On the road: Houston bound (Sun. 3/25/07) [Archive]

Detritus

03-25-2007, 11:50 PM

The evening after the meeting with Arcadian and Prince Strauss, you assemble in front of Arcadian's haven. There you see a dark red van with tinted windows, and Jocelin's vintage Caddy (which Kal can describe in as much detail as he wishes after this post).

Thomas and Merill are there, too, and Thomas raises a hand in greeting.

"Shall we get started? The sooner we get on the road, the sooner the presentation to Prince Casimir will be finished..." Thomas says, as both Tremere head for the back of the van.

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

Players - Give me a "driving order", who's riding where, who's driving the van, and a quick run down on relevant equipment (armaments, cell phones, etc.) that each PC has. Kalzazz can describe Jocelin's ride in as much detail as he cares to supply.

Huxley

03-26-2007, 12:34 AM

Leo wears the same clothes he appeared in last night, with a duffel bag that's nearly empty. He looks at the assembled group, without saying a word.

"Shall we get started? The sooner we get on the road, the sooner the presentation to Prince Casimir will be finished...", Thomas says.

"Certainly. And the more time we have to be on the road."

Leo walks to the van, and climbs into the back. He keeps his hood up.

==========

I'm as far back as I can get into the van. I have a duffel bag, and inside it I have my art supplies, a book (Christopher Marlowe's "The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus"), and a bible. Besides my clothing, that's it.

SD Anderson

03-26-2007, 12:56 AM

Detritus

03-26-2007, 01:24 AM

So, we're left with Menachem as the driver of the van? Still time to go with one vehicle...

Detritus

03-26-2007, 01:39 AM

As it looks like everyone but Jocelin is about to pile in the van, Thomas asks, "Do you really think we should leave the girl to make the drive by herself? Whaddaya think, Leo?"

Without waiting for an answer, Thomas snaps his fingers and says, "Merill, take the wheel."

Kalzazz

03-26-2007, 04:04 AM

Jocelin will be taking her car unless people decide she shouldnt, she waves to everyone and gets into it.

The car is a freshly cleaned and polished 1960 Cadillac convertible, complete with tail fins and whitewall tires, red with white top. It has been improved with a CD changer in the trunk, a St Christopher medal from the rearview mirror and 'Free Tibet' and 'God Says Choose Life' bumper stickers.

Jocelin has her cellphone, katana and gun with her, as well as some money and cosmetics. The rest of her assorted stuff is in the trunk of her car. She'll prop the sword against the car door once she gets in since kinda hard and uncomfortable to wear while driving.

Picture for car
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/keikiru/caddy1.jpg

Kalzazz

03-26-2007, 04:41 AM

Jocelin noticing she seems to be alone in her car gets out and wanders over to the van. "Uhmm . . . doesn't anyone want to come with me? There is plenty of room. Actually, in Season 3 of Angel they fit 7 people in a not to dissimilar car, 8 if you count that one was pregnant."

SD Anderson

03-26-2007, 05:06 AM

(OOC: This part of the scene takes place long enough AFTER my comment to Leo to allow his reply and any further conversation.)

Jocelin noticing she seems to be alone in her car gets out and wanders over to the van. "Uhmm . . . doesn't anyone want to come with me? There is plenty of room. Actually, in Season 3 of Angel they fit 7 people in a not to dissimilar car, 8 if you count that one was pregnant."

"Well, except for the front two seats, the van can e rendered sun proof. The rear windows are blacked out, the side door is windowless, and the curtain there is opaque enough for blackout drills back in the second world war. If we get in a really bad situation, this is at least something akin to a safe haven." Jack says.

"On the other hand... As long as I have dirt under me I have a fefuge from the sun." Jack unbuckles his seat belt grabs his backpack and relocates to the Caddy. "Besides, I haven't been to Nawlins since... " he looks surprised "... a quarter of a century ago. You're the local. I suppose I could use a little updating on the situation there."

Kalzazz

03-26-2007, 05:54 AM

Jocelin considers the sun comment. "Oh. Well. My car does have a trunk enough for a few bodies or vampires. If it comes to that. But hopefully we shall travel at night far away from the Chariot of Helios. We can even put the top down"

"I could fill you in on anything I know . . . oh, first of which you don't even know me, I am Jocelin Danis, Blue Hurricane of New Orleans" bows to Jack.

Huxley

03-26-2007, 09:58 AM

Jack takes shotgun in the van. Looking it over he is satisfied it's daylight proof. He has a backpack and an opaque sports fluid bottle holding 2 pts of A- blood. He carries a pistol in his coat.

"Been a few years Leo." he says.

"A few too many. I see you've left the shovel at home for this one, though.", Leo indicates the shotgun with a head nod," Good. Did you find much out from Menachem?"

Huxley

03-26-2007, 10:07 AM

(OOC: Occurs after Jack hops out of the van)

Jocelin noticing she seems to be alone in her car gets out and wanders over to the van. "Uhmm . . . doesn't anyone want to come with me? There is plenty of room. Actually, in Season 3 of Angel they fit 7 people in a not to dissimilar car, 8 if you count that one was pregnant."

"I'm afraid that I am trying to avoid undue attention, Jocelin dear. This...", Leo taps his face with one finger, "Is the last thing I want anyone mortal to see. The van lets me hide better. I'd now say taking both vehicles will be a boon to us, however".

Parzival

03-26-2007, 12:34 PM

Menachem climbs into the van and closes the door.
"I think that's everybody," he says.

He is wearing a black suit, white shirt, black tie, and sunglasses.
"We've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses. Hit it."

(cane, pistol (concealed), cell phone, 1 unit of blood in opaque container, a spare clean shirt, $200 cash, and two credit cards)

Parzival

03-26-2007, 01:08 PM

Kalzazz

03-26-2007, 02:14 PM

Detritus

03-26-2007, 05:37 PM

I learned a bit about the Justicar's line and Samantha Drake while researching last night.
The Justicar's line from Delbert onwards includes James Willoughby (Delbert's childe) and Caitrin Quinnell (Willoughby's childe). They both suffered the Final Death over half a century ago, James in 1951 in Boston, Caitrin in 1944 in Chicago.

