Evening Council, Slight Return (pre-dawn Wed. 4/4/07)

[Detritus]

EDIT -- OK, change of plans, since it looks like the discussion about Al has wrapped up. I'm going to fast-forward through the drive back from the forest near Lake Pontchartrain to the mansion for Jack et al. Also, there will be a few minutes of inconsequential small talk between the end of the discussion about Al and Jack & NPCs' arrival at the mansion. More in a bit...

EDIT 2 -- I'll also stipulate that everyone in Roman's truck will have had the chance to compare notes, since pretty much everyone in there had a somewhat different experience on what they encountered when scouting the forest compound.

[Detritus]

Having realized that the matrix of who knows whom at the start of the thread is going to be rather complicated, I think it'll be useful to list all that at the outset. I'm not going to bother with trying to keep track of it in terms of descriptions and not naming names if a PC doesn't recognize someone; if the need arises, I'll just be using NPC names, and it'll be up to you to keep straight who your PC does and does not recognize until introductions are made. Jack is the only PC showing up to the mansion, but there are several NPCs with him, and several more NPCs with the other PCs already in the parlor.

NPCs in the parlor - Camille, Kallista, Sarah, Zack

NPCs arriving from the field - Dee Dee, Erik, Muaziz, Roman, Wynn

Jack recognizes everyone already in the parlor except for the new PCs, Jake and Rosalyn. EDIT -- Zack was a stranger to Jack at the start of the thread, I flubbed that.

Jake doesn't recognize any of the new arrivals to the mansion.

François and Leo recognize all the arrivals to the mansion except for Wynn.

Rosalyn only recognizes Wynn of the new arrivals. Wynn also recognizes Rosalyn. Muaziz will recognize Rosalyn, too, based on what she saw in the astral plane near the lake.

Bonnie will also be coming downstairs to fetch Rosalyn at some point early in this thread, and a new thread will splinter off this one at the appropriate time.

All of the NPCs except for Erik have a picture in the Dramatis Personae thread, if you want to put faces to names.

All clear? :grin:

[Detritus]

The conversation in the parlor drifts away from shop talk for a time, and after a few minutes of this lighter fare you hear footsteps descending the stairway again. Just as you turn your heads, the front door opens and Dee Dee strides through, followed by those that went with her on the scouting mission. They've come back with someone (almost) no one in the parlor recognizes. He's tall, and looks to have just entered his middle years at the time of his Embrace. Muaziz and the stranger both give Rosalyn kind of weird looks when they see her; there's definitely an aspect of surprise in them both.

"Bonnie," says Dee Dee when the Seneschal finishes coming down the stairs. "I spoke to the Prince, and we came back as fast as we could. There have been developments?" The Sheriff looks into the parlor, and there is no recognition in her eyes when they pass over Jake and Rosalyn.

"There have, and not only here, it would seem," Bonnie replies. Some of you notice Sarah squinting at Wynn.

"Wynn? What are you doing in New Orleans?"

"You have spoken out of turn, Miss Cobbler," Wynn replies with a smile. "Rebekka always was indulgent with you. It will be your undoing, one of these nights."

"I'll Miss Cobbler you, Wynn!" Sarah says, returning Wynn's smile. "Come on, you can tell us why you're here."

"That should wait until I have formally presented myself to the Prince," Wynn replies.

"Yes, will you please inform the Prince that the Sheriff has returned with Wynn, Sarah," Bonnie says, and Sarah heads upstairs at the Seneschal's request.

"While we wait, let us make introductions. Wynn sits on the Primogen Council in Houston, for clan Gangrel. Wynn, this is François Petit, and Zack North. They sit on the newly formed Primogen Council in New Orleans, for clans Brujah and Gangrel, respectively. This is Camille Devereux, and Kallista, who are members of long standing of the New Orleans Kindred community. And new arrivals to the city, Jacob Cortland, and Rosalyn Quinnell."

"Rosalyn," Wynn says in a flat voice, the questions piling up in his eyes.

"That's correct. Before we get too far with questions," Bonnie syas, heading off Wynn, "those of you new to the city, this is the Sheriff of New Orleans, Dee Dee, the Tremere Primogen, Muaziz, and Jack, Erik, and Roman, three members of the Gangrel clan."

((OK, let's get the introductions out of the way, and then Rebekka will show up.))

[Chimaera]

Jake steps forward and bows briefly, smiling.

"Greetings. Jacob Cortland, Toreador, at your service."

Jacob steps back.

[SD Anderson]

An outsider Torreador... making them a very rapidly growing clan in the city, Jack thinks. still a bit light on the Tremere showing up here. Not that surprising in one sense. Prince Johnson's effective exile of them has to be an issue for them, but New Orleans is supposed to be a region rich in special magical areas. You'd think they'd show more interest in claiming some title to those. Gwynnis' doing or are the seeds of distrust and clan animosity just sewn that deep?

[Brother Brian]

Francois bows to Wynn. "Francois Petit, General of the ravaging Brujah hoard", he says, with smiling eyes. "And sometimes philosopher, we musn't forget that part."

[Huxley]

Raising a hand to identify himself, "Leo"

[Detritus]

Francois bows to Wynn. "Francois Petit, General of the ravaging Brujah hoard", he says, with smiling eyes. "And sometimes philosopher, we musn't forget that part."
"You're ravaging horde doesn't seem to be much in evidence at the moment," Wynn says, "and I am getting the feeling that we will have need of them."

