5 Elders, 1 Goblet (Mon. 4/2/07)

[Detritus]

Some administrative details, here is where everyone is at in terms of blood pool and fatigue:

François – 1 BP, 3/13 Fatigue spent

Jack – 1 BP, 9/15 Fatigue spent

Jocelin – 1 BP, 0/11 Fatigue spent

Leo – 4 BP, 7/14 Fatigue spent

Jack's BP expenditure is the second Sweet Whispers roll to send a bat to LC #1. Leo gets to 4 BP spent from Aura Reading (2 BP), 1 BP to Crusher, and 1 BP for the second Sweet Whispers to send some cats over to LC #1. Everyone has recovered 3 Fatigue from what they spent in the last IC thread.

The meeting at Storyville Jazz Hall will begin shortly after 11 pm, and will take place in one of the large mezzanine box seat balconies. The PCs show up with Crusher and Sarah. Camille and Ramiel will arrive together around the same time you do, and then Sabine and Merill show up a few minutes later, and finally Rebekka and Anneke will roll in last. Anneke holds a large silver goblet that is empty when she arrives. This is where the scene will start.

[Detritus]

When Camille arrives, Crusher gives her a "How you doin'?" look that only elicits an eye roll. Any conversation is of the small talk variety before Rebekka and Anneke arrive. Anneke enters the balcony first, and Crusher gives her an expectant look, but she nods towards Rebekka once they have both entered. He takes this all in stride, though a bit of surprise crosses his face for a moment.

"I am Rebekka of clan Tremere, whom Caine has seen fit to rule New Orleans. You may present yourself, as is the Tradition."

"My name is Crusher, Majesty, and I am a Brujah of the 6th generation. My Sire is Appollonius." He pauses, then stops upon realizing that this introduction will be sufficient for Rebekka.

"Be welcome to New Orleans, Crusher childe of Appollonius of clan Brujah, and receive my hospitality, as is the Tradition." The Prince gives Sarah a quick look, and then takes the goblet from Anneke. Rebekka holds it in front of her for a few seconds before she lets it go, but the vessel floats unsupported at waist height. She gives Crusher, who studies the goblet uneasily, a searching look before she continues speaking.

"Given the unusual circumstances of your presentation, I must insist that you divest yourself of all but a single night's worth of vitae. You may put it to whatever use you see fit." The Prince waits until she is sure that Crusher has followed her instructions and then reaches inside her suit jacket to produce five tightly stoppered large glass vials filled with blood. She hands them one by one to Anneke, who empties them into the floating silver goblet. The heady bouquet of elder vitae fills the air. The sight of the goblet filled nearly to its brim with its potent elixir sings to you, sings to your Beasts, who are as slumbering creatures who have opened one eye upon encountering the blood of your elders.

Rebekka grasps the goblet once more and holds it before Crusher. "Receive this, the first token of my hospitality, and be washed clean of all prior bonds of blood when you partake of it." Rebekka's grip lingers for a moment after Crusher takes hold of the goblet, and the searching look returns before she finally releases her hold. Crusher wastes no time in draining the mingled vitae within the vessel once he has it to himself.

"Attend my fellow Kindred of New Orleans, and they will see that you will be able to replace that which you have had to spend before you could avail yourself of the Tradition of Hospitality." Camille, Ramiel, Sabine, and Merill all make to leave the balcony. Crusher leaves with his escort, a wry grin on his face, although he eyes Camille with renewed interest once he realizes that she will be part of the retinue that leaves with him.

[Detritus]

Once Crusher and his escort have left, Rebekka turns to you.

"What are your impressions of him?" she asks.

[SD Anderson]

"Remarkably self controlled." Jack says. "Despite being in real bad shape, he was willing to forgo getting nourishment to make sure he presented himself to you."

"Just being of his generation means he's playing a deep game or set of games. Vamps back then didn't survive long without doing so and it's a habit few break."

"I don't doubt Lucien and Drake didn't try to kill him, so on the principle of my enemy's enemy, he's a likely ally and a formidable one at that."

"However, Brujah always have a cause," Jack adds even if it simply is to commit mass slaughter in high fashion he thinks in Jocelin's general direction and whatever cause his is, may be something we need to keep an eye on."

[Brother Brian]

Upon hearing Jack's last words, Francois raises an eyebrow, but refrains from a retort.

"In truth, my lord, I have concerns about Crusher. I made some significant effort to provoke him, and despite being of clan Brujah, and despite being malnourished, there was no sign of frenzy within him. Further, he has twice, in a short period, taken with no concern, blood from upwards of ten kindred, with no fear of being bonded. His behavior is passing strange, and in my opinion bears scrutiny."