Samantha Drake received the patronage of the head of the Malkavian clan in New Orleans, at the time one Mademoiselle Desmoulins, in the mid-50s. Drake claimed her sire abandoned her nearly three decades earlier.
As Menachem reveals this information, Merill continues towards the driver's seat in the van, faintly muttering under his breath.

Thomas looks at Menachem and says, "Hmm, I would assume that Justicar Walsh was already aware of the information concerning Delbert's bloodline, but he might not have known about Miss Drake's patron in New Orleans. She might be a worthy candidate for interviewing when you begin the investigation in earnest."

SD Anderson

03-26-2007, 08:42 PM

(OOC: Jack actually doesn't have the funds for a shotgun. PI/Security consultant for one of the Dallas Camariilla buisnesses only pays so well. 'Shotgun' in this case refers to the passenger side front sheat.)

"Well, with Johnson apparently trying to make his brood the next Giovani clan, I think it's not too prudent to travel around that town without protection."

"Speaking of Mr. Johnson, what odds do you want to give that this Drake woman is his tool? She goes out, becomes a threat, his people take her down, the brass upstairs lets him alone in his principality at least another coupole of years."

SD Anderson

03-26-2007, 08:53 PM

Jocelin looks at Leo then nods, "Oh . . . I didn't think of that, Im sorry. But the van looks very nice to."

She looks between the two vehicles. "Hmmm. Did anyone bring Walkie Talkies? Maybe we should get a set from WalMart."

"Throwawy cell phones would be better. Cingular's pay as you go phones are $20. (OOC: At least they were last month when I got one for my Mom). Get them in the store, they've got charaged batteries, enought to let us use them. Charge up the two we aren't using off the cigarette lighter if the batteries aren't fully charged and swap 'em out around midnight."

"Advantage is we will be able to contact each other if we are separated."

Kalzazz

03-26-2007, 09:52 PM

"Cool, cell phones then. 20th Century solutions for 20th Century kindred. Maybe we can get ones that take pictures to."

SD Anderson

03-26-2007, 10:14 PM

"Cool, cell phones then. 20th Century solutions for 20th Century kindred. Maybe we can get ones that take pictures to."

"Cost you a bit more. Just remember, it's probably wise to toss these after we're finished here. If we have to do anything that has... consequences for us, keeping a cell phone that interested parties might be able to trace back to you could be... undesireable."

Parzival

03-26-2007, 10:33 PM

<politely changes the topic>
But what of your mission?
Even though I'm sure both of you have visited the Chantry, the demolition and rebuilding in New Orleans might make it difficult to find.

Detritus

03-26-2007, 11:42 PM

<politely changes the topic>
But what of your mission?
Even though I'm sure both of you have visited the Chantry, the demolition and rebuilding in New Orleans might make it difficult to find.
"Well, there may not be all that much left over from its wreckage, that much is true," replies Thomas. "I doubt we'll have much difficulty finding the physical location of the former Chantry, however, and then there will be... other indications... of its past existence."

Detritus

03-27-2007, 12:17 AM

Is there anything else in the way of small talk and the like that people want to air at this point?

Kalzazz

03-27-2007, 12:23 AM

Jocelin returns to her car and turns it on. "They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with but a single step. Actually, it starts with turning the key in the ignition."

SD Anderson

03-27-2007, 01:27 AM

Jocelin returns to her car and turns it on. "They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with but a single step. Actually, it starts with turning the key in the ignition."

Jack sings "Rollin, rollin, rollin. keep them doggies movin Rawhide!

Move ‘em on, head ‘em up, head ‘em up, move ‘em out,
Move ‘em on, head ‘em out Rawhide!"

[John Wayne (sort of)] "All Right Pilgrims Next stop Houston! Unless we wanna get them thar cell phone thingies..." [/John Wayne]

(Assuming we do that would be 4 pay as you go phones and two car chargers. Roughly around $110)

Kalzazz

03-27-2007, 01:41 AM

((The question is. Can Jack sing, and can Jocelin tell the difference?))

Huxley

03-27-2007, 02:20 AM

"Oh . . . I didn't think of that, I'm sorry. But the van looks very nice to. . .Hmmm. Did anyone bring Walkie Talkies? Maybe we should get a set from WalMart."

"Think nothing of it. I am the only one that needs to think of my visage's impact. I think getting some form of communication between the vehicles woudl be wise"

"Speaking of Mr. Johnson, what odds do you want to give that this Drake woman is his tool? She goes out, becomes a threat, his people take her down, the brass upstairs lets him alone in his principality at least another coupole of years."

"I don't think believe she is the tool of the prince. It's a possibility, but if the prince wants control of the city, why would he deliberately cause trouble and have her invite those who are more powerful than he into the city. Unless he believes he can kill the Justicar, but I still see a lack of motive for a move so bold"

Well, there may not be all that much left over from its wreckage, that much is true. I doubt we'll have much difficulty finding the physical location of the former Chantry, however, and then there will be... other indications... of its past

"So finding this supposed sire wouldn't be much of a problem then, would it? It seem awfully convieniant that she appeared on the social scene directly after those two were diablerized. She may be a part of the Sabbat, secretly."

Detritus

03-27-2007, 02:43 AM

"So finding this supposed sire wouldn't be much of a problem then, would it? It seem awfully convieniant that she appeared on the social scene directly after those two were diablerized. She may be a part of the Sabbat, secretly."
"To whom do you refer?" asks Thomas. "Miss Drake's sire? If the slain Kindred mentioned by Mr. Cohen really comprise her lineage, that trail is over half a century old.

