* Did I ever tell you that the guy you shot point-blank at the end of Chapter II (after the RV battle) survived? I rolled it out behind the scenes. James rolled terribly (2 hits) even with the point-blank modifier, and the guy soaked well. He still went into Overflow, but DocWagon was able to get to him in time to stabilize him.
No, you did not tell me that. I can't believe it! I just went a reread that last scene. Cold-blooded.
Basic plan in the fencing salle is to be snobbish, charming, strong, and quick. James' dice pool should match or exceed most serious fencers, who likely pale against his AGI but make up for it with a Spec in blades and some higher Skills. Serious adepts may give him a run for his nuyen. In between bouts he'll visit with the other fencers, and will casually express an interest in Mensur, or academic fencing. It's an old tradition, which "civilized" dueling in the 1800s. Student Corporations -- the German equivalent of fraternities -- host Mensur bouts, and members are expected to participate in 2 duels before graduating.
Basic etiquette when visiting a fencing club is that usually visitors fence for free, but I'm guessing their would at least be a guest pass price at a higher class institution. Open fencing is pretty open, and will be conducted with all three weapons (foil, epee, and saber) though fencers usually specialize in one weapon and use it exclusively.
If Salomen has a fencing space, James will figure it's probably for general use as well as Mensur. This angle may turn up nothing, and I won't be bothered if it doesn't. Just figure it's worth a try.
If nothing comes of it, James will be keen on abducting the Baron. Since Marie is not necessarily at Salomen currently, he's the best lead on her present whereabouts.
I'm going to make a general Etiquette test. Let me know if you want some sort of test for Fencing.
James has: CHA (5) + Etiquette (4) + Tailored Pheromones (2) = 11 dice.
Etiquette:
11d6t5 5That should hit the right notes.
In case the Corporate Spec qualifies:
Corporate Spec:
2d6t5 1