Drake Manor (pre-dawn Thurs. 3/29/07)

[Detritus]

In order to foster the illusion of progress, I've un-stuck the Anarch meet-and-greet thread and started the thread in which the visit to Drake Manor will occur. Rough timeline based on developments at the end of the various meet-and-greet threads:

0300 - Planning session at ???????????

0400 - Meet with Samantha at her haven.

0530 - Astronomical twilight (no HT rolls to avoid damage from sunlight before astronomical twilight)

Between 0530 and 0600, one HT roll at HT+2 to avoid damage from sunlight.

0600 - Nautical twilight

Between 0600 and 0630, one HT roll every 10 minutes to avoid damage from sunlight.

0630 - Civil Twilight

Between 0630 and 0700, one HT roll every 6 minutes to avoid sunlight damage.

0700 - Sunrise

After 0700, one HT roll every minute to avoid sunlight damage.

A failed HT roll results in 1d6 aggravated damage. Aggravated damage can only be healed after a full day's rest, and it costs 5 Blood Points to heal 3 points of aggravated damage. With a successful (Will - 5) roll a character can heal 3 more aggravated damage at cost of 5 additional Blood Points (i.e., it costs 10 BP to heal 6 aggravated damage). There is no discount for healing 1-2 aggravated damage. Try to avoid taking any, if possible.

:sasmokin:

[Parzival]

I have a bad feeling about this.

[Detritus]

I have a bad feeling about this.
Just because most of the first post in this thread deals with sunlight damage and detailed timing about how bad the Sun hurts when doesn't mean there's any cause for worry.

:satanlook:

[Kalzazz]

((I always thought sunlight was scarier . . . but this explains how cool vampires like Angel and Spike can periodically brave dashes through the sunlight, but cannon fodder goes poof))

[SD Anderson]

Just remember that episode in Angel where Angel and Spike were in a limo which jumped to another dimension. It was in broad daylight. The doors opened and both vamps curled in terror till they realized it didn't hurt. This sun didn't affect them.

Some of us are probably better able to handle sunlight exposure than others. However ALL of us should have a fear of sunlight that borders on the irrational, even if we can take the sun, get inside burn some fatigue and heal up full..

[Detritus]

Some of us are probably better able to handle sunlight exposure than others. However ALL of us should have a fear of sunlight that borders on the irrational, even if we can take the sun, get inside burn some fatigue and heal up full..
Oh, yes, there will also be Rotschreck rolls for dealing with sunlight. I haven't decided on the timing and whether there are bonuses or penalties depending on how bright the Sun is. You don't want to flip your wig during daylight hours, I'm guessing...

[Huxley]

Leo calls Jack. As soon as Jack responds, Leo begins:

"We ought to regroup. We are attempting to recruit some extra help. It would be best if you came to us"

[SD Anderson]

Leo calls Jack. As soon as Jack responds, Leo begins:

"We ought to regroup. We are attempting to recruit some extra help. It would be best if you came to us"


"On our way."

[Detritus]

"On our way."
((OOC - Note that at the moment of the phone call between Jack and Leo, Menachem seems to be absent, although he will emerge from the Wal-Mart shortly after the call ends...))

[SD Anderson]

(ooc: Just making sure I did pick up a bunch of insect foggers and a lighter at the Wal-Mart. It's been a few weeks.)

[Detritus]

(ooc: Just making sure I did pick up a bunch of insect foggers and a lighter at the Wal-Mart. It's been a few weeks.)
Yes, you've got 'em.

[Detritus]

Since Parz might be out of commission for bit, I'm going to move the story forward to when everyone is meeting atop the parking garage where Jocelin's ride is parked.

The NPCs present are Anneke, Crusher, Antoinette, Bianca, Black Cat, and Rake. Menachem will be speaking with Black Cat and Rake about coordinating off-site efforts. Everyone else will be talking about what's going to happen on the manor grounds.

[Huxley]

Leo surveys the anarchs, pondering as he briefly looks over each individually.

"I am glad you've decided to at least hear us out. Have any of you decided to come along? And if so, who is willing to go inside with us?"

[Detritus]

Leo surveys the anarchs, pondering as he briefly looks over each individually.

"I am glad you've decided to at least hear us out. Have any of you decided to come along? And if so, who is willing to go inside with us?"
"Well, Rake and I are going to stay in the city to help keep an eye out in case there's more mischief brewing," says Bianca. "I think everyone else will be heading to Sammy's."

She glances at Anneke, who gives off the faint impression of having her head in two places at once, before continuing, "I thought there was also potential trouble on the manor grounds. You don't need a group of eight to conduct an interview, do you? Or is the plan to go straight to an arrest?"

[Huxley]

"I will not be the one to escalate this to an arrest, but the potential trouble will likely turn kinetic. However, because the meeting will be taking place so close to dawn, I am not sure if having those willing to help in the conflict can stay "near-by". It might be best to bring you in with us. We will be mocked for this, but I am willing to be mocked for safety"

[Detritus]

"I will not be the one to escalate this to an arrest, but the potential trouble will likely turn kinetic. However, because the meeting will be taking place so close to dawn, I am not sure if having those willing to help in the conflict can stay "near-by". It might be best to bring you in with us. We will be mocked for this, but I am willing to be mocked for safety"
"It might be more than mockery, if Sammy chooses to take a large entourage as a party of gate-crashers," says Bianca. "You could get the gracious southern hostess, or maybe the Malkavian in all her irrational glory shows up instead."

