The Breaking of the Fellowship, Thread 1 (Jocelin/Menachem, overnight Tues. 3/27/07)

[Detritus]

Since the PCs are splitting into three groups, I'm going to see how having a thread for each group works out. This thread will be dedicated to the hunting party and any subsequent investigations after the hunt. The Kindred involved in this thread are Menachem, Jocelin, Rebekka, and Kallista.

[Parzival]

I take it that it's rather important to be back here well before dawn?

[Detritus]

Certainly, if you want to make it back to the Prince's haven before sunrise. I think I gave 5-530 am as the end of the window for activities that wouldn't be threatened by sunrise, so we'll say the meeting time for heading back to Mr. Johnson's boat is 430 am.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin looks about, "Well, the devil works through idle hands, so we best get going. And find some idle hands or suchlike darkness of a suitably sinfully delicious nature?"

[Detritus]

Point of order -- Is Jocelin presently wearing her sword, and if so, is she making any sort of attempt at concealment as she's wearing it?

[Kalzazz]

Yes, Jocelin is wearing her sword

She has a Lt Columbo style raincoat she'll throw on if openly wearing a sword is a bad thing

[Parzival]

You know, it might be a good idea if you left that sword in the car. I don't really see people reacting well to it.

<Menachem takes off his kipa, carefully folds it, places it in his pocket, and runs his fingers through his hair>
There are enough despicable rumors without me adding to them.

[Kalzazz]

((OOC having now spent about 5 minutes looking at google for the state of Louisiana Weapons Laws it appears swords are cool, as long as you dont conceal them, http://www.lazydragon.com/laws/louisiana.htm ))

Jocelin does in fact just wear her sword openly then. She turns to Menachem, "Oh, no, I dont think thats necessary. And its not only a deadly weapon, its a fashion accessory"

[Detritus]

((OOC having now spent about 5 minutes looking at google for the state of Louisiana Weapons Laws it appears swords are cool, as long as you dont conceal them, http://www.lazydragon.com/laws/louisiana.htm ))

Jocelin does in fact just wear her sword openly then. She turns to Menachem, "Oh, no, I dont think thats necessary. And its not only a deadly weapon, its a fashion accessory"
"And where do you propose to do your hunting tonight, wearing that thing?" asks Kallista. "I don't think there are any Renaissance Faires open at this time of night."

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin grumbles and throws the raincoat on over top. "Happy?"

[Detritus]

Jocelin grumbles and throws the raincoat on over top. "Happy?"
"You look beautiful, darling, don't ever change," comes Kallista's smirking reply.

"Well, where to? Seems like we have a few options tonight."

Rebekka says that any choice of hunting grounds is fine with her.

[Kalzazz]

"Why thank you"

"Demetrious won't be hunting tonight, do you think he would mind overmuch if we hunted in his area? We mightest get both something to eat and see if we see anything that might have afflicted him. Two stones with one bird"

[Parzival]

You know the city much better than I, do you have any suggestions?

[Detritus]

"Are we just hunting, or are we hunting/investigating?" asks Kallista.

[Parzival]

Both, but I think it might be safer to do a bit of hunting before merging the two.

[Detritus]

"Very well, in that case, Jocelin's suggestion is as good as any. Part of Demetrious's territory is pretty close to The Rack, we can start there and then move into ground that is used by multiple Kindred for feeding."

After this comment, Kallista phones Mr. Johnson and double-checks to make sure that feeding from Demetrious's hunting grounds is authorized, which he confirms will be OK.

===========

OOC - Are you guys going in Jocelin's car? I guess this is up to Jocelin as much as anyone. If not, we can say that Kallista has a ghoul driver for a vehicle large enough to seat 6 adults comfortably.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin approves of using her car

[Parzival]

I like redundancy. <shrug> Taking both can't hurt.

[Detritus]

"As you wish," replies Kallista.

"Some place with sinners, in Demetrious's territory. You're a little young-looking to go clubbing, Jocelin. Do you have some sort of ID proclaiming otherwise?" asks Kallista.

[Detritus]

"As you wish," replies Kallista.

