Play@YSDC

Posted: **Mon Feb 01, 2021 11:04 pm**

All of you have reawakened back in Berlin, to what appears a normal morning. Since Alex works with Elsie, Karl with Helmut, and Max with Louis, you are all able to confirm that the dream of the preceding night was a shared one.

Posted: **Tue Feb 02, 2021 12:42 am**

Alex stood in his usual spot, polishing glasses behind the bar and keeping a eye on their customers. As Elsie moved in his direction to pour one of them a drink, he said to her, ”Have you ever experienced anything like that before? I mean, I’ve had dreams so life-like that I’ve woken up not knowing where the dream ended and real life began, but last night...” His voice trailed off. He wasn’t sure how to begin to explain it.

After a moment, he said, ”But you were there too! And you remember being there - you have the same memories of the dream that I do! How is that even possible?”

Posted: **Tue Feb 02, 2021 1:19 am**

Karl fiddles with his pipe, wishing that he hadn’t given up tobacco during the war.

“Perhaps others have experienced this phenomenon” he tells Helmut. “Do you think it’s worthwhile searching the university library?”

Posted: **Tue Feb 02, 2021 3:53 am**

Max is rehearsing the final fight scene in the film Der Werwolf, in which he (of course) plays the hero, Gunther. Louis is playing the titular lycanthrope in this scene. It's even easier to hide his lack of resemblance to the actor who usually portrays the monster due to the getup he wears to appear as it. Gunther has tracked the beast to its lair, where it holds captive the lovely Elspeth, whom he will get to kiss after he rescues her. But first he must battle the werewolf in a desperate and deadly-looking but carefully choreographed combat. During a break in the rehearsal, Max fills in Louis on the voyage so far. "If you've changed your mind," he says, "the next time you're in Hlanith, you can find another ship headed for Kadatheron and catch up with us eventually. As a dreamer, you'll be allowed entry."

Posted: **Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:32 am**

Philulhu wrote:After a moment, he said, ”But you were there too! And you remember being there - you have the same memories of the dream that I do! How is that even possible?”

"I don't know," she says. "But if it was real for us both, it must have been real for all the others as well. And maybe more people too."

Posted: **Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:34 am**

HoneyDog wrote:“Perhaps others have experienced this phenomenon” he tells Helmut. “Do you think it’s worthwhile searching the university library?”

"I good idea, but should we begin in science, psychology, or religion?" Helmut asks. "Or search for some polymath who has studied them all?"

Posted: **Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:38 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:During a break in the rehearsal, Max fills in Louis on the voyage so far. "If you've changed your mind," he says, "the next time you're in Hlanith, you can find another ship headed for Kadatheron and catch up with us eventually. As a dreamer, you'll be allowed entry."

"I suppose anyone overhearng us must think we are discussing another film!" Louis says, as a nearby set hand looks at Max and frowns slightly.

Posted: **Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:47 am**

"Perhaps we have an expert residing here" says Karl. "I would hazard, an expert in psychoanalysis, or perhaps mythology?"

Posted: **Wed Feb 03, 2021 3:29 am**

"You know, I could try my hand at writing up a screenplay," says Max. "It should prove to be an interesting story. It may seem strange to viewers, but I think that would be a strong selling point. It could be done in the modern Expressionist style. I could star in it too. I'd have to convince the studio to take a chance on it, but it could pay off tremendously. There wouldn't be another film like it."

Posted: **Wed Feb 03, 2021 11:28 am**

Alex sighed and put the glass down on the bar. ”Well, we were there. And Max and Karl...” He shook his head. “It makes no sense to me. Do you think it’s going to happen again? I got the impression it had happened before but this was the first time that I was really conscious of it.”

”And we’re somehow able to manipulate things there, just by thinking about them...” He shook his head again. He couldn’t get his head around it.

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 2:53 am**

HoneyDog wrote:"Perhaps we have an expert residing here" says Karl. "I would hazard, an expert in psychoanalysis, or perhaps mythology?"

The most prominent psychiatric foundation the Kaiser Wilhelm Society, founded by Dr Emil Kraepelin - Kraepelin himself lives in Munich, but you can find an institute a short way outside Berlin. Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung are famous of course, but they live in Switzerland and London at the moment.

Scholars of mythology and history can be found at the Ethnological Museum on Königsgrätze Straße.

Academic books on all these subjects can be found at the Prussian State Library, to which you both have access.

For physics, you have no lesser colleague at the Academy than Albert Einstein, Nobel Laureate in quantum theory and architect of the theories of relativity. Although you yourselves are well versed in the subject, so what he can add may be limited.

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 2:55 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"You know, I could try my hand at writing up a screenplay," says Max. "It should prove to be an interesting story. It may seem strange to viewers, but I think that would be a strong selling point. It could be done in the modern Expressionist style. I could star in it too. I'd have to convince the studio to take a chance on it, but it could pay off tremendously. There wouldn't be another film like it."

"You should do it!" Louis exclaims. "Just don't cast me as an, erm, duelist."

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 3:02 am**

Philulhu wrote:“It makes no sense to me. Do you think it’s going to happen again? I got the impression it had happened before but this was the first time that I was really conscious of it.”

”And we’re somehow able to manipulate things there, just by thinking about them...” He shook his head again. He couldn’t get his head around it.

"I had the same feeling. I think it will- Oh!"