Bianca whips out her cell phone for a moment before putting it away again.

"It's nearly three hours until dawn. Even longer before sunrise. It's your call to make, but it does sound like a pretty flimsy pretext to get everyone you bring under her roof."

Antoinette looks at Jocelin and smiles before turning to Leo.

"I will follow your lead, Archon," she says.

"And I shall match your courage, Orphan," says Anneke. "Into the den of the lioness," she says with a little lopsided smirk.

Black Cat comes over and says, "I think I need to remain outside, but I don't think there's any reason for the Hulk here to keep outdoors."

"Is Sammy pretty?" Crusher asks. "If she's pretty, definitely count me in."

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

OK, that settles who's going in or not. If there's anything specific you want to plan out, we can hash it out OOC (or IC, if you prefer, either is fine) and then move the scene to Drake Manor.

[Detritus]

Sorry for the delay in this reply. I need to plan out some NPC actions that aren't blatantly inconsistent with established game history.

In the meantime, can I get an inventory on what is going to be hidden on whom before the trip to Drake Manor? I need to make Holdout rolls for whatever it is you're concealing. These rolls can be based on a trained Holdout skill level regardless of the person carrying the concealed items.

[SD Anderson]

Jack doesn't plan on making a real effort to hide his SMG. If asked, "One of our people was murdered just beyond that wall when he tried to deliver notice about the hearing. I'm here to make sure everyone stays safe."

[Detritus]

Jack doesn't plan on making a real effort to hide his SMG. If asked, "One of our people was murdered just beyond that wall when he tried to deliver notice about the hearing. I'm here to make sure everyone stays safe."
Heh.

Is anyone else going to stroll into Sammy's haven visibly armed?

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin would like to get her pistol concealed. But hopefully where she can access it easily

[Detritus]

Jocelin would like to get her pistol concealed. But hopefully where she can access it easily
I'll make a Holdout skill roll for Leo for this, since he's trained in it (and Menachem may want to hide something on his person himself).

If there's anything that Menachem does want to hide, let me know, and I'll make a (some) roll(s) for it (them).

[Detritus]

OK, we'll declare all the preliminaries preliminated now.

The Dallas PCs will head to Sammy's in Jocelin's car (I presume). Antoinette will ride with Black Cat, and Anneke rides with Crusher.

You get to the manor grounds a few minutes before 4 am. The Drake mansion is truly a sight to behold, lights shining and shutters opened, it looks like a gleaming jewel in the night, a worthy abode for a socialite.

Anneke rolls her eyes at Jack's unconcealed SMG and shoots a look back and forth between Leo and Jack that clearly is a non-verbal call of shenanigans, but she doesn't say anything. Crusher gives a little smile and flexes his fists (without raising them from his sides) at the sight, but remains similarly silent.

None of the Kindred that Anneke claimed were present are anywhere to be seen.

"They were here, but they are gone," she says softly, almost to herself. "They must be inside now." Antoinette gives a worried look to Jocelin and then Anneke in turn, but says nothing.

A moment after you knock on the door, a beaming Samantha answers, dressed in a gold lamé evening gown.

"Ah, wonderful, so good to finally see you all!" she says. An instant later she says, "Oh, you've brought extra guests! And you're armed," she says slowly upon seeing Jack's SMG. "Am I under arrest?" she asks coyly.

"One of our people was murdered just beyond that wall when he tried to deliver notice about the hearing," Jack says. "I'm here to make sure everyone stays safe."

"A nasty business, that," replies Sammy, "but I have my theory on what happened. But you won't need that gun, we can settle our affairs like mature adults, not with fire. Won't you set your gun down out here in the entryway while we chat?"

((Jack needs to make a Will roll))

"Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself," says Sammy. "Won't you all come in, and take refreshment before we get down to business?"

At that, she steps aside, and you can see Heather, dressed in a black cocktail dress, standing at the far end of the entryway in what appears to be an opening to a parlor deeper in the house. When she sees Jocelin, she raises her right hand, palm outwards towards the guest, and makes a rapid, tiny waving motion with her fingers while her palm remains stationary.

[SD Anderson]

OK, we'll declare all the preliminaries preliminated now.

The Dallas PCs will head to Sammy's in Jocelin's car (I presume). Antoinette will ride with Black Cat, and Anneke rides with Crusher.

You get to the manor grounds a few minutes before 4 am. The Drake mansion is truly a sight to behold, lights shining and shutters opened, it looks like a gleaming jewel in the night, a worthy abode for a socialite.

Anneke rolls her eyes at Jack's unconcealed SMG and shoots a look back and forth between Leo and Jack that clearly is a non-verbal call of shenanigans, but she doesn't say anything. Crusher gives a little smile and flexes his fists (without raising them from his sides) at the sight, but remains similarly silent.

None of the Kindred that Anneke claimed were present are anywhere to be seen.

"They were here, but they are gone," she says softly, almost to herself. "They must be inside now." Antoinette gives a worried look to Jocelin and then Anneke in turn, but says nothing.

A moment after you knock on the door, a beaming Samantha answers, dressed in a gold lamé evening gown.