"Some place with sinners, in Demetrious's territory. You're a little young-looking to go clubbing, Jocelin. Do you have some sort of ID proclaiming otherwise?" asks Kallista.
"Perhaps we could... talk our way past any interference we encounter at the doorway?" says Rebekka.

"You can turn on some of the... Brujah charm at the appropriate time, yes?" she asks of Jocelin.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin goes and rummages out her ID to check the date on it

((OOC Id figure Jocelin being Turned at some point in past has presumably aged since then in the minds of ID issuing State Agencies))

[Detritus]

Jocelin goes and rummages out her ID to check the date on it

((OOC Id figure Jocelin being Turned at some point in past has presumably aged since then in the minds of ID issuing State Agencies))
OOC - When was Jocelin Embraced? It isn't specified in the PC write-up. It's fine to say she was Embraced at least 4-5 years ago, we just need to tidy up that detail here...

[Parzival]

I stash my pistol, holster, and spare mag in the trunk of Jocelin's car.

[Detritus]

Jocelin produces a fake ID that meets with Kallista's approval. She suggests hitting a club called City Lights for the first bit of hunting. Rebekka and Gunther ride with Kallista and her ghoul, so you have a bit of time if you want to discuss anything while you are alone. We'll say it's about a 20 minute drive from the docks.

OOC - I'm going to work out some hunting mechanics so we don't have to RP every single hunting episode.

[Kalzazz]

Seeing as Menachem is devoiding himself of firepower Jocelin will also put her sword, pistol and vest in her cars trunk

[Detritus]

I've posted some hunting mechanics here (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=84245&postcount=20), FYI.

[Kalzazz]

I rolled then

This is going to hurt

[Detritus]

I rolled then

This is going to hurt
Dude, you rolled 4d6 instead of 3d6. :D

I will drop the lowest die for each roll. You barely succeed on the Dancing roll and then critically succeed your Sex Appeal roll in this case. No problem.

I want to do a bit of narration before getting to the results of these rolls. Actually, I can probably work them into the bit I'm going to write....

EDIT -- I take it back about the critical success on the Sex Appeal roll. You did beat your skill level by 10, but the roll is a 7, and 6 is the highest total for critical success. It's still a pretty good roll.

[Detritus]

When you meet up at the club entrance, you only find Kallista and Rebekka there. As you enter the club and pay a nominal cover charge, the doorman eyes Menachem's cane a little curiously but lets him pass. It's obvious that even though Menachem is a bit dumpy, when he arrives with the fresh-faced hottie Jocelin, the more seasoned and sophisticated beauty Kallista, and the charming and surprisingly attractive mature quail Rebekka, it gains him some cred as soon as he steps through the door.

It's Ladies' Night, so there's a decent crowd even though it's Tuesday night. Jocelin and Kallista hit the dance floor almost immediately. As they get their swerve on, it's clear that they are both creatures of extraordinary grace. Jocelin seems at times to be making it up as she goes along, but she somehow makes it all work. When you watch her closely for a bit, you can see that she occasionally weaves elements of swordplay into her dancing, and it occurs to you just how dangerous she might be with that sword of hers.

Rebekka claims she isn't much of a dancer, and finds a table near the dance floor. Menachem may accompany her or not, as he sees fit. Rebekka sort of slips in and out of being companionable, and appears to stare off into space from time to time, for several seconds per episode. If you follow her gaze, however, she seems to be watching someone intently every time she does this, and some color begins to appear in her cheeks after a few such gazes.

By this time, Kallista and Jocelin practically own the middle of the dance floor. There are several inviting targets that Jocelin would deem sufficiently sinful to feed upon.

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

What will Menachem do?

(EDIT -- Jocelin can pick out someone for a little "necking" during which she can feed. This'll take about an hour all told.)

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin does so then. The most inviting of said potable, glorious divine avatar that Jocelin is she should uphold proper standards afterall

[Parzival]

For the moment I'll go with Rebekka, and make polite conversation.
I believe she knows more than she's letting on, and she may be a bit more forthcoming with the noise making eavesdropping more difficult.