"Nor would there be anything to distinguish Miss Drake's relationship with them. Even Aura Reading is limited to identifying a Kindred as a diabolist; it makes no indication of any particular victim or victims. This stands in great contrast to the distinctive arcane signatures of a Chantry, even one a year and a half destroyed.

"As you say, the timing is... suggestive, but I'd think there would still be some leg work to do in New Orleans."

Huxley

03-27-2007, 03:06 AM

"To whom do you refer?" asks Thomas. "Miss Drake's sire? If the slain Kindred mentioned by Mr. Cohen really comprise her lineage, that trail is over half a century old.

"Nor would there be anything to distinguish Miss Drake's relationship with them. Even Aura Reading is limited to identifying a Kindred as a diabolist; it makes no indication of any particular victim or victims. This stands in great contrast to the distinctive arcane signatures of a Chantry, even one a year and a half destroyed.

"As you say, the timing is... suggestive, but I'd think there would still be some leg work to do in New Orleans."

"I was referencing Miss Drake. Finding the supposed sire could lead to some clue about Miss Drake. And of course leg work need be done. Finding the kindred who introduced Miss Drake -- her surrogate sire -- would help in that."

Detritus

03-27-2007, 03:30 AM

Warning, warning, insufferable Tremere alert (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=53671&postcount=15) is now in effect!

"I was referencing Miss Drake. Finding the supposed sire could lead to some clue about Miss Drake. And of course leg work need be done. Finding the kindred who introduced Miss Drake -- her surrogate sire -- would help in that."
Lowering his sunglasses, a faint but unmistakably wry smirk crosses Thomas's lips as he gives his reply.

"A brilliant surmise, noble Archon, made no less so for my having uttered it, lo, these few minutes ago," he says, covering his eyes once again as he leans back in his seat.

Kalzazz

03-27-2007, 07:38 AM

Jocelin is going to put on her sunglasses, put the top and windows down and crank up the stereo as she sets her car out onto the road.

Then she remembers shes supposed to be telling Jack about New Orleans and turn the stereo back down.

Parzival

03-27-2007, 11:32 AM

Menachem drinks from his bottle (topping off his blood supply), and makes small talk for a while.
After a bit, if there's a magazine handy, he picks it up and starts reading it (even if it's badly out of date).

He wonders how long it will take before somebody starts singing Concrete Blonde's "Bloodletting".

SD Anderson

03-27-2007, 07:13 PM

"I don't think believe she is the tool of the prince. It's a possibility, but if the prince wants control of the city, why would he deliberately cause trouble and have her invite those who are more powerful than he into the city. Unless he believes he can kill the Justicar, but I still see a lack of motive for a move so bold"

"It's also a case of proving a negative. Just because we can't see he has a motive doesn't mean he doesn't have one. But I'll grant you it's a long shot."

Detritus

03-27-2007, 07:36 PM

OK, you can get a couple of disposable cell phones, some magazines, and whatever else you might need from a place like Wal-Mart before hitting the road. You end up starting the trip to Houston a bit before 830 pm.

Let's say the van is in the lead, and then Jocelin and Jack follow in the Caddy, with the top down. The drive is pleasant enough, and traffic starts to thin out a couple of hours after you hit the 45.

All is peaceful until shortly before midnight, when...

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

I need hearing rolls from Jocelin and Jack. Your effective Perception is IQ - 3 because of being in a convertible at highway speeds/having the radio on at some volume.

SD Anderson

03-27-2007, 07:52 PM

((The question is. Can Jack sing, and can Jocelin tell the difference?))

14 HT. Singing is HT based. 10-. Tolerable not quite professional.

Kalzazz

03-27-2007, 07:56 PM

Then Jack can sing only slightly more badly than Jocelin

Jocelin then choose a CD from the CD changer they can sing along to. Roadtrips are fun!

Parzival

03-27-2007, 09:57 PM

OK guys, make your checks. (Or remain oblivious...)

Detritus

03-27-2007, 10:11 PM

OK guys, make your checks. (Or remain oblivious...)
Kal already has (he actually rolled a critical failure, amusingly enough), but still waiting on SD.

I'm still at work at the moment, so no immediate rush, but I'll be heading home pretty soon.

SD Anderson

03-28-2007, 02:20 AM

Frizzin Frackin resetting dice roller page.

The first THREE d6 roll was a 10.

Had to do it over because... your email address was coppied as:

mailto:trenbarger @ ucsd.edu and I had to remove the damn 'mailto:'.

Detritus

03-28-2007, 02:32 AM

OK, PCs in the Caddy hear a single, rather loud popping sound as the van starts to swerve, its rear right tire blown out.

Characters in the van feel as much as hear one of the tires of the van blow. As soon as it happens, Merill starts to slow, and manages to come to a stop without flipping the van.

Jocelin should make a Driving roll at -1 to skill to avoid hitting the van. (Should be pretty easy given her über DX, just don't roll another 17. ;))

Kalzazz

03-28-2007, 02:40 AM

"Oh look! They got a flat tire, this must be a Sign from Him Above we were supposed to take my car."

Jocelin is going to try and swerve left around the van while shes pumping the old drum brakes her car has, as she isnt to sure about braking power alone being up to the task of avoiding collision

Detritus

03-28-2007, 02:44 AM

It's a near-run thing, but Jocelin does manage to avoid a collision as she and Jack zoom by the slowing van.

Once the van stops, the Tremere hop out the front to assess the damage.

What are the PCs doing?

EDIT -- Jocelin can stop her car not too far in front of the van, if so desired.

Kalzazz

03-28-2007, 02:59 AM

Jocelin parks her car on the shoulder with its emergency flashers on, then turns and looks at Jack. "You think this is when we find out the answer to the age old question of how many vampires it takes to change a tire?"

She doesn't plan on going anywhere for the moment, she kinda thinks the four with the van can handle tire changing.

