyes darting about, bird-like.
06[13:51] * Cromwell raps his fingers on the table.
01[13:52] <DHGM> The masked man begins to walk over to the table, slowly.
06[13:52] * Cromwell watches.
06[13:52] * Cortez sighs, and walks back over to his group
06[13:53] * Sioret drains her cup of tea and carefully sets the cup down on the table.
06[13:53] * Cromwell turns his chair around to face the masked man, looking him right in his mask once again.
01[13:54] <DHGM> At arrival: "It seems we have to discuss this once more. The rule Master Eveready invoked means that unless we come up with a suitable arrangement within the allotted time, the item is retained by the House until the next Auction."
06[13:54] * Steel stands up to face the silver-masked man.
[13:54] <Cromwell> "Quite the problematic arrangement, that."
06[13:55] * Cromwell leans forward, hands between his knees, periodically taking a drag of his lho-stick.
[13:55] <Cromwell> "Do you have any suggestions?"
[13:55] <Wolfram> "So what makes you worthy to set your fingers on the handle of that blade, when you refuse to show an inch of your skin?"
[13:55] <Cromwell> "Leave him be. He probably has an ass for a face."
06[13:56] * Cromwell takes a drag of his lho stick, coughing slightly.
01[13:56] <DHGM> "I was hoping you would have an idea. My thoughts on the matter would seem... likely a tad unfair."
06[13:56] * Cortez laughs heartily, "And a face for an ass, my Lord."
06[13:56] * Cortez clears his throat. "My apologies, our sense of humour can be...off-kilter."
06[13:56] * Cromwell laughs, eventually breaking it up enough to ask "Humour us. Indeed."
01[13:57] <DHGM> "A duel."
[13:57] <Cromwell> "Hm, all of us against you?"
[13:57] <Cromwell> "I'd agree to that."
06[13:57] * Cortez laughs heartily again
06[13:57] * Wolfram chuckles.
01[13:57] <DHGM> "I will accept any three of you."
[13:58] <Wolfram> "Any three. He is a brave one."
01[13:58] <DHGM> The mask swivels to take in everyone at the table.
[13:58] <Cromwell> "Three? You are hardly in a position of bargaining."
[13:58] <Cromwell> "Your only friend wants something in return. Always."
06[13:59] * Cromwell leans back.
01[13:59] <DHGM> "If you think that all of you together would fare better, by all means."
[13:59] <Cromwell> "Hmmmmmm... no."
01[13:59] <DHGM> "Then you have a better idea."
06[14:00] * Cortez taps Cromwell on the shoulder
[14:00] <Cromwell> "Excuse me, if you will give us a few minutes?"
06[14:00] * Cromwell asks the masked man.
[14:00] <Cortez> "Yes, a moment, common stranger."
01[14:00] <DHGM> The masked man steps away, heading back to his table.
06[14:01] * Cromwell leans in to Cortez.
06[14:01] * Wolfram is tempted to threaten, but puts on his best impression of muscle. Which isn't hard with all that arm exercise.
[14:01] <Cortez> "The rule he invoked. If we can't break this impasse, the item stays where it is until the next auction. WHEN IS THAT?"
[14:01] <Trantia> "I do not want to shed blood unnecessarily."
[14:01] <Cromwell> "Who knows? But if we do not succeed, another team might."
[14:02] <Cortez> "Irrelevant. We know the sword is here. We know the sword will STAY here until the next auction. If we tell the Inquisition this, we've succeeded."
[14:02] <Cromwell> "Exactly my point."
[14:02] <Cortez> "So, we refuse to break the impasse and report back to our supervisors. Agreed?"
[14:02] <Steel> "That's a pretty decent idea. I was about to suggest maybe we should do it the way ferals done it. I read somewhere that on one world, they have this thing called the Hairy Wrath. They call it that because each combatant strips naked and beats eachother to a pulp with their fists and their fists only."
06[14:03] * Cromwell puts out his lho stick on the table.
06[14:03] * Cortez raises his eyebrows at Steel, she kinky
[14:03] <Cromwell> "Agreed. Let us gather what we have. But keep an eye on this fellow."
06[14:03] * Wolfram looks over at Steel.
[14:03] <Wolfram> "What the..."
[14:03] <Cortez> "Penthrift Lustfuls much?"
[14:04] <Steel> "Tee hee."
01[14:04] <DHGM> The masked man watches from the distance of his table, standing stalk-still.
