And there ain't no nothin' we can't love each other through (Mon. 4/2/07)

[Detritus]

Administrative details
Everyone will be at full Blood Pool. The Tremere Franzia blood supply is starting to run low, however, and the remainder will be saved for Ghoul making, so it'll be back to the hunt soon.

Jack is at 4 HP (i.e. down 10 HP from his max. in human form). That's good enough for him to be up and about, although his burns still smart some. Everyone else is undamaged.

NPCs Present
Brujah - Uma Hatch
Caitiff (for the moment) - Antoinette DuChamp
Gangrel - Camille Devereux, Erich
Toreador - Anneke, Ramiel
Tremere - Rebekka, Merill Molitor, Sarah Cobbler

The scene will begin in the parlor of the same mansion as from last night. Sarah will give her report on the lineage of Antoinette and Jack & Erich to kick things off.

[Detritus]

You're all in the parlor in the same alternate haven of Mr. Johnson's that you were in last night. It's about an hour after sunset. Rebekka is seated before the (cold) fireplace. Anneke stands to her right, and Sarah to her left.

There are three long sofas that form a square with the fireplace about five paces to a side, with gaps between them to allow people access to the area within. Ramiel is seated on the sofa nearest to Anneke, and Sabine the sofa nearest to Sarah. Leo is seated on the sofa facing Rebekka.

The Brujah and Gangrel all stand within the square, the Gangrel nearer to Sabine and the Brujah nearer to Ramiel. Camille stands at the head of her clan, and François at the head of his. There are a few feet between the two groups, and they stand two or three paces away from the Prince.

"Sarah Cobbler of clan Tremere, will you report the findings of your investigations into the lineages of the applicants."

"Yes, my Prince," says Sarah, and then she steps forward.

"I, Sarah Cobbler, childe of Ignatius, childe of Elisabetta Romano, childe of Astrid Thomas, childe of Rebekka, childe of Lille Haake, childe of William Thorbecke, childe of Meerlinda, childe of Tremere declare these findings in my investigation into the lineages of Antoinette DuChamp, presently Caitiff, and Erich of clan Gangrel."

Sarah takes a deep breath for effect, and then continues.

"Erich is Gangrel of the 11th generation, childe of Badger, childe of Bear Paw, childe of Gitane St. Claire.

"Antoinette DuChamp is Brujah of the 13th generation, childe of Tycho, childe of Uma Hatch, childe of Hector Sosa."

Antoinette lets out a little giggle, slaps Uma on her shoulder and whispers, "Granny." For an instant Uma looks ready to pound some sense into her before subsiding.

"Camille Devereux, as leader of the Gangrel in New Orleans, do you sponsor Erich to be formally accepted into the Camarilla as a member of your clan?"

"I do, my Prince."

"Then may all members of the Camarilla acknowledge and recognize the lineage of Erich of clan Gangrel, childe of Badger, childe of Bear Paw, childe of Gitane St. Claire."

"I would like to speak on behalf of a second applicant, Jack Constantine. I would request a waiver on the formal research into his lineage, on the grounds that he shares common ancestry with Erich, whom you have just stipulated as a member in good standing within the sect."

"Would you verify the affinity, Sarah," says Rebekka. Sarah approaches Jack and Erich, and she closes her eyes when she gets within arm's reach of them. She reaches out, palms up, and you each touch her palms for an instant, an almost instinctive motion, before her eyes snap open.

"They are brothers in the Kindred way," Sarah says after opening her eyes.

"Sabine?"

Sabine rises and does a similar sort of little ritual. "I confirm Sarah's pronouncement, my Prince."

"So be it, may all members of the Camarilla acknowledge and recognize the lineage of Jack Constantine of clan Gangrel, childe of Badger, childe of Bear Paw, childe of Gitane St. Claire."

Rebekka then turns to the Brujah.

"François Petit, as as leader of the Brujah in New Orleans, do you sponsor Antoinette DuChamp to be formally accepted into the Camarilla as a member of your clan?"

François may reply here as he sees fit, although approval is basically pro forma at this point.

"Then may all members of the Camarilla acknowledge and recognize the lineage of Antoinette DuChamp of clan Brujah, childe of Tycho, childe of Uma Hatch, childe of Hector Sosa. My congratulations to all those confirmed tonight."

[Detritus]

"And now that we have that out of the way, what news is there of Sylvester Simms?" asks Rebekka.

All PCs are invited to insert whatever reactions their players deem appropriate during the lineage ceremony before answering this question.

[Brother Brian]

Edited my part in.

You're all in the parlor in the same alternate haven of Mr. Johnson's that you were in last night. It's about an hour after sunset. Rebekka is seated before the (cold) fireplace. Anneke stands to her right, and Sarah to her left.