At her exclamation, you can see one of the gathered artists holding up a sketch to show the group. You can see it from the bar, and it strongly resembles Hlanith, specifically the streets near the Manticore's Feather. Several of them are responding with scorn - you hear one saying "Expressionism is on the way out. The New Objectivity is the future of art" - which a few other patrons also greet with scorn. The debate still seems good natured for now.

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:22 am**

"Don't worry, I'll cast you as a character much like yourself," says Max with a wink, already embracing the idea. "I wonder if we could get Fritz Lang to direct. I've worked with him before, and he'd be perfect for this."

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:34 am**

"Let's check the library" says Karl. "Look for any references to the places we visited and heard about."

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 8:35 pm**

Alex stepped out from behind the bar and approached the table so he could get a better look at the painting.

”That’s interesting,” he said to the artist, trying to keep the tone of his voice neutral. “Where did you paint it?”

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 2:57 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"Don't worry, I'll cast you as a character much like yourself," says Max with a wink, already embracing the idea. "I wonder if we could get Fritz Lang to direct. I've worked with him before, and he'd be perfect for this."

You're called back for the next take. The thought of writing a screenplay must be good for you, because you're on fire. The director thanks his lucky stars that the cameras were rolling despite it being a rehearsal, and means to use this take in the film itself.

On the next break, Louis rejoins you and asks what the story will be. "Kidnappers like the Dotherites?"

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 3:13 am**

HoneyDog wrote:"Let's check the library" says Karl. "Look for any references to the places we visited and heard about."

Unfortunately both psychology and mythology are replete with volumes focussing on dreams. However, consultation with one of the librarians reminds him of a book that has been consulted recently - thus it's fresh in his mind - a German translation of a French book, Les Domaines de Rêves, which roughly translates as "domains of dreams." The book is not available to be loaned, so it's still in the library. He's happy to get it for you.

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 3:16 am**

Philulhu wrote:”That’s interesting,” he said to the artist, trying to keep the tone of his voice neutral. “Where did you paint it?”

"That's the strange part. I painted it in my sleep two nights ago. Too many new cocktails at the nightclubs, vielleicht."

"No wonder," replies the champion of New Objectivity. "True art should show the real, not dreams."

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 4:14 am**

Finding an hour to spare before lunch, Karl opens the book and begins to read.

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 4:54 am**

"That's how it would start," says Max. "Then the sea voyage to Kadatheron. After that, well, I'll have to see what dreams inspire next. That was a great climax to the movie we just filmed! I'm sure the audience will love it. I'll try to make the scene where I rescue Elspeth just as good. I'm really looking forward to that one."

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 7:15 pm**

”I guess,” said Alex, not quite able to take his eyes from the painting. He looked closer, to see if there was anything he recognised.

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 2:35 am**

HoneyDog wrote:Finding an hour to spare before lunch, Karl opens the book and begins to read.

It seems to be a dream diary by a man named Étienne Martel between 1912 and 1915 - the foreword to the translation says he died in WW1, and the book was found by a German soldier Franz Thiem, who made the translation - he retained the French title as a mark of one soldier's respect to another.

It's written in the manner of a travelogue, and mentions several places you heard of in your sojourn in the Dreamlands. At first, Martel dreamed of a town called Ulthar, which seemed to be a quaint rural village. He travelled away from it, and found himself in Hlanith, and thereafter that is where he appeared when he dreamed - his description doesn't quite tally with what you saw - he depicts it as a place built of granite and oak, whose taverns are all located near the docks, by the sound of it a bit nearer than the Manticore's Feather was. Skimming ahead, you see him mention a journey to Dother via a trading caravan - he describes it as a small city, but thriving. You don't see any mention of Kadatheron, although a few other places are described.
The librarian is apologetic that he can't allow it to be loaned out, but you're welcome to re-peruse it at any time. It's been quite popular lately, so everyone at the library knows how to lay hands on it quickly.

Helmut has been far less successful, getting lost in an examination of Carl Gustav Jung's writings. Though he writes a "collective unconscious" - which is what attracted Helmut's attention - he couldn't find anything pertinent.

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 2:37 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"That's how it would start," says Max. "Then the sea voyage to Kadatheron. After that, well, I'll have to see what dreams inspire next. That was a great climax to the movie we just filmed! I'm sure the audience will love it. I'll try to make the scene where I rescue Elspeth just as good. I'm really looking forward to that one."

"Why am I not surprised," Louis grins. "Well, back to the grindstone for me." The rest of the day's shooting involves extras and stunts, so Max has the rest of the day to himself.

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 2:42 am**

Philulhu wrote:”I guess,” said Alex, not quite able to take his eyes from the painting. He looked closer, to see if there was anything he recognised.

You don't recognise the exact street - assuming it is an exact street - but it clearly evokes the neighbourhood of the Manticore's Feather. There are a few figures to be seen, displaying the same dichotomy of vagueness while on the street and clarity when seen through windows or doorways that you remember from when you first arrived.

"Do you like it?" the artist asks. "You can have it if you like. It's not my usual style, I don't think I'll be able to sell it."

The New Objectivity enthusiast opens his mouth, but seems to think better of whatever he was about to say.

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 3:47 am**

With some time to himself, Max decides to spend it at the Cafe Braun.

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 3:23 pm**

Karl makes some notes, then talks Helmut into joining him for lunch at Cafe Braun, hoping to see some of their dreaming acquaintances.

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 4:11 pm**

Alex looked at the painting some more. It, err, reminds me of somewhere I’ve been recently...” he said, his eyes flicking to the artist’s face, to see if there was any recognition of having experienced a similar thing.