[14:04] <Cromwell> "HEY! I think we can work something out!"
[14:05] <Trantia> "Think of what we achieved: this man will have to pay 100 megathrones for the sword now."
[14:05] <Wolfram> "The thing is, it's unlikely that even if they hold on to the sword, that it stays here particularly, or that anyone would let it stay in the auctioneer's hands."
[14:05] <Cortez> "No dice, Trantia."
06[14:05] * Cortez stupidbitch.jpg
[14:05] <Wolfram> "Besides if the Inquisitor couldn't find these things before the auction, I doubt he could find them afterwards."
[14:06] <Trantia> "Is it imperative that we do not let him take it?"
[14:06] <Steel> "Very valid criticisms, Wolfram."
[14:06] <Cromwell> "I would say so."
[14:06] <Cortez> "He said 'stays where it is."
[14:06] <Cromwell> "Based on my personal experiences. Better it be lost than in this one's hands."
[14:07] <Steel> "Then again, so far we only have a book and a cartful of grox piss to show for our efforts."
[14:07] <Trantia> "We have information. Knowledge is power."
[14:07] <Cromwell> "We have yet more."
[14:08] <Cortez> "The book will prove to the Inquisition that this auction traffics in things that neccessitate its shutting down."
[14:08] <Cromwell> "Let us cease this squabbling. Had I any real authority to invoke, I would do so now."
[14:08] <Steel> "This seems to me like the climax of the auction, Cromwell."
01[14:08] <DHGM> The Baron leans in from his table. His size puts him close enough to hear.
06[14:08] * Cromwell tsks.
01[14:09] <DHGM> "He does seem the type to have a contingency plan."
[14:09] <Cromwell> "No doubt."
06[14:09] * Steel nods to the Braon
06[14:09] * Steel *Baron
[14:09] <Cromwell> "Which is why we will kindly watch him leave."
06[14:09] * Cromwell taps his fingers on the table.
01[14:10] <DHGM> "If you are worried about the safety of this sword, why would you not seek to take it with you, out of harm's way?"
[14:10] <Steel> "Exactly."
01[14:11] <DHGM> His booming voice drops to a bass-laced whisper, which is luckily only heard at the table. "I am sure the Holy Ordos can hold it better than this place."
[14:11] <Cromwell> "Ah, yes. If only."
06[14:11] * Cortez swallows a lump in his throat.
06[14:11] * Steel recoils a bit from The Baron.
06[14:11] * Steel grins.
[14:12] <Cortez> "So you-"
[14:12] <Cromwell> "I tell you, Baron, no organization, no matter how clandestine, can survive without the support of the people. We both know this."
06[14:12] * Steel holds out her pack of Lhos to the baron. "It's no cigar, but the gesture's the same."
06[14:12] * Cromwell grins.
06[14:12] * Sioret nods.
[14:12] <Wolfram> "Wait, the who? Who are you, Schvindle-Dindle?"
06[14:13] * Cromwell lets out another exasperated sigh.
[14:13] <Cromwell> "Faithless comrades."
06[14:13] * Cromwell tsks.
[14:13] <COGM> The Baron: "I am Baron von Schvindledindle. Why do you ask, Wolf?"
[14:14] <Cortez> "So, did you KNOW, or do my comrades-in-arms need to keep their damn voices down?"
[14:15] <COGM> The Baron: "Please, you were as subtle about it like a grox in a chandelier store."
06[14:15] * Cortez kept his voice down, for one
[14:16] <Cromwell> "I would say that the good Baron has a point."
[14:16] <Cromwell> "Let us kill the fool now."
06[14:16] * Steel would like to point out it's their first day.
06[14:16] * Cortez doesn't think that was the point...
06[14:16] * Cromwell waves the masked man over.
01[14:17] <DHGM> The masked man walks over to the table. "Have you come up with something?"
[14:17] <COGM> The Baron: "If I were you, I'd agitate him into attacking you first, lest you want to fight the guards as well."
[14:17] <Cromwell> "We are ready to negotiate the terms of this duel."
06[14:17] * Cromwell clears his throat.
[14:17] <COGM> As the masked man comes over, the Baron leans back into his seat, withdrawing from the conversation.
[14:17] <Cromwell> "Shall we?"
01[14:17] <DHGM> "What are your terms?"