[Kalzazz]

"Hmm . . . and if he is 6th gen, he surely wasnt cowed by fear . . . "

"What were you planning to do if he did come at us?"

[Brother Brian]

"Hmm . . . and if he is 6th gen, he surely wasnt cowed by fear . . . "

"What were you planning to do if he did come at us?"

Francois gives Jocelyn a quizzical look.

"Subdue him, of course."

[Detritus]

"He was tapped out when I shook his hand earlier tonight," says Sarah. "It's possible he might have burnt what little blood he had left to reinforce his self-control." She give François a brief look like he's crazy before turning back to Rebekka.

"He claimed to me that he was an agent of Don Cruez, the Brujah Justicar," says Anneke, "just before we left to meet with Samantha. I have heard rumors that the Justicar uses a form of Conditioning on his Brujah agents, maybe all of them, that reinforces their self-control in matters involving blood. It could have been that, although it does sound an awful lot like Thaumaturgy." She gives Rebekka an inquiring look.

"If such a thing is possible, I do not know of it," replies the Prince. "I can make inquiries amongst my clan."

Rebekka turns to François. "We will keep him under close observation for now, until we can get further confirmation of his story. I think you are fortunate that you did not manage to provoke him, however, even if was low on vitae. You need not make any more efforts along those lines. Is there anything else you can tell us about your encounter with Crusher?"

[Brother Brian]

"It shall be as you say then my Prince. I will not unduly antagonize Crusher, but will watch him."

Francois considers for a moment. "As to what else to say; what else can be said. The Sabbat agents put him through their ritual, which is colloquially referred to as a 'Shovel Party'. To what end, I can not say."

[Detritus]

"They meant to turn him, then," says Anneke. "He did do as you instructed him in burning his blood?"

"He did," replies Rebekka. "If he could have hidden that from me, we are all in very serious trouble. We shall have to watch him very carefully at first."

The Prince looks back to those of you who went to LC #2. "Was Crusher the... sole guest of honor for this particular party?"

[SD Anderson]

"He thought someone else, Drake perhaps was there, but she seemed mortal to him." Jack says.

[Detritus]

"We saw two fresh graves at the cemetery," says Sarah. "The other one was empty when we got there. Crusher mentioned something about having some of his boss's blood on him to resist the effects of the Sabbat's blood rites. Had on him. He seemed to think it was possible that Samantha is now one of Don Cruez's childer."

"If that is true, it would not take very long for New Orleans to be awash in relatively low-generation Brujah," Anneke says to Rebekka.

"It is too early to provoke a confrontation," Rebekka replies. "I want the soldiers bonded before making any aggressive moves."

"We may not have two more nights to wait, Rebekka." The Prince eyes the Toreador Archon, and you can almost hear the crackle of electricity between them as each holds the other's gaze.

"When will Gwynnis be returning to New Orleans?" asks Rebekka.

"Not until tomorrow night," replies Anneke.

"Can you convince her to return tonight?" Anneke considers this for a moment before answering that she probably could.

"Then do it," the Prince commands, "and you will not summon Samantha until we have personally met with the Justicar again."

"As you command, my Prince," and Anneke gives a shallow yet formal bow with her answer. "And what of Bonnie?"

"She will have to remain in Houston until Prince Casimir regains her footing. That cannot be helped. Be sure that Gwynnis knows to ask Prince Strauss to see Councilor Meerlinda when she is in Dallas. I mean to have her in New Orleans as soon as possible. Tonight, if the Justicar can convince Meerlinda to return with her." Sarah's eyes widen at mention of the Councilor's name.

"I shall fully apprise the Justicar of the situation in New Orleans. I am sure I do not need to remind you how persuasive Gwynnis can be when the need arises."

"Let us hope she is able to bring that persuasiveness full to bear tonight," replies Rebekka, after which Anneke departs.

[Detritus]

"I am sorry," the Prince says to everyone remaining in the balcony. "There were decisions that needed to be made quickly in light of the possibility that Samantha truly has the blood of an elder Brujah flowing in her veins. I shall explain further, but may I first ask, did you see any other fresh graves? Are your arrangements for animal sentries completed to your satisfaction now?"

[SD Anderson]

"I am sorry," the Prince says to everyone remaining in the balcony. "There were decisions that needed to be made quickly in light of the possibility that Samantha truly has the blood of an elder Brujah flowing in her veins. I shall explain further, but may I first ask, did you see any other fresh graves? Are your arrangements for animal sentries completed to your satisfaction now?"

"I got the first of mine before I joined the others. I probably should set up more."

[Brother Brian]

"There was nothing found at the second cemetary I visited." Francois said.

Francois begins pacing back and forth. "I don't mean to be insulting to the elders present, but I'm not convinced of the urgency of pressing an attack. I feel that you may be overstating the importance of the blood generation. A day old Brujah is a day old Brujah. Certainly one closer to Caine has the potential to grow more powerful than one further down the bloodline."

He pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "But in truth, the power of the elders lies not in their blood but in their minds. It is the experience of centuries that makes the aged formidable, more so than the power of their gifts."

[Kalzazz]

"Unless they could embrace people who were already vaguely dangerous . . . . hmmm, Y2K was pretty recent, are there any leftover strongholds of heavily armed people fearing the Y2K bug around still? They might be interesting foes if embraced by the Sabbat"

[Brother Brian]

"Unless they could embrace people who were already vaguely dangerous . . . . hmmm, Y2K was pretty recent, are there any leftover strongholds of heavily armed people fearing the Y2K bug around still? They might be interesting foes if embraced by the Sabbat"

"Perhaps", Francois begins, "if so, that smells like my sire's influence. I still wouldn't expect it to happen overnight however."

[Kalzazz]

"Unless they had them prestocked and ready to go . . . Bianca might have planned Crusher's readyness from the beginning. So it took one night for Miss Drake to become human, one night for her to become a vampire, one night for her to embrace all the prestocked humans, and then on the 4th night they have an army . . . . though they probably need to go through some indoctrination process . . . . but if they link the Camarilla and the ATF that shouldnt be a problem"

"Uhmm . . . . is the ATF under our control? If it is, we could see if anyone has bought palletloads of guns recently"

[Detritus]

"I got the first of mine before I joined the others. I probably should set up more."

"There was nothing found at the second cemetary I visited." Francois said.
"We should have it under surveillance nonetheless," says Rebekka.

Francois begins pacing back and forth. "I don't mean to be insulting to the elders present, but I'm not convinced of the urgency of pressing an attack. I feel that you may be overstating the importance of the blood generation. A day old Brujah is a day old Brujah. Certainly one closer to Caine has the potential to grow more powerful than one further down the bloodline."

He pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "But in truth, the power of the elders lies not in their blood but in their minds. It is the experience of centuries that makes the aged formidable, more so than the power of their gifts."
"I would prefer to wait, myself," says the Prince. "I would not underestimate the danger of dozens of newly Embraced Brujah. Of the 7th generation they could be, if we are to believe Crusher's surmise, and they wouldn't have the debilitating mental afflictions of the Malkavians. They would still need someone to teach them how best to use their gifts, however."

"Another reason to keep close watch on Crusher," says Anneke. "I am sure he could do it."

"Unless they could embrace people who were already vaguely dangerous . . . . hmmm, Y2K was pretty recent, are there any leftover strongholds of heavily armed people fearing the Y2K bug around still? They might be interesting foes if embraced by the Sabbat"
"There are also the Ghouls that a low-generation vampire can make. Not as formidable an adversary as another Kindred, but they can move about during the day. And if they are soldiers...," Rebekka trails off for a moment.

"We have just returned from meeting with Sgt. Baker, whom some of you already know," says Anneke. "He suspects, but does not know, that at least one of our adversaries has contacts at Jackson Barracks, separate from those that Mr. Johnson has.

"Those Kindred who are of sufficiently low generation to be able to develop personalized discipline powers can create Ghouls who are capable of learning more advanced disciplines, and the closer one is to Caine, the higher the level of attainment possible for their Ghouls. It may be that enhanced soldiers will fight on both sides of any potential battle. Unless we act quickly," she says, this last for Rebekka.

"It is too soon, Anneke," replies the Prince. "There are too many variables involved with unbonded Ghouls to rely on them so heavily in an armed confrontation."

"Then what?" asks Anneke, although the Prince does not answer immediately...

[Brother Brian]

Francois, seeing the prince's lack of an answer steps in.

"We prepare. We fortify our positions. We identify those who we would ghoul, and bring them to a common location for more expediant movement once it becomes required.

We find ourselves pallets of guns. I myself need proper armement; as in this day and age, attempting to bring a firearm across the pond is rather too difficult to bother with. All I was able to bring were my "antiques".

With this Francois raises his trenchcoat to reveal a perfectly maintained flintlock pistol.

"It will certainly not be enough for the battle, and thus I must find and make contacts in the city to arrange the armement I require. One that could arrange bulk delivery of such might be useful."

[Detritus]

Anneke leans over to Rebekka while keeping her gaze fixed on Francois. "I suspect that Uma would know where to get her hands on a cache of small arms, if we asked her to." Rebekka nods her head.

"There is also the armory at the Jackson Barracks, although that could be tricky if we were to rely on it to arm more than a few of us." Rebekka looks to Francois and says, "I take it that you would like to size up potential recruits yourself? We already have some in mind, but another pair of eyes can only help matters."

