Where in the world is Sylvester Simms? (Thread 1 - Jack, pre-dawn Mon. 4/2/07)

[Detritus]

After Rebekka places the meeting into recess, she leads Mr. Johnson and the NO Toreador and all the other Kindred from the city down to the parlor on the first floor of the mansion. She also sends Jocelin and Sarah off separately. Leo and Anneke exit together, as do Francois and Bonnie. The male Tremere and Erich are all that are left

"You will contact Lydia in Dallas and ask her to inquire about Sylvester's whereabouts from Primogen Trent," Prince Strauss says to Merill after the room clears. "Be sure she understands the urgency of the request."

"Yes, Sire," replies Merill, who then leaves to call Lydia.

"Your Sire is still in Boston, Thomas?" asks Strauss.

"She is, Majesty. I believe she is Prince Cardano's Seneschal."

"Good," says Strauss. "Try and contact her, and see if she can prevail on the Malkavian Primogen in Boston to learn of any information on Sylvester's location. I shall attempt to contact Pontifex Dorfman. Let us meet again at 1 am."

"Very good, Sire," says Thomas, and he, too, departs.

Prince Strauss looks at you and Erich for a moment before speaking.

"If there are any avenues of inquiry that you can think of that might bear fruit in the search for Mr. Simms, Jack, I would encourage you to pursue them, if you are fit to do so." Prince Strauss then leaves you alone with Erich.

[SD Anderson]

"The one that comes to mind is one most of us forget, my Prince." Jack says.

"Follow the money. The Camarilla is a money laundering organization. New identities for perpetually 30 year old men who tire of dyeing their hair gray and ways to transfer what's theirs to those identities over a five to ten year span."

"If you could loan me one of your accountants, we might be able to track where he is by seeing where his money and properties went."

[Detritus]

"The one that comes to mind is one most of us forget, my Prince." Jack says.

"Follow the money. The Camarilla is a money laundering organization. New identities for perpetually 30 year old men who tire of dyeing their hair gray and ways to transfer what's theirs to those identities over a five to ten year span."

"If you could loan me one of your accountants, we might be able to track where he is by seeing where his money and properties went."
"I am not sure if any of my personal accountants would have this information," Prince Strauss says. "However, after Merill has finished his call to Lydia, you should give her a call and see what she might be able to learn along those lines. Please give her whatever guidance you see fit." The Prince then exits after leaving a number for Lydia with you.

[SD Anderson]

"Well, you start with properties you know he once owned. We dead have a bad habit. We changed enough going from Kine to Kindred, we want to keep what we acquire. We ought to pull up our stakes and start anew, but the places we hide our coffins are dear to us. If I'm right, Simms' favored properties went to his ghouls to hold in name until he reclaims them. Oh there will be holding companies and deed transfers but find the places that man loves and you can reach one of the ghouls he trusts. And from there get word to Simms himself."

[Detritus]

"Well, you start with properties you know he once owned. We dead have a bad habit. We changed enough going from Kine to Kindred, we want to keep what we acquire. We ought to pull up our stakes and start anew, but the places we hide our coffins are dear to us. If I'm right, Simms' favored properties went to his ghouls to hold in name until he reclaims them. Oh there will be holding companies and deed transfers but find the places that man loves and you can reach one of the ghouls he trusts. And from there get word to Simms himself."
Prince Strauss nods before exiting.

"You sounded like a Blue-Blood there for a minute," says Erich, although he is smiling when he speaks. "You take that detective stuff pretty seriously, I guess," he says.

*pause/reply*

"I'm supposed to give the purple-haired chick some blood for a paternity test," he says. "Have you ever wondered about our Sire's name before?"

[SD Anderson]

"Not really. No real leads. They ran her prints but she wasn't in the system. If was embraced before Fingerprinting started and stayed in Sabbat territories she probably never stayed arrested for anything she might have been caught doing."

[Detritus]

"Not really. No real leads. They ran her prints but she wasn't in the system. If was embraced before Fingerprinting started and stayed in Sabbat territories she probably never stayed arrested for anything she might have been caught doing."
"Mmm, I guess you're right about that," says Erich.

"They're gonna figure it out at some point," he says, "that Mommy dearest played for the road team. What do you think will happen when they do?"

[SD Anderson]

OOC: Jack & Erich's parentage is KNOWN to the Camarilla.

By the time I actually awoke, I'd been moved to a secure site, bound helplessly. The Camarilla's head honcho in the city, it's Prince, though she should have been the Princess, may she rest in peace, let me know that normally the policy is to dispose of unauthorized new vamps, particularly 'Childer' of enemy vamps.

