003 - Protectors - Pocket It

003 - Protectors - Pocket It

Content Warnings
- Mention of guns
- Missing people/disappearances

 
[Show intro plays]

ROVER

Hello everyone and welcome back to Remains To Be Seen, the DnD show where one group's past can determine the other group's future. I am your host and DM Rover Elliott, pronouns he/they, and today I am here with...

ALYSSA

Alyssa, she/her, and I'm ready to be so perceptive.

RIK

My name is Rik, he/him, and I just ate a lovely sandwich.

ZOE

I'm Zoe, they/she, and I am ready to get more information to continue theorizing about everything we have learned so far.

ROVER

Wonderful. And who are you guys playing today?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

I'm playing Yitri Meadowtwirls, and I'm also ready to be very perceptive, cause I didn't lie on my resume.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Pierre, he/him, and I'm currently carrying on my shoulders the hopeful success of this mission. Really hope this succeeds and, uhm... this is gonna go fine!

ZOE [as ALEKS]

I'm Aleks, he/him. I'm currently a bit confused about the group that we have gathered, but I'm sure we'll do just fine.

ROVER

Well, this looks promising.

ZOE

Does it?

[Alyssa laughs]

ROVER

So, Alyssa, can you explain to us, to our listeners, what happened in the past two episodes?

ALYSSA

Ok, so, episode one. We're all gathered in the town square, basically, and there's people that are applying to be the protectors of the Continent, basically. And we get our four. We get Yitri Meadowtwirls, Spring Eladrin, who talks too much and has a giant axe. Then we have Pierre. Pierre French Guy who is –

[Rik loses it]

ZOE

That's his official name (laughs).

ALYSSA

-- who, uhm... got the deepest questions from the interview and also got, like, physically hurt because he got whacked. We got Aleks who was arrested during the interview and still got the job**.** Then we got an orange Tabaxi who... doesn't say anything. We don't know anything about this orange Tabaxi, other than, like, kinda looks like the Grim Reaper and just got the job by nodding, so... You know, the requirements for the job aren't as great as they seem. So we get the job, we get each assigned a butler, which; awesome. We get a butler, we get a room, and then we get... uhm, and then we end there. And the next episode, episode two (laughs).

[Zoe laughs]

They're never gonna ask me to do this ever again (so much laughter). And then, episode two, we get to know each other a little bit, we get to see some conversation between Miguel and – Miguel is who hired everyone – and Aleks and kind of being like "Hey, Aleks, you're supposed to be missing, but you're not. I can turn you in, but I'm not. And work for me." And so that happened. And then they start investigating this guy, Jonny de Rolo, who is the crownsmith from the UK and he went missing. And we're trying to find him. And the last thing we did was pocket the paper (laughs) and found a note saying that he was gonna meet someone in Manchester. And now we're here (laughing) and now Alyssa is never gonna do the episode summaries again.

[Zoe laughs]

Cause I've killed everyone by accident.

ZOE

That was amazing.

ROVER

I'm gonna have to explain to the listeners why I died instantly. It was just like, (dramatically) "The Grim Reaper?!" (laughs)

ALYSSA

"The Grim Reaper?"

[Zoe laughs]

ROVER

Ok. So, where you guys ended was in this workshop from Jonny de Rolo at Darlington Palace –

[Grandfather clock starts ticking]

– which is our version's Buckingham Palace. And you guys were investigating. Now, remind the listeners which two things you’ve currently found in the last episode.

[Bell dings]

ZOE

Yes, so, so far we have found a note from the beginning of September, which basically said that Jonny was going to meet a teacher, Miss Williams from Manchester University, in Manchester. And she says that she can help him with putting... basically putting magic into weapons, but she cannot come to London –

[Mechanical whir]

– so he has to come to Manchester.

RIK

We also found a shotgun, which had the letters N-Y-X on it. It seems to be unfinished. Uhm, yeah, and I'm currently holding it in my hands as Pierre.

ROVER

Yes, you are. Uhm, and there was a note on it –

[Bell dings]

– for "I will return soon, wait for me."

RIK

Forgot to write that down.

ROVER

Yeah, don't forget to write that down. That is where we're gonna pick up.

ZOE

Uh, we do... We see the gun, right, in Pierre's hand?

ROVER

You see the gun, yes.

ZOE

Perfect. I...

ROVER

Rik is apparently.. Uh, Pierre is now apparently holding it in his hand.

ZOE

That's not threatening at all. We love that for him.

RIK

(Proudly) Yeah!

[Alyssa laughs]

[Mechanical whir]

ZOE

Uhm, I want to...

RIK

He's kind of, like, holding it –

ZOE

(Laughing) Like a baby.

RIK

– not knowing what to do with it. You know, he's just like “Aargh!”, holding his hands outwards, like, "Ok."

ZOE

Gun.

RIK

"Gun."

ZOE

(Laughs) So, I want to investigate the gun, the –

[Bell dings]

– multiple versions of the crowns that's lying around and the prototypes for the mechanical bodyparts. Specifically looking for traces of magic. Specifically Evocation magic, but I want to look for magic in general, if there are traces on that.

ROVER

Ok. So, to combine all of those, we can do that with –

[Mechanical whir]

– one Per- not Perception, Arcana check.

ZOE

Ok.

ROVER

If you wanna do that. Ok, before we do that, anyone else wanna do something in this room?

ALYSSA

I wanna perceive some things and also – wait, I just gotta check one thing real quick. Uhm, oh!

[Bell dings]

I forgot I have something fun on my face that I can use that would actually help in this scenario. (Laughs)

ROVER

Mm-hmm, do you?

ALYSSA

I do! Do I have to roll for it? You know what I'm talking about, right? Before...

ROVER

I know what you're talking about. Uhm, you don't have to roll for it, no. You can just put it on –

[Mechanical whir]

– and it will happen.

ALYSSA

Ok, do you want Zoe to go first, or do you want me to do the thing first?

ROVER

Uuhm, Zoe's gotten one investigation in already. I'm gonna start with you, hold up. Pierre?

RIK

Uh, yeah, so, after –

[Bell dings]

– Zoe's character is done with the Arcana check, I wanna do something.

ROVER

Ok. Then we're gonna do Yitri, Aleks, and Pierre again. Cool. Uhm, Yitri, yes, so for the duration you can sense the presence of magic within 30 feet of you. You can use your action to –

[Mechanical whir]

– get an aura of a creature, object in that area that bears magic. Basically, you cast, with your glasses, Detect Magic.

RIK

Ooh!

ROVER

So, what does Yitri do?

[Bell dings]

ALYSSA

She's gonna first look at the gun and see if there's any, like, fun magic in the gun.

ROVER

There seems to be no magical elements in the gun.

ALYSSA

And then she's gonna kinda look around the room and then see if there's anything else with any magical elements. Just anything that kinda pops to her attention.

ROVER

(Dragged out) I...

[Mechanical whir]

(Normally) I'm gonna have to look something up. In the meantime, can Aleks give me an Investigation check?

ZOE

Investigation or Arcana?

ROVER

Arcana, sorry, yes.

[Dice clacks]

ZOE

That is a 22.

[Bell dings]

ROVER

You can both notice some part of... I wanna actually know if Pierre hears this too. Can I have a Perception check from Pierre?

RIK

Ok, sure.