"Ah, wonderful, so good to finally see you all!" she says. An instant later she says, "Oh, you've brought extra guests! And you're armed," she says slowly upon seeing Jack's SMG. "Am I under arrest?" she asks coyly.

"One of our people was murdered just beyond that wall when he tried to deliver notice about the hearing," Jack says. "I'm here to make sure everyone stays safe."

"A nasty business, that," replies Sammy, "but I have my theory on what happened. But you won't need that gun, we can settle our affairs like mature adults, not with fire. Won't you set your gun down out here in the entryway while we chat?"

((Jack needs to make a Will roll))

"Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself," says Sammy. "Won't you all come in, and take refreshment before we get down to business?"

At that, she steps aside, and you can see Heather, dressed in a black cocktail dress, standing at the far end of the entryway in what appears to be an opening to a parlor deeper in the house. When she sees Jocelin, she raises her right hand, palm outwards towards the guest, and makes a rapid, tiny waving motion with her fingers while her palm remains stationary.

Made the roll by three. Is Jack aware that she tried to pull some sort of mind control trick?

[Kalzazz]

((My attempt at parsing non verbal behavior through text is failing . . . can Jocelin tell what Heather is trying to say?))

[Detritus]

((My attempt at parsing non verbal behavior through text is failing . . . can Jocelin tell what Heather is trying to say?))
She's just giving you a foo-foo wave of her hand.

[Detritus]

Made the roll by three. Is Jack aware that she tried to pull some sort of mind control trick?
No, not really mind control, although for some reason you can't really articulate, you feel (rather than think) that it would be a good idea to follow her suggestion. For the cost of 1 BP, this feeling can go away. (She made her roll by 5 ;)).

[SD Anderson]

I'll burn two fatigue if I can instead, otherwise on BP.

"I have to answer to The Pinces of New Orleans, Dallas and quite probably Houston as well as the Justicar. I can't afford to take chances."

Any Detect Lies, Body Language pyschology, telepathy etc used by her will let understand Jack is really saying "If I catch you messing with my mind again, I'm going to rip your spine out of your body then beat you to death with it."

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin gives Heather an exaggeratedly bright smile and friendly wave, and thinks happy thoughts of divine retribution

[Detritus]

I'll burn two fatigue if I can instead, otherwise on BP.

"I have to answer to The Pinces of New Orleans, Dallas and quite probably Houston as well as the Justicar. I can't afford to take chances."

Any Detect Lies, Body Language pyschology, telepathy etc used by her will let understand Jack is really saying "If I catch you messing with my mind again, I'm going to rip your spine out of your body then beat you to death with it."
"Oh, no need to be so serious, my good man," says Samantha with a dazzling smile.

When Jack doesn't appear to lighten up, a droll little quirk crosses her lips as she says, "Well, I suppose if you feel you need to remained armed in order to properly discharge your duty, I won't stop you."

Jocelin gives Heather an exaggeratedly bright smile and friendly wave, and thinks happy thoughts of divine retribution
Heather blows Jocelin a kiss with ill-concealed mirth while Sammy is looking away from her. Antoinette knits her eyebrows in confusion at the gesture but doesn't say anything. Anneke gives a little shrug and smirk at the exchange, and you're pretty sure she's rolling her eyes behind her shades. Crusher is duly appreciative of the beauty of your hostesses, but does not otherwise react.

After a final exchange of pleasantries ("Menachem, how wonderful to see you again...") in the entryway, Samantha asks if you'll take refreshment while leading you into the parlor. It's decorated in a manner that would have been fashionable a century ago. There's a large fireplace with a roaring fire (not close enough to force any Rötschreck rolls), and two sofas large enough to seat three people apiece facing a couple of matching armchairs across a low rectangular table. Samantha brings in a chair from the dining room just as Heather returns with a platter bearing nine matching fluted glasses, each filled halfway with blood.

"Please, be seated, and help yourself," says Sammy as she takes a seat in one of the armchairs. Heather goes to the fireplace and stokes the fire with a very long poker before taking her place beside Samantha.

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

Who's sitting where, and will you take up Sammy's offer of vitae?

[SD Anderson]

Jack will stand in a corner where he can keep the door(s) covered and will decline the vitae. He may well wonder what she added to it.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin perches herself on the arm of one of the couches to be a properly conforming nonconformist

She looks at the vitae, "Tis this from properly wicked sources? Im a devoted sinfultarian"

[Detritus]

I'll burn two fatigue if I can instead, otherwise on BP.
I missed this before. It has to be a BP in this case.

[Detritus]

Jocelin perches herself on the arm of one of the couches to be a properly conforming nonconformist

She looks at the vitae, "Tis this from properly wicked sources? Im a devoted sinfultarian"
"I think it will meet your standards," Samantha says. The vitae does have a delightfully sinful aroma if you get close enough to take a whiff.

Antoinette will sit next to Jocelin, to Jocelin's right, and Crusher sits next to Antoinette. Anneke will sit at the far end of the couch to Jocelin's left.

When it becomes clear that Jack isn't going to partake, Antoinette grabs one glass and drains it in a single gulp, and then takes another. Crusher takes a glass but doesn't drink right away. Heather has a glass and takes a couple of sips. Nothing seems to happen right away to Antoinette, at which point Crusher starts drinking from his glass. You don't see anything happen to him once he starts drinking, either. Anneke has politely declined the offer of vitae.