Huxley

03-28-2007, 03:16 AM

Leo hops out of the van as soon as it comes to a stop. He looks behind the van, trying to determine if there was anything that directly caused the flat to occur.

SD Anderson

03-28-2007, 03:46 AM

"We aren't leaving that van. We aren't Congtractors in Iraq able to charge the government for the equipmet we abandon. I for one have to answer to the Prince of Dallas."

"But as long as we're changing tires, what's the current situation in New Orleans? And should we be playing some of Prince Johnson's music on the way there?" Jack adds with a smile.

Kalzazz

03-28-2007, 03:55 AM

"True I suppose. And its not like its the poor vans fault, it has enough issues just being a van."

Jocelin plays with the remote for the CD changer to find Prince Johnson music.

"As to the situation in New Orleans . . . . "

((Will roll Area Knowledge and wait on DM reply for actually telling Jack anything))

Detritus

03-28-2007, 03:59 AM

"But as long as we're changing tires, what's the current situation in New Orleans? And should we be playing some of Prince Johnson's music on the way there?" Jack adds with a smile.
OOC -- Jack has a funny, funny feeling, and he's talkin' all out his head.

Kalzazz

03-28-2007, 04:27 AM

"First on the Tremere, before Katrina they were the strongest and most organized opposition to Mr. Johnson and his rule. Not that they were very trusted, in fact, much less trusted than the Prince and his brood. Speaking o which, the Prince's brood is extremely large, even for a prince's brood."

"So. Katrina came and He Punished that Immoral City for His Mysterious Reasons. And all the Tremere vanished, and with them vanished the counterbalance to Mr. Johnson's power. And most of the kine left, and the prince politely encouraged all kindred not of his brood to relocate elsewhere. And most of them did, places such as Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and so on."

"I don't know Samantha Drake to well, but I'm actually surprised she's stuck there. After the storm and all."

Parzival

03-28-2007, 11:25 AM

I open the window a bit, and ask "How bad is it?"

SD Anderson

03-28-2007, 07:48 PM

Jocelin parks her car on the shoulder with its emergency flashers on, then turns and looks at Jack. "You think this is when we find out the answer to the age old question of how many vampires it takes to change a tire?"

"Two. One to lift the rear end of the van off the ground, the other to change the tire."

Parzival

03-28-2007, 08:53 PM

Detritus

03-28-2007, 09:12 PM

"Look out!" yells Menachem. "We're being attacked!"
"Get back in the van! We can drive on a blown tire!"

Attempts a fast-draw of his concealed pistol (critical success) and moves next to the door of the van.
Leo, with the two Tremere at the van's back right tire, also notices that the tire was shot just as Menachem calls out his warning, and that that was the cause of the flat.

After Menachem's exclamation, everyone hears a shotgun blast, and then the front right tire of the van goes flat. You hear a voice with a distinctive Texas twang call out from beyond the road's shoulder:

"Out of the van! Out of the car! Ain't no one gotta get hurt, but all y'all gotta come talk to Lucian! We'll get'cha fixed up while you talk."

As everyone looks towards the voice, you see about 20 people, maybe a half a dozen each armed with shotguns, submachine guns, and large crossbows. There are also a couple of people armed with flamethrowers. A couple of the shotguns look like they are trained on the right side tires of Jocelin's vehicle, and you hear re-loading sounds from a third shotgun.

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

Actions?

Kalzazz

03-28-2007, 10:52 PM

Jocelin turns off her car, applies parking brake and gets out.

"Alright! But put the top up if it starts to rain okay? And really, would it hurt you guys to say please? Are those really flamethrowers? I've never been threatened by those before."

Detritus

03-29-2007, 12:55 AM

Merill says to Thomas, "They outnumber us nearly 2-to-1," as Thomas nods.

Kalzazz

03-29-2007, 01:40 AM

Jocelin blinks then turns to look at Merrill and Thorne, "Oh, and are Tremere practicioners of the New Math? 6 of us, 20 of them, thats over 3 to 1, not nearly 2 to 1"

Detritus

03-29-2007, 01:55 AM

Jocelin blinks then turns to look at Merrill and Thorne, "Oh, and are Tremere practicioners of the New Math? 6 of us, 20 of them, thats over 3 to 1, not nearly 2 to 1"
Thomas shakes his head, partly in disbelief, partly in amusement, as Merill replies, "Perhaps mere mortals are your equal, but I am more concerned about our blood brethren."

The gang leader levels his shotgun at Merill, saying, "You sure are a smart one. You wouldn't be one o' them Warlocks I've heard tell about, would'ja?"

Turning his head towards Jocelin, the leader flicks his weapon's barrel briefly in her direction. "Listen to Einstein here," he says, re-training his weapon on Merill, "he knows what he's talkin' about."

SD Anderson

03-29-2007, 02:01 AM

"Well, if you coombine the invisible, the inaudible and the intangible, you get the one, which also is weird math even if it paralles the Christian concept of the Trinity, but this doesn't seem the place to discuss esoteric mathe. The fact that those folk over there haven't just started blasting away at us is a slightly hopeful sign. Unless you happen to be ventilation proof AND your car can toerate a shit load of bullet holes and still get us where we want to go, I suggest we see what these fine folk want to talk about."

Kalzazz

03-29-2007, 02:05 AM

"I try to be open minded about it, it isnt really there fault after all there not of the Elect, and sides, they tend to die horribly all the same."

Jocelin pauses, "Uhmm . . . not that I meant anything by that friendly Texan gentlemen"

Kalzazz

03-29-2007, 02:12 AM

Jocelin blinks at Jack. "Oh. So then . . . it could be there imaginary numbers, and thus arent there, or there irrational numbers and would shoot at us for thinking there not there, or rational numbers who would rather talk things over without shooting? I didn't know math was so universally applicable!"

SD Anderson

03-29-2007, 02:39 AM

"Could be, but when dealing with threes you're dealing with cubes and two of the roots of the cube are not just imaginary, they're complex."