There are three long sofas that form a square with the fireplace about five paces to a side, with gaps between them to allow people access to the area within. Ramiel is seated on the sofa nearest to Anneke, and Sabine the sofa nearest to Sarah. Leo is seated on the sofa facing Rebekka.

The Brujah and Gangrel all stand within the square, the Gangrel nearer to Sabine and the Brujah nearer to Ramiel. Camille stands at the head of her clan, and François at the head of his. There are a few feet between the two groups, and they stand two or three paces away from the Prince.

"Sarah Cobbler of clan Tremere, will you report the findings of your investigations into the lineages of the applicants."

"Yes, my Prince," says Sarah, and then she steps forward.

"I, Sarah Cobbler, childe of Ignatius, childe of Elisabetta Romano, childe of Astrid Thomas, childe of Rebekka, childe of Lille Haake, childe of William Thorbecke, childe of Meerlinda, childe of Tremere declare these findings in my investigation into the lineages of Antoinette DuChamp, presently Caitiff, and Erich of clan Gangrel."

Sarah takes a deep breath for effect, and then continues.

"Erich is Gangrel of the 11th generation, childe of Badger, childe of Bear Paw, childe of Gitane St. Claire.

"Antoinette DuChamp is Brujah of the 13th generation, childe of Tycho, childe of Uma Hatch, childe of Hector Sosa."

Antoinette lets out a little giggle, slaps Uma on her shoulder and whispers, "Granny." For an instant Uma looks ready to pound some sense into her before subsiding.

"Camille Devereux, as leader of the Gangrel in New Orleans, do you sponsor Erich to be formally accepted into the Camarilla as a member of your clan?"

"I do, my Prince."

"Then may all members of the Camarilla acknowledge and recognize the lineage of Erich of clan Gangrel, childe of Badger, childe of Bear Paw, childe of Gitane St. Claire."

"I would like to speak on behalf of a second applicant, Jack Constantine. I would request a waiver on the formal research into his lineage, on the grounds that he shares common ancestry with Erich, whom you have just stipulated as a member in good standing within the sect."

"Would you verify the affinity, Sarah," says Rebekka. Sarah approaches Jack and Erich, and she closes her eyes when she gets within arm's reach of them. She reaches out, palms up, and you each touch her palms for an instant, an almost instinctive motion, before her eyes snap open.

"They are brothers in the Kindred way," Sarah says after opening her eyes.

"Sabine?"

Sabine rises and does a similar sort of little ritual. "I confirm Sarah's pronouncement, my Prince."

"So be it, may all members of the Camarilla acknowledge and recognize the lineage of Jack Constantine of clan Gangrel, childe of Badger, childe of Bear Paw, childe of Gitane St. Claire."

Rebekka then turns to the Brujah.

"François Petit, as as leader of the Brujah in New Orleans, do you sponsor Antoinette DuChamp to be formally accepted into the Camarilla as a member of your clan?"

Francois looks at Antoinette and then Uma for the briefest of moments and says, "With a joyous heart, Clan Brujah accepts the lost child back into the family." It almost sounds like he didn't recognize that it was pretty much a pro forma answer.

"Then may all members of the Camarilla acknowledge and recognize the lineage of Antoinette DuChamp of clan Brujah, childe of Tycho, childe of Uma Hatch, childe of Hector Sosa. My congratulations to all those confirmed tonight."

[Brother Brian]

"And now that we have that out of the way, what news is there of Sylvester Simms?" asks Rebekka.

All PCs are invited to insert whatever reactions their players deem appropriate during the lineage ceremony before answering this question.

Francois steps forward.

"Little news from Europe. He has not been seen in decades. My associates were able to confirm his liniage. Sylvester Simms, childe of Mariel, childe of Felecia Desmoulins, childe of Ozmo." He steps back with a formal bow to the prince.

[Detritus]

Francois steps forward.

"Little news from Europe. He has not been seen in decades. My associates were able to confirm his liniage. Sylvester Simms, childe of Mariel, childe of Felecia Desmoulins, childe of Ozmo." He steps back with a formal bow to the prince.
"My European contacts had no immediate information on Simms' whereabouts," says Anneke.

"Nor did mine," says the Prince. "What word from stateside contacts?"

[SD Anderson]

"And now that we have that out of the way, what news is there of Sylvester Simms?" asks Rebekka.

All PCs are invited to insert whatever reactions their players deem appropriate during the lineage ceremony before answering this question.


"Simms has apparently gone to ground," Jack says. "Given the likelihood that he's next on Drake's list, hardly surprising. He has bases of operations on each side of the American coast. We are still trying to get a line on whomever is watching over his financial holdings, on the assumption that this person can get word to him. However, his Sire's identity is known: Mariel, Primogen of Boston, also known as 'Lady Thunder'. I've sent word to Boston to make sure her security is increased."