Samantha will take a glass and invite everyone to be at their ease and have a little vitae to take the edge off before she starts sipping from her glass.

((Once everyone has decided what to do about seating and accepting the offer of refreshment, we'll proceed to the interview.))

[Kalzazz]

"Gratis"

Jocelin takes one and sips it

[Detritus]

"Gratis"

Jocelin takes one and sips it
It tastes delightfully iniquitous.

((We'll wait for everyone to be seated and accept or decline the offer of refreshment before getting to the interview proper.))

[Detritus]

FYI -- Still need Leo and Menachem to accept or decline Samantha's offer of hospitality and to be seated (or not) and start the interview. In the interim, Samantha will make small talk.

[Huxley]

"Thank you for the offer, but I am full. If someone else would care for my share...?". Leo sits.

[Detritus]

"Thank you for the offer, but I am full. If someone else would care for my share...?". Leo sits.
Samantha gives you a canny look and says, "Are you sure? I'll allow as it can be a bit difficult to tell with the Nosferatu, but you look a bit peaked to me. It seems to agree with your associates," she says, as she motions to Jocelin, Antoinette, and Crusher with a wave of her left arm. Antoinette is almost finished with her second glass at this point.

"Menachem, how about you, are you feeling a bit... peckish?" she asks with a sly grin.

[SD Anderson]

"It's an old cliche, but there's this line about not drinking while on duty." Jack says. "Leo and I are or have been cops. We know the rules."

So what is your play going to be lady? Jack thinks. You're after the Justicar, who's not here. You need Leo to send the OK that will bring him here. YOU NEED LEO! The rest of us are just obstacles. Take over his mind and send the all clear.

Amateurish, but that's consistent.

Jack gets his cell with his left, keeping the smg ready and texts the Prince of Dallas. Can't prove Drake tried to Dominate me. Insist I personally verify any message clearing Justicar travel to here. If my first word is not "Trap", whatever I say is Mind Control garbage." and sends.

[Parzival]

I'll graciously accept both the drink and the seat.

[Detritus]

Samantha raises her glass in salute to Menachem once he settles in and starts drinking. A little more chit-chat ensues (e.g. "When did you return to the city" to Antoinette and Jocelin) and then the business at hand begins in earnest.

"I'm dreadfully sorry about the manner of our meeting, I truly am, but I was in fear of my life!" Samantha begins. "There also seems to have been some naughty girls recently," she says with a chiding look towards both Heather and Jocelin, "and I shudder to think that it was all on my behalf!

"You must understand, there has always been pressure -- at low levels, to be sure, but always there -- from Mr. Johnson to hoave those not of his clan relocate away from the city, in order to make all Kindred here his descendants. Most of us left for a while when the storm came, and I think he finally got fed up with those of us determined to return to our homes. I don't know if he put Demetrious up to it, but I think he did give him free reign to deal with me as he saw fit."

At this point Samantha pauses to collect herself...

[Detritus]

((OOC - Incidentally, if you finish your glass o' vitae, then you're up another Blood Point from where you started.))

[Parzival]

Then, as I'm drinking, I spend a BP to refresh my fatigue.

[Detritus]

Then, as I'm drinking, I spend a BP to refresh my fatigue.
You got it.

I'll probably continue with Samantha's testimony tonight or tomorrow night if no one has any questions for her at this point in the interview.

[Huxley]

"What, exactly, happened with Demetrious?"

[Detritus]

"I ran into him last Thursday. I had heard rumors that he had taken up hunting around the Port Authority, so I decided to go club-hopping with him. Eventually I brought up the rumors I had heard, and he asked me to come with him to someplace a little more private to discuss the matter.

"I was nervous about the suggestion, but decided to go along. When we were alone, Demetrious tried to influence me by means of Dominate, and when that failed, he attempted to physically attack me. It was my great good fortune that I was quick enough to avoid the attack, and swift enough to flee the scene once he came after me intent on mayhem."

[SD Anderson]

"Just to clarify what you said. Attempting to dominate is not an assault, in your view, only a physical attack is?" Jack asks, thinking
Please, please have the audacity to state you consider Domination attacks are attacks, and that a vampire who pulls this kind of crap can be destroyed for committing.

"I may have a follow up observation and question depending on your answer." He adds giving his most predatory smile.

[Detritus]

"Just to clarify what you said. Attempting to dominate is not an assault, in your view, only a physical attack is?" Jack asks, thinking
Please, please have the audacity to state you consider Domination attacks are attacks, and that a vampire who pulls this kind of crap can be destroyed for committing.

"I may have a follow up observation and question depending on your answer." He adds giving his most predatory smile.
Samantha looks put off her stride for an instant before giving a smooth answer:

"Why, I suppose it would depend on the circumstances of its use, the intent behind it," she says.

"But, is it not clear, given the immediate physical follow up after his failed attempt to dominate me, that Demetrious was intent upon inflicting serious, if not lethal, injury upon my person?"

[SD Anderson]

"If indeed that is what he did, and also, I suppose it would 'depend on the circumstances of its use, the intent behind it' as well." Jack says.

