Aly stood in front of the class looking thoughtful as they came in. 

"Over the past five classes, we've talked a lot about different ways to get information," she said.  "But we've never talked about what to do once you have the information.  In general, that's not the spy's job.  The spy simply retrieves the information and passes it up the chain of command.  It's the spymaster or the officer or the politician's job.  But things are rarely that easy, and none of you are actually spies."  She grinned.  "That I know of."

"So how do you know when to act?  How do you know when to act wisely?  When the goal is revolution, the object should only rarely be to just taunt the person in power or draw his attention to you.  You need a plan.  You need a clear objective, and you need to make sure you have as much information as possible before you act."

She raised an eyebrow.  "So take...oh, whatever possibility you wish to discuss and form a plan of action.  Decide what information you need, and how - using the techniques we've talked about - you'd go about getting it."

[OOC: Please wait for OCD is up!]

The Danger Shop was mostly dark when the students arrived.  Aly was waiting at the consoles, ready to launch the sequences as soon as everyone was present.

"Morning, everyone," she said with a grin.  "Today we're going to talk about something that hasn't come up before in this class.  And that would be the physicality of spying.  This is something you see in spy movies a lot - especially those of the James Bund and Deathe Subservience variety - and while it's usually greatly overdone in that type of movie, it is a necessary bit to consider.  So."  She flipped the buttons to set up the programs.  "We're going to play with two things today that require not just controlled movement, but also your brain to work and plan ahead how to get through these things.  First up, there's a laser maze.   Then next, we have a rock climbing wall.  Which I totally admit that I've never run into a rock climbing wall while spying, but there have been plenty of times when I've crawled out on a window ledge or had to carefully slip across a roof and the same balance and strength is needed."

She gestured to the two areas.  "Hopefully you all got my handwavy note about wearing clothes you can move in, so go ahead and go to.  I'm around if you have any questions."

[OOC: I'm sorry for the meh class.  My brain, it is too hot to work.  :D  Please wait for the OOC is up]

Aly was relaxed and amused as the class congregated by the campfire.  "Hey guys," she said with a grin for the group of them.  "Hope you all had a good week.  Maybe even some of you thought of ways that disguises could be integrated into everyday life at Fandom right now.  Sometimes it's better to not make your identity obvious at first or second glance."  She wasn't going to go into any more detail at that, but she was confident some of the students, at least, would get the reference.

"Today we're going to talk about lying.  Very few people like to lie, but especially as a spy, it's a necessary skill - both to lie well yourself and to be able to tell when other people are lying. 

"As probably all of you know, there are plenty of tools - drugs, magic, technology, mental tricks to detect lies or conceal them, but for today, we're going to focus on simpler methods.  Observation, body language, the logic of how lies are constructed.  You're not always going to have an arsenal of fancy tricks at your disposal, and, going back to earlier classes, you need to be able to trust your instincts."

"So a few of the ways to tell when someone is lying without a fancy trick is to look at their body language.  Someone telling a lie usually tends to have limited physical expression, they keep their gestures and movement restrained in an unconscious attempt to be overlooked.  He or she will avoid eye contact with the person questioning them.  He might also try to place objects - like a book or a coffee cup between him and the person he's lying to.

"Another way to tell is simply by looking at the disconnect between a statement of emotion and the gesture that goes with it.  For instance if I say I love you, then smile a beat later, there's a disconnect there that can give you a clue.  Someone telling the truth - or an accomplished liar would smile saying 'I love you.'"

She grinned.  "All of which is well and good, and excellent to know.  So how do you avoid getting caught when you have a need to lie?  Pay attention to your body language.  Avoid the pitfalls we discussed here and that are on the papers I'm handing out.  The absolute best way is to construct a Liar's Palace in your mind that you can escape into when being questioned.  Which is sadly something that could be a course all of its own so I'm not going into it more here."

"Today, I have an interesting test for all of you to try on the laptop over there, and then I'd like everyone to pair up and lie to each other.  Try to use the techniques to tell if the other person is lying, try to be aware of your body language and make your lie undetectable.  And hey, it's a class on deception so change it up a bit.  See if you can trick your partner into thinking you're lying when you're telling the truth."  She grinned.  "If you want to try it with me, feel free."

[OOC: I am so, so sorry for the lateness of this class!  I had errand s to run and didn't get it done last night and it was just a comedy of errors.  So my abject apologies to all of you.  OCD is coming up]

As the class gathered around the main campfire today, they may have noticed a large amount of boxes and racks of clothes and different props. 