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 2:01 am**

Philulhu wrote:Alex looked at the painting some more. It, err, reminds me of somewhere I’ve been recently...” he said, his eyes flicking to the artist’s face, to see if there was any recognition of having experienced a similar thing.

The artist betrays no sign of recognition, but one of the others in the group - a young man Alex thinks has been to Cafe Braun's night openings - looks up sharply at his words.

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 2:10 am**

HoneyDog wrote:Karl makes some notes, then talks Helmut into joining him for lunch at Cafe Braun, hoping to see some of their dreaming acquaintances.

It's an easy tram ride from the vicinity of the library to that of Cafe Braun. Shortly before alighting you pass a stand set up by the brownshirts of the SA, an unsettling reminder of Germany's political instability. Helmut remarks that he is glad they do not enjoy much support in Berlin itself.

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 2:15 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:With some time to himself, Max decides to spend it at the Cafe Braun.

It's a bus ride from the studio to the vicinity of Cafe Braun - after the Dreamlands and then the film studio the normality of the passengers seems almost strange. You arrive at the cafe to see Elsie behind the bar and Alex in conversation with a group of customers.

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 2:39 am**

"Guten Tag," says Max as he strides up to the bar with a smile on his face. "How are you doing?"

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 1:16 pm**

Alex locked eyes with the young man. ’It does look strangely familiar...”, looking for further acknowledgment that he also had experienced that unexplainable shared dream.

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:01 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"Guten Tag," says Max as he strides up to the bar with a smile on his face. "How are you doing?"

"Hello," she smiles. "Welcome back. How... did they keep their word?"

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:02 am**

Philulhu wrote:Alex locked eyes with the young man. ’It does look strangely familiar...”, looking for further acknowledgment that he also had experienced that unexplainable shared dream.

The young man nods slightly.

"I wonder if I saw it on a poster somewhere," the artist says.

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:03 am**

Karl and Helmut arrive at this point.

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:10 am**

"So far," says Max. "I had a great day on set today. You should watch Der Werwolf when it's released. It's going to be spectacular! And I had an idea to write my own screenplay, one inspired by dreams."

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:55 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"So far," says Max. "I had a great day on set today. You should watch Der Werwolf when it's released. It's going to be spectacular! And I had an idea to write my own screenplay, one inspired by dreams."

"You mean dreams of Hlanith? You might not be the only one inspired so." She nods in the direction of Alex, where Max can see an artist holding up a sketch of what looks like a street in the neighbourhood of the Manticore's Feather."

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 3:33 am**

"I'll have to take a look at that," says Max. "Excuse me for a bit." He goes over to examine the sketch.

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 5:24 am**

"It looks like everyone is here" Karl says to Helmut. He walks over to the others.

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 11:53 am**

”That’s a possibility,” replied Alex, looking back to the artist. “Well, if you don’t want it, I’ll take it. It’s certainly a talking point.’ A glance to the young man suggested that he’s be interested in talking about this place that both of them seemed to have experienced.

He took the picture and thanked the artist. ‘I’ll get you a drink,” he said. “What would you like?”

Posted: **Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:56 am**

"Schnapps, bitte," the artist replies. Helmut takes the chance to buy a round for himself, Karl and Max, as well as Alex and Elsie if they can drink on the job (no one's going to fire them if they do).

The champion of New Objectivity pipes up again, citing alcohol as an appropriate price for an Expressionist sketch, and the gathered artists begin debating the merits of the two schools.

Posted: **Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:06 am**

"Danke," says Max. He listens to the debate with interest while he drinks his schnapps. While he's familiar with and admires Expressionism, a style used in some of his films, he doesn't really know much about New Objectivity and wants to learn more about it.

Posted: **Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:08 am**

"Do you have any more paintings like this?" Karl asks the artist.

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 3:27 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:While he's familiar with and admires Expressionism, a style used in some of his films, he doesn't really know much about New Objectivity and wants to learn more about it.

From the sound of the debate, it's mostly confined to painting and literature so far, though it's branching out - its core is an unflinchingly realistic portrayal of violent and degrading themes - it began among war veterans coming to terms with the things they'd seen and done on the Front. Its chief proponent in this gathering frequently praises an artist called Otto Dix for two series of paintings called Der Krieg (The War) and Lustmord (Lust Murder), and claims it exposes the hollow nature of Berlin's party life - the latter is greeted with a rejoinder that it hasn't stopped him from taking part in said party life.

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 3:28 am**

HoneyDog wrote:"Do you have any more paintings like this?" Karl asks the artist.

"Nein, only this one. It is not my usual style. I prefer nature."

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 3:58 am**

Max has seen enough violent and degrading things in the war himself, and he has no desire to look at more. Besides, he enjoys Berlin's party life too. He definitely agrees more with the proponents of Expressionism, though he does not voice this. There is no point to alienating half of the crowd when he would much rather be everyone's friend.

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 4:15 am**

"May I ask why you chose this subject, then?" says Karl.

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2021 1:52 am**

HoneyDog wrote:"May I ask why you chose this subject, then?" says Karl.

"I painted it in my sleep, strange to say."

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2021 1:53 am**

Philulhu wrote:He took the picture and thanked the artist. ‘I’ll get you a drink,” he said. “What would you like?”

The young man follows Alex to the bar, ostensibly to buy a round for some of his friends. Once out of earshot of the gathering, he whispers, "You have been there too?"

