The Lafayette Cemeteries (Mon. 4/2/07)

[Detritus]

Here's the lay of the land, close up and zoomed out. You'll be going to Lafayette Cemetery #2 first, because it's closer to the house you're in/about to leave.

On the zoom out map, the little red circle by Loyola/Tulane Universities is the present meeting place. The big red circle is where Camille et al. are going. We'll stipulate that you've all exchanged the relevant contact info with the other scouting party and anyone else in the current Kindred power structure as needed.

Jocelin knows that the buildings closest to Washington Ave. are pretty well maintained, but that as you get farther into both cemeteries from that direction you'll encounter increasingly poorly kept up tombs. Anyone trying to hole up in the cemeteries will almost surely do so in the buildings in poor repair.

Personnel right now are the 4 PCs and Sarah. Jack will be ranging a bit afield from the cemeteries to start out, as SD mentioned in the previous thread. Leo is free to do the same (or not) as he sees fit.

Does anyone want to enter the cemetery proper?

Maps given below:

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

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

[SD Anderson]

The Audobon area south of Loyola University (opposite side of St. Charles St) looks like a good place to recruit bats.

[Detritus]

The Audobon area south of Loyola University (opposite side of St. Charles St) looks like a good place to recruit bats.
OK, that's fine. It'll take one application of The Beckoning to summon some bats, one application of Sweet Whispers to tell them to follow you to the cemetery, and a second Sweet Whispers to give the instructions once you arrive on site.

[Kalzazz]

((How are we going to get there?))

[Detritus]

((How are we going to get there?))
Also, will there be any splitting up the party (i.e. Jack and possibly Leo go to the Audubon grounds separately)?

There's a bit over an hour's worth of walking between the house and the cemeteries and back if you did that. That would leave maybe an hour and a half for scouting and deploying animal watchers. You could also drive and park some place just off Washington Ave between the two cemeteries to cut down on walking if you wanted to do that.

[Kalzazz]

((What about buses?))

[Kalzazz]

My vote is we just take the bus or other convenient public transportation if available, otherwise drive

[Detritus]

My vote is we just take the bus or other convenient public transportation if available, otherwise drive
OK, I just rolled a 7 for Jocelin's Area Knowledge check, so she knows an expedient way to get from near campus to the cemetery by bus. It'll be about 15 minutes each way, and it's probably easiest to just walk between the two cemeteries themselves, they're only about 8 blocks apart, so maybe a 10-15 minute walk.

[Detritus]

It does occur to me that: a) It might be kind of hard to take a Nossie on the bus (security cameras are NOT fooled by low-level Obfuscate) and b) It might be equally hard to take bats on board a bus. Factor these things into your deliberations.

[Kalzazz]

Cant he just put up the hood on his hoodie and pretend hes a drug addict and not look right at camera?

And bats can fly

[Detritus]

Cant he just put up the hood on his hoodie and pretend hes a drug addict and not look right at camera?
I suppose. Still need to avoid the attention of the driver and other riders. That's a Holdout or Disguise roll.

And bats can fly
I think you'll find that I'm already stretching the capabilities of the Level 1 Animalism power. Technically, it requires eye contact with each animal involved to communicate/impart instructions. Technically, if you break eye contact, you have to re-establish it if you want talk to the same animal again. Technically, the animal is limited by its intelligence as to what sort of instruction it can take.

Jack is going to the Audubon grounds beforehand to avoid summoning creatures that are near enough to the cemeteries that they might already be employed as spies by the opposition. If he calls the bats after getting on the bus, he runs the risk of summoning bats he wanted to avoid in the first place, because it takes a little while for them to come after the call is first put out. If he summons them before getting on the bus, they have to figure out how to follow him if he gets on the bus.

You may decide amongst yourselves how you want to deal with these issues.

[SD Anderson]

Also, will there be any splitting up the party (i.e. Jack and possibly Leo go to the Audubon grounds separately)?

There's a bit over an hour's worth of walking between the house and the cemeteries and back if you did that. That would leave maybe an hour and a half for scouting and deploying animal watchers. You could also drive and park some place just off Washington Ave between the two cemeteries to cut down on walking if you wanted to do that.

Unless Leo tags along, Jack is probably flying solo, unless the new sheriff does something like have ghouls shadow our movments to act as back up.

[Detritus]

Unless Leo tags along, Jack is probably flying solo, unless the new sheriff does something like have ghouls shadow our movments to act as back up.
OK, this is fine, and conforms to Jack's character, as I'm sure was intended.

Now I just need to know what Leo plans on doing (I'm assuming François is a bus rider, and Sarah will be). It appears that Leo does not have Disguise trained (Camouflage is something somewhat different), but I'll rule that his hoody offsets the -5 that comes from rolling Disguise at default skill level.

Whoever all ends up going to the Audubon Park grounds, as far as you know, you aren't being tailed. It'll take about 45 minutes of walking/calling/instructing to get animals set up at the first site you do so if you go to the Audubon grounds first. You can cut out 10 minutes of that time if you go straight to LC #2 from the house.

Whoever all takes the bus to Lafayette Cemetery #2, you get there 15 minutes after setting out from the house. And then the question remains, what next, after you're off the bus?

[Brother Brian]

Out of curiosity, how do Uma and the other Brujah convey themselves? I could ride 2 on a bike, but 3 is a bit crowded.

