26 Vampires, 1 House (Sun. 4/1/07)

[Detritus]

Jack/Jocelin/Leo:

Those of you who are arriving to Prince Johnson's alternate haven for the first time find yourselves walking up to a splendid three-story mansion. The decor is much less heavily influenced by memorabilia from Mr. Johnson's breathing days. The furnishings are understated yet elegant, and definitely give off an air of expensiveness. The Dallas Kindred (i.e. Leo and Jocelin) are led up to a large third-floor guest bedroom where Jack continues his convalescence. Angry burns cover his skin, and to be perfectly blunt, you have no idea how he survived whatever the hell it was that did that to him.

There are many other Kindred in the room. Mr. Johnson is there, standing near the door with his three ambulatory childer, Ramiel, Kallista, and Radeyah. Camille, Sabine, Yuri, Uma, and Antoinette are all there, too, a short distance from the first grouping of Toreador, and near to one side of Jack's recovery bed. Gwynnis is seated opposite the bedroom door. She is the only seated vampire (besides Jack), and is flanked by Anneke and another woman who is identified to you as Bonnie. All the out-of-town Tremere (Rebekka, Sarah, Jürgen, Thomas, and Merill) are there, too, on the other side of the door from the New Orleans Toreador.

Once you have both entered, Gwynnis motions you to take your place at the other side of Jack's bed.

"I'm afraid there isn't time for catching up at the moment," she says to you. "The destruction of a Justicar is a very serious matter, and I would like to hear about as much as each of you can remember before the conclave proper convenes." Gwynnis looks around at all the various groupings of Kindred in the room while speaking.

At this point, a Ghoul comes in and informs Prince Johnson that guests have just arrived. He looks at Gwynnis, who gives him a sign of dismissal, and brings Radeyah with him to greet the newcomers. Anneke also sends Bonnie to meet the guests.

"Let's start at the beginning," says Gwynnis once the three Kindred depart. "As I understand it, you three," she says, pointing at you, "and you two," she says, indicating Thomas and Merill, "left Dallas a week ago. There was an incident on the way to Houston. In your words, what happened?"

Everyone in the room follows Gwynnis's lead and looks at the three of you.

[Detritus]

François:

You are chauffeured to the Prince of New Orleans along with four other Kindred. There are two women from Houston, Helena Casimir and Tatiana Romanov. You're pretty sure they are both either Toreador or Ventrue just by the way they make small talk during the ride. There are two other men with you, Erich from Memphis and Roman Alexander, a semi-nomadic sort of the hinterlands north of New Orleans. It's equally obvious that they are both Gangrel by their earthy yet aloof manner.

When you reach the Prince's haven, a Ghoul welcomes you inside and goes to fetch his master. Mr. Johnson returns accompanied by two women, one he identifies as Radeyah, another Toreador of the city, and Bonnie, a Toreador from Paris.

With the exception of Erich, Mr. Johnson recognizes all the Kindred with you. He handles the introductions with a perfunctory politeness, obviously distracted by something. You learn that Helena Casimir is a Ventrue of the 6th Generation and Prince of Houston, Tatiana is a Toreador of the 8th, and Roman and Erich are both Gangrel of the 11th.

[SD Anderson]

Jack/Jocelin/Leo:

Those of you who are arriving to Prince Johnson's alternate haven for the first time find yourselves walking up to a splendid three-story mansion. The decor is much less heavily influenced by memorabilia from Mr. Johnson's breathing days. The furnishings are understated yet elegant, and definitely give off an air of expensiveness. The Dallas Kindred (i.e. Leo and Jocelin) are led up to a large third-floor guest bedroom where Jack continues his convalescence. Angry burns cover his skin, and to be perfectly blunt, you have no idea how he survived whatever the hell it was that did that to him.

There are many other Kindred in the room. Mr. Johnson is there, standing near the door with his three ambulatory childer, Ramiel, Kallista, and Radeyah. Camille, Sabine, Yuri, Uma, and Antoinette are all there, too, a short distance from the first grouping of Toreador, and near to one side of Jack's recovery bed. Gwynnis is seated opposite the bedroom door. She is the only seated vampire (besides Jack), and is flanked by Anneke and another woman who is identified to you as Bonnie. All the out-of-town Tremere (Rebekka, Sarah, Jürgen, Thomas, and Merill) are there, too, on the other side of the door from the New Orleans Toreador.

Once you have both entered, Gwynnis motions you to take your place at the other side of Jack's bed.

"I'm afraid there isn't time for catching up at the moment," she says to you. "The destruction of a Justicar is a very serious matter, and I would like to hear about as much as each of you can remember before the conclave proper convenes." Gwynnis looks around at all the various groupings of Kindred in the room while speaking.

At this point, a Ghoul comes in and informs Prince Johnson that guests have just arrived. He looks at Gwynnis, who gives him a sign of dismissal, and brings Radeyah with him to greet the newcomers. Anneke also sends Bonnie to meet the guests.

"Let's start at the beginning," says Gwynnis once the three Kindred depart. "As I understand it, you three," she says, pointing at you, "and you two," she says, indicating Thomas and Merill, "left Dallas a week ago. There was an incident on the way to Houston. In your words, what happened?"

Everyone in the room follows Gwynnis's lead and looks at the three of you.

"We set out from Dallas in Jocelin's car. On the way there we were ambushed by Anarchs. There were some 20 in number. They shot out a tire and I had a pretty good suspicion that more of them were stationed ahead of us on the road, behind us and probably almost directly opposite our car setting up a perfect crossfire. They had a tow truck standing by to repair our vehicle."

"In my opinion, it was a professionally conducted and planned ambush, designed to show their overwhelming numerical superiority and repair ready for our vehicle. This level of preparation is why I suspect they had additional forces ahead behind and beside us."

"Their leader identified himself as Lucien, a Tremere who fell out of favor of his clan. He was recognized by Merill."

"Lucien said he'd been hired by a woman whose description could have been that of Samantha Drake who called herself Tammy Seton. His job was to assasinate us, so he said. Instead, he expressed suspicions about Seton and allowed us to continue on to Dallas and attempted to recruit us in some plot of his to acquire whatever Seton had promised him."

"It was clear that there had been a leak. Lucien knew our route and our car and the approximate time we would reach his ambush spot. At this point I went into a mode of higher security. I kept Prince Strauss advised but not necessarily giving out full details."

"In Houston, the Prince there made it quite plain that she knew about our arrival, so it was equally plain the leak could have been on her end of things. On my own authority I kept information about what was going on to the barest minimum."

EDIT -- Menachem wasn't the one who recognized Lucian. That was Merill. I've edited the text accordingly.

[Huxley]

"Two points of contention: One, there was not any evidence of further back up at Lucien's. However, what they had was sufficient to neuter us, given our circumstances. Two, Lucien may have had a Vampire very gifted in Auspex, which would mean there does not have to be a leak somewhere. Otherwise, I agree with this description".

[Detritus]

"Arcadian would have apprised Prince Casimir of the arrival of his agents, of course," says Prince Strauss, and he gives Jack a queer little look at the implication that there would be anything untoward in her knowing in advance of your arrival.

Gwynnis takes all this in, and then speaks to the Tremere.

"Who is this Lucian they speak of? He was known to at least one of the Tremere who came from Dallas?" It is again Prince Strauss who responds.

"It is as they say, that Lucian is a renegade from our clan. Until recently, it was only ever suspected that he had Anarch sympathies, but the events of the past few nights suggest he is of the Sabbat." There is much hardening of eyes and grimacing from the Tremere contingent at this last pronouncement.

"Very well," says Gwynnis, "you were waylaid in a competent manner by Lucian and his gang, and then let go. What did you do when you reached Houston?"

[SD Anderson]

Pissed off the Prince, mostly. Jack thinks. "We laid over and wer joined by a number of people from the Houston domain. We made refinement to our plans and had their 'wizards' devise a device that would identify anyone carrying Justicar Walsh's blood. It was tested on Leokin, who had previously drank of that blood as part of his duties as Archon."

"The device worked pretty well. It managed to identify the supposed Ventrue, Heather as a 10th generation Malkavian descended from Justicar Walsh."

"If more details than that are needed I defer to those who made it."

[Detritus]

Pissed off the Prince, mostly. Jack thinks. "We laid over and wer joined by a number of people from the Houston domain. We made refinement to our plans and had their 'wizards' devise a device that would identify anyone carrying Justicar Walsh's blood. It was tested on Leolin, who had previously drank of that blood as part of his duties as Archon."

"The device worked pretty well. It managed to identify the supposed Ventrue, Heather as a 10th generation Malkavian descended from Justicar Walsh."

"If more details than that are needed I defer to those who made it."
"This ritual happened in Houston? When your suspect was in New Orleans?" asks Gwynnis.

"It happened, Justicar," answers Rebekka, "but the ritual itself took place in New Orleans. The exact location of the ritual would not matter, save that there was a finite duration for the attunement of the object to Leo. Three days, to be precise.

"After the meeting with Prince Casimir, Sarah and I made preparations for another ritual, a protective ward that would permit a psychic interview to occur with a Kindred in Marseilles. The interview was facilitated by the Kindred from Dallas named Menachem, who unfortunately is not here. We also made arrangements to leave as soon as possible, about an hour before sunrise, as it turned out, in order to reach New Orleans as quickly as possible."

"Yes, a pity that this Menachem fellow has turned up missing, but we will have to proceed without him," says Gwynnis.

"Who was in the link with him?" she asks. "What happened during the psychic interview?"

[Kalzazz]

"Oh! I took part in that. Also Merrill to. Menachem wanted to ask Merrill about Boston immediately after"

[Brother Brian]

François:

You are chauffeured to the Prince of New Orleans along with four other Kindred. There are two women from Houston, Helena Casimir and Tatiana Romanov. You're pretty sure they are both either Toreador or Ventrue just by the way they make small talk during the ride. There are two other men with you, Erich from Memphis and Roman Alexander, a semi-nomadic sort of the hinterlands north of New Orleans. It's equally obvious that they are both Gangrel by their earthy yet aloof manner.

When you reach the Prince's haven, a Ghoul welcomes you inside and goes to fetch his master. Mr. Johnson returns accompanied by two women, one he identifies as Radeyah, another Toreador of the city, and Bonnie, a Toreador from Paris.

With the exception of Erich, Mr. Johnson recognizes all the Kindred with you. He handles the introductions with a perfunctory politeness, obviously distracted by something. You learn that Helena Casimir is a Ventrue of the 6th Generation and Prince of Houston, Tatiana is a Toreador of the 8th, and Roman and Erich are both Gangrel of the 11th.

Recognizing the prince's need for brevity, Francois' visible demeanor changes. The rigid formality with which he carried himself disappears, and when he speaks, it is in a conversational tone.

"Your highness, I present myself as is required. I seek your permission to reside in this city, for I have some business here. I will make myself available to you at your convenience should you have further inquiries. I can see however that you have larger concerns than I at the moment."

As he finishes, he attempts to catch the eye of Bonnie.

[Huxley]

"Who was in the link with him?" she asks. "What happened during the psychic interview?"