[Kalzazz]

Rosalyn nods to Wynn, "Yes, that is my name, hopefully we can talk later of it"

She turns to the other new arrivals and smiles, "I am Rosalyn Quinnell, also of Clan Toreador, also new come to New Orleans"

((And suddenly it seems very relevant to ask . . . is Rosalyn dressed as Jocelin was, and if so, did the clothes etc alter to fit her?))

[Detritus]

((And suddenly it seems very relevant to ask . . . is Rosalyn dressed as Jocelin was, and if so, did the clothes etc alter to fit her?))
LOL, yeah, I guess it is relevant. We'll say that in the brief downtime between threads, Rosalyn changed into one of Gwynnis's outfits, since they're pretty close in clothing sizes. Black slacks, black jacket, black pumps/flats as you see fit, pastel pink shirt.

[Detritus]

Rosalyn nods to Wynn, "Yes, that is my name, hopefully we can talk later of it"
"Not much later, it is to be hoped," replies Wynn.

"I saw her," Muaziz says, "or someone who looked exactly like her, where we followed the Sabbat to."

"I will not say that I saw Rosalyn, but before seeing her here, I would have been certain that I saw Sidana near Lake Pontchartrain."

Bonnie looks between Wynn, Muaziz, and those who returned from the rescue mission for Jocelin.

"It's complicated, and I'd rather have someone who was there explain what happened. But, not before proper presentation is made." Bonnie turns to head upstairs herself, but Rebekka and Sarah appear at the head of the stairs just as Bonnie reaches the foot.

When Rebekka makes her way back into the parlor, she says, "Sarah has apprised me of your desire to be properly armed, Rosalyn, and of her idea to convert Jocelin's katana. She will take Jocelin's sword upstairs to the Justicar and the Councilor, and they will prepare it, at which point they will need you to complete the ritual. They should be ready for you in about 5 minutes, or 10 at most. In that time, we should exchange as much of the information each of us has as possible, after the presentation."

Wynn steps up to Rebekka and presents himself as a Gangrel of the 5th generation, childe of Stanislava, childe of Ennoia, mentions that he has been in the city under orders from Gwynnis, and offers congratulations to Rebekka for her ascension to Praxis New Orleans.

"You seem surprised to see me," he says, "did Gwynnis not apprise you of my arrival into the city?"

"She did not." Rebekka's eyes stray to the group who came back with Wynn, perhaps lingering a moment longer on Dee Dee and Jack. "She may have been preoccupied with other matters. Will you tell me what you saw in the field?"

Dee Dee begins with the basics, tracking the Sabbat to the forest clearing near Lake Pontchartrain. Wynn will give his report on seeing Sidana with the spear, and the beginning of the meeting with Jack. Muaziz reports on her astral sighting of "Sidana," though the name passes somewhat haltingly over her lips.

**Jack can give his account of events in the field here**

After Jack's input, Rebekka will suggest that the raw details of the rescue mission for Jocelin would best be told by someone who was there.

[Detritus]

As I said in the OOC thread, feel free to post in first come, first serve mode if you want, it's most important to get the info out there right now, and I'm going to be somewhat busy the next few days. We can say things were actually presented in sensible order, including what questions get answered when, if the PCs have any at this point.

[SD Anderson]

"Just how powerful is that spear back there? Is it powering the warding they have around that compound or do the bastards have something else that powerful with them?" Jack asks.

[Huxley]

"The most important parts of our journey revolve around entering the Deep Umbra. We saw Jocelin there about to enter combat with two Garou, several insect-like creatures, as well as Heather and a person I did not recognize but was later identified as Sidana. When we arrived, we attempted to fight back the enemies so that Jocelin could escape, but she chose instead to attempt killing Heather"

Leo pauses a moment here, thinking to himself.

"As a result, she was eventually killed. Fortunately, Meerlinda here was able to acquire the Justicar's eye before we made our escape. We met Rosalyn on the other side of the Deep Umbra, and she is somehow connected with the death of Jocelin. My knowledge of the mystical will be shown to be lacking, but in essence she provided us with a means of bringing Jocelin back"

[Detritus]

"Just how powerful is that spear back there? Is it powering the warding they have around that compound or do the bastards have something else that powerful with them?" Jack asks.
"Any warding would not come from the spear, I would guess," replies Rebekka, "unless it was used in a warding ritual, much as we have used Caledfwlch here for certain of our wards. We have reason to believe that one of the enemies encountered on the rescue mission for Jocelin is none other than Goratrix, the founder of the Tremere antitribu. If he and Sidana are together, then it is likely his work that is the source of any ward, perhaps augmented by the spear, perhaps not.

"I will let Meerlinda give a more complete report on what to expect from him, but I would say he is more dangerous than Miss Drake, or even Sidana turned to the Sabbat. He was one of the original members of the ruling Council of Seven of the Tremere clan before his defection to the Sabbat, and is purported to have been the one to figure out how to bestow the condition of vampirism on mortals by means other than the Embrace. And he has other potent capabilities besides.

"However, of the spear itself, Rosalyn could most likely give better account of its capabilities than I."

((Check PMs, Kal. I forgot to put this in the PM, but Rosalyn would know that the spear doesn't have any intrinsic warding capability.))