[Huxley]

Leo will walk, but he'll walk straight to LC#2. That means I'll be roughly 15 minutes later than the rest of the group, but Leo's a "safe side" kind of guy when it comes to breaching the Masquerade.

[Detritus]

Out of curiosity, how do Uma and the other Brujah convey themselves? I could ride 2 on a bike, but 3 is a bit crowded.
Uma has a bike, Antoinette we'll say is hitching a ride with Camille. I guess Erich also has a bike. They're all going to the cemeteries up at the end of Canal Street, however.

[Detritus]

Leo will walk, but he'll walk straight to LC#2. That means I'll be roughly 15 minutes later than the rest of the group, but Leo's a "safe side" kind of guy when it comes to breaching the Masquerade.
OK, the order of arrival at LC #2 will be:

Francois, Jocelin, Sarah ~ T + 15 minutes

Leo ~ T + 30 minutes

Jack ~ T + 40 (more?) minutes

The last things I would need in terms of a general plan is whether both cats and bats end up at both cemeteries, and will Jack go to LC #1 first or not.

[Detritus]

OK, so, Francois, Jocelin, and Sarah arrive at LC #2, we'll call it at 930 pm. What would you like to do there first?

Jack will make it to the Audubon Park/Zoo/Institute grounds around the same time. I will need a roll for The Beckoning, and then one for Sweet Whispers, and a payment method.

Leo is in transit at 930. When does he want to make the call to the kitties?

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin first crosses herself and says a prayer for the dead interned within that she isnt going to bother them

She then will look for the largest and most impressive mausoleum or other focal point and heads to check near it

[Huxley]

Leo will call for animals after he arrives at the cemetery. Also, I was planning on using Auspex: Aura Perception before the animals arrive to help determine if the cats I call have already been contacted.

[Kalzazz]

((Oh, also, can you roll a Stealth check for me? Stealth 15, dont want to scare our Sabbat friends off))

[SD Anderson]

((Oh, also, can you roll a Stealth check for me? Stealth 15, dont want to scare our Sabbat friends off))


I think you roll it yourself over at the http://dice.evildm.net/index.php site. Be sure to put Det's email address (should be in your PM inbox) into the second field so he gets your results.

[SD Anderson]

Based on the 16 rolled for Beckoning, jack may be a while at the Audobon area...

:shocked:

[Brother Brian]

Francois is going to sit down and listen with his enhanced senses.

[Detritus]

What we have so far:

Jocelin - Can enter LC #2 quietly. The most impressive-looking tombs are closest to Washington Ave. Upkeep degrades the further west you go. It is in these shabbier tombs where "guests" are likely to hole up.

Francois - You can hear Jocelin sneaking around, and Sarah moving quietly although not necessarily at maximal stealthiness once Jocelin goes into the cemetery. You also hear the occasional car pass you by if you remain near Washington Ave.

Leo - Summons a double handful of cats, let's say 11 total. May give instructions to 7 of them, although the others will linger for a while. Since Leo will be at LC #2 when he makes his call, he can start deploying cats there without a second Sweet Whispers roll, although if he wants to bring some cats with him to LC #1, then that would requires a second Whispers roll.

Jack - Takes three tries to summon a few bats, at a cost of 2 extra Fatigue. May instruct 2 of them once they come.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin actually will head to investigate shabbier ones then, though thinks this clearly shows a lack of class on the part of the Sabbat not to haunt the neatest tombs

[Detritus]

Jocelin actually will head to investigate shabbier ones then, though thinks this clearly shows a lack of class on the part of the Sabbat not to haunt the neatest tombs
One day, perhaps, Jocelin will make the connection between poor upkeep and infrequency of daytime visits. ;)

As you get about four or five rows into the cemetery, you start to encounter the more dilapidated tombs. Whether they are locked or not seems to be rather haphazardly determined, should you check a few of the doors. Would Jocelin like to enter a tomb, and if so, a locked or unlocked one? If not, then what?

Also, is Francois following Jocelin and Sarah into the interior of the cemetery?

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin would like to enter tombs, unlocked ones

Unless however she spots say an interesting thing such as an old dilapidated tomb with a brand new shiny lock

[Brother Brian]

One day, perhaps, Jocelin will make the connection between poor upkeep and infrequency of daytime visits. ;)

As you get about four or five rows into the cemetery, you start to encounter the more dilapidated tombs. Whether they are locked or not seems to be rather haphazardly determined, should you check a few of the doors. Would Jocelin like to enter a tomb, and if so, a locked or unlocked one? If not, then what?

Also, is Francois following Jocelin and Sarah into the interior of the cemetery?

Francois would prefer to maintain strategic high ground, which here would be literal high ground. Is tomb to tomb movement possible?

[Detritus]

Francois would prefer to maintain strategic high ground, which here would be literal high ground. Is tomb to tomb movement possible?
Sort of. I found a photo album of the cemetery:

http://www.nolacemeteries.com/Lafayette%20Cemetery%20No.%202/index.html

You can kind of see that there are rows of tombs that it might be possible to walk along, but from row to row it looks like it's kind of far to jump, even with a bit of extra juice.

Also, there are more (i.e. some) copings (burial plots) here than New Orleans by Night led me to believe. It's something else to watch/investigate.

[Detritus]

In the initial searching, none of the unlocked tombs in the first couple rows you search seem to be occupied, but they do look like the kind of place that one could hole up in in a pinch.