But the attack last night had taken out so many vampires that her city was short on manpower, and they expected the Sabbat to hit real soon. So I got the offer of joining or dying forever.

[Detritus]

OOC: Jack & Erich's parentage is KNOWN to the Camarilla.
OK, thank you for the reminder. However, I believe I have already established that the Camarilla is not the Borg, e.g. with neither Gwynnis nor any of her childer knowing who Arcadian's sire was (or at least they never knew to connect Simms with Walsh until Leo mentioned them in connection with each other). Knowledge of lineage isn't the sort of thing that is universally and unerringly disseminated throughout the Camarilla.

Certainly, the Prince of the (unspecified) city of Jack and Erich's Embrace would know, as would probably a few of the more important vamps in that city. That means the knowledge probably would diffuse some, but certainly not to the sect as a whole. It's a legitimate, if low-level, concern.

[Detritus]

((You can reply, or not, to Erich's last question as you see fit, and any such reply will happen before Merill's entrance.))

During the pause in the conversation, Merill enters, still talking on his phone. He hands it to you and says, "Prince Strauss has told me that you need to speak to Lydia."

When you bring the phone to your ear, you hear a female voice say, "Hello... Jack? Merill informs me that you have some instructions from Prince Strauss."

[SD Anderson]

OK, thank you for the reminder. However, I believe I have already established that the Camarilla is not the Borg, e.g. with neither Gwynnis nor any of her childer knowing who Arcadian's sire was (or at least they never knew to connect Simms with Walsh until Leo mentioned them in connection with each other). Knowledge of lineage isn't the sort of thing that is universally and unerringly disseminated throughout the Camarilla.

Certainly, the Prince of the (unspecified) city of Jack and Erich's Embrace would know, as would probably a few of the more important vamps in that city. That means the knowledge probably would diffuse some, but certainly not to the sect as a whole. It's a legitimate, if low-level, concern.

Just a minor point. AFAIK Jack's 'parentage' wasn't anything secret.

[SD Anderson]

"Mmm, I guess you're right about that," says Erich.

"They're gonna figure it out at some point," he says, "that Mommy dearest played for the road team. What do you think will happen when they do?"

"Depends. If Gwinnis and the Grand Guiginol knew this already, not much will happen. If they didn't do their homework and this catches them by surprise, I expect they'll overreact in some manner."

[SD Anderson]

((You can reply, or not, to Erich's last question as you see fit, and any such reply will happen before Merill's entrance.))

During the pause in the conversation, Merill enters, still talking on his phone. He hands it to you and says, "Prince Strauss has told me that you need to speak to Lydia."

When you bring the phone to your ear, you hear a female voice say, "Hello... Jack? Merill informs me that you have some instructions from Prince Strauss."

"Ok, shoot."

[Detritus]

"Ok, shoot."
"I'm sorry, what I meant was that the Prince wants me to look up some information, or something? I was told you had the particulars there," says Lydia.

((Sorry for the mix-up there, Lydia doesn't know about the accountant thing, and that's what I meant by "instructions from the Prince." Also, I made an IQ roll for Jack, which he passed by 4. He realizes that it might be worthwhile to look even further up Arcadian's lineage than Sylvester Simms. That information is probably on file somewhere in Dallas, Arcadian's last city of residence.))

[SD Anderson]

"I'm sorry, what I meant was that the Prince wants me to look up some information, or something? I was told you had the particulars there," says Lydia.

((Sorry for the mix-up there, Lydia doesn't know about the accountant thing, and that's what I meant by "instructions from the Prince." Also, I made an IQ roll for Jack, which he passed by 4. He realizes that it might be worthwhile to look even further up Arcadian's lineage than Sylvester Simms. That information is probably on file somewhere in Dallas, Arcadian's last city of residence.))

"We're trying to contact Sylvester Simms, Sire of the late Justicar Arcadian Walsh." Jack starts. "He's likely gone to grounds based on the events leading up to Walsh becoming the late Arcadian Walsh. Don't blame him a bit for hitting the mattresses all things considered, but we have to talk to him."

"Like most elders he's got money and property under a lot of dummy corporations, ghoul retainers and probably others kept in probate and so on. What I hope we can do is find someone who would be entrusted with a way to contact him."

"It's also possible that Simms Sire has ways to contact him. If you could, see what sort of trail you can find to those higher up on his lineage tree."

<Chit chat>

"Thanks, you're a real doll."