"Of course this could just be a roll of the dice, in which case cubes are appropirate."

"Off hand, I think the two of us should do the talking to this Lucien." Jack says evilly.

Kalzazz

03-29-2007, 02:54 AM

"He works in Mysterious Ways, so it would be at most a roll of the loaded dice. In which case they can imaginary, complex, and not normally distributed."

Jocelin nods, "That seems a good idea Jack."

Huxley

03-29-2007, 03:14 AM

Leo stands in the middle of the street, still, while the guns go off. He unconsciously tugs his hood down upon hearing the Texan first speak, and listens to the ensuing interplay.

"Out of the van! Out of the car! Ain't no one gotta get hurt, but all y'all gotta come talk to Lucian! We'll get'cha fixed up while you talk."

"Off hand, I think the two of us should do the talking to this Lucian."

"That seems a good idea Jack."

Leo speaks cordially, but with power, "Fix the van, then. We will speak with this Lucian. But you will all die the most wretched deaths I can concieve tonight if you fire another shot."

(OOC: Attempting an Influence:Intimidation)

SD Anderson

03-29-2007, 03:49 AM

"He works in Mysterious Ways, so it would be at most a roll of the loaded dice. In which case they can imaginary, complex, and not normally distributed."

Jocelin nods, "That seems a good idea Jack."

"And the guy in the wheelchair said it first. "not only does God play dice with the universe, He throws them in dark corners where no one can see them. And they thinkk they've got US outnumbered!"

SD Anderson

03-29-2007, 03:52 AM

Leo stands in the middle of the street, still, while the guns go off. He unconsciously tugs his hood down upon hearing the Texan first speak, and listens to the ensuing interplay.

Leo speaks cordially, but with power, "Fix the van, then. We will speak with this Lucian. But you will all die the most wretched deaths I can concieve tonight if you fire another shot."

(OOC: Attempting an Influence:Intimidation)

"Spoilsport." Jack mutters under his breath. Damn Rigid thinking was made that problem back in '94 so messy..."

Detritus

03-29-2007, 04:05 AM

Leo speaks cordially, but with power, "Fix the van, then. We will speak with this Lucian. But you will all die the most wretched deaths I can concieve tonight if you fire another shot."

(OOC: Attempting an Influence:Intimidation)
Leo's self-assured delivery elicits mainly coarse guffaws and rude chortling as the leader says, "Jimmy, call up Zeke, have him bring out Big Red and a couple of 15-inch tires."

Lucian's lieutenant looks matter-of-factly at Leo. "Alright, made your point, you're a tough'n," he says, with no trace of mockery in his words.

After this, he brandishes his weapon vaguely toward Menachem. "What about your friend there? He needs to come along, too. Ya' got anyone else holed up back there where we can't see? They gotta go with us just the same as all y'all do. Night ain't gettin' any younger."

Kalzazz

03-29-2007, 04:28 AM

"So . . . we have or have not unknownst to us Gaurdian Angels of random aspect that neither we nor they can know about until steel is drawn and blood spilled. So, Shrodinger's Angels"

Jocelin stops and quiets down when Leo speaks and starts to reach for her sword and show her teeth as Leo is met with laughter, but stops at the leaders respectful speech

She is however going to try to figure out and make a note of whoever was laughing at the noble Archon

SD Anderson

03-29-2007, 04:43 AM

"It occurs to me that we really can't have fun with our new friends if we stay here." With that Jack exits the Caddy and strolls up to the local welcome wagon.

"Nice weather. How is it here during August?" he says.

Kalzazz

03-29-2007, 04:56 AM

Jocelin hangs her sword at her side and goes with Jack

Parzival

03-29-2007, 10:44 AM

Meachem slowly raises his gun, and steps out of the van, making sure to make no sudden movements.

"I give up," he says. "Who the hell is Lucian?"

Detritus

03-29-2007, 01:51 PM

Meachem slowly raises his gun, and steps out of the van, making sure to make no sudden movements.

"I give up," he says. "Who the hell is Lucian?"
"You'll find out soon enough. Time's a-wastin'. I bet you've got a fancy prince to meet up with tonight yet, don't'cha?"

Parzival

03-29-2007, 03:55 PM

Menachem very slowly and deliberately puts his gun away.
"Evidently, one by the name of Lucian. So where is he?"

Detritus

03-29-2007, 04:17 PM

Menachem very slowly and deliberately puts his gun away.
"Evidently, one by the name of Lucian. So where is he?"
"You gonna walk, or just talk? Sooner we get moving, sooner you find out."

The lieutenant turns around and starts walking away from the road. Every weapon that wasn't trained on anyone in particular now points at Menachem, about half the weapons all told.

Parzival

03-29-2007, 04:30 PM

I follow. Hopefully the weapons stay.

Detritus

03-29-2007, 07:14 PM

Assuming that the PCs suffer themselves to be led to Lucian at this point, one shotgunner and one submachine gunner hang back with the vehicles. One crossbowman each line up a few paces directly behind Menachem, Merill, and Leo. Everyone else is arrayed in a loose semi-circle around the PCs and the Tremere, except for the spokesman, who leads the way towards Lucian.

After about 15 minutes’ walk over a scrubby plain, you arrive at an isolated, windowless shack and garage. The shack is maybe 15 by 20 feet. Two submachine gunners precede the PCs in, and then two more SMG’ers follow once the party is inside the shack.

The shack is sparsely furnished, a desk with one chair, and a couple of hanging oil lamps for light. The lamps make you a little uneasy, but otherwise pose no real danger. A short, slightly heavy-set man is seated behind the desk, making entries in a journal or possibly ledger of some kind. He attends to his work until he hears the door to the shack close once everyone is inside.

Once everyone is inside, he begins speaking in a thick Bayou accent:

"My deepest apologies for the manner in which you arrived. I needed to speak with you, but I wasn't sure that you would have come if I had just asked. I also trust the manner of your arrival underscores the seriousness of the situation.”