"We all participated in the interview. In particular, Jack and I asked questions at first, but were ejected from the psychic bond. Mms. Desmoullins didn't know that Delbert had been diablorized, and what she felt was transferred across the bond. Jocelin was able to remain linked, however"

[Detritus]

"We all participated in the interview. In particular, Jack and I asked questions at first, but were ejected from the psychic bond. Mms. Desmoullins didn't know that Delbert had been diablorized, and what she felt was transferred across the bond. Jocelin was able to remain linked, however"
"Did you see anything else while you were in her mind?"

[Detritus]

Recognizing the prince's need for brevity, Francois' visible demeanor changes. The rigid formality with which he carried himself disappears, and when he speaks, it is in a conversational tone.

"Your highness, I present myself as is required. I seek your permission to reside in this city, for I have some business here. I will make myself available to you at your convenience should you have further inquiries. I can see however that you have larger concerns than I at the moment."

As he finishes, he attempts to catch the eye of Bonnie.
You notice that as everyone gave their introductions to the Prince that Bonnie gave each newcomer an appraising look, and perhaps a glimmer of recognition flashed across her face when she looked at you.

The Prince tells everyone an outline of the interview situation upstairs, and invites all to come up with him.

You aren't sure if you caught Bonnie's eye until she speaks just as everyone turns to head upstairs.

"By your leave, Majesty, I would like to remain downstairs for a moment, to have words with my fellow countryman," she says with a faint French accent similar to your own. The Prince and the other women in the room look at you both with various mixtures of speculation and suspicion, but the Gangrel don't really take notice of the undercurrents.

"Of course," Mr. Johnson says after a few seconds, and then he turns to go upstairs. Radeyah beckons the other newcomers to come up with her. Bonnie watches everyone ascend, and does not turn to speak to you until the sounds of their footfalls are no longer audible.

"You look somehow familiar," Bonnie says to you, "yet I regret that I am unable to place a name with the face. Have I seen you before, perhaps in Paris? I haven't gotten to spend as much time there as I would like in recent years, but the accents of the city lie on your speech."

[SD Anderson]

"Did you see anything else while you were in her mind?"


"Both Leo and I were driven from that link by her pain." Jack says. "Jocelin and Menachem kept the link. Leo was hit so badly he sweated blood. It was a really powerful grief. For all the crimes Samantha Drake has committed, what she did to that poor woman may be the most evil of them."

[Brother Brian]

You notice that as everyone gave their introductions to the Prince that Bonnie gave each newcomer an appraising look, and perhaps a glimmer of recognition flashed across her face when she looked at you.

The Prince tells everyone an outline of the interview situation upstairs, and invites all to come up with him.

You aren't sure if you caught Bonnie's eye until she speaks just as everyone turns to head upstairs.

"By your leave, Majesty, I would like to remain downstairs for a moment, to have words with my fellow countryman," she says with a faint French accent similar to your own. The Prince and the other women in the room look at you both with various mixtures of speculation and suspicion, but the Gangrel don't really take notice of the undercurrents.

"Of course," Mr. Johnson says after a few seconds, and then he turns to go upstairs. Radeyah beckons the other newcomers to come up with her. Bonnie watches everyone ascend, and does not turn to speak to you until the sounds of their footfalls are no longer audible.

"You look somehow familiar," Bonnie says to you, "yet I regret that I am unable to place a name with the face. Have I seen you before, perhaps in Paris? I haven't gotten to spend as much time there as I would like in recent years, but the accents of the city lie on your speech."


A smile curls the corner of Francois’ mouth. He reaches into his satchel and pulls out an expertly wrapped box, presenting it to Bonnie. He speaks, and the French that comes out is easy and fluid, in a way that only a birth tongue can be. “Yes, madam, though it surprises me not that you do not recall me. I am a,” and Francois pauses for a moment, “friend of Charles de Batz-Castlemore, once the Comte d’Artagnan. Charles bade me present this gift to you, and I serve him most willingly, for though my blood is not of Arikel, I can still appreciate beauty.” Somehow this line which should sound false shines in it’s sincerity.

After the briefest moment, Francois’ brow furrows slightly, giving his face a serious cast. “It was Charles who recommended that I seek you out. The current political climate must be resolved, and though new to the city, Charles and I agree that it would be beneficial to the Camarilla for clans Toreador and Brujah for someone to bring stability into the clan here. To do that, I will need more detailed information than Charles was able to give me.”

[Detritus]

A smile curls the corner of Francois’ mouth. He reaches into his satchel and pulls out an expertly wrapped box, presenting it to Bonnie. He speaks, and the French that comes out is easy and fluid, in a way that only a birth tongue can be. “Yes, madam, though it surprises me not that you do not recall me. I am a,” and Francois pauses for a moment, “friend of Charles de Batz-Castlemore, once the Comte d’Artagnan. Charles bade me present this gift to you, and I serve him most willingly, for though my blood is not of Arikel, I can still appreciate beauty.” Somehow this line which should sound false shines in it’s sincerity.

After the briefest moment, Francois’ brow furrows slightly, giving his face a serious cast. “It was Charles who recommended that I seek you out. The current political climate must be resolved, and though new to the city, Charles and I agree that it would be beneficial to the Camarilla for clans Toreador and Brujah for someone to bring stability into the clan here. To do that, I will need more detailed information than Charles was able to give me.”
Bonnie takes the gift and closes her eyes for a moment, casting about in her memory.

"Yes, of course, the Opera Bastille," she says in the same fluent French. "You must forgive me for not realizing earlier."

Only then does she open your gift. When she does, a smile lights up her face. She looks at the bottle, then at you, then at the bottle again.

"Charles," she says, and then looks back up you. "This is his style, of that there can be no doubt." She eyes you with new appreciation. "I thank you, and will be sure to give him my thanks as well," she says, holding up the bottle.

"We are cousins, in a manner of speaking. We share the same grandsire. There are few who know of my mortal identity, despite the fact that its nominal end occurred less than four decades ago. He must think very highly of you to have revealed it to you."

Becoming serious once again, Bonnie says, "You say you wish to help stabilize the situation in New Orleans. I take it, then, that your business here is of an extended nature?"

[Detritus]

"Both Leo and I were driven from that link by her pain." Jack says. "Jocelin and Menachem kept the link. Leo was hit so badly he sweated blood. It was a really powerful grief. For all the crimes Samantha Drake has committed, what she did to that poor woman may be the most evil of them."
Just after Jack says this, the Prince returns with Radeyah and several newcomers, some of whom you recognize. Prince Casimir and Tatiana from Houston are there. Jocelin would also recognize Roman, and Jack recognizes Erich. Neither man says anything, but both join the group with Camille and the Brujah in it. The women from Houston end up standing next to the Tremere.

"Please continue," says Gwynnis, looking more at Jocelin than anyone else, once the new arrivals are settled in.

[Brother Brian]

Bonnie takes the gift and closes her eyes for a moment, casting about in her memory.

"Yes, of course, the Opera Bastille," she says in the same fluent French. "You must forgive me for not realizing earlier."

Only then does she open your gift. When she does, a smile lights up her face. She looks at the bottle, then at you, then at the bottle again.

"Charles," she says, and then looks back up you. "This is his style, of that there can be no doubt." She eyes you with new appreciation. "I thank you, and will be sure to give him my thanks as well," she says, holding up the bottle.

"We are cousins, in a manner of speaking. We share the same grandsire. There are few who know of my mortal identity, despite the fact that its nominal end occurred less than four decades ago. He must think very highly of you to have revealed it to you."

Becoming serious once again, Bonnie says, "You say you wish to help stabilize the situation in New Orleans. I take it, then, that your business here is of an extended nature?"

A brief look of consternation crosses Francois’ face, and disappears almost immediately. He sighs, and looks Bonnie square in the eyes, and speaks with a voice barely above a whisper.

“I am not in the habit of revelation. But you are trusted by one I trust. My main purpose for being here is vengeance. Do not be confused by the fact that I speak well, and fight with my brain as well as my fists. I am Brujah, as is the one I hunt. An active blood hunt has been called against my sire, and it is my intention to feast on his very heart’s blood.

Sadly, we are a continent away from where the hunt was called. I will need the Prince’s permission to continue it here. Charles and I agree that status and position will be instrumental in achieving this. I don’t take such lightly however, and will, as needed, set aside for a time my personal goals as needed. For what do we have if not time?”

[Kalzazz]

((Im trying to find where it was this happened, since the only thing I remember is the Boston bit))

[Detritus]

A brief look of consternation crosses Francois’ face, and disappears almost immediately. He sighs, and looks Bonnie square in the eyes, and speaks with a voice barely above a whisper.

“I am not in the habit of revelation. But you are trusted by one I trust. My main purpose for being here is vengeance. Do not be confused by the fact that I speak well, and fight with my brain as well as my fists. I am Brujah, as is the one I hunt. An active blood hunt has been called against my sire, and it is my intention to feast on his very heart’s blood.

Sadly, we are a continent away from where the hunt was called. I will need the Prince’s permission to continue it here. Charles and I agree that status and position will be instrumental in achieving this. I don’t take such lightly however, and will, as needed, set aside for a time my personal goals as needed. For what do we have if not time?”
"I thank you for your candor," Bonnie says once you finish, speaking in the same low tones. She then takes a moment to replace the bottle of fragrance in the box it came in. She places the box in the crook of her left elbow, looks around to ensure that you are alone, and holds both her hands somewhat away from herself, her palms pointed inward, her fingers pointed up.

"The time will no doubt come," she says, and her painted nails extend until they are nearly a full two inches in length, "when we must revert to being red in fang and claw. It is good to know that you will be able to carry the battle from Elysium to the streets, if need be. Be assured that you stand not alone in your readiness," she says, and gives you a smile that would set a chill in your heart, were you less secure in the knowledge that Bonnie is favorably disposed towards you.

Bonnie retracts her claws as swiftly as she had extended them, the socialite once again standing before you, the warrior submerged, yet not wholly absent.

"You hunt one of the Brujah," she says, now holding your gift demurely in both hands. "You are not alone in such an endeavor. I am afraid the Brujah clan has been rent in two in recent days.

"The former leader of the clan, a woman named Bianca, has openly aided a known diablerist, as has her lieutenant. Furthermore, she called in at least two, and perhaps three, of her allies from out of town, all of whom also were Brujah. From what little I have heard, none of them sound like they are of our country, yet I mistrust coincidence. If your search has led you here, the one you hunt may be in league with the other Brujah I have spoken of, whom we strongly suspect of being members of the Sabbat."

She looks at you in silence for a moment, her index fingers tapping the box in unison in an idle manner.

"Your job will not be easy, if you would unite and lead your clan in New Orleans. You will have to win the others over, as I am sure you already know, and that could be complicated if you are seen too frequently with the very symbols of Camarilla power. We will have to be discreet, but I can arrange for you to meet the right Kindred.

"I should not be seen upstairs with your gift," she says, raising it a few inches for emphasis. "If you will wait a moment while I put it away, we can proceed up to the interview with the agents from Dallas. It cannot be helped this one time, so we may as well enter together. To do otherwise would invite even more suspicion."

With that, she heads towards the cloak room, and returns empty-handed perhaps a minute later.

"Shall we go up?"

