004 - Protectors - Coffee and Threats
004 - Protectors - Coffee and Threats
Content Warnings
- Guns
- Visual hallucinations
[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, he/they pronouns, and today I am here with...
ALYSSA
Hi, it's Alyssa, she/her pronouns, still trying to figure out who the orange Tabaxi is.
RIK
Rik, he/him pronouns. I'm currently writing down some notes already.
ZOE
Zoe, she/they pronouns. I am not writing notes. I am just sitting in front of my empty ones.
ROVER
And who are you guys playing?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yitri Meadowtwirls, and I am currently... we're currently looking for a guy who owns this gun. And I have the gun in my pocket, so that's fun.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Pierre Ardoise, he/him, and I'm currently looking forward to some train time. It's gonna be quite quaint.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Aleksander Ainsworth, but don't call me that. I am not looking forward to when the train time ends, cause I don't want to go to Manchester.
ROVER
So, let's just say we have had a bit of an interesting time and who does want to explain that to everyone? Let's say, Rik, can you give us a bit of a recap of the past episodes?
RIK
So we were picked as a group of protectors who are supposed to, well, protect the people of England. We were picked by Miguel and Xana Ortiz. And we are currently investigating the whereabouts of the crownsmith of the UK, which is, the crownsmith of the UK, Jonny de Rolo. And we have found, so far, a sewn-off shotgun and a note relating to the Bounty Hunters guild. And also that he happens to have been in Manchester, which is where we're going.
ROVER
So, you guys are now in the train from Queen's Cross to Manchester. We have a bit of train time for the upcoming, about, 2, 2 and a half hours.
[Train ambience sounds begin in the background]
Is there any time that you guys want to do things here? Any conversations to be held. Otherwise I'm just going to skip forward.
RIK
Oh, I would like to do something, while we're in the train.
ROVER
Alright, go for it.
RIK
Uh, so, Pierre is going to grab out of his pouch, a clockwork doll that we found in the workshop, and he's also gonna grab a little notebook and pencil and he's gonna start drawing.
ALYSSA
Yitri is gonna look over his shoulder and be like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Hey, whatcha drawing there?
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh! Uhm, I'm just drawing the little clockwork doll we found.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh!
RIK [as PIERRE]
I like drawing and, uhm, one of my kids actually... they are really interested in clockwork mechanics. So I thought I'd draw them something.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh my god, that is so cute!
[Rik chuckles]
Oh my god! Wait, how old are your kids?
RIK [as PIERRE]
My kids, uhm, yeah, so Azur is my oldest. Uhm, 20... No, not 20, sheesh, that was already a time ago. Uhm, 32 years old. Then we have Célest, she is 20, uh... 29 and then Calci, 28.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Ah, that's really cool. I didn't know you were a dad. Well, now I do, obviously, but –
RIK [as PIERRE]
(Chuckles) I'm a proud dad, yeah.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Aaw, well, that's awesome!
RIK [as PIERRE]
I love all of them.
[Alyssa giggles]
This one's for... this one's for Azur, actually, this one.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Aaw, that's really cool.
ROVER
Hey, Rik, do you want to give me a Performance check to see how well your drawing is?
RIK
I would love to. I would love to.
ROVER
Alright, roll me a Performance.
RIK
If it's shit, that's gonna be even funnier. Ok, Performance, let's see.
ROVER
So, yeah, roll me a D20 and add your Performance modifier.
RIK
Yes, ok.
[Dice clacks]
Ok, so I rolled a 2... Uhm, Performance, Performance, Performance.
[Alyssa laughs]
Where are you at, dear Performance? Oh, I have a zero in Performance.
[Alyssa laughs]
RIK
(Laughing) I have a zero in Performance, oh dear.
ROVER
So, Yitri, Pierre is explaining to you how he wants to make this drawing, right? And you look down at the drawing –
ALYSSA
Mmhmm.
– and you are wondering where the skills come from. Personally, in your head, you kind of hope that this is not the unfinished drawing. But you're not sure, so... it's... It's not great, you know? It's not great.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh, this is... this is great (chuckles nervously).
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, well, thank you!
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah!
RIK [as PIERRE]
I-I don't know, I'm still learning a bit.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
That's ok!
RIK [as PIERRE]
Not that good at it, but I'm glad you think it's great, actually! You know, may be my best work, yet.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
I mean, honestly, just because you like doing something, doesn't mean you have to be good at it. I feel like that's something we all... I don't know, people just, like, "Oh, you like this? You must be really good at it!" No, I just like doing it (chuckle). But, also, you know, learning a new skill is fun!
RIK [as PIERRE]
It certainly is. It certainly is. I really think I've outdone myself this time. I really do think so.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah! Yeah, that's awesome!
RIK
And Pierre has the broadest smile on his face. (Laughing) He's actually, genuinely happy with this –
ALYSSA
Aaw!
RIK
– that he got a compliment.
ALYSSA
Aaw, oh my god!
ROVER
You know, Pierre, with a 2 on your Performance roll for drawing, I'd say...
RIK
Does he know that it's bad? I don't think so (laughs).
ROVER
Hold up, hold up. Yitri? Can I have a Deception roll from you? And from Rik, can I have an Insight?
RIk
Ooh, oh no!
[Alyssa giggles]
(Laughing) Oh, no!
ROVER
I want to hear from Yitri first what she rolled and then I'll hear...
ALYSSA
I got an 18. (Chuckles)
[Dice clacks]
ROVER
You are so good at deceiving, wow!
ALYSSA
I don't know why.
RIK
We've covered this last time, but the side with the dot is...
ROVER
The dot under it, yeah.
RIK
It's a 6 plus 3, that's 9.
ROVER
Yeah, she's telling the truth. Oh, absolutely she's telling the truth! I mean, even if she... she wouldn't lie to you. You can see from that face, why would Yitri ever lie?
[Alyssa laughs]
Yitri has the face of someone who has never... does not even know what a lie is.
[Sounds of despair from Rik]
[Alyssa laughs]
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, genuinely, Yitri, thank you!
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
You're welcome!
RIK [as PIERRE]
Thank you so much! I really needed this. This is a confidence boost.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh, yay, I'm glad I've been able to help! Glad to have been able to help, yeah. I mean, we're all gonna be working together, so it's good to get to, you know, know each other, you know? It's what I was trying to do, but, I mean I think I did a good job with you two, pretty much! I know things about you, like your names. Sorry, I'm still really hung up on this; why don't we know this other person's name?
ZOE [as ALEKS]
I don't think we need to.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
I know this is irrelevant. It's weird! It's weird to me, I'm sorry. I know it's probably not important. Cause, I mean, they're not here with us right now, so maybe they're not even making the main team and... I don't know. But –
RIK [as PIERRE]
Well, they are supposed to be part of the team.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah! I'm a little confused.