I also take some time scoping out potential victims who have clearly had a bit too much to drink, and don't seem to be part of a cohesive group.

[Detritus]

For the moment I'll go with Rebekka, and make polite conversation.
I believe she knows more than she's letting on, and she may be a bit more forthcoming with the noise making eavesdropping more difficult.

I also take some time scoping out potential victims who have clearly had a bit too much to drink, and don't seem to be part of a cohesive group.
After the first couple episodes of Rebekka staring at whoever the heck she stares at, you get into a rhythm of scoping out the crowd whenever she checks out for more than a few seconds. You can come up with a few different targets that meet your prey criteria.

Rebekka is happy to pass the time with chit-chat, but Menachem will have to guide the conversation towards more fruitful channels, if that's his desire.

Jocelin does so then. The most inviting of said potable, glorious divine avatar that Jocelin is she should uphold proper standards afterall
Jocelin can get herself back up to full Blood Pool with her first liaison, as she was only down one going in to tonight's hunt.

[Parzival]

I don't know enough yet to ask specific questions of her, so I'll do a quick aura scan of the marks I've selected, and go be diplomatic.

[Detritus]

I don't know enough yet to ask specific questions of her, so I'll do a quick aura scan of the marks I've selected, and go be diplomatic.
Please give me an Aura Reading roll (and knock off 4 Fatigue), a Diplomacy roll, and an HT roll if you go for someone on the tipsy side.

[Parzival]

Aura 13 +3 (Auspex mastery bonus) = 16 (Roll result: 10)
Diplomacy 15 +1 (Charisma) +2 (Voice) =18 (Roll result: 13)
HT 12 (Roll result: 11)

8 fatigue points remaining

[Detritus]

Aura 13 +3 (Auspex mastery bonus) = 16 (Roll result: 10)
Diplomacy 15 +1 (Charisma) +2 (Voice) =18 (Roll result: 13)
HT 12 (Roll result: 11)

8 fatigue points remaining
OK, you can find a mark with an aura that is tinged with a slight hint of desperation who is also basically alone, maneuver her into a poorly lit corner of the club, and go about your business. You're back up to full blood pool capacity. She's had a fair amount to drink, and you get a bit of a buzz from feeding off her, but no impairment comes of it.

An hour after your arrival, everyone is fed and has extracted themselves from the immediate vicinity of their prey.** You all convene at Rebekka's table after feeding, where Kallista asks if you want to ask any questions here, or move on to some place where Demetrious had exclusive hunting rights. ((For that matter, if you wanted to ask questions while here, post them now.))

** There may come a night when your wits abandon you and this may not be so easy, but it is not this night.

[Parzival]

Is there a Kinkos nearby?
I'm going to have some information faxed over that may or may not be important. <shrugs> It won't take me but a moment to run in and pick it up.

After that, there *is* a place that I'd like to have a look at. The 544 Club.
(I'm watching the reactions to that statement pretty carefully.)

[Detritus]

Is there a Kinkos nearby?
I'm going to have some information faxed over that may or may not be important. <shrugs> It won't take me but a moment to run in and pick it up.

After that, there *is* a place that I'd like to have a look at. The 544 Club.
(I'm watching the reactions to that statement pretty carefully.)
Kallista raises an eyebrow and looks at Jocelin for a second before turning back to Menachem.

"I don't think she knew much about Demetrious's feeding habits," she says, waving towards Jocelin. "Looks like you've already done some leg work. The 544 Club was going to be my next suggestion. It's the one place in Demetrious's hunting grounds that I know of where he and Sammy might have met. Shall we go? We can find a Kinko's on the way."

[Parzival]

Sounds good.

<Pulls out Blackberry, dials 411, gets the fax number for the Kinkos.>
<selects a number from the memory, and places another call>
Yes, I need you to send the information we talked about to fax number blahblahblah.
<nods once, and hangs up>

OK, I'm ready.

[Detritus]

I need a secret hoo-hah roll for Menachem before we can proceed.

[Parzival]

Rolled.
(Sorry, thought it was one of those rolls I wouldn't necessarily know the +/- effects of.)

Made it. Barely.