[Detritus]

((Im trying to find where it was this happened, since the only thing I remember is the Boston bit))
http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showthread.php?t=3243

It happens starting around the end of page 2 (in the 40 posts per page setup), a bit after the pinkie finger severing.

[Brother Brian]

"I thank you for your candor," Bonnie says once you finish, speaking in the same low tones. She then takes a moment to replace the bottle of fragrance in the box it came in. She places the box in the crook of her left elbow, looks around to ensure that you are alone, and holds both her hands somewhat away from herself, her palms pointed inward, her fingers pointed up.

"The time will no doubt come," she says, and her painted nails extend until they are nearly a full two inches in length, "when we must revert to being red in fang and claw. It is good to know that you will be able to carry the battle from Elysium to the streets, if need be. Be assured that you stand not alone in your readiness," she says, and gives you a smile that would set a chill in your heart, were you less secure in the knowledge that Bonnie is favorably disposed towards you.

Bonnie retracts her claws as swiftly as she had extended them, the socialite once again standing before you, the warrior submerged, yet not wholly absent.

"You hunt one of the Brujah," she says, now holding your gift demurely in both hands. "You are not alone in such an endeavor. I am afraid the Brujah clan has been rent in two in recent days.

"The former leader of the clan, a woman named Bianca, has openly aided a known diablerist, as has her lieutenant. Furthermore, she called in at least two, and perhaps three, of her allies from out of town, all of whom also were Brujah. From what little I have heard, none of them sound like they are of our country, yet I mistrust coincidence. If your search has led you here, the one you hunt may be in league with the other Brujah I have spoken of, whom we strongly suspect of being members of the Sabbat."

She looks at you in silence for a moment, her index fingers tapping the box in unison in an idle manner.

"Your job will not be easy, if you would unite and lead your clan in New Orleans. You will have to win the others over, as I am sure you already know, and that could be complicated if you are seen too frequently with the very symbols of Camarilla power. We will have to be discreet, but I can arrange for you to meet the right Kindred.

"I should not be seen upstairs with your gift," she says, raising it a few inches for emphasis. "If you will wait a moment while I put it away, we can proceed up to the interview with the agents from Dallas. It cannot be helped this one time, so we may as well enter together. To do otherwise would invite even more suspicion."

With that, she heads towards the cloak room, and returns empty-handed perhaps a minute later.

"Shall we go up?"

Fracois smiles devilishly and extends his arm for her to take.

"Of course madame, I believe I have kept you for as long as good manners", Francois' eyes sparkle, "and fashion will allow."

[Detritus]

Fracois smiles devilishly and extends his arm for her to take.

"Of course madame, I believe I have kept you for as long as good manners", Francois' eyes sparkle, "and fashion will allow."
Bonnie considers for a few seconds before taking your arm with a smile.

"You will ruin my reputation as a liberated woman," she say with an air of mock chagrin.

*You may enter whatever reply here. Or not.*

You climb halfway between the first and second floor when Bonnie begins speaking again.

"Your fellow Brujah are near the bed of the convalescing agent from Dallas. He suffered severe burns from an attack by an Assamite that he has only recently been able to begin healing.

"The girl on the far side of the bed is another of the agents from Dallas. The man in leather, the one who was already here when you arrived, and the dark-haired woman in torn clothing at the near side of the bed are the other Brujah. I suspect none would place you as being of their clan, so you will have a chance to observe them discreetly as the interview proceeds."

[Detritus]

http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showthread.php?t=3243

It happens starting around the end of page 2 (in the 40 posts per page setup), a bit after the pinkie finger severing.
((This isn't a trick question, BTW. If you must know, Gwynnis et al. are going to be most interested by the other woman you saw in the Mme.'s memories.))

[Brother Brian]

Bonnie considers for a few seconds before taking your arm with a smile.

"You will ruin my reputation as a liberated woman," she say with an air of mock chagrin.

Francois smiles, "Or perhaps I am not yet a liberated man."

You climb halfway between the first and second floor when Bonnie begins speaking again.

"Your fellow Brujah are near the bed of the convalescing agent from Dallas. He suffered severe burns from an attack by an Assamite that he has only recently been able to begin healing.

"The girl on the far side of the bed is another of the agents from Dallas. The man in leather, the one who was already here when you arrived, and the dark-haired woman in torn clothing at the near side of the bed are the other Brujah. I suspect none would place you as being of their clan, so you will have a chance to observe them discreetly as the interview proceeds."

Francois nods almost imperceptably, "I will be guided by your wisdom. It may be that I may be able to gain some influence with them by the deception. Are the prohibitions against using certain...improvements...while at court practiced in these lands?"

[Detritus]

Francois nods almost imperceptably, "I will be guided by your wisdom. It may be that I may be able to gain some influence with them by the deception. Are the prohibitions against using certain...improvements...while at court practiced in these lands?"
"Of the current Prince, I cannot say for certain, but this court is not his. I believe it is fair to say that Gwynnis takes an attitude more of discouragement rather than outright forbiddance of such enhancements, so long as no mortals are present. However, even without an explicit prohibition, at least some of them may recognize what you are doing. I am afraid I can give no specific guidance here, although Anneke, whom we may call my eldest sister, has said that the dark-haired woman, who is called Uma, has a sharp mind, at least when she reins in her temper long enough to use it."

[Kalzazz]

"First she thought we were Delbert. Then was surprised to find she was in torpor. After that she broke . . . all her feelings, well . . she was concerned about him, went to investigate, felt something and fled to oblivion. I chatted with her and asked her if she recognized Miss Drake, uh, not like asked asked, like . . . thought asked, like trying to send a picture with a cellphone, I didnt mention her by name. She recognized her and seemed to like her, I got an impression . . . vaguely like Miss Drake in build and hair color, but not her face. She was clueless on Lucian, and thought the antagonist twas both solo and female. Also Menachem asked what Delbert was up to, and she thought Delbert was being isolationist"

[Brother Brian]

"Of the current Prince, I cannot say for certain, but this court is not his. I believe it is fair to say that Gwynnis takes an attitude more of discouragement rather than outright forbiddance of such enhancements, so long as no mortals are present. However, even without an explicit prohibition, at least some of them may recognize what you are doing. I am afraid I can give no specific guidance here, although Anneke, whom we may call my eldest sister, has said that the dark-haired woman, who is called Uma, has a sharp mind, at least when she reins in her temper long enough to use it."

Are there any items of potentially great beauty near the Brujah contingent, such that from a distance the staring might be confused with the toreador weakness?

[Detritus]

Are there any items of potentially great beauty near the Brujah contingent, such that from a distance the staring might be confused with the toreador weakness?
Not really, although a couple of the Kindred themselves might qualify. Lapsing into White Wolf game mechanics-speak, Camille definitely has 5 dots in Appearance, and Uma is in the 3-4 dot range. You can check out the Dramatis Personae (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showthread.php?t=2880) thread to see images of all the vamps I'm about to name. There are 25 of the 26 vampires who will be in this scene presently in the room, so get your tabbed browsing ready...

Here's the general lay of the land, starting with the door at six o'clock and going clockwise (as seen from the ceiling looking down):

6:00 - The door

6:30-7:00 - Jürgen Strauss, flanked by Thomas Thorne and Merill Molitor (who is nearest to the door)

7:30-8:00 - Sara Cobbler, Sabine Lafitte, Rebekka in that order

9:30-10:00 - Tatiana Romanov, then Helena Casimir

12:00 - Gwynnis (seated), flanked by Anneke (to Gwynnis's right) and Bonnie (who will take here place when you both reach the bedroom)

2:00-2:30 - Jocelin and Leo

3:00 - Jack (lying on a bed)

3:30 - 4:00 - Antoinette DuChamp, Camille Devereux, Uma Hatch, Yuri, Roman Alexander, Erich (no picture) in that order

5:00 - Mr. Johnson, flanked by Radeyah and Kallista (who is nearest to the door). Ramiel Dupré is standing at about 4:30, to Radeyah's right.

When François enters the room, he can go to somewhere around 9:00 and keep an eye on the other side of the room from there.

[SD Anderson]

"If you don't mind a change of subject, what results did the die give for Drake?" Jack looks over at Leo.

[Brother Brian]

Francois moves to the side of the room, taking a seat away from any of the current factions. His face is drawn in contemplation, as he looks from face to face, as if committing each to memory. When he reaches those of exceptional beauty, his gaze lingers, yet no lechery is on his face. He looks at them, male and female, as one might gaze at the Mona Lisa.


(I want to attempt to read the aura of the Brujah contingent, but will start with simply staring at any more beautiful people first.)

[Detritus]

"If you don't mind a change of subject, what results did the die give for Drake?" Jack looks over at Leo.
Bonnie and François enter the room right about the time Jack asks this question.

"We are getting ahead of ourselves," interjects Gwynnis. "I would like to know if anyone else involved in that interview saw this other woman, similar in form but not of face to Miss Drake."

Her eyes shift to the Tremere for a second or two while she asks the question before returning back to the investigators from Dallas.

[Detritus]

Francois moves to the side of the room, taking a seat away from any of the current factions. His face is drawn in contemplation, as he looks from face to face, as if committing each to memory. When he reaches those of exceptional beauty, his gaze lingers, yet no lechery is on his face. He looks at them, male and female, as one might gaze at the Mona Lisa.


(I want to attempt to read the aura of the Brujah contingent, but will start with simply staring at any more beautiful people first.)
A guide to appearances:

***** - Camille, Gwynnis, Ramiel, Jürgen

***/**** - Helena, Bonnie, Jocelin, Uma, Yuri, Radeyah, Mr. Johnson, Kallista, Merill, Sabine, Rebekka

Zero - Leo (the Nosferatu)

The room is definitely set up to draw the eye towards Gwynnis.

[Brother Brian]

A guide to appearances:

***** - Camille, Gwynnis, Ramiel, Jürgen

***/**** - Helena, Bonnie, Jocelin, Uma, Yuri, Radeyah, Mr. Johnson, Kallista, Merill, Sabine, Rebekka

Zero - Leo (the Nosferatu)

The room is definitely set up to draw the eye towards Gwynnis.

So I will start by gazing uppon Gwynnis. (Just Gazing mind you.), then Cammille for a bit, Ramiel, Jurgen, then Uma.

When I get to Uma, the Aura reading starts.

[Detritus]

So I will start by gazing uppon Gwynnis. (Just Gazing mind you.), then Cammille for a bit, Ramiel, Jurgen, then Uma.

When I get to Uma, the Aura reading starts.
Can I get an Acting roll for François? Dice server is here:

http://dice.evildm.net/index.php

Email = trenbarger @ ucsd . edu

No spaces in the real email address, of course.

[Brother Brian]

Can I get an Acting roll for François? Dice server is here:

http://dice.evildm.net/index.php

Email = trenbarger @ ucsd . edu

No spaces in the real email address, of course.

Done.

(Completed Filler)

[Huxley]

Bonnie and François enter the room right about the time Jack asks this question.

"We are getting ahead of ourselves," interjects Gwynnis. "I would like to know if anyone else involved in that interview saw this other woman, similar in form but not of face to Miss Drake."

Her eyes shift to the Tremere for a second or two while she asks the question before returning back to the investigators from Dallas.