Aly was waiting for them to find seats around the campfire before starting.  "Today, if the massive amounts of costumes and props didn't give it away, we're going to be talking about disguises.  The whole point of a disguise is to be unnoticeable in the company that you're keeping.  To blend in so that you don't occasion comments like 'I've never seen that person before' and 'I wonder who invited her.'  It's not a matter of satisfying your ego by 'standing out' so everyone notices you.  It's a matter of getting your job done without undue risk to yourself, any of your contacts or your employer."

•  

Aly grinned.  "I love disguises.  They're one of my favourite things about spying.  What you all need to do today is create one using the costumes, wigs, makeup, and props we have here.  You can create it to go with the persona you made up last week or something completely different.  Help each other put together a disguise, a cover, and the reason for the disguise then come show me.  And I'd like to see these all be a step beyond a 'someone else in the class' this time.  Disguise is one thing, successfully mimicking someone that people know well?  Is a step far beyond that."

"So go ahead, work together to create a disguise and a cover story and then let me see what you come up with."

[OOC: OCD shall be coming up!

...is over here.

*facepalms*

*returns to regularly scheduled flist*

The class today was held in the Danger Shop for no other reason than it would make a list that Aly didn't actually have to write up.  Which was good because she got to class just before the students and was carrying a larger box that she was glaring at upon occasion.  She set the box down to the side with a strict admonishment to the inhabitants not to cry during class.

With a final glare at the box, Aly turned to greet the class.  "Morning all," she said with a bright grin.  "I'm Aly - which most of you already know, I think so I'll spare the usual speech about how if you call me Miss Aly, I'll be forced to make you very sorry."  She wrinkled her nose.  "It sounds like a Madam or something.  Professor or duani is fine if you'd prefer a more formal title.  The class we're in for the next seven weeks is 'Seven Easy Steps to Being Able to Convince People You're a Spy.'  If that's not something you're interested in, you're probably in the wrong class so check your schedule or get interested fast."

"No one can learn how to be a spy in seven classes.  Which is probably good because otherwise I'd be out of business both on the teaching end and the spying end.  But we're going to talk about how to mimic a spy and some of a spy's basic skills that can help you give a certain impression.  Unlike the class, last fall, we're barely going to touch on theory."  She grinned.  "Which makes me happy."

She hit a button and a list was projected by the

1. No matter where you are, act like you belong.
2. Behave purposefully.  Especially if you have no purpose.
3. Blend in.  Become a "gray man."
4. Develop assessment skills by practicing even in circumstances in which you are merely a bystander.
5. Learn to trust your instincts to make decisions.  Right or wrong at first, they will get better.
6. Never second-guess your decisions at the time.  Do analyze them later.
7. Be aware that you may be overlooking things in your surroundings, especially if they are familiar to you.
8. Accept the fact that some level of deception is a necessary part of the job.
9. Don't be embarrassed to be suspicious of other people's intentions.
10.  Improve your memory.

"So here you go.  The ten basic rules to being a spy.  Easy right?  Or maybe not quite so much.  There could just as easily be twelve or seventeen or a hundred and fifty rules, but ten is such a nice round number.  I'd like to spend today talking about these rules.  Ask me questions or discuss them with a partner.  Which one do you think is the most important?"

"Also so we all get to know each other, I'd like everyone to introduce themselves and tell a few things about yourself as well as your interest in spying.  And if you know anything about cats?  Throw that in too please."  She eyed the box in the corner.

[OOC: The ten rules were taken with gratitude from the Handbook of Practical Spying by Jack Barth.   OCD will be coming is up!]

As the students entered the Danger Room, they walked into the Great Hall of the castle they explored a few weeks ago.  Aly was waiting, looking the slightest bit excited and greatly amused.

"Here you are," she said with a grin.  "You spent one class period exploring this castle and last class I gave you maps to review.  Now you get to put everything you've learned this term to use.  Luckily you have a partner in case you don't remember quite everything."

She gestured to a side room in the hall.  "I've laid out lockpicks, clothes, other basic spying supplies.  Go outfit yourselves as you see fit and come back to see me, I've your assignment."   She paused for a second then winked.  "Oh yes, and you will have to talk to people to succeed.  So prepare yourselves." 

[OOC: My internets at home are still quite possibly out of service so this class is most definitely on SP throughout the week.]