[Kalzazz]

"The spear . . . its name is Rhongomyniad. It doesnt possess any form of warding in and of itself. However, as Rebekka said, it could be used in rituals Im sure, having its own power and significance"

"Of its capabilities . . . . as I did with Jocelin's blade in that realm to give it fire, so can Sidana do with Rhongomyniad, and the fire can be fierce in the extreme. And if the spear is cast it shall come back to hand. Possibly with a warding this could be stopped"

" . . . also note . . . Sidana is exceptionally gifted with it"

[Detritus]

((Forgot to mention this explicitly, but Sarah did go upstairs with Jocelin's katana while everyone else was exchanging information. The order of questions and answers from Jack's question will be his question about the spear, Rebekka's reply, Sidana's reply, and then Leo's account of the rescue mission. Sarah and Gwynnis arrive after Leo's reply.))

More footsteps come from the stairway, and then Sarah enters the parlor leading Gwynnis, who still wears Anneke's sunglasses. Sarah looks almost as if she expects to be goosed at any moment. You notice that for some reason, the Justicar is no longer wearing a shirt under her jacket, which is unbuttoned, and may not be the same one she left the room wearing. A pale strip of flesh from her neck to belt line is visible. Sarah ends up leading Gwynnis to the Prince. ((Jake doesn't recognize the golden-haired angel that Sarah leads into the room, but the self-assuredness with which she interrupts the meeting marks her out as a VIP, and she is certainly either the Justicar or the Councilor.))

"Anneke has not yet arrived?"

"No," replies Rebekka. Surprise flashes on her face for an instant. "She... comes shortly." Weird looks start crossing the faces of some of the others in the room.

"Sheriff," Gwynnis says without turning away from Rebekka, "will you show me what you saw in the field?"

Dee Dee exchanges a look with Bonnie and then moves until she stands directly behind Gwynnis. Just as the Sheriff opens her mouth, Gwynnis turns to face her. She raises a hand to touch her childe's face. Younger Kindred might have the impression that she's performing a Vulcan Mind Meld. Both women move to Wynn after about 30 seconds of the silent exchange of information.

"May I?" Gwynnis asks, raising a hand towards Wynn's head without making contact. Wynn's expression seems equal parts reluctance and confusion, but after a moment's hesitation he leans down towards the Justicar's reach.

"As you wish," he says, and Gwynnis puckers her lips briefly in the middle of the smile that comes to her face.

"Thank you," Gwynnis says, a trace of her smile lingering. She then moves until she is within arm's reach of Jake. The Kindred near him surreptitiously move away until there is a halo of empty space around the two of them, but Gwynnis doesn't not react to this at all.

"You, I do not know," she says, "and I never forget a face."

((The other PCs suddenly realize that the Justicar's statement to Jake is the first word spoken in English since Gwynnis entered the room. Everything prior to this has been spoken in Welsh.))

[Chimaera]

Jake considers this interesting bit of datum -- he'd picked up Welsh during his time in Britain, but it was not a language he'd thought to hear again outside of Wales; certainly not in New Orleans. It seemed like it would take a while to get used to this vampire thing culturally as well as biologically. He glanced around to see if he could get a sense of whether or not anyone was not following. For the time being, keeping his mouth shut and his eyes and ears open was the best way to get up to speed as fast as possible. "Deep Umbra", magic spears... E-fucking-gad...

[Detritus]

((Having had their memories jogged, the PCs returning from Jocelin's rescue mission begin to realize that all the verbiage starting from the very beginning of the astral journey to Glastonbury Tor and going through the return to their bodies was actually conducted in Welsh, and that Meerlinda had no trouble keeping up with the conversation. All the PCs linked with Gwynnis realize that they can think in Welsh; it's essentially like a second native tongue for them (first native tongue for Rosalyn). The other PCs are invited to give their reactions, if any, upon realizing how much of the conversation was in Welsh now that it's dawned on them, if the players so wish.

In terms of NPCs who were following along, Rebekka spoke rather haltingly, Dee Dee and Wynn spoke well, and Gwynnis fluently, from the small amount of conversation that occurred in Welsh. Bonnie didn't seem to have any trouble following along.))

"Are you shy?" Gwynnis asks after a moment, a coy smile coming to her lips. "Is he shy?" she asks over her shoulder to no one in particular.

"No more than any man faced with uncertain footing, I would say, Sire," Bonnie replies. She comes up to make introductions, but gives her sire an unreadable look before doing so.

"This is Jacob Cortland, Sire, a Toreador come from Miami, although he prefers the name Jake. Jake, you stand in the presence of Her Serene Majesty, Gwynnis," Bonnie says, though there is a hint of a dry undertone to the first title she gives her sire, "Justicar of clan Toreador."

((I'm heading home for the night pretty soon, and the number of working internets in my apartment will most likely remain at zero, so we'll see where we're at next time I get a chance to post...))

[Chimaera]

"My lady." says Jake, bowing briefly.

[Detritus]

((There are lots of questions that come at the end of this post, which you're free to answer on a first come, first serve basis, in addition to reacting to any of the stuff that happens before this as well.))

Gwynnis makes a shallow curtsy, a fractional bend of neck and knees.

"The pleasure is all mine," Gwynnis says, the coy smile never leaving her lips. There is a momentary silence before she turns away from Jake.