ZOE

I was about to say, "What do you mean 'hear'?"

[More dice clacks]

[Mechanical whir]

RIK

Uh, that's an 8 (laughs). Fuck!

ROVER

Wow! You need different dice, buddy!

RIK

I've been consistently rolling like ass.

ALYSSA

And specifically eights. I feel like you've rolled so many eights.

ZOE

Yeah.

RIK

(Defeated) Yeah.

ALYSSA

You ate (chuckles).

[Bell dings]

RIK

Different dice set. Next time; different dice set.

ROVER

You can notice from one of the shelves, from one the clockwork figurines that he has on some of the shelves –

[Mechanical whir]

– a form of Divination magic, which could reveal information. And on the crowns and stuff that Aleks was looking for, you can't see anything. So, yeah, there's some –

[Bell dings]

– Divination magic on a couple of the clockwork figurines on the shelves and there is more Divination magic on the side of the gun that Pierre's, at this moment, holding.

ALYSSA

Can I grab one of the clockwork figurines?

ROVER

Absolutely.

[Mechanical whir]

ALLYSA

I was gonna roll some Investigation on that just to see more information, or would I not get any more information if I do that?

ROVER

I... I''m gonna.. I'm looking at... I'm double-checking everything, right?

ZOE

Yeah.

ROVER

"You can use your action to see a faint aura –

[**Bell dings]**around an invisible creature." So, yeah, you see this kind of light blue aura coming from those figurines. And you can learn at school... when you pick up one of the figurines, you cannot see what it is, uhm, trying to hide or trying to …

[Mechanical whir]

Yeah, you are a Barbarian, which means that you do not know spells, do you?

ALYSSA

I don't! I don't know any, I just have these funky... So, I just kinda... Yitri kinda just goes to the group and is like,

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Hey, uhm, these have like some –

[Bell dings]

– Divination magic in them. And same, I think, on a little piece of the side of that gun right there.

ALYSSA

She points at the gun.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

I don't know what to do with that, but I know it's there.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Yitri, how do you know that?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

I know... Oh! Uhm, my sunglasses, they're really... they can see certain things like magic and stuff, so, –

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Oh!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

– it's really fun!

ZOE [as ALEKS]

That's useful.

[Mechanical whir]

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah, I have an Artificer friend who helped me make these and we used to make a bunch of, like, fun accessories like this all the time. It was cool, so, yeah.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Lovely. May I take a look at the clockwork figurine that you're holding?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Absolutely!

ALYSA

She gives it to him.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Thank you.

ZOE

I take it. Can I take a closer look at the clockwork figurine that I'm holding?

[Bell dings]

ROVER

You can take a closer look at the clockwork figurine. Do you want to... What is it you're trying to find?

ZOE

Uhm, probably what the magic does to try to figure out why it's there. If that's possible. I'm not quite sure how magic works.

[Mechanical whir]

ROVER

If Yitri says that it's Divination, you will know that is either a feeling wanting to reveal information or trying to hide information from it. So there is some form of information –

ZOE

Mm-hmm.

ROVER

– or something on the side of that gun or on the side of those figurines as well –

[Bell dings]

– that you are unable to see. Actually, that's not Divination, I'm a liar, that's Illusion, ha ha! Joke!

ZOE

How dare you.

ALYSSA

Illusion, actually.

ROVER

It's Illusion magic. Yeah, that's what I mean. Scrap everything, it's Illusion magic.

ALYSSA

Just kidding, it was Illusion, I messed with you, haha! (Chuckles)

ROVER

The one thing that is for me –

[Mechanical whir]

– the most difficult in DnD is figuring out what magic what is. So, yeah.

ZOE

So basically, the only thing I know is something with information, but that's it. I can't figure out more.

ROVER

There is an illusion around these things, yeah.

[Bell dings]

Uhm, Pierre, remind me what you wanted to do again.

RIK

Uhm, so, now, looking at these clockwork figurines, Pierre is reminded –

[Alyssa laughs]

– that at some point, they're gonna have to take a train. (Dramatically) "Clock! Oh, no! What time is it?" he thinks to himself.

[Mechanical whir]

"What time is it?"

ROVER

Does Pierre... Would Pierre have, like, a pocketwatch or something? This is a character decision.

RIK

I mean, honestly, I think he would. Yeah, he would. I mean, (stutters) he has appointments galore, so he probably wants to be on time –

[Bell dings]

– for those.

ZOE

Appointments to see his children.

RIK

Yeah!

ROVER

Uh, it is, if you look at your pocketwatch, it is around 4:15 PM.

RIK

Alright, alright.

ZOE

Do we know when we need to go to dinner? Or was it just, like "eat dinner before you leave"?

ROVER

Eat dinner before you leave. I will say that while you guys have been –

[Mechanical whir]

– looking around, that either one of your butlers have come in and been like, "We... Dinner will be ready by 5."

RIK

He also looks at these clockwork figurines, and kinda, you know, looks at them –

[Bell dings]

– investigatively –

[Alyssa laughs]

– and he is gonna pocket one of them.

[Zoe and Alyssa chuckle]

ROVER

You're gonna pocket one of them? Ok, yeah. Uhm... Yeah, sure, go for it!

ZOE

Rik, do you also pocket the gun?

RIK

He doesn't pocket the gun.

ZOE

Do you put it on the table instead of your hand?

RIK

Uh, I put it in one of the pouches on my belt.

[Mechanical whir]

ROVER

So, you pocket it?

RIK

Yeah, I pocket it.

ROVER

Ok, you do pocket it.

RIK

Pocket the paper.

ZOE

Oh, ok, Rik, are we talking about the clockwork or the gun? Cause I'm talking about the gun.

RIK

The clockwork. Oh, you're talking about the –

ALYSSA

Is the gun in your pocket or not?

RIK

Ok.

ZOE

Is the gun still in your hand or did you put it down?

RIK

No! The gun is not in my pocket.

[Bell dings]

Only the clockwork thing I pocket. The gun, I put down on the table assuming you guys are done with it.

ZOE

Should we take it with us?

ALYSSA

Also, quest...

ZOE

Like, just...

ALYSSA

Probably. Also, question about the clockwork figurines. Are they, like, little.. What do these look like? Kind of, just trying to get a general sense of what this little thing is. I'm imagining a little man –

[Mechanical whir]

– with, like, maybe bolts and stuff like that. I don't know if that's right.

ROVER

There is this clockwork figurine of what seems to be a Dwarf with a giant hammer.

[Bell dings]

And he has –

ALYSSA

Oh, so they're Warhammer figurines!

ROVER

Sort of, yeah, basically.

[Laughter]

And he has multiple of them of what seems to be, like, the same person. He also seems to have one of this... of a Tabaxi and an Owlin.

[Mechanical whir]

He has, like, a couple... a couple ones on the shelves.

RIK

Question, which one did Pierre take?

ROVER

Which one do you want to have taken? Do you want to take the Dwarf one as well, or do you want to take a different one?

RIK

Hmm, he would take the Dwarf one, I think. Yeah.

ALYSSA

He's like, "Representation!"

[Zoe laughs]

RIK

(Laughing) Yes!

ROVER

Do you... You guys look around and look at the whole figurine, I suppose. Then you would notice that at the bottom – it's on a small, little plateau – on the bottom it says, the word "Krillis".