RIK [as PIERRE]
I mean, we should know their name. I don't think it's that crazy of an idea to ask their name.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
At the very... Also, when you did, cause I know you were trying to communicate with them, did that get through?
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, uhm, yeah... Uh...
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Like, at all?
RIK [as PIERRE]
(Sad) I don't think it did.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh, ok.
RIK [as PIERRE]
They do scare me a bit.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh, no, no, I'm petrified. That person is scary! But, I mean, I'm glad they're on our side. Because that would be so much worse if they weren't.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, definitely.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
I mean, like, oh my god, it would be awful! That would be so bad. But, yeah, no, this drawing is really cool! And I like... Do you have any other ones?
RIK [as PIERRE]
Uhm...
RIK
And Pierre flips through his book. Uh, how about we say, given this Performance check, they're all awful drawings.
ROVER
Sure. Sure, we'll make that canon.
RIK
They're genuinely bad.
[Alyssa laughs]
Like, he's drawn some landscapes.
ALYSSA
Aaw!
RIK
Some food that he's had along the way. And they are all, just, god awful (laughs). Just genuinely shit.
ALYSSA
Aaw!
ROVER
Yeah, so Pierre is explaining how these are landscapes and food. However, it looks... it does not look like any of that.
[Alyssa laughs]
It looks like something entirely different, and you cannot determine what it is.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah, I mean, I know that sometimes... Thank you for showing me. This is really cool!
RIK [as PIERRE]
Ah, no worries! No worries! You see, this one... this one, this is an egg scramble. Had this one the other day.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh, yum! Yum!
RIK [as PIERRE]
Yeah! Really good. I think I captured the scrambly-ness quite well.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Y-you sure captured something.
ROVER
Amazing. So, while this is happening, what is Aleks doing, currently? While you guys are in your little train compartment.
ZOE
He's sitting on his seat silently, and he goes between kind of actively listening, but also being like, "what are they talking about?", to just looking out the window. But absolutely not participating in that conversation.
ROVER
Ok. I will say the others will notice that Aleks is definitely not being... not in a way interested in joining the conversation. Do with that information what you guys want.
RIK
I mean, does Aleks seem kinda like, pulled back? Just... You said they were looking out the window?
ZOE
Yes.
RIK
Yeah. Ok, yeah, I-I think Pierre is gonna just acknowledge that and not do much with that.
ALYSSA
Hmm. Do I want to make Aleks talk?
[Laughter]
This is the age-old question. Do I want... Ok, so Yitri is gonna look out the window, also, kind of trying to see what Aleks is looking at, and is like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Wow! The view is... you know, it's really beautiful.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Yeah. It is.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah. You know, I feel like... I mean, I've been on trains a lot, especially recently, cause I got here by train. But, you know, this is a great view, you know? And, like, yeah... I don't... I don't know, it's just pretty to look at, (Chuckling) I guess.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Yes. That's why I'm looking out the window.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah, I-I figured.
ROVER
Give me a Perception check, everyone.
[Dice clacks]
RIK
(Gasps) Nat 1.
ROVER
Amazing.
ZOE
(Splutters) Guys.
RIK
A 2 and a 1, god dammit.
ALYSSA
I got a... I got a 17. I'm actually Perceptive for once, I got a 17. These dice are fucking beautiful (kisses dice), thank you.
ZOE
I got an 18.
ROVER
You got an 18, got it. Continue your conversation.
ALYSSA
Uhm, honestly, she doesn't really know what to say about that, so she's just gonna keep looking out the window, too, cause she's like, "I don't..." Cause she obviously wasn't intending on trying to make Aleks talk. She was just kind of, like, "Oh, it's really pretty out." And then she's like, "Ok, I think I overstepped, by accident." She's the worst sometimes.
ROVER
So, as you guys are looking out at the window, something catches both of your eyes. You're unsure as to what it is, because of the speed of the train and it seems to be kinda far away. You both are pretty sure that for a split second, the outside world turned black and white.
ALYSSA
Oh.
ROVER
Pierre, you're having a nice time drawing.
[Alyssa laughs]
These are the most beautiful drawings you've ever made.
ALYSSA
[Laughs] Pierre, you're perfect.
[Rik laughs]
ZOE
Keep drawing those scrambled eggs. Love you, king.
RIK
(Laughing so hard it's almost unintelligible) "Keep drawing those scrambled eggs." Oh my god.
ROVER
So, no, you can decide for yourself if your character would think that this actually happened.
[Small dice clink]
Or that this was just because of your vision being weird. I will let you guys decide that for yourself. However, you both definitely notice it.
ALYSSA
Yitri's gonna take her sunglasses off and blink and be like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
What...?
ALYSSA
And put them back on, take 'em off again, and nothing else is changing. But she's just like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
What the hell was that?
ALYSSA
(Chuckles) And puts 'em back on.
ROVER
While this is happening, Pierre, do you draw with colors in any way? Or do you draw with just a pencil?
RIK
Uhm, he draws with... with a charcoal pencil, yeah.
ROVER
Ok, cool. You notice nothing, good to know. So, at some point on your door, there's a little knock, being like,
ROVER [as TRAIN ATTENDANT]
Alright, do you guys want some... want some food? Want a drink? The journey is quite long.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Uh… Yeah, sure. What... let's see.
ALYSSA
So, do you have to roll to see what's on the cart?
ROVER
Yeah, so, once the door opens, you can kinda see that she has this cart with her. She has things like coffee, tea. She has some chocolates that are on it. Yeah, kinda small things like that. Snacks. And she's like,
ROVER [as TRAIN ATTENDANT]
Do you guys want anything?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Uh, I'll have a coffee and some of those chocolates right there.
ROVER
Alright. She hands you the coffee, she hands you the chocolates.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
For me too, please.
ROVER
Does the same thing.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
You want anything, Pierre?
RIK [as PIERRE]
Uh, can I have a coffee? And, yeah, I'll try some of those chocolates, yeah. Everyone getting chocolates!
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah! That's fun.
ROVER
So, you guys are getting the same thing. And she's handing the last one out to Pierre. Someone walks past them and give me a Dex save, Pierre.
[Alyssa gasps]
ZOE
(Laughing) Why is it always Pierre?
ALYSSA
Leave him alone!
RIK
Ooh, ok, ok. (Laughs) Not the Dex already! Ok.
ROVER
It's just a bit... it's just a bit of a fluff, don't worry.
RIK
The first one went so well, you know?
ROVER
Mmhmm.
RIK
With me dodging the hilt of that sword.
[Alyssa laughs]
ROVER
Yeah, exactly.
ZOE
Expertly.