Francois may station himself atop one of the tombs, and walk along a given row. In order to quickly move between rows, I will say it will take activating Celerity 2 or higher to climb down from one row, take a running jump at a tomb in the next row, and complete his climb in the space of a few seconds. He could do this without any physical enhancement, but it would take longer and involve a climbing check on his way up or having at least one of Jocelin or Sarah give him a boost up. ((I'll give him the climb check downwards, which would basically involve hanging off the side of a tomb and dropping a few feet, no biggie there.))

In the time it takes to search the unlocked tombs in the first couple rows, Leo and his feline brigade will arrive at the cemetery.

[Huxley]

Leo will keep 5 cats at LC #2 when the group decides to leave. Until then, he sneaks through a part of the cemetery that the rest of the group has yet to explore. He looks for freshly dug graves nearby dilapidated tombs, thinking the Sabbat has an interest in bolstering their numbers.

[Detritus]

Accounting note -- Disciplines used tonight:

François - Enhanced Senses (Auspex 1), maybe Celerity (?)

Leo - The Beckoning (Animalism 2), Sweet Whispers (Animalism 1)

Jack - The Beckoning (Animalism 2, two retries), Sweet Whispers (Animalism 1)

How have these been paid for? Blood, Fatigue, a combination of the two?

[Detritus]

Leo will keep 5 cats at LC #2 when the group decides to leave. Until then, he sneaks through a part of the cemetery that the rest of the group has yet to explore. He looks for freshly dug graves nearby dilapidated tombs, thinking the Sabbat has an interest in bolstering their numbers.
After a bit of searching, you do come across two pretty fresh graves. One looks like someone crawled out of it, the other looks like it's still intact. Jocelin would be on her third row of tombs at this point, still a few rows from making it into the ground-burial area.

[SD Anderson]

Accounting note -- Disciplines used tonight:

François - Enhanced Senses (Auspex 1), maybe Celerity (?)

Leo - The Beckoning (Animalism 2), Sweet Whispers (Animalism 1)

Jack - The Beckoning (Animalism 2, two retries), Sweet Whispers (Animalism 1)

How have these been paid for? Blood, Fatigue, a combination of the two?

Fatigue so far.

[Detritus]

Fatigue so far.
OK, Fatigue it is, Jack is now at 7. Jack will arrive at the cemetery gate right around the time that everyone else (presumably, with the possible exception of François) gathers together around the open grave, maybe a minute or so after that grouping forms.

[Detritus]

After a bit of searching, you do come across two pretty fresh graves. One looks like someone crawled out of it, the other looks like it's still intact. Jocelin would be on her third row of tombs at this point, still a few rows from making it into the ground-burial area.
Since Leo has the Tracking skill, it's also obvious that there were several pairs of feet tromping around the area in question, maybe a couple of nights ago. Also, his Sabbat Lore tells him that this seems a little light for a full-bore attack.

[Huxley]

((I will use all fatigue))

Most likely using multiple cemeteries to build their army...

Leo asks a cat to watch the grave that hasn't had something crawl out of it yet, and notify him if anything crawls out. He then moves to enter the ground-burial area at the same time as Jocelin, but tries to stay hidden.

((I would like to activate Unseen Presence with Fatigue in combination with using my stealth skill))

[Detritus]

((I will use all fatigue))

Most likely using multiple cemeteries to build their army...

Leo asks a cat to watch the grave that hasn't had something crawl out of it yet, and notify him if anything crawls out. He then moves to enter the ground-burial area at the same time as Jocelin, but tries to stay hidden.

((I would like to activate Unseen Presence with Fatigue in combination with using my stealth skill))
You're going to have Jocelin (and Sarah) just come up on that area without telling them about what you've found?

[Kalzazz]

((Are you telling Jocelin your entering at same time as her?))

((Its just an open grave right? There isnt actually anything to enter I thought? Or is it like a cave/dungeon entrance?))

[Detritus]

((Are you telling Jocelin your entering at same time as her?))

((Its just an open grave right? There isnt actually anything to enter I thought? Or is it like a cave/dungeon entrance?))
There are several rows of tombs before the copings, which are basically just graves with headstones. At some point, Leo (with at least one cat in tow) will have walked by whatever row Jocelin & Sarah are searching to have a look at the graves.

I'll say that Jocelin would have seen Leo as he walked by. Would she continue searching tombs or follow Leo further into the cemetery?

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin will wave to Leo and the Cat, and follow them if Leo indicates its a cool idea, since her search has been pretty boring so far and Leo seems on a mission, otherwise just continue along

[Huxley]

((Well, actually, that makes more sense. I'll stop them if I can -- I had this mental picture of "Oh, whoops, there they go, better hurry up so I can help out"))

Retcon:

Leo asks a cat to watch over the fresh grave, and notify him if anything crawls out. He then moves to stop Jocelin and Sarah before they enter:

"They've used this cemetery. I found a recently used grave over there. Something crawled out of it"

[Kalzazz]

"Only one? Thats not very Sabbat like . . . you think it actually was Sabbat, or have we happened on the random unaligned?"

[Detritus]

((Well, actually, that makes more sense. I'll stop them if I can -- I had this mental picture of "Oh, whoops, there they go, better hurry up so I can help out"))

Retcon:

Leo asks a cat to watch over the fresh grave, and notify him if anything crawls out. He then moves to stop Jocelin and Sarah before they enter:

"They've used this cemetery. I found a recently used grave over there. Something crawled out of it"
OK, Leo can get Jocelin and Sarah's attention pretty easily. Will he use Unseen Presence after telling him what he saw, or what?