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2021 11:20 am**

Alex gave the man a sharp look, then checked to see whether they were being overheard. ”Yeah,” he said quietly. “A few of us found ourselves there last night. Some sort of crazy dream world, but one where we’re all together, and we all remember the same details the next day.”

“We started in a bar and Elsie,” he nodded almost imperceptibly towards the barmaid, “Was kidnapped. Some guy who said she was a ‘dreamer’ planned to put her on a boat and take her to a temple or some such nonsense. I reckon he planned to heading to the slave market, to be honest!” He glanced across Elsie, checking she was ok.

Alex looked back at the young man. “You said ‘you’ve been there too’ so clearly you’ve been there as well. What did you see?”

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:02 am**

Philulhu wrote:Alex looked back at the young man. “You said ‘you’ve been there too’ so clearly you’ve been there as well. What did you see?”

"A city like the one Jürgen drew" - he nods toward the artist - "the street was full of nightclubs. There wasn't much outside, so I went in one. It was like a cabaret - a lot of transvestites, but I just drank and they didn't bother me any. When it got light I went out and started looking around. Most people just seemed to be walking around like extras in a film, not really doing anything, you know? Then I got to church - something like a church anyway - I thought about going in, but that's when I woke up. I thought it was just a dream until I saw Jürgen's picture. I'm Wilhelm, by the way."

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:04 am**

At this point the crowd of artists has become engrossed enough in their debate that the drinks can be delivered to their destinations and Alex, Karl and Max can confer without seeming rude. Helmut joins them, along with the young man Alex was speaking to, who introduces himself as Wilhelm. Elsie does as well, though she keeps an eye on the bar in case someone needs anything.

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 4:43 am**

Max gathers with the others. "Extras in a film walking around?" says Max. "Now that's something with which I'm very familiar. I'm Max von Kleist." He holds out his hand to shake Wilhelm's.

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:08 pm**

Karl holds his hand out too.

"Maybe we share something in common, Herr Wilhelm?" he says with a smile.

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 6:01 pm**

Alex watched on, looking for any signs that any of the others around the table had experienced the night-time world.

Posted: **Sat Feb 13, 2021 2:24 am**

"It seems we do," Wilhelm says. "But I hear you all experienced more of an adventure than I. What happened to your poor friend," he adds, nodding in the direction of Elsie.

From what Alex can discern, the rest of the artists are only talking about the merits of the various schools of their craft - they only reference Jürgen's picture as an example of Expressionist work.

Both conversations are interrupted by an object crashing through the window. It's immediately followed by another, trailing sparks behind it. Alex and Karl recognise the second object as a petrol bomb while it's still in the air - you both get one action before it lands, as does Elsie. Max gets an action just after it lands. Helmut is completely blindsided.

Elsie is still on her feet and turns toward to the bar (where Alex knows there is a fire blanket).

From outside you hear a yell of "Degenerates!"

Posted: **Sat Feb 13, 2021 4:16 am**

Posted: **Sat Feb 13, 2021 7:02 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
OOC,Should I wait until it lands to post my action? The name Molotov cocktail comes from the 1939-40 WInter War between the USSR and Finland, so our characters wouldn't know it as such, but gasoline/petrol bombs probably existed before that.

Posted: **Sat Feb 13, 2021 7:12 am**

Karl screams "Look out!", and dives away from the bomb.

Posted: **Sat Feb 13, 2021 11:44 am**

”Move!” shouted Alex, dragging Elsie into cover behind the bar.

Posted: **Sun Feb 14, 2021 3:00 am**

Philulhu wrote:
OOC,I assume moving into cover would be my one action?

Posted: **Sun Feb 14, 2021 3:21 am**

You all briefly see a pair of figures outside, dressed in pale brown, before the bottle hits the ground and smashes - the contents ignite in what sounds as much like a thump than an explosion - shattered glass flies thoughout the bar.
Alex and Elise are shielded from the flying glass by the bar, though Alex hears a bottle break above his head. None of it hits Max or Karl either - but Helmut yells as several shards tear into his arm. Several of the artists scream in fear, a few in pain, so some are hit as well - however the rather densely packed group shields the few other customers in at the moment.

Fortunately, the bottle landed in a space that had been cleared when the artists pushed their tables together for their gathering. There is a pool of burning petrol - spreading but it hasn't reached any tables and chairs.

Everyone gets to act now, though Max's will resolve first.

Posted: **Sun Feb 14, 2021 4:27 am**

Max grabs an ice bucket and immediately places it upended over the pool of burning petrol. If the melting ice isn't enough to put out the fire, the overturned bucket should keep it from spreading and deprive it of the oxygen it needs to burn.

Posted: **Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:56 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:Max grabs an ice bucket and immediately places it upended over the pool of burning petrol. If the melting ice isn't enough to put out the fire, the overturned bucket should keep it from spreading and deprive it of the oxygen it needs to burn.

Call it a brawling roll. Looks like Max's action persona isn't entirely confined to the screen. Water, including ice, is unfortunately worse than useless for a petrol fire, but the bucket works to smother most of the burning pool. There's still a burning stream trailing off to one side, but by itself it will be easily manageable.

The two figures outside yell "Schwine!" at those inside - from Max's vantage point, he can see one of them is gearing up to throw something else.

Posted: **Sun Feb 14, 2021 3:27 pm**

“Damned brownshirts!”

Karl is filled with anger, which gets the better of his usual placid nature. He gets up and looks for something like a bottle or glass he can throw back at them.