"Menachem may have. I felt a kind of presence lording over Delbert in the mind of Mmms, but nothing else."

[Detritus]

Done.

(Completed Filler)
OK, when you look around, you don't seem to draw that much notice to yourself. Bonnie whispers something into Gwynnis's ear, and Gwynnis gives a brief flick of her eyes to you and the other two pairs of newcomers, but nothing more. When you turn towards Jürgen, you notice in your peripheral vision that although Rebekka doesn't look at you, an expression of exaggerated blankness comes over her face as you're looking at Jürgen.

When you get to Uma, she's intent on the questioning. She is calm on the surface, but her pale aura is most strongly tinged with orange and purple, indicating an aggressive and afraid emotional state.

Would you like to check anyone else out with your Aura Reading?

[Detritus]

"Menachem may have. I felt a kind of presence lording over Delbert in the mind of Mmms, but nothing else."
"I will presume that Jack's experience was similar to yours," says Gwynnis, who then looks to either woman flanking her before continuing.

"It is unfortunate that there was not another in the link skilled at the Piercing Gaze," she says. "In light of what has happened, and given that the dream figure was like in form but not face to Miss Drake, I would conclude that the memory was a plant. Delbert's memory, I would guess, and altered just enough to throw the inexperienced or unwary off the scent." Distaste is plain in Gwynnis's features, as is the measure of grudging respect in her tone.

Speaking for the first time, Helena says, "I believe there were others so skilled nearby," and gives Rebekka a pointed look.

"The procedure was delicate and energy-consuming in the extreme. We were needed as a reservoir of strength, and I to channel the flow," says Rebekka.

"You and all the other Warlocks there?" Helena asks in a dubious tone. "One of your associates could have handled a transfer of energy, I wager."

"Perhaps so, but even one more mind in the link might have been too much strain for Menachem to handle."

"Then why didn't you do it yourself?"

"I was not one of Justicar Walsh's agents," says Rebekka, her voice becoming a touch heated. "It was not my place."

"But surely, if you are tracking a suspect, a Malkavian suspect, with the wherewithal to do murder on each side of the Atlantic, that suspect would know to try to cover her tracks. A foolish oversight, if you ask me," says Helena.

Rebekka opens her mouth to make an even angrier retort when Gwynnis cuts in.

"Enough," she says, and though she does not raise her voice one bit, she speaks with authority that the most powerful mortal sovereign would despair to muster.

Rebekka and Helena wrench their gazes from each other to look at Gwynnis, and you feel all those not at her side turn in near-perfect unison towards her. They who look upon her see not a fearful countenance, but a numinous one, divinity made flesh. Kallista and Merill both fall to their knees and begin praying. Sarah's wide, unfocused eyes fail to track the hand she waves before them. Anneke and Bonnie each become engrossed in a study of her feet.

"I shall, this one last time, remind everyone that this is an inquiry into the events that led up to the destruction of the Malkavian Justicar. I have no appetite whatsoever for joining him in his fate, and therefore we will remain focused on the task at hand, and explore events in the order they occurred. Woe betide they who incur the next reminder of these facts."

Gwynnis looks around the room, needlessly checking that she has the full attention of all those not in some sort of fugue state.

"As for you, dearest Helena, I am given to understand that you learned of the psychic interview plan during your reception of the investigators from Dallas. That would have been an excellent time to voice your concerns. Unless, of course, they did not occur to you until after the fact."

Blood beading on her brow, Helena collapses under the weight of the beatific gaze of Gwynnis.

Can I get a Will check and a Courage check from each PC? Also, this will occur after any other Aura Reading that François might wish to do.

[SD Anderson]

Does Jack's experience improvement apply to this check? 12- or 17- makes a notable difference.

[Detritus]

Does Jack's experience improvement apply to this check? 12- or 17- makes a notable difference.
What are you planning to buy up? If Jack's Will and Courage are going to be improved, the improvements will apply for these rolls. But you need to tell me how much for each.

[Brother Brian]

OK, when you look around, you don't seem to draw that much notice to yourself. Bonnie whispers something into Gwynnis's ear, and Gwynnis gives a brief flick of her eyes to you and the other two pairs of newcomers, but nothing more. When you turn towards Jürgen, you notice in your peripheral vision that although Rebekka doesn't look at you, an expression of exaggerated blankness comes over her face as you're looking at Jürgen.

When you get to Uma, she's intent on the questioning. She is calm on the surface, but her pale aura is most strongly tinged with orange and purple, indicating an aggressive and afraid emotional state.

Would you like to check anyone else out with your Aura Reading?

No, at this point Francois will listen trying to figure out the politics here.

[SD Anderson]

Jack's putting the full not-already-slotted five CP into Courage and the mandated 10 pts to Auspex, mostly to face down Rotschreck bumping it to 17- from 12-. If it's applicable, and your post indicates it is, I have a 17- courage check.

[SD Anderson]

(ooc: Made both by five. Good thing the will roll was listed first in the order in your post. I'd have nuked the courage and only just made the will otherwise. Beating both by five has it's advantages - mainly because me thinks this might well be a Consteted roll.)

Jack meets Gwynis' gaze with a cool response, not unlike the various statues in Egypt.

[Detritus]

(ooc: Made both by five. Good thing the will roll was listed first in the order in your post. I'd have nuked the courage and only just made the will otherwise. Beating both by five has it's advantages - mainly because me thinks this might well be a Consteted roll.)

Jack meets Gwynis' gaze with a cool response, not unlike the various statues in Egypt.
Well, there are secondary effects that are contested rolls. Jack's return look will be cool but respectful. Also, he's going to learn what it's like to be a Toreador for a short while.

Still waiting for rolls from Jocelin. After I get them, I'll narrate what happens and then proceed with the scene.

[Kalzazz]

((Ah, sorry bout that, rolls are now sent. Actually, somehow in trying to replace 1 with 2 I ended up with 12 rolls, so, do whatever you like with the excess ones))

[SD Anderson]

Well, there are secondary effects that are contested rolls. Jack's return look will be cool but respectful. Also, he's going to learn what it's like to be a Toreador for a short while.

Still waiting for rolls from Jocelin. After I get them, I'll narrate what happens and then proceed with the scene.

OOC: Oh, lovely, I says to meself, thinking of both general Gangrel stereotypes of Torredors and what his own opinion of the fartsy artsies is.

[Detritus]

OOC - Leo was the only one to fail a roll. At first I was going to PM Hux a short vision, but the narrative kept getting longer and longer, so I'm going to post the vision in the Setting Pieces thread. Technically it's still OOC knowledge for everyone but Leo. Try to look surprised if/when the knowledge is revealed IC.

I'm heading back to San Diego tomorrow, and hopefully I'll be able to resume this thread tomorrow night.

[Detritus]

After Helena's collapse, Gwynnis's appearance assumes an aspect of transcendent beauty. Angelic, some might say, and for a few seconds you find it impossible to look away from her, or to think about anything else, or even to move.

The phenomenon passes abruptly, and you find yourselves free to try to clear your heads. Leo has to lean on Jack's bed to support himself. Mr. Johnson backs into the wall near the door, and supports himself unsteadily against it. Tatiana moves to array Helena in a somewhat more dignified position.

"Regent, where are you?" Sarah calls out, panic in her voice, and she makes an awkward lurch sideways. Rebekka barely catches her in time to prevent her fall. The elder witch looks at Gwynnis, and her lips compress, but she says nothing while she straightens Sarah's stance.

Gwynnis rises and approaches the two Tremere.

"Do not blink," she says to Sarah, and then licks both her thumbs.

"See," she says, and presses one thumb to each of Sarah's eyeballs, who somehow refrains from blinking despite the pressure. Once Gwynnis withdraws her thumbs, Sarah does blink quite rapidly for a moment, after which her eyes begin to focus wherever she looks.

Gwynnis returns to her seat after restoring Sarah's eyesight, and the supernal aspect of her appearance begins to fade. She turns to the investigators from Dallas, and resumes the conversation as if nothing out of the ordinary has happened.

"The psychic interview with the Mademoiselle bore less fruit than you had hoped for. It does not sound to me like there was much else you could have done. What happened next?"

((In the time it took for Gwynnis to go to Sarah and back, Leo has had the vision posted in the Setting Pieces thread and has recovered his equilibrium to the approximate extent that the other Kindred in the room have.))

[SD Anderson]

OOC - Leo was the only one to fail a roll. At first I was going to PM Hux a short vision, but the narrative kept getting longer and longer, so I'm going to post the vision in the Setting Pieces thread. Technically it's still OOC knowledge for everyone but Leo. Try to look surprised if/when the knowledge is revealed IC.

I'm heading back to San Diego tomorrow, and hopefully I'll be able to resume this thread tomorrow night.

I believe I mentioned I had a method for achieving that state of surprise. ie Jack STILL has no details on how the Justicar was killed.

[Detritus]

I believe I mentioned I had a method for achieving that state of surprise. ie Jack STILL has no details on how the Justicar was killed.
I'm going to say he would have gotten some sketchy details from Jurgen last night; namely, that he died at Samantha's hands. Prince Strauss wouldn't have known much more than that himself. Most Kindred at this gathering don't even know that much, or if they do know that much, don't know anything more. So this meeting can also be considered a briefing to some extent.

[Brother Brian]

A look of perplexion crosses Francois' face as the effect of Gwynnis' presense fades. He looks to bonnie, and raises his eyebrows while seperating his hands slightly. The gesture clearly asks, "What was that?"

OOC- Was that a Presence Dicipline effect? (Majesty)

[Detritus]

A look of perplexion crosses Francois' face as the effect of Gwynnis' presense fades. He looks to bonnie, and raises his eyebrows while seperating his hands slightly. The gesture clearly asks, "What was that?"
Bonnie sees this and gives you a "I'll tell you later" sort of look.

OOC- Was that a Presence Dicipline effect? (Majesty)
It was. Francois would know that Majesty doesn't have the power to blind. He may have heard rumors that powerful Kindred of sufficiently low generation can develop powers beyond those standard to the various disciplines. If he has heard such rumors, it may well occur to him that he has just witnessed such a power in action.

[Brother Brian]

Gotcha. I wasn't sure if he'd recognize it as a presence effect...one he'd not known possible.

So Francois has learned something, and files it away.

[Detritus]

Gotcha. I wasn't sure if he'd recognize it as a presence effect...one he'd not known possible.

So Francois has learned something, and files it away.
Indeed. ;)

"The psychic interview with the Mademoiselle bore less fruit than you had hoped for. It does not sound to me like there was much else you could have done. What happened next?"
Bonnie leans over and whispers something into Gwynnis's ear.

"Ah, yes," Gwynnis says, "the interview with poor Demetrious. I believe I have learned everything I need to know regarding that particular matter," she says with a sardonic quirk on one corner of her mouth. "May the last embrace of the earth mother welcome him home," she says to Mr. Johnson, who struggles briefly to avoid sliding down the wall he leans against. Kallista, who had looked up at mention of Demetrious, redoubles her prayer efforts after this statement.

Turning once again to the investigators from Dallas, Gwynnis then says, "I believe that takes us to the next night. What happened when your investigations took you back ahsore?"

[Kalzazz]

((What happens to me?))