[Parzival]

"As you may, or may not, be aware, Demetrious has met with a mysterious accident that makes the allegation impossible to verify. No matter. He was a pawn, but not, I think, of the local Prince. I apologize, ma'am, but I fear you've been drawn into machinations much darker than the petty nepotisms of Prince Johnson."

[SD Anderson]

"As you may, or may not, be aware, Demetrious has met with a mysterious accident that makes the allegation impossible to verify. No matter. He was a pawn, but not, I think, of the local Prince. I apologize, ma'am, but I fear you've been drawn into machinations much darker than the petty nepotisms of Prince Johnson."

_Or drawn up herself. This Heather makes a good substitute Puppet Mistress, but her generation is wrong. Any time you'd care to check that die Leo... Jack thinks.

[Detritus]

"As you may, or may not, be aware, Demetrious has met with a mysterious accident that makes the allegation impossible to verify. No matter. He was a pawn, but not, I think, of the local Prince. I apologize, ma'am, but I fear you've been drawn into machinations much darker than the petty nepotisms of Prince Johnson."
Samantha looks taken aback for a moment before responding.

"Really? What sort of machinations would those be? Do they still present a danger?"

[Parzival]

"A danger, yes."

"But just because I have acertained that you are not the source of the threat does not automatically imply that you are uninvolved. After all, it was your request that seems to have put a lot of balls into motion."

"Why don't you tell me what it is that you are holding back, and we can proceed upon that basis. From what I have seen so far, I am inclined to believe that your involvement is unwitting. It lies within your power to confirm or deny that assesment."

[SD Anderson]

"A danger, yes."

"But just because I have acertained that you are not the source of the threat does not automatically imply that you are uninvolved. After all, it was your request that seems to have put a lot of balls into motion."

"Why don't you tell me what it is that you are holding back, and we can proceed upon that basis. From what I have seen so far, I am inclined to believe that your involvement is unwitting. It lies within your power to confirm or deny that assesment."

Jack raises an eyebrow as Menachem says this, but otherwise says and does nothing.

[Detritus]

"A danger, yes."

"But just because I have acertained that you are not the source of the threat does not automatically imply that you are uninvolved. After all, it was your request that seems to have put a lot of balls into motion."

"Why don't you tell me what it is that you are holding back, and we can proceed upon that basis. From what I have seen so far, I am inclined to believe that your involvement is unwitting. It lies within your power to confirm or deny that assesment."
"We all have something to hide, Menachem, do we not?" she asks in a coy voice.

"I am, however, at a loss to see how I could possibly conceal machinations that I am unaware of. How shall I answer, if I am an unwitting accessory to some grand design you suspect?"

[Detritus]

Anneke speaks into the silence.

"Where are your associates?" she asks Samantha.

"My associates? Whomever do you mean?"

"You deny that there were other Kindred on your manor grounds earlier tonight?"

"I haven't been outside all night," says Samantha. "I would not know."

Anneke lowers her sunglasses along her nose and asks, "You did not order anyone to patrol your grounds tonight?"

"No, I did not."

Pausing for a few moments, Anneke shifts her gaze to Heather and asks, "And you? Do you know of anyone patrolling the manor grounds tonight?"

"I am not sure where this line of questioning is leading," says Samantha just as Heather draws breath to answer, "did you see anyone outside my house tonight -- but I should like to know more about this danger that's been hinted at."

((OOC -- For those checking, Samantha is either an extraordinarily accomplished liar, or had nothing to do with the Kindred reported earlier on her grounds, or Anneke's report is in error...))

[SD Anderson]

Or, as one of the crazy clan, she can so disassociate herself from her self that... Split Personality disadvantage anyone?

[Detritus]

Or, as one of the crazy clan, she can so disassociate herself from her self that... Split Personality disadvantage anyone?
Yes, true, there is that.

[Kalzazz]

"So! Can we go check and see if there is or isnt a pink elephant in your basement?"

[Detritus]

"So! Can we go check and see if there is or isnt a pink elephant in your basement?"
Heather rolls her eyes and smirks before saying, "I thought you were supposed to be the crazy one here," to Samantha.

Samantha sends a look of mild reproach Heather's way for a couple of seconds, and then says to Jocelin, "I couldn't possibly bring guests to the cellar. It's very dank down there. We're built over a swamp, you know."

[Huxley]

Leo looks at Anneke, wondering if he brought the enemy in. He glances to Menachem, also curious about this danger he's speaking of.

[Detritus]

Leo looks at Anneke, wondering if he brought the enemy in. He glances to Menachem, also curious about this danger he's speaking of.
She looks back in your direction briefly with her shades still pulled down, and you (and everyone else on the couches) see that she has burn scars all around her left eye socket and a glass eye that mimics a blue eye. Her real eye is green in color. (This would not have been apparent in the dark in Jocelin's car, BTW...)

[Kalzazz]

"It is a common philosophical challenge, to prove there is not a pink elephant in your basement. It shows the difficulty in proving the negative"

[Detritus]

"It is a common philosophical challenge, to prove there is not a pink elephant in your basement. It shows the difficulty in proving the negative"
Antoinette emits a strangled laugh, and Heather, still sporting a droll grin, says charmant under her breath. Anneke and Crusher exchange looks of disbelief, and then Anneke looks Leo, the question of why on earth these silly girls are part of this discussion plain on her face.