RIK
Not so much.
[Dice clacks]
You are not gonna believe what I just rolled.
ROVER
Is it another natural 1?
RIK
It's another fucking natural 1! What the hell is going on with my dice?
ROVER
o, we can all determine that Rik needs to get new dice. In the meantime, Pierre gets the coffee spilled all over him.
ALYSSA
Oh, no!
ROVER
And they are like,
ROVER [as TRAIN ATTENDANT]
Oh, I'm so sorry!
ROVER
And give me... Yitri and Aleks, give me another Perception check.
[Dice thumps]
ZOE
19.
ALYSSA
15,
ROVER
So, while Pierre has now a bunch of coffee over them, and the person with the cart is apologising profusely, she's like,
ROVER [as TRAIN ATTENDANT]
Oh, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to! I-I wasn't... I didn't know that someone was coming behind me and –
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, no worries, no worries, it's alright, it's alright.
ROVER
And Yitri and Aleks, you can see the person that walked past. It seems to be a... maybe a Half-Elf with sunglasses, long brown hair, and they have a suitcase with them. And they are walking to the front of the train. So, they stand up again, and is like,
ROVER [as TRAIN ATTENDANT]
I'm so sorry! I-I-I'll get you another coffee. Don't worry, I'm –
ROVER
And she grabs the cart, she also goes to the front of the train.
RIK
Uhm, question, Mr. DM. When does my Armor of Gleaming activate?
ROVER
I will say that your Armor of Gleaming can activate whenever you want.
RIK
So, Pierre just goes in with the tiniest little cough.
ROVER
Mmhmm.
RIK
Yeah, just a tiny little cough and just wipes off a small amount and it all just disappears.
ROVER
So the Armor of Gleaming to kind of see it... say it from a slightly metagaming point of view, is technically it's to keep your armor clean. However, since Pierre does not wear armor as a monk, we decided that it can count for the clothes as well.
ALYSSA
(Laughs) That's awesome.
RIK
So my clothes just magically get clean.
ROVER
Yeah!
RIK
Kinda just does the wiping for show. (Chuckles)
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Well, that's quite helpful.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Really powerful handkerchief. Just like that and poof! Goes all... that's crazy!
ZOE [as ALEKS]
(Quietly) Yitri, I don't think it was the handkerchief.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, no, it wasn't the handkerchief.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh! That makes a lot more sense! (Laughs)
RIK [as PIERRE]
Didn't you say you were good at Perception?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
I-I did! I did! But, you know... (chuckles nervously). Anyway, uhm, these chocolates look really good!
ALYSSA
And she just shoves one in her mouth. (Laughs)
[Rik laughs]
ROVER
And while everyone is eating the chocolates, the train at some point getting closer and closer to Manchester.
[Train ambience stops]
[Train station noises begin in the background]
We pan over to Manchester and we pan over to a different humanoid who is also in that city currently, waiting for our group. Would you like to explain your... what your character looks like, Mike?
MIKE
(Laughs) I'd love to explain what my character looks like.
ROVER
And what would your character be doing at this moment while waiting for the group to arrive?
MIKE
Ok, alright. Well, let me... Mr. DM –
[Rover laughs]
– do you mind if I control the camera just for a second?
ROVER
Absolutely! Go for it!
MIKE
Wonderful. So the camera slowly pans across the middle of, like, a trainstation, a crowded trainstation. It's Manchester Central Station. And there standing – waiting for a very delayed train – is one quite annoyed Aarakroca. Or Aarakocra. I never learned how to say that word. Come at me, comment section. He stands at a very respectable 5 foot 6. And he is wearing a lot less armor you'd think a hunter would. But he has these amazing jet black, with little flecks of coppery-ness, wings that are astride him, I suppose you could say. They flap down behind him while he stands tapping one talon on the floor, looking at a small pocket watch, waiting for the train. Strapped not so prominently underneath his armor, you see two small bumps which, to the average person might not seem like much, but to the trained eye would suggest that, uhm, he's not undefensible, if that makes sense. And, yeah, he stands there, waiting patiently. His jet black eyes, very gently, sort of, contoured with a bit of orange and this beautiful orange beak, waiting. He strides up and down the platform and there he waits. For whom, he doesn't know, but he waits.
ROVER
So, as you've been waiting for a while, the... actually, someone – I don't care who – roll me a D10.
MIKE
Can I do it? I haven't done anything yet.
ROVER
Yeah, sure.
[Soft chuckles]
MIKE
Yeah, I've been sitting quietly, I went to go get myself a cup of tea –
ZOE
Action! Whoo! (Chuckles)
MIKE
– and now... yeah! It is a 6.
ROVER
Right, so, if we count everything by 5 minutes, this train is 30 minutes too late. You guys are arriving around, now, let's say, 9:30-ish PM, arriving in Manchester. And the train slowly drives into the station and there it finally is. Before the train arrived, before the group arrived, Miguel will have informed you exactly who you are looking for. So, the group may not recognize you, you will recognize the group.
MIKE
Ok, alright.
ROVER
So, yeah, the train arrives. It's already dark outside and the group will walk out.
MIKE [as KOL]
Well, it's about damn time.
ALYSSA [AS YITRI]
Yes!
MIKE [as KOL]
Do you know how long I've been waiting here at this train station?
ALYSSA [AS YITRI]
How long?
MIKE [as KOL]
30 god damn minutes.
ALYSSA [AS YITRI]
Oh, sorry.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, we're –
MIKE [as KOL]
Where have you been?
ZOE [as ALEKS]
You know, in the train, that was delayed.
ALYSSA [AS YITRI]
Th–the trains, man, you know? The trains get delayed and stuff.
MIKE [as KOL]
Hmm.
ALYSSA [AS YITRI]
It... yeah, it was... You know, the trainride did feel a little longer than it was supposed to, now that I think about it.
MIKE [as KOL]
You.
ALYSSA [AS YITRI]
Me?
Mike [as KOL]
You must be Aleks, you're taller than I was expecting.
ALYSSA [AS YITRI]
Oh, definitely not me.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
I'm Aleks.
MIKE [as KOL]
Hmm. That makes a lot more sense.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
I'm just gonna take it as a compliment, thank you.
MIKE [as KOL]
You're welcome. Shall we continue? You know what you’re here for, right?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Do you know what we're here for?
MIKE [as KOL]
Well… What is this? Some kind of interrogation?
ZOE [as ALEKS]
I mean, we don't know you.
MIKE [as KOL]
Come on! You've already left me waiting too long.
ALYSSA
Wait, before... before –
MIKE
And he starts striding down the platform away from them.
ALYSSA
Yitri starts flailing,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Before... Before... What's your name? What's your name? (Laughs)
RIK [as PIERRE]
We didn't even get to introduce ourselves.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah! Well, you know Aleks, but what's your name? Please, I don't wanna work with someone else who I don't know their name.