Posted: **Sun Feb 14, 2021 4:51 pm**

Max whips out his Luger, his sidearm from the war that as an officer he was allowed to keep, and points it at the brownshirt about to throw what is apparently another one. If there's any chance that the bomb is already lit, he will not hesitate to fire. A firebomb is a deadly weapon, and they were lucky that nobody was killed by the first one.

Posted: **Sun Feb 14, 2021 9:15 pm**

”Grab the fire blanket!” Alex ordered Elsie, as he picked up the sand bucket and headed around the end of the bar, sprinkling sand over the flames.

”Send them packing!” he shouted to Max, seeing the brownshirts through the window.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 3:01 am**

HoneyDog wrote:“Damned brownshirts!”

Karl is filled with anger, which gets the better of his usual placid nature. He gets up and looks for something like a bottle or glass he can throw back at them.

There are glasses on the table and a clear line of sight past Max.
It doesn't hit either of the brownshirts - in the process of aiming, Karl confirms that's what they are - but it comes close enough that the one who is gearing up to throw the second bomb flinches.
Karl's throw distracts the second brownshirt long enough for Max to fire first.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 3:21 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:Max whips out his Luger, his sidearm from the war that as an officer he was allowed to keep, and points it at the brownshirt about to throw what is apparently another one. If there's any chance that the bomb is already lit, he will not hesitate to fire. A firebomb is a deadly weapon, and they were lucky that nobody was killed by the first one.

The second bomb is indeed lit. The bullet strikes the attacker in the chest, sending him down with a gurgling scream and burst of blood. Even from inside the cafe, Max can tell his survival is unlikely.

His bomb just drops down next to him. It still goes off, splashing its contents over his legs and setting light to his clothing. No scream this time.

The other brownshirt panics at this turn of events, and makes to flee - though Max can attempt another shot, or tell him to freeze should he desire.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 3:28 am**

Philulhu wrote:”Grab the fire blanket!” Alex ordered Elsie, as he picked up the sand bucket and headed around the end of the bar, sprinkling sand over the flames.

With the sand bucket, Alex is easily able to quell the remainder of the fire inside the cafe.

Sie haben gewonnen as they say.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 3:31 am**

Ears ringing from the gunshot, Karl rushes to attend to the injured Helmut.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:04 am**

HoneyDog wrote:Ears ringing from the gunshot, Karl rushes to attend to the injured Helmut.

Helmut has had some shards in the right arm - they have cut his skin, but are still partially lodged in the sleeve of his jacket - sliding the jacket off is likely to result in his being cut further - however if done carefully, cutting the sleeve open and peeling it off should remove most of the glass.

Half a dozen of the gathered artists were also hit with glass. Most of them are fairly superficial, but the one who painted the Hlanith street was hit in the face while a second is bleeding quite seriously from a cut in the wrist. Their fellows are tending them, but they will need medical attention.

Some bystanders are gathering outside, and everyone can hear the sounds of approaching police.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:40 am**

"Halt!" orders Max, aiming his Luger at the second brownshirt. Too bad there were no cameras rolling during all of this, he thinks.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:59 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"Halt!" orders Max, aiming his Luger at the second brownshirt. Too bad there were no cameras rolling during all of this, he thinks.

Having seen what just happened to his friend, he does indeed halt, raising his hands.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 5:19 am**

Max keeps his pistol trained on the brownshirt to keep him there until the police arrive.

Posted: **Mon Feb 15, 2021 10:53 am**

Alex kicked some sand over the last flickering flame and then went to check on the patrons. Asking Elsie to pass him the first aid kit from behind the bar, he approached the two more badly injured and started to apply first aid.

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2021 2:13 am**

Elsie provides some heavy scissors to Karl for the use on Helmut's sleeve.

Helmut philosophically says better his sleeve than his arm.

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2021 2:18 am**

Philulhu wrote:Alex kicked some sand over the last flickering flame and then went to check on the patrons. Asking Elsie to pass him the first aid kit from behind the bar, he approached the two more badly injured and started to apply first aid.

The artist will have some facial scarring - there's no preventing that. However, you're able to extract the glass, including a piece perilously close to his eye - when he realises that part, he unsurprisingly thanks you profusely.

You're able to bind up the bleeding one's wrist above the wound, which should stay there for a but - and apply a couple of stitches to the wound before bandagng it.

The others are mostly superficial and just need their cuts cleaning.

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2021 2:40 am**

Several members of the Kripo arrive soon after and collect statements from everyone. With the evidence of multiple eyewitnesses both in and outside the cafe, they can find no reason to doubt what happened, or care overmuch that a street thug throwing a firebomb was shot for it - so no one is going be charged over the death.

However,since 1920, it is illegal to privately own a gun in Germany (this will be relaxed in two years, but as of now...) Fortunately, the first policeman to enter the cafe recognises both Max's officer's bearing, and his face from the silver screen - he says that they will have to deal with the body and the suspect outside first, but when they return in a few minutes, they will have to search everyone present for the pistol - he then goes back outside, giving Max time to hand the gun off to Alex or Elsie to hide somewhere.

The surviving brownshirt is arrested, and the dead one carted away, with the "disappointing" news that whoever shot him eluded identification.

And the cafe is left to its devices.

The artists clear out once they are allowed to do so, though the few other customers remain. But for the moment, those aware of the Dreamlands are mostly alone.