"Are you making sport of these proceedings?" Samantha asks Jocelin in a dangerously soft voice, her hostess's smile now subdued. Her glance then passes over everyone seated on the couches, and also to Jack.

"You bring uninvited guests to my haven, come in openly armed, and make impertinent requests of me," she says, smile now completely gone, an edge of hysteria creeping into her speech. "I'm beginning to think that the outcome has been decided in advance of your coming here." A spasm of agitation punctuates this last statement.

Showing distress for the first time tonight, an alarmed Heather springs out of her seat and moves to soothe Samantha. Glaring at those across the room from her, she says, "If you have accusations to make, kindly bring them into the open. Can't you see you're upsetting her?!"

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin blinks and looks at Samantha raising her hands to show shes unarmed and friendly, "Oh no! Of course not, I did not mean it that way at all, por favor let me try this again . . "

"Our intelligence suggested that kindred were here earlier, outside, now those kindred like pink elephants may or may not actually exist, but they are not outside now. Nor are they in this room with us. So, the most logical place for them to be existing or not must be in the basement. Considering that there were attacks, one outside your house, the Forces of Darkness . . . uhmm, maybe were the Forces of Enlightened Darkness so then they are forces of not Dark Evil, er, anyway, obviously know where your house is. And you yourself just recently returned home, and knowing that the cellar is dank and unpleasant may not have scoured it for potentially unsavory visitors"

"And this is a judicial investigation, so it is very important to make sure it wasnt done in the basement with the candlestick by the butler"

Jocelin is very curious about the basement, but doesnt want to inspire a bloodbath over people not appreciating her insights, after all He made them to, handicapped as they are

[Huxley]

"Jocelin, please. You're speaking out of turn." Leo states calmly, but firmly.

"Will you continue with what you were saying, Menachem?" all the while eyeing Anneke for sudden movements.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin momentarily looks irritated at Leo using a firm tone, then decides getting told by an archon your speaking out of turn is probably worth Anarch brownie points so her irritation goes away and she smiles a bit

Jocelin is also rather convinced that there IS something in the basement, since noone uses 'oh, its dank and not good for guests' in a murder investigation anyway

[Detritus]

Heather takes in everything that goes on between the PCs while keeping one eye on Samantha, but Samantha doesn't seem to notice what's going on as she collects her composure. The two women do turn expectant gazes toward Menachem once Samantha is back in control.

[SD Anderson]

Jack just takes it all in. The guy with the gun doesn't need to call attention to himself.

(ooc: what sort of entryways are there to this room? If the idjits with lit sticks of dynamite decide to make a dramatic entrance, which way in seems likeliest? For that matter is there anything about the right length and balance in the room that Joceline could uses as a makeshift katana?)

[Detritus]

Here's a floor plan of the lower level of Drake Manor:

http://www.caddhomes.com/plans/floorplans/525alwr.jpg

The meeting takes place in the Family Room. There's a coffee table right where the words "Family Room" and the dimensions of that room appear. Samantha and Heather are seated between the table and the exit onto the back porch.

People could make an entrance through the back porch door, the breakfast nook, or the hallway leading between the foyer and the family room. Jocelin could use the long poker that Heather used to stoke the fire as a makeshift katana, but it would do crushing damage instead of cutting.

[Kalzazz]

((Leo has the katana I thought? If battle breaks out he may be kind enough to let Jocelin borrow it))

[Huxley]

((Leo has the katana I thought? If battle breaks out he may be kind enough to let Jocelin borrow it))

((It was my understanding that Leo has the katana as well. And, if battle breaks out, he was intending on giving it to Jocelin))

[Detritus]

We'll go with Leo stashing Jocelin's katana under the trenchcoat he's wearing over his hoodie.

[SD Anderson]

Noting Jack's position. (Sorry for the detail loss in my picture. We really need to up this 19.2 kb picture limit...)

[Detritus]

Here's a summary of the PC's pool/fatigue/DR status at the moment:

Jack - 14 pool, no DR

Jocelin - 13 pool

Leo - 5 pool

Menachem - 10 pool, -4 Fatigue

[Huxley]

Here's a summary of the PC's pool/fatigue/DR status at the moment:

Jack - 14 pool, no DR

Jocelin - 13 pool

Leo - 5 pool

Menachem - 10 pool, -4 Fatigue

((Heh... I knew I was fucking low as shit. Gotta love a stubborn rat-eater :D))

[Detritus]

After a pregnant pause in the conversation, Samantha says, "I'm starting to think that this threat is nothing more than a conversational stalking horse to gauge my reaction. Please do tell. Is your throat dry, Menachem? If so, there are still two goblets remaining to quench your thirst."

[SD Anderson]

"There is nothing 'conversational' about the assaults, plural of the other night. Nor of the previous attacks on us in Texas. So far I've personally experienced sniper fire, machinegunning and dynamite, and the rest of us have similar tales to tell. We are all sick and damned tired of playing target."

"You said you had an idea on who shot our guy outside your home? It's more than damn time for us to hear it."

[Detritus]

"There is nothing 'conversational' about the assaults, plural of the other night. Nor of the previous attacks on us in Texas. So far I've personally experienced sniper fire, machinegunning and dynamite, and the rest of us have similar tales to tell. We are all sick and damned tired of playing target."

