Audience with Justicar Walsh and Prince Strauss (Sat. 3/24/07)

[Detritus]

The characters arrive at the Dallas mansion where Malkavian Justicar Arcadian Walsh makes his primary haven, in answer to a personal summons that the Justicar presented to each of you.

Leo and Menachem are used to paying visits to Justicar Walsh on a routine basis, but the inclusion of Gangrel Jack Costatine in this meeting is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. Even more intriguing is the presence of recent New Orleans transplant Jocelin Danis.

As Leo is recognized by one of the Justicar's servants, you are led to Arcadian's favorite sitting room, which presently contains a large square table that easily fits two people on each side. Arcadian and Prince Strauss (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=52389&postcount=7) are seated next to each other on one side of the table, and two other member of the Dallas Chantry, Thomas Thorne and Merill Molitor (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=53063&postcount=10) are seated to the side to the prince's right.

As you enter, Arcadian gestures to his left, "Leo, Menachem, please be seated."

He then looks across at the other two Kindred and asks, not unkindly, "Yes, please, have a seat," as he gestures across from him, though you note that he does not use either Jack or Jocelin's name in addressing them.

"Thank you all for coming," starts Arcadian...

[Detritus]

(Incidentally, Leo should probably be the first PC to speak in this particular situation...)

(EDIT -- or not, it's all good. :D)

[SD Anderson]

"Certainly. How can we be of assistance?" Jack says as he sits.

[Huxley]

Leo stares out from the sewer gutter. He quickly looks over the streets to ensure there are no mortals present, then pulls himself onto the street. He walks up to the group, giving a friendly nod to Jocelin, then seeing Jack. He stops, looking at him a moment with his unclosing eyes. He grunts, and turns to Menecham, rasping, "I expected you, at least."

Leo walks to the mansion, hands in pocket, hoodie up -- moving familiarly towards the front door. He walks in, and waits for the servant to take him to Arcadian.

Arcadian says, "Leo, Menachem, please be seated."

Leo immediately moves to the chair on Arcadian's left, on the corner closer to the two.

Arcadian starts,"Thank you all for coming".

Leo slightly bows in submission, looking at Arcadian "Always". He raises himself, and watches the others who were summoned -- lingering on Jack -- and speaks, "For what have you summoned all of us, if you don't mind the inquiry?"

[Detritus]

(Just combined two posts...)

"There are troubles within my clan, and in the city of New Orleans. As Justicar I am charged to deal with them both. I have only suspicions at the moment, so what I need is information, as does Prince Strauss.

"As you know, Delbert Villón, a Malkavian elder, was killed by another vampire last year in France. We all take occasions of diablerie seriously, but we discovered that his childe and his childe's childe had both been murdered in the same way. This implies one thing clearly. Someone is working her way up her lineage.

"We know it is a woman because of the "state" Villón was discovered in. The problem is we don't know which woman. As far as Camarilla records go, none of that line ever sired a woman -- so she has either disguised her lineage or was never presented to the prince.

"As you no doubt realize, the easiest way to catch such a murderess is to carefully observe the next victim. As I am the sire of Delbert, that strongly implies that the next victim would be... me."

As the characters absorb this information, Arcadian withdraws into his own thoughts for a brief period as Prince Strauss stands to address the characters.

"By your leave elder," begins the prince, "I should inform those who don't already know that there is an additional complication. The rumors that you have no doubt heard are true, and the Chantry in New Orleans was utterly destroyed in the hurricane. This, combined with the exodus of most all the Kindred of New Orleans, excepting the prince's brood, has left Mr. Johnson in a position of unusually strong influence in the city, even for a prince."

Prince Strauss waves an arm vaguely in Jocelin's direction as he complete his interjection.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin sits where indicated. "Thank you for summoning me Justicar."

"If they are now no longer with us, how do we know the slayer was a woman?"

[Detritus]

"We know it is a woman because of the "state" Villón was discovered in. The problem is we don't know which woman. As far as Camarilla records go, none of that line ever sired a woman -- so she has either disguised her lineage or was never presented to the prince.