"Good morning," Aly said as the class filed in and took their seats.  "You've probably all noticed that we're not in the Danger Room today.  That practical is going to be put until next week for a variety of factors at least partially having to do with the events of the weekend."

"For today, I'd simply like everyone to pair up and discuss a plan of attack for infiltrating and then finding the information you need in the castle."  She handed everyone  set of fairly good maps of the floor plan of the different levels.  She grinned.  "You don't get to keep the maps.  But whatever you want to do with them in class is fine."

"Go to, and I'll be here if you have any questions about proper strategy or ideas."

[OOC:  So the higher ups at my work showed up a day earlier than expected  This means minimal internet usage for me so I decided to put off the highly interactive class until next week when I actually can be around.  I'm sorry for the thrown together class.  I got an email late last night notifying me of the change and then Heroes distracted me. Aly probably won't ping in at all until after 5-6 EST, but she should be around all evening.  *pouts at silly corporate types not liking LJ*]

Aly surveyed the class with a grin as they filed into the empty Danger Room as they had been handwavily advised through email. 

"Good morning all.  I'm glad you all arrived without incident."  She adjusted the Danger Room controls for a second and suddenly the students were standing in the Great Hall of a large stone castle.  "Today is preparation for a practical demonstration of the skills you've learned thus far.  Next week, this castle will be filled with servants, nobility, spies, and visitors, and it will be your job to complete a mission that I assign at that time."

She took a seat on one of the benches in the room, and one might notice that she was wearing clothes that fit into the setting perfectly.  "This is a recreation of the castle of my home country.  I want you to spend today finding a partner to work with next week then exploring the castle.  Spies rarely get this opportunity so use it well.  Remember where places are, where hiding spots are, where you can listen to conversations without being heard.  If you have any questions, I'll be around."  She grinned.  "And if you're doing very well, I'll show you some hidden passages.  Keep everything you've learned in mind."

"So go to.  Find a partner, ask questions, explore."


[OOC:  *facepalm* I totally forgot today was Tuesday somehow.  I'm not assigning partners, but I think it should come out evenly.  If you'd rather a partner be assigned, let me know.  Feel free to mod (and have fun with!) the castle's design and what you find.  Just no people are present.  I'll be putting up OCD with different areas to check out so wait for it.  OCD is Up!]

"Good morning, all," Aly said with bright smile to the class.  "If you can hand in your papers from last week when you sign in, that would be fabulous."

She sat down on the front edge of her desk and looked more serious.  "These past few weeks we've talked about putting together a cover, a legend to help you infiltrate places you need to go.  In an optimal world, this will always work and you'll be able to get the information you need without incident and slip out again, none the wiser.  Of course, in an optimal world, we spies would probably not actually be needed anymore so I, at least, am thankful."




[OOC: And plz to be waiting for ze OCD is UP!]

Aly was looking very, very amused as the class came in.  For those following the home game, that and the fact that there were still piles of clothing, costumes, and makeup in the back might be a reason to be worried.

"Good morning all," she said with a smile as they sat down.  "Last week we discussed disguises, and all of you put one together.  This week, we're going to talk about what makes your disguise believable - your cover story."  She grinned.  "Yes, normally you do this the other way around.  This way is more fun.  What you're going to do today is make up a cover story - a legend in the technical term - to fit the disguise you devised last week."

"Very well then.  You have two tasks for today.  The first is to develop a cover based on the disguise you came up with last week.  I don't expect anything too elaborate, but I want to know what you're thinking about.  The second is a homework assignment.  Next class, I like you all to hand in a paper detailing a cover that you could use.  You can feel free to make the situation you're going undercover in, but I want the situation detailed, the cover, how you're taking what we discussed today in class into account, and the disguise you'd use.  At least three pages, I'd think."

She looked around.  "Any questions?"

[OOC: I don't know how much I'm going to be around as I still have a killer migraine, but I'll tag Aly in as much as possible.  Credit again to the Handbook of Practical Spying for helping put together the lesson.  OCD is up]

Aly was having a staring contest with three of the tiny trolls when the class arrived.  They had their clubs raised but hadn't, yet, attacked.  She stroked the beaded necklace at her throat, looking amused, and then consciously turned her attention to the class.  The trolls grunted at each other a few times before forming a huddle.  They looked like football players trying to call a play without a quarterback in charge.