RIK
Pierre’s –
MIKE [as KOL]
I now who you are.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Huh?
RIK
Pierre is gonna start speedwalking.
MIKE [as KOL]
All you need to know about me is I go by Koltrast.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Koltrast?
Mike [as KOL]
And that's all.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Ok.
Mike [as KOL]
Now, come on.
ALYSSA
And she's gonna whisper to Pierre, like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
(Whispers) What kinda name?
RIK [as PIERRE]
(Whispers loudly) He does have a name!
ALYSSA
(Laughing) "He does have –" Like Pierre didn't see the whole –
RIK
Aargh!
MIKE
Pierre's over there just happy in his lane. Still kinda drawing, I assume.
[Laughter]
ALYSSA
He's draw... he's drawing Kol, and it's like, "Hmm."
RIK [as PIERRE]
This is an interesting bird.
MIKE
(Laughs) This is really easy with chalk and the charcoal pencil.
[Zoe laughs]
ROVER
Is Pierre still drawing?
RIK
No, he will have put that away (laughing) when we got out of the train.
ZOE
Ah, damn.
MIKE
Ok, ok.
ROVER
Ok, ok.
ZOE
Aleks just starts following, being like,
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Well, that is a lovely fella.
ROVER
So, where are you guys heading off to? You know that you have to be at the University of Manchester. It is currently 9:30 PM. The University will be closed by this point. Gonna leave it to you guys.
MIKE [as KOL]
I know a cafe not too far away from here. It's just down the road here. Maybe we can wait for a little bit. I'm sure our contact won't mind.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Ah, we have a contact? Do tell.
MIKE [as KOL]
You weren't even briefed in on our contact?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Nope. We weren't briefed in on literally anything.
RIK [as PIERRE]
We... No, no.
MIKE [as KOL]
They told me you were professionals.
RIK [as PIERRE]
We had to pry out information from Xana, actually. I assume you know Xana, right? You were also hired by her?
MIKE [as KOL]
Oh, I know Xana.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Alright. Alright, that's great, then! By the way, uh...
RIK
And he sticks out his hand,
RIK [as PIERRE]
Uhm, Pierre. Pierre Ardoise.
MIKE
As Pierre sticks out his hand, he is met by a very swift, unbuttoning of one side of his jacket and a bright, white revolver, which is pointed directly at him.
RIK [as PIERRE]
(Stutters) Oh, uh, well...
MIKE [as KOL]
Don't think you can pull something on me, Pierre.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, I-I was just wanting to introduce myself, but if that is not how you roll, then I'll –
RIK
And he sticks his hands up, kinda like he's being, you know –
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Kol?
RIK
– interrogated.
RIK [as PIERRE]
If that's not how you roll, then that's alright. That's alright.
RIK
And he steps a bit away from him.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Kol, not to be rude, but do you know how social interactions work?
MIKE [as KOL]
Hmm.
MIKE
As he sheaths the revolver, kinda looks a little bit like... a little bit abashed, like very slowly puts his hand forward, like,
MIKE [as KOL]
Apologies, it's been a long time since I've done this.
RIK
Pierre's gonna look at the hand very intensely and slowly walks forward.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Alright. Pierre. Nice to meet you.
MIKE
For the rest of you in the audience, what you witnessed is the most awkward handshake –
[Laughter]
– you've ever seen in your life. It's not limp-wristed, but it's like someone has read a book on how to give handshakes and then they tried to do it for the first time.
RIK
Aaw, this poor thing.
ALYSSA
Yitri sees this happening, and is like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Wait a second! Gun!
ALYSSA
And then goes into her pouch, and is like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Is this yours?
ALYSSA
And pulls out the... (laughs) pulls out the... more discreetly, though, she knows at least not to just pull out a gun in the middle of public.
RIK
Thank god! (Laughs)
ALYSSA
Like, kind of under the table, kind of like shows it to him. Like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Is this yours?
MIKE [as KOL]
Oh. I already have one of those.
MIKE
As he unbuttons the other side and you see a jet black sewn-off shotgun in the other side.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
You have two! I mean, what's a third? I mean, (chuckles) I'm kidding, I don't know. But does this look familiar to you, at least?
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Hey, Yitri. Maybe we should start sharing evidence when we know a bit more about who is across from us? So far we got a name that you had to pry out of him, a very interesting handshake and a lot of aggressiveness.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
It wasn't that bad of a handshake, but, I... I-it was, actually.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Right.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
I'm sorry, I'm trying to be nice. But, I.. You know, it just... Sorry, it just clicked in my head. We found the gun, we met up with the gun guy. Makes sense that the –
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Yeah.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
– you know, two plus two.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
It does make sense!
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
But if it's not yours, then I guess there is another gun guy.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
But how can we...
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
We've already a lot of gun guys!
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Yitri?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Yeah?
ZOE [as ALEKS]
How can we be 100% certain that this was the person we're supposed to meet?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
I mean...
ROVER
I need to know, is this conversation being held in front of Kol and Pierre?
MIKE
I also would like to know that.
ALYSSA
(Laughing) Yes! Absolutely it is!
ZOE
Yes. Yes! 100%!
MIKE
It is?
ZOE
100%!
MIKE
Oh, ok.
ZOE
Aleks is suspicious and he can see that.
ROVER
Ok. So, you're not trying to talk about this stealthily?
ALYSSA
Nope!
ZOE
No.
ROVER
Ok.
ZOE
No, absolutely not.
ROVER
Ok, good to know. Good to know.
MIKE
In that case, Kol just looks at both of you and says again,
MIKE [as KOL]
(Irritated) They told me they were sending professionals.
MIKE
And then starts walking down the road towards the coffeeshop. Which is very nicely signed on the right-hand side.
ALYSSA
It just says 'Coffeeshop' (laughing) and nothing else.
[Zoe laughs]
MIKE
Yes, surprisingly, the coffeeshop is just called 'Coffeeshop' and it's the only place that he knows.
[Laughter]
ZOE
Hey. Hey, Ro.
ROVER
Hi.
ZOE
Do I know the coffeeshop?
ROVER
Give me a History check.
[Dice clacks]
ZOE
Uh, History, right?
ROVER
Yeah.
ZOE
That's a 15.
ROVER
15? Yeah, you know this! You definitely know this place. Is Aleks the kind of person to have gone to the coffeeshop?
ZOE
Yes!
ROVER
Yeah?
ZOE
Please, look at him. That's a coffeeshop guy if I've ever seen one.
ROVER
Alright. You guys are going to the coffeeshop. I'm gonna say it's gonna be open for another hour and a half, until about... Uuuh let's say about 11:30. Very generous coffeeshop.