[Mechanical whir]

ZOE

Uhm, so, basically, Pierre stole a figure and he put the gun back down on the table, right?

RIK

“Stole” is a relative term… (Hestitant) Borrowed.

ROVER

He pocketed it.

ZOE

He pocketed the paper.

Did you...

[Bell dings]

So, the gun is back on the table? Right?

RIK

Yeah, yeah, the gun is back on the table.

ZOE

Ok. Aleks looks at the gun and I look at Yitri,

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Do you think we should take that with us? You know.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

I mean, I don't know, cause, like... Hmm... Cause it seemed like he took everything he wanted to take with him. But, also, it says "I'll be back, wait for me".

[Mechanical whir]

And then note about the gun.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

I mean, we can't exactly assume that he took everything, otherwise he won't have any evidence.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

True. So, maybe... And also, isn't it, like, half... It's about to... I feel like maybe he dropped it by accident. Maybe he's looking for it.

[Bell dings]

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Maybe. Yitri, sweetheart, do you want to pocket the gun?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yes.(Laughs)

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Lovely, thank you.

ALYSSA

And she takes... she has little pouch, like a little bag pouch kind of thing on her belt, and she opens it and puts the gun in there and closes it, and is like,

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

I'll make sure not to use it or anything, cause I don't know whose it is –

[Mechanical whir]

– and I don't wanna mess it up, so...

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Don't worry, I trust you with that.

RIK [as PIERRE]

And don't let it explode in your face.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah, I don't want my face to explode. I don't think anyone does.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

That's a good life goal. You should keep that.

RIK

Nah! (Chuckles*)*** Life goal: not having your face explode.

ALYSSA

Life goal: don't explode.

[Bell dings]

ZOE

Just in general. (Laughs)

ROVER

Add 'unfinished sewn-off shotgun' to your inventory. Ì will retcon; we are not using weight in this game. I will just make sure they are not carrying an entire desk with them.

ALYSSA

(Laughs) Dammit, what if I wanted to carry a whole desk?

ZOE

Everyone's walking normally and Yitri is like... Just, hands over her head carrying a desk.

ALYSSA

"You never know when we're gonna need it, guys!"

RIK

Can I pocket the chair?

ROVER

You cannot pocket the chair, no.

[Laughter]

Can I have a... Perception check from everyone?

[Bell dings]

[Dice ASMR]

ZOE

14

.RIK

(Relieved) Finally.

ROVER

Oh! Do we have a good roll from Pierre?

RIK

(Inhales) Yeah, ok, so 17 plus 1, that is 18.

ALYSSA

I got a 19.

RIK

Let’s go!

ROVER

Ok So, as you are looking –

[Mechanical whir]

– through the stuff as well, you can see... all of you spot a small piece of red paper. Like, a post-it note, basically. You can only see the corner of it in between the –

[Bell dings]

– amount of papers on the desk.

ZOE

Can I pull it out?

ROVER

You can definitely pull it out, yeah. It seems to be a blank piece of paper.

ZOE

Can I investigate it further to see if it actually is a blank piece of paper? Cause I don't trust the way you said that.

[Laugher]

ROVER

Give me an Investigation check, yeah, sure.

[Dice thumps]

[Mechanical whir]

ZOE

Oh, oh, ok. 23.

ROVER

That is a 23. It is a blank piece of paper, however, you can see that each corner seems to have been folded, and that there is –

[Bell dings]

– on one corner of it – like, everything is blank except for one corner – it has a W and a D in the corner of it.

ZOE

Ok. I look at the paper and I hold it up –

[Mechanical whir]

– to look at the back, look at the front. I see the W.D. and I look around the room.

ROVER

With the 23 Investigation, when you hold it up and you let the light come in –

ZOE

Mm-hmm.

[Bell dings]

ROVER

– you notice that it does say "Don't tell Safra about this." In a very, very faint, also red, coloring.

ZOE

Well, that's not ominous at all.

ALYSSA

What's the name of the person?

[Mechanical whir]

ROVER

"Don't tell Safra." S-A-F-R-A.

ZOE

Ok. I hold the paper up, I see the phrase, start looking around the room to Pierre and Yitri,

ZOE [ as ALEKS]

Do any of you know a Safra? Does the name ring any bells, or maybe the letters W.D.?

[Bell dings]

ALYSSA

Can I roll History?

ROVER

You can all roll History, yes, you can.

[Dice clacks]

RIK

Alright.

ZOE

Including me? Cause I asked the question.

[More dice clacks]

ROVER

Yes. I will let you roll.

RIK

Uh, 15.

ZOE

16.

ALYSSA

6.

ROVER

Safra is not a recognisable name for you, however –

[Mechanical whir]

– what has been mentioned a lot is the name of the Bounty Hunter sector named 'Wanted Dead'. Or 'The Wanted Dead'. Which is, by the way, the knowledge that Pierre and Aleks get. Yitri has no idea.

[Bell dings]

This is Yitri's first couple of days in the UK.

[Alyssa laughs]

ZOE

She's confused, but she's got the spirit.

ALYSSA

Yeah, just Jeopardy music's playing in her head. (Chuckles)

ZOE

Yeah.

ROVER

And I would say; Pierre, when you arrived in the UK, you will have walked past, maybe, one –

[Mechanical whir]

– of their spots. One of them, for example, is at Waterloo station where there is a sign on the wall saying 'The Wanted Dead'.

ZOE

So, I've been holding up the paper, I've asked the question that I now can answer myself. I'm so efficient, we love that.

ALYSSA

Mm-hmm.

ROVER

No one knows the name Safra, though.

ZOE

Yeah.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

So, do you think we want to take one more look around the room and then go get dinner, or do you think we're all good here?

RIK [as PIERRE]

Yeah, you know what? I think that's a great idea. Just the once over.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Just a little wrap around, just in case, you know, we missed anything.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Yeah.

[Bell dings]

ZOE [as ALEKS]

We just gotta remember that some of what we found probably has something to do with the Wanted Dead. So, you know, keep our ears out for that.

RIK [as PIERRE]

You know, you think maybe we can ask someone about this Wanted Dead? Maybe someone else has some information?

ZOE [as ALEKS]

One would hope so.

ROVER

Yitri, you wanted to do a Perception check?

[Mechanical whir]

ALYSSA

Yeah, just one look around the room to see if there's anything we missed.

ROVER

Roll me a Perception check.

ZOE

I'm gonna join that.

[Dice clacks]

ROVER

If you want to, you can also... with a, sort of, Help action, I will allow you either to do your own Perception check, or give Yitri advantage.

ZOE

I'm giving Yitri advantage.

ROVER

Ok.

[Bell dings]

ALYSSA

Yaay!

ROVER

So, roll 2 D20s, take the highest one.

ALYSSA

Ok, cool.

[Dice rolls]

Thank you for the advantage, I got an 18.

[Zoe claps]

ROVER

Nice!

ZOE

Nice!

RIK

Whoo!

ALYSSA

I had 12 without. (Laughing) You hold her up so she sees better.

ZOE

I don't think I'm strong enough for that.

[Alyssa laughs]

ROVER

There seems to be –

[Mechanical whir]

a… nothing that seems very important, however, there... Once you do a final look, you can see small things like a small photograph with on the back saying "Nyx" –

[Bell dings]

– like the same three letters that you got on the note, which is of a photograph of this young, small, black Halfling with luscious, curly-ish, black hair with a big, big grin –

[Mechanical whir]

– in this, kind of, Artificer coat. And there is a... Actually, I will say colored photo, cause I feel like with 19-something-something, we can have a bit of color photography in there.

