Anarch meet-and-greet (pre-dawn Thurs. 3/29/07)

[Detritus]

Uma rolled her eyes when she saw that Radeyah was there to ferry them to the Prince's boat. All three of Mr. Johnson's daughters were insufferably snooty, but Radeyah was the worst, because she was the best in a fight, and most difficult to intimidate because of it. God, how she hated their having to present themselves after returning, yet not doing so would only invite trouble. One day, they might be able to handle that trouble, but not yet.

"Try and do a better job than your little friend did in maintaining at least a hint of decorum," said Radeyah, haughty from toenails to scalp. What made it worse was that she was right.

Black Cat made a mocking curtsy and replied, "As you command, Princess." Yuri burst out laughing and Antoinette uncorked a ripping snort. Uma made no effort to hide her smirk, but she also noticed that Anneke barely turned around from where she was in the stern, watching the dock recede as they approached the Prince's haven.

"Bitch," said Antoinette under her breath as Radeyah left muttering, although she began to brood once they were by themselves again. She must not have liked everything she heard from Jocelin tonight. That was unusual.

The Prince's boat was a lot closer to shore than normal. Radeyah led everyone to the War Room, as Mr. Johnson liked to call it. Two strangers were already there, both women, a tall blonde and someone with vivid magenta hair that barely came up to the blonde's chin. Antoinette gave Miss Purple a weird look as the Anarchs instinctively grouped themselves away from the strangers, but Uma seemed to be the only one to notice that Anneke and the blonde were staring daggers at each other for a full ten count.

Everyone turned to the door when Mr. Johnson entered the room, followed closely by a scabby Sewer Rat that was carrying Jocelin's katana. What the hell?! Jocelin came in next, followed by two strange men, a PI-type and someone obviously Jewish. The Prince made perfunctory acknowledgment of the Anarchs' return, and gave permission for Anneke to remain in the city in an equally distracted manner. Very unusual.

"Now that that is out of the way, there are some people here that have some questions for you," said the Prince. He introduced the Sewer Rat as an Archon -- an Archon! -- named Leo, the PI was Jack, and the Jew Menachem. "Please answer them as if you were answering me," said the Prince with a dry undertone. This was bad, very bad...

[SD Anderson]

"Evening ladies," Jack says.
"Anyone ever see Heather and Sammy Drake together?" Jack adds. "A shape shifter like Heather might be pulling some sort of scam."

<Response>

"Back on the other side of the border, there's a Temere named Lucien who's got a pack with him. Any indications he has been operating out this way recently?

[Detritus]

"Evening ladies," Jack says.
"Anyone ever see Heather and Sammy Drake together?" Jack adds. "A shape shifter like Heather might be pulling some sort of scam."
Uma noticed that the blond's mouth tightened at the lack of an introduction even as she felt herself squint in puzzlement at the first question.

"Heather, who's that?" asked Black Cat. "Everyone here except for Anneke knows Sammy, but none of us have seen Heather, whoever that is, in New Orleans. Maybe Sammy has developed multiple personalities," said Black Cat, grinning slyly.

"Back on the other side of the border, there's a Tremere named Lucien who's got a pack with him. Any indications he has been operating out this way recently?
"A Tremere Anarch?!" asked Black Cat in an incredulous voice. "What kind of questions are these?" she asked Mr. Johnson. "Shapeshifting con artists and rogue pillar-of-the-precious-Camarilla Warlocks?! Is this some sort of test to see that we can keep our cool in the face of nonsense?"

"They are the kind of questions that you should answer swiftly and to the best of your ability," said the Prince, a dangerous light in his eyes and command in his voice.

Uma had never seen Mr. Johnson come close to losing his temper, but she had a sinking feeling that tonight could be the night. She nearly flinched when the Prince turned his gaze onto her, and could not bring herself to wrench her eyes away from him until that gaze moved to Antoinette. Then she wished she was looking at the Prince again when she saw murderous eyes in the otherwise impassive face of the blond. So, a witch right here, two witches, in fact, including Miss Purple.

Uma felt Black Cat give a start when she finally saw the blond staring at her just as hard as the Prince had. "Never heard of him," she said, voice a trifle unsteady, "have you?" she asked the other Anarchs. The other New Orleans Anarchs seemed to feel the weight of the situation press upon them, but Anneke watched the whole situation unfold almost serenely.

"No," answered Uma, "I don't think any of us have heard of Lucian the renegade Tremere." What the hell were they getting into?

[SD Anderson]

"Lucien squabbled with his Clan a while back, laid low and turned up on the border between Dallas and Houston. He seems to have some interest of connection to here. The fact of the matter is, in this town, you people are almost as good as the Nosferatu when it comes to digging up information."

"He's got a couple of dozen people he could have sent in his place. Anyone been through here lately from Texas or hiring local talent for something big in the last few months?"

<Response>

Jack looks at the ladies as he speaks, figures out he's started out on a bad footing 'cause he rarely bothers with this 'which hand holds which fork' crap.

"If I'm coming off cranky, I've been machine gunned, submachine gunned, dynamited and had to physically restrain an idiot who responds to a verbal chop fight by frenzying." He directs his eyes towards the katanaless katana bunny for a second. "On top of that, we had one of our people murdered a couple of nights ago and one of the Prince's people got shot up. So if I'm less than chipper right now, you'll have to excuse me."

"And speaking of dynamite, which two future darwin arard winners around here like to play with lit fuse sticks and fire off machineguns?"

"They aren't Lucien's people. He uses Pros. These guys are an embarassment to rank amateurs."

[Huxley]

Leo stands near Jocelin while watching the disorganized bunch impassively. He glances between Anneke and Rebekka, briefly wondering what history those two possess.

Listening to Jack, Leo observes the reactions of the troupe. He whispers to Jocelin, then waits for a turn to speak:

"Aside from this meeting, have you noticed anything unusual upon your return?"

[Detritus]

You both notice that everyone but Anneke in the group of Anarchs looks Jocelin's way at least once, and Uma and Antoinette do more than once. No one seems to linger very long in their looks, however.