Also, what will Jocelin be doing after learning of this?

((For the time being I'm going to assume that François is atop one of the tombs, but he may join in the conversation if he wishes.))

[Huxley]

((Naw, no unseen presence just yet.))


"There is another grave -- but it may have been a proper burial. With one dug out, I think that is indicative of Sabbat use, making this a good spot to watch. They may be using multiple cemeteries -- we should finish our survey here quickly"

[Kalzazz]

"Should we split up and each look at a different part of the cemetary then? We have phones"

[Huxley]

". . . I think that would work, so long as we stay close enough to each other that we can hear a confrontation"

[Kalzazz]

"Sure thing, Ill make sure you hear the infidels dieing screams if I run into any"

Jocelin waves and then sets out to explore further

[Huxley]

Leo stalks deeper into the cemetery, attempting to stay within earshot of the others. ((Now I'll use unseen presence and a stealth roll))

[Detritus]

Leo stalks deeper into the cemetery, attempting to stay within earshot of the others. ((Now I'll use unseen presence and a stealth roll))
OK, you can do that. You fade out of sight and sneak around pretty easily.

After a bit of searching tombs, none of you find anything, really. Jack will show up as you're in the middle of the search. Just after he makes it into the cemetery, the cat that you set to watch the graves comes up to you.

[Huxley]

Leo scoops the cat into his arms and moves towards the graves: "Tell me what happened along the way"

[Detritus]

Leo scoops the cat into his arms and moves towards the graves: "Tell me what happened along the way"
*Meow meow meow meow, meow meow meow meow meow.*

Translation:

"The ground started to move, and then I left to get you."

:grin:

[Huxley]

Leo cradles the cat in one arm, and pulls his phone out with his free hand. He calls Francois: "The fresh grave has someone trying to get out of it... I think you'd be the best person for them to see first"

[Detritus]

Jack will hear a commotion off in the distance when he first arrives at the cemetery. François is on the clock right now...

[Brother Brian]

Leo cradles the cat in one arm, and pulls his phone out with his free hand. He calls Francois: "The fresh grave has someone trying to get out of it... I think you'd be the best person for them to see first"

"Acknowledged", Francois says in a brusque military manner. He didn't spend celerity before, but will now to get to the fresh grave in an alacritous fashion.

Paid for with fatigue.

[Detritus]

"Acknowledged", Francois says in a brusque military manner. He didn't spend celerity before, but will now to get to the fresh grave in an alacritous fashion.

Paid for with fatigue.
What level of Celerity would François like to activate?

[Brother Brian]

What level of Celerity would François like to activate?

Level 1 (aka alacrity).

[Detritus]

Level 1 (aka alacrity).
Before making this official, I'm not sure if you want an extra action per round. In the GURPS formulation of Celerity, this occurs at Celerity 2. Here's the chart:

Level 1 - +1 to Move for 10 minutes
Level 2 - +2 to Move, +1 action per turn for 30 minutes
Level 3 - +4 to Move, +1 action per turn for 1 hour
Level 4 - +6 to Move, +2 actions per turn for 2 hours
Level 5 - +10 to Move, +2 actions per turn for 6 hours

Also, if you wanted to activate Celerity 2 for 10 minutes, you could do that for 3 Fatigue instead of the normal 4 for a 30-minute duration. Basically, the move enhancement and duration are treated as independent of each other. If you wanted to activate Celerity 5 for any duration, it would cost the full 10 Fatigue (or equivalent Blood Pool cost) because François only has Celerity 4. Same thing with a 6-hour duration (which you could use at Celerity 3, but no higher).

[Brother Brian]

Before making this official, I'm not sure if you want an extra action per round. In the GURPS formulation of Celerity, this occurs at Celerity 2. Here's the chart:

Level 1 - +1 to Move for 10 minutes
Level 2 - +2 to Move, +1 action per turn for 30 minutes
Level 3 - +4 to Move, +1 action per turn for 1 hour
Level 4 - +6 to Move, +2 actions per turn for 2 hours
Level 5 - +10 to Move, +2 actions per turn for 6 hours

Also, if you wanted to activate Celerity 2 for 10 minutes, you could do that for 3 Fatigue instead of the normal 4 for a 30-minute duration. Basically, the move enhancement and duration are treated as independent of each other. If you wanted to activate Celerity 5 for any duration, it would cost the full 10 Fatigue (or equivalent Blood Pool cost) because François only has Celerity 4. Same thing with a 6-hour duration (which you could use at Celerity 3, but no higher).


Thanks for the heads up, I did want the extra action; and 30 minutes should be ample. So level 2.

[Detritus]

OK, Francois and Leo are headed to the burial site. Did you want to let the others (Jocelin and/or Sarah) know what's going on, call them over, etc.?

Also, was Jack going to let anyone else know when he got to LC #2?

[Huxley]

((Yes))

Leo calls Jocelin next, "The grave I pointed out earlier has someone moving in it"

[Kalzazz]

"Oh, neat. Be right there!"

Jocelin runs over that way ((not using Celerity, so move 9))

[Detritus]

OK, as Francois and Jocelin arrive on the scene, the person in the grave breaks ground. Leo will be there, too, but he is not easily perceived unless you really concentrate on looking for him specifically.

You see the ground break as you approach, and then a large figure sprawls out of the remaining new grave, facing away from you. When he gets to his feet, you see he's tall, and large. He looks around, and you see it's Crusher. He gives a start when he sees Francois and Jocelin. You're all about 10 yards from Crusher when he sees you.