Jocelin sits where indicated. "Thank you for summoning me Justicar."

"If they are now no longer with us, how do we know the slayer was a woman?"
Does that help? ;)

[Detritus]

Jocelin's question breaks Arcadian's reverie. Prince Strauss sits down as Arcadian focuses his attention on Jocelin.

"As I said, childe, the way the body was... situated when found leads me to believe that Delbert died while in engaged in an act of passion.

"Which brings me back to the diabolist." Arcadian addresses all the characters as he continues. "I do have one suspect. A woman named Samantha Drake has summoned me to New Orleans to investigate her claims of being attacked by a broodmember of the prince. She is Ancilla, and thus I am bound by tradition to respond in person. The prince denies all knowledge of the event, but that is to be expected, and this prince's brood is renowned for it size -- it is said he meets no mortal without considering the Embrace. Gluttonous Toreador!"

"As you have only recently arrived from New Orleans," Arcadian says, once again directing his attention to Jocelin, "I was wondering if you could contribute any insight as to the likelihood of the truth of the charges. Are you familiar with Miss Drake, or any of the prince's brood?"

[Kalzazz]

((That indeed helps. You modified the post while I was typing mine))

[Huxley]

Leo reacts strongly, speaking largely on impulse,"Then we should remain here, with you, my elder. Then you would have an entourage to defend you, should the diablerist not be found in time. I assure you, I would not be seen, and we could all destroy her".

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin sits up straighter as she finds the Justicar looking at her.

"I have a nodding acquaintance with Miss Drake sir, and am familiar enough with the members of the princes brood it seems to be stretching plausibility."

[SD Anderson]

Jocelin sits where indicated. "Thank you for summoning me Justicar."

"If they are now no longer with us, how do we know the slayer was a woman?"

"Forensic Science works wonders these days. Even undead in the act of coitus leave body fluids if you want more thorough confirmation, but a crime scene can be reconstructed in most cases without a lot of CSI stle machinery."

Turning to the Justicar he continues "I take it ah, the victim's state at the moment he was murdered indicated sexua activity?"

"The victim does not sound like a man without status. Is there anyone who should have been in a positoin to note his activities?"

[Detritus]

Leo reacts strongly, speaking largely on impulse,"Then we should remain here, with you, my elder. Then you would have an entourage to defend you, should the diablerist not be found in time. I assure you, I would not be seen, and we could all destroy her".

Jocelin sits up straighter as she finds the Justicar looking at her.

"I have a nodding acquaintance with Miss Drake sir, and am familiar enough with the members of the princes brood it seems to be stretching plausibility."

"Be at peace, Leo. You will be at my side, in due course, but we cannot simply brush off Miss Drake's request." says Arcadian, as he places a soothing left hand on Leo's right forearm.

"Thank you, my dear, that was my surmise as well," Arcadian tells Jocelin after dealing with Leo's (understandable) outburst.

"I'm afraid that we've learned all we can remotely. I need more concrete information. Normally, I would have no fears of such a routine meeting, but her lineage is suspect. She is Malkavian, but according to the prince, she claims to have been abandoned by her sire. She says she roamed Caitiff for years before she was befriended by a Ventrue -- she was then presented to a Malkavian elder in New Orleans, and once she was accepted into the clan, she was presented to the prince. She has lived there, without incident, for more than half a century now. However, she could very well be the one I have been searching for. The timing certainly works out if she fled from the city after Katrina, only to return after her latest episode of diablerie."

"If it was her," Arcadian adds grudgingly after a pause.

[Detritus]

"Forensic Science works wonders these days. Even undead in the act of coitus leave body fluids if you want more thorough confirmation, but a crime scene can be reconstructed in most cases without a lot of CSI stle machinery."

Turning to the Justicar he continues "I take it ah, the victim's state at the moment he was murdered indicated sexua activity?"