"Morning all," Aly said with a grin.  "I hope you had a good break and an enjoyable Halloween.  Today we're going to take a cue from Halloween and practice dressing up for a role."  She gestured towards the back of the classroom where there were clothes of all varieties and sorts, makeups, brushes, wigs, skull caps, props, pretty much anything that could be used to costume or disguise a person.

"The general goal when choosing a disguise is to be unnoticeable in the company you're going to be keeping.  Whether it's a Court ball or a back alley den, you want to fit into the place without comment or question.  If that means using makeup to roughen your skin, a wig to disguise an obvious hair color - or dye for a longer term mission, or simply different clothing to appear a diplomat, thief, or simple, everyday politician, then that's what you're going to want to do."

"Today, your job is to dress up - use the makeup, wigs, clothing - as someone other than who you are.  Next week, we'll talk about how to put together the rest of your cover, how to move, how to enter situations, how to be convincing in the role.  But for today, just put together a disguise for yourself.  Help each other figure out who you are and why you're dressing and making yourself up the way to are, and at the end of the class, I'd like everyone to give a short presentation on who you are and where you're going dressed like that.  And I don't want to see anyone dress up like a 'student' unless it's something very, very different from your everyday student wear."

[OOC: OCD coming up is up!  And do feel free to mod the costumes, makeup, and props.  Be creative!  Also, there's an unexpected visitor to the class...]

When the students entered, the class was again set up with locks, lock picks, and the pick-pocketing training tools.  Aly was not, however, wandering around the classroom, she was up at the front, fiddling with a particularly fussy lock she'd picked up.  Best not to ask where, really.

She looked up with a smile once everyone had arrived.  "I'm very sad to say that we don't have class next week.  It's your midterm break, and I'm told there's a holiday of some sort to celebrate.  So I'm certain everyone will have a good time with that and not miss your classes in the slightest.  I, however, will miss all of you."  She winked.

"So today we're going to review the seven classes we've had thus far.  I considered a surprise test, but that seemed to be overly harsh considering the weekend some of you had."

Aly moved to the board where the pertinent points of the past seven classes were written neatly.

Introduction and Memory Games
Ten Rules to Get You Thinking
Origins of Espionage and Simple Ciphers
Lockpicking and Pick-pocketing
Evaluating Personality Types
Meeting People and Convincing Them to Like You
Telling Lies and Getting Away With Them

She quickly ran through the pertinent points of each lesson, stopping for questions when necessary and generally giving an overview of the class thus far.

"Is everyone on the same page now?  Does any one have any questions about any of the topics or how they fit together into the basics of espionage?" 

After any questions were answered, she grinned.  "Right then, I have two assignments for you today.  One is to practice with lockpicks and pick-pocketing again.  If any of you have been practicing on your own?  This is where to show off.  For the second, I've divided you up into two groups.  Recruiters and Recruits.  Recruiters?  Your job is to use the skills you've learned to try to convince a recruit to join your cause.  It can be anything from a country's service to supporting a baseball go Tigers team to wearing only red on Wednesdays.  Recruits?  Make the recruiters work for it.  If there's time, switch about and let the recruits try their own skills out."


[OOC: Yes, OCD is coming up.  Who's surprised, really? OCD is up]

"Good evening, class," Aly said primly. She was standing in front of the class, hands clasped behind her back and toes turned out. "Welcome to Lady Alianne's Cotillon. This is the the first in a series of classes designed to help polish off those rough edges and turn you into perfect ladies and gentlemen. Tonight, we shall focus on the details of elegant movement, that never-ending dance that allows one's figure to show to the best advantage at all times."

Aly grinned and fell into a more relaxed posture. "Or not. Today's we're talking about lying. Everyone does it, the key - at least as it relates to our topic is to be good at it.  And to be able to tell when other people are lying to you." 

"As probably all of you know, there are plenty of tools - drugs, magic, technology, mental tricks to detect lies or conceal them, but for today, we're going to focus on simpler methods.  Observation, body language, the logic of how lies are constructed.  You're not always going to have an arsenal of fancy tricks at your disposal, and, going back to earlier classes, you need to be able to trust your instincts."

"I'm certain some of you have studied this before either in other classes or on your own."  She smirked.  "For educational purposes, only, I'm sure."

She gave them a series of handouts to review for a few minutes before gathering their attention once more.  "Any questions on the material?  Anything that you've been taught in the past and doesn't seem to fit in or make sense?"