[Bell dings]

And I think it'll also be more fun. There is a, kind of, really buff-looking, tall, muscular, red Tiefling with one arm... seems to be like this metallic, mechanical arm –

[Mechanical whir]

– who is holding his hand and the Halfling seems to be actually clutching to her arm. She has fiery red hair, horns that go up and, kind of, in a bow to the back. And next to that –

[Bell dings]

– is this extra newspaper which talks about "YOUNG ARTIFICER SAFES MAN'S LIFE". Like, things like that. But it doesn't seem to have any connections to, for example, Manchester.

ALYSSA

Cool. So, Yitri's gonna pick it up and be like,

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Hey, uhm, I don't know how –

[Mechanical whir]

– relevant this is to everything else, but I found this picture and this little newspaper clipping. I'm pretty sure they go together. But, it says 'Nyx' again, I think this might be actually relevant, now that I think about it. Since it has the same name as the name on the gun. Guessing that's something to do…

[Bell dings]

RIK [as PIERRE]

Oh!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah, I don't know who Nyx.. Is Nyx, like.. I can't tell if it's an acronym or someone's name. Either way, cool. Uhm, but... yeah. Want me to pocket this?

RIK [as PIERRE]

Maybe it's some sort of organisation, like the W.D.?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Maybe.

ZOE

Can I see if I recognise either people on the photograph –

[Mechanical whir]

– and also if the mechanical bodypart of the Tiefling has the same mechanical design as the bodyparts that are in the room?

ROVER

You do not recognise the characters. You do recognise -

[Bell dings]

– that, indeed, the mechanics are the same. I will give you that for free.

RIK

Ooh.

ZOE

Thanks!

ZOE [as ALEKS]

So… Basically the mechanical part is the same technique as the ones in here.

[Mechanical whir]

So, we can assume that if this Jonny character made the mechanical parts in here, he's either one of the people – probably the Halfling on the photo – or knows the Tiefling.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Hmm. That's a good point, yeah.

[Bell dings]

And also, if we, I guess... Hmm, yeah. Especially if this is the person who's missing, then... Cause he said the other people that were missing were a prisoner, and...

ALYSSA

Wait, hold on, I gotta take a step back, cause I'm having revelations, but I don't think Yitri would.

[Zoe chuckles]

[Mechanical whir]

ZOE

It's like, "Is that the architect?"

ALYSSA

I made the connection, but I'm like, "No, I don't think Yitri would" (laughs). So I'm gonna just not make the connection, cause I'm just like "wait a second, I have to be dumb. I have to..." She's just, like,

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah, you know...

ALYSSA

I'm just gonna stop myself before –

[Bell dings]

– I accidentally say something really smart (laughs). But, uhm...

ZOE

But, also don't forget that you had a really, really good roll on the History check when we see what we knew about the missing people.

ALYSSA

True.

ZOE

So, sure, you're not the smartest bean that's here, but you still rolled really well on that, so you know that one.

ALYSSA

True.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Maybe... Ok, this probably would make sense for it to be either –

[Mechanical whir]

– the person that we're looking for, maybe a competitor. Maybe, because, same kind of thing; mechanical and looking into... Why else would you... The only reasons you would have something like this, is either; it's yours and you're proud of it, or it's someone you're up against –

[Bell dings]

– and you wanna take them down. But also, the other people that were missing were also – you said it was a... it was this guy, it was an architect, it was a prisoner – are those all people that would be in the newspaper that people would know about?

[Mechanical whir]

Like, vaguely? At some point?

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Why don't we just take the picture and see if, for example, we can find Xana? She should know what they look like.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

True.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Maybe she knows who those people are.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah, that could work!

RIK [as PIERRE]

Great idea!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

That's a great idea, yeah! Yeah, I'll just keep it.

[Bell dings]

ALYSSA

And she kind of holds it. She goes to put it in the pocket with the gun, which is like, "I don't wanna accidentally fuck up the gun", so she just kinda holds it in her hand (laughs).

ZOE

She does not pocket the paper.

ALYSSA

She doesn’t have pockets.

RIK

Doesn't have pockets? How do you not have pockets?

ALYSSA

Women's clothes don’t have enough pockets!

ROVER

Ok, so, what next? Are you guys gonna get ready for dinner?

[Mechanical whir]

RIK

Yes.

ALYSSA

Yes.

ZOE

Yes.

ALYSSA

Unless anyone else has something they wanna do. All this thinking is making Yitri hungry.

[Rik chuckles]

ZOE

Valid. The only thing I would see if on the way to dinner, we see someone – like for example Xana or Miguel – so we can ask them –

[Bell dings]

– about the stuff we found.

[Grandfather clock stops ticking]

ROVER

Once you guys go get ready for dinner – go get back to the dining hall – Xana and Miguel are both there.

ZOE

Ok.

ROVER

Together with Tobias. And if you guys need to sit down to have your dinner, you guys... you guys are gonna get a three-course dinner.

ALYSSA

Ooh!

ZOE

Hey-o!

[Soft harp music starts playing]

ROVER

If you guys want to roleplay something, I will. Next to that, they will not say anything important. So, you guys take the lead.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Yitri, I saw you... I saw you talking to Xana –

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Uhuh!

ZOE [as ALEKS]

– when we were still in the main hall. And –

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

– you know, as a really good achievement of yours, she does not seem to hate you. Why don't you take the photo, walk over to them, and see if they know something. You know, just show them the photo and be like, "Hey! You know who that is?"

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah! I can do it, totally!

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Yeah.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

And I'm also very surprised she doesn't hate me (laughs). But, hey, I'll take it!

RIK [as PIERRE]

Or we all go together instead of just sending one of us to Xana.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

We can also go together.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

We could go.. I mean… I could take the lead, but we all three of us go.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Yeah, definitely!

ZOE [as ALEKS]

We just gotta be sure it's not too crowded. They want to eat, as well.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Don't wanna throw you under the bus, there, do we?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

No, no, no, yeah, I didn't feel like I was getting thrown under the bus. But I appreciate it! But yeah, no, I can ask and – well, we can ask – and we can see... Cause, also, you know what would help? Knowing what the person we're looking for looks like. That would really help us in this case.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Yeah!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Cause, I feel like sending people out to look for someone and now knowing what they look like, isn't really gonna help anyone. (Chuckles) Like, what do you mean, "Oh yeah, let's look for this person! What do they look like? I don't know, not gonna tell you. Go! Guess." Do you know how many people... These people... The person's name is Jonny, right? Jonny's a common name. "Oh, look, we found Jonny!" and it's some random Jonny that is not the Jonny we're looking for. So, yeah...

[Rik laughs]

ZOE

We just come back with this random guy. "Look, it's Jonny!" –

[Alyssa laughs]

– and they're like, "What the fuck? No, it's not."

ALYSSA

It's Jonny! Like, "This isn't Jonny". Like, "Yes, it is! This is Jonny, his name is Jonny!

ZOE

"Look at his passport!" Yeah!

[Alyssa laughs]

ZOE

Ok. We go to them. I am... Aleks is going to go a few steps behind.

