This example of play takes another look at dialogue, and at how players can "edit" the GM's post to ensure their characters retain "free will."
Rackor and Vian have managed to recover the scroll, but cannot decipher its contents. In spite of Vian's objections, Rackor has decided to turn to Inster, a man with a reputation as a thief and assassin, for help. Rackor has stolen the scroll away from Vian and arranged a meeting with Inster. The GM responds by continuing the story with this post to Rackor. For the moment, she is keeping Vian in the dark so as to force him to decide on "rescuing" Rackor (or not) without the benefit of knowing just how things are going.
From: GM
To: Rackor
08/01/97 7:03pmInster surveys the street behind Rackor, confirming he has come alone. He nods in approval, "A man of his word, I see. Come inside." He turns and enters the tannery, closing and locking the door behind Rackor as he follows.
The room is sparsely furnished, but there are two stools amid the tanner's tools, working racks and tables. Inster sits on the one nearest the back door, which appears to lead to the river below the shop, while waving Rackor toward the one near the center of the room. "Sit; make yourself comfortable." Inster remains silent for a moment while staring at Rackor. The street sounds are loud, but the room is quiet enough that each man can hear the other's breathing. Inster breaks the silence, "I hear you have need of someone who can read the dead languages. I wonder why that would be?" He gives Rackor a questioning look, pausing before he continues. "The Church has a monopoly on such men, it seems; but I might know someone that could help you. But first, tell me why I should."
John checks his e-mail and gives the GM's post a careful read. He likes the way the conversation is going (it looks like Inster might help), but doesn't like the idea of Rackor getting bottled up inside the tannery. He decides he would be happier if the conversation were taking place in a more public setting. He decides to let the conversation play its course while trying to keep Rackor outside the tannery. His reply to the GM looks like this.
From: Rackor
To: GM
08/02/97 7:49pm>Inster surveys the street behind Rackor, confirming
>he has come alone. He nods in approval, "A man of his
>word, I see. Come inside."....... Rackor is quick to reply, "I'd just as soon we talked out here, Inster. It's not that I don't trust you; I just like to know I can leave when I'm ready." He moves off the street and stands close to the building, so that passers by are less likely to hear their quiet conversation.
>...but I might know someone that could help you. But first,
>tell me why I should."Rackor smiles, "It's simple; you'll learn what the scroll says even as we do. Your man can write it out for you in Harnic on a new scroll, and we'll make sure you get it as soon as it's complete. Since it is Harnic, we'll know what he's told you; and he stays with us until we're sure that he hasn't tried to mislead us - perhaps by trying to memorize what the scroll really says while writing out something else. In any case, you don't lose."
Rackor tries to gauge Inster's reaction as he speaks, then waits for a reply before continuing. "I could always turn to the Church; there is always some servant of The Lady who has more ambition than devotion..."
The GM reads through John's post carefully, then does some decision-making and die-rolling. She understands John's reluctance to let Rackor get trapped in the tannery. She firmly believes in letting the PC's exercise free-will and control over their characters and will not simply have Rackor accept the invitation over John's objections. Instead, she decides that if Inster really wanted Rackor inside she could have him summon a couple of bouncers and have Rackor "escorted" inside. However, that could lead to a brawl on the street if John decides to have Rackor object to being manhandled by fighting back and trying to escape. She decides it is not critical that Inster corner Rackor in the tannery, but decides he will want the conversation to occur off the street. Her next post looks like this.
From: GM
To: Rackor
08/03/97 5:16pmHi John,
A little nervous about getting trapped, eh? Okay, try this on for size...
------------->>Inster surveys the street behind Rackor, confirming
>>he has come alone. He nods in approval, "A man of his
>>word, I see. Come inside."....... >Rackor is quick to reply, "I'd just as soon we talked
>out here, Inster. It's not that I don't trust you; I
>just like to know I can leave when I'm ready." He
>moves off the street and stands close to the building,
>so that passers by are less likely to hear their quiet
>conversation.Inster gives Rackor another careful look, then turns to make eye contact with someone across the street, nodding as though signalling some intent. Rackor follows his gaze and spots a large man, with blonde hair cropped short in the Thardic style, nodding back in reply.
Inster turns his back on the man and begins walking towards the tavern at the corner. "Well enough; perhaps we can find someplace you'll feel more comfortable. Let's find something to drink in here while we talk." Inster leads the way into the inn, deliberately taking a seat that puts his back to the door, giving Rackor the seat that faces it. He throws two pence on the table and shouts for ale, waiting for it to be delivered before turning to the business at hand.
Inster was saying...
>>...but I might know someone that could help you. But first,
>>tell me why I should.">Rackor smiles, "It's simple; you'll learn what the scroll
> says even as we do. Your man can write it out for you in
>Harnic on a new scroll, and we'll make sure you get it as
>soon as it's complete. Since it is Harnic, we'll know what
>he's told you; and he stays with us until we're sure that he
>hasn't tried to mislead us - perhaps by trying to memorize
>what the scroll really says while writing out something else.
>In any case, you don't lose."
>
>Rackor tries to gauge Inster's reaction as he speaks, then waits
>for a reply before continuing...Inster smiles, "You're not a trusting fellow, are you?" He pauses to consider Rackor's proposal.
Rackor:
>"I could always turn to the Church; there is always
>some servant of The Lady who has more ambition than devotion..."Inster smiles again, "Not any that aren't already devoted to me." He laughs. "But you're right; I win no matter which way this plays out. Meet me here again tomorrow night, two hours after sunset. I'll have with me someone who can read the scroll. You come alone."
Inster stands and offers his hand to seal the deal before turning to leave the inn.
John reads through the GM's latest post, deciding he can be satisfied with the neutral public forum offered by the inn. He drafts up his next post and play continues from there.