[Detritus]

((What happens to me?))

After Helena's collapse, Gwynnis's appearance assumes an aspect of transcendent beauty. Angelic, some might say, and for a few seconds you find it impossible to look away from her, or to think about anything else, or even to move.

The phenomenon passes abruptly, and you find yourselves free to try to clear your heads.
Since Jocelin made both her Will and Courage checks (neither roll was a Self-Control roll, which is the only aspect of Will that Jocelin has a penalty in), but by less than Gwynnis made her Will/Presence rolls, she gets fixated by Gwynnis's appearance as described above, and then it passes.

[Huxley]

Bonnie leans over and whispers something into Gwynnis's ear.

"Ah, yes," Gwynnis says, "the interview with poor Demetrious. I believe I have learned everything I need to know regarding that particular matter," she says with a sardonic quirk on one corner of her mouth. "May the last embrace of the earth mother welcome him home," she says to Mr. Johnson, who struggles briefly to avoid sliding down the wall he leans against. Kallista, who had looked up at mention of Demetrious, redoubles her prayer efforts after this statement.

Turning once again to the investigators from Dallas, Gwynnis then says, "I believe that takes us to the next night. What happened when your investigations took you back ahsore?"

"We decided to split apart in order to gather information that may possibly be useful before our interview with Samantha Drake. I went to Samantha's manor. Jocelin and Menachem left to look at Demetrious' hunting grounds. Jack looked over our intended meeting place to prepare it for the interview."

"Samantha's haven looked a good deal like Menachem described from his Astral visit: The trip proved mostly fruitless. However, we, being Sarah, Adrianne, and I, were attacked by a group. One was invisible, and the other two wielded a shotgun. Dieter, Rebekka's ghoul, was also killed before we returned to our vehicle"

[Detritus]

"We decided to split apart in order to gather information that may possibly be useful before our interview with Samantha Drake. I went to Samantha's manor. Jocelin and Menachem left to look at Demetrious' hunting grounds. Jack looked over our intended meeting place to prepare it for the interview."

"Samantha's haven looked a good deal like Menachem described from his Astral visit: The trip proved mostly fruitless. However, we, being Sarah, Adrianne, and I, were attacked by a group. One was invisible, and the other two wielded a shotgun. Dieter, Rebekka's ghoul, was also killed before we returned to our vehicle"
Gwynnis: "Did you notice anyone following you on the way to her manor?

[Huxley]

Gwynnis: "Did you notice anyone following you on the way to her manor?"

Leo thinks a moment. "No"

[Detritus]

Leo thinks a moment. "No"
"How long did your investigation of the manor house last?"

[Huxley]

"How long did your investigation of the manor house last?"

"If you include cleaning up after the fight, the whole of the night"

[Detritus]

"If you include cleaning up after the fight, the whole of the night"
"Forgive me, what I meant to ask was how long it was between the time you arrived at the manor and when the fight there began."

[Detritus]

"Forgive me, what I meant to ask was how long it was between the time you arrived at the manor and when the fight there began."
((OOC -- In order to move the narrative along, I'll have Sarah speak up now.))

Sarah eyes Gwynnis the way one might look at a large dog leashed by a flimsy rope, but she answers, diffidently at first.

"It took about an hour, maybe more. Then the fighting broke out. There was a thaumaturgical ward around the house. An alarm, I would guess."

"An hour would be more than enough time for an astral observer to watch and send someone after the investigators," says Anneke, which Gwynnis acknowledges with a single nod of her head.

"And you did not see the Vanished Kindred, either?" Gwynnis asks of Sarah.

"No," says Sarah in a small voice. "I did manage to destroy one of the shotgun wielders with flame," she says in a more confident tone. Rebekka's features remain neutral, but perhaps a bit of pride enters her expression here.

"Can Adrianne astrally project herself?" Gwynnis asks Mr. Johnson, who simply shakes his head no.

"Did you learn anything of the Vanished attacker?"

"She sounded like she was female," says Sarah.

"Surely not Samantha herself," says Bonnie.

"No," says Gwynnis, "nor does it sound like an Assamite. One of Samantha's female childer? Was she known to have any?"

Gwynnis looks around the room. Mr. Johnson once again gives a non-verbal negative response.

[Detritus]

OOC: Protip -- Some sort of answer to this question might be relevant right now:

"If you don't mind a change of subject, what results did the die give...?" Jack looks over at Leo.

[Huxley]

"If you don't mind a change of subject, what results did the die give for Drake?" Jack looks over at Leo.

Leo looks at Jack, "According to the die, she was related to the Justicar, and she was of the seventh generation"

[Kalzazz]

"Doesnt that make her like, older than the Justicar?"

[Brother Brian]

Francois raises his eyebrow at this, but remains silent.

[Huxley]

"Doesnt that make her like, older than the Justicar?"

"I suspect she had temporarily lowered her generation. She was expecting a conflict, after all."

[SD Anderson]

"Now the question is: Is she aiming for Cain?"

[Huxley]

"Now the question is: Is she aiming for Cain?"

"I imagine given the opportunity, she would not decline. I think the more pressing question for us is, where is she that we may bring about justice?"

[Detritus]

Gwynnis listens to this exchange and then asks, "Do you believe that it was Samantha herself who was Vanished at the incident outside her manor, the one where the ghoul was killed? Do you have any evidence that she may have sired a female Kindred?"

EDIT: ((OOC -- Sorry, I don't think I made it clear enough that I was angling for info about Heather, and what info Sarah's die might have revealed of her.))

[Huxley]

Gwynnis listens to this exchange and then asks, "Do you believe that it was Samantha herself who was Vanished at the incident outside her manor, the one where the ghoul was killed? Do you have any evidence that she may have sired a female Kindred?"

EDIT: ((OOC -- Sorry, I don't think I made it clear enough that I was angling for info about Heather, and what info Sarah's die might have revealed of her.))

"Yes... it is possible that Heather may have been sired by her, if she was sired after Delbert was diablerized"

[Detritus]

"Yes... it is possible that Heather may have been sired by her, if she was sired after Delbert was diablerized"
"I see," says Gwynnis. She shoots contemptuous glance at Mr. Johnson, who does not return the look.

"You are skilled in the practice of blood magic?" she asks.

[Huxley]

"I see," says Gwynnis. She shoots contemptuous glance at Mr. Johnson, who does not return the look.

"You are skilled in the practice of blood magic?" she asks.

"Not in the least. What little I know of it I have learned due to the patience of these Tremere who have assisted us in this investigation", Leo motions to Rebekka and Sarah.

[Detritus]

"Not in the least. What little I know of it I have learned due to the patience of these Tremere who have assisted us in this investigation", Leo motions to Rebekka and Sarah.
"We lent him a magical object that can determine the generation of any Kindred the bearer concentrates on," says Rebekka, and she holds up Sarah's die for all to see. Gwynnis motions for Rebekka to bring her the die.

"Ingenious," she says when she has a closer look. "I take it that the proper face lights up or otherwise indicates the generation?"

"Yes, the number corresponding to the Kindred's generation lights up," Rebekka says, aware of the avid interest of the Dallas Kindred.

"There are only 12 faces on the die. That leaves you one short if you start counting backwards from 15."

"All the faces light up in that case," says Rebekka. "It would likely be one of the last things you see."

"Yes, I suppose that's true," says Gwynnis after a moment's thought.

"Very well, it pleases me to learn that the Tremere were cooperative during this portion of the investigation. I am less pleased to learn that Samantha seems to be skilled at blood magic in her own right. If there is nothing else to add about this attack, I would like to hear about the other incident that night."

((OOC -- We can say that Leo just nods his head no at Gwynnis's last request -- unless there's anything else you'd like to add, of course -- and the floor is then open for Jack's testimony about the attack at MLK Elementary.))

[SD Anderson]

[Leaving any further comments on the Drake battle ahead of this]

"We decided that a school auditorium or little theater in a Katrina closed school would be the best place to hold the hearing. It'd be accessible but isolated and largely where no one could approach without being seen ahead of time unless they used Obfuscation."

"The first school we looked at, The Martin Luthor King School for Science and Technology, showed promise, I was up in the rafters looking over potential spots to station a sniper against intruders, when Ramiel finished his perusal of the grounds. We confered and were shot at by a lone gunman with a submachinegun."

"Ramiel took a bullet. I returned fire and hit the son of a bitch, but did not incapacitate him. Because of the blood trail he left, I have conclude he had a beating heart, which pretty much put him in the realm of mortal men. I suspect he'd have been a ghoul but I have no evidence to support this conjecture."

"He had a partner who was ready to drive a get away car. I would assume this driver was the one who placed a lit stick of dynamite under Ramiel's car. Before they drove off, the machinegunner fired again, taking out one of Ramiel's tires. I managed to get to the dynamite and throw it at them, but the car was moving to fast to be hit by it."

"While we were under fire, I got a call from the other team about the attack on them. I would have to assume they coordinated the timing of these strikes, which if true would have been the only evidence whatsoever of competent planning on the part of the pair of attackers at the King School."

"It would seem Ramiel and I were an afterthought and the job of attacking us was delegated to the 'Dumb and Dumber' amongst Drake's minions."

[Detritus]

Once Jack finishes, Gwynnis asks Ramiel if he was able to determine if your attackers were human, but Ramiel answers in the negative.

"A coordinated attack, based on the timing," Gwynnis says. "That would be more evidence of astral monitoring."

She steeples her fingers at her waist, and taps her index fingers together as she thinks.

"If the attackers were less competent at the school as compared to Drake Manor, that suggests perhaps that not all of Samantha's Kindred allies were in place in the city by then." Gwynnis then looks back to Jack.

"Presumably, once your first meeting location was compromised, you chose another. Were there any other incidents at your end that night?"

[SD Anderson]

Once Jack finishes, Gwynnis asks Ramiel if he was able to determine if your attackers were human, but Ramiel answers in the negative.

"A coordinated attack, based on the timing," Gwynnis says. "That would be more evidence of astral monitoring."

She steeples her fingers at her waist, and taps her index fingers together as she thinks.

"If the attackers were less competent at the school as compared to Drake Manor, that suggests perhaps that not all of Samantha's Kindred allies were in place in the city by then." Gwynnis then looks back to Jack.

"Presumably, once your first meeting location was compromised, you chose another. Were there any other incidents at your end that night?"

"Actually, it'd be evidence of cell phone usage." Jack says. "Team 1 hits Drake Manor and says 'Go' to team 2, which had been sitting back a few hundred yards."

[Detritus]

"Actually, it'd be evidence of cell phone usage." Jack says. "Team 1 hits Drake Manor and says 'Go' to team 2, which had been sitting back a few hundred yards."
Gwynnis arches an eyebrow and says, "So, you are saying that you were physically followed? And did not notice?"

[SD Anderson]

Gwynnis arches an eyebrow and says, "So, you are saying that you were physically followed? And did not notice?"

"That remains a distinct possibility." Jack answers. "A good observer, with familiarity of this region would have an advantage here, and a team of observers switching off periodically would have a greater one."

"Alternately, I suspect someone with Animalism could have made a deal or two with some owls could have kept us in sight easily enough, even if we had been moving at freeway speeds instead of local street speed. Equip the bird with an electronic tracking device and have it fly overhead of us once it catches up and we'd be located."