[Train station noises end]
MIKE
So, Kol knows this coffeeshop and he opens the door –
[Door opens, bell dings]
– and starts walking through, and then almost double-takes over his shoulder, like he's trying to work out what to do. And then stands there, awkwardly holding the door open, expectedly.
ZOE
I want to walk past and go immediately to a, kinda, corner table, if that's free.
ROVER
Mmhmm.
ZOE
Cause if I know the coffeeshop, I do know how the table are arranged.
ROVER
Yeah.
ZOE
I just, like, lead the group to a table that maybe is a bit less obvious, but has enough space to hold all of us... to seat all of us.
ROVER
Absolutely, you can do that.
ALYSSA
Yitri's gonna follow, but before that, she's going to give Kol a smile and say,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
"Thank you"
ALYSSA
And kinda keep going.
MIKE [as KOL]
You're welcome.
ROVER
So, you guys are going to be seated in a little corner, at a table where you all can sit. Give me... someone... I'm gonna say Mike again, roll me a D4, please.
MIKE
Yeah, uh, hold on.
[Dice thumps lightly]
That's a 4!
ROVER
4. This is a normally quite crowded place during the day. During the evenings, it is a bit calmer. You're looking at a coffeeshop that's more on the pricey side than on the cheap side. And right now there are maybe about 10 customers max, now 14 with you guys there.
MIKE
Kol has made sure to remember the order that everyone walked in, and is looking over at Aleks like a... expectedly. And he sits down at the coffee table and uh, leans in slightly. And is like,
MIKE [as KOL]
So. I've seen that you have it already. What's our next play?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Uh... Was kinda hoping that you would cue us in, cause... funny story, we were given nothing. And then we were send to investigate, and then when we were reporting back what we investigated, they were like "Yeah, we already knew that." I'm like, "Well, you didn't tell us, so we didn't already know that." Right, before I keep going, I'm gonna stop, because those are our employers and they're great people and I love being employed.
RIK [as PIERRE]
You've not been employed before?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
No, I have, but, like, this is a better job. I get paid more. And also, you know, the honor of protecting people and all that stuff. That's the main thing, obviously. The honor of protecting people and everything, but, anyway, uhm.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Very honorable.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
And also, Kol's with the group.
ALYSSA
She's gonna go to Aleks, like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
(Whispers) Kol's with the people, we can't upset another person. We've been upsetting, kind of, everyone so far. Gotta have something, like... you know, good rapport with at least one person.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Yeah.
MIKE
Can I roll Perception to see if I can overhear this whispering?
ROVER
Yes, absolutely!
MIKE
Oh my lord.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
(Whispering) Yitri, I haven't been upsetting anyone.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
(Still whispering) Uh, I mean, honestly, it might be mostly Pierre, lowkey.
ROVER
What is it?
MIKE
It's a 19.
[Alyssa loses it]
Kol heard everything you said –
ROVER
(Laughing) Yes, you can! Yes, you can!
ZOE
(Claps) Yes! Yes! (Laughs)
MIKE
– to each other.
ROVER
Ooh.
ZOE
As he should.
MIKE
He silently –
ROVER
For the sake of the show,
[Zoe and Mike chuckle]
Yitri, can you give me a Stealth check?
ALYSSA
(Laughing) Ok!
ROVER
Together with Aleks. Aleks also give me a Stealth check.
ZOE
Yeah, cool.
ROVER
I wanna know how badly he overheard this.
[Dice clacks]
ZOE
Uh...
ALYSSA
I got an 8! (Laughs)
[Mike loses it]
She's not even whispering. She's talking at a normal volume. (Laughs)
ZOE
I've got a dirty 20.
[Alyssa bursts out laughing]
ROVER
So, Yitri is whispering very obviously like she is the quietest person. Meanwhile, this is the most normal sounding conversation.
[People start chatting in the background]
There is no whispering. Aleks, you notice that this is not actual whispering. You were actually whispering. However, Kol can definitely still hear everything.
MIKE
Kol stands up from the table, if I may. Looking… side-eyeing the party and walks over to the person at the front of the coffeeshop. And starts ordering coffees for the group.
RIK
Pierre – during that whole affair – was looking kind of inquisitively at Koltrast. Kinda stroke his beard. And you stand up then, I assume, and then you went to the front.
MIKE
Yeah, Kol stands up and walks over to the person behind the counter. And very politely asks for four coffees.
ALYSSA
Oh my god, wait, guys.
ROVER
That will –
ALYSSA
Do you know what this means? Yitri has had two coffees. Yitri's going to be double-caffeinated. (Laughs)
RIK
(Laughing) Oh dear. Oh dear.
ROVER
Hold that thought, hold that thought.
[Alyssa continues to laugh]
ZOE
(Defeated) Oh no... Oh no...
ROVER
So, the taller Orcish man behind the counter just goes,
ROVER [as BARTENDER]
Hmm, alright, four coffees. Understood. Table in the corner, I suppose?
MIKE [as KOL]
Thank you. That's the one.
ROVER [as BARTENDER]
Alright.
MIKE [as KOL]
Same as always.
ROVER [as BARISTA]
Alright, got it.
ROVER
So, roll me... just for now already, because we mentioned it. Can I have a... Hmm, let's say, Constitution saving throw, Yitri.
ALYSSA
God!
ROVER
Just for the future.
ALYSSA
I fucked myself over. Like, I brutally fucked myself over.
ROVER
Yeah, you did.
ALYSSA
I got a 14.
ROVER
Alright. Good to know. We will keep that for uhm, for the future.
ALYSSA
What do you wanna do with that?
ROVER
Right, so, after about, let's say, three... three to five minutes, you guys get your coffees. And the Orcish man brings them to the table, like,
ROVER [as BARTENDER]
Here you go. Enjoy.
ROVER
Walks back immediately.
MIKE [as KOL]
Thank you, Carl.
RIK
Carl.
ALYSSA
His name's Carl, then.
RIK
(Whispers) Carl!
MIKE [as KOL]
Well, this is 'Carl's Coffees'.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh.
MIKE [as KOL]
Did you not see the sign above the door?
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, I thought... I just thought it said 'Coffeeshop'.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
The sign that said 'Coffeeshop'?
MIKE [as KOL]
Yes, the sign says 'Coffeeshop' and below that, in small text which I told them about multiple times, it says 'Carl's Coffees'.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, you're a frequent here? You go here often?
MIKE [as KOL]
I love this place.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Oh, quaint. Say, uhm –
MIKE [as KOL]
It's the atmosphere.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Mmhmm. Mmhmm. We don't know too much about you. Can you just tell us a bit about yourself, cause we just arrived here and, uhm...