"The victim does not sound like a man without status. Is there anyone who should have been in a positoin to note his activities?"
"I am given to believe that Delbert lived a fairly secluded existence. In rural France, unfortunately, which is too distant to visit with any expediency."

[Huxley]

Leo immediately calms down when Arcadian touches his forearm. He looks back at the group, stoic again, and waits for Arcadian's commandment while absorbing the chatter.

[SD Anderson]

"I am given to believe that Delbert lived a fairly secluded existence. In rural France, unfortunately, which is too distant to visit with any expediency."

"How rural? Your Archon's clan takes great efforts to keep itself well informed on most matters that could affect them. Assuming he'd een romancing his assassin for any length of time, someone watching from a storm drain may have at least seen her in town perhaps."

[Kalzazz]

"Thank you."

"If she is such evil, and she has called for you to come to her rather than come against you directly, then it must mean she is planning a trap. Which is rather dishonorable but must make this an interesting trip."

[Detritus]

"How rural? Your Archon's clan takes great efforts to keep itself well informed on most matters that could affect them. Assuming he'd een romancing his assassin for any length of time, someone watching from a storm drain may have at least seen her in town perhaps."
"This is certainly true. However, I believe that our efforts will be best-served by investigating Miss Drake directly. The trail in France is likely pretty cold at this point."

"Thank you."

"If she is such evil, and she has called for you to come to her rather than come against you directly, then it must mean she is planning a trap. Which is rather dishonorable but must make this an interesting trip."
"Yes, you see rather clearly, always a good trait. I have my own suspicions, but suspicions are not proof."

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

Prince Strauss stirs with just a hint of impatience on his features, prompting Arcadian to raise a forbearing right hand.

"Yes, Prince Strauss, I have not forgotten." Addressing all the characters again, Arcadian states, "What Prince Strauss said about Mr. Johnson's influence in New Orleans during my brief distraction is true. The city is too strongly dominated by the prince and his brood. There are steps we can take to remedy this situation, however."

"First of all, Prince Strauss has asked my permission to send some members from his Chantry to search the New Orleans Chantry's wreckage, which permission I have granted. I am led to believe that members of that Chantry may have been well-hidden enough to ride out the storm, and may have fallen into torpor, with no one, Kindred or kine alike, any the wiser. Re-establishment of the New Orleans Chantry will help to counteract Mr. Johnson's influence there.

"You will therefore escort Mr. Thorne and Mr. Molitor to New Orleans, so that they might present themselves to the prince and conduct their search. I also want you to find Miss Drake. Observe her and see if you can deduce anything unusual or criminal about her actions and demeanor. I will arrive three days after you, and I expect for you to have some useful information. If her charges have merit, then we may be forced to take the further step of installing a Primogen Council in New Orleans, as a further counter to Mr. Johnson's influence. And if they don't..." he trails off, looking at Leo with just a hint of predatory gleam in his eyes.

"If they don't, Leo will know what to do. I am also given to believe that Miss Danis here has some facility when matters turn rough, and her familiarity with New Orleans will no doubt also be an asset during the investigation. Messrs. Costatin and Cohen here have their own investigative talents that will be a boon during the mission.

"You leave tomorrow at sunset. I would strongly recommend that you all feed before you leave. Do you have any other questions?"

[SD Anderson]

"This is certainly true. However, I believe that our efforts will be best-served by investigating Miss Drake directly. The trail in France is likely pretty cold at this point."




"Perhaps, but a descriptoin of any strange women with Delcar prior to his destruction would be useful. At this point we do not KNOW this Drake woman is our principle. If he was seen with a woman much different looking than Drake, it would still be very useful to know."

[Detritus]

"Perhaps, but a descriptoin of any strange women with Delcar prior to his destruction would be useful. At this point we do not KNOW this Drake woman is our principle. If he was seen with a woman much different looking than Drake, it would still be very useful to know."
Arcadian gives Jack an appraising look before answering with a measured pace to his speech.