Jocelin would consider Black Cat to be someone who is pretty tough to intimidate. You've all seen it enough the past few days to realize that it's likely that the Prince and Rebekka are both exhibiting Majesty right now. You also notice that Anneke doesn't seem particularly worried, but for the moment she studiously avoids looking at either Mr. Johnson or Rebekka.

EDIT -- I'll post some replies to questions when I get settled in at the hotel.

[Detritus]

((OOC --

EDIT -- I'll post some replies to questions when I get settled in at the hotel.
OK, it took me a day to get settled in...))

==================

"Lucien squabbled with his Clan a while back, laid low and turned up on the border between Dallas and Houston. He seems to have some interest of connection to here. The fact of the matter is, in this town, you people are almost as good as the Nosferatu when it comes to digging up information."

"He's got a couple of dozen people he could have sent in his place. Anyone been through here lately from Texas or hiring local talent for something big in the last few months?"
"We spent most of our time away from New Orleans in LA," says Yuri. "Spent a little time each way in Houston, but laid pretty low. No one approached us about anything."

Those of you observing Rebekka and Sarah don't see any signs of recognition of the New Orleans Kindred on their faces.

Jack looks at the ladies as he speaks, figures out he's started out on a bad footing 'cause he rarely bothers with this 'which hand holds which fork' crap.

"If I'm coming off cranky, I've been machine gunned, submachine gunned, dynamited and had to physically restrain an idiot who responds to a verbal chop fight by frenzying." He directs his eyes towards the katanaless katana bunny for a second. "On top of that, we had one of our people murdered a couple of nights ago and one of the Prince's people got shot up. So if I'm less than chipper right now, you'll have to excuse me."

"And speaking of dynamite, which two future darwin arard winners around here like to play with lit fuse sticks and fire off machineguns?"

"They aren't Lucien's people. He uses Pros. These guys are an embarassment to rank amateurs."
"Well, we weren't here whenever that happened," says Uma. She looks at her companions for a moment before continuing, "it doesn't really sound like Bianca's style, and I'd be very surprised if a Gangrel or Nossie did it."

Breaking her silence, Anneke says, "You don't have any real evidence that Sammy and Heather are the same person. If Sammy has one friend no one knew about, maybe she has others." She punctuates this statement with a brief flick of her eyes at the Prince, earning a scowl from Mr. Johnson, but no words.

"You can't possibly be suggesting they're from the Prince's household?" asks Radeyah in scandalized tones. Anneke gives a non-committal shrug in reply.

Leo stands near Jocelin while watching the disorganized bunch impassively. He glances between Anneke and Rebekka, briefly wondering what history those two possess.

Listening to Jack, Leo observes the reactions of the troupe. He whispers to Jocelin, then waits for a turn to speak:

"Aside from this meeting, have you noticed anything unusual upon your return?"
"This meeting has been plenty unusual enough," replies Black Cat. "This boat always feels confining to me," she says with an ostentatious shrug. "We can keep our eyes open for weird shit going down, but we just got back, y'know?"

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin replies to Leo briefly, but mostly keeps up a detailed study of the far wall

[Detritus]

"Do you have any other questions?" asks Mr. Johnson.

[SD Anderson]

Breaking her silence, Anneke says, "You don't have any real evidence that Sammy and Heather are the same person. If Sammy has one friend no one knew about, maybe she has others." She punctuates this statement with a brief flick of her eyes at the Prince, earning a scowl from Mr. Johnson, but no words.

"No I don't have evidence Heather and Drake are the same person. But Heather's a shapeshifter. She could pull off some kind of deception of this sort and it doesn't hurt to try to prove or disprove a hunch."

"Did you leave any of your ghouls or herd to watch over your properties? Perhaps one or more of them has seen something odd."

"Do you have any other questions?" asks Mr. Johnson.

"Just a general ANYTHING strike you as odd, unnatural or somewhat unsettling around here lately?"

[Detritus]

((Can I get a Politics roll from Leo and a Streetwise roll from Jack? In each case, the effective skill level is 3 less than the characters' actual skill levels.))

"No I don't have evidence Heather and Drake are the same person. But Heather's a shapeshifter. She could pull off some kind of deception of this sort and it doesn't hurt to try to prove or disprove a hunch."

"Did you leave any of your ghouls or herd to watch over your properties? Perhaps one or more of them has seen something odd."
Uma was surprised to hear the blond answer before anyone else. "She need not be a shapeshifter, as your colleague well knows," she said with a faint German accent as she nodded towards Leo. "I suspect he could have done the very same thing, had he wished."

"Just a general ANYTHING strike you as odd, unnatural or somewhat unsettling around here lately?"
Uma watched as Black Cat pursed her lips, plainly reluctant to answer. Her eyes did a quick circuit of the room, bouncing around from the Prince, to the blond witch, to Jocelin, and then finally back among her companions. Uma gave a little shrug when her eyes met Black Cat's. They both had to be thinking the same thing -- when the hell did Jocelin start running around with Archons and Warlocks?! That was odd, unnatural, and unsettling for sure. For that matter, when did Mr. Johnson start inviting strangers into the city? That made no sense, given how he seemed hell bent upon making all the Kindred in the city his direct descendants.

"It may not be much, but getting a summons from Bianca is kind of unusual," said Black Cat. "I'm guessing it's because of the arrival of so many strangers," she said, waving towards everyone with Jocelin, "but maybe there are others she's more worried about."

Uma noticed Miss Purple give the Nossie a considering look right before Anneke broke in again. "You mentioned a haphazard, uncoordinated attack, albeit a somewhat effective one," she said to Jack. "Probably not a Tremere's style, even a renegade. These Brujah weren't on the scene," she said, "and from what I understand, they're most of the city's Brujah. Who's left?"

[SD Anderson]

OOC: After rolling the bones on the die generator, I got a "Can't display the page" result. No email as of yet. So I'll give it a bit of time to eiher show up or try again with politics roll (9-) 2.

[SD Anderson]

((Can I get a Politics roll from Leo and a Streetwise roll from Jack? In each case, the effective skill level is 3 less than the characters' actual skill levels.))