[14:18] <Cromwell> "No-no-no, we shall do this in front of an independent arbiter. Mr. Auctioneer, if you will?"
[14:18] <Cromwell> (brb, pissan )
01[14:18] <DHGM> Mr. Eveready, glad to be of use once more, trots to the pair, standing at attention with the posture that must be bred into a man.
[14:20] <Cromwell> "Very well. Our terms are thus: our gathered party versus your person, no sorcery or calling upon the creatures of the warp or any other such proscribed acts. Blades and guns only. You may choose no champion."
[14:20] <Cromwell> "What do you say?"
[14:20] <Cromwell> "Ah, excuse me. Hammers and the like as well."
01[14:21] <DHGM> "Would that I had ever used such malefic creatures... Very well, I accept. And the wager?"
01[14:21] <DHGM> The masked man seems very much at ease.
06[14:21] * Sioret frowns at that.
[14:21] <Cromwell> "The wager is that you surrender the blade."
01[14:22] <DHGM> "And the odds stacked so, should I win, you surrender it to me."
01[14:22] <DHGM> Mr. Eveready watches as the two discuss terms.
01[14:22] <DHGM> Waiters and attendants stand at the ready to move the tables aside. More bets are being placed.
[14:22] <Cromwell> "Yes, yes. Or we could settle the whole thing to a coin toss. I don't know."
06[14:23] * Trantia quietly steps up to Cromwell and tugs his sleeve
[14:23] <Cromwell> "Do you accept these terms?"
[14:23] <Cromwell> "Ah, one moment."
06[14:23] * Cromwell turns to Trantia.
06[14:24] * Steel puffs on her Lho stick, and has smoked enough of her Dramatic Aura Lhos to enshroud everyone's feet in smoke, and add to the air of mystique and tension.
[14:24] <Trantia> "I have never fought a man before. My gun is an heirloom, my sword a prize of initiation."
06[14:24] * Cortez fingers the loop of his truncheon anxiously
[14:25] <Cromwell> "I understand your apprehension."
[14:25] <Steel> "Then you're gonna have to learn real fuckin' quick, girly."
[14:25] <Cromwell> "If you wish to back down you may do so."
06[14:25] * Steel hands her lit Lho stick to Trantia. "Have this. It'll calm your nerves."
01[14:25] <DHGM> Mask: "What shall we fight unto, Mr. Eveready? I do not want to kill these people."
06[14:25] * Sioret reaches into her robes...
06[14:26] * Cromwell turns towards the masked man.
[14:26] <Cromwell> "What do those arranged think of death?"
[14:26] <Cromwell> *gathered
06[14:27] * Sioret withdraws a handful of parts.
06[14:27] * Sioret sets to reassembling said parts.
06[14:27] * Trantia nervously takes the lho and eyes it suspiciously
01[14:27] <DHGM> Mr. Eveready replies, his voice level and as nasally as before. "I would prefer to not have any patrons die this day, as you have both been very generous. I would hate to lose clientele."
06[14:28] * Trantia looks up at Cromwell
[14:28] <Cromwell> "Very well to yielding then?"
[14:28] <Trantia> "I... I'll help if I have to. If you need me."
[14:28] <Cromwell> *well,
06[14:29] * Cortez unsheaths his truncheon. "I don't generally KILL people with this tool, so..."
01[14:29] <DHGM> Mask: "Fight until we cannot fight anymore?"
[14:29] <Cromwell> "Until one yields."
[14:29] <Cromwell> "To yielding."
[14:29] <Cromwell> "Are you new to this?"
[14:30] <Cromwell> "Let us obey the terms that our kind host has put forward!"
01[14:30] <DHGM> "To yielding. No I am not new to duelling."
[14:30] <Cromwell> "Is it agreed, then?"
01[14:30] <DHGM> The Masked Man bows to Cromwell and to Mr. Eveready.
01[14:30] <DHGM> "It is."
01[14:30] <DHGM> Eveready nods once.
[14:30] <Cromwell> "Comrades?"
[14:30] <Trantia> "If anyone gets hurt Cromwell, please yield!"
[14:31] <Cromwell> "You are backing down?"
06[14:31] * Wolfram nods, standing up and cracking his knuckles.
[14:31] <Steel> "Trantia, either we all stand or we die alone."
06[14:31] * Cortez smacks the palm of his off hand with the end of his truncheon held in the on-hand, "I shall relish this, yes."