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2021 4:19 am**

Max is happy to let Elsie play gun moll, and he resolves to make sure the nice officer from the Kripo gets tickets to the premiere of Der Werwolf. "I've heard of art imitating life," says Max, "but this is the first time I've seen it the other way around. What just happened was like something out of one of my films, only it was real. Or is life a dream as well?"

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2021 4:30 am**

"What do those dummkopf have against Cafe Braun, I wonder? Do we have a communist element here?" Karl muses.

Posted: **Wed Feb 17, 2021 8:57 am**

Alex paused in sweeping broken glass from the floor. ”They shouted ‘Degenerates’ before they threw that petrol bomb through the window,” he said. “They don’t like art they can’t understand, so I think that was the reason.”

He gripped the broom tighter and his knuckles whitened, highlighting a network of scars. “They don’t like communists either, but that wasn’t the reason for tonight’s attack.”

Posted: **Thu Feb 18, 2021 1:15 am**

Elsie returns Max's gun now it's safe. "Those two won't be attacking anyone else at least," she says.

"Can we help you board the window up until you can get the glass replaced?" Helmut asks. "My arm's still working well enough for that."

Posted: **Thu Feb 18, 2021 3:40 am**

"Danke," says Max, retrieving his pistol and putting it away. "I can help too. You'd think the brownshirts would like the New Objectivity, but it seems they prefer real violence."

Posted: **Thu Feb 18, 2021 11:13 am**

”I’ll see if we have any boards in the cellar,” said Alex. “I guess I’d better ring the boss and let him know what’s happened too.”

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 2:38 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"Danke," says Max, retrieving his pistol and putting it away. "I can help too. You'd think the brownshirts would like the New Objectivity, but it seems they prefer real violence."

"They like their violence glorious instead of bleak," Elsie puts in, a hollow tone in her voice.

"Karl made a discovery," Helmut says. "At the Prussian State Library."

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 3:20 am**

"That's right" says Karl. Referring to his notebook, he tells the others about the contents of the diary.

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 4:23 am**

"It seems that Hlanith has changed over time," says Max. "I wonder if it is because dreamers have used their power to change it. That could be what happened to the Dotherites. But whoever could have wrought such great changes must be very powerful and experienced."

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 5:12 am**

"That's a very interesting theory, Herr Max" says Karl. "And it poses the further question: why?"

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:14 pm**

”Why wouldn’t you, if you could?” retorted Alex from behind the bar. ”We’d get rid of those verdammt national socialists for starters!”

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 4:31 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"It seems that Hlanith has changed over time," says Max. "I wonder if it is because dreamers have used their power to change it. That could be what happened to the Dotherites. But whoever could have wrought such great changes must be very powerful and experienced."

HoneyDog wrote:"That's a very interesting theory, Herr Max" says Karl. "And it poses the further question: why?"

Philulhu wrote:”Why wouldn’t you, if you could?” retorted Alex from behind the bar. ”We’d get rid of those verdammt national socialists for starters!”

"Not everyone there is a dreamer from here," Wilhelm says. "Are the people of that world real, like us, with minds and souls of their own? And if so, what happens to them when we change things there?"

"Those in the Manticore's Feather seemed unaware that anything had changed at all," Helmut replies.

"The Dotherites knew something had changed," Elsie says. "That's why they wanted me."

Alex is able to find enough wooden boards to cover the broken window. Elsie delivers everyone a drink once the work is done, saying they're on her. (If anyone objects, she points out that you did all form a rescue party).

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 4:33 am**

"Let's just hope the National Socialists never get that kind of power," says Max. "If they did, they could get rid of us."

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 7:15 am**

Karl accepts the drink gratefully.

"When we return, let us question the Dotherites more closely, and try and find out what has been going on - and if there is some parallel with our world."

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 1:09 pm**

”I have no wish to go back, but I don’t think we’re going to have much choice about it, are we?” said Alex wearily. Why on earth did we get dragged into this?”

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 8:12 pm**

"Perhaps we can find the answers to these questions when we reach Kadatheron," says Max.

Posted: **Sun Feb 21, 2021 7:19 am**

"I wonder why this is happening now," Elsie muses. "The book Herr Giger found made it sound like an idyll."

"I agree with Karl," Helmut says. "They seem to be somewhat aware of changes to the Dreamlands, but they are still seeking answers of their own. What they do and don't know may be indicative."

Posted: **Sun Feb 21, 2021 1:38 pm**

Alex looked at Max. ”That means going on that boat, doesn’t it,” he said.

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 12:49 am**

"Yes, it does," says Max. "I expect that's where I'll be when I dream again."

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 1:19 am**

"Let us hope that the journey is uneventful!" says Karl. "There's been enough excitement for one night."

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 2:07 am**

"There certainly has," Helmut says. "It will be interesting to see whether I am still injured in my dream. That will tell us something about the place's level of reality."
"Should we try to find each other in Hlanith tonight?" Wilhelm aks Alex and Elsie.
Elsie answers that it probably won't be hard - "We all appeared together last time. Now we've met you, you probably will too."

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 3:14 am**

"Karl and I will most likely be together as well," says Max. "We'll have to wait until we awaken before our two groups can compare notes again."

Posted: **Tue Feb 23, 2021 7:19 am**

The rest of day passes without further bombs or fights, until nightfall comes.