"If the owls were ghouls of the Animalist they'd be a lot more reliable too..."

"But I digress. It's entirely possible we were watched and followed by more mundane means than astrally. Both are still possible explanations. Occam's razor would favor the simpler mundane one."

[Detritus]

"That remains a distinct possibility." Jack answers. "A good observer, with familiarity of this region would have an advantage here, and a team of observers switching off periodically would have a greater one."

"Alternately, I suspect someone with Animalism could have made a deal or two with some owls could have kept us in sight easily enough, even if we had been moving at freeway speeds instead of local street speed. Equip the bird with an electronic tracking device and have it fly overhead of us once it catches up and we'd be located."

"If the owls were ghouls of the Animalist they'd be a lot more reliable too..."

"But I digress. It's entirely possible we were watched and followed by more mundane means than astrally. Both are still possible explanations. Occam's razor would favor the simpler mundane one."
"Ceteris paribus, pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate," Gwynnis says. "I remember well when it was first propounded, although the paribus clause was a later addition.

"And, other things being equal, what are the facts of the case that have been established? One that your companions have already testified to is that one of your number was followed by Samantha in astral form. Did she or any of her allies exhibit skill in Animalism? Have you been able to establish that any of her allies were Gangrel or Nosferatu? Malkavians and Tremere are quite good at Auspex, you realize, but less so with Animalism.

"I shall take your suggestion under advisement, but please understand that it is my explanation that uses only already-established facts of the case, and yours that is speculating on capabilities that, while certainly plausible, have not yet been demonstrated independently.

"And now that that digression is finished, I must again ask if the remainder of your night was uneventful after the incident at the elementary school."

[Detritus]

((FYI, Ramiel makes murmuring noise in the negative to last question, but Jack may answer anything in Gwynnis's last reply as he sees fit.))

[SD Anderson]

"Ceteris paribus, pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate," Gwynnis says. "I remember well when it was first propounded, although the paribus clause was a later addition.

"And, other things being equal, what are the facts of the case that have been established? One that your companions have already testified to is that one of your number was followed by Samantha in astral form. Did she or any of her allies exhibit skill in Animalism? Have you been able to establish that any of her allies were Gangrel or Nosferatu? Malkavians and Tremere are quite good at Auspex, you realize, but less so with Animalism.

"We know they have at least one blood spitter - trust me, I'm an absolute expert on this particular fact. among their company whose size is unknown. What else they have is correspondingly unknown."

"My conclusion is we do not have adequate information regarding the resources they have at hand to be able to state with certainty what method was used." [/quote]


"I shall take your suggestion under advisement, but please understand that it is my explanation that uses only already-established facts of the case, and yours that is speculating on capabilities that, while certainly plausible, have not yet been demonstrated independently.

"And now that that digression is finished, I must again ask if the remainder of your night was uneventful after the incident at the elementary school."

After that we pulled up stakes, reported to the Prince on his boat and compared notes with Leo's group.

"I recommended aborting the hearing but that was not practicable." As an alternative we brought in a ghoul who has suitable position in the Lousiana National Guard for back up."

[Detritus]

Gwynnis takes this in silently, and then asks about what happened with the third group. We'll say that Rebekka testifies here. If anyone wants a reminder about what happened with the Jocelin/Menachem group, you can read up here:

http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showthread.php?t=4719

More to come...

[Detritus]

"Very well," Gwynnis says after hearing Rebekka's testimony. "That brings us to the fateful meeting at the high school, as I am given to understand."

((If Jocelin wants to bring anything up about her night on the town with Menachem, Rebekka, et al., this would be the place to insert it.))

"Let's go through the preparations beforehand. What did you do to secure the meeting site? Were there any other preparations, interviews, or investigations that occurred before the meeting?"

[Kalzazz]

"Oh, before we left Menachem said we were being watched, but he couldnt make who was doing it. I tried the James Bond using my compact to look about while touching up my makeup trick but didnt see anyone. They were all watching Rebekka, who was very good by the way"

[Huxley]

"Very well," Gwynnis says after hearing Rebekka's testimony. "That brings us to the fateful meeting at the high school, as I am given to understand."

((If Jocelin wants to bring anything up about her night on the town with Menachem, Rebekka, et al., this would be the place to insert it.))

"Let's go through the preparations beforehand. What did you do to secure the meeting site? Were there any other preparations, interviews, or investigations that occurred before the meeting?"

"Before the meeting, Rebekka imbued the die that allowed me to detect a kindred's generation, as well as their link to Arcadian. Also, directly before the meeting, I contacted and talked with Bianca about the city, but she did not say much. When I arrived at the school, the guards were all in place"

[Detritus]

OK, here we go:

* Gwynnis takes interest in the fact of your meeting with Bianca on the night of the incident between Heather and Jocelin, especially in light of her apparent allegiance to Samantha, but as you didn't really see her true colors that night, there isn't all that much more to say there.

* The Justicar is generally approving of the precautions taken in the putative meeting with Samantha at Jackson High.

* She is much less sanguine about the decision to include Jocelin in the parley with Heather. Leo hears a sentence or two to the effect of putting your people in situations that give them the best chance to succeed.

* Jocelin receives the elder vampire equivalent of "WTF were you thinking, n00b!" from Gwynnis. Out of deference for his station at the time, she will back Leo in his pronouncement regarding Jocelin's penance. She does make it a point to say that if someone made such a disgraceful outburst while under her command, it would have earned that someone "face time with Caledfwich," whatever that means. It doesn't sound pleasant.

* Concerning the meeting at Drake Manor, the only real quibble Gwynnis has here is that someone skilled in Auspex should have been out inspecting the grounds after the start of the meeting. Jack and Anneke both get about a sentence's worth of scolding here. Gwynnis also remarks that it would have been useful for Anneke to have seen Black Cat on the grounds of Drake Manor, seeing as how she was unable to figure out her true allegiance while traveling with her from LA.

* At this time (thanks to the awesome power of GM fiat :grin:) the same Ghoul that came to fetch Mr. Johnson earlier tonight enters the room once again, but before he can say a word, a tallish woman barges in right after him. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she wears black boots with a black trench coat over dark clothing. The hilt of a sword peeks out of the right side of her coat.

* The woman is soon identified as Dee Dee (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=241152&postcount=31), yet another agent of Gwynnis. She has come to report on her scouting of the city. The interview ends abruptly, and Gwynnis moves to receive the report in private. She brings Anneke with her. Gwynnis then signals for Mr. Johnson to come with her, and Anneke waves Rebekka to be part of the group, too, to the general raising of eyebrows across the room.

* Once Gwynnis et al. have left the room, Bonnie says, "Well, I guess we have arrived at the more informal portion of the evening's gathering. Shall we mingle?" She then draws Tatiana to her, and they kneel to either side of Helena's still-unmoving body, and engage in low-voiced conversation.

OK, the floor is open for... whatever. What would you like to do?

[Brother Brian]

Francois slowly walks up to Jack, and makes a perfunctory bow.

"Excuse me sir", he begins, his French accent clear even in a softened tone, "but you appear to me to be of a soldierly bent, as am I. I believe I may be able to offer some assistance in this matter, if you would like."

[SD Anderson]

Francois slowly walks up to Jack, and makes a perfunctory bow.

"Excuse me sir", he begins, his French accent clear even in a softened tone, "but you appear to me to be of a soldierly bent, as am I. I believe I may be able to offer some assistance in this matter, if you would like."

Can't hurt. "What sort of assistance?"

[Brother Brian]

"Well", Francois begins, "if I understand this right, you believe that somebody, this Samantha, is hunting the line of the Malkavian Justicar, and will continue doing so up through Cain himself.

While it would be inappropriate and unethical to set the next likely victim up as bait, it seems to me that the diabolarist has done that already. Why do you not then set up reconossance on the entire line?"

[SD Anderson]

"Well", Francois begins, "if I understand this right, you believe that somebody, this Samantha, is hunting the line of the Malkavian Justicar, and will continue doing so up through Cain himself.

While it would be inappropriate and unethical to set the next likely victim up as bait, it seems to me that the diabolarist has done that already. Why do you not then set up reconossance on the entire line?"

"If my count is right she's after an eight generation vampire, identity unknown to us at present though Leo could probably tell us. The problem is, Kindred of that generation and lower generally don't answer to the likes of us and can pretty much move about without us being able to watch them."

"You have any idea on how say, keep track of Walsh's grandsire?"

[Brother Brian]

"If my count is right she's after an eight generation vampire, identity unknown to us at present though Leo could probably tell us. The problem is, Kindred of that generation and lower generally don't answer to the likes of us and can pretty much move about without us being able to watch them."

"You have any idea on how say, keep track of Walsh's grandsire?"

A look of confusion crosses Francois' face for a moment, then he shrugs. "A number of ways, depending on Geography actually. It seems the easiest would be to ask Justicar Gwinnis to direct the former Justicar's elder to comply, assuming said elder is a loyal member of the Camarilla.

"Otherwise, reserach would need to be done, and it would in fact be a race. But from what I was privy too this evening, that is still an improvement. It is better to be the hound than the fox."

[SD Anderson]

A look of confusion crosses Francois' face for a moment, then he shrugs. "A number of ways, depending on Geography actually. It seems the easiest would be to ask Justicar Gwinnis to direct the former Justicar's elder to comply, assuming said elder is a loyal member of the Camarilla.

"Otherwise, reserach would need to be done, and it would in fact be a race. But from what I was privy too this evening, that is still an improvement. It is better to be the hound than the fox."

"My experience is that elder generations take 'direction' from younger ones as 'unrequested advice' and do what they want. I mean we never gave Walsh any OK to come to New Orleans. We were still investigating. He shouldn't have been anywhere near North America let alone the Big Easy until then."

[Detritus]

((OOC -- For the moment, we will say that all the PCs are gathered in their own little group by Jack's bed. The other Kindred in the room are for the most part gathered in little groups of three to five at respectful intervals from each other. If either Leo or Jocelin wish to change this during this conversation, it is up to them to do so.))

[Brother Brian]

"My experience is that elder generations take 'direction' from younger ones as 'unrequested advice' and do what they want. I mean we never gave Walsh any OK to come to New Orleans. We were still investigating. He shouldn't have been anywhere near North America let alone the Big Easy until then."

"There are a few items which I think are absent from your reasoning. The first is that, based on what I have seen Justicar Gwinnis can not be considered a "younger one". She has great power, and can be ignored only at great risk.

More importantly, you ignore the rights and privledges of position. No Camarilla member can blithely ignore the wishes of a Justicar lightly. Justicar Walsh had no official reason to take your advice, much less await YOUR approval for his travel."

[SD Anderson]

"There are a few items which I think are absent from your reasoning. The first is that, based on what I have seen Justicar Gwinnis can not be considered a "younger one". She has great power, and can be ignored only at great risk.

More importantly, you ignore the rights and privledges of position. No Camarilla member can blithely ignore the wishes of a Justicar lightly. Justicar Walsh had no official reason to take your advice, much less await YOUR approval for his travel."

"Merely our assignment, and our expertise such as it is, which was to keep him safe and do the preliminary investigation."