Uma was surprised to hear the blond answer before anyone else. "She need not be a shapeshifter, as your colleague well knows," she said with a faint German accent as she nodded towards Leo. "I suspect he could have done the very same thing, had he wished."


Uma watched as Black Cat pursed her lips, plainly reluctant to answer. Her eyes did a quick circuit of the room, bouncing around from the Prince, to the blond witch, to Jocelin, and then finally back among her companions. Uma gave a little shrug when her eyes met Black Cat's. They both had to be thinking the same thing -- when the hell did Jocelin start running around with Archons and Warlocks?! That was odd, unnatural, and unsettling for sure. For that matter, when did Mr. Johnson start inviting strangers into the city? That made no sense, given how he seemed hell bent upon making all the Kindred in the city his direct descendants.

"It may not be much, but getting a summons from Bianca is kind of unusual," said Black Cat. "I'm guessing it's because of the arrival of so many strangers," she said, waving towards everyone with Jocelin, "but maybe there are others she's more worried about."

Uma noticed Miss Purple give the Nossie a considering look right before Anneke broke in again. "You mentioned a haphazard, uncoordinated attack, albeit a somewhat effective one," she said to Jack. "Probably not a Tremere's style, even a renegade. These Brujah weren't on the scene," she said, "and from what I understand, they're most of the city's Brujah. Who's left?"

"Then they had to be recruited from the outside, and given the unlikelihood that they're working with the anarchs in Texas, we have outsiders, very likely anarchs from Arkansas or Missisippi or points further away on top of... When you start brining in crowds you tend to be noticed."

"Something isn't adding up here."

[SD Anderson]

Same non-result for the second die roll attempt.

Feel free to roll for me.

[Detritus]

Same non-result for the second die roll attempt.

Feel free to roll for me.
OK, that's mildly troubling, but I did the rolls for both Jack and Leo (anticipating that Huxley might have trouble as well). Jack realizes there's a hole in his reasoning somewhere, but can't quite figure out what, as per SD's last post. I'll shoot Hux a PM about what Leo might have realized...

[Detritus]

"Then they had to be recruited from the outside, and given the unlikelihood that they're working with the anarchs in Texas, we have outsiders, very likely anarchs from Arkansas or Missisippi or points further away on top of... When you start brining in crowds you tend to be noticed."

"Something isn't adding up here."
Miss Purple stirred but subsided immediately at a gesture from the blond. Just like a trained poodle, thought Uma. It would be nice to know what the hell had gotten into Anneke, who normally didn't beat around the bush like this, from what she had seen of her in LA. Everyone else seemed engrossed in thought...

[Huxley]

Leo ponders for a moment, then speaks: "This will be cleared up later tonight. I'm sure our meeting with Drake will give us the answers we seek. I have no more questions, Prince Johnson"

[Detritus]

Leo ponders for a moment, then speaks: "This will be cleared up later tonight. I'm sure our meeting with Drake will give us the answers we seek. I have no more questions, Prince Johnson"
"Very well," replies Mr. Johnson. "You are free to leave," he says to everyone, at which point the Anarchs begin to file out with dispatch...

[Huxley]

Leo watches the group as they quickly leave.

"If you have no need for our presence, Prince, we have a meeting to attend"
When leaving, he watches Jocelin, expecting her to follow him.
(OOC: I'm moving on under the assumption that he lets us go)

Once outside, Leo says, "Let's get off of this boat"

[Detritus]

(OOC: I'm moving on under the assumption that he lets us go)

Once outside, Leo says, "Let's get off of this boat"
Yes, Mr. Johnson lets everyone go.

What next?

[SD Anderson]

There is NO WAY Mr. Spray the school with Bullets and Mr. Hey I'll put lit dynamite under the car were working with a Military style operation like Lucian's. Jack thinks as the group gets off the Prince's yacht. But if they weren't recruited from another adjacent area, they may have been part of the main opposition's team itself. If that's Drake, she could have picked up the idiots in Europe... And why am I assuming she has Kindred?

Ghouls are pretty easy to find and recruit and more inclined to be loyal to the vampire providing them vitae. She or whoever the killer is, might have resorted in using Lucian simply because she had no one of her own operating in Texas.

No. That's wrong. Someone tipped Lucian off that we were going to Houston, and described the vehicle we took. He's either better informed on what is going on in Dallas than he ought to be for a relatively new arrival or the killer has extensive resources in Dallas. That shapeshifter might be those resources though. Take the place of someone trusted in the Dallas power structure...

If that's the case Heather's here. She can't be in Dallas."

Jack dias the Prince of Dallas. After what passes for pleasant conversation, Jack style, he says "Got a question for you boss: Anybody who might have heard about our little trip south go out of town in time to get here last night?"

[Huxley]

Once off the boat, Leo speaks to Jocelin: "Lead me to where your friends would go".

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin jerks a bit as Leo looks at her and goes and follows him. She stops at his order, " . . . . I am of course required to do so if you insist, but, I would like to suggest we try to make the unlife of one Jocelin Danis slightly less miserable and call them and ask. And they are more like to want to be helpful that way, given that you dont just stride in unannounced."


Jocelin then turns and looks toward Leo, "And why flame? I can understand the rest my most munificient parent, but, what I did had nothing at all to do with Rotschreck, though I suppose there is one relationship, a lesser Jocelin flambe as opposed to Jocelin flambe finis"

[Huxley]

Jocelin jerks a bit as Leo looks at her and goes and follows him. She stops at his order, " . . . . I am of course required to do so if you insist, but, I would like to suggest we try to make the unlife of one Jocelin Danis slightly less miserable and call them and ask. And they are more like to want to be helpful that way, given that you dont just stride in unannounced."

Jocelin then turns and looks toward Leo, "And why flame? I can understand the rest my most munificient parent, but, what I did had nothing at all to do with Rotschreck, though I suppose there is one relationship, a lesser Jocelin flambe as opposed to Jocelin flambe finis"

"Control over yourself is what you need to learn -- what provokes your loss of control is irrelevant. Flame is easily procurable, and supplies proper motivation for you to focus yourself. In addition, failure results in humility, as opposed to death"

"And we shall not be calling your friends, at first. I'm curious what they would say when an authority figure is not present"

[Kalzazz]

". . . . . as you command"

Jocelin murmurs a prayer for forgiveness as she shuffles off to her car, and after Leo gets in sets out

(sent a Area Know roll)

edit: Didnt roll for me either

[Detritus]

OOC -- I'm going to do a little consulting of source material to come up with a list of likely locations. Sit tight until then, please...