"You I don't know," he says to Francois. "Didn't expect to see you here," he says to Jocelin. He seems wary, and tense as a coiled spring. He keeps balling and unballing his fists, but doesn't make an immediate move towards you, or in any other direction, for that matter.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin grins, "Why no, I wasn't expecting you either"

"Oh yes, introductions! Crusher, this is Monsieur Francois Petit. He is a mysterious stranger on a cool bike who drifted in with the wind after the party that didnt go so well" ((I am a bit fuzzy on whether or not Francois said he was a musketeer or not, if he did say so Jocelin introduces him as Chevalier Francois Petit, Musketeer since he is clearly inherently cool like that))

"Francois, this is Crusher, he is . . hmmm. Very strong, and was one of the guests Bianca invited for the party, though he missed it. Really wasnt the best party"

Jocelin tries to handle the introductions with a proper flair, and seems quite happy to see Crusher

[Detritus]

Crusher is wary but as respectful as his edginess permits him to be. After Jocelin makes introductions, he'll say, "Who sent you here, if I may ask?"

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

Fatigue expenditure notes:

François - 6/13 Fatigue spent

Jack - 8/15 Fatigue spent

Jocelin - 0/11 Fatigue spent

Leo - 10/14 Fatigue spent

For the X/Y Fatigue spent, you're OK if (Y - X) > 3. Leo is right at the edge of that at the moment.

[Brother Brian]

Fancois looks Crusher over squarely.

"We were investigating potential locations of Sabbat shovel parties", he says, his tone carefully neutral. "If I may ask, how came you to be here, having missed the gathering with Lady Bianca?"

[Kalzazz]

"Hey, I did NOT get sent here. I volunteered to come along"

[Detritus]

Fancois looks Crusher over squarely.

"We were investigating potential locations of Sabbat shovel parties", he says, his tone carefully neutral. "If I may ask, how came you to be here, having missed the gathering with Lady Bianca?"
Crusher shifts his gaze to François, but doesn't stop balling and unballing his fists, although he doesn't move any closer, either.

"You'd be joining these parties, or trying to break them up?" he asks.

Jocelin's cell phone makes a tinkling sound (or whatever) indicating that she's just received a text message.

[Kalzazz]

"One moment" checks her phone

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin slides her phone away and moves her hands away from her weapons as she moves back to give Crusher more space, "Why dont we relax and not get stressed about things . . . anyway, were with the New Camarilla prince, the old one got voted out of office. Were hoping to find the Sabbat and bring glorious victory to our cause . . . okay, well, Im not sure about cause, but the party was like totally a disaster, and the sources of disastrous parties need to suffer, so close enough to a cause"

[Detritus]

Jocelin slides her phone away and moves her hands away from her weapons as she moves back to give Crusher more space, "Why dont we relax and not get stressed about things . . . anyway, were with the New Camarilla prince, the old one got voted out of office. Were hoping to find the Sabbat and bring glorious victory to our cause . . . okay, well, Im not sure about cause, but the party was like totally a disaster, and the sources of disastrous parties need to suffer, so close enough to a cause"
"You're here on behalf of the Prince," Crusher says. "The new Prince, that is." Crusher looks down and seems surprised to see himself flexing his fists. He clasps his hands together and holds them at his waist.

"I was put in this hole by Bianca and her friends," he says, obviously chagrined at having to make such an admission.

[Kalzazz]

"Your not the only one Bianca had result in unkind things"

[Detritus]

****It is at this point in the conversation that Jack sees Sarah peering around the corner of a tomb, and when he follows to where she looks, he sees an opening a couple of rows past Sarah, and the backs of Jocelin and François facing a dusty Crusher.****

[SD Anderson]

****It is at this point in the conversation that Jack sees Sarah peering around the corner of a tomb, and when he follows to where she looks, he sees an opening a couple of rows past Sarah, and the backs of Jocelin and François facing a dusty Crusher.****

(OOC)Was Crusher part of the 26 vampires who were processed by the Morbidity Sisters?

[Detritus]

(OOC)Was Crusher part of the 26 vampires who were processed by the Morbidity Sisters?
No, he was not. In fact, somewhere in the recent in-game past he was mentioned as a wild card figure at large in this whole affair.

[Brother Brian]

Francois continues to scruitinize Crusher; and his posture doesn't relax when Crusher stops clenching his fists.

"Clearly you are not a freshly made foot soldier for the Sabbat. And yet, here you are digging yourself out of a fresh grave, in an area believed to be home to Sabbat creation rituals. How came this to happen?"

[Detritus]

"There were a lot of them," says Crusher. "Bianca, Samantha, Heather, and lots others besides. Some I didn't recognize. They put me out of commission at Drake Manor somehow, then I woke up here. Then someone lifted me in the air, and they stole the vitae from my veins. Then they popped a stake in my chest, and plopped me in this hole. The stake dissolved a little later. I decided to lay low for a night or two before coming out."

[Huxley]

Leo peers at Crusher, gazing deep into his soul.

((I want to use Aura Reading on Crusher. Specifically, I'm checking for diablerie lines, but if other information comes up, I'm not opposed. I will go ahead and use blood for this one, as I'm at the fatigue limit))

[Detritus]

Leo peers at Crusher, gazing deep into his soul.