"I believe the Councilor is ready for us, Rosalyn. Shall we go to her now?" The Justicar turns away from Rosalyn before she has a chance to reply, and looks back and forth several times between Rebekka and Bonnie.

"Bring Anneke to us when she arrives, she should have her first briefing in private," she finally says to Bonnie, once again speaking Welsh. Gwynnis then turns once more and begins to exit the parlor, neither waiting for Rosalyn to come beside her nor bothering even to check if she follows.

"I think she likes you, lad," Zack finally says once sounds of Gwynnis and Rosalyn's footsteps fade away. Dee Dee frowns at the parlor's exit, and a touch of skepticism appears on Bonnie's face. Rebekka shakes her head as if clearing her mind.

"She is a creature of many guises, and many moods, our Gwynnis," the Prince says, "none of which should be of any concern to us right now, for such thoughts bring us no closer to capturing Sidana."

"Then you think it's really her?" Dee Dee asks.

"Yes, and we must capture her in order to restore both her and Jocelin. From what I have heard, a frontal assault seems to have uncertain prospects."

"Agreed," says Dee Dee, though there's still some doubt in her eyes left over from her previous question. "Best to isolate her in that case, either by watching and striking, or by means of a Summons. Either is going to be fairly risky, but she might not be expecting to be summoned."

"She will be canny enough to realize what is happening, if it comes to a Summons, but that method does afford the advantage of choosing the time and place of the confrontation."

"We'll need to figure out who's available for this operation, too," says the Sheriff. "Beyond Rosalyn, I assume that our Brujah Primogen will be there. And some strong backs and arms would be nice if it's a capture we're looking to make."

"Do we think we already have enough intel to act?" asks Zack.

[Brother Brian]

"Intel or not, time has us on our heels. Control of the arena is likely the best we can hope for." Francois responds to Zach. Surveying the group, he says, "I find it highly likely that upon realizing she is summoned, Siadana will call in reenforcements, and is unlikely to arrive alone. At the very least, I would expect a couple of her bodyguards to be with her."

"With that, it would be prudent to seperate the bodyguards before she reaches her final destination, whereever that is to be. If we attack them, they will be forced to remain and protect her flank, but she will be compelled to continue on."

Francois taps his chin thoughtfully. "Ideally we could trap them in a sealable passage, and in doing so gain tactical advantages. "

[Detritus]

"Trap them, or just bring to bear enough firepower to disable the bodyguards," Dee Dee says. "That's a good thought."

"New Orleans doesn't have a sewer system," Camille says, "but it does have a fairly extensive waterfront along the Mississippi. Maybe one of the larger abandoned buildings there?"

[Brother Brian]

"Trap them, or just bring to bear enough firepower to disable the bodyguards," Dee Dee says. "That's a good thought."

"New Orleans doesn't have a sewer system," Camille says, "but it does have a fairly extensive waterfront along the Mississippi. Maybe one of the larger abandoned buildings there?"

"The issue then will be funnelling them into the building, and then funneling Siadana out the back door before it becomes a kill box..." Francois pauses, a light in his eyes, "unless we can disable them all! One of the curiosities of the move from arrows to firearms is that a well placed wooden arrow is far more dangerous to our kind, despite it being an inferior weapon in general. If we could somehow project a single sizable volley of wooden bolts at them at speed, in a confined space, we could cripple their defenses before they were raised!"

[Detritus]

"Hmm, that assumes the bodyguards will all be Kindred," Rebekka says, "and that was not the case in the attempt to rescue Jocelin. Some silver would be desirable for this operation, I think."

"Yes, the Garou," says Wynn. "I heard tales from the local fauna suggesting they might be present."

[SD Anderson]

"Hmm, that assumes the bodyguards will all be Kindred," Rebekka says, "and that was not the case in the attempt to rescue Jocelin. Some silver would be desirable for this operation, I think."

"Yes, the Garou," says Wynn. "I heard tales from the local fauna suggesting they might be present."

"We were able to extract five shotgun shells worth of silver shot off of some silverware earlier." Jack says.

[Detritus]

"Will that be enough?" asks Zack.

"Not nearly, would be my guess," replies the Prince. "Can we get more, Seneschal?"

"I could probably get us one or two 100-ounce bars by tomorrow evening," Bonnie says after a moment's thought. "It'd be up to someone else to work it into shot, though."

"We will be able to handle that. Meerlinda has a way with silver. We will still need casings, but I assume they will be easy to find."

"There're the Dragon's Breath Rounds, too," Sarah says. "Jocelin gave me 50 9 mm rounds to convert."

"They will be an asset," replies Rebekka, "and we will most likely want to make more. But they have a tendency to ruin firearms after only a few shots. A large-scale deployment will require either careful shooting or several weapons per person using these rounds."

[Chimaera]

"Uhm, how about white phosphorous rounds? I should be able to hook us up with some."

[Detritus]

"Interesting," Dee Dee says. "I don't think WP rounds match up with Dragon's Breath on a shot-for-shot basis, but it's a lot less wear and tear on the weapons."

"How fast could you get them?" Rebekka asks.

[SD Anderson]

"Will that be enough?" asks Zack.

"Not nearly, would be my guess," replies the Prince. "Can we get more, Seneschal?"