ROVER

Ok.

RIK

Pierre will just walk next to Yitri.

ROVER

Ok.

ALYSSA

So, Yitri is gonna, kinda, just walk up to Xana and be, like,

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Hi! Uh, do you have a sec?

ROVER [as XANA]

Oh. I... Well, we are currently getting ready for dinner. Could this be discussed at the dinner table, or...?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Uhm, I mean... Yeah! This is, I mean… just a quick thing, but we can discuss it at dinner. I just wanna show you –

ROVER [as XANA]

Wonderful!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

– when we were looking, I found this.

ALYSSA

She hands her the photograph, and is like,

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

I wanted to know if there's... do you know anything about this? Anything... if this is relevant to our search at all? Just, some more information.

ROVER

She grabs the paper and motions for you guys to sit down at the dining table.

ZOE

(Whispering) Ro! Ro! Is there a space next to Miguel?

ROVER

(Whispering) There is!

[Alyssa laughs]

ZOE

(Still whispering) I'm gonna sit down next to Miguel.

RIK

Oh my god.

ROVER

Ok, to kind of give you... at the head of the table is Tobias and then on one side of the table is Miguel and the other side is Xana. You can sit next to Miguel.

ZOE

Yes! I will.

[Alyssa laughs]

ROVER

He is going to also give you –

RIK

Is there an obvious place that's meant for us?

ROVER

There is not an obvious place. Miguel is gonna wink at Aleks before focusing on other stuff.

ALYSSA

Gay! (Laughs)

[Rik laughs]

ALYSSA

I'm just thinking about the Doberman that the queen has. It's like a homophobic dog, like, "I know what you are".

ROVER

The Queen... The Doberman is Xana's. The Doberman is there.

ZOE

The Doberman's staring at Aleks, like, "Gay!"

ALYSSA

"I know what you are!"

[Zoe laughs]

ROVER

So, you give Xana the paper, you guys sit down. Feel free to say out loud where you guys are sitting and we have one vote for next to Miguel.

ZOE

That is not a vote, that is happening.

ROVER

That is happening?

ALYSSA

Where are the other open seats, or do we just sit wherever?

ROVER

You can sit next to Xana if you want.

ALYSSA

I want to sit next to Xana just to be like, "Hey". Cause we were having a conversation, and I don't wanna be rude and just walk away from her while we were, you know..

ROVER

So, Pierre, there's a spot next to Aleks and next to Yitri.

ZOE

Pick your favorite child.

RIK

Dad has a choice to make.

ALYSSA

Dad has a... Either wingman or just be there.

RIK

Aah, who's my favorite kid? (Dramatically) Who's my favorite kid?

ALYSSA

You've only had 2 sessions to learn. (Laughing) You have to figure out who's your favorite.

[Rik panics]

I won't take it personally.

ZOE

Just go... just go next to Yitri, cause then you can help her. That's what you wanted to do anyway.

ROVER

Cool.

ALYSSA

(Snickers) Real.

ROVER

So, you... Xana looks at the photograph and looks at Yitri and is like,

ROVER [as XANA]

What information are you supposed to get out of this? This is indeed Jonny, this seems to be one of his assistants who helps him with, you know... smith stuff. I have no idea what he's doing in there. Why?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Cool! Cool, cool,cool.

ROVER [as XANA]

Is this supposed to mean something?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Oh, well, we just wanted to see what... if anything means anything, you know? We were investigating the room and we have minimal... we have prior knowledge, but not a lot. So just to kinda make sure, like, "ok, is there someone we... should we look for the assistant? Should we... is that someone that we should look into? Is that someone that is also missing?" Just kinda wondering... the... what's going... Like, if there's anything we can get out this, basically.

ROVER [as XANA]

I do not know anything about the Tiefling woman on this picture. I only know her as his assistant, is what he sometimes called her, on the photograph.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Never a name or anything?

ROVER [as XANA]

Never a name.

RIK [as PIERRE]

This, uh, 'Nyx' mean something to you?

ROVER [as XANA]

No. Don't know what you mean with 'Nyx'.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Yeah, well, we saw it referenced a bunch.

ZOE

Can I do an Insight check on that?

ROVER

You can. Keep talking, Pierre.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Well, we saw it references a bunch in his room, so I thought I'd ask.

ROVER [as XANA]

Hmm.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Also, uhm, W.D.?

ROVER [as XANA]

W.D?

ROVER

You can roll... have you rolled the Insight, Aleks?

ZOE

It's a nat 1. I'm...

[Alyssa laughs]

I'm just... I'm just looking away again.

ROVER

Full truth. Full truth. Uhm...

ALYSSA

You're just enamoured by Miguel's, just, essence, that you couldn't really...

ZOE

I'm still distracted that he winked at me.

ALYSSA

Yeah.

ROVER [as XANA]

W.D., that seems like the initials for the Wanted Dead.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

(Quielty) 'Wanted Dead', makes sense.

ROVER [as XANA]

The Bounty Hunter system here in the UK. I'd say, stay away from them, they are bad news.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Yeah, it sounds, uhm... (clears throat) dangerous. Any... any more information about them leaders? Important members, mayhaps?

ROVER [as XANA]

Important members, uhm...

ROVER

Pierre, give me an Insight check.

[Dice clacks]

RIK

14 plus 3, that is 17.

ROVER

She seems to give a bit of a side glance to Miguel when you asked about the important members. And before answering,

ROVER [as XANA]

Obviously, I have no idea who their members are. The only person that I know is their... leader, currently, her name is Safra. She is, uhm... let's just say she is a dangerous type.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Dangerous in what way?

ROVER [as XANA]

She likes stabbing people.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Ah.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Lovely.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Oh, that... that would do it.

ROVER [as Xana]

It's good that she's the boss and not one of the actual Bounty Hunters. She is also very untrustworthy and... needs to learn how to keep secrets to herself.

ROVER

You, with the 17 on Insight check, you can absolutely hear... she knows something more about Safra than she is saying.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Can you tell us what Safra looks like? You know, so we can avoid her if we see her.

ROVER [as XANA]

If you see a... Drow with long, white hair. She, most of the time, wears it in a ponytail for whatever reason. In full leather clothes and with a lot of daggers... just... just stay away. I'm pretty sure you won't encounter her, she doesn't really come outside that much.

ROVER

And she glances to Tobias, who is also listening in on this conversations, and she does a quick,

ROVER [as XANA]

(Clears throat) Yeah, just... do not get near the Wanted Dead, it is unnecessary.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Understood.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Go it.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Got it.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Cause, yeah, we just wanted to make sense of... Cause we found a lot, we just wanted to make sense of what it was.

ROVER [as XANA]

You found a lot?

ALYYSA [as YITRI]

Especially... Oh, well, a lot more than I thought, cause the place... like you said, the room was little.. kind of a mess. So, I was honestly not expecting to, like –

ROVER [as XANA]

What did you find?

ALYYSA [as YITRI]

Well, I found this picture, a newspaper clipping, uhm... Oh, Pierre, do you have that little figurine thingie?

RIK [as PIERRE]

Oh, yeah, uh –

RIKð

And he grabs it out of his pouch and shows it,

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

We found that. The thing has some Illusion magic on it, or something.