[Detritus]

OK, after leaving the Hurricane Club, you head on over to the 544 Colonial Club, which is located on Bourbon Street. There's no cover charge for this club. There's a live band here, in this particular instance a jazz quartet. Just as you take your seats (and this time, you are accompanied by the two ghouls), the band breaks into an extended version of Blue Monk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmhP1RgbrrY). Towards the end of this particular piece, Kallista takes a call on her cell phone.

Kallista returns after the piece is over, and it looks like there is a break between sets coming up. Kallista says that "an associate" of hers will be arriving in a bit who might have been witness to the incident involving Sammy and Demetrious.

(Menachem may recover an additional Fatigue at this point.)

The crowd is fairly large for a Tuesday night, you don't know, there could be people there who are regulars. Do you want to wait things out for Kallista's associate to arrive or do a little canvassing in the club?

[Detritus]

Well, with no answer from the players, the GM is going to indulge himself in a Rebekka Sue moment here...

After hearing about the news of Kallista's associate, Rebekka asks how long it will take for the arrival. About half an hour is the answer.

Upon learning this, Rebekka takes Günther to the bar to chat with the bartender, and to pay her compliments to the band. After a few minutes, she gets up on the stage and takes a seat at the piano. She speaks in what you recognize as a thicker German accent than is her normal wont.

"Zat last song, it reminded me of a song I first heard as a jung Mädchen in Berlin. It was one of the first jazz pieces I learned, growing up. I hope to be able to give it ze treatment it deserves for you tonight." (Those of you who witnessed Rebekka hacking off her pinky finger last night realize the shyness is probably a part of the act along with the hammy German accent.)

She then launches into a rendition of the Thelonius Monk arrangement of Duke Ellington's In My Solitude (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EywdPsnJxQ). She proves to be a very talented pianist, maybe not a pro, but she might be able to give the live band's pianist a run for his money. Kallista is absolutely entranced by the performance, and as the piece progresses, Rebekka exhibits a commanding stage presence belying the timidity of her introduction.

Now finished, Rebekka brings the house down with her performance. The applause finally snaps Kallista out of her reverie, but she's still a little too stunned to clap along with everyone else. Once again playing the shy Fräulein, Rebekka takes a deep bow and returns to Günther at the bar. At this, Kallista finally regains her composure, enough to speak.

"And I thought I knew how to work a room," she says softly, and a trifle ruefully, you think. "I do believe our elder witch would be a most formidable opponent, if it came to that. And whose side are you on, dearest Rebekka?"

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

Can I get Vision rolls for Jocelin and Menachem?

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin claps after Rebekka's performance. She also murmurs a prayer against any dark spirits and demons and looks to see if she spots any ghosts or demons or hidden passageways opening up, figuring elder warlock and piano is quite possibly a very unsavory combination

((Ill roll twice, once for whatever Im supposed to be rolling for, and once for Jocelin's suspicions))

[Detritus]

OK, results of the Vision rolls -- It occurs to you that nine-fingered piano playing would represent an impediment of roughly 10%, give or take, and as you check Rebekka's left hand, you see that the pinky finger is back where it was just over a night ago. You also notice that Rebekka has disappeared for the moment, although Günther is still in plain sight at the bar.

At the stage proper, it looks like the shadows might be flickering just a bit, but it's unclear whether it's just a trick of the lighting or something more sinister.

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin looks to see if Gunther has the correct number of fingers, and looking out the window to see if her and Kallistas vehicles are still there

[Parzival]

I'm going to go over to chat with the barkeep while we're waiting.

If he's talkative, I'll ask him if he knows Ramiel, and then steer the conversation around to Demetrious.

(How close to the stage is the bar? I definately want to see where she is/what happened to her. Can I get a good read on Guther's expression/body language?)

[Detritus]

Jocelin looks to see if Gunther has the correct number of fingers, and looking out the window to see if her and Kallistas vehicles are still there
Yes, he does, and yes, they are.
I'm going to go over to chat with the barkeep while we're waiting.

If he's talkative, I'll ask him if he knows Ramiel, and then steer the conversation around to Demetrious.