"I could probably get us one or two 100-ounce bars by tomorrow evening," Bonnie says after a moment's thought. "It'd be up to someone else to work it into shot, though."

"We will be able to handle that. Meerlinda has a way with silver. We will still need casings, but I assume they will be easy to find."

"There're the Dragon's Breath Rounds, too," Sarah says. "Jocelin gave me 50 9 mm rounds to convert."

"They will be an asset," replies Rebekka, "and we will most likely want to make more. But they have a tendency to ruin firearms after only a few shots. A large-scale deployment will require either careful shooting or several weapons per person using these rounds."

"The silver jewelry in that 24 hour Walmart could be acquired in a matter of minutes. The silver content might be questionable though. However, some of the residents here may have allies and ghouls from old established family with old established money and thus old established jewelry of the silver persuasion. That might be a more reliable route to silver in a hurry."

[Chimaera]

"Interesting," Dee Dee says. "I don't think WP rounds match up with Dragon's Breath on a shot-for-shot basis, but it's a lot less wear and tear on the weapons."

"How fast could you get them?" Rebekka asks.

"Well, if you want them fast, I can probably get them by tomorrow night. However, that'll mean a serious premium. If cost is an issue, I can get them for a more reasonable price, but it'll take a couple of nights to take delivery."

[Detritus]

Dee Dee looks at Jack like he's retarded for a bit. A droll smile appears on Bonnie's lips, but all she says is, "I think my money is old enough, and my silver pure enough, to get the job done."

"Yes, I am sure that the Seneschal was employing some level of understatement in describing her chances of procuring enough silver for our needs," Rebekka says. "I have every confidence in her ability to meet our demand in a timely manner. I also think it imprudent for us to go rushing off tonight to capture Sidana, so delivery tomorrow night at sunset should be fine."

[Chimaera]

"Is silver our only option for dealing with werewolves? Does fire work for them too? I mean, before we start melting down the family cutlery and all..."

[Detritus]

"Fire works on most things," says Wynn, "but silver is better in the case of the Garou."

[Chimaera]

"Fire works on most things," says Wynn, "but silver is better in the case of the Garou."

"Okay, but then if we can stick to one consistent weapon, we're much more flexible, tactically. We're fighting a mixed group, some of which are vulnerable to silver, some of which aren't right? But they're all vulnerable to fire... So, instead of splitting our efforts, wouldn't it make sense to load up with fire-based weaponry and not worry about switching clips or weapons mid-fight?"

[Detritus]

"Okay, but then if we can stick to one consistent weapon, we're much more flexible, tactically. We're fighting a mixed group, some of which are vulnerable to silver, some of which aren't right? But they're all vulnerable to fire... So, instead of splitting our efforts, wouldn't it make sense to load up with fire-based weaponry and not worry about switching clips or weapons mid-fight?"
"How fast can you have white phosphorus rounds delivered, and how many?" Rebekka asks.

((How fast is already answered in PMs, how many I'll say will be a roll against Jake's weapons contacts' Streetwise skill, and they can get 50 rounds per point they make the roll by. Base cost for overnight delivery is $5 per round, and you can get extra 50 rounds per point made by increasing by reducing the Contact's effective skill -1, and this penalty is cumulative for each increment of 50 per point made -- e.g. the Contact's effective skill would be 19 to get 150 rounds per point the roll is made by, they roll against 18 to get 200 rounds per point, etc. Price remains the same for all rounds regardless of the increment you end up choosing, as volume price decrease is offset by your contacts having to deal with multiple sources to fill a very large (~ several thousand rounds) order.))

[Chimaera]

"How fast can you have white phosphorus rounds delivered, and how many?" Rebekka asks.

Well, that all depends. Assuming we want all of this by tomorrow night it's going to cost us. We could conceivably get a few hundred rounds, maybe more, by tomorrow night. But given that time-frame, there is a certain amount of volatility in terms of what can be scrounged up at the moment. The longer we wait, the more we can set a specific order and the cheaper it will be. Do you want me to put in an order for as much as we can get for tomorrow?"

[Detritus]

Well, that all depends. Assuming we want all of this by tomorrow night it's going to cost us. We could conceivably get a few hundred rounds, maybe more, by tomorrow night. But given that time-frame, there is a certain amount of volatility in terms of what can be scrounged up at the moment. The longer we wait, the more we can set a specific order and the cheaper it will be. Do you want me to put in an order for as much as we can get for tomorrow?"
"Yes, please do," Rebekka says. "We have some fairly tight time constraints for the capture operation. If waiting a second night for delivery works out better, then we will deal with that as needed."

"I'd still like some silver ammo, myself," says Dee Dee. "Silver shot seems like a good idea to me. We can have sidearms and rifles with WP rounds, and shotguns with silver shot for extra stopping power if you find yourself up close with a Garou."

"I can always have the silver bars delivered, and if we think better of it, I can just return them unaltered," says Bonnie.

[Chimaera]

"Yes, please do," Rebekka says. "We have some fairly tight time constraints for the capture operation. If waiting a second night for delivery works out better, then we will deal with that as needed."

"I'd still like some silver ammo, myself," says Dee Dee. "Silver shot seems like a good idea to me. We can have sidearms and rifles with WP rounds, and shotguns with silver shot for extra stopping power if you find yourself up close with a Garou."