[Brother Brian]

"I would be happy to do so, if it is needed. I would note however that if you prefer I will happily trust your judgement in the matter, my prince."

[Detritus]

"I would be happy to do so, if it is needed. I would note however that if you prefer I will happily trust your judgement in the matter, my prince."
"Very well," says Rebekka, "arm yourself for the coming nights, and perhaps we shall arrange a meeting with soldiers later tonight. Tomorrow night at the latest, I would say. All of you should be armed to your satisfaction," she says to the room, and then the Prince turns her head as if hearing something in the hallway beyond the balcony's opening. Camille & Crusher et al. make their return shortly thereafter.

"You are feeling better now?" Rebekka asks Crusher.

"I am, Majesty, although I am curious what you gave to me before I left, and why I had to consume it on so close to an empty stomach."

"I am afraid we had to subject you to similar treatment as your erstwhile captors did. You drank a mixture of blood from the elders of this city. Myself, and Anneke, whom you see before you, and three others, the Sheriff and Seneschal of New Orleans, and their Sire, who is the Toreador Justicar." Crusher exhales at hearing this, but does not say anything.

"We shall hold your bond until we can establish your association with Don Cruez to our satisfaction. Things will go well if we can verify your claim. If not, then not." The searching look returns to the Prince's face again, harder than ever, and Crusher drops his eyes after several seconds of this scrutiny.

"I am glad we understand each other," the Prince says softly, her expression impassive. "I am sure that Camille, Ramiel, and Sabine will be happy to assist in verifying your claims." Neither Sabine nor Ramiel has much of any reaction to this statement. Camille gives the Prince a tight smile, but remains silent. "You may go," at which the four of them leave.

"Will you please inform Uma of our need of her connections," Rebekka says to Anneke. "Find your weapons, and set your guards, and we shall meet again with the Sheriff. I will inform her that the meeting is postponed until 1 am." The Prince gathers Sarah and Merill to her, and makes to leave the balcony.

"Is there anything else you wish to address before the meeting ends?"

[Detritus]

If there's anything you want to bring up in-character, feel free to do so while you've still got the Prince's ear. Otherwise you'll be left with Anneke for a bit until Uma arrives.

I had Rebekka push the originally scheduled midnight meeting with the Sheriff back an hour to 1 am to give everyone time to do everything they want/need to do before the meeting. It's about 11:20 when she leaves the jazz hall. If you don't think that's enough time, we can push the meeting with the Sheriff back even further.

If there are any particular requests for weaponry, now is the time to draw up your wish list. Handguns, sawed-off shotguns, probably SMGs are all available. Maybe grenades, too. You can always ask for whatever, but reasonably easy concealment of your weapons of choice will be useful, especially if you're going to be prowling the streets with them.

[Detritus]

After the Tremere leave, Anneke calls up Uma, who arrives just after half past eleven. The Toreador puckers her lips when Uma walks into the balcony, and shejust shakes her head and rolls her eyes, which elicits a chuckle from Anneke.

"They need some firearms," Anneke says as she swings her head towards you.

"They, huh?" replies Uma. "I can take you to Al's, I guess, I just need to know who's coming with. As long as it ain't the Duchess of Doom here." Anneke blows Uma a kiss and laughs again.

((Who wants some yummy firearms?))

[Kalzazz]

"That sounds fun, Ill come"

[Brother Brian]

"Indeed" Francois said, "I am in need of a purveyor of armement."

[Huxley]

"Would it be of use for me to carry weapons? I do not know how to use them"

[Kalzazz]

"Sure, guns are super easy to use, once you get a bit familiarized with it"

[Detritus]

"If nothing else, assuming you can hit the ground with a thrown rock, you can use a grenade," says Uma. "I bet Al has a few handy, at the very least."

[Huxley]

Leo nods. "If it will help, then I will come along"

[Kalzazz]

"Great, let go then"

She glances toward Francois, "And Ill take my car this time"

[Detritus]

Jocelin's probably still parked near the house by Tulane University. This is fine, we can fast-forward through some in-game time in which Jocelin gets dropped off and then picks people up. I'll be starting a new IC thread later tonight, most likely.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin turns to Uma, "Say . . . has anyone searched Bianca's and Black Cat's lairs?"

[Detritus]

Jocelin turns to Uma, "Say . . . has anyone searched Bianca's and Black Cat's lairs?"
"Probably not in the past couple of days. We can check 'em out after everyone gets the firepower they're looking for."

((All the stuff in this thread occurs before the argument that kicks off the next IC thread.))

[SD Anderson]

ooc: I'll pass on continuing this thread. Comments on this can go into the Uncle Albert weapons emporium thread (and i'll take twin linked vulcans with a recoiless mounted on a roof turret for my Class 20 car). ;)