01[14:31] <DHGM> The waiters and attendants move in to pull the tables and chairs away, manhandling the people aside. Obviously they get a cut of the 100,000,000 and were eager to obtain it.
[14:32] <Trantia> "Our lives are worth more than this. There doesn't need to be a death today."
[14:32] <Cromwell> "Have faith in your Omnissiah."
[14:32] <Wolfram> "Want me to stick to bare hands or just shank him?"
[14:32] <Cromwell> "Do as you please."
06[14:32] * Trantia reaches into her robes and draws a laspistol. "I shall."
01[14:33] <DHGM> With that, the floor is cleared. Eveready resumes his podium, and a group of guards place a set of large machines on the ground in a rough circle around the party and the Masked Man.
06[14:33] * Sioret is seated again, lascarbine cradled nonchalantly.
[14:33] <Cortez> "...fuck it."
01[14:33] <DHGM> The circle is 15m in diameter, and the Masked man stands 10 meters from the party. The machines are activated, a large wall of force cutting the air between the bystanders and the combatants.
06[14:34] * Cortez sheaths his truncheon and whips out his Autogun in its place, he's gonna need it
06[14:34] * Trantia checks over the weapon, whispering a prayer as she does so
06[14:34] * Steel starts mentally preparing herself to grab her gun, point, pull trigger. Grab gun, point, pull trigger. Couldn't be simpler.
06[14:35] * Sioret stands.
06[14:35] * Wolfram sets his suitcase down and fetches his rifle out of it, quickly assembling and loading it before closing it and setting the suitcase aside.
01[14:36] <DHGM> Mr. Eveready counts down.
06[14:36] * Cromwell rolls his neck, retreiving a full-length shotgun from his left great-coat pocket, flipping its grip into his right hand.
01[14:36] <DHGM> 3- The Masked Man reaches across his back...
01[14:36] <DHGM> 2- He pulls free a slim, short blade, almost a meter in length...
01[14:37] <DHGM> 1- A crackling blue field erupts around it...
06[14:37] * Wolfram lifts the rifle's muzzle to his feet.
[14:37] <Wolfram> "Oh, Mother FU-"
01[14:37] <DHGM> [Initiative]
06[14:37] * Cromwell raises his hand. "Stop. You cannot win this. It is literally impossible for you to win this contest. We must yield, and there is no way this will happen. You may kill us, but then you would be disqualified and we would be the victors. Yield now, and spare yourself the humiliation. And only one of us needs to die for us to win." Cromwell steps forward.
01[14:39] <DHGM> "Never."
[14:39] <Steel> "It's too late for that, Cromwell."
[14:39] <Cromwell> "Do it then. Secure your defeat."
06[14:39] * Steel spaces her legs and arms arpart.
06[14:39] * Steel *apart
06[14:39] * Cromwell drops his shotgun.
06[14:39] * Cromwell approaches the masked man.
[14:39] <Cortez> (hehehehe she spread her legs)
[14:39] <Steel> (listen here buddy)
06[14:39] * Trantia holds the pistol out, flicks on the laser slight and aims at the man, just in case
01[14:40] <DHGM> The silvery mask flashes, the black of the cloth the Masked Man is wreathed in swirling as he bursts forward, an arc of lightning following the blade as it moves to disable Cromwell's good arm.
[14:40] <Trantia> "No!" she screams
[14:40] <Cortez> "My Lord, no!"
[14:40] <Steel> "Fuckin' idiot..."
[14:42] <Sioret> "01000100011000010110110101101110011000010111010001101001011011110110111000100001"
06[14:45] * Cromwell seems to reflect the blade, as if by the grace of the Emperor.
06[14:45] * Cromwell ... reflect, of course, by giving up a fair-sized chunk of his arm.
03[14:47] * Retrieving #teamoldfag modes...
06[14:49] * Wolfram keeps the barrel on the masked man and pulls the trigger as he swings.
01[14:50] <DHGM> The bullet slams into the Masked Man's sword arm, but only manages to tear at the fabric of his shirt.
06[14:56] * Steel pulls an Autogun from seemingly out of nowhere from underneath her jacket, and pulls the trigger, revelling in the kickback and her powerstance.
01[14:59] <DHGM> The bullets slam against the Mask and about his body, but nothing other than fabric flies free.
06[15:02] * Cromwell draws and fires his infiltration pistol into the masked man.
06[15:04] * Cromwell misses.