"I can always have the silver bars delivered, and if we think better of it, I can just return them unaltered," says Bonnie.

"I don't see any reason to not have some silver ammo handy. I'm just thinking in terms of facing a mixed group and how to best deal with them with tactical efficiency. If I'm in the middle of a mob-scene, I don't want to waste my time switching back and forth between weapons, especially if we get in close quarters. Nevertheless, having something handy for the eventuality of being nose-to-nose with one of those big, hairy, smelly bastards sounds like a good idea."

[Chimaera]

Jake excuses himself for a moment and heads outside, where he lights up a cigarette and makes the relevant phone-call.

[Detritus]

((I'm going to keep the conversation in this thread, but it's only IC info for Jake until he reveals the results of the call to everyone else.))

Jake excuses himself for a moment and heads outside, where he lights up a cigarette and makes the relevant phone-call.
On the third ring, someone picks up.

"Yo, Jake the Snake, what's happening, man?"

((Feel free to assign your contact whatever name/nickname you see fit.))

[Chimaera]

On the third ring, someone picks up.

"Yo, Jake the Snake, what's happening, man?"

"Finn, you ridiculous mick bastard... I see that they still haven't caught you. So, still doing okay? I mean what with the 'peace' in Ireland and all?"

[Detritus]

"Finn, you ridiculous mick bastard... I see that they still haven't caught you. So, still doing okay? I mean what with the 'peace' in Ireland and all?"
"You know, they can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man. Or, at least, the Ginger Man." A wheezing laugh that lasts for a few seconds follows this last line.

"Ah, you know how it is, you don't go broke running weapons and munitions. There's always a buyer out there somewhere. But what about you, man, you still showing the women a good time?"

[Chimaera]

"You know, they can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man. Or, at least, the Ginger Man." A wheezing laugh that lasts for a few seconds follows this last line.

"Ah, you know how it is, you don't go broke running weapons and munitions. There's always a buyer out there somewhere. But what about you, man, you still showing the women a good time?"

"I do my best, bro. I've got some business to throw your way -- consider it my contribution to the ex-IRA retirement fund. I need Willy Pete rounds, lots of them, by tomorrow. Yes, yes, I know: I'm mad, there's no way, you can't change the laws of physics, blah, blah, blah. I know it'll cost extra; that's fine, I'm trusting you not to hose me, or, more importantly, the new regular client I'm about to hook you up with. This is definitely long-term repeat business if you play your cards right, Finn, so don't fuck it up and don't be too greedy. I need to take delivery by sundown tomorrow, as much as you can get me."

[Detritus]

"I do my best, bro. I've got some business to throw your way -- consider it my contribution to the ex-IRA retirement fund. I need Willy Pete rounds, lots of them, by tomorrow. Yes, yes, I know: I'm mad, there's no way, you can't change the laws of physics, blah, blah, blah. I know it'll cost extra; that's fine, I'm trusting you not to hose me, or, more importantly, the new regular client I'm about to hook you up with. This is definitely long-term repeat business if you play your cards right, Finn, so don't fuck it up and don't be too greedy. I need to take delivery by sundown tomorrow, as much as you can get me."
There's a silence at the other end of the line, and you can imagine Finn wincing as you lay down the parameters for this order.

"Overnight delivery for Mr. William Peterson is going to come with a serious expedite fee," he finally says. "I've got 500 rounds I can get you for sure in that time frame, maybe more if you can check back with me in an hour. Where exactly are we talking delivery to?"

[Chimaera]

There's a silence at the other end of the line, and you can imagine Finn wincing as you lay down the parameters for this order.

"Overnight delivery for Mr. William Peterson is going to come with a serious expedite fee," he finally says. "I've got 500 rounds I can get you for sure in that time frame, maybe more if you can check back with me in an hour. Where exactly are we talking delivery to?"

"I'll give you the location when I call you back in an hour. How much for the 500 and what will it cost for whatever extra you might be able to scrounge?"

[Detritus]

"I'll give you the location when I call you back in an hour. How much for the 500 and what will it cost for whatever extra you might be able to scrounge?"
"It's going to be five bucks a round in the end, and that's only because I like you, kid."

Right as Finn completes his verbal quote, a woman of middling height wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses approaches the steps of the mansion. She considers you as she passes, but does not say anything to you before entering the mansion.

[Chimaera]

"It's going to be five bucks a round in the end, and that's only because I like you, kid."

Right as Finn completes his verbal quote, a woman of middling height wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses approaches the steps of the mansion. She considers you as she passes, but does not say anything to you before entering the mansion.

Jake acknowledges her with a quick smile and a nod.

"Sounds good, Finn. And I'm only calling you now on his one 'cause I like you. Trust me on this one, bro: I'm feeding you a preferred customer here. You work this right and you are going to finally be able to afford that operation to deal with your 'Irish curse'. I'll call you back with a location and we'll work out payment details."

Jake jogs back inside and gets Rebekka's attention.

[Detritus]

((There aren't necessarily any PC replies required for this post, it's kind of bridging the last little bit of time it takes for Jake to return to the parlor.))

While Jake and Bonnie are making their calls, Anneke enters the mansion and walks into the parlor.

"There is a strange man outside, or at least strange to me," she says without preamble.