"But the elder kindred have... the ways of the Egyptian court over Pharaoh. In theory, on pape er papyrus the Pharaoh had absolute power, but they could bind and restrict his actions through custom, rite and law. His Nomarchs could have and often did have ways to circumvent direct orders. We're dealing with people who know the ways to not comply while technically complying. Vampiric society is ultimately a collection of beings who essentially see themselves as above the law. Enforcement tends to be difficult against the higher ups as a result."

[Brother Brian]

"Merely our assignment, and our expertise such as it is, which was to keep him safe and do the preliminary investigation."

"But the elder kindred have... the ways of the Egyptian court over Pharaoh. In theory, on pape er papyrus the Pharaoh had absolute power, but they could bind and restrict his actions through custom, rite and law. His Nomarchs could have and often did have ways to circumvent direct orders. We're dealing with people who know the ways to not comply while technically complying. Vampiric society is ultimately a collection of beings who essentially see themselves as above the law. Enforcement tends to be difficult against the higher ups as a result."

Francois sighs.

"Perhaps then, you are correct. I know not the mind of the liniage of the former Justicar of clan Malkav. It might be then as you say."

[Detritus]

Francois sighs.

"Perhaps then, you are correct. I know not the mind of the liniage of the former Justicar of clan Malkav. It might be then as you say."
"Do not give up hope yet," a female voice says, and you all turn to see Camille approach Jack's bed. "I could not help overhearing, and I must say that Jack's gloomy prognosis overlooks the obligation that Justicar Walsh incurred as a result of Jocelin's unfortunate outburst," she says, and gives Jocelin a little "for shame" look in the process. "Also, I believe you were all in Samantha's custody at the time. And certainly he had the right to gainsay any of your recommendations, if he felt it necessary."

Turning to François, she says, "If you can identify the one you seek, she will almost surely listen to Gwynnis. Most Kindred do, if they have any sense," she says, and then favors Jack with a wry look.

"Camille Devereux," she says, extending her right hand towards François.

[Brother Brian]

"Do not give up hope yet," a female voice says, and you all turn to see Camille approach Jack's bed. "I could not help overhearing, and I must say that Jack's gloomy prognosis overlooks the obligation that Justicar Walsh incurred as a result of Jocelin's unfortunate outburst," she says, and gives Jocelin a little "for shame" look in the process. "Also, I believe you were all in Samantha's custody at the time. And certainly he had the right to gainsay any of your recommendations, if he felt it necessary."

Turning to François, she says, "If you can identify the one you seek, she will almost surely listen to Gwynnis. Most Kindred do, if they have any sense," she says, and then favors Jack with a wry look.

"Camille Devereux," she says, extending her right hand towards François.

Francois makes a slight nod of thanks as he takes her hand and lightly brushes his lips against it. "Francois Petit, and it is my pleasure to make your aquaintance. What you say leads to a simple question for our friends here. How are they to identify this as of yet unknown elder?"

He turns and looks at Jack.

[Detritus]

Francois makes a slight nod of thanks as he takes her hand and lightly brushes his lips against it. "Francois Petit, and it is my pleasure to make your aquaintance. What you say leads to a simple question for our friends here. How are they to identify this as of yet unknown elder?"

He turns and looks at Jack.
"They came from Dallas originally. I believe the Justicar made his permanent residence there, and that is how Samantha knew where to find him. The Prince of Dallas should have that information at hand."

She looks at Prince Strauss for a moment, and all of you who follow her gaze see that he's looking at your group, although he turns back to his Tremere compatriots after a split second.

"He may have already given the Justicar that information, for that matter," she says before turning back to François.

"You are French, in both accent and name. Are you part of the Justicar's entourage?"

[Brother Brian]

"They came from Dallas originally. I believe the Justicar made his permanent residence there, and that is how Samantha knew where to find him. The Prince of Dallas should have that information at hand."

She looks at Prince Strauss for a moment, and all of you who follow her gaze see that he's looking at your group, although he turns back to his Tremere compatriots after a split second.

"He may have already given the Justicar that information, for that matter," she says before turning back to François.

"You are French, in both accent and name. Are you part of the Justicar's entourage?"

"Sadly, no, I am not that proximate to the Camarilla elite in the normal course of things. I am here by happenstance, having come on a matter unrelated to this investigation, and having come here tonight to present myself before the prince. However I have experience in what is now referred to as counter-terrorism, and what we called espionage, and if I can be of service, I would be honored.

As for the Prince of Dallas, I somehow think he isn't well inclined to offer assistance."

[SD Anderson]

Francois makes a slight nod of thanks as he takes her hand and lightly brushes his lips against it. "Francois Petit, and it is my pleasure to make your aquaintance. What you say leads to a simple question for our friends here. How are they to identify this as of yet unknown elder?"

He turns and looks at Jack.

"Leo was Walsh's Archon. He might know who his master's sire was."

[Detritus]

Camille briefly looks at Prince Strauss again, then turns back to you.

"I don't know if Prince Strauss would be that uncooperative, if the order came from a Justicar. But, it would be easier if someone else knew. Do you?" she asks Leo.

((Leo knows the guy's name -- Sylvester Simms -- but doesn't know what he looks like or really anything else about him.))

"In that case, you should bring it up with Gwynnis, or one of her agents, as soon as you are able," says Camille.

"I'm sure the Justicar and the native New Orleans Kindred population will be happy to receive such aid as you can bring to bear in the coming nights," she says to François. "Delighted to have met you," she says, and then flits off to another part of the room.

((Note that Bonnie and Tatiana are still conversing near the supine form of Helena, although they have stood up from their crouches at this point.))

[Huxley]

"Sadly, no, I am not that proximate to the Camarilla elite in the normal course of things. I am here by happenstance, having come on a matter unrelated to this investigation, and having come here tonight to present myself before the prince.


Leo looks openly dubious at this statement.


However I have experience in what is now referred to as counter-terrorism, and what we called espionage, and if I can be of service, I would be honored.

As for the Prince of Dallas, I somehow think he isn't well inclined to offer assistance."

After Camille wanders off, Leo "absent-mindedly" picks a pustule from his hand and wipes the dead skin and puss onto his hoodie. He looks back to Francois. Unnervingly, Leo never blinks, which upon closer examination is because his eye lids aren't present. His voice sounds like the morning hack of a 40 year smoker. "Any assistance would of course be appreciated. I doubt the three of us could take down Drake alone. If, before speaking with the Justicar, you wouldn't mind giving me a moment in privacy?" Leo motions for Jocelin to follow him to a place out of earshot.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin goes and follows Leo

[Detritus]

After Camille wanders off, Leo "absent-mindedly" picks a pustule from his hand and wipes the dead skin and puss onto his hoodie. He looks back to Francois. Unnervingly, Leo never blinks, which upon closer examination is because his eye lids aren't present. His voice sounds like the morning hack of a 40 year smoker. "Any assistance would of course be appreciated. I doubt the three of us could take down Drake alone. If, before speaking with the Justicar, you wouldn't mind giving me a moment in privacy?" Leo motions for Jocelin to follow him to a place out of earshot.

Jocelin goes and follows Leo
You'll be in the corner of the room that corresponds to 1:30 as laid out in this post:

http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=243016&postcount=28

i.e., you'll be in the corner of the room between Jack's bed and the "throne" that Gwynnis was seated in.

Camille ends up going to Tatiana and Bonnie, and Tatiana calls over the other NO Toreador in the room (Kallista, Radeyah, and Ramiel) to help usher Helena out of the room. Kallista and Radeyah do this, along with Tatiana. Bonnie remains to chat with Camille and Ramiel.

Here's the lay of the land after this:

6:00 - The door

7:00 - The Tremere (Prince Strauss, Thomas, Merill, Sarah, and Sabine)

10:00 - Bonnie, Camille, and Ramiel

12:00 - The empty chair

1:30 - Leo and Jocelin

3:00 - Jack (abed) and François

4-5:00 - Uma, Yuri, Roman, Antoinette, and Erich

We're down to a scant 17 Kindred in the room right now...

[Brother Brian]

Leo looks openly dubious at this statement.



After Camille wanders off, Leo "absent-mindedly" picks a pustule from his hand and wipes the dead skin and puss onto his hoodie. He looks back to Francois. Unnervingly, Leo never blinks, which upon closer examination is because his eye lids aren't present. His voice sounds like the morning hack of a 40 year smoker. "Any assistance would of course be appreciated. I doubt the three of us could take down Drake alone. If, before speaking with the Justicar, you wouldn't mind giving me a moment in privacy?" Leo motions for Jocelin to follow him to a place out of earshot.

Francois, having seen Nosferatu before, doesn't display any outward signs of repulsion.

"Of course says Francois."

As the two strangers leave, Francois ponders the situation. "The Nosferatu must have some prestige to be given an assignment such as he has, and yet displayed an obvious, almost exaggerated disbelief in my words. This shows a certain lack of competence in our game. At the very least, it confirms that I am passing as a Toreador for now, as only a great fool or a Malkavian would dare such to a Brujah."

After a moment's thought, Fancois leans casually against a wall that will allow him to use heightened senses to eavesdrop on Leo and Jocelin.

[Huxley]

Jocelin goes and follows Leo

"I owe you an apology, and the Justicar's words made me realize that. So... I am sorry for the way things have turned out. It is, after all, partially my fault"

[Kalzazz]

"Apology accepted, and I apologize to you as well, it twas definitely partially my fault . . . . and you very much in the right suspecting Bianca when noone else did . . . I still am shocked she was le serpent dans l'herbe. The cellphone didnt help any?"

Jocelin glances toward Francois and then back to Leo, "You have a similar feeling on Monsieur Petit?"

[Huxley]

"Apology accepted, and I apologize to you as well, it twas definitely partially my fault . . . . and you very much in the right suspecting Bianca when noone else did . . . I still am shocked she was le serpent dans l'herbe. The cellphone didnt help any?"


"No, it did not"


Jocelin glances toward Francois and then back to Leo, "You have a similar feeling on Monsieur Petit?"

"I do not have any particular feeling towards him. I only find the 'Just passing through' excuse to be laughable, considering recent events". Leo sighs, "Ready to track down Drake?" motioning towards the Justicar's group.

[Detritus]

Once Leo and Jocelin go for their private counsel and François sort of clears away from the bed, the out-of-towner with Uma et al. walks up to Jack's bed. He looks like he's in late teens or early 20s, and has shoulder-length hair. He looks up and down the length of Jack's body, and then gives a couple of wry, almost disbelieving shakes of his head.

"I didn't believe it when I first heard. Had to come down from Memphis to see for myself," he says without preamble. "Getting mixed up with Assassins, when did that become a good idea?"

He looks over at the empty chair for a bit, and then continues speaking.

"Seems like I was missing some context from the news I heard, though. Maybe it'll sink in better if I hear it from you, Jack. Were you really working for a Justicar? Gotta admit, not much good I can see coming from that."

[SD Anderson]

"Technically I was working for the Prince. Regular Client. HE was doing a job for the Justicar."

"So, untechnically I was working for a Justicar. A Justicar who wouldn't take 'Gee, my entire security team down there went silent!' as a sign not to go to town."