"You said you had an idea on who shot our guy outside your home? It's more than damn time for us to hear it."
"Assaults?" asks Samantha. "There have been more than one?"

She pauses for a moment and then asks, "Were any of you with either Ramiel or Adrianne during these assaults?"

[SD Anderson]

"Assaults?" asks Samantha. "There have been more than one?"

She pauses for a moment and then asks, "Were any of you with either Ramiel or Adrianne during these assaults?"

"Now that's an interesting question. What makes you think Ramiel or Adrianne have to do with this?"

I gave you everything I intended to give you. Now it's your turn. Jack thinks.

[Detritus]

"Now that's an interesting question. What makes you think Ramiel or Adrianne have to do with this?"

I gave you everything I intended to give you. Now it's your turn. Jack thinks.
"Perhaps you have not been in the city long enough to sound out all the political currents within the Prince's household, but the last I knew, those two were the least favored amongst the Prince's brood. Kallista is his favorite; so far as I know, she is the only one of his brood that Mr. Johnson has permitted to sire childer. Demetrious is next on the list of the Prince's favorites.

"I don't know if either of them were so far out of favor that Mr. Johnson would move to eliminate them, but I am willing to bet that any attacks that might have occurred in the city would have included either Ramiel or Adrianne as a target, if not both. If either of them were on my estate during that attack, it is my belief that Mr. Johnson had them followed, and instructed their shadows to wait until they arrived here to give the appearance that the attackers were acting under my direction."

[SD Anderson]

"Perhaps you have not been in the city long enough to sound out all the political currents within the Prince's household, but the last I knew, those two were the least favored amongst the Prince's brood. Kallista is his favorite; so far as I know, she is the only one of his brood that Mr. Johnson has permitted to sire childer. Demetrious is next on the list of the Prince's favorites.

"I don't know if either of them were so far out of favor that Mr. Johnson would move to eliminate them, but I am willing to bet that any attacks that might have occurred in the city would have included either Ramiel or Adrianne as a target, if not both. If either of them were on my estate during that attack, it is my belief that Mr. Johnson had them followed, and instructed their shadows to wait until they arrived here to give the appearance that the attackers were acting under my direction."

"And you yourself are percieved as so great a threat to Prince Johnson that he makes you his scapegoat?" Jack asks emphasizing the rank of 'Mr.' Johnson.

<Reply>

"And how precisely does this tie Prince Johnson to Lucille Desmoulins?"

That should throw her off of her stride. Jack catches Leo's eye. [Time to double team her, Leo. [/i] he tries to communicate to the Archon.

[Detritus]

"And you yourself are percieved as so great a threat to Prince Johnson that he makes you his scapegoat?" Jack asks emphasizing the rank of 'Mr.' Johnson.
"Oh, I would not say that. It is precisely because I am no threat at all to him that I make a convenient scapegoat. For that same reason have I contacted Justicar Walsh, because of the insignificance of my resources compared to the collective might of the Prince and his favorites."

"And how precisely does this tie Prince Johnson to Lucille Desmoulins?"
"Lucy? I haven't seen her in decades, and I would wager neither has Mr. Johnson. Why in particular does she have to be tied to the Prince at all?"

That should throw her off of her stride. Jack catches Leo's eye. Time to double team her, Leo. he tries to communicate to the Archon.
((Smooth. :grin:))

[SD Anderson]

"Lucy? I haven't seen her in decades, and I would wager neither has Mr. Johnson. Why in particular does she have to be tied to the Prince at all?"



"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to answer that question. Suffice it to say Ms. Desmoulins is tied to this case."

"Can you see ANY possible connection between her and the events that have happened here since you allege you were assaulted?"

[Detritus]

"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to answer that question. Suffice it to say Ms. Desmoulins is tied to this case."
Samantha gives a shrug at this statement...

"Can you see ANY possible connection between her and the events that have happened here since you allege you were assaulted?"
...and says, "No, none whatsoever, as far as I know," after this question.

[Huxley]

Leo grabs ahold of the magic die in his pocket, looks at Samantha, and thinks about Arcadian Walsh.

"Has Prince Johnson done anything else to convince you to leave?"

[Detritus]

Leo grabs ahold of the magic die in his pocket, looks at Samantha, and thinks about Arcadian Walsh.

"Has Prince Johnson done anything else to convince you to leave?"
Samantha gives you a curious look when you reach into your pocket but doesn't say anything about.

"Nothing overt," she says in answer to the question, "other than perhaps being a bit too solicitous in offering aid to anyone planning to evacuate before the storm."

((OOC -- OK, how will Leo be checking the result of this reading?))

[Huxley]

((If the die is warm, he'll pull it out and look at the die without trying to hide anything. If not, he'll release it and keep his hand in his pocket for now))

[Huxley]

While waiting for the die to warm up:

"Then, honestly, I am not certain of where to proceed. We have one story: the other story teller was killed just as he was about to tell his part. So as to not seem as if I am holding back, I will not deny that I think this may possibly have been your doing. But, simultaneously, I think this may have been some kind of frame up."

Leo looks at the die, "Would you have any idea who would want to frame you?"