"His name is Jacob Cortland," replies Rebekka. "He is of your clan, and newly arrived to New Orleans from Miami. And this is Zack North, who will be the Gangrel Primogen while the Sabbat threaten the city." Zack lifts the cap off his head as Anneke turns toward him, and the two exchange perfunctory greetings.

"Wynn," Anneke says when she sees him, "I had not realized you were in the city."

"I am only newly arrived myself, at the behest of your Sire." Anneke makes a hmm-ing sound and then turns back to Rebekka.

"Are we ready for the briefing?"

"You should be briefed in private first," Rebekka replies, and Bonnie re-enters the parlor, having just finished her call.

"I have arranged for two 100-ounce bars of silver to be delivered here an hour after sunset." She looks at Anneke for a moment and says, "Shall we go upstairs? The Councilor and Justicar await us."

Anneke looks over to Dee Dee, a bit of confusion on her face, but the Sheriff just shrugs.

"Very well," Anneke says, and Rebekka says she will meet the others upstairs shortly as Bonnie and Anneke leave the parlor.

[Detritus]

((Note -- Jake re-enters just as Bonnie and Anneke start to head upstairs))

"All right, if it's a primo hookup you're scoring me here, I'll move heaven and earth if I have to. We'll speak again in an hour." Finn then hangs up as Jake heads back inside.

[Chimaera]

When Jake has Rebekka's attention:

"Rebekka, I've got us 500 rounds guaranteed, possibly more, available for tomorrow sundown. It won't be cheap: it's going to be five bucks a round. But this is a good, consistent hook-up. Given that our previous armourer is out of the picture, I think it's worth fostering some good-will here. I'm due to call back in an hour to get a final count for how many rounds we can get for tomorrow, at which point I'll arrange delivery and payment. Can I assume we can handle a variety of payment options? Wire transfers, electronic transfers, cash, whathaveyou? Also, where you'd like to take delivery -- I imagine we've got a suitable blind for such transactions and that we won't want delivery right to the house."

[Detritus]

Rebekka looks at you for a moment, her gaze carefully neutral, before she answers.

"Method of payment will not be an issue. This is the first arms delivery I've had arranged in New Orleans, however." Rebekka looks first to Kallista, who shrugs.

"That was all Mr. Johnson's gig, Majesty. One of the native Brujah might know, but anything they suggest might be compromised because of Bianca and Black Cat's defections."

"Where is Antoinette?"

"She left in a bit of a huff, my Prince," Camille answers. "Shall we have her called back?"

"I will take care of that myself. In the meantime, perhaps you can describe some of the details of the ideal exchange point, Mr. Cortland, after which one of the longtime residents of the city can identify a suitable location."

"Before we get to that, it might be useful if we had some ordnance, Sire," says Dee Dee, who mimes pulling a pin from a grenade.

"Very good, compile of full list of items for purchase, Sheriff, and determine a suitable location to complete the transaction. I will Summon Antoinette. We will talk to her," Rebekka says to François, "and she will understand her duty after we are done, yes?"

[Brother Brian]

"Having just arrived in the city three nights ago, I might suggest that my residence would be a reletively save place to take delivery of the rounds?"

[Chimaera]

"I would think some neutral location would be best, something unconnected to any of us. I certainly don't think someone's residence is a good place to do it. Do we have any warehouse holdings or such?"

[Brother Brian]

"I would think some neutral location would be best, something unconnected to any of us. I certainly don't think someone's residence is a good place to do it. Do we have any warehouse holdings or such?"

"I could perhaps bring about an expedited leasing arrangement, with a phone call."

[Chimaera]

"I could perhaps bring about an expedited leasing arrangement, with a phone call."

"Or maybe just a suitably isolated, private place with no paper trail leading to us at all? I mean, if we have holdings that fit that bill, we can go with that. Otherwise, the locals could suggest a place to do this."

[SD Anderson]

"We don't need the late Mr. Johnson's yacht for this but a rented boat and a dock is both anonymous and mobile, and I suspect the paperwork of the rental can be kept untraceable." Jack pipes in.

[Brother Brian]

Francois stares incredulously at Jake while Jack speaks.

"Paper trail? You think I am that careless?" Turning to Jack he says "Your suggestion of a yacht is a good one." Looking at the others, "Shall I arrange a suitable water craft and moorage?"

[Chimaera]

Francois stares incredulously at Jake while Jack speaks.

"Paper trail? You think I am that careless?"

Jake shrugs.

"You did initially suggest taking delivery at your residence. I don't know you well enough to make the sort of judgement you're suggesting."

[Detritus]

"Mr. Johnson's boat is probably a bad idea on the grounds that it might be recognized, anyways," says Dee Dee. "Offshore delivery is a good idea, though. I take it one of the native Brujah will best be able to suggest a good launch point, or at least tip us off to the places to be avoided."

"Most likely," replies Camille.

"All right. There's also the matter of what else we need besides WP rounds. I think some grenades would come in handy. Anyone else got any other suggestions?"

[SD Anderson]

"I have a case of fogger insect spray. Poor grenades all told but excellent incindiaries. Fire seems to be a common weakness to many of us 'bump in the night" types. A surer way of detonating them would be nice however." Jack adds.

[Brother Brian]

Francois takes out his cell phone and dials, stepping off to the side, while he does so.

[Detritus]

Francois takes out his cell phone and dials, stepping off to the side, while he does so.
((I know what François wants to do, but who exactly is he calling? One of the other Brujah, presumably?))