((I want to use Aura Reading on Crusher. Specifically, I'm checking for diablerie lines, but if other information comes up, I'm not opposed. I will go ahead and use blood for this one, as I'm at the fatigue limit))
Check PMs.

I was wondering when one of the Auspexites was going to do this. ;)

[Detritus]

Also, when Jack gets a little closer to Sarah, she pulls herself around the corner of the tomb she's hiding behind so that she's completely out of Crusher's line of sight, and then dials someone up on her cell phone. It becomes apparent that she's called Sabine and is asking whether one/both of Thomas and Merill are available, or any of Mr. Johnson's childer.

[SD Anderson]

Jack just steps towards her making it clear he's seen what she did and cocks an eyebrow.

(4th edition has these wonderful little perks for a point each. These include some "Influence Schticks which allow cerain gestures count as use of a skill... ie Convincing Nod to persuade a bouncer that you're with the party he just let in.)

[Detritus]

Jack just steps towards her making it clear he's seen what she did and cocks an eyebrow.

(4th edition has these wonderful little perks for a point each. These include some "Influence Schticks which allow cerain gestures count as use of a skill... ie Convincing Nod to persuade a bouncer that you're with the party he just let in.)
As she continues to talk to Sabine, Sarah points at herself, you, and a few places where no one is standing, pantomimes a circle that includes the two of you and all these places, and then swings her head in the direction of the meeting with Crusher.

[SD Anderson]

Jack takes a look at the indicated places. Aura Perception specifically. Anything of note about them?

[Detritus]

Jack takes a look at the indicated places. Aura Perception specifically. Anything of note about them?
No, there's nothing there. But, Sarah is calling about the availability of people who don't seem to be in evidence anywhere on the cemetery grounds...

[SD Anderson]

Probably a moot question, since Jack's default politics are 8- and local nuances would doubtlessly penalize that roll, but should I roll politics for Jack to catch the significance of her looking for any of Johnson's brood after she catches sight of Crusher?

[Detritus]

Probably a moot question, since Jack's default politics are 8- and local nuances would doubtlessly penalize that roll, but should I roll politics for Jack to catch the significance of her looking for any of Johnson's brood after she catches sight of Crusher?
No, it isn't necessary. As a detective, Jack would understand that Sarah is basically calling for more backup, it just so happens that most of those who might be available are in Mr. Johnson's brood.

[Detritus]

While everyone else is assimilating Crusher's last statement, he asks, "Where's Anneke? Is she the new Prince now?"

[Brother Brian]

"I'm sorry, er Crusher is it? Yes, did you say the stake dissolved? Odd, that wood is not known to be terribly suceptible to dissolving under normal conditions. And for one who's vitae was stolen from his veins, you seem remarkably calm. Such mastery of your beast is highly admirable."

Anyone with reasonable melee skills will notice that Francois has brough his right foot back a bit. It's not quite a fighting stance, yet, but he's not going to be bullrushed by Crusher either.

[Detritus]

"I'm sorry, er Crusher is it? Yes, did you say the stake dissolved? Odd, that wood is not known to be terribly suceptible to dissolving under normal conditions. And for one who's vitae was stolen from his veins, you seem remarkably calm. Such mastery of your beast is highly admirable."

Anyone with reasonable melee skills will notice that Francois has brough his right foot back a bit. It's not quite a fighting stance, yet, but he's not going to be bullrushed by Crusher either.
In response, Crusher gives a little sneer, then removes his jacket and shirt. Dropping them carelessly, he spreads his arms and thrusts out his chest, which has a hole maybe two inches in diameter in it, right at heart level. He turns his back towards you, and you see no exit (or entry) wound. Then he turns around again.

"I'm afraid I don't know much about Thaumaturgy," he says, his arms still spread, "but I speak the truth. Search the grounds for the object that made this wound if you want, but you won't find it."

[Huxley]

Leo sneaks away from the scene, and finds a place out of Crusher's view. He slowly and calmly walks onto the scene in plain sight and comments

"I believe he is telling the truth"

((Basically, I'm trying to keep Crusher calm and away from frenzy by not surprising him from the shadows))

[Detritus]

Leo sneaks away from the scene, and finds a place out of Crusher's view. He slowly and calmly walks onto the scene in plain sight and comments

"I believe he is telling the truth"

((Basically, I'm trying to keep Crusher calm and away from frenzy by not surprising him from the shadows))
Did you want to arrive on the scene by yourself? The other option would be to sneak to where Jack is, and then the two of you (and Sarah) could arrive on the scene together. Either way is fine.

[Huxley]

((I'll enter by myself))

[Detritus]

OK, Francois and Jocelin see Leo enter the sign and give his opinion. Crusher gives him a quick look, too, and then looks back over to the others. He drops his arms but doesn't say anything.

[SD Anderson]

"Let's try and be civilized and get this poor guy a meal first." Jack suggests.

[Detritus]

Sarah trails behind Jack as he's coming up to meet with everyone else. Crusher eyes them both as they approach.

"Well, it looks like you had plenty of backup," he says to no one in particular. "Smart."

He puts his shirt back on, and there's a hole that lines up with the one in his chest. Then he puts his jacket back on, and it appears intact when you give it a closer look.

"I am hungry," and he gives Jack an appreciative look, "but I need to be taken before the Prince first. Whoever that may be."

[Kalzazz]

"Oh, and yeah, you have any idea who was in the other grave Crusher?"