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
You whisked us away and we –
RIK [as PIERRE]
Yeah.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
– know you're involved with the group. But, like, we just gotta know a little more. And also, to someone…
ZOE [as ALEKS]
We think that.
MIKE [as KOL]
Well, what would you like to know?
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
(Whispering) Aleks, you can't say that.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Well, how long have you been in service for the crown?
MIKE [as KOL]
(Sighs)
MIKE
He takes a deep breath in and you notice him, actually, look a little flustered. But he says,
MIKE [as KOL]
Long enough.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Ok. Uhm…
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Fair enough, I mean...
RIK [as PIERRE]
Hmm. Well –
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Sorry, "Fair enough"?
RIK [as PIERRE]
(Stutters) Well...
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Well, here's the thing. We're kinda bombarding people that we don't know with a bunch of personal questions. They're not gonna answer, like, truthfully –
ZOE [as ALEKS]
No, Yitri, you are doing that.
ALYSSA
She takes a sip of her coffee.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
You have been going around the entire time asking everyone and everything just about stuff that comes to your mind, which I'm sure is great. But can we maybe go back to the point where we were picked up at the train station from someone who, by the way, we didn't know who we were waiting for. We never got any information on that, because of course we didn't. Who needs that, right? Apparently not us. And we're just supposed to trust you? All the information that we got is that we're waiting for a fourth teammember. How are we supposed to know that's actually you? And what...
RIK [as PIERRE]
Granted that was gonna be my next question, just saying.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Yeah, first of all, that! And second of all, why were you already here? What made you so special that you didn't have to go through any of the process that we had to go through?
MIKE
Kol leans across the table and looks you dead in the eyes and says,
MIKE [as KOL]
Sometimes you have to trust people you can't trust.
MIKE
And you hear a small click.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Right.
RIK
How audible is this click?
ZOE
I lean back in the seat and I just look at Kol, like,
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Well, I'm sure you're making it very easy for us, aren't you?
MIKE [as KOL]
And certainly trying. Listen. This is hard enough as it is, and I don't trust any of you. I want that to be clear. But, I've been told that you're professionals and I've been told to work with you. So either we get through this together, or I do this by myself. I'm only here because I'm being paid to be here. Make sense?
MIKE
And he is, like, boring a stare into you.
[People continue to chat]
ROVER
Do you want to do an Intimidation check?
MIKE
Absolutely!
ROVER
Just for the sake of it.
MIKE
Absolutely! Uh, let's see.
ALYSSA
(Laughing) I don't think you have to, bro, that was crazy!
[Dice clacks]
[Mike gasps]
RIK
Does it apply to everyone?
[Mike giggles]
ROVER
Uh oh, uh oh. No, I just want Mike to make an Intimidation check. Yeah, go for it.
MIKE
It's a 14.
ROVER
Alright.
MIKE
But that's a contested roll, right?
ZOE
What does 'contested roll' mean?
MIKE
So, a roll that's contested... So, if for example, in this interaction, my character has threatened your character, so I roll Intimidation.
ZOE
Yes.
MIKE
But your character, like in combat, you have to roll against my Intimidation –
ZOE
Oh!
MIKE
– to see if you feel intimidated.
ZOE
Ooh, ok.
ROVER
So its... most of the time, Intimidation checks on players is not... or on players –
MIKE
Oh, really?
ROVER
– is not used a lot. Not a lot, no.
MIKE
Ok, yeah.
ROVER
However, with a 14, I will allow your characters to decide if your characters would be intimidated by this. I feel like it is... in my head, if it would've been more plus, more like 15, 16 or higher, it would go definitely a bit more intimidating.
MIKE
Yeah.
ROVER
However, if you guys are currently, like –
MIKE
Yeah, no, that's ok. No, that's alright. As long as you're happy with that, Zoe.
ZOE
Yeah, I'm fine
MIKE
Yep, ok.
ZOE
Ok, let me think.
ROVER
Give me a Perception check, everyone, in the meantime.
MIKE
Uh, everyone?
ROVER
Everyone.
[Dice clacks]
MIKE
Ok.
ALYSSA
I got an 11.
ZOE
17.
RIK
19.
MIKE
Oh my god.
RIK
I know, right?
MIKE
I got a 17. I'm rolling really good.
ALYSSA
You are!
MIKE
I really like these dice.
ROVER
Kol 17, Aleks 17, Yitri had...
ALYSSA
11.
ROVER
11. And Pierre had 19, right?
RIK
Yeah, correct.
ROVER
Ok, got it, continue. I will come back to this roll in a bit.
ZOE
Ok, lovely. So, about the Intimidation. I think it's kind of a 50/50. Not with a "is it that or that", but it's like... Aleks is a bit intimidated, but not to the point where he's actually scared that something will happen. But he also just doesn't take lightly to what Kol is saying, he's taking it seriously.
MIKE
For Kol it's like there is no one else in the room right now, at all.
ZOE
Yeah.
MIKE
He is laser-focused on Aleks and what he's gonna do next.
ZOE
Aleks is gonna stare back.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Well, it's good to know that we don't trust each other. And maybe that will change in the next few days, but who knows? But I guess you are right that we need to work together. Just... Excuse me for being a bit suspicious and a bit careful about sharing sensitive information while we know nothing about you. So maybe this partnership we're about to have should be open both ways.
MIKE
Kol takes a second to sort of, like, consider what you just said. And then you hear another click as he moves his hand away from underneath the table and leans back in his chair. And just says,
MIKE [as KOL]
Hmm. I'm glad you see it that way. For a minute, I thought you were gonna do something really stupid.
MIKE
And you see him holster his revolver again.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
I've been told I'm smarter than I look.
ROVER
Pierre?
RIK
Mmhmm?
ROVER
So... it won't take long before Aleks and Kol also notice this, but Pierre's the first one to notice; the man behind the counter – Carl – he is... staring at you guys quite a lot. And he seems to be writing something down sometimes, however he keeps casting his eyes on your party.
RIK
Hmm. And I look over to Koltrast.
RIK [as PIERRE]
You said you come here often, right? You know... you know that man at the bar?
MIKE [as KOL]
(Growls) I only know his name cause I saw his name tag. I don't recognize him that much.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Hmm. Uhm, he's kinda looking over at us. Maybe try to not do anything stupid like you mentioned.
MIKE [as KOL]
Pierre, right? That’s you?
RIK [as PIERRE]
Yes**.** That's how I introduce myself.
MIKE [as KOL]
How many times has he looked at us in the last minute? Tell me.
RIK
DM, how many times has he looked (chuckle) at us in the last minute?
ROVER
So, think of this as if he is writing a letter, and after every sentence he looks up. And then goes back to writing. At this point he has looked, in the past minute or so, let's say between 5 and 10 times already.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Say, how about we go and order something at the bar. Kinda check what's up?