ROVER

She grabs it and is like,

ROVER [as XANA]

This is one of his figurines. Like, we've seen these.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Well, I-I'm sorry. I don't... This is, like, I've been in the UK for, what, how many hours now? Maybe three? (Laughing) I don't really know a lot, I'm sorry. I don't really know about what goes on in the smithing area.

ROVER [as XANA]

Listen. What you can know is that Jonny is... a Clockwork Sorcerer. He knows his magic, he knows his skills, and he knows what he's doing, first of all. Which is why it is such a problem that he is one of the people that would go missing, because he might have impulsive choices that he ever made, but... he's not crazy, he is very smart.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Uhuh. Not crazy. I wouldn't pay him for the crazy type, I just was curious about what you had around and also just ways to find and identify him, especially since we're, you know, looking for him. You know, just trying to get as much information as we possibly can, so we can get the mission done for you guys as quickly as possible.

ROVER [as XANA]

Hmm. What else did you find? Is this it?

ZOE

I look over to Miguel. Cause Xana scares me.

[Alyssa chuckles]

And I pull out the... the little red note and I give it to him.

ROVER

Are you giving it him above the table or...?

ZOE

Ugh, good question.

ROVER

Like, this is just me questioning... like, it's a question, right?

ZOE

Yeah. I'm gonna give it to him above the table...

ROVER

Ok.

ZOE

Oh, wait, no, let me think. Let me think, let me think. I'm gonna give it to him under the table. Because...

ROVER

Ok. Give me a Slight of Hand.

ZOE

22.

ROVER

22. You pass it to him under the table unseen. He holds it, kind of does a quick look down and he kind of frowns at you for a moment.

ZOE

When he frowns, I look away from him at the rest of the group.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Well, just a lot of new things came to light that we didn't know about that.

ZOE

With, like, kinda a side-eye to Miguel. Kinda hoping that he understands what I want from him.

ROVER

You're gonna have to give me Insight, because I don't know what you're doing.

[Rover and Rik laugh]

The DM has no idea what you're trying to do.

ZOE

(Laughs) I'm trying to tell Miguel to hold that piece of paper into the light.

ROVER

Ok! Ok, ok, ok. He listens to you and he crumples it in his hand and puts it in his pocket.

ALYSSA

That's not putting it into the light. (Laughs)

ZOE

He pocketed the paper, guys!

ALYSSA

He pocketed the paper and thats –

ZOE

We're good!

ALYSSA

Pocket the paper.

ROVER

Xana looks at Pierre at some point and is like,

ROVER [as XANA]

Did you find something else? Because these two... hmm... with all due respect, it's not giving a lot.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Well, uhm. Let me put it to you straight. You’ve send us in there with minimal information, and you expect us to extract everything from it. We are trying our best. We've found connections to this W.D. group and now I suppose, as well, Safra, which is unfortunate because they're dangerous. If you want us to succeed, help me help you. Be frank with us. Is there anything we have to know to succeed? And for you to keep your job.

ROVER

Oooohhh. Give me a Persuasion check.

RIK

He's being very straight and honest with that one.

ALYSSA

Dad got 'em in clutch! (Chuckles)

ROVER

You're also doing this in front of the Prime Minister. Like, that's the thing. You are not just doing it in front of her. You are doing it in front of –

RIK

Yeah.

ROVER

– her boss, as well.

RIK

Yeah, I don't mind, I just... If they want me to be competent, you know, I'm just gonna need the information.

ZOE

Is there a way that I can help?

ROVER

I'm gonna keep this on Pierre for now.

ROVER

And if you want to at some point join in for some reason, I do wanna know what Pierre rolls, yes.

RIK

Ok, so. Which roll?

ROVER

Uh, Persuasion.

RIK

Persuasion.

[Dice clacks]

Yes! Ok, ok, Persuasion is plus 2 and I've got 19, so 21.

ALYSSA

Nice!

ZOE

Nice!

RIK

Let's go, whoo!

ROVER

Xana kinda crumples in on herself a little bit, like she cowers a bit. And Tobias looks at her and puts a hand on Xana's shoulder, and is just like,

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

Yeah, Xana, why don't you tell us? Why don't you tell us what's been going on?

ROVER

And Xana is just like,

ROVER [as XANA}

(Clears throat) Well, if you want the information you're looking for, you're not gonna have to be with me. If you desperately want to know what's been going on at the Wanted Dead, you're gonna have to talk to her.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Uhuh.

ROVER [as XANA]

I am not saying this because I have information to hide. I do not have more information. I do not talk to them, instructed by my boss.

ROVER

And Tobias actually, nods and pats her on the shoulder, is like,

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

Yeah, exactly. We do not interfere with the Bounty Hunters. We are staying as far away from them as possible.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Mmhmm.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Alright. Then my question is; do we have an in?

ROVER

Xana looks at Miguel. Tobias looks at Miguel. Miguel is not looking at them. And Miguel looks up at some point, and is like,

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

What? I don't know, I wasn't listening. What?

[Rik loses it]

ZOE

Mentally not there,

ROVER

And Xana –

RIK

That kills me. That kills me.

ROVER

– folds her hands, like,

ROVER [as XANA]

Sweet, sweet brother of mine. Would you like to go past Safra to talk to her so that we don't have to, basically?

ROVER

Give me an Insight check, everyone, on Miguel.

[Dice ASMR]

ZOE

Nat 20! Boom!

RIK

Phew! (Laughs)

ALYSSA

Oh god. Oh god!

RIK

Let's go, Zoe!

ZOE

That's my boy, ok!

RIK

Ok, ok. Let’s see.

ALYSSA

I got a 2! (Chuckles)

RIK

Ok, 5 plus... Insight, Insight... 3, that's 8.

ROVER

8, that's 8.

ZOE

(Laughing) Another 8?

(Rik chuckles nervously)

Rik!

ROVER

So, Miguel seems to just be thinking for everyone, except for Aleks. Oh, this man's angry. Oh, he's angry.

RIK

Oh, shit.

ROVER

But he's stable and he just says,

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

Sure. I'll do the dirty work again. Thank you for your trust in me.

ROVER

He stands up and leaves the room. He pocketed the paper, by the way.

ZOE

He pocketed the paper, let's go!

RIK

Pocket the paper.

ALYSSA

I was more wondering about Jonny than anything else, but ok, I guess we're doing the…

ROVER

Because Aleks also had the natural 20, I will add that to the fact that you can hear a door slamming –

[Door slams]

– on the way out. (Laughs)

ZOE

Oh no!

[Rik laughs]

ALYSSA

Bro's pissed!

ROVER

He seems – and for Pierre and Yitri – he's gonna do his job.

[Alyssa laughs]

This is what he's here for. He's useful.

ALYSSA

He's here to do his job!

ROVER

Yeah!

RIK [as PIERRE]

Alright, well, thank you for that.

ROVER [as XANA]

Yeah, of course. That's why he's here for.

RIK [as PIERRE]

We're gonna... Like I said, we're trying our very best.

ROVER [as XANA]

I know you are.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Especially with the information we have, and now we have a little more which is good! And we're gonna get the job done! Cause that's what we do! I-I guess. (Chuckles) I mean, not "I guess", I know that's what we do, but –

RIK [as PIERRE]

Damn straight, Yitri!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah!

RIK

And he pats you on the back.

ALYSSA

Yeah!

ZOE

Cause you can reach that.

RIK

(Chuckles) Yeah, cause I can reach it!