Detritus

03-29-2007, 07:20 PM

The Tremere are to the far right of the lineup of the party. the PCs can be ordered in whatever way you see fit to line up, so long as you all have "frontage" in the line as Lucian begins speaking.

Parzival

03-29-2007, 07:29 PM

I'll be just interior of the Tremere. <shrug> Since I was the first one to start following the leader, that would put me almost smack-dab in the middle.

Kalzazz

03-29-2007, 07:30 PM

Jocelin isnt to concerned where she winds up in the lineup, so goes wherever.

She bows to Lucian. "Jocelin Danis, Blue Hurricane of New Orleans. A pleasure to make thine acquaintance Monsieur Lucian."

"So. What did occasion your kind invitation to this not so scenic party spot?"

SD Anderson

03-29-2007, 11:11 PM

Deleted. Scene changed too much after the post I was responding to.

SD Anderson

03-29-2007, 11:22 PM

"It's your dime..."

Detritus

03-29-2007, 11:57 PM

Deleted. Scene changed too much after the post I was responding to.
I guess I'm still trying to iron out some timing issues.

I'm going to wait for Huxley to show up before proceeding with the scene, as I gather Leo might have something to say at this point.

People need to let me know if I'm going too fast (or too slow) as the story unfolds.

Huxley

03-30-2007, 02:51 AM

Leo walks alongside Jocelin and Menachem. He speaks quietly to Menachem, "Only a humble merchant, yet ten men are afraid of your pistol."

Upon walking into the hut, Leo attempts to keep a profile, with his hood drawn down as far as it will stay -- so Lucian can not see his face. He also keeps his hands in the hoodie's pockets.

"My deepest apologies for the manner in which you arrived. I needed to speak with you, but I wasn't sure that you would have come if I had just asked. I also trust the manner of your arrival underscores the seriousness of the situation.”

Leo contemplates his next words carefully, while eyeballing an oil lamp.

"What situation, and for what did you need to speak to us?", says Leo, in a neutral tone.

Detritus

03-30-2007, 03:09 AM

"I have been promised a great reward to detain you. Normally, I would have my servants shoot you, burn you, and scatter your ashes upon the four winds. That is my line of work and I am good at it. However, the individual who offered me this reward was Camarilla, and I detest Camarilla. The only thing I like less than leaving one alive is killing for one.

"But again, the reward is sweet. I can hardly pass it up. Yet this city woman reeks of deception. I don't trust her, and in all bluntness, I fear her. So I will not kill you. Instead, I will offer you a prize if you do what I ask."

Kalzazz

03-30-2007, 03:27 AM

"Thats not very nice. Honesty is a virtue though. What do you want us to do?"

Huxley

03-30-2007, 03:31 AM

Detritus

03-30-2007, 03:41 AM

Leo glances at the faces of his companions, and at the corners of the room -- looking for possible exits should the need arise.
Menachem seems be dividing his attention between listening to Lucian speak and gauging the reactions of the Tremere and Lucian's second.

There's pretty much only the door through which everyone entered for exits. Unless you tear your way out, I guess.

(We'll wait a bit to see if either Parz or SD drop by with additional input.)

SD Anderson

03-30-2007, 04:06 AM

Detritus

03-30-2007, 05:08 AM

"Just curious. Did the job description you got for this reward explicitly cover keeping the identity of this woman secret from us?" Jack swaid, knowint 'letter of the agreement types played by interesting rules.
"It did not," replies Lucian.

"The name she gave me was Tammy Seton. But as I said before, the woman reeks of deception, and I do not trust that she was open about her true identity. This Tammy may very well be the one you are after.

"But I have no idea whether the woman you seek is guilty of what your patron accuses her of. She may or may not be -- it is no concern of mine. However, assuming she is the one, the fact that she has asked me to detain you weighs heavily against her. If you determine she is guilty, and the Camarilla sees fit to destroy her, I will share with you the reward she promised me, which I will be able to get if she is no longer a threat.

"Be careful, I warn you, for I sense that this woman is very powerful. Even your combined strength may not be enough to defeat her. I doubt the Justicar will face her, though, for despite his years and power, he fears for his own life.

"Again, I apologize for the manner of your invitation. Your van has been repaired and you are free to go. My servants will escort you back. Think carefully on what I have told you."

Kalzazz

03-30-2007, 05:11 AM

Jocelin blinks. "Uhmmm. Wait. Arent you going to give us a quest? You didn't ask us to do anything"

Detritus

03-30-2007, 05:13 AM

Jocelin blinks. "Uhmmm. Wait. Arent you going to give us a quest? You didn't ask us to do anything"
"Find her guilty and destroy her. Then we share the reward she offered me."

Kalzazz

03-30-2007, 05:15 AM

"Certainly! Justice is its own reward, but rewards also upgrade stereo systems"

Jocelin bows to Lucian then exits when herded off

SD Anderson

03-30-2007, 05:17 AM

"It did not," replies Lucian.

"The name she gave me was Tammy Seton. But as I said before, the woman reeks of deception, and I do not trust that she was open about her true identity. This Tammy may very well be the one you are after.

"But I have no idea whether the woman you seek is guilty of what your patron accuses her of. She may or may not be -- it is no concern of mine. However, assuming she is the one, the fact that she has asked me to detain you weighs heavily against her. If you determine she is guilty, and the Camarilla sees fit to destroy her, I will share with you the reward she promised me, which I will be able to get if she is no longer a threat.

"Be careful, I warn you, for I sense that this woman is very powerful. Even your combined strength may not be enough to defeat her. I doubt the Justicar will face her, though, for despite his years and power, he fears for his own life.

"Again, I apologize for the manner of your invitation. Your van has been repaired and you are free to go. My servants will escort you back. Think carefully on what I have told you."