Max and Karl: As you predicted, you and Helmut reappear on the Dotherites' ship - indeed it feels as if you are waking up in your impromptu cabin. Clearly some time must have passed, because you are approaching another shoreline. The Dotherites sailing the ship bid you good morning - their manner shows none of the confusion you might associate with your having disappeared, nor surprise consistent with you reappeaing.
At some point, while you are alone, Helmut wonders if you all unconsciously changed the Dotherite's perceptions to smooth over gaps in your presence - or perhaps there was no gap, and you all continue living in the Dreamlands even while awake, and it only your twin selves' perceptions that periodically align.

Before long, you see a city - presumably the port of Thraa that was mentioned. As you grow closer, it reminds you of pictures you've seen of Alexandria in Egypt, though a mingling of all the Alexandrias in history - there are buildings that remind you of nothing so much as Ptolomaric Egypt, intermingled with Mediaeval Arabic architecture, and more modern Colonial structures. The docks are great stone wharves - most of the ships are of similar design to the one the Dotherites are sailing. Even from the open water, there is a powerful scent of bread coming from the city, easily overpowering the smell of sea-brine, and leaving you all instantly hungry.

"Here we must dock and secure a river boat," one of the Dotherites says.

Alex: You find yourself on the same street in Hlanith where you first appeared. Once more the sky is dark, marked with white streaks, which turn the shadows of the granite and iron buildings deep and cold. This time however, you can more clearly see the people around you, though they are still doing little more than hurrying from one of the cabarets and clubs to another. Elise is beside you - she's wearing a party dress again, this time black, and has red, green, and blue coloured feathers tied into her night-black hair - she looks down at herself and says, "Am I always going to be dressed for the nightclubs when I get here?"

So far, you cannot see Wilhelm, or Louis or Friede, who always remained in Hlanith.

Posted: **Tue Feb 23, 2021 8:43 am**

"Certainly" Karl replies, looking about him in wonder. "Is it possible though to get something to eat? I'm famished."

Posted: **Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:44 am**

“It seems that way,” replied Alex. “Perhaps if we return again then you could dream that you are wearing something else.”

He looked around. There was no sign of Karl or Max so they were presumably on a boat somewhere. He also wanted to check that none of the Dotherites were hanging around, looking for another kidnap victim...

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 3:15 am**

HoneyDog wrote:"Certainly" Karl replies, looking about him in wonder. "Is it possible though to get something to eat? I'm famished."

"That befalls all who come here," one of the Dotherites replies. "It is said that Thraa's bread is the greatest in all the world."

As you approach you can see that the city is built on a great estuary - the river's course is split into many different channels separated by small islands, which are in turn connected by stone bridges. The sunlight seems staggeringly bright, but does not hurt your eyes the way it might in the waking world. The ship docks near the river - you can see all the usual business that would serve the waterfront, along with alleys leading further inland. The people are dressed in long tunics and loose trousers, and display the whole range of human hues and features.

Two of the Dotherites head off to find river transport - the others intend to buy more supplies, and offer to show you all the souq quarter where the bakeries are to be found.

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 3:24 am**

Philulhu wrote:“It seems that way,” replied Alex. “Perhaps if we return again then you could dream that you are wearing something else.”

"I'll try my best. Still... it's not all bad to wear something I could never afford in real life."

He looked around. There was no sign of Karl or Max so they were presumably on a boat somewhere. He also wanted to check that none of the Dotherites were hanging around, looking for another kidnap victim...

There are none on the street, and peering in through the metal filigreed windows of a few of the cabarets reveal none within.

You do see Louis and Friede dancing together in The Manticore's Feather. In the club next door to it, which doesn't appear to have a name, you see Wilhelm drinking alone.

Then you hear the sound of an engine, and a car passes by the end of the street - as it disappears from view, Elsie says, "I don't remember cars here before. Have you ever seen them?"

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:21 am**

Max tries to summon up a large feast for himself and his friends, but nothing happens. "I suppose dreaming of things to make them appear doesn't always work," he says. "Looks like we'll have to get our food the old-fashioned way and buy it, unless one of you wants to give it a try?"

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:58 am**

"No" says Karl. "But we could try to imagine some money."

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 4:45 pm**

”l don’t remember seeing any last time,” replied Alex. “Horse and carts, yes, but not motor vehicles. Shall we go and take a look?”

Offering his arm to Elise he set off down the street.

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 9:48 pm**

Mr. Handy wrote:
OOC,Do I still have my pistol in the dream,or a variant on it? If not, I will probably borrow points from that, and I think I'll take points from Drive Auto and Art/Craft(Acting) as well. I realize I could always use Dreamshaping to conjure a gun (or a car for that matter, as someone in Hlanith seems to have done), but it's unlikely to work. I'll have to think of what skills to add points to when I have time, but I'm pretty sure I want to add points to Swim.

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 10:02 pm**

HoneyDog wrote:"No" says Karl. "But we could try to imagine some money."

Whether by dreamshaping or the vagaries of the Dreamland's reality, Karl proves to have a supply of money on his person.

The Dotherites lead you down one of the alleys - the high walls on either side quickly turn the bright sunlight into cold shadow - likewise, the crowd and noise of the docks is replaced with solitude and silence. Only the ever-present smell of bread remains from your first impression of the city. Your path leads you round a few turnings, and over a bridge that crosses a narrow canal, its waters still and grey compared to the sparkling of the sea and main river.

But then crossing a second bridge takes you out into wide square crammed with market stalls, and lined with shop fronts, and bustling everywhere with people. Almost like a switch the sunlight is bathing you once more, and the voices of the traders and customers rises to a din.