02[15:05] * Steel (Clarence_M@sux-DEB849FA.szbn2.lon.bigpond.net.au) Quit (Ping timeout)
03[15:05] * Steel (Clarence_M@sux-DEB849FA.szbn2.lon.bigpond.net.au) has joined #teamoldfag
06[15:06] * Sioret raises her lascarbine to her shoulder and fires a burst at the masked man.

Session Start: Fri Mar 26 15:16:09 2010
Session Ident: #teamoldfag
03[15:16] * Now talking in #teamoldfag
03[15:16] * Topic is '[14:51] *** VindicareFaiz quit (Quit: ) [15:11] <Taiga> What a feisty girl~'
03[15:16] * Set by TheWarp on Wed Mar 03 03:08:49
03[15:16] * Kirov is now known as COGM
01[15:20] <DHGM> The bursts of energy score the mask, one slamming into the man's side and making him stagger back a half step.
06[15:22] * Cortez proceeds to open fire with his Creed autogun, wildly shooting about with little concern for aiming, or indeed for the safety of Cromwell
03[15:23] * Cromwell (chatzilla@sux-CD1B66F2.vf.shawcable.net) has left #teamoldfag
03[15:27] * fleur (chatzilla@sux-CD1B66F2.vf.shawcable.net) has joined #teamoldfag
03[15:28] * fleur is now known as Cromwell
[15:28] <Cromwell> "Idiots! Stop fighting! Let us starve to death if that be the case."
06[15:28] * Cromwell would say in case he were alive.
[15:28] <Cromwell> "We would win."
01[15:28] <DHGM> The Masked Man steps to the side, taking a short step forward and slicing off the front third of Cortez's autogun.
[15:29] <Cortez> "Daaaaaamn..."
06[15:32] * Trantia lets the laser sight linger on the man for a moment, then squeezes the trigger, letting out a sharp laser crack.
01[15:33] <DHGM> The bolt strikes, pushing him a full step to the side, the weight of the lasbolt burning the cloth.
[15:34] <Cromwell> "Faithless fools! If you kill him the battle is lost!"
[15:35] <Cromwell> "Fall back at once, lest I yield!"
06[15:37] * Wolfram plants another round in the Masked man.
01[15:38] <DHGM> The bullet slams into the man's leg, and his step falters.
06[15:40] * Steel trains her gun on the man, and she really doesn't need to keep aiming to shoot him. He's within point blank range, and is rather certain anyone would die from her shots. "You gonna yield, or am I gonna have to pull the trigger?"
01[15:41] <DHGM> "I am not leaving without that blade!"
[15:41] <Cromwell> "Steel, you idiot, do you wish for our bloodshed to be in vain?"
06[15:41] * Steel grins. "Just the way I like it."
06[15:41] * Steel pulls the trigger.
[15:41] <Wolfram> "Fucking shoot h-Ah"
[15:42] <Cromwell> "Idiots!"
01[15:43] <DHGM> The rain of lead pushes the Masked Man back, bullets slamming into his chest and mask, denting it in several places.
06[15:44] * Steel would reply to Cromwell but he's too busy not being able to speak
01[15:45] <DHGM> Cromwell is fully able to speak. His arm is simply not working overly well.
06[15:45] * Steel in that case, Steel can't hear him over her gun.
[15:46] <Cromwell> "AUCTIONEEER! WERE WE TO KILL THIS MAN, WHICH SIDE WOULD BE DISQUALIFIED?"
01[15:47] <DHGM> During the momentary pause the question brings, Eveready bends to speak into the microphone, his voice level yet booming over the speakers. "Both, Sir."
[15:47] <Cromwell> "THANK YOU!"
[15:47] <Cromwell> "STAND DOWN!"
01[15:48] <DHGM> The Masked Man looks at Cromwell funny, the mask radiating the humour felt by the person underneath at the command. "You do not know why you want this item. You do not know what this item is. You will not take it from here."
06[15:48] * Wolfram keeps his rifle aimed.
[15:49] <Cromwell> "As it stands, we are in a lose-lose situation. You CANNOT - I repeat, cannot win."
06[15:49] * Cortez isn't even dignifying Cromwell with a response. Guy's lost it
[15:50] <Cromwell> "You may yet lose your life for this trinket, or you may keep it and allow us to carry it, and perhaps have a chance to take it back in the future."