[Detritus]

"Simms has apparently gone to ground," Jack says. "Given the likelihood that he's next on Drake's list, hardly surprising. He has bases of operations on each side of the American coast. We are still trying to get a line on whomever is watching over his financial holdings, on the assumption that this person can get word to him. However, his Sire's identity is known: Mariel, Primogen of Boston, also known as 'Lady Thunder'. I've sent word to Boston to make sure her security is increased."
"It might be worth bringing her to the city. A special summons to Conclave, perhaps," Anneke says to Rebekka.

"If we don't find Simms, that may be an option. If we do, there is the risk of presenting Miss Drake with a succession of targets within her reach."

[Huxley]

"I have been informed that Simms has been seen in New York within the past year, but has disappeared more recently. My contact said that she would bring him to New Orleans if she could"

[Detritus]

"I have been informed that Simms has been seen in New York within the past year, but has disappeared more recently. My contact said that she would bring him to New Orleans if she could"
"That is good news," says Rebekka. "Even if he cannot be immediately found, it narrows the focus of the search through his financial records."

"Do you think your contact will be able to convince Simms to come to New Orleans?" asks Anneke.

[Huxley]

"That is good news," says Rebekka. "Even if he cannot be immediately found, it narrows the focus of the search through his financial records."

"Do you think your contact will be able to convince Simms to come to New Orleans?" asks Anneke.

"I do not see any reason why he would not come. If he can be found by her, then he can be found by the Sabbat. I would think he would find the protection here superior"

[SD Anderson]

"I do not see any reason why he would not come. If he can be found by her, then he can be found by the Sabbat. I would think he would find the protection here superior"

"Only if he can trust it. Based on our results with his Childe, I can see why he'd be reluctant to come to this burg anytime soon."

"A well prepared, long prepared hidey hole beats a royal flush. If they find it, yeah, he's in trouble. No back up. But it may be very hard to find such a place."

"I might suggest the possibility that he can get a one time only message to us before closing up his hole again, answer any specific question or questions we put to him. But even that is a big risk if he really believes his hidey hole's his only safe haven."

"The question to ask then is 'What can we do without him here?' because that may be our only recourse."

[Brother Brian]

"Only if he can trust it. Based on our results with his Childe, I can see why he'd be reluctant to come to this burg anytime soon."

"A well prepared, long prepared hidey hole beats a royal flush. If they find it, yeah, he's in trouble. No back up. But it may be very hard to find such a place."

"I might suggest the possibility that he can get a one time only message to us before closing up his hole again, answer any specific question or questions we put to him. But even that is a big risk if he really believes his hidey hole's his only safe haven."

"The question to ask then is 'What can we do without him here?' because that may be our only recourse."

Francois says, "You forget that there are those here who could compell him to join us."

[Huxley]

Leo considers: "If he does not come, then we hold the conclave, patrol the streets, and try to find Drake. If New Orleans remains quiet, we may have to go to him -- though I doubt Simms will appreciate that"

[SD Anderson]

Francois says, "You forget that there are those here who could compell him to join us."

"All the more reason for him not to want to be found."

[Detritus]

"We could give Simms an extra day before Gwynnis puts out her call," Anneke says to Rebekka.

"Yes, or ignore him completely, and protect the next in line."

"I'd prefer watching over the more immediate target, if possible."

"I suppose you are right about that," says Rebekka. After a momentary pause, she says, "There's also the matter of Mme. Desmoulins. I had not realized she was on Arcadian's direct line of ascendants. As of last week she lies in torpor in Marseilles. If that condition persists, she is vulnerable, and even if not, she needs to be warned."

"Should we bring her back to New Orleans?" asks Camille.

"That would be risky," replies the Prince. "A relocation might be in order, though, perhaps to Paris. We must find out what her condition is regardless of what we choose to do thereafter." Rebekka flicks her gaze at both Anneke and Francois after this last statement.

[Brother Brian]

Francois takes out his Blackberry and once again dials Charles' number.

[Detritus]

Francois takes out his Blackberry and once again dials Charles' number.
We don't have to RP this conversation out, if you just want to say OOC what you are asking of Charles here. He'll pick up, as before.

[SD Anderson]

"I suppose you are right about that," says Rebekka. After a momentary pause, she says, "There's also the matter of Mme. Desmoulins. I had not realized she was on Arcadian's direct line of ascendants. As of last week she lies in torpor in Marseilles. If that condition persists, she is vulnerable, and even if not, she needs to be warned."

"Should we bring her back to New Orleans?" asks Camille.