"All the shops here are bakeries," one the Dotherites tells you. "Other goods are restricted to the stalls. Eat your fill and we will meet back here."

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 10:22 pm**

Philulhu wrote:”l don’t remember seeing any last time,” replied Alex. “Horse and carts, yes, but not motor vehicles. Shall we go and take a look?”

Offering his arm to Elise he set off down the street.

Elsie takes Alex's arm and walks with him.

At the turning where you saw the car, you see street signs made of iron with embossed lettering. The street with the Manticore's Feather is called the Leenstraße (though there is no immediate clue what "Leen" means) while the one crossing it is called the Tempelstraße (Temple Street) - on your last visit, the taxi-cart turned down Tempelstraße, thought the opposite way to the one the car was going - the street looks wider than you remember.

Looking in the direction the car went, you can see a few of them parked out the front of another cabaret. From this distance you can tell if the one you saw is one of them, but it didn't seem to be slowing down as it passed. The cars look normal enough in design, though they are painted in incongruously bright colours.

Posted: **Thu Feb 25, 2021 1:22 am**

”Well, that’s different,” commented Alex. “Let’s go and take a look.”

Leading Elise by the arm, he crossed over the road to look at the cars in more detail.

Posted: **Thu Feb 25, 2021 1:35 am**

Karl procures a supply of food, buying extra for the journey ahead.

Posted: **Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:15 am**

"I have some money from Hlanith as well," says Max. "I discovered this last time. I'll pay for my share."

Posted: **Fri Feb 26, 2021 12:23 am**

HoneyDog wrote:Karl procures a supply of food, buying extra for the journey ahead.

Mr. Handy wrote:"I have some money from Hlanith as well," says Max. "I discovered this last time. I'll pay for my share."

As well as plain bread, the bakers sell loaves that have meats, herbs, cheeses or vegetables baked into them. The taste of it all lives up to its scent - far better than anything available in Berlin, it leaves you feeling warm and invigorated inside.

A short while later, the Dotherites return with their own supplies. The route to the riverside docks is different from the one you took from the seafront. The alleys are no wider than before, but the shadows of the buildings are less cold - the sunshine still reaches you. They are still empty of other people besides your party.

The riverside docks are bright and bustling, with cargo being loaded and unloaded from barges - it occurs to you that it must be hard to get goods through the city's alleys. You catch up with the pair who were looking for river transport - they have procured a barge - once loaded they are ready to set off immediately.

Posted: **Fri Feb 26, 2021 12:34 am**

Philulhu wrote:”Well, that’s different,” commented Alex. “Let’s go and take a look.”

Leading Elise by the arm, he crossed over the road to look at the cars in more detail.

Up close, the impression of the cars' design is confirmed - all resemble common makes, though they don't have the logos or markers you would expect. They're painted almost like murals - one an abstract clash of colours you might find on a Dada painting, another in a multicoloured feathery pattern like a mythical bird's plumage, a third sporting a scene reminiscent of Hlanith's docks, while a fourth displays a cityscape that reminds you of Berlin.

"Who owns these?" Elsie wonders aloud. "Are dreamers making them?"

Posted: **Fri Feb 26, 2021 5:11 am**

"How long will it take us to reach our destination?" asks Max as he boards the barge.

Posted: **Sat Feb 27, 2021 9:56 pm**

Mr. Handy wrote:"How long will it take us to reach our destination?" asks Max as he boards the barge.

"Three, maybe four days," one of the Dotherites answers.

Posted: **Sat Feb 27, 2021 10:07 pm**

Alex and Elsie's inspection of the cars is interrupted by an eruption of raised voices from further down the street. A crowd seems to be gathering outside a large, ornate building. It's hard to make out the overlapping voices, but you can tell the commotion is about someone called "Meyernick." Alex can also pick out the voices of the artist from Cafe Braun who painted the picture of Hlanith, as well as the one who argued for New Objectivity.

A few people emerge from the cabaret to stare up the street at the din. One man makes hurriedly for one of the cars, the one painted like bird plumage, and clambers into it.

Posted: **Sat Feb 27, 2021 10:50 pm**

Posted: **Sun Feb 28, 2021 1:09 am**

”Something’s happening!” said Alex. “Let’s go take a closer look!’

Leading Elsie by the arm, he approached the two artists. “‘Abend,” he said as they got nearer. “What’s going on?”

Posted: **Sun Feb 28, 2021 3:44 pm**

Karl nudges Max's arm.

"Have you noticed that they never use names?" he whispers. "They never address each other. And they've never introduced themselves, nor asked our names. Pretty unusual, no?"

Posted: **Mon Mar 01, 2021 12:17 am**

"I hadn't noticed that," says Max, "but now that you mention it, it is odd. I think I've even been doing it myself while I'm here. Is it just the Dotherites, or did the people of Hlanith act the same way?"

Posted: **Mon Mar 01, 2021 1:41 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
OOC,I'll deduct 40 points each from Drive Auto and Firearms(Handgun), and I'll add 35 points to Swim (for a total of 55%) and 45 points to Survival (for a total of 55%).

Posted: **Mon Mar 01, 2021 1:41 am**

My original plan was to have the journey to Kadatheron and events in Hlanith happen sequentially, but since Alex chose not to go to Kadatheron, they're happening at once. So to make following the two plots easier, I've elected to split it into two threads until the next time you're reunited in Berlin.

Play@YSDC

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