"Thank you for your advice, Lucien. I suspect you are right in your surmise about her true identity."

"Jocelin, would you care to describe what Samantha Drake looks like? If the description tallies with the woman known as 'Tammy Seton', both of our groups may better warned about her and thus better prepared.." Jack says.

Kalzazz

03-30-2007, 05:20 AM

Jocelin nods. "Sure. I can do that."

((Jocelin's player however is clueless, so needs DM help))

Detritus

03-30-2007, 05:35 AM

Jocelin nods. "Sure. I can do that."

((Jocelin's player however is clueless, so needs DM help))
This (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=55192&postcount=12) is Samantha, although Jocelin has not seen her bare-fanged and bloody-faced. Lucian admits that the woman Jocelin describes is a close match for his mysterious would-be benefactor.

Kalzazz

03-30-2007, 05:40 AM

Detritus

03-30-2007, 05:59 AM

Jocelin describes her. "So yes, it does seem that Miss Tammy Seton and Miss Samantha Drake are one and the same."

"Though. She is a Malkavian. Maybe they are one and the same but in fact are two different people coexisting in the same entity without each others conscious knowledge?"
"I cannot say, but virtually anything is possible with Malkavian psychology."

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

As Lucian finishes this last, it dawns on the PCs that the Tremere have been remarkably silent through the conversation with Lucian. This changes dramatically as Merill erupts.

"You ANARCH SWINE! You know everything, and you're in league with a diabolist, aren't you! The Tremere will hunt you down like the mangy cur you are!"

Thomas moves to restrain Merill as you notice your armed escort come to deadly attention.

Lucian favors Merill with a sardonic little bow in his seat, eyes locked with Merill's, lips engaged in the rictus of a snarling grin. "Scabrous Warlock, I've eluded your mewling clan for two centuries. Why should I fear them?"

SD Anderson

03-30-2007, 06:07 AM

"If they are in fact two minds in a single body, the Seton personna would be the monster here, since she arranged our 'deention'. Whereher the Drake personality is innocent is unknown and probably not going to matter. The elders have a strong dislike of diabblerie."

SD Anderson

03-30-2007, 06:14 AM

"I cannot say, but virtually anything is possible with Malkavian psychology."

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

As Lucian finishes this last, it dawns on the PCs that the Tremere have been remarkably silent through the conversation with Lucian. This changes dramatically as Merill erupts.

"You ANARCH SWINE! You know everything, and you're in league with a diabolist, aren't you! The Tremere will hunt you down like the mangy cur you are!"

Thomas moves to restrain Merill as you notice your armed escort come to deadly attention.

Lucian favors Merill with a sardonic little bow in his seat, eyes locked with Merill's, lips engaged in the rictus of a snarling grin. "Scabrous Warlock, I've eluded your mewling clan for two centuries. Why should I fear them?"

"THIS IS NEITHER THE TIME NOR THE PLACE FOR THIS MERILL!" Jack says. "WE HAVE LITTLE TIME TO STOP A DIABLERIST FROM KILLING A JUSTICAR, which... would make a big upheaval in the lives of all Kindred in Texas. These Anarchs are not presently the enemy. If they were none of us would likely have survived the ambush back on the highway."

"Your clan prides itself on patience and discipline. Exercise those virtues."

Kalzazz

03-30-2007, 06:39 AM

"Wait. This has been rather pleasant and honorably done so far, so, we shouldnt insult each other overmuch even if we are going to make the floor run red with blood. Or I guess the floor run dusty with dust."

Huxley

03-30-2007, 10:56 AM

"Find her guilty and destroy her. Then we share the reward she offered me."

"I promise nothing", says Leo as he begins to turn towards the door.

He stops and stares at Marrill when he erupts.

"You ANARCH SWINE! You know everything, and you're in league with a diabolist, aren't you! The Tremere will hunt you down like the mangy cur you are!"

Leo glances back at Lucian, then back to the Tremere couple.

"THIS IS NEITHER THE TIME NOR THE PLACE FOR THIS MERILL!"WE HAVE LITTLE TIME TO STOP A DIABLERIST FROM KILLING A JUSTICAR, which... would make a big upheaval in the lives of all Kindred in Texas. These Anarchs are not presently the enemy. If they were none of us would likely have survived the ambush back on the highway."

"Your clan prides itself on patience and discipline. Exercise those virtues."

Leo nods, then begins for the door again, expecting Merrill to follow in suit.

Parzival

03-30-2007, 11:45 AM

"And just who are you?" Menachem asks.
"While you declare your willingness to share an unspecified something with us, you do not tell us what it is, nor how you would share it with us, nor even how you would be able to contact us to share this thing. While I appreciate you double-crossing an enemy of ours, I have no illusions about you remaining faithful to us."

Time displaced:
Responding to Leo in a whisper: "They don't fear my pistol, they were upset about my calling their leader by a title of respect."

Detritus

03-30-2007, 01:35 PM

"THIS IS NEITHER THE TIME NOR THE PLACE FOR THIS MERILL!" Jack says. "WE HAVE LITTLE TIME TO STOP A DIABLERIST FROM KILLING A JUSTICAR, which... would make a big upheaval in the lives of all Kindred in Texas. These Anarchs are not presently the enemy. If they were none of us would likely have survived the ambush back on the highway."

"Your clan prides itself on patience and discipline. Exercise those virtues."
Between Thomas's physical restraint and the admonitions of Jack and Jocelin, Merill masters his emotions with plainly visible effort. He returns Lucian's bow, murder in his eyes but otherwise expressionless, and says, "My companions are correct. I humbly ask for your forgiveness for my outburst. There will be... other times for the airing of grievances."

Having held the pen he was writing with before you came in throughout your conversation, Lucian give Merill an indolent salute with it in acknowledgement of Merill's strained contrition.