"That would be risky," replies the Prince. "A relocation might be in order, though, perhaps to Paris. We must find out what her condition is regardless of what we choose to do thereafter." Rebekka flicks her gaze at both Anneke and Francois after this last statement.

"I should point out we contacted Lucille Desmoulins via a seance recently. The mere mention of Delbert's death triggered extreme grief and withdrawal from us back into her Torpor. Grief and depression alone may account for her going into torpor."

"My advice: if you do move her, move her with extra care. She's more vulnerable than just being in Torpor right now."

[Brother Brian]

We don't have to RP this conversation out, if you just want to say OOC what you are asking of Charles here. He'll pick up, as before.

Basically any info regarding Mmse Desmoulins; and warning of a possible need to relocate the toporious elder.

[Detritus]

Basically any info regarding Mmse Desmoulins; and warning of a possible need to relocate the toporious elder.
We'll say Jack's warning comes before the call.

Charles will look into the Mme.'s whereabouts/condition. It may take him more than one night to get word back. He'll also look into whether someone from Paris can be dispatched to keep an eye on her. He has in mind a Gangrel elder named Wynn, whom François recognizes by name as a semi-nomadic member of the clan who is loosely based in the Paris domain.

[Brother Brian]

"My trusted contacts in Paris will work to find, and as possible protect Mdm Desmoulins. I will report back any additional information I am given."

[Detritus]

"Thank you, François," says the Prince.

"Concerning our plans to make Ghoul soldiers, I must inform you that Mr. Johnson told me last night of the transfer of key personnel from the headquarters of the Louisiana National Guard at Jackson Barracks. It may be nothing, but perhaps it signals that the command structure of the Guard has been compromised. Mr. Johnson and the Sheriff are meeting with Sgt. Baker right now, and Anneke and I will have to meet with him later tonight.

"The Sheriff will be available around midnight to coordinate patrols. In the meantime, you may do some preliminary reconnaissance work on your own initiative, if you wish. My only recommendation is to be systematic about the effort. And careful, of course; you may find yourself the target of the enemy's reconnoitering in your own right.

"You should also be advised that Gwynnis, Bonnie, the two Texas Princes, and Tatiana have left the city for the time being. The Justicar and our Seneschal will be visiting both Houston and Texas tonight before returning to New Orleans. I shall apprise her of our progress concerning the whereabouts of Arcadian's ancestral line.

"Are there any questions you have of me before I leave?"

((FYI, it's a bit before 9 PM right now, so you'd have three hours or so of "detached duty" before Dee Dee shows up.))

[Detritus]

((If there aren't any questions for Rebekka before she leaves, is there anything in particular the PCs want to do before midnight rolls around?))

[Kalzazz]

"If we cant ghoul soldiers what about animals? Alligators are really scary animals and native to the area, or maybe we could borrow a tiger or something from the zoo. Or parrots . . . parrots can talk and fly, so would be good scouts"

[Detritus]

"If we cant ghoul soldiers what about animals? Alligators are really scary animals and native to the area, or maybe we could borrow a tiger or something from the zoo. Or parrots . . . parrots can talk and fly, so would be good scouts"
"We will not be loosing alligators or tigers onto city streets," Rebekka says, a dry undertone to her reply. "Parrots, perhaps."

"There are also pigeons, which are everywhere, and owls, which are nocturnal," says Camille. "And stray dogs and cats, of course. I think between the Gangrel in the city and Leo we can work up something passable along these lines."

[Brother Brian]

"We will not be loosing alligators or tigers onto city streets," Rebekka says, a dry undertone to her reply. "Parrots, perhaps."

Francois discreetly lifts a hand to his mouth, as if to cover a smile.

"There are also pigeons, which are everywhere, and owls, which are nocturnal," says Camille. "And stray dogs and cats, of course. I think between the Gangrel in the city and Leo we can work up something passable along these lines."

[Detritus]

"There are also pigeons, which are everywhere, and owls, which are nocturnal," says Camille. "And stray dogs and cats, of course. I think between the Gangrel in the city and Leo we can work up something passable along these lines."
"You will coordinate these particular efforts?" Rebekka asks of Camille, who nods in reply.

"Very well, I must attend to other matters," says the Prince, and she leaves without looking back. Anneke waits for Rebekka to pass her by before leaving, and gives everyone a quick look before going.

[SD Anderson]

"We will not be loosing alligators or tigers onto city streets," Rebekka says, a dry undertone to her reply. "Parrots, perhaps."

"There are also pigeons, which are everywhere, and owls, which are nocturnal," says Camille. "And stray dogs and cats, of course. I think between the Gangrel in the city and Leo we can work up something passable along these lines."