"Right then, for today I've two activities for you.  One is a bit of a test to see if you can distinguish between real and faked facial expressions.  The other is a variation on the basic lying game.  Each person will tell two lies and a truth, and the class shall guess which is which."  Aly grinned.  "Let's see what tangled webs you weave when first you practice to deceive."

[OOC: Do be as wacky-crazy as you like and wait for the OCD is up!]

Leaning against the desk at the front of the room, Aly waited for the students to file in as the hour began.

"Good morning. I hope you all had a good, if colorless, weekend. Apparently one of our TAs," she grinned at Bridge, "is royalty now so be sure to bother him accordingly."

( How to win friends and pick up people )

[OOC: Guidelines taken with gratitude from Handbook of Practical Spying. I'll be around all day, and please do wait for the OCD to come up - it'll probably be about 20 minutes as I have to run to work first. OCD is up!]

Aly was wandering around the classroom as the students arrived.  Some might notice that she seemed rather restless.  Once everyone was seated, she made her way back up to the front of the classroom and smiled brightly.

"Good morning, all.  For those of you who are excessively attached to your syllabi, I apologise.  Today's class is not about Elizabethan England.  We'll get to that in a week or two, but for today, I'd rather talk about something more interesting." 


"Finally, we're a third of the way through the semester.  If you've missed any classes thus far, I need you to come see me after class or in my office hours."

[OOC:  If you're going to try to lie to a classmate about your personality types, do me the favour of pinging me in the OOC thread.    Thanks to the Handbook of Practical Spying for giving me the idea and to jarodpretends for allowing me to steal his links.  Oooh, also, there are odd things going on at my job today.  I'm not entirely sure how much time I'm going to have to play while I'm there so Aly pings may be slower than usual.  Or they may be perfectly normal.  I honestly have no idea yet.  OCD is Up!  Have fun!]

ETA:  Additional temperament information can be found here.

Aly was wandering around the Danger Shop, approaching each student to greet them and just happy they'd received her handwavy email informing of the location change.  As everyone took a chair, she smiled at them all and perched on the edge of the table at the front of the room.


[OOC: Trying to pick a classmate's pocket is going to make Aly cranky and she will actually give detention for it.  Ping me in the OOC thread if this is what you're looking for.  Thanks to bridge_carson, futurebucs_star, weissguy_, and socksofcool for letting Aly pick their respective pockets.  Feel free to go nuts modding the locks, lockpicks, handkerchieves, whatever.  If you want to try the DangerShop scenario, feel free to mod the people or I can play them.  OCD's up!  Play away]

Aly nodded to the students in welcome as they all came into her classroom 3rd Period.  She'd picked up some coffee and pastries from J, GOB for the class and had laid them out on one of the front desks for the students to pick up.

"Good morning all," she said with a smile.  "I'm going to actually lecture a bit today so make sure you have coffee and donuts."


[OOC: Major love and thanks to Hidden Secrets: A Complete History of Espionage and the Technology Used to Support It by David Owen.  There's a nifty little encryptor here to make your lives easier unless you want to figure out the letter shifts.  In which case.  You're very, very cool.  Wait for the OCD is up yay!]

Aly was thumbing through what quite possibly looked like last year's yearbook when the class started to file in.  She looked up at them with a grin and watched as they all found a seat.  At each desk was a copy of the syllabus.


"Very well then, try to practice the guidelines I set out and come back next week prepared to tell what you did and how they worked.  Also memorise that list and let me know if it was too easy, too hard, whichever.  Oh!  And the TA's for the class are Eric Weiss and Bridge Carson so they should  be able to help you out if I'm not around for some reason."

[OOC: *blinks at omglong" If you haven't seen my OOC post here, please go take a look at it.  Also, the ten rules were taken with gratitude from the Handbook of Practical Spying by Jack Barth.  I'll be around all day and please wait for the OCD threads. OCD is Up!]

Aly was waiting in the classroom as her students filed in.  She gave each a warm smile as he or she signed in.  Once everyone was seated, she stood up to greet them, absently stroking her black beaded necklace.


"So today, I'd like to get to know each of you, hear what you think spying ought to be used for, and then play a few memory games to help train that advantage."  She smiled slightly mischieviously and may have appeared relieved to the very observant.

"Oh, right.  I'm also looking for a teacher's assistant or two.  If you'd like to help out, see me after class.  You don't need to have any experience."  She grinned.  "Just enthusiasm."

[OOC: Syllabus is coming as my brain is fried.  Also, there'll be an OOC post for all of you later today if you'd keep an eye out for that.  OCD is Up..]