[Brother Brian]

((I know what François wants to do, but who exactly is he calling? One of the other Brujah, presumably?))

Nope, whomever it was set up the arrangements in NO in the first place. (I'm not sure we named him, but he'd be a mortal "business manager" of some sort.)

[Detritus]

Nope, whomever it was set up the arrangements in NO in the first place. (I'm not sure we named him, but he'd be a mortal "business manager" of some sort.)
((OK, got it, his business manager will answer and you can RP as much or as little of the conversation as you want, as long as I know what is instructions are.))

Back to the main conversation:

"We can get more fogger at Wal-Mart or the like," Dee Dee says in reply to Jack, "we don't need to go through an arms dealer for that. Unless you were saying that wanted to be hooked up with more explosives besides what we're already getting." The Sheriff gives you an inquiring look after she finishes.

[Brother Brian]

Upon hearing the phone pickup, and before it is answered, Francois starts. His french accent becomes somewhat more pronounced.

"Richard, I have a need from you, yes? Please procure for me the use of a suitable boat...a yacht I think. I am working with the clients who would be impressed by a cruise through the gulf I think. Please ensure that it is situatied with a full wet bar, and some manner of finger foods. There is no need for a pilot, I will contract that on my own. I will wire money into your account today, yes? Good. Are my instructions clear?"

[Detritus]

Upon hearing the phone pickup, and before it is answered, Francois starts. His french accent becomes somewhat more pronounced.

"Richard, I have a need from you, yes? Please procure for me the use of a suitable boat...a yacht I think. I am working with the clients who would be impressed by a cruise through the gulf I think. Please ensure that it is situatied with a full wet bar, and some manner of finger foods. There is no need for a pilot, I will contract that on my own. I will wire money into your account today, yes? Good. Are my instructions clear?"
"Where would you like to pick it up, Sir?" Richard asks.

((I'm not sure if François is using code that Richard would understand with the wet bar/finger foods bit. If he is, Richard will ask if a local caterer might better suit his needs.))

[Brother Brian]

"Where would you like to pick it up, Sir?" Richard asks.

((I'm not sure if François is using code that Richard would understand with the wet bar/finger foods bit. If he is, Richard will ask if a local caterer might better suit his needs.))

I figured that if my Business guy was "In the know" I'd need him as a contact. So there's no code, it's entirely there for deceptive purposes.

"Hmm, where to pick it up? Tell me, what would be a suitably impressive port in your city?"

[Chimaera]

Jake keeps his face studiously, smilingly neutral...

Holy shit... doesn't anyone do business in dark alleys anymore?!? Yachts, fancy ports... E-fucking-gad...

[Detritus]

I figured that if my Business guy was "In the know" I'd need him as a contact. So there's no code, it's entirely there for deceptive purposes.

"Hmm, where to pick it up? Tell me, what would be a suitably impressive port in your city?"
You'll be directed to a port near the main Port of New Orleans, but with less commerce-related activity, of which there must be many, but none of which I know of personally, nor do I have the time to dig out this sort of detail online. You're welcome to suggest a port, if you'd like.

[Brother Brian]

You'll be directed to a port near the main Port of New Orleans, but with less commerce-related activity, of which there must be many, but none of which I know of personally, nor do I have the time to dig out this sort of detail online. You're welcome to suggest a port, if you'd like.

"Hmm" Francois appears to muse, "Perhaps the South Shore Harbor Marina would be the best choice. Can you arrange it?"

[Detritus]

"Hmm" Francois appears to muse, "Perhaps the South Shore Harbor Marina would be the best choice. Can you arrange it?"
"It shall be done, Sir. If there is nothing else?"

[Brother Brian]

"No, that will be all I think. Thank you for your service", Francois says and ends the call before Richard can respond.

Dropping the exagerated accent, Francois says "A private yacht will be waiting for us this evening at the South Shore Harbor....I don't suppose any of you know how to pilot the damn thing?"

[Detritus]

"I can get us one of Mr. Johnson's pilots," Kallista says.

[Detritus]

As the weapons purchasing discussion is wrapping up, Meerlinda comes downstairs and goes to Dee Dee. She produces a crystal goblet seemingly from nowhere, and tells the Sheriff that Gwynnis requests her presence upstairs.

"How did it go?" Rebekka asks her.

"Gwynnis will have things in hand without much trouble, I would guess. They will all be down shortly, after their communion."

Rebekka introduces Meerlinda ((EDIT -- as one of the Council of Seven who rules the Tremere clan)) to Zack and Jake after receiving this report, and will then ask if a satisfactory shopping list and delivery arrangements are in place.

[Detritus]

As the discussion about the weapons/ordnance purchase draws towards its end, Sabine (Sabine Lafitte (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=88292&postcount=22) from the linked post in the Dramatis Personae thread, for Jake's benefit) appears. After Rebekka introduces her to Zack and Jake, she gives a report as best as she can about Al's final minutes, but it's pretty much a story of a guy bleeding out on the operating table. She'll then ask if Thomas and Merill will be attending the meeting, and Rebekka answers that for now they'll stay out with the others to help keep an eye on Crusher.

((The other PCs besides Jake know that "the others" out with Crusher are Uma, Yuri, Radeyah, and Ramiel)).