"And just who are you?" Menachem asks.
"While you declare your willingness to share an unspecified something with us, you do not tell us what it is, nor how you would share it with us, nor even how you would be able to contact us to share this thing. While I appreciate you double-crossing an enemy of ours, I have no illusions about you remaining faithful to us."
"My life's history is not so important, yes? I can give you no further assurance than the fact that I have not implemented my standard operating procedure in dealing with you as a token of my goodwill. Do you wish for me to reassess my decision?"

Parzival

03-30-2007, 02:22 PM

"Then with your leave, we shall depart."

Detritus

03-30-2007, 04:29 PM

(GM's note -- I can delete this post and re-post if there's any remaining business that the PCs want to attend to in Lucian's shack, otherwise we'll get on with it...)

The gang leads you back to your vehicles. As you approach, you see a large red tow truck drive off, and upon reaching the van you see that its tires have indeed been replaced. Thomas takes the driver's seat as a subdued Merill climbs into the passenger side front seat. As you leave, the Anarchs melt into the gloom.

There's about 90 minutes left of driving before reaching your destination in Houston. This time will pass uneventfully, save for whatever conversation the PCs might wish to make during the remainder of this night's drive.

Parzival

03-30-2007, 05:39 PM

"Hey, Thomas? Drive fast."

Once we're safely underway, I ask the Tremere "So. Is there anything you want to tell us about this Lucian person?"

Huxley

03-31-2007, 12:11 AM

Detritus

03-31-2007, 12:30 AM

Leo walks towards the vehicles, attempting to find land markers in case he needs to find this place again. He climbs into the back of the van, and is silent for a moment.

"Can't trust an anarch. . . though it is odd that the descriptions are similar, and that anyone would be waiting for us. This mission wasn't exactly widely publicized"
"Mastery of Auspex is a very powerful tool," replies Thomas. "It would have taken some effort, but it is certainly possible that Miss Drake may have astrally monitored the Justicar after issuing her request."

Detritus

03-31-2007, 12:31 AM

"Hey, Thomas? Drive fast."

Once we're safely underway, I ask the Tremere "So. Is there anything you want to tell us about this Lucian person?"
The Tremere look at each other, and then Thomas flicks his head in the direction of the back of the van. Merill leaves the shotgun position and sits on the middle row of seats. He produces a cigarette from the inside of his jacket, which then lights spontaneously after he places it between the index and middle fingers of his right hand.

"In brief, Lucian was once a Tremere neonate, over two centuries ago. He proved to be very willful, and unusually hard to control for one so recently Embraced. His brief but tempestuous relationship with the Tremere ended when he fled Marseilles just before the destruction of the Chantry there. He has long been a suspect in duplicitous activity leading up to the event, but nothing has ever been proven.

"To find him relatively near to another Chantry that has recently been destroyed, it is... suspicious. I have learned to mistrust coincidence, but it is only a feeling that Lucian might have been involved with New Orleans around the time of the hurricane."

As he finishes, Merill's nearly-unused cigarette burns to its tip, in a puff of tobacco and filter material vapor.

SD Anderson

03-31-2007, 02:12 AM

Jack takes out the cell phone, sees if he can get a signal, suspecting Lucien would have glitched the local cell tower for the ambush but might have unglitched it by now to avoid scrutiny.

If it works fine. If it doesn't as soon as we reach cell phone friendly territory Jack calls the Prince.

"This is Jack Constatine. We have a major problem. Put the Prince on the line, NOW. I don't care what he's doing. He wants this call whether he knows it or not!"

...

"Hello... Your Higness? We were attacked on the highway. We got away and are still able to complete our mission but... Someone on your end is a spy. The attackers KNEW which vehicles to ambush. You or the Justicar may have a traitor in your repective households or it may be something as simple as a planted microphone and a spotter team, though the vehicle descriptions make treason the likelier answer.

"We interrogated one of those responsible for the attack. It wasn't wise to try and bring a captive with us, I'll give you the full details if you need them once we're back. Drake is very likely the person behind this. A woman named Tammy Seton paid for the ambush and her descriptoin matches Drake's. You might want to call France and have your firends there check for the Seton alias being used there as well as Drakes's. And we have confirmation that the Justicar IS her next target."

"Speaking of the French, any news?"

Kalzazz

03-31-2007, 02:27 AM

Jocelin turns to Jack, "Point out the van got attacked rather than my car . . . so it could have been they only knew about the one vehicle, since my car wasnt in the princes original plan and all"

Detritus

03-31-2007, 02:35 AM

Let's say that you're able to make the call as you reach the very outskirts of Houston.

Armed with this information, the Prince says you have done well. He does not know of anything regarding France, but he will do his best to try to reach the Justicar by the time you meet up with Prince Casimir.

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

Anything else as needs taking care of before getting into the city proper?

SD Anderson

03-31-2007, 02:51 AM

Jocelin turns to Jack, "Point out the van got attacked rather than my car . . . so it could have been they only knew about the one vehicle, since my car wasnt in the princes original plan and all"

Probably becasue the van was in the lead. But I don't want details getting out. There is a leak on the Dallas side of things. If there's a tapped phone line, details could well be going straight to Drake's ears right now. The fewer we we pass along, the better off we are."

SD Anderson

03-31-2007, 02:55 AM

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

Anything else as needs taking care of before getting into the city proper?

Minor point: Where on the road did the ambush take place? Closer to Houston or DFW?
Basically is Lucien and his crowd more Casimir's headache than Dallas'?

Detritus

03-31-2007, 03:25 AM

Minor point: Where on the road did the ambush take place? Closer to Houston or DFW?
Basically is Lucien and his crowd more Casimir's headache than Dallas'?
It happened a bit before midnight, so about two-thirds of the way to Houston.

However, the area in question might be considered contestable between Dallas and Houston. It wouldn't have been all that far from Austin, which is part of the domain of Dallas, as per the GV:tM suggestion. Houston and San Antonio are the main cities for the domain of Houston for now.

Let me see if I can find some maps.