Vasso Attempts to Stop the Fighting

Summary

In Session 7, Vasso climbs out of the underground canal and attempts to halt the escalating violence at the market stall. With Safia attacking the Pine Cone Man from above and Sucks Benedict on the ground, Vasso invokes his "I am the law" class move, calling out "Hey, everyone, stop in the name of all that is good." The roll results in an 8, giving the merchant three options: comply with Vasso's command, back away cautiously then flee, or attack. Faced with guards approaching the commotion and two more children emerging from the manhole, the Pine Cone Man makes an unexpected choice — rather than fleeing or turning the party in, he orders everyone "back in the hole" and begins shoving Sucks Benedict toward the manhole cover, effectively protecting the party from the incoming authorities.

Details

The scene unfolds after Vasso emerges from the canal through the ladder, joining Kat and Dayna who have already climbed up. The situation at ground level is chaotic: Safia is attacking the Pine Cone Man from her airborne position, and Sucks Benedict is down on the ground, creating a dangerous and visible confrontation in the middle of the market.

Drawing on his recent communion with his deity and feeling newfound confidence in his divine authority, Vasso decides to intervene. He invokes his Paladin class move "I am the law," announcing: "I'm gonna say, hey, everyone, stop in the name of all that is good." The table responds to this invocation with humor, with one participant noting, "I love that you try and get people to stop like Sailor Moon, just like buy something just because things are good."

Vasso rolls an 8 on the move. This 7-9 result means the move succeeds but gives the target three options rather than compelling immediate obedience: do what Vasso says and stop fighting, back away cautiously and then flee the scene, or escalate by attacking.

The Pine Cone Man finds himself in a precarious tactical position. Behind him, Safia continues her assault. Sucks Benedict lies on the ground. Two more children — Kat and Dayna — are now climbing out of a hole in the ground. Beyond the immediate confrontation, guards are approaching, drawn by the noise of the fight, their yelling and clanging audible in the distance.

Rather than choosing any of the three expected options in a straightforward way, the merchant makes a quick assessment and takes action to protect the party. He urgently shouts "back in the hole, back in the hole" and starts physically shoving Sucks Benedict toward the manhole cover, prioritizing getting everyone out of sight before the guards arrive rather than stopping the fight through traditional means, fleeing himself, or attacking the party members.

Participants

Vasso — Invokes his "I am the law" Paladin move to command everyone to stop, rolling an 8
Pine Cone Man — The merchant being attacked who chooses to protect the party from guards rather than comply with Vasso's command in a traditional sense
Safia — Attacking the Pine Cone Man from above at the moment Vasso intervenes
Sucks Benedict — On the ground during the confrontation, is shoved toward the manhole by the merchant
Kat — Emerges from the manhole with Vasso
Dayna — Emerges from the manhole with Vasso

Consequences

Vasso's successful use of his divine authority move demonstrates his character growth following his recent communion with his deity, showing increased confidence in invoking his powers.
The Pine Cone Man's response reveals his quick thinking and potentially protective attitude toward the party despite their violent approach to his stall.
Rather than ending the fight through Vasso's command alone, the situation resolves through the merchant's recognition of the greater threat posed by the approaching guards.
The party is urged back into the underground canal, shifting the scene from open confrontation to hasty retreat.
The merchant's choice to protect the party rather than turn them in to the authorities establishes a significant relationship dynamic that suggests he may be more ally than enemy.