[Detritus]

OOC -- I've forwarded some likely Anarch hangouts to Kal that he can have Jocelin pass along in-character. There might be a bit of guesswork involved for her...

[Detritus]

Jack dials the Prince of Dallas. After what passes for pleasant conversation, Jack style, he says "Got a question for you boss: Anybody who might have heard about our little trip south go out of town in time to get here last night?"
Within the hour you'll get word back from the Prince's underling that he was contacted directly by Mr. Walsh and arranged the meeting himself.

[SD Anderson]

Within the hour you'll get word back from the Prince's underling that he was contacted directly by Mr. Walsh and arranged the meeting himself.

That means either the Prince has a bug in phone or office OR the leak was on Houston's end. he thinks.

[Kalzazz]

"Two routes suggest themselves . . . first, there are several places on Bourbon street, enjoyable if almost to loud to hear yourself think, and thus, to loud for kindred also"

"Second, on a more quiet note, there are several cemetaries . . . an interesting thing about New Orleans is that the dead are buried above ground, but, noone is going to disturb you there"

"If Bianca truly summoned them, they could be meeting her now . . . we could check the place we met her earlier, but Im not familiar with her meeting places"

[Huxley]

"Two routes suggest themselves . . . first, there are several places on Bourbon street, enjoyable if almost to loud to hear yourself think, and thus, to loud for kindred also"

"Second, on a more quiet note, there are several cemetaries . . . an interesting thing about New Orleans is that the dead are buried above ground, but, noone is going to disturb you there"

"If Bianca truly summoned them, they could be meeting her now . . . we could check the place we met her earlier, but Im not familiar with her meeting places"

"Give your friend a call, the... Antoinette was it? and see how she is doing... she looked inquisitive, you could explain how you ended up in our group -- the background noise should tell us where to look"

[Detritus]

How soon after getting ashore will it be when you make this call?

[Huxley]

How soon after getting ashore will it be when you make this call?

OOC: I'm assuming fairly soon... as long as it takes to get to Jocelin's car, and start rolling for a bit.

[Detritus]

OOC: I'm assuming fairly soon... as long as it takes to get to Jocelin's car, and start rolling for a bit.
Per the Antoinette POV piece a few posts up, the Anarchs are still heading to shore. Jocelin would know that the docks stretch out close to 50 miles along the coast. Her first words of any substance will be to inquire whether Jocelin is with anyone, particularly Leo, a question she may answer as seems fitting.

I'm also assuming all four of you are in Jocelin's car right now. (?)

[Kalzazz]

"Yes, Mr Friskin is here, my clearance for solo flight has been revoked at the moment. Cie la mors"

(probably exchange random pleasantries or awkward silences and such, and Jocelin will explain 'how Jocelin came to be a party member and whats happened so far')

" . . . . . so, it could be either the wrong place and the wrong time, being the only one in Dallas from New Orleans, or not believing in that, it was Divine Providence, as He put me here to face these trials and confront my sins"

[Detritus]

"Yes, Mr Friskin is here, my clearance for solo flight has been revoked at the moment. Cie la mors"

(probably exchange random pleasantries or awkward silences and such, and Jocelin will explain 'how Jocelin came to be a party member and whats happened so far')

" . . . . . so, it could be either the wrong place and the wrong time, being the only one in Dallas from New Orleans, or not believing in that, it was Divine Providence, as He put me here to face these trials and confront my sins"
Antoinette is a bit more distant with you, a bit less enthusiastic, when she hears you aren't alone.

She'll say that your clearance for solo flight is revoked only if you let it be revoked.

She's pretty quiet during your recap of events from just before leaving Dallas to tonight. She makes half-hearted noises about maybe meeting Sarah at some point after having brushed by it in your last talk.

A few minutes after you call, she says that they're reaching shore and that maybe they'll see you at "the bar." There's unmistakable emphasis on the second personal pronoun there.

[Huxley]

I should have emphasized that my presence was not made to be known thinks Leo after hearing Jocelin's admission. He is looking out of the car window, attempting to puzzle out what information he's been privvy to.

After Jocelin hangs up, he looks at Jocelin: "You should take your friend's invitation."

[Kalzazz]

"Ill see about it. Ciao" Click

"Does the similarity of the first letter of names suggest so much similarity between Jocelin and Judas Leo? Youve probably got more than enough from the background of the phone call to figure out where they are, and that is proper enough strategy. Asking me on likely spots, that can even be proper enough strategy"

"Asking me straight out to lead to them so you can spy on them, when its been specifically requested not . . . that well goes beyond that. I am very grateful you saved me, do not think I am not. But, I won't see my existence saved to have it used thusly, would you prefer to simply vanquish me now and be done with it, or would you like me to handle that myself?"

"Or if you actually want my help of my own volition, which you know Leo, Id actually like to help you. But, I am having a hard time seeing how spying on my friends, when we already have a clear idea why they are here, is going to find our killer. Not that in principle Anarch's object to the fall of authority, far from it, but it seems exceedingly unlikely this batch of Anarch's who arrived from Los Angeles after we talked to Bianca about raising levies are the diablerists"

[Huxley]

Leo looks out the window as Jocelin speaks. There is a moment of silence as he ponders a second, and irritation hides beneath his voice:

"One, I am not taking liberties with my current position -- towards you or the others. I am trying to get information. Two, your sudden peak in dislike for what I have to say shows that I am in the right -- that you have need to learn to control yourself. More on this after we resolve this situation. Three, Anneke knows something, and I'm going to find out what. At first, I will not be there -- they will respond differently if I am there, and I know Bianca knows more than she told. If it becomes more advantageous to show myself, I will. So long as your friends are not diablerists, they will not come to any harm from me"

Leo looks at Jocelin, "Now... are there any other plans that you foresee needing approval from you, or shall we continue on?"