(How close to the stage is the bar? I definately want to see where she is/what happened to her. Can I get a good read on Guther's expression/body language?)
The bar is maybe 30 feet from the front of the stage. The bartender is politely chatty, and recognizes both Ramiel and Demetrious by description. He doesn't offer any specifics about either one, for the moment.

Günther doesn't seem particularly worried or upset when you come to the bar, although he does quickly eye you askance and shakes his head as you approach the bar. After a few minutes Rebekka emerges from the Ladies' room by herself, although a few seconds later a couple of rather tipsy women follow in her wake. You get an eye roll from her when she sees you at the bar, and she and Günther do not approach you. Günther starts moving away from you as Rebekka nears the bar, and a group of admirers and well-wishers forms on the opposite side of the bar from you.

[Detritus]

Menachem sees - Rebekka checks her cell phone for messages, and Gunther fiddles around with his cell phone for a bit, shortly after Rebekka comes back out into the bar area.

Jocelin sees - Kallista receives a text message around this time.

You both know that it'll be about half an hour from the time Kallista mentioned her associate before the associate's arrival.

About 15 minutes after the end of her first song, Rebekka will permit herself to be talked into playing another number, Don't Blame Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRpfwHggtZ0).

Anything in particular that either PC wants to do while awaiting the arrival of Kallista's associate?

[Detritus]

OOC - I need to do some scanneration and whip up the outlines of a few NPCs before proceeding further with this thread. Stay tuned.

[Parzival]

I'm going to ask the bartender about Demetrious leaving with an attractive woman on last (wheneveritwas).

[Detritus]

I'm going to ask the bartender about Demetrious leaving with an attractive woman on last (wheneveritwas).
If you don't give any sort of description of the woman, the answer you get is that Demetrious often leaves in the company of attractive women, and the nights sort of blur together.

[Parzival]

I'll give a somewhat vague but accurate general description of Samantha.
(between X and Y tall, brunette, Z-length hair, etc.)

[Detritus]

I'll give a somewhat vague but accurate general description of Samantha.
(between X and Y tall, brunette, Z-length hair, etc.)
The bartender says that Demetrious left with someone more or less matching that description between sets 2 & 3 on Thursday. (This is the same break between sets that is occurring right now, FYI.)

[Detritus]

We'll say that Rebekka starts her second solo performance just after the bartender replies to Menachem's latest query. By the dice, she's still very good...

Some discussion breaks out between the band members and Rebekka after her second act, and the original piano player breaks out a trumpet and gets it ready for action.

At about the time that Rebekka's discussion with the band members finishes, someone arrives that Kallista and Jocelin will recognize as Camille Devereux (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=88292&postcount=22).

Caught a bit off her guard, Kallista addresses Camille with a single word: "You?"

"So good to see you, too, Kallista," comes Camille's reply as she smirks at Kallista.

"Felecia requested that I meet with you. Seemed to think that it wouldn't be a good idea if she were recognized."

"Where is she?"

"In Elysium, of course. The Storyville Jazz Hall, to be precise. Sabine and Bianca are with her."

"I see," replies Kallista with an utter lack of conviction.

Camille laughs at her. "No, you don't, you pretentious twit! I know I don't. This business with Demetrious and Sammy has gotten entirely out of hand, as far as I'm concerned."

Ignoring Kallista's reaction, Camille turns to Jocelin and says, "Hello, dear. Good to see you again. I hope your time away from New Orleans was not too trying."

After Jocelin's reply, Camille asks if everyone is ready to go. Rebekka and the band have just started on the Herbie Hancock Quintet arrangement of So What (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIVh2o9yKcs).

[Detritus]

Kallista sulks for a bit, but the band's performance, augmented by their pianist pro-tem, is enough to snap her out of her funk. They sound like they have been playing together for the better part of three decades.

"Rebekka texted me and said it would probably be best if we didn't leave at the same time. Perhaps you could retrieve Menachem, and we can go," she says to Jocelin.

"Rebekka?"

"The piano player."

"A long-lost sister?"

"Not exactly. But she is a sorceress... at the keyboard."