"Bats. Traditional and probably expected, but they're hardly uncommon anywhere in this burg and I'd rather have the local flying rodent population on our side than on theirs." Jack adds.

[Detritus]

"Bats. Traditional and probably expected, but they're hardly uncommon anywhere in this burg and I'd rather have the local flying rodent population on our side than on theirs." Jack adds.
"OK, why don't you go ahead and be in charge of bats, Jack," says Camille. "I'll handle the birds." She looks at Erich and Leo and asks, "Which one of you is the cat person, and which the dog?"

[Detritus]

"I can handle the dogs," says Erich.

"I guess that leaves you on cat detail," Camille says to Leo. "You can consider yourself an honorary member of the Gangrel clan until some of your clan mates arrive." Camille then turns to François, Jocelin, and the other Brujah.

"You're free to deploy yourselves as you see fit, of course, and I'll leave that up to you. It'll take a little time to get animal surveillance up and running. I'm not sure whether it would be better to have someone keep an eye on things until the animal sentinels are in place or not.

"For those of us employing Animalism, I would recommend not turning any of the animals you summon into Ghouls just yet. Vitae could get scarce in the coming nights, and it's probably best to conserve while we're just setting things up."

[Detritus]

Uma speaks up for the first time, sounding a bit reluctant to begin with.

"There are some other cemeteries worth keeping an eye on, besides the ones with burial plots. They aren't very well maintained, and they're not the kind of places that the high society types would willingly go to. They're good places to lie low when things get a little too hot in the city. Bianca and Black Cat would know about them for sure. The new arrivals might be holing up in one of the places."

"How many of them are there?" asks Camille.

"Three or four that I know of. There might be more."

"The ones you know about already double the number of sites to watch." Camille taps her lips with a fingertip while she thinks. "I wish we had some high-caliber Auspex firepower." She looks over to the Tremere, but Sabine and Sarah just both shake their heads no.

"Rebekka never got around to teaching me that trick," says Sarah.

"The Sheriff?" asks Uma.

"She might know," says Camille. "Anneke would know how to do it for sure."

"Can we leave the Duchess of Doom out of this for now?" asks Uma, prompting a raised eyebrow from Camille. "She gives me the creeps."

"That brings us back to the Sheriff, or Mr. Johnson and his ilk," says Camille in a slightly patronizing tone. "They might know how, but if they don't that brings us back to one of the Justicar's childer. Or the Prince, but she's liable to be busier than any of us." Uma has nothing to say to this.

((The GM might have another round or two of finger puppet theater left in him, but to forestall that, the PCs are encouraged to jump in with opinions about any of the various subjects broached in the previous few posts.))

[SD Anderson]

Uma speaks up for the first time, sounding a bit reluctant to begin with.

"There are some other cemeteries worth keeping an eye on, besides the ones with burial plots. They aren't very well maintained, and they're not the kind of places that the high society types would willingly go to. They're good places to lie low when things get a little too hot in the city. Bianca and Black Cat would know about them for sure. The new arrivals might be holing up in one of the places."

"How many of them are there?" asks Camille.

"Three or four that I know of. There might be more."

"The ones you know about already double the number of sites to watch." Camille taps her lips with a fingertip while she thinks. "I wish we had some high-caliber Auspex firepower." She looks over to the Tremere, but Sabine and Sarah just both shake their heads no.

"Rebekka never got around to teaching me that trick," says Sarah.

"The Sheriff?" asks Uma.

"She might know," says Camille. "Anneke would know how to do it for sure."

"Can we leave the Duchess of Doom out of this for now?" asks Uma, prompting a raised eyebrow from Camille. "She gives me the creeps."

"That brings us back to the Sheriff, or Mr. Johnson and his ilk," says Camille in a slightly patronizing tone. "They might know how, but if they don't that brings us back to one of the Justicar's childer. Or the Prince, but she's liable to be busier than any of us." Uma has nothing to say to this.



"Daytime surveillence of those little nooks and crannies may be what we need. It's not likely the people we think are hiding there can have a lot of ghouls there protecting the site. The whole point of occupying abandoned sites is that they clearly appear to be abandoned." Jack says.

"Daylight because the Sabbat hiding there will be fairly inactive and because it will be easier to find footprints or other signs of recent activity around there."

"If they see it is occupied, have them pull back and report it."

[Detritus]

"Whoever we send has to be really careful about it, even during the day," replies Uma. "They may not have Ghouls, but Bianca and Black Cat have gang ties for sure. Especially Bianca, I don't think she ever made it that far from the city after the hurricane, so I'm guessing she never lost touch with them. Some of her crew might even be Ghouls, I can't say for sure."

"Do you have any ties left over from before you left?" asks Sabine. Uma takes her time in replying.