"So, how you been doing?"

[Detritus]

"Technically I was working for the Prince. Regular Client. HE was doing a job for the Justicar."

"So, untechnically I was working for a Justicar. A Justicar who wouldn't take 'Gee, my entire security team down there went silent!' as a sign not to go to town."

"So, how you been doing?"
"Can't complain," he says. "Things have been pretty mellow in Memphis ever since old Selma took the throne. Still kinda weird to have a Nosferatu as a Prince, but she's a damn sight better ruler than most of the Blue Bloods, if you ask me." He looks at the empty chair again. "Better'n most of the Art Fags, too. Selma the Repugnant, they call her, but she manages to outwit them all most of the time." That brings a smile to Erich's face.

"You looking to settle some scores, then?"

[SD Anderson]

"Can't complain," he says. "Things have been pretty mellow in Memphis ever since old Selma took the throne. Still kinda weird to have a Nosferatu as a Prince, but she's a damn sight better ruler than most of the Blue Bloods, if you ask me." He looks at the empty chair again. "Better'n most of the Art Fags, too. Selma the Repugnant, they call her, but she manages to outwit them all most of the time." That brings a smile to Erich's face.

"You looking to settle some scores, then?"

"Yes and no. Drake and her brood have to go just on general principles. We don't stop them they WILL turn on us. IF they don't start Gehenna outright. I don't trus this Artsfarts Justicar however. I can't prove it, but there is something that stinks of Sabbat about her.

[Detritus]

"Yes and no. Drake and her brood have to go just on general principles. We don't stop them they WILL turn on us. IF they don't start Gehenna outright. I don't trus this Artsfarts Justicar however. I can't prove it, but there is something that stinks of Sabbat about her.
"Maybe you're right about that," Erich says in a low voice, "but I wouldn't say that too loud in here." He looks around the room before landing briefly on Bonnie. "The walls have ears," he says.

[SD Anderson]

"Maybe you're right about that," Erich says in a low voice, "but I wouldn't say that too loud in here." He looks around the room before landing briefly on Bonnie. "The walls have ears," he says.

"And then some. But keep your ears and eyes open when your around her or her pets."

[Detritus]

"And then some. But keep your ears and eyes open when your around her or her pets."
"And have you figured out who they all are?" he asks. His eyes seem to flick towards François for an instant, for some reason.

[SD Anderson]

"Kind of hard to do so from a bed. Her chief torturer is that old hag Bonnie however."

[Detritus]

"Kind of hard to do so from a bed. Her chief torturer is that old hag Bonnie however."
"Her?" Erich says as he gives Bonnie another look. "Didn't think she'd have that in her," he says.

He's quiet for a moment and then says, "That's at least two Princes and two Justicars I count you getting mixed up with. You get involved with elder vamps, and the result is going to be pain more likely than not."

Another brief pause, and then: "Like I said, it's been pretty quiet up in Memphis. Maybe a little too quiet. Sounds like there's plenty of excitement to be had here in New Orleans right now. Once the scores are settled, though, maybe you want to think about coming up north. Selma is pretty friendly to the Gangrel, and we've even got one or two who can handle themselves pretty well in Elysium. That's handier than I would've first expected, I have to admit."

He turns to give Camille an appreciative look after this.

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

OK, Jack can answer as SD sees fit. Is there anyone else that any of the PCs want to talk to? If so, we can make that happen through the awesome power of GM fiat. If not, the clock will spring ahead about 15-20 minutes, which we can say are filled with relatively idle chatter.

[Kalzazz]

((Whats Sarah up to currently?))

[Detritus]

((Whats Sarah up to currently?))
For the moment, she is grouped with the other out-of-town Tremere (i.e. Prince Strauss, Merill, and Thomas). Sabine has joined Camille, Ramiel, and Bonnie. Uma, Yuri, Roman, and Antoinette are still in that grouping for now.

[Detritus]

((This next bit happens after Jack's reply to Erich's last words. He won't have anything much to say after that reply, most likely.))

Right when Jocelin looks over to the Tremere to see what Sarah's up to, Tatiana returns to the room. Bonnie takes her leave of the other Kindred she was speaking to, intercepts Tatiana, and steers her to the group of Tremere. Sarah ends up breaking away from this group after a look from Bonnie. She looks at both the Camille/Ramiel/Sabine group and the Uma/Yuri/Antoinette/Roman group and then heads diagonally across the room to where Leo and Jocelin are standing.

At her nearest approach to the chair, Sarah looks at it and then closes her eyes for a second. When she passes the bed, a sad look crosses her face, but she does not intrude upon the conversation between Jack and Erich. She barely has a glance to spare for François before she comes up to Jocelin and Leo.

"I didn't realize how bad it was," she says and then looks over to the bed again. When she looks back, she asks, "Will he be OK?"

[SD Anderson]

"Her?" Erich says as he gives Bonnie another look. "Didn't think she'd have that in her," he says.

He's quiet for a moment and then says, "That's at least two Princes and two Justicars I count you getting mixed up with. You get involved with elder vamps, and the result is going to be pain more likely than not."

Another brief pause, and then: "Like I said, it's been pretty quiet up in Memphis. Maybe a little too quiet. Sounds like there's plenty of excitement to be had here in New Orleans right now. Once the scores are settled, though, maybe you want to think about coming up north. Selma is pretty friendly to the Gangrel, and we've even got one or two who can handle themselves pretty well in Elysium. That's handier than I would've first expected, I have to admit."

He turns to give Camille an appreciative look after this.

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

OK, Jack can answer as SD sees fit. Is there anyone else that any of the PCs want to talk to? If so, we can make that happen through the awesome power of GM fiat. If not, the clock will spring ahead about 15-20 minutes, which we can say are filled with relatively idle chatter.

"Sounds like a good proposition. I think I may just do that."

[Kalzazz]

"Jack is both a hard boiled PI and a Gangrel, I dont think being run over by a silver bullet train would be enough for Him to call him home"

[Detritus]

"Jack is both a hard boiled PI and a Gangrel, I dont think being run over by a silver bullet train would be enough for Him to call him home"
Sarah looks at Jack again, and then says, "I guess you're right. I hope so, at least," to you.

Then she asks: "What about you, are you going to be OK?"

[Kalzazz]

"Its not been my most very favorite week, but He has a plan in all things"

"Though, uh . . . when I got, well, levitated . . . is there something I could have, should have done?"

[Detritus]

"Its not been my most very favorite week, but He has a plan in all things"

"Though, uh . . . when I got, well, levitated . . . is there something I could have, should have done?"
"The strong of will can sometimes shrug off the effects of hostile Thaumaturgy," says Sarah.

"You could also learn how to levitate yourself, in theory," but you think you might detect a faint undertone of doubt in her voice. She closes her eyes for a few seconds, concentrating on something.

"You don't really have the mojo for it," she says after opening her eyes. "It's tricky to pick up that talent. Expensive, too, in certain respects." She wraps a lock of her hair around one of her wrists and then pulls down on it a few times.

[Detritus]

"The strong of will can sometimes shrug off the effects of hostile Thaumaturgy," says Sarah.

"You could also learn how to levitate yourself, in theory," but you think you might detect a faint undertone of doubt in her voice. She closes her eyes for a few seconds, concentrating on something.

"You don't really have the mojo for it," she says after opening her eyes. "It's tricky to pick up that talent. Expensive, too, in certain respects." She wraps a lock of her hair around one of her wrists and then pulls down on it a few times.
I forgot to append this to the quoted post, so here's a new one so you don't miss it.

"There's something else you should know, and it could make things complicated for you," Sarah says quietly. "For you both," she says to Leo, and then lowers her voice even more before continuing.

"Rebekka and Anneke are sisters. They have been for a long time, centuries, I'm sure, though I'm not sure exactly how many. I found out a few nights ago, the night you all went to Samantha's house.

"As you heard before, Anneke was furious with you when she found out what happened at the school," Sarah says to Jocelin. "She would have destroyed you on the spot, but Rebekka intervened on your behalf. I don't think anyone else could have talked her out of it, except for Gwynnis. I'd guess her Toreador sisters wouldn't have been able to."

Looking at Leo, Sarah says, "I think Anneke might have some general interest in you. Maybe a certain kinship because you're both archons. I can only guess at how well the sisters get along. Pretty good right now, I think, but that may not last. Bad blood between sisters is the worst, and if you've been sisters for hundreds of year, it might get pretty bad.

"You're going to have to watch yourselves, or you may end up at opposite ends of a war by proxy between them. Maybe not right now, but if we turn back the Sabbat, who knows what will happen. Maybe Anneke won't stick around after that."

[Huxley]

Leo considers this, and nods. "Thank you, your concern is appreciated."

Leo looks at Jack, eyeing his wounds: "We're going to need all the help we can get... I am going to introduce Francois to those helping us. I know Rebekka and you are here to stay", he says to Sarah, but then turns to Jocelin, "Do you know if Sabine and her friends are helping track down Drake?"

[Detritus]

Leo considers this, and nods. "Thank you, your concern is appreciated."

Leo looks at Jack, eyeing his wounds: "We're going to need all the help we can get... I am going to introduce Francois to those helping us. I know Rebekka and you are here to stay", he says to Sarah, but then turns to Jocelin, "Do you know if Sabine and her friends are helping track down Drake?"
"If you're talking about the other Tremere," says Sarah, "I don't think Prince Strauss will stay in New Orleans on an extended basis, since he has a city to run. Thomas and Merill might, though. And I'm sure there's going to be a Conclave pretty soon. Some of those that come to the city might stay on after Conclave is over. As for the New Orleans Kindred..." and Sarah then trails off and looks over to Jocelin.

[Brother Brian]

I forgot to append this to the quoted post, so here's a new one so you don't miss it.

"There's something else you should know, and it could make things complicated for you," Sarah says quietly. "For you both," she says to Leo, and then lowers her voice even more before continuing.

"Rebekka and Anneke are sisters. They have been for a long time, centuries, I'm sure, though I'm not sure exactly how many. I found out a few nights ago, the night you all went to Samantha's house.

"As you heard before, Anneke was furious with you when she found out what happened at the school," Sarah says to Jocelin. "She would have destroyed you on the spot, but Rebekka intervened on your behalf. I don't think anyone else could have talked her out of it, except for Gwynnis. I'd guess her Toreador sisters wouldn't have been able to."

Looking at Leo, Sarah says, "I think Anneke might have some general interest in you. Maybe a certain kinship because you're both archons. I can only guess at how well the sisters get along. Pretty good right now, I think, but that may not last. Bad blood between sisters is the worst, and if you've been sisters for hundreds of year, it might get pretty bad.

"You're going to have to watch yourselves, or you may end up at opposite ends of a war by proxy between them. Maybe not right now, but if we turn back the Sabbat, who knows what will happen. Maybe Anneke won't stick around after that."

OOC: Did I catch the line about "turning back to the Sabbat"?

[Detritus]

OOC: Did I catch the line about "turning back to the Sabbat"?
Please re-read the final paragraph. I'll say that François does hear what was actually spoken there.

[Brother Brian]

Please re-read the final paragraph. I'll say that François does hear what was actually spoken there.

Er, yeah, I read it right, and wrote it wrong. ;)