This final statement prompts a knowing nod from Camille.

Rebekka cuts loose during her solo, even though she does mess up about 30 seconds into it. From time to time she gets a little hair flop resonance going as her locks swing in time with the beat from the rhythm section. A speculative look crosses Camille's face as the solo draws out to several minutes in length.

When the band picks up the base theme of the song again, Kallista says, "Shall we go?"

[Kalzazz]

"Hi Camille, Dallas was nice enough, but it isn't New Orleans," shrugs, "c'est la vie."

"I suppose I can escort Menachem, though he doesn't seem to like my car. Philistine"

Jocelin gets up and wanders over to meet up with Menachem

[Parzival]

(To Jocelin) Have you picked out whoever's watching us? I haven't been able to pick them out, but evidently they <nods in Rebekka and Gunter's direction> fingered someone.
It looks like whatever happened between Demtrious and Samantha happened here, and was quick and nonviolent.

[Kalzazz]

"Oh, is that so? Its time for us to go . . . let me get ready first though and Jocelin Bond tricksies"

Jocelin takes out a compact and touches up her makeup, and incidentally uses the mirror of such while shes doing so to see if she notes anyone watching her

[Kalzazz]

((I rolled, way to many times, so ignore the extra rolls unless there needed for something))

[Detritus]

Neither of you see anyone in particular that is watching you. In fact, pretty much all patrons seem to be paying close attention to what's going on on-stage, when there is live music...

[Parzival]

Are you ready to go?

[Detritus]

Kallista instructs her ghoul to remain behind and make introductions between Rebekka and Camille, and then says she'll ride with you and Jocelin to the Storyville Jazz Hall.

[Kalzazz]

"Yes, yes, Im ready . . . I didnt see anyone watching us"

Jocelin heads to her car and then to the destination

((OOC - Elysium = No Weapons right?))

[Detritus]

((OOC - Elysium = No Weapons right?))
That is correct.

[Detritus]

It's 0300 by the time you get to the Storyville Jazz Hall. The building is basically a large ballroom with a stage to one side, and three tiers of balcony seating above the floor. (If you've ever been inside the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, it's like that. The meeting takes place in a large box seating area on the first tier of the stage-right wall of the main hall. Felecia, Sabine, and Bianca are all seated to one side of the

When the PCs and Kallista arrive without Camille, the New Orleans' Kindred will only exchange pleasantries and insist upon waiting for Camille's return before starting. Camille and Rebekka arrive about 10 minutes after the PCs. Rebekka is subdued, almost brooding, when she enters the balcony. Camille wears a neutral expression but maybe seems a trifle wary of Rebekka. Neither ghoul is with them. Camille moves over to the NO vampires, Rebekka heads towards the PCs.

Once everyone is settled in, Felecia begins without preamble, relaying to you what she saw:

"Word about incidents like this spreads pretty fast. I saw Sammy and Demetrious leave the 544 Club together on Thursday, but they seemed fine. In fact, I saw them together again about an hour, maybe an hour and a half later, and they still seemed fine. I don't think they saw me that time."

[Kalzazz]

Jocelin blinks. "Thats . . . all? Youd think it would need to be something flashier"

"Where were they when you saw them later? Ohh, and were there any ghosts or anything odd happening with the piano?"

[Detritus]

Jocelin blinks. "Thats . . . all? Youd think it would need to be something flashier"

"Where were they when you saw them later? Ohh, and were there any ghosts or anything odd happening with the piano?"
Felecia looks at Jocelin a little weirdly when asked about the piano.

"No, I don't think there was anything strange going on with the piano.

"However, if I understand the timing of events alleged by Sammy, I saw D. and her together after the attack was supposed to have occurred, seemingly getting along just fine."

Sabine then speaks for the first time.

"Have there been any... unusual occurrences in either the Prince's household, or during any investigations that might have led you to Sammy's main haven?"

[Detritus]

FYI, you can find pix of the three new Kindred in this scene in the same post as Camille's picture.

http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=88292&postcount=22

[Parzival]

Demetrious seemed to be under a strong compulsion to not truthful about what had happened. Other than that, all we found in the Prince's household was a bit of sibling rivalry and favoritism.