"Maybe one or two," she finally answers, "but if I'm right about who's watching Bianca's back, they'll recognize the people I'd be sending out to scout around."

[Brother Brian]

Francois steps forward.

"What type of air support can we aquire? It seems that the rental of an helocopter would allow for a quick scan of these four graveyards in the hours pre-dawn. So long as the copter doesn't hover over any area, but looks as if it was traveling; it should not attract significant notice. Combine it with over the counter thermal vision devices, and we could, with reletive ease and safety."

Francois scratches his chin and then brushes back his hair, which he has not tied up.

"Of course, the only concievable problem with that is that not too many 'copters are out before first light. Does anyone have contacts with the local constabulatory or television media who might be willing to rent the use of such a vehicle for an hour or two?

[Detritus]

Francois steps forward.

"What type of air support can we aquire? It seems that the rental of an helocopter would allow for a quick scan of these four graveyards in the hours pre-dawn. So long as the copter doesn't hover over any area, but looks as if it was traveling; it should not attract significant notice. Combine it with over the counter thermal vision devices, and we could, with reletive ease and safety."

Francois scratches his chin and then brushes back his hair, which he has not tied up.

"Of course, the only concievable problem with that is that not too many 'copters are out before first light. Does anyone have contacts with the local constabulatory or television media who might be willing to rent the use of such a vehicle for an hour or two?
"I think that's something we'd have to take up with Mr. Johnson or one of his Get," says Camille.

"If they're the cemeteries I'm thinking of," says Sabine, "there are some hospitals pretty close by. Maybe a medical helicopter? They don't necessarily keep to normal business hours."

"That's a thought," says Camille, "but we'd have to come up with some sort of medical emergency."

"We might be able to fake one," says Sarah, who then looks at Leo.

[Huxley]

"What kind of medical emergency could I possibly exhibit aside from vampirism? If any humans in the medical profession that are not already part of the Camarilla were involved at all, they would be able to quickly tell I would have more than an abnormal skin condition"

[Detritus]

"What kind of medical emergency could I possibly exhibit aside from vampirism? If any humans in the medical profession that are not already part of the Camarilla were involved at all, they would be able to quickly tell I would have more than an abnormal skin condition"
"You could probably exhibit severe burns with the Mask, but that won't simulate a heartbeat," says Uma. It strikes you as a surprising bit of information for a Brujah to have off the top of her head. "Maybe a human subject, but that needs someone at the top of their game."

"There's still the issue of getting admitted and arranging for transport," says Camille.

"I could do it," Sabine says, and it's her turn to be a bit reluctant. "If I'm given a few hours, I could do it. Someone else has to work out how to get any surveillance equipment to me, though."

[Huxley]

"That is something I could do"

[Detritus]

"That is something I could do"
((If by "that" you're referring to using Mask of 1,000 Faces on another person, technically Leo can't do that because he doesn't have access to Cloak the Gathering as of now. Although, with a bit of retcon, it would be possible.))

[SD Anderson]

"Whoever we send has to be really careful about it, even during the day," replies Uma. "They may not have Ghouls, but Bianca and Black Cat have gang ties for sure. Especially Bianca, I don't think she ever made it that far from the city after the hurricane, so I'm guessing she never lost touch with them. Some of her crew might even be Ghouls, I can't say for sure."

"Do you have any ties left over from before you left?" asks Sabine. Uma takes her time in replying.

"Maybe one or two," she finally answers, "but if I'm right about who's watching Bianca's back, they'll recognize the people I'd be sending out to scout around."


"Perhaps we should start with a controled dog or two. Couple of strays to check for recent scents etc. Have them avoid anyone whose there."

[Huxley]

((If by "that" you're referring to using Mask of 1,000 Faces on another person, technically Leo can't do that because he doesn't have access to Cloak the Gathering as of now. Although, with a bit of retcon, it would be possible.))

((I was more thinking grab the surveillance equipment, go invisible, and get it to where it needs to be))

[Detritus]

((I was more thinking grab the surveillance equipment, go invisible, and get it to where it needs to be))
OK, that's fine, if the plan ends up including helicopter surveillance.

[Detritus]

"Perhaps we should start with a controled dog or two. Couple of strays to check for recent scents etc. Have them avoid anyone whose there."
"I'm sure I can manage that," says Erich, "and that would be a lot simpler. A lot less can go wrong that way."

"Bianca's pretty sharp," says Camille. "My guess is she'd be expecting some animal watchers, which leaves us wanting for another avenue of surveillance."

"Well, I can get things ready for a medical chopper, but Erich's right that it's a fairly elaborate operation," says Sabine. "Maybe I should get that arranged, and you guys can get the animal patrol ready, plus make any personal reconnoitering you see fit to do. Then we can bring up aerial surveillance with the Sheriff when we meet with her."