ALYSSA

Yeah!

RIK

I'm on the chair!

ALYSSA

Cause she's only, like, maybe ten inches taller than him, like "Yeah!"

[Rik chuckles]

ROVER

While this has been happening, obviously dinner has also been going on. They have been bringing you guys food. The quality of the food is perfect. They are bringing different types of meat, different types of fruit, vegetables, it's... (chef's kiss) it's perfect. And if something is wrong, like Tobias will sometimes be like, **“**Mm, I feel like this piece of potato is a little bit cold.” Plate is taken, and 5 minutes later it's brought back again with better stuff.

RIK

(Whispers) God damn.

ROVER

And at the end, Tobias just says,

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

Right. I got you guys reserved seats into the next train to Manchester. There is a carriage waiting for you outside. You will be going to Queen's Cross.

ROVER

Which is for us what we know as King's Cross.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

To Queen's Cross station and from there on there will be a train waiting for you. You guys will have a carriage for your own. You will not have to pay for anything there, it is on our terms.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Thank you, sir.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Great.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Thank you!

ALYSSA

Yitri goes to Pierre and is like,

RIK [as PIERRE]

Thank you.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Wait, why did they give us money at the beginning, then, if we don't have to pay for it?

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Don't question it, Yitri.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

That’s kinda stupid,

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Just take the money!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

I'm not.. I'm not mad about it, I'm just curious. (Laughs)

RIK [as PIERRE]

Oh, well, uhm... I'm just as puzzled by it as you are, to be honest. (Chuckles) Now that you put it like that...

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

(Still whispering) These people operate very strangely.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

Please, everyone, get your items, weapons, whatever you need, and I wanna make one thing clear: protect everyone. Kill only when necessary. Is that understood?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Mmhmm.

RIK [s PIERRE]

Sir, yes, sir.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yes.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

(Firm) Aleksander. Is that understood?

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Yes, sir.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

Thank you.

RIK

The attitude, ooh.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

I assume your family will be very happy to know that you are back.

ALYSSA

Oh!

ZOE [as ALEKS]

To be honest, I would prefer if we don't tell them.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

I'm not telling anyone.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Lovely.

ALYSSA

I feel like Yitri and Pierre just looking back and forth to each other being like "Huh? Huh??"

[Zoe chuckles]

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

Xana? Make sure that they get the carriage, make sure they do not stop on the way there. They cannot miss this. We cannot break the reputation already with a new group. And make sure that the Tabaxi that was here goes to Oxford.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Wait, you guys don't even know his name?

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

What name?

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Of the Tabaxi.

[Rik laughs]

You just hired a guy, you don't even... no one knows who this guy is.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

We don't need a name, we just need skills.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Fair enough. I'm not trying to question how you guys do things. I'm just very confused, cause I –

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

(Firm)Then be quiet, Yitri.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Ok. Got it. Got it. Noted.

ROVER [as TOBIAS]

Thank you.

ROVER

And he walks out and once again leaves you guys with Xana.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

(Quietly) He's kind of a dick. (Laughs)

RIK [as PIERRE]

Please use your inner voice on that one.

ALYSSA

She whispered that under her breath, like, "He's kind of a dick." You know, when he's gone out of earshot.

RIK

Was it audible enough for Pierre to have heard that?

ALYSSA

I think so cause he's right next to her. Maybe.

ROVER

Then Xana will also have heard that and is like,

ALYSSA

No, fuck!

[Rover shudders]

RIK

Oh, god!

ZOE

Aleks, once again, facepalms in the background.

[Laughter]

ROVER

Xana lets out this very much shuddering sigh, gives the deadliest of stares to Pierre, and is just like,

ROVER [as XANA]

Your carriage will be waiting for you. Now get your stuff and get out of my sight. Thank you.

ROVER

She stands up.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Got it.

ALYSSA

Dammit, ok. I fucked up my chance.

RIK

Listen, it had to be done, guys. (Laughing) It had to be done. Bro is giving us shit for not getting enough information.

ALYSSA

We were like, "Hey, here's what we found" and it's like, "Yeah, we all know this."

RIK

(High pitched) You sent us in with none!

ALYSSA

We have nothing!

RIK

Yeah! But I'm pretty sure they didn't know about the connection with the Bounty Hunters, so...

ALYSSA

We did something.

RIK

We did something and there's Nyx.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Guys, why don't we continue this conversation in the carriage where there's a bit more privacy rather than the dining hall.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah, of course, I just need to get my stuff. I'll be right back.

ALYSSA

She just starts going up the stairs and is leaving and also very much looking behind her, cause she's like "I think I pissed Xana off. I fucked up, I didn't think I was as loud as I was." She thought she, like (stutters) –

RIK

Oh, no.

ALYSSA

– she's like "Dammit, dammit!" And then just went and grabs her stuff and then comes back down and you... Also, I forgot to mention this. I realise I forgot the most important thing about Yitri's greataxe. On the bottom, there's a little keychain that looks like a fuzzy little creature on it. It looks like a cone. It's a furry, little cone and has a tiny little face.And I forgot to... I mentioned it briefly in session 1, but I never brought it back. I don't know if that's relevant, but I just wanted to –

ROVER

No, it's good to know. It's absolutely good to know. When Xana sees that when you go downstairs, she rolls her eyes.

ZOE

Uhm, at any point during going to my room, getting my stuff and going back, do I see Miguel anywhere? I do wanna see if he's ok.

ROVER

Give me a (singsong) Perception check.

ZOE

(Singsong) A Perception check.

RIK

How sweet of you.

[Dice thump]

ZOE

Yeah, he seemed kinda fucked. Ok, that... Perception, where is Perception? Where is Perception? That is a 17.

ROVER

17. When you go back down from getting your stuff, Miguel walks past Xana and... you have probably heard Elvish swear words before.

[Music stops playing]

ZOE

I have, yes. Probably.

[Alyssa laughs]

ROVER

And if you haven't, you will hear them now. He is –

RIK

Wait, from Xana, or...?

ROVER

From Miguel.

RIK

Ok.

ROVER

Miguel is at some point literally to Xana saying, because Aleks can understand Elvish... Can anyone else understand Elvish, actually?

RIK

No.

ROVER

Nope, then it's just... It will just be Aleks. Who... Miguel at some point says to Xana,

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

You are a coward. You are an absolute coward. If you think I'm gonna be continuing to do jobs for you only because I'm useful, you can go fuck yourself.

ROVER

And he walks out. And Xana just stands there completely unfazed.

RIK

(Exhales) Jesus.

ALYSSA

Beef!

ROVER

He walks outside towards where Xana also was gonna mention your carriage was. If you want to, I will allow you to go after him.

ZOE

Yes.

RIK

Ooh!

ZOE

I’m gonna do that.

ROVER

Xana puts her hand on Aleks' shoulder and is like,

ROVER [as XANA]

Not yet, we are waiting for everyone to be here.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

May I just walk outside to take a breath of fresh air? I feel a bit dizzy.

ROVER

Give me a Persuasion check.

[Dice clacks]

RIK

Ooh. Oh!

ZOE

That's a dirty 20.

ALYSSA

Ooh!

ROVER

She takes a moment before she just goes,

ROVER [as XANA]

Fine. Please do not leave the premises.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

I wouldn't dare to.

ROVER [as XANA]

Thank you.