[Kalzazz]

"I did not dispute I messed up, I did not dispute that there was room for self improvement, just whether self improvement against flames was what was called for"

"And you can do whatever you want, you dont need my approval . . . however, I have choices over my own destiny, however unpleasant those choices may be, and thus, you do need my approval to use me in those plans. As for my approval though, since we are in agreement about the ends if not the means, there is the kine theory of a search warrant. Do you agree to share and/or act only on information directly pertaining to the Diablerist or other direct threats to the Justicar, not information pertaining to general kindred tactics and manuevering even if it is its usual bloodsport? If so, Ill help you, both to help you for you are my friend even if we disagree, to fulfill my pledge to this quest, and to clear suspicions of my friends"

"I don't know Anneke. But, let's consider what we know about her, one, she is a Toreador from her introductions to the Prince, and two, we know she showed up with those Bianca called in to deal with a Diablerist problem. As I said to Antoinette, I dont necessarily believe in coincidences, so I imagine her place in this directly relates to the Diablerist problem, Tories are known for there unnaturally keen powers of observation with halos and stuff. Which might pierce your powers of invisibility."

"So, here is my suggestion. I call you on the phone Jack gave me, and leave it open in my bag. You then can listen and learn what they say, and forget everything that isnt pertinent, without the risk of being spotted"

[Huxley]

Leo stares incredulously. His fists clench.

conserve blood...
she's a childe!
it's not a bad plan...
her insolence needs quelling!
don't respond violently...
I. am. pissed.

He points with one finger at Jocelin: "You... need to understand something, right now. You are not in a position for bargaining. I do not want you to die the final death, as you suggested, but this is far from gratitude, and very far from repentance."

He pauses: "Your plan is not bad. But if the phone goes out, or I can't hear perfectly well, I will enter".

[Detritus]

Here's the status of the PCs heading into the meeting ashore with the Anarchs:

Jack - 12 pool, -2 Fatigue (still recovering a bit from the change into ape form)
Jocelin - 12 pool (assuming she repaired the stake hole in her chest...)
Leo - 5 pool, +6 ST until ~ 0245
Menachem - 11 pool

The meeting will start a bit before 0200. The bar is actually a touch off of Bourbon Street. What are Jack and Menachem going to be doing? Show up later, do a little hunting on Bourbon Street, other?

[Parzival]

Hunting sounds good.

[Menachem saunters off humming "Bloodletting" by Concrete Blonde]

I'll keep my ears open for gossip and rumors. If I run across somebody who has an idea about how the world really works, I'll question them (and then draw on napkins while talking about string theory, alternate universes, and Kaballah in an effort to show them that their understanding is incomplete).

[SD Anderson]

Here's the status of the PCs heading into the meeting ashore with the Anarchs:

Jack - 12 pool, -2 Fatigue (still recovering a bit from the change into ape form)
Jocelin - 12 pool (assuming she repaired the stake hole in her chest...)
Leo - 5 pool, +6 ST until ~ 0245
Menachem - 11 pool

The meeting will start a bit before 0200. The bar is actually a touch off of Bourbon Street. What are Jack and Menachem going to be doing? Show up later, do a little hunting on Bourbon Street, other?

Assuming the area is ok to hunt in, hunt.

Prey of choice, Blonde tall sassy, she should remember having a good time.

[Detritus]

Jocelin will get a text message indicating that she can meet the other Anarchs at House of Blues, which is a touch off Bourbon Street but still in the French Quarter.

More as work permits, but I'm fairly crushed right now for time.

[Detritus]

Here's the lay of the land around House of Blues from Google Maps. It's kind of in that southern corner of the French Quarter. Bourbon Street is marked in hemoglobin red.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t126/tkrenbarger/hobno.jpg

[Detritus]

OK, when Jocelin rolls in to House of Blues, Bianca is the only one there. About 10 minutes after she arrives, Antoinette, Black Cat, and Yuri show up, but Uma and Anneke are nowhere to be seen (of which more in a bit).

How far afield will the other PCs be going while Jocelin meets with the N.O. Anarchs? The meeting with Samantha is in about two hours.

[SD Anderson]

OK, when Jocelin rolls in to House of Blues, Bianca is the only one there. About 10 minutes after she arrives, Antoinette, Black Cat, and Yuri show up, but Uma and Anneke are nowhere to be seen (of which more in a bit).

How far afield will the other PCs be going while Jocelin meets with the N.O. Anarchs? The meeting with Samantha is in about two hours.

Jack will see about feeding in the first hour and head back regardless of success. He will be waiting for the others about half an hour before the meeting with Samantha.

Place he'll be waiting at, designated site about three blocks from the meeting place. The others will know where to look for him.

[Huxley]

How far afield will the other PCs be going while Jocelin meets with the N.O. Anarchs? The meeting with Samantha is in about two hours.

OOC: Leo will be waiting in the car, phone in his hand, with the volume as high as it will go.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin suggests Leo would rather wait in the quietest spot they can find rather than in a car in a parking, but if Leo wants the car in parking lot scenario she suggests either the trunk or lieing down on the floor in the back seat. Also that Leo really wants to hold his hand over the phones audio pickup to muffle anything it sends

Upon Leo's turning his phones volume to max Jocelin will turn her phones volume down to mininum to help discourage it from being heard by others

[Detritus]

Jocelin suggests Leo would rather wait in the quietest spot they can find rather than in a car in a parking, but if Leo wants the car in parking lot scenario she suggests either the trunk or lieing down on the floor in the back seat. Also that Leo really wants to hold his hand over the phones audio pickup to muffle anything it sends

Upon Leo's turning his phones volume to max Jocelin will turn her phones volume down to mininum to help discourage it from being heard by others
Jocelin would know that the best parking situation in the French Quarter would be to hit one of the parking structures down by the river. You think you might see someone living in a van down there, but otherwise not much else is going on.

[Detritus]

OOC - Let me know for sure about where exactly Jocelin ended up parking. Let's say the GM's initial recommendation of a parking garage down by the river will be good enough for cell phone reception; you can park on the roof of the garage. There are also several large parking lots in the area if you wanted to keep open the possibility of a little quicker getaway.