((EDIT -- The party is about to break up, unless there's something any of the PCs wants to bring up to the whole group here.))

[SD Anderson]

Of course if something happens to the dog, it sort of tells us what we want to know. But let's put a listening device with good gain into it's collar. If they shoot it or something, they might say something we can use.

[Huxley]

"Would the highest building in the city be tall enough to view most of the cemeteries? If we set up a few reconnaissance stations around the city, I'm sure we could simply hide in the buildings and stay connected to one another -- it would be simpler than using a medical helicopter"

[Detritus]

"Would the highest building in the city be tall enough to view most of the cemeteries? If we set up a few reconnaissance stations around the city, I'm sure we could simply hide in the buildings and stay connected to one another -- it would be simpler than using a medical helicopter"
"Maybe," says Sabine, "but it's a good four miles from the central business district to the likeliest suspects, which are at the north end of Canal Street. There also happens to be a heliport on top of One Shell Square, so they don't let just anyone wander around up there, although we could probably figure out something to get onto the roof of the building."

"There are the Lafayette cemeteries in the Garden District that we could watch," says Uma.

"Yeah, we could watch them from One Shell Square, but the reason I think that everything up by Canal St. and City Park Road are likelier suspects is that there are both places for Kindred to rest and ground burial plots up there."

[Detritus]

"Well, if someone has a way to get onto the heliport from below, you can always give that a try. Maybe the elevator goes all the way up even at night, I don't know. You might be able to rent a room near the top of the Sheraton, too," says Camille, "but that's a little lower than the heliport."

[Detritus]

I move that we shelve further talk about any helicopter operations until the meeting with the Sheriff at midnight. Sabine can go off and organize what needs organizing there.

Team Gangrel and Leo are on the hook for organizing a K-9 patrol.

Team Brujah have somewhat more discretion in what they might do in the hours before midnight. Sarah can also provide some Thaumaturgical support, if needed.

The two main groupings of cemeteries that are the likeliest suspects for use in Sabbat operations are at the north end of Canal Street, and on Washington Street in the Garden District (the Lafayette Cemeteries). The graveyards on Canal Street are about 3-4 miles NW of the CBD, and the Garden District graveyards are about a mile or two WSW of the CBD.

The house you're all in right now we'll say is in the Carrollton District, which is NW of the Lafayette Cemeteries and SW of Canal Street cemeteries, somewhat closer to the former than the latter.

[Brother Brian]

Francois turns to Uma.

"We have not had much time to be introduced, as I arrived here during...interesting times. What would you say to showing a fellow Brujah around this town, so that we might discretely look at some of the areas in question?"

[Detritus]

Francois turns to Uma.

"We have not had much time to be introduced, as I arrived here during...interesting times. What would you say to showing a fellow Brujah around this town, so that we might discretely look at some of the areas in question?"
Uma looks at you for a few seconds, and then says, "Sure, where would you like to go first?"

[Brother Brian]

Uma looks at you for a few seconds, and then says, "Sure, where would you like to go first?"

"I'd like to get an idea of the terrain around these cemetaries, so as to better develop tactics. Although it occurs to me that were we to come across a patrol we might be able to extract some of the information we desire from them, through direct means. So any one of these yards is as good as another, unless you believe one to be more likely."

[Detritus]

"I'd like to get an idea of the terrain around these cemetaries, so as to better develop tactics. Although it occurs to me that were we to come across a patrol we might be able to extract some of the information we desire from them, through direct means. So any one of these yards is as good as another, unless you believe one to be more likely."
"Let's hit the Lafayette cemeteries first, then. They're pretty close. Are we all going?" Uma asks, indicating all the Brujah in the room.

[SD Anderson]

Jack makes his way out of the building, gets to some other part of town and calls up some bats.

(Operating assumption: If the enemy has already been recruiting bats, they'd put them around established Camarilla safe havens.)

[Detritus]

Jack makes his way out of the building, gets to some other part of town and calls up some bats.

(Operating assumption: If the enemy has already been recruiting bats, they'd put them around established Camarilla safe havens.)
Will he call the bats first and then deploy them, or go where they are to be deployed and then summon them? The second is probably easier, but will require that Jack go some place particular.

For that matter, can I get what everyone is doing at this point? Presumably at least Francois will be going to one of the Lafayette cemeteries (there are two) pretty soon.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin plans to go congratulate Antoinette and such

[Brother Brian]

"Let's hit the Lafayette cemeteries first, then. They're pretty close. Are we all going?" Uma asks, indicating all the Brujah in the room.

*How many are we talking about?*

[Detritus]

*How many are we talking about?*
Francois, Uma, Antoinette, and Jocelin are the four Brujah present.