MIKE [as KOL]
Hmm.
MIKE
Kol looks at Pierre with a look of real intrigue and just gestures for him to go up to the bar. Just casually waves his hand.
RIK
Alright. And Pierre will do so, he will go up to the bar.
ZOE
Can I follow him?
ROVER
Give me a Perc– Yes, you can. Both of you, give me a Perception check.
[Dice ASMR]
ALYSSA
Yitri's gonna be like, "I'm gonna save our table."
ZOE
I'm seeing nothing, that's a nat 1.
RIK
Perception, yeah?
ROVER
Kol's also staying at the table, or is Kol going with?
MIKE
No, I'm staying at the table.
ALYSSA
Ok, nevermind, I'm gonna –
ROVER
Got it.
ALYSSA
Actually, no, she's gonna stay at the table. She's gonna stay at the table. She doesn't know what's going on, so she's like "Lalala".
MIKE [as KOL]
Oh god, I get the loud one.
RIK
15.
ROVER
Aleks?
ZOE
1.
[Rik gasps]
ROVER
1, ok.
ZOE
Yep.
ROVER
Amazing, so...
RIK
(High-pitched) Why? Why? My backup.
ZOE
I roll high on the stupidest situations.
ROVER
So Kol mentioned a name tag. Aleks, you're pretty sure there is no name tag. What is Kol even talking about? Does Kol even know this person? Pierre in the meantime, Carl is – when you guys are getting near – pushing a what you think is a missing person poster to the side, turning it around and just answering, like,
ROVER [as CARL]
Yep? How can I help you?
RIK
So, we see that slightly happening.
ROVER
You see that slightly happening.
ZOE
I don't even see the name tag.
RIK
Yeah, yeah, ok, ok. Can I try something? May be a little risky.
ROVER
You can try something, absolutely.
RIK
Can I try to reach out for his arm and stop him from pushing it under the... whatever.
ROVER
Give me a... I know this normally isn't useful, but I think it might be handy. Give me a Slight of Hand check.
[Dice thumps]
RIK
That would be a 14.
ROVER
14. Let's see.
[More dice thumps]
You get his arm... the moment the paper is turned around, that's only when you get his arm.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Say, mate, whatcha you there?
ROVER [as CARL]
'Scuse me. That's none of your business.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Ah, see, you've been looking over at us for quite a while and been writing. Uh, are we interesting to you somehow?
ROVER
He is looking at you, but then he's looking past you at Aleks.
ROVER [as CARL]
Not really.
RIK
Do I notice that he is?
ROVER
You do notice that, yeah.
ROVER [as CARL]
Listen man.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Hmm?
ROVER [as CARL]
If you want coffee, I will bring you coffee. (Firm) Let go of my hand.
RIK
He will let go, slowly, of his hand.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Say, if it's about my, uh, my friend here, you can just say so to their face.
ROVER
While this is happening, door opens –
[Door opens, bell dings]
– and a human walks past you guys. Aleks, give me another Perception check with disadvantage, because you rolled a natural 1. And you are so –
[Dice clacks]
– looking for where this name tag is.
[Laughter]
ZOE
Like, (Dramatically) "How did they know his name? I don't get it!"
ALYSSA
Staring at this man's chest, like –
ROVER
You're very –
[More laughter]
ZOE
Wait, Perception, right?
ROVER
Yes, with disadvantage.
ZOE
And with disadvantage.
ROVER
So, you roll 2 D20s and you take the lowest one.
ZOE
That is a 16. Got a 17 and an 11.
ROVER
Wow!
ZOE
Yeah!
ROVER
So... Ok. Ok, great. Pierre, continue.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Listen. If this is concerning the party I'm with, please voice your concerns.
RIK
And he looks him dead in the eyes.
ROVER
Meanwhile, while this is happening, Aleks, you notice that the person that is walking past you guys towards the table where you guys are sitting, has a chest piece on their clothing. And he just goes,
ROVER [as CARL]
That is none of your business. We do not have to have this conversation. I do not have to go into a conversation with your friend.
ROVER
If you want to, you can give me a Persuasion check.
RIK
I'll do a dang Persuasion check.
[Dice rolls]
Ok, 15.
ROVER
And he stares you dead in the eye and then scoffs.
RIK
Can I say something before?
ROVER
Yeah, absolutely, go for it. Sorry.
RIK
He gives the most, like.. he's staring at this man.
MIKE
Can I roll Perception from the table just to keep an eye on whatever the fuck is going on here?
ROVER
Go for it.
MIKE
Wonderful.
RIK [as PIERRE]
I don't wanna make it anything bigger than it has to be. You know, that's why I came over, and... The wild hand-grabbing there, but, uh, I wanted to talk.
MIKE
It's a dirty 21.
ROVER
(Chuckles) You see all of this happening. With the Perception check, you hear this happening, even.
ZOE
Before Carl answers, can I…
ROVER
Mmhmm.
ZOE
Lovely. I grab Pierre's shoulder to slightly step back from the counter and turn him to me.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
(Quietly) Pierre, you need to drop this now.
[People’s chatter in the background ends]
And not only do you need to drop this, but we also need to leave. Now.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Wh– What makes you say that?
ZOE [as ALEKS]
I have my reasons, but I cannot stay here.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Voice your reason and we'll go.
ZOE [as ALEKS]
Can't do that.
RIK
How – How is Aleks looking at me right now?
ZOE
Panicky. Like, very desperate.
RIK
I will notice his panic, nod in agreement.
RIK [as PIERRE]
Ok. We'll go.
RIK
And he turns around, not even waiting for the bartender's answer.
ROVER
Carl's just standing there, hand on the paper and was going to give it, heard you guys having this conversation and keeps it. Immediately pushes it away again. And is like,
ROVER [as CARL]
Enjoy your coffee.
ROVER
The person that walked past, now going toward the table where Yitri and Kol are. This is a... say... he's a little bit taller than Kol would be. He has short, brown hair. A thick beard. And he puts his hands on the table, and is like,
ROVER [as STRANGER]
You guys looking for anyone? Pretty sure I was supposed to contact a certain group. Now you guys are the only group here. Suppose those two at the counter are with you guys.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
I mean, everyone's kinda looking for something, I don't know. Gotta be a little more specific than that.
MIKE
Kol looks around the coffeeshop and, I assume, notices this coffeeshop is now empty, right?
ROVER
Yeah.
MIKE
Kol looks over at Yitri and then up at this person who has just walked in. And is like,
MIKE [as KOL]
That depends. You from Manchester University?
ROVER [as STRANGER]
Very correct there.
MIKE [as KOL]
Oooh. I see. You must be Elowyn.