[Detritus]

"Oh, and yeah, you have any idea who was in the other grave Crusher?"
"I have an idea," he says, "but I'm not sure if I believe it was possible." A look of confusion crosses his face for a moment.

"I was buried first, but I saw the two holes, so I checked to see if everyone else present was also Kindred." He pauses for a bit, and looks as if he's not quite sure he believes what he's about to say. "If I had to say so, I'd say there was a mortal present. If I had to say so, I would name Samantha Drake as that mortal. I read her aura while I was hanging in midair, and it had the vivid color of a mortal's aura. And yet," and he pauses again, "her aura had the black veins of a diabolist, too. I don't understand how this is possible, but that is what I saw."

[Detritus]

((Anyone with Aura Reading trained on Crusher sees no signs that he's lying in his aura.))

[SD Anderson]

"As it was explained to me, the idea was that if a vamp kills up the generation chain they might get cured. Could be Drake got her mortality back. Now all we have to do is make sure she doesn't live to profit from her crimes."

[Detritus]

"As it was explained to me, the idea was that if a vamp kills up the generation chain they might get cured. Could be Drake got her mortality back. Now all we have to do is make sure she doesn't live to profit from her crimes."
"Hmmm. Here's something else to chew on.

"I was sent by my boss to infiltrate a Sabbat pack in Atlanta. I had some of his vitae with me to counteract the effects of the Sabbat rites. It seemed to be working, but now that I'm here and in the situation I'm in, maybe I was just fooling myself about that.

"Anyways, the vitae that Don Cruez gave me used to be on my person. Used to be. I don't know if the Sabbat would have put two and two together, but I'm sure they had at least one Kindred who knew some Thaumaturgy, and that means they most likely had a way to figure out at least some of what they had their hands on. The Brujah Justicar might have sired a new childe without even being on the same continent, if it was Samantha that was in that other hole."

[Detritus]

If you need more input as to Crusher's reliability, I will remind you that you do have a Tremere with you who would be able to whip some blood magic. Sarah might be able to tell how close to full/empty he is. You might also try consulting with someone off-site to see what they think.

If you think you've got enough info, the branch point (outside of Crusher's trustworthiness) is whether to arrange a meeting with Rebekka so that Crusher may present himself to her, and then to take care of whatever logistics that either option might entail.

[Brother Brian]

Francois speaks slowly, as if he is coming to a decision.

"Very well, Crusher. We will take you to see the prince. Know this however, should you attempt any sedition, you will meet your final death this night."

[Detritus]

Francois speaks slowly, as if he is coming to a decision.

"Very well, Crusher. We will take you to see the prince. Know this however, should you attempt any sedition, you will meet your final death this night."
"Naturally," says Crusher, the ghost of a twinkle in his eye. "I would not hurt Anneke." A questioning tone enters his voice upon speaking Anneke's name.

[Detritus]

"We should tell the Prince we've found him," says Sarah.

((How do you guys want to handle things with Crusher and the other cemetery now?))

[Brother Brian]

"We should tell the Prince we've found him," says Sarah.

((How do you guys want to handle things with Crusher and the other cemetery now?))

I got here on a motorcycle, did anyone drive an actual car?

[Detritus]

Jocelin and Sarah took the bus. Leo and Jack walked. Crusher was basically deposited in the cemetery by the Sabbat.

[Kalzazz]

"Why would I want to drive a car? The Sabbat already has showed a cavalier disregard for the health and safety of vehicles, they might have had IEDs and RPGs and all those things"

[Brother Brian]

"Why would I want to drive a car? The Sabbat already has showed a cavalier disregard for the health and safety of vehicles, they might have had IEDs and RPGs and all those things"

*That was intended to be OOC, but it's too good not to respond to.*

Francois gives Jocelin and incredulous look.

"You think the Sabbat would not launch a grenade at you because you ride public transit? If that is your fear, then shame on you for risking innocent life with absolutely no benefit to yourself."

He turns to Crusher. "Can you ride on the back of a bike without falling off?"

[Detritus]

He turns to Crusher. "Can you ride on the back of a bike without falling off?"
"Sure can, chief," Crusher says. "Or I can take a walk with the ladies," and he gives an eyebrow waggle in Jocelin and Sarah's direction.

[Kalzazz]

"They already attacked our vehicles once on the way here . . . so, they know our vehicles"

"I havent heard of them blowing up city buses at random"

[SD Anderson]

"Two of the clowns brought fuse lit dynamite and tried to blow up Ramiel's car." Jack says "I'd say the only reason they haven't blown up the local transit system is that we haven't used it."

"As I see it, we have two groups on the opposition. Lucien has a group of professional grade people and Drake has a bunch of armed frat boy types if hot armed hill billy types. I think the latter wouldn't hesitate to blow up a major bridge to get one of us if they thought it'd make an entertaining enough blast."

[Kalzazz]

"Miss Drake presumably identified Ramiel's car . . . . the city buses look like city buses, they dont have labels like 'Jocelin's City Bus'"

[Detritus]

"Somebody found us when we went snooping around Drake Manor, too," Sarah says with a flick of her head towards Leo. "I think we just have to do what we came out here to do, unless we want to spend all night second-guessing ourselves and trying to figure out if we're being watched. I don't think we'll get much done that way, though."

[Kalzazz]

"Ah. Right. Well, I think we should head back to the Prince in a roundabout fashion that happens to pass through the other cemetary we wanted to look at"

[Detritus]

"Ah. Right. Well, I think we should head back to the Prince in a roundabout fashion that happens to pass through the other cemetary we wanted to look at"
"So all of us will be taking Crusher to the Prince, then?" asks Sarah.