[Brother Brian]

Francois smiles at Uma. "Certainly; although I believe Jocelin is otherwise engaged. Shall we then aquaint ourselves with the battlefield?"

[SD Anderson]

Will he call the bats first and then deploy them, or go where they are to be deployed and then summon them? The second is probably easier, but will require that Jack go some place particular.

For that matter, can I get what everyone is doing at this point? Presumably at least Francois will be going to one of the Lafayette cemeteries (there are two) pretty soon.

(ooc: My understanding is that bats in New Orleans are slightly harder to encounter than mosquitos, but Jack will head for a park or vestigal swampland and try there first.)

[Detritus]

(ooc: My understanding is that bats in New Orleans are slightly harder to encounter than mosquitos, but Jack will head for a park or vestigal swampland and try there first.)
You won't have any trouble calling the bats, my question was more, do you want to go to a cemetery and then call them, or call them and send/bring them to where they will be watching?

[Detritus]

Jocelin plans to go congratulate Antoinette and such
"Thanks. I guess this makes us sisters, kind of," she says with a smile.

[SD Anderson]

You won't have any trouble calling the bats, my question was more, do you want to go to a cemetery and then call them, or call them and send/bring them to where they will be watching?


2nd option. IF the Sabbaties have already been recruiting bats, I'm going for those they probably didn't bother with, ie bats who reside away from places of vampiric interests.

[Detritus]

2nd option. IF the Sabbaties have already been recruiting bats, I'm going for those they probably didn't bother with, ie bats who reside away from places of vampiric interests.
OK, this is doable, although after reading through the Animalism powers more closely, I am going to rule that it will take two applications of Sweet Whispers to summon bats away from their area of eventual deployment to get them deployed where you want them. This means 4 BP total instead of 3 (or the Fatigue equivalent, of course) to call + give instructions.

This will be true for all the different animal types employed in surveillance.

[Detritus]

If there aren't any objections, I'm going to say that the Animalism people will be split up into Camille (birds)/Erich (dogs) and Jack (bats)/Leo (cats). This will minimize the chances of the summoned animals attacking each other as opposed to watching the cemeteries. Then Jack and Leo can go set up things at the Lafayette cemeteries, so as to keep all the PCs near the same place. ;)

I guess the only outstanding question is whether you think you need to bring Sarah along with you, and then once that is answered, I'll start a new thread. That would make seven total, with the PCs + Sarah and NPC Brujah. If that's too large a group, feel free to come up with a different division of everyone who's left at the house now.

[Huxley]

((I have no objections, and I don't think Sarah needs to come along.))

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin would invite Sarah to come if shed like, since Sarah is cool and wants to be friends

[Detritus]

Jocelin would invite Sarah to come if shed like, since Sarah is cool and wants to be friends
Sarah seems willing to come along, but wonders whether 7 people sneaking around the Lafayette graveyards is too many. She looks in the direction of Jack and François after making mention of this. ;)

[Kalzazz]

"Sneaking? I didnt think anyone said anything about sneaking. Mfff. Were the goodguys . . . they should be the ones doing the sneaking, not us"

[Detritus]

"Sneaking? I didnt think anyone said anything about sneaking. Mfff. Were the goodguys . . . they should be the ones doing the sneaking, not us"
"Yeah, I guess," replies Sarah, "but I'd just as soon not stumble over a dozen Sabbat if I can avoid it."

[Kalzazz]

"Oh, true, if theirs only a dozen Sabbat taking all 7 of us would just be far to unsporting"

[Detritus]

"Oh, true, if theirs only a dozen Sabbat taking all 7 of us would just be far to unsporting"
Antoinette smirks at Sarah and says, "You aren't scared of a few Sabbat, are you?"

Sarah raises an eyebrow and then points her index finger at Antoinette, thumb raised up like a hammer for a revolver. "Not exactly," she says, and then lowers her thumb, and for an instant a yard-long jet of flame reaches towards Antoinette, who goes back on her heels for a moment.

Uma reaches over to put a restraining hand on Antoinette's shoulder just as the younger Kindred recovers her equilibrium, and gives a sharp "Girls!" to everyone involved. She takes a second to give Sarah the hairy eyeball, too.

"I'll allow as to how I can see a Tremere being useful out in the field, but the numbers might be getting a little lopsided here. Jocelin knows where the cemeteries are, too, so she can show you around. Maybe I should take Antoinette with me and go with Camille."

[SD Anderson]

"Sneaking? I didnt think anyone said anything about sneaking. Mfff. Were the goodguys . . . they should be the ones doing the sneaking, not us"

OOC: I think all characters in earshot of that remark should make an Appropriate Will Roll or start banging their heads into the nearest wall.

;)