[Detritus]

"Sylvester Simms," says Lydia. "We were both in Boston in the 1970s. He was still there when I came to Dallas in 1980. I don't know how much longer Simms remained there; we weren't very close. If we're lucky, he's still there. I'll tell the Prince's people to concentrate their efforts in 1970s Boston. I'll look up Sylvester's lineage myself. Ciao."

((Scene reminder -- Erich and Merill are both still in the room.))

[SD Anderson]

"Sylvester Simms," says Lydia. "We were both in Boston in the 1970s. He was still there when I came to Dallas in 1980. I don't know how much longer Simms remained there; we weren't very close. If we're lucky, he's still there. I'll tell the Prince's people to concentrate their efforts in 1970s Boston. I'll look up Sylvester's lineage myself. Ciao."

((Scene reminder -- Erich and Merill are both still in the room.))

"Last known location dates back to when I was still alive." Jack mutters. "Good thing that. Records were kept on microfilm back then. Multiple copies, somewhat dificult to edit without leaving evidence. At least conventinally. Magic can be a kick in the ass though."

[Detritus]

"Last known location dates back to when I was still alive." Jack mutters. "Good thing that. Records were kept on microfilm back then. Multiple copies, somewhat dificult to edit without leaving evidence. At least conventinally. Magic can be a kick in the ass though."
The conversation with Lydia ends without any other significant finding. Merill leaves once you're done with his phone, and then Prince Strauss enters a couple of minutes later. Erich dismisses himself to find Sarah.

"Since we have a little time, I thought now would be a good opportunity for me to teach you the rudiments of Auspex. It shall not take that long. Before we start, does Lydia understand what you want her to do?"

[SD Anderson]

The conversation with Lydia ends without any other significant finding. Merill leaves once you're done with his phone, and then Prince Strauss enters a couple of minutes later. Erich dismisses himself to find Sarah.

"Since we have a little time, I thought now would be a good opportunity for me to teach you the rudiments of Auspex. It shall not take that long. Before we start, does Lydia understand what you want her to do?"

"I think so. She's to track holdings known to be or have been in possession of Simms. Someone Simms trusts doubtlessly is taking care of his interests. Hopefully this person or those persons are trusted enough to know how to get word to him."

[Detritus]

"I think so. She's to track holdings known to be or have been in possession of Simms. Someone Simms trusts doubtlessly is taking care of his interests. Hopefully this person or those persons are trusted enough to know how to get word to him."
"Very good," says the Prince, and then you and he proceed with the matter of your instruction in Auspex.

When you are finished, there is a knock at your door, which the Prince answers.

"Camille," he says after opening the door.

"Prince Strauss," says Camille. "Is Jack well enough to receive visitors."

"He is. I was just going over some things with him, but we have finished. You are convening a meeting of the Gangrel clan?"

"Yes, it seems like the right thing to do, especially if we're going to end up on the front lines."

"And you will be the Gangrel primogen?" the Prince asks, although it is obvious there is no doubt in his question. "My congratulations."

"Yes, and thank you."

"No doubt you will find Rebekka to be a capable leader," Prince Strauss says, but you detect a distinct hint of coolness in his voice.

"No doubt," Camille replies in the same tone. "If you will excuse us?"

"Of course," says Prince Strauss, who then exits the room.

After Strauss leaves, Camille enters, and Roman and Erich both file in after her. Another woman also enters the room, and then closes the door behind her.

"This is Anastasia Grey, another member of our clan. Anastasia, this is Jack Constantine," says Camille. Her eyes flick over to Erich while she's saying your last name, and Erich gives a quick nod.

"As you heard in my chat with Prince Strauss, I will represent the Gangrel on the New Orleans primogen council. There are other Kindred who will lead the military efforts, but if you have other needs, I would encourage you to tell me, that we might work out something together."

((OK, the non-interactive text got a little long, so I'm breaking off this post here. An interactive post is coming up shortly, stay tuned...))

[Detritus]

"Erich tells me that both you and he share the same sire," says Camille. "If you wish, I can prevail upon Prince Rebekka to see if she would be willing to waive the Thaumaturgical investigation into your lineage. It will require that you give up a full night's worth of vitae, which you may wish to avoid given your physical condition. Or, it may be the case that you wish to establish things independently from Erich. Which would you prefer?"

[SD Anderson]

"No need to put Erich through anything." Jack says. "I can take a hit. The fact that I can still talk proves that."

[Detritus]

"No need to put Erich through anything." Jack says. "I can take a hit. The fact that I can still talk proves that."
"That wasn't exactly what I had in mind," says Camille, "but if you're both OK with that..."