((Is that the plan now?))

[SD Anderson]

"Well unless we expect Black cat to rise out of another crypt here, this mission is pretty much a dud.' Jack observes.

[Brother Brian]

Fancois gives Jocelyn an incredulous stare that would intimidate normal people.

"Now is not the time, but it seems to me that a certain amount of education is required if you are going to stand against the Sabbat. Your underestimation of their means and abilities puts you, and those who travel with you, at risk."

Turning to Jack, "Being that I have transportation, I will move to the other cemetary and see if there is anything to be seen. I will call you if needed, otherwise I will meet you at Elysium."

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin grits her teeth a bit and glowers back at Francois, " . . . there might be some . . . slight . . possibility of that, given what happened at Miss Drake's. But transportation choice was not a factor there"

"Anyway, they have seen my car, and Ramiel's, and the van we took from Houston, all of which were attacked. They did not attack the city bus. Whether or not your motorcycle, which they have not seen before, acts as a RPG magnet will prove a good test of your hypothesis they can mystically identify any vehicle we set foot on"

[Detritus]

Sarah comes up to Jocelin and lays a soothing hand on her arm.

"Let's argue later. If we're going to bring him to Elysium, we need to get him in a fit state for it."

She walks up to Crusher and extends her right hand.

"I'm Sarah, by the way," she says. Crusher looks at her hand for a moment before giving it a very firm shake, leaving Sarah to rub her hand after Crusher releases it.

"You're strong," she says, taking a few steps back so that she's with the rest of the group, "but dry as a bone."

Crusher mutters something that sounds like "Warlocks" while Sarah takes a few more steps back so that everyone else is between Crusher and her. She closes her eyes and says a few soft words, and then a large glass bowl appears before her feet. She keeps her eyes closed a few seconds longer, and then opens them and cuts her wrist. She bleeds into the bowl until it's about a quarter full.

"That'll do you for a couple nights. Anyone else want to chip in?" she asks casually after licking her wound shut. "It wouldn't do to have an elder Brujah on the rampage because he's hungry."

((There's room left for 1 BP from each of the PCs, if everyone volunteers a bit of their vitae.))

[Brother Brian]

A smile twiches at the corner of Francois mouth.

"Oh, well", he says, "I'm in. Keep the bond from being too strong to any one of us anyway."

Francois pulls out a rapier and points it towards the glass bowl. He runs his wrist down the blade, and the blood runs the length of the sword into the bowl.

As the last of the blood drips in, Francois licks the blade clean.

[Detritus]

François is free to depart to LC #1 or remain to watch the remainder of these proceedings. In the interests of furthering the narrative, I'll reveal now that there will be nothing of interest to see at that cemetery. Sarah will call up Rebekka and tell her that you've found Crusher, and that you're on your way to Elysium, although she refers to Rebekka as "my Prince" throughout the brief conversation.

[Brother Brian]

Cool. I was going to move slowly once I got to the cemetary, but only look around for a half hour or so.

[Kalzazz]

Seeing Francois do this Jocelin is impressed. And thinks he is probably teaching her a subtle lesson to, a proper Brujah doesn't let trifling concerns over mere antitank weaponry seperate her from a stylish ride, the proper Brujah is more than willing to spill blood for the clans good, whoever's blood is being spilled, and is not going to take public transit to avoid it

She nods to Francois, then steps over to the bowl herself, drawing and striking her arm to mimic his feat (preferably in a smooth stylish blur of speed . . . if you can roll for me, Katana art 16, Quickdraw 17, Courage 13 being relevant I think)

[SD Anderson]

Between injuries and the still early nightime, Jack declines to contribute blood. (16 is not a good roll for a miser to be generous.)

[Detritus]

Between injuries and the still early nightime, Jack declines to contribute blood. (16 is not a good roll for a miser to be generous.)
Yeah, I got your rolls from last night, and we'll use the first one for Jack's Miserliness.

Leo?

[Huxley]

Leo frowns. He moves to the bowl, bites himself on the wrist, and pushes blood down his arm with his other hand to hurry the process. Silently he licks his wound closed, and waits for Crusher to consume the blood before they leave.

[Detritus]

OK, Jocelin can do her flourish before bleeding into the bowl no problem. When you all make your donations, Sarah interposes herself between Crusher and the bowl, and also conjures up a faint breeze that leaves Crusher upwind of the vitae. When she sees that Jack keeps to himself, she empties a bit more of her blood into the bowl.

"Prince's orders," she says when she's finished, and then she gestures to have everyone clear away from the bowl. Once you're all several paces from the bowl, she turns to Crusher and signals for him to have at it before she darts away to a similar radius as everyone else. Crusher sort of smirks at her as the breeze dies down, but wastes no time in taking the bowl and emptying its contents in huge gulps. Once he's finished, the bowl disappears.

"Thanks," he says, taking in all those who contributed. He looks a bit weirded out when he meets Sarah's eyes. "Can we go see this mystery Prince now?" Sarah says that the Prince is expecting them at the Storyville Jazz Hall at 11 pm. (It's a bit after 10 right now.)

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

I think we can call this thread a wrap. We'll say that you can arrange to send some animals over to Lafayette #1 off-screen. I want to tote up everyone's fatigue/blood usage, and then I'll start the next thread.