I also have to mention that Jocelin got a 4 on her default Holdout roll (effective skill level = 6) for her attempt to hide her cell phone yet still have it pick up the other anarchs' voices. Without realizing how or the significance of this fact, she has somehow inserted her cell phone into an ellipsoidal fold of clothing with the cell phone speaker at one of the foci and everyone else's mouths near the other focus. Nice going, the quality of reception for Leo will basically be like everyone's talking on a cell phone with him. Now back to the scene...

[Kalzazz]

((Sure, rooftop works. Rooftop sounds quiet))

[Detritus]

Jocelin has been to House of Blues a few times, so has some passing familiarity with it. The decor is a bit like a Hard Rock Cafe, although with more of an R&B bent. A large, life-sized poster of a certain delta blues musician (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=63399&postcount=21) seated cross-legged in a suit and hat seems to be a permanent fixture of the decorations.

Once everyone is gathered, Bianca asks without preamble, "Are you hanging around with an Archon of your own accord, Joss, or are you trying to get out from under his thumb somehow?"

[Detritus]

((Sure, rooftop works. Rooftop sounds quiet))
OOC -- Question for Huxley, I'm assuming Leo is just going to be literally laying low or something of that sort if he's going to try remaining hidden while on the parking garage roof, yes?

[Huxley]

OOC -- Question for Huxley, I'm assuming Leo is just going to be literally laying low or something of that sort if he's going to try remaining hidden while on the parking garage roof, yes?

OOC: Yup, pretty much. He wouldn't expect those lowly anarchs to be organized enough to have lookouts! :D

[Detritus]

I'm going to split off Leo and Menachem/Jack into "Appendix" threads while the conversation between Jocelin and the other Anarchs continues here. Stay tuned...

[Kalzazz]

"Well, it started of my own accord. The hanging out part and such, even before I knew he was an archon. He seems to be a cool guy"

"And this quest started innocently enough, go and vanquish a monster, anyone can get behind vanquishing monsters after all"

"Now though, the accord part is pretty much running out. And he isnt being conversational about it either. Maybe hes just stressed about the diablerist issue and isnt coping well, or maybe he just feels no reason to care about me anymore now that I may actually be useful, and likely soon to be disposed of"

"And . . . I am definitely beginning to suspect while this Diablerist thing is real, it may be like the Assassination of Ferdinand, a convenient pretext to go do the bloody things people wanted to do to begin with and didnt have an excuse. Why else would there be so much interest in this random side investigation instead of stuff that actually seems goal related?"

"Uhmmm . . . . well, what I mean. Accord originally, accord now slipping"

[Detritus]

"And the Warlocks?" asks Antoinette. "Is there an accord there as well?"

Black Cat and Yuri sort of look towards the table when these questions are asked.

[Kalzazz]

((Is Sabine here? My commentary on warlocks will change depending on whether warlocks in the audeince))

[Detritus]

((Is Sabine here? My commentary on warlocks will change depending on whether warlocks in the audeince))
Sabine is not here, it's Jocelin, Bianca, Black Cat, Yuri, and Antoinette.

[Kalzazz]

"I think Sarah is cool . . . she seems to want to have fun and seems even a bit lonely . . I did just meet her, but Im sure she does have whatever her own plans are, but she did seem to like me before and after my uhmm, overly enthusiastic response with Heather, and wanted to go dancing or something. She could be a friend"

"Rebekka has definite style, and I think she likes me . . . . however . . . I also saw Rebekka hew off her own finger, burn it, and cauterize the stump . . . and shes ancient. So, hmmm . . . . . I dont know on her. She is pretty cool, but then, so is Darth Vader. She's actually recognized I exist, unlike the other two warlock guys who came on this quest, who pretty much seem stuck on themselves except for occasional snide comment, so that is something"

"Im not working for the warlocks . . . . actually, I just asked a question they thought was amusing . . . I think they might be bored honestly or just not know how to live a little. I do try to be friendly and we did share a road trip, and given the rest of the crew along for the journey . . . "

"Or given the decidedly odd Warlock sense of humor, they might have helped after the incident so they could continue with the 'this is a noun, or is a noun?' jokes. I'm really not sure"

[Detritus]

"Of course an elder Tremere is going to have her own agenda!" says Antoinette.

Bianca seems to have drawn in on herself for the moment, deep in thought, but Yuri looks around the table before speaking.

"If Sarah is like Sabine, she won't be so bad," he says. Bianca and Black Cat do make lukewarm sounds of agreement after this, but Antoinette joins the chorus a couple beats later and much less enthusiastically.

Bianca then asks, "So, are you looking to get out from under your situation here, Joss, or are you going to stick to whatever plan your Dallas posse has in store?"

[Kalzazz]

"I said Id help vanquish this diablerist, and I will. But, I am not relishing my newfound role as the archons leashed dog . . . Im not to far away from thinking checking out whether Lucian is recruiting wouldnt be the lesser of two evils. If theres a way to salvage this and escape that Id be all for it . . . and when the whole reason I twas on this bloody quest was to help him . . . its not like I care about someone whacking the Justicar"

"Oh, as for the plan they have in store? The plan seems to be to just walk into Samantha's meeting and see what happens. Though actually, I like that plan the best of any thats come up so far. At least it doesnt involve the national guard and irrelevant witchhunts. If its a trap then so be it, what happens tis His will and I doubht He wants to call me back in some cowards ambush. But, if the enemy isnt so agreeable as to spring an ambush I dont think they have a plan B"

[Detritus]

Bianca shakes her head upon hearing the "plan."

"Well, you should know, if you're going to be one of those walking into a trap, it looks like Sammy might have started a family. I hinted at it with your Archon buddy, but I'm telling you point-blank, there may be some more Kooks on the street than we're used to."

She starts counting off on her fingers as she continues.

"They aren't Blue Bloods, Warlocks, or Art Fags. They're not Brujah, either, and I doubt they are Caitiff. They don't look, or smell, like Nossies. That leaves Gangrel and Malks, and the ones I've seen don't really look like Camille's type."