[Detritus]

While waiting for the die to warm up:

"Then, honestly, I am not certain of where to proceed. We have one story: the other story teller was killed just as he was about to tell his part. So as to not seem as if I am holding back, I will not deny that I think this may possibly have been your doing. But, simultaneously, I think this may have been some kind of frame up."

Leo looks at the die, "Would you have any idea who would want to frame you?"
Samantha arches an eyebrow and asks: "Have I not already said whom I suspect?"

[Huxley]

Samantha arches an eyebrow and asks: "Have I not already said whom I suspect?"

Leo nods and puts the die away. "Then I would think it wise if we did some reconnaissance: I am under the impression that there were individuals outside. You state you did not know of them. If you feel you are in danger, and as I have yet to come to a conclusion about this matter, then we ought to protect you"

[SD Anderson]

Leo nods and puts the die away. "Then I would think it wise if we did some reconnaissance: I am under the impression that there were individuals outside. You state you did not know of them. If you feel you are in danger, and as I have yet to come to a conclusion about this matter, then we ought to protect you"


Jack moves to the door, obviously the person to go out and check things is the guy playing bodyguard. He nods to Leo to get Leo to go to the door with him.

<Assuming he complies>

Whispering: "Menachem's check not finding any diablerie tells me Drake is either innocent or blocking magical checks. I don't think she's innocent. She's too newly returned to the city to know the current political scene so well she could name Ramiel and Adrianne specifically unless she had been planning a coup against the Prince here. The alternative explanation for knowing the names is she planned the attacks, the guys with the dynamite reported back to her and she had a watcher in her house when the other attack occured. Could well have been her personally."

Jack steps outside, smg in one hand, his other in an inner pocket of his coat, taking a hold of a can of insect fogger.

[Detritus]

Will Jack and Leo be searching the grounds, then?

[SD Anderson]

Will Jack and Leo be searching the grounds, then?

ooc: I don't know if Leo is going outside. I just had Jack give Leo his suspicions re: Drake and blocking scrying. In terms of protocol, Leo is Archon and senior (read: sole) legal authority present in what is a preliminary procedure to Camarilla legal actions. He shouldn't leave. Joceline might be the better back up, paricularly if she gets her pig sticker back.

[SD Anderson]

And a point of note: Armoring up as noted before.

[Detritus]

I'll need to know who, if anyone, is going outside, and whether there's going to be a katana transfer, and if so, where that happens (specifically if it's done where Samantha and Heather can see it). The PCs that go outside will get an "Appendix A" thread while the conversation continues in the main thread.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin doesnt know if shes going outside or not or why we would want to go outside, but will go whichever way Leo directs at the moment

[Huxley]

Leo nods to Jack to acknowledge he heard, then waves Jocelin to come over and go with him. He will give her the Katana without hiding it from Samantha and Heather, then remain inside, looking and listening for the coterie Anneke claims was here.

[Detritus]

"Was it something I said?" asks Samantha with an air of faint amusement when she sees people start to bustle out of the parlor.

She then offers Anneke one of the two remain glasses of vitae, but Anneke again refuses to drink. After this, she'll offer them to Menachem and Crusher, since Antoinette has already had seconds. Crusher will accept a second glass, and Menachem is free to do so or not, at his discretion. If he doesn't take the remaining glass of vitae, Antoinette will help herself to it.

Heather pulls out a little case from behind her back that folds open to reveal what look like hand-rolled cigarettes on one side and wooden matches on the other. She picks up cigarette and just sort of idly toys with it while Samantha spreads around the last of the vitae.

[Detritus]

Antoinette swoops in and grabs the last glass of vitae.

"You snooze, you lose, Pops," she says just before chugging the glass's contents.

"Manners, dear childe," Samantha says, albeit in the manner that an aunt might address a favorite niece.

At this point, Heather lights up a cigarette, using a wooden match from her cigarette case. She looks like she's about wave the match to extinguish it, but it flies from her hand and strikes Anneke in her right shoulder. It then makes a hissing sound as Anneke watches, dumbstruck for the moment, while it burrows its way through her clothing and flesh.

Claws sprout from Anneke's hands once she emerges from her momentary stupor, and she closes on Heather, now standing behind her chair, with extreme yet controlled haste. Anneke grabs Heather by the throat and shouts, "What did you do to me?"

"You will never find out if you destroy me," says Heather in a smug tone. "You should start to figure it out pretty soon, though."

Right then Anneke winces and says, "It's moving."

"Yes," says Heather, "straight towards the bullseye." She reaches out and poke Anneke in the sternum.

Anneke takes a step back, lowers her sunglasses for a moment, and then begins to fade away as she takes mist form.

"Oh, poop, didn't know she could do that," says Heather.

"It's not important, at least not for now," says Samantha. "The rest of you remain calm, and make no moves against either myself or Heather," she says. Crusher had stood up, but looks confused as he seems to be obeying Samantha's directive almost against his will. Antoinette is looking at Samantha, shock in her expression, but she doesn't leave her seat.

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

((If Menachem wants to do something, let me know what, there may be a (modified) Will roll involved.))

[Detritus]

Heather looks at the other three Kindred in the room and then asks Samantha: "Do you think we've got them all wrapped up?"

"Maybe we should pacify the Justicar's agent," says Samantha, giving her guests a considering look. Heather draws out another match, lights it, and flings it in Menachem's direction, to the same effect as with Anneke.