[15:50] <Cromwell> *keep your life and allow us to carry the trinket
[15:50] <Cromwell> *take the trinket back
[15:50] <Cortez> (god damnit nigger one round talking time)
[15:50] <Cromwell> ( I ain't slept for days, sue me )
[15:50] <Cromwell> ( talking is a free action )
[15:51] <Cortez> (your MOTHER was a free action, last night)
[15:51] <Cortez> (and let me tell you, a BUNCH of us made attacks of opportunity against her)
[15:52] <Steel> (FLANK ATTACK)
06[15:55] * Cromwell jumps onto the masked man and begins walking into his sword, holding his target by the wrist.
[15:56] <Sioret> "..."
06[15:56] * Sioret  looks over at Sir Wolfram.
[15:56] <Sioret> "Sir Cromwell?"
[15:58] <Wolfram> "No, I'm Wolfram."
[15:58] <Sioret> "I know, sir. But..."
[15:58] <Sioret> "What is he hoping to accomplish?"
[15:59] <Wolfram> "The point of it is lost on me."
06[15:59] * Sioret still has the masked man in her sights.
[16:00] <Trantia> [poor taste, man]
01[16:00] <DHGM> Mask: "... I..." Trying to release the Serpentine, the Masked Man's hand is helf fast, the blade impaling Cromwell slowly and painfully. The Mask swivels about worriedly. "Let go, damnit! I don't want you dead!"
06[16:01] * Trantia retches at the sight
[16:02] <Trantia> "Oh, Spirit, what is he doing?!"
06[16:02] * Steel steps back. "Something I can't understand, but appreciate."
06[16:02] * Cromwell spits in the masked man's face, letting out a final gurgle.
[16:02] <Trantia> "Yield! For his sake, yield!"
01[16:04] <DHGM> Cromwell falls to the side, his grip failing on the Masked Man's wrist. The blade stays impaled in his stomach, his lifeblood pooling around him inbetween crackles of the Serpentine's blade.
01[16:05] <DHGM> The void shields around the makeshift arena come down immediately, Eveready stepping in with a team of medicae to check vitals.
[16:06] <Cortez> "...of all the battles I've ever been in, this has to have been by far the STUPIDEST of them all."
[16:07] <Steel> "I'm gonna have to think about it, but this is a real good contender."
06[16:07] * Wolfram lowers his rifle and unloads it, taking the barrel apart and putting it away.
06[16:07] * Steel hides the autogun away, and zips up her jacket.
01[16:08] <DHGM> The Masked Man backs away a few steps, looking at the party, and back to the fallen Cromwell. "This is not what I wanted either."
03[16:08] * Cromwell (chatzilla@sux-CD1B66F2.vf.shawcable.net) has left #teamoldfag
06[16:08] * Sioret safeties her carbine and it disappears into the voluminous folds of her robes.
06[16:09] * Cortez 's gun lies ruined beneath him. He unsheathed his truncheon, but now puts it back.
06[16:10] * Trantia puts her gun in her robes and turns away from the scene
[16:11] <COGM> Eveready, after consulting the medicae units, returns to the microphone. His dull, flat voice rings out across the auction hall.
[16:13] <COGM> "Ladies and gentlemen, our deepest apologies over this whole ordeal. But according to Rule 34, paragraph six, dash eight of the Mulm Auction rules of Agreement, the gentleman with the silver mask is excused for having slain his opponent contrary to the preliminary agreement to the duel, as the combatant willingly and slowly impaled himself, killing him."
06[16:13] * Steel shakes her head.
[16:13] <Steel> "Cromwell..."
[16:14] <COGM> "As such, the duel is to continue until one side yields or disqualified, unless they can come up with a new agreement."
03[16:14] * Ssasswot is now known as Bennie
[16:14] <Steel> "Why was HE prime, anyway?"
[16:14] <Cortez> (ixnay on the rimepay)
06[16:14] * Sioret pauses.
[16:14] <Sioret> "Continue?"
[16:14] <Steel> (wrong marks)
[16:14] <Steel> (meant to use ' for thinking)
[16:15] <Wolfram> "Oh come on, I just packed this away."
[16:15] <Trantia> "We can't fight anymore."
01[16:15] <DHGM> The Masked Man retrieves his blade, sheathing it along his back. Approaching the party... "I am... sorry. I did not intend this. I would ask that you relinquish your bid on the blade now. It is more precious to me than you can imagine."