ZOE

And I walk outside.

ROVER

Ok. Pierre... What is Pierre currently doing? Also grabbing his stuff?

RIK

Yeah, he's just grabbing his stuff. Thanking – shit, what was his name? – Jonas?

ROVER

Jones. Jones.

RIK

Jones. Jones. Thanking Jones for his service.

ZOE

(Laughing) "Thanking shit what was his name?"

RIK

(Laughs) Yeah, well Pierre wouldn't have forgotten his name, you know?

ZOE

No, he wouldn't have.

RIK

So, he briefly thanks Jones for service and goes downstairs. Is Xana still there?

ROVER

Xana is definitely still there. Yitri... At this point, I will say, Aleks' stuff happened before Yitri came downstairs. Yitri is already downstairs at this point.

RIK

Ok. So he walk... Ok, how close to Yitri is Xana at this moment.

ROVER

Xana's at the door. Yitri, depends on where you want to stand.

ALYSSA

Not by the door.

ROVER

Not by the door. So, not close to Xana.

ALYSSA

Yeah. (Giggles)

RIK

So, he goes up to Xana. How does Xana react to this?

ROVER

Xana looks at you, slowly follows the path that you're going. is just like,

ROVER [as XANA]

Can I help you?

RIK [as PIERRE]

I just wanna say I'm sorry for doing that in front of your boss. Uhm, yeah, just that, mostly. I know that was maybe not the smartest move, but, you know, we... we really are trying. I assure you.

ROVER [as XANA]

I thank you for your apologies. I do not want them.

RIK

Pierre nods understandably and walks towards Yitri.

ROVER

Ok. Xana does say, when you guys are standing together, being like,

ROVER [as XANA]

Apparently, your friend, our thief, impersonator, whatever he is, is already outside. The carriage is already waiting for you. If you guys want to go to the carriage, feel free to. Your butlers will stay here. They continue to be your butlers when you come back. Come back within... max five days. Would be lovely it would be about three days.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Got it.

ROVER

Moving towards Aleks, you walk outside –

[Birds starts whistling and a soft wind blows]

– and you see... you see a different carriage at the already... like, closer towards the gate, and Miguel is standing outside of it.

ZOE

I want to go up to Miguel and see if he lets me.

ROVER

He will let you get close enough to him.

ZOE

Ok.

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

Can I help you?

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Are you okay?

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

What makes you ask that?

ZOE [as ALEKS]

You are angry.

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

Hm.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

After the talk with your sister. So I wanted to see if you're okay.

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

She's not my sister, she's my boss.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Right.

ROVER

He says with the most sarcastic grin.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Apologies. After the talk with your boss.

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

She has her... reasons, I suppose. There is... there is nothing.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Right. Well, then, I wish you safe travels and hopefully there is a continuation of this nothingness you're feeling.

ROVER

He looks at you for a moment, then grabs the note that he put in this pocket – the pocketed paper – and he holds it between you guys, but the light is still coming in from it. And he says,

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

Do you want me to keep this?

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Is it useful to you?

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

I know who she is. It's not necessarily useful for me.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Then give it back. You know what's on the note, that's all I wanted for you.

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

Ok.

ROVER

And he hands the note back.

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

If you need anything from the Wanted Dead, let me know. I know the ways in.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

I will remember that. Thank you.

ROVER [as MIGUEL]

See you, Aleks.

ROVER

And he gets into the carriage before the carriage drives away. And at that point, also, Yitri and Pierre come outside. You can see Aleks standing a bit further ahead. Not next to your carriage, but you can see that there is a carriage driving away.

ZOE

I probably don't see them come out, right?

ROVER

You don't currently, no.

ZOE

Like, I'm focused on the carriage. Right. Ok.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

So, we ready to go?

RIK [as PIERRE]

Yeah, I’ve got everything.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Me too.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Ready for the ride.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah. Do you think they're gonna ask a lot of questions as to why we have weapons on the train, or do you think they don't care?

RIK [as PIERRE]

I think it's a rather good question. I mean, I-I'd figure we would've gotten something from them, but I guess they haven't given us, like, you know, badges, so... (laughs)

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah, yeah! (Laughs)

RIK [as PIERRE]

I guess we'll just have to just say that we're on official business.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Yeah.

RIK [as PIERRE]

Don't know how many people ride on the train –

ZOE

Am I in this conversation?

RIK [as PIERRE]

– with weapons.

ROVER

You can be in this conversation. However, I would very much like to have this conversation in the train, or in the train... in the carriage.

ZOE

Ok, ok. Can I say one sentence about if we're allowed weapons?

ROVER

Yeah, sure.

ZOE [as ALEKS]

You guys do realise they bought our tickets, right? Do you really think they're going to look at tickets bought by the palace and say "Oh, you guys have gotta give up your weapons."?

RIK [as PIERRE]

Ah, good point. First class, let's go!

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Ah, yeah, didn't think about that.

[Birds stop whistling and the wind stops blowing]

ZOE [as ALEKS]

Exactly.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Ooh!

ROVER

So, as you guys drive in the carriage towards Queen's Cross, and you get there. There are lots of people walking around.

[Someone speaking over the intercom in the background]

There seem to be Halflings, Orcs, all kinds walking around there. And you can hear also –

ROVER [as STATION INTERCOM]

Train to Manchester, leaving in 5 minutes.

ROVER

– coming from a Thaumaturgy sound coming through the room. And... give me a Perception check, everyone.

[Dice thumps]

ZOE

Do we find where we need to go? Oh… 7.

ALYSSA

I have a dirty 20.

ROVER

Dirty 20. While you guys are walking through the crowd, you pass... you notice, Yitri, that there are people walking around with W.D. on the back of their clothes, as well. And they seem to be, just, at the train station.

ALYSSA [as YITRI]

Hmm. Interesting.

ROVER

What else... What did everyone else roll, by the way?

ZOE

7.

RIK

2.

ROVER

Ok, nevermind.

ALYSSA

She's gonna hold that information until she gets in the train with them. She's not gonna say anything about it.

ROVER

Ok. So...

RIK

Pierre's gonna need glasses.

ROVER

As you guys get into the train, the train drives off towards the north of the country and that is where we're gonna end episode 3 of the Protectors of Remains To Be Seen. (Sigh of relief) Thank you so much for listening and we will see you with the Bounty Hunter episodes... I will see you with the Bounty Hunter episodes and they will see you next week. And what happens next remains to be seen.

ROVER

Bye, everyone.

ALYSSA

Byeee.

ZOE

Buh-bye!

RIK

Buh-bye!

[Show outro plays]

ROVER

Remains To Be Seen is an original podcast created by Dyaflame Studios and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share-alike 4.0 International License.

Today’s episode was produced by Jo Mendacium and edited by Rover Elliott and Jo Mendacium. Iit starred:

Rik den Breejen as Pierre Ardoise

Alyssa Roldan as Yitri Meadowtwirls

Zoe Emily as Aleksander Aintsworth

And Rover Elliott as the Dungeon Master

The intro and outro were composed by We Talk of Dreams, and the transcript was written by Kim van Teeffelen.

To get in touch with us and keep up to date with our antics, follow us on Instagram, BlueSky and TikTok @ DyaflameStudios or view our website at www.dyaflame.com

Check our show notes for additional credits, links and transcripts.