"I just gave some of vitae up to the purple-haired chick," says Erich. "No particular need I can see for us both to do it, but it's up to you."

After Jacks reply, Camille then says:

"One thing we need to start thinking about is something Jack mentioned in tonight's meeting -- reconnaissance from bird and beast. I think Jack might have been right about that point as it pertained to how we might have been watched, but discussing it with the Justicar in front of the whole group wasn't going to get very far. I'm going to have to tap someone from this group to organize this effort. Who, where, and how many are all important questions that need answering.

"There's also the issue of cultivating herds. People are better, but vitae most likely is going to get tight, so we may end up having to swallow our pride, and perhaps principles, to get along. This is especially true if we're going to set up a network of animal spies, because that can be pretty vitae-intensive.

"And there are our collective allies. I don't necessarily need to know specifics right now, but as a clan we do tend to have more widely-traveled allies who can drop things on short notice in times of need.

"OK, so volunteers, suggestions, points I might have missed... Let's have them."

[SD Anderson]

"Related to herding the animals. We need to get some ghouls who work for the Dog Pound - whatever acronym it goes by here. It will help us use more... exotic animals if need be and they'll be positioned better to locate any exceptional animals we may want to use as well as note unusual changes in animal behavior patterns, which might indicate the enemy was moving into that turf." Jack says.

[Detritus]

"Related to herding the animals. We need to get some ghouls who work for the Dog Pound - whatever acronym it goes by here. It will help us use more... exotic animals if need be and they'll be positioned better to locate any exceptional animals we may want to use as well as note unusual changes in animal behavior patterns, which might indicate the enemy was moving into that turf." Jack says.
"That's a good idea," says Camille, "but in New Orleans, I think Animal Services, which is dogs and cats, is distinct from Animal Control, which covers wildlife. I guess it can't hurt to do both. I'll check it out, and start looking into candidates for Ghouls.

"Is there anything else?" Camille asks.

[SD Anderson]

"That's a good idea," says Camille, "but in New Orleans, I think Animal Services, which is dogs and cats, is distinct from Animal Control, which covers wildlife. I guess it can't hurt to do both. I'll check it out, and start looking into candidates for Ghouls.

"Is there anything else?" Camille asks.

"Census time. Who is here these days? Who is out in the boonies all to close to here? Vamps, Were's, Mages and anyone else of some magical note. The odds are the Sabbat has feelers out toanyone on the outside. Knowing who they might recruit is probably a good thing."

[Detritus]

"Census time. Who is here these days? Who is out in the boonies all to close to here? Vamps, Were's, Mages and anyone else of some magical note. The odds are the Sabbat has feelers out toanyone on the outside. Knowing who they might recruit is probably a good thing."
"That's one of the things foremost in Rebekka's mind, that's for sure. It's a bit bigger than the Gangrel clan by itself, even if we are the most widely traveled clan. But she'll be interested to know."

"Our new Prince might have a better idea than anyone about mages," says Roman. "I doubt that the Lupines will get involved, though, they have a hard time distinguishing between the different Kindred sects, and don't really care for any of them, in my limited experience."

[SD Anderson]

"That's one of the things foremost in Rebekka's mind, that's for sure. It's a bit bigger than the Gangrel clan by itself, even if we are the most widely traveled clan. But she'll be interested to know."

"Our new Prince might have a better idea than anyone about mages," says Roman. "I doubt that the Lupines will get involved, though, they have a hard time distinguishing between the different Kindred sects, and don't really care for any of them, in my limited experience."

"Gangrel on both sides have some contact with them, and anybody can be maniupulated. Kill a Lupine make it obvious vampires did it and leave a trail towards New Orleans in general or to specific vampires in the city. Could get nasty. And some of them have things they seriously want or need and will do deals with little ol' disgusting us."

[Detritus]

"Gangrel on both sides have some contact with them, and anybody can be maniupulated. Kill a Lupine make it obvious vampires did it and leave a trail towards New Orleans in general or to specific vampires in the city. Could get nasty. And some of them have things they seriously want or need and will do deals with little ol' disgusting us."
"I agree, it's something to consider," says Camille. "It can't hurt to at least reach out to them if only to say that there's trouble brewing that they might want to avoid. If any of you have any such contacts, just putting out feelers can't hurt too much, and might net us some allies who would be extremely formidable combatants even by Gangrel or Brujah standards, if you wanted to be a bit more ambitious than sending out a warning."

[SD Anderson]

"I can look into it, but... I'm not local to the state of Louisiana." Jack says.