ROVER [as ELOWYN]
Exactly.
ROVER
And he... he slides on the couch for the table and he leans his arms on the table and is like,
ROVER [as ELOWYN]
So... this is the group we are supposed to lead through the University to find... the missing crownsmith. Correct?
MIKE [as KOL]
Mmhmm. Yes. These were the professionals that we sent to me.
[Rover chuckles]
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Don't say professionals like that. You're acting like we're not actually professionals.
ROVER [as ELOWYN]
I mean, you aren't, are you?
MIKE
Kol doesn't even, like, look. He's just focused on Elowyn.
ROVER
Uhm, both Yitri and Kol will also know that on... they are wearing this denim, black jacket with a patch on the arm which is a – a chest piece. And Pierre and Aleks can also see that this person has now joined the table that you guys were at. And they go,
ROVER [as ELOWYN]
You guys aren't professionals. You guys are hardly anywhere near the word 'professional'.
MIKE
Kol puts his hand up.
ROVER
Mmhmm.
MIKE
Like, gesturing. Without looking, says,
MIKE [as KOL]
Show 'em, Yitri.
ALYSSA
(Stutters) Can I roll to see if I understand what you mean? (Laughs) I don't know what I'd roll. I think I know what you mean, but I don't –
ROVER
You can absolutely roll and then I would also like an explanation, yes.
ALYSSA
Ok, what do I roll? (Laughs) I'm not sure... Would that be an Insight?
ROVER
Uhm... Yeah, give me... You know what? Give me an Insight. Yeah, absolutely.
[Laughter]
ALYSSA
Cause I – I think I know what it is. Cause why else would you... Cause either I'm beating this guy's ass, or I'm giving him the gun. And either way, I'm good with doing it.
[Mike laughs]
ROVER
Go for it.
ALYSSA
I have a negative 1 to Insight, so let's see how this goes.
ALYSSA
I got a 3.
MIKE
Oh god.
[Laughter]
ZOE
Oh no.
ROVER
A 3 on the dice or a 3 in total?
ALYSSA
3 in total, I have a negative 1 to – (laughs)
ROVER
Amazing.
MIKE
Can I give some context to this?
ROVER
Yes.
ALYSSA
(Laughing) Please!
MIKE
Kol is, like, testing the water –
[Alyssa laughs]
– to see how professional these people are. Because there are certain things that you can say and there are certain things that you can't. But people, usually, will understand, so he's like, you know, in his mind he's like, "Ok, these people are professionals. If I say "show them", what I mean is; "show them the merchandise. Show them what we've got.""
ALYSSA
Ok. So that was my first thought. Should I go with my second thought and beat this guy up? I'm kidding, no, I don't wanna do that, actually. I am going to kill Yitri in 2 seconds.
MIKE
Listen.
ALYSSA
I'm not doing that.
MIKE
The dice have spoken. (Chuckles) It's up to you, man.
ROVER
You think Elowyn and Kol are planning something. And if they are both calling you guys 'not professionals', they might try to kill you guys now.
ALYSSA
Ok. So she's gonna be like... she's gonna kinda, like, look at Kol and kind of gesture to her pouch, and give a thumbs up, like, a nod and like "if that's what you mean", kind of thing. Trying to be subtle about it, but since I rolled a 3, it's not subtle.
MIKE
You see Kol's beak turn slightly towards you and he just slowly blinks.
ALYSSA
She takes that as a yes. And then goes,
MIKE [as KOL]
Yes.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh, ok, yeah.
MIKE [as KOL]
Show them that.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Well, yeah, but we're in the middle of a coffeeshop.
ALYSSA
And then she's gonna take it out and she's gonna be like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Sorry, just wanted to make sure, uhm...
ALYSSA
And she kinda slides it underneath the table, so she's not pulling out a gun in a public place, cause at least she knows not to do that. And kind of is like,
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
We found this and the other two have some papers as well. But, I think they're kinda busy... No, they're not busy. I'm gonna go get them. You have fun with... Not have fun. You take this, I'll be right back.
ALYSSA
And she's gonna get up and she's gonna –
ROVER
Elowyn puts their hand on your shoulder immediately when you try to get up.
MIKE
So does Kol.
ALYSSA [as YITRI]
Oh. Ok, I'm definitely not going anywhere. (Laughs)
MIKE
Yep, you have a hand on each shoulder –
ALYSSA
Fuck!
MIKE
– and we just push you back down into the chair without saying a single word.
ROVER
So give me... I will say, Aleks and Pierre, you guys can... You notice this. Carl, on the other hand, walks behind the counter to the front door, locks the door.
ALYSSA
Fucking Carl!
RIK
Son of a fucking bitch!
ALYSS
Fuck!
ZOE
That guy has a name?!
RIK
(Laughing) He has a name, he –
ALYSSA
He has a name!
MIKE
(Dramatically) He has a name!
RIK
Dear god!
ROVER
Now, before anything else happens, before we talk about the gun, Elowyn reaches into his pocket, pulls out a piece of paper, unfolds it, slides it in front of Yitri and Kol and it is a... missing person's poster with Aleks' face on it. It seems to be from a couple.. a couple months to maybe a year ago. They are, like,
ROVER [as ELOWYN]
Before we get started, I need to know if this is one of the people that you are working with.
ROVER
And with that, that's where we're gonna end this episode of Remains To Be Seen.
RIK
Oh my god!
ALYSSA
God!
MIKE
What?!
ZOE
Ro, I hate you so much.
RIK
Why now?
MIKE
What? You. You!
[Laughter]
You evil man!
ALYSSA
See? Evil! Evil, sick, and twisted. But also –
RIK
I second that.
ALYSSA
– I am getting Yitri killed. I am gonna get Yitri killed. She's gonna fucking die.
ZOE
I feel like Yitri's getting me killed.
RIK
Uh, mayhaps.
[Laughter]
ALYSSA
Look, if anything they're gonna kill... they're gonna...
ZOE
Honestly.
ALYSSA
Here's the thing, I'm gonna pray... I'm just gonna not talk for the rest of that interaction, cause she's embarrassed.
[Laughter]
So she's gonna just, like –
ROVER
Alright.
ALYSSA
smile and nod.
ROVER
Absolutely. Well. You know, what happens next remains to be seen. Thank you all so much for listening. And we'll see you in the next one. Buh-bye!
ZOE
Buh-Bye!
MIKE
(High-pitched) Bye!
RIK
Buh-bye!
ALYSSA
Bye! Help me, I'm gonna die.
MIKE
(High-pitched) Thanks!
[Show outro plays]
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 Mees Verkade and Jo Mendacium. It starred:
Rik den Breejen as Pierre Ardoise
Mike LeBeau as Koltrast
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.