"Your enthusiasm for covering all possible avenues of investigation is commendable, Mr. Costatin. It is one of the reasons why I think you will make an excellent addition to this mission.

"If it is just a matter of interviewing witnesses, I may have a solution. Mr. Cohen is quite talented with Auspex. I should know since I completed his training in that discipline myself.

"Let me see, I believe that Delbert would have been under the aegis of Praxis Marseilles. I shall make inquiries to the prince as to the best members of the Kindred community there for questioning concerning the matter of Delbert's demise. After securing this list of contacts, you and Menachem can interview them using his Auspex talents after you present yourself to Mr. Johnson.

"Is that a satisfactory plan?" he finishes, part query and part command.

[Parzival]

(Making good use of my diplomacy skill...)
Your grace, I am but a lowly merchant. <bows> There are many greater than I who owe you obedience, with skills more suitible for pursuing this matter.
Pray tell, why have you selected me? <casts an inquisitive look at the others assembled>

[Kalzazz]

"Are there any other foes we are likely to come against in this quest sir? Werewolves or mutant alligators or any such . . . other than that I have no further questions, my sword is of course yours on this noble endeavor Justicar."

[Huxley]

"Menecham, perhaps your skills you think your strongest are not the ones that are needed for our endeavor."

"The only question I have regards travel and lodging. I know that I will be able to find a safe resting place, and a method of getting to New Orleans if it is not provided, but what of the rest?", says Leo, his voice marked with genuine concern more than condescension.

[Kalzazz]

"I have a car noble Archon . . . if need be it could move a whole slew of us."

[Detritus]

"Are there any other foes we are likely to come against in this quest sir? Werewolves or mutant alligators or any such . . . other than that I have no further questions, my sword is of course yours on this noble endeavor Justicar."
"I cannot say for certain what else lurks in the vicinity of New Orleans. As you well know, it is true that a certain lawlessness has encroached upon the city after the hurricane, and it is unclear whether the Lupines, in particular, have actually come into the city. It is a distinct possibility. You should avoid a confrontation with any Lupines you encounter unless you have no other choice."

"Menecham, perhaps your skills you think your strongest are not the ones that are needed for our endeavor."
"Quite right, Leo, case in point, the plan for remote interviewing that we just discussed."

"The only question I have regards travel and lodging. I know that I will be able to find a safe resting place, and a method of getting to New Orleans if it is not provided, but what of the rest?", says Leo, his voice marked with genuine concern more than condescension.
"You will drive to Houston and present yourself to Prince Casimir tomorrow night. You should be able to reach it in half a night's worth of driving. The next evening you will complete the drive to New Orleans and present yourself to Prince Johnson. I have already made arrangements for the vehicle you will take there."

[Detritus]

"I have a car noble Archon . . . if need be it could move a whole slew of us."
"Will it seat six adults? That's a very large car. I thought a van would be more suitable for transporting so many people."

[Kalzazz]

"Definitely! And it has a trunk to for stuff to go."

[Detritus]

"Definitely! And it has a trunk to for stuff to go."
Arcadian responds with a twinkle in his eye.

"In that case, how can I gainsay such a generous offer? If you are willing to drive everyone to New Orleans, I would be happy for you to do so. What say you, my prince?"

Prince Strauss purses his lips as he looks towards his subordinates as Molitor gives a slight shrug in return. "I believe that would be acceptable, Elder," he says neutrally.

"Very good, my prince. If there's nothing else, then you are all dismissed."

[Kalzazz]

"Gracias Justicar! I am sure theyll enjoy the trip."

Jocelin gets up and bows to the Justicar and the Prince and turns to the Prince, "Thank you very much for your kind hospitality in allowing me into your fair city"

"Au revoir." Jocelin exits as shes dismissed

[SD Anderson]

"With your permission, your grace," Jack stays to the Prince, "I'd like to borrow the service of 'Mr. Peepers'." To the others he adds "Peepers is a hellhound, it's quite possible he's the best alive today. If it turns out we need a tracker who can fight, he fits the bill to perfection."