"What can we do?" asks Antoinette, obviously worried for her friend.

"Beyond keeping a sharp lookout, I'm not really sure," says Bianca. "I tried calling in some friends from Atlanta and Memphis, but I don't know if they'll come. Maybe Rake, and Crusher. Crusher is always ready for a fight, at least."

Bianca thinks for a moment before asking Jocelin another question.

"Do you think the Warlocks hate Lucian as much as they claim to, Joss? If it's an act, it'd be an awfully convenient ruse to get both Anarchs and Toreador out of their way here."

[Kalzazz]

"Do they consider him Inimicus Maximus? I dont think so . . . but I am sure that its not a ruse and he is warlock non grata, if it was a decoy they would have told us more, the fact theyve barely discussed it means its real"

"But, I am sure Rebekka and Prince Strauss wouldn't have started this adventure without grander plans than icing one rogue Tremere who may or may not have any further part to play . . . but, Rebekka already had lofty position in the countries 4th largest city if not near as cool city and she also had Lazarus revived, so I dont think she wants to replace the Prince herself . . . I dont have a clue what her plan is, but, I am sure there is one"

"If Anarch and Tory are removed . . . and Sammy is in fact found innocent, how good of claim would would she have to the top of the food chain? She and the Justicar are both Malkavian, and if she is calling up the levies . . . "

[Detritus]

"Do they consider him Inimicus Maximus? I dont think so . . . but I am sure that its not a ruse and he is warlock non grata, if it was a decoy they would have told us more, the fact theyve barely discussed it means its real"
"I don't know," says Bianca. They're pretty devious, and have always kept their own counsel. It may be real, but don't reckon too far without considering the possibility of a ruse."

"But, I am sure Rebekka and Prince Strauss wouldn't have started this adventure without grander plans than icing one rogue Tremere who may or may not have any further part to play . . . but, Rebekka already had lofty position in the countries 4th largest city if not near as cool city and she also had Lazarus revived, so I dont think she wants to replace the Prince herself . . . I dont have a clue what her plan is, but, I am sure there is one"
"New Orleans has a long association with voodoo, and its populace is pretty superstitious," says Antoinette. "I've got family from around this area. It could be a draw for the Warlocks."

"Are you sure they've revived Lazarus, or have they just found him?" asks Yuri.

((OOC -- You haven't seen Lazarus in an ambulatory state, in case that wasn't clear earlier.))

"If Anarch and Tory are removed . . . and Sammy is in fact found innocent, how good of claim would would she have to the top of the food chain? She and the Justicar are both Malkavian, and if she is calling up the levies . . . "
"From what I understand, anyone who can enforce their dictates has a shot a being Prince," says Bianca. "I guess Sammy could be following Johnson's model."

"I think her claim that Demetrious attacked her is BS," says Black Cat. "There's no need for a Prince's pet to attack anyone."

Bianca then asks Jocelin -- "Do you think the Justicar and Sammy could actually be working together?"

[Kalzazz]

"Your right, I havent actually seen Lazarus ambulating yet . . . just heard they found him. Maybe it tis a warlock ruse on Lucian, but I am still pretty convinced they dont like him. Of course, I wouldnt put it past them to try and kill two anarchs with one stone, he may be both there enemy and there ruse"

"Its definitely possible . . . I dont know how likely. But if she really is his descendant and of his clan, well, whats a little nepotism among friends? Its also possible that Sammy and the Justicar arent working together yet, but one of them plans to turn the other to there side and against the prince"

"The archon may be a pawn to, isnt part of the whole archon bit becoming the Justicars captivus? And . . . . if the goal is to bring about the fall of the Prince, what better diplomat to send than one the Tories will hate on sight? Uhmmm . . . Justicars do have lots of Archons to choose from I think?"

"Or maybe Sammy isnt Sammy . . . she hasnt been seen for a while right? Did anyone really know her? Could it be possible this Sammy is actually a Warlock agent? The warlocks have been mostly heading the investigation giving us the magicky help . . . if they wanted to they could definitely arrange the clues as they liked"

"And we havent even mentioned the Sabbat and the Lupines, but theyd be definite benefactors if a war started. Hmmm. Ive never actually met a Lupine, Ive heard they are great and powerful and honorable opponents, a true test of ones skills in battle . . . so, I guess we are probably not fighting them. But what about the Sabbat, who defy His people with their false Churches? You said we know theres a lot of new vamps around, and isnt floods of freshly created cannon fodder a favorite page of the Sabbat playbook?"


" . . . . . . Occam's Razor suggests we pick the simplest solution, but nothing seems simple here, theres unlimited whacky conspiracy theories and they all seem equally all to plausible. Jocelin's Razor suggests who it is doesnt matter, they can all be cut to ribbons, but Mr Friskin hasn't given her her katana back yet"

[Detritus]

"I think what she's trying to say is 'It's complicated, baby'," says Antoinette.

"This is what happens when you get mixed up in politics, Joss," says Black Cat with a slight "I told you so" lilt in her voice. "And Jocelin's Razor isn't going to work that well if your razor doesn't have a blade."

"Yeah, you can't get out from under whatever it is that's on top of you until you get your sword back," says Bianca. "You got a plan for that?"

Before Jocelin can answer, three imposing individuals (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=180211&postcount=26) approach your table.

Two of them are about six feet tall. One sports a mohawk, has a bit of a ruddy complexion and broad shoulders, and when he gets close enough to the table you see he's wearing red-tinted contact lenses. The other has hair that runs just a bit below his rounded shoulders and is wearing an army green jacket (as per his picture in the Dramatis Personae thread). The third tops the other two by a full head and is built like a franchise left tackle.

"This place is a dump, Bianca," says the fellow with the mohawk. "It wishes it could be a pimple on the butt of the one in Atlanta. Why did you pick this place to meet?"

"Tourists party on Bourbon Street, if you want that scene, Rake," replies Bianca. "This is an establishment for locals."

The big guy then comes around to where Jocelin is sitting and places one massive hand with sunken knuckles on her left shoulder.