06[16:15] * Steel looks to Cortez.
06[16:16] * Sioret looks at Cortez.
[16:17] <COGM> Eveready is standing by the microphone, waiting for both parties to agree on a course of action.
[16:17] <COGM> (brb)
06[16:17] * Trantia looks for Cortez
06[16:18] * Cortez tugs at his collar. "I suppose now would be a good time to exercize my power as captain...Let me offer a deal."
[16:19] <Cortez> "The sword, you can claim. In exchange for the other items you won. You still have to pay for all of them, but we won't stand in your way with the sword."
01[16:19] <DHGM> "... Interesting."
[16:20] <COGM> (Back.)
06[16:22] * Cortez folds his arms and lets the masked man think about it.
01[16:22] <DHGM> "May I ask you something?"
[16:23] <Cortez> "You may ask. I might answer."
01[16:23] <DHGM> "Why do you want the sword?"
[16:24] <Cortez> "Our..." He looks down at the body..."FORMER Lord Mazeric...he was an odd man. I suppose now that he's dead there's no use in hiding it. He sought after things, enjoyed living the high life, made friends like us, what can I say. He had a lot of money and loved spending it."
06[16:25] * Cortez looks...remorseful? Like a child that has learned a lesson in...maturity?
01[16:25] <DHGM> "If it was he that wanted the blade, and he is dead, what is stopping you from walking away? I will still pay the full amount, that will not change."
[16:26] <Cortez> "If you desire the blade so much, then surrendering the other two items will be of little meaning to do, will it not?"
01[16:26] <DHGM> "... Do you seek what I seek simply because I seek it?"
[16:27] <Cortez> "We still, ostensibly, have a job. Trafficing in desired items is still a profitable business. People will pay good money for any of these items."
01[16:29] <DHGM> "You have the book. You have the ale. I daresay there are more items up for bid that you might be interested in. No one will bid on this blade but you and I, and you have no more reason to. I, however..." A momentary pause filled with a heavy sigh, "... do."
[16:30] <Wolfram> "Explain yourself, then.
01[16:31] <DHGM> "And give you a reason to keep fighting for this steel? Ha! I will tell you after you decide, but I will not yield and I will not surrender what I have earned here this day."
[16:32] <COGM> Eveready's nasal voice rings across the room again, "I must regretfully remind the participants that there are ten minutes left to decide on their course of actions, or the House will take the item into custody until the next auction. Thank you."
[16:32] <Wolfram> "Then tell me. What's the most you've lost on a coin toss?"
01[16:33] <DHGM> The Masked Man laughs. It is a full-bellied laugh, the humour of it lost on the acolytes.
01[16:33] <DHGM> "More than you will ever have."
[16:36] <Steel> "Yeah, he seems like he's been around the block a few more times."
[16:36] <Steel> "I don't think the coins would favour us here."
[16:36] <COGM> Eveready: "Five minutes."
06[16:37] * Wolfram slides a single throne gelt from his greatcoat, then tosses it in the air, his instincts telling him to stick the barrel of his pistol under the masked man's chin as he watches, but common courtesy prevails when there's coins being tossed.
[16:37] <Steel> "Give us the Gem and Mask. You keep the sword."
[16:37] <Steel> "Real simple."
06[16:37] * Wolfram catches it and flips it onto the back of the hand, covering it.
[16:37] <Wolfram> "Or Call it."
[16:37] <Steel> "You get sword, the rest of us walk away alive."
01[16:37] <DHGM> "Heads."
06[16:38] * Steel holds her fingers to her temple. "By the Emperor..." this is the first time anyone has heard her say anything religious
01[16:39] <DHGM> The coin comes down on the decking between the two. Heads.
[16:39] <COGM> Eveready: "Three minutes."
06[16:39] * Cortez rubs his forehead. "God DAMNIT, Wolf..."
[16:40] <Steel> "I'm gonna beat the SHIT out of you when we get back, Wolf."
06[16:40] * Wolfram shrugs. 1"We got what we came for."
01[16:40] <DHGM> "Mr. Eveready. We have come to a consensus. At the call of a coin flip, the sword is mine."
06[16:40] * Trantia hangs her head in shame
[16:41] <COGM> Eveready: "Very well. The victor is the masked gentleman. Congratulations on your purchase. We will have a short recess to clean the area, then resume the auction."
01[16:41] <DHGM> [SessionEnd]