"IIf he's part of the security arrangements here, I can understand why he isn't available."

(OOC: As a guard dog raised on vamp blood, I could take him as 'equipment', but I'm not sure what kind of price range hed' be in or if he is something that must be taken as an ally.)

[Parzival]

<bows to the Justicar and the Prince>
It shall be as you command.
Might I gain access to the Carmilla records to reasearch the people and places we are being sent to investigate?

<to the others>
I apologize, but I'm afraid that I don't have time for an in-depth introduction. In addition to any research, I must put my affairs in order. But I'm sure that after a long ride in cramped quarters we might all end up knowing each other a bit better than we might like.

Once dismissed, these are my priorities:
1: Research. People, places, and the Justicar's bloodline
2: Set up a "date" with a member of my herd.
3: Use my archon contact. There have to be rumors about why we were actually selected, and I want to know what they are.
4: Set business affairs in order. Leave messages about having to see an importer in New Orleans on short notice. Make arrangements for incoming shipments to be diverted and secured. Throw a little business in the direction of my business contacts to cover my absence. (They are family, after all.)
5: Complain about how much this little adventure is costing me in lost revenue.

[Detritus]

"With your permission, your grace," Jack stays to the Prince, "I'd like to borrow the service of 'Mr. Peepers'." To the others he adds "Peepers is a hellhound, it's quite possible he's the best alive today. If it turns out we need a tracker who can fight, he fits the bill to perfection."
Prince Strauss quirks an eyebrow and asks, "And where would your pet ride, in Miss Danis's spacious trunk?"

(GM's note to the players -- 6 adults and what I assume to be a fairly large dog in a Caddy? No, just no.)

[Detritus]

Arcadian, picking up on this discussion, offers, "Prince Strauss does have a point. Wouldn't things start to get crowded in a car full of 6 Kindred and a Hell Hound? The offer of a van for transport to Houston still stands."

[Huxley]

"We meet here, tommoro, then. The vehicle used makes no difference to me, so long as it is reliable. Cramped spaces do not bother me. With your leave, Justicar, good night"

Leo stands, and walks out of the room, heading directly for the sewer drain he emerged from.

---
Leo will pack his art supplies and a book for the journey. He will summon rats, and eat them until full. The rest of the night will be spent sneaking through usual hunting grounds to keep the peace, and masquerade.

[Parzival]

Even accepting at face value that her car is as big as she claims, we will be travelling through some unpopulated areas with no readily availible shelter. Redundancy might be a good idea.
I believe we should accept the kind offer of the van, and take two vehicles.

[Detritus]

Two vehicles should be fine. I'm going to nix the hell hound thing without RP'ing it out. I'm still not clear who exactly Jack has in mind. I'll post a Ghoul template some time in the near future.

You can all feed without incident until you are full tonight, and then you'll be at (full blood pool - 1) when everyone leaves at sunset tomorrow night.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin is indeed going to want to feed, and after that her plan mostly is going to get ready for the trip, which primarily involves cleaning out her car and getting it gleamingly washed and polished

[Detritus]

I declare the opening scene over, or over enough to be un-sticked. If you haven't planned out what you are taking with you for the trip, please do so. I'll have the beginning of the next scene up in about an hour.

[Detritus]

1: Research. People, places, and the Justicar's bloodline
2: Set up a "date" with a member of my herd.
3: Use my archon contact. There have to be rumors about why we were actually selected, and I want to know what they are.
4: Set business affairs in order. Leave messages about having to see an importer in New Orleans on short notice. Make arrangements for incoming shipments to be diverted and secured. Throw a little business in the direction of my business contacts to cover my absence. (They are family, after all.)
5: Complain about how much this little adventure is costing me in lost revenue.
We took care of (1) by PM. (2), (4), and (5) go through without any trouble. For (3), your contact has no other specific information besides the stuff that you went over with Arcadian and Prince Strauss.