"Haven't seen you before," he says, "and I never forget a pretty face. I'll hug you and kiss you and squeeze you and call you Georgia. Whaddya say?"

"Leave her alone, Crusher," says the longhair as he knocks the brute's hand off Jocelin's shoulder.

"You'll have to forgive our associate's manners," says Rake. "We can hardly take him anywhere these days without him causing some sort of trouble.

"I'm Rake," he says, "Captain Hairdo over there is Anvil, and you've already met Crusher. And you are...?"

[Detritus]

OOC - While Jocelin reacts to her introduction to the new guys, Bianca whips out her cell phone and fires off a text message to someone.

[Detritus]

OOC - While Jocelin reacts to her introduction to the new guys, Bianca whips out her cell phone and fires off a text message to someone.
OOC (continued) - For the moment we will say that Jocelin is simply too stunned to react to the whirlwind arrival of the new Brujah, although that can change once Kal gets a chance to post again.

In the meantime, Bianca receives a text message shortly after she fired hers off. She thumbs towards the door and says, "C'mon, Crusher, we have to make a Wal-Mart run," after which they leave the room.

[Detritus]

OOC - Such banter as we might imagine to have occurred in Bianca and Crusher's absence is interrupted when Black Cat receives a text message from Bianca, the gist of which is that Bianca and Crusher will be returning to the bar soon, with a thirsty and possibly overwrought Uma in tow.

[Detritus]

OOC - OK, I've un-stuck the Appendices to the Anarch meet-and-greet thread. Use this thread for any planning or coordination you might want to do with the Anarchs. Of course, considering that Jocelin is the only member of Arcadian's detachment that is presently at House of Blues, that could be a bit tricky...

Early returns for who might help at Drake manor are Anneke = yes, Crusher = probably, and everyone else = up in the air, TBD...

[Detritus]

Where were the PCs planning on meeting after their various excursions in the city? Was Jocelin going to wait until after Bianca et al.'s return from Wal-Mart before leaving House of Blues?

[SD Anderson]

Where were the PCs planning on meeting after their various excursions in the city? Was Jocelin going to wait until after Bianca et al.'s return from Wal-Mart before leaving House of Blues?


Truth be told, I don't think we actually established a rendesvous point (though given the amount of real world time that's passed, I could be wrong).

I've got no real objection to making a few calls and meeting at a local Denny's or other 24 hour place.

[Detritus]

Truth be told, I don't think we actually established a rendesvous point (though given the amount of real world time that's passed, I could be wrong).

I've got no real objection to making a few calls and meeting at a local Denny's or other 24 hour place.
Yeah, I don't think there was anything concretely established in terms of a meeting point. Whatever you decide is fine, it just needs to be decided.

I'm going to assume that Jocelin sticks around until Bianca et al. return. Uma won't be there because she is off hunting to replace the vitae she needed to use to heal her broken hands.

Bianca will report the results of the meeting with Jack and Menachem, and Leo's plans regarding Jocelin's katana. It doesn't sit that well with the other Brujah.

Anneke will also give her scouting report. Jocelin will recognize Heather as one of the women inside the manor, and all the New Orleans natives will recognize Samantha as the other. No one recognizes the four vampires patrolling the grounds.

Anneke, Crusher, and Antoinette will be heading to Drake Manor. Everyone else will be involved with coordinating the city's defenses in case there is something like a Sabbat incursion on tap.

((OOC - I'm heading to the airport in about 15 minutes, and won't be back until about 10 pm PDT.))

[SD Anderson]

Denny's or the back area of it's parking lot if we need privacy works for me. Unless someone posts a better idea call it decided on. (yes, this is they "HEY YOU GUYS!!! POST FOR THE SAKE OF POSTING" call.)

[Kalzazz]

((Sorry, Jocelin's player still lacks the capacity to string two IC words together. Though, I guess I vote for an abandoned lot or someplace properly ruined looking or such. Denny's says 'college students study here', and lacks a properly vampiric ambiance. Or we can meet at a rooftop parking garage, as rooftops are good for the vampiric ambiance))

[Detritus]

Those of you mindful of the fact that you have a Nosferatu of unknown thirst level with you might want to suggest steering the meeting place away from places where he'd have to use Obfuscate to hide his true identity.

Thinking about the trip to Drake Manor, those of you with non-zero points in Savoir-Faire will realize that any plan that involves hiding weapons under things like trenchcoats might hit a snag if the hostess asks to take your coats, especially if she insists on it. I'm just sayin'...

[Kalzazz]

((What about the hideability of pistols? Jocelin's handgun might be concealable without a trenchcoat or such, considering she sadly no longer has a sword to conceal))

[Detritus]

((What about the hideability of pistols? Jocelin's handgun might be concealable without a trenchcoat or such, considering she sadly no longer has a sword to conceal))
You will (most likely) not be frisked at the door, but the motions of hospitality may well dictate that the hostess asks to take any jackets you are wearing, and possibly to become suspicious if said jackets are left on during the meeting.

Concealment will require a Holdout roll, also, with whatever bonuses/penalties based on the size of the object to be hidden.

[Kalzazz]

((I think the gun in question rates a +1 to concealment . . . but, still not going to happen. Hmm. What does my 1/2 pt in Savoir Faire tell me about the feasability of tucking the gun into a purse or handbag?))

[Detritus]

((I think the gun in question rates a +1 to concealment . . . but, still not going to happen. Hmm. What does my 1/2 pt in Savoir Faire tell me about the feasability of tucking the gun into a purse or handbag?))
It tells you that perhaps you might ask someone (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=52857&postcount=2) else (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=53007&postcount=1) to do the concealment for you. ;)

[Detritus]

For the meeting before the meeting with Sammy, I would recommend either the Wal-Mart parking lot or the roof of the parking garage where Jocelin's car is, at a time of 0300 or so. That's a little time between when the meeting at House of Blues after Bianca et al. and Anneke's return breaks up, say 15-20 minutes, if you think of anything else you need to do that's fairly quick. Then there's half an hour of planning time (and perhaps persuasion time, if the escort to Drake Manor strikes you as a bit light) and half an hour of travel time before the meeting with Sammy, which should be plenty for that purpose.