[Detritus]

Demetrious seemed to be under a strong compulsion to not truthful about what had happened. Other than that, all we found in the Prince's household was a bit of sibling rivalry and favoritism.
Rebekka breaks out of her brown study and flicks a quick glance in Menachem's direction before asking Sabine if she had anything more specific in mind.

It is, however, Bianca who answers:

"I haven't been back for very long, but I've seen... unusual Kindred activity on the streets."

[Detritus]

Kallista gives Menachem a wry arch of an eyebrow before asking Bianca, "What does that have to do with Demetrious's collapse?"

"They're new, and not an art snob in the lot of them," replies Bianca. "The prince is usually pretty careful about letting in Kindred outside his clan."

"That still doesn't answer the question!" snaps Kallista, "Just what are you getting at?"

"Astute as ever, Kallista," says Camille with a smirk across her lips. "They are suggesting that your dear sire may be compromised in some way to allow such a challenge to his policies pass without comment."

Nodding her head, Felecia then asks, "But is it blackmail, or some more direct form of control? Did he compel Demetrious to silence? Is he under somebody else's control?"

Rebekka directs an intense stare at Sabine and then asks her, "When was the last time you saw Lazarus?"

"Not since before the hurricane," comes Sabine's reply. "He insisted on staying here. A terrible mistake, if you ask me."

"I did not. I assume that no one in the Chantry instructed this Samantha in the thaumaturgical arts?"

Sabine spits out a defensive and contemptuous "No!", eliciting a nod from Rebekka that suggests she expected nothing else.

"Would you mind telling those of us not initiated to the rite of the secret warlock handshake what you are going on about?" Camille says to the two Tremere.

A wolfish grin appears on Rebekka's face as she turns toward Camille and answers with a simple, "As you wish."

Wearing the same grin, Rebekka holds Camille's gaze for a few seconds, then composes her features to a neutral expression, continuing in a business-like, almost lecturing tone.

"It is not widely known, but a practiced Thauamturge may temporarily lower her generation. Skilled practitioners of blood magic may be able to lower their generation by as many as three steps.

"This obviously also increases the number of Kindred that one can successfully apply the Piercing Gaze to. I have learned that a magical ward now surrounds this Samantha's house. It is unclear whether she raised it herself, or had assistance from the traitor Lucian, but I do know that Lucian is of the 10th generation. It would thus be possible for him to exert mental control over any Kindred of 8th generation or higher, in the right circumstance. If this Samantha were of the same generation and had learned the use of Thaumaturgy from the traitor, then she would be able to exert similar influence."

Turning towards Kallista, Rebekka then asks, "Would this be sufficient to affect Mr. Johnson?"

Kallista, looking shaken to the bone, can only give an affirmative nod in reply.

A hint of the wolfish grin reappears on Rebekka's face as she says to Camille, "And now you know."

[Kalzazz]

"So . . . the Prince could be controlled by our mystery enemy?"

[Detritus]

"So . . . the Prince could be controlled by our mystery enemy?"
"It is a possibility, yes," says Rebekka. "It certainly looked like that's the case for Demetrious, but it's unclear whether the Prince has suffered similar tampering."

[Kalzazz]

"Can you test?"

[Detritus]

"Can you test?"
"What do you mean by test?" asks Rebekka. "There is no ritual I am aware of that can indicate whether one Kindred is under the mental control of another. Mind-to-mind contact is a different story, but it's a lot easier to do with the other's consent. Shall I ask our Prince whether he will allow me to probe his mind? Would he consent to have one of his childer check him? I am doubtful..."

[Kalzazz]

"Ah. And obviously he would not want to do that if he was mind controlled, and he would not want to do that if he wasnt mind controlled"

[Detritus]

"Ah. And obviously he would not want to do that if he was mind controlled, and he would not want to do that if he wasnt mind controlled"
"Quite so," replies Rebekka.

((Assuming there aren't any more questions, I'm going to move things forward to getting everyone back on the Prince's boat.))

[Parzival]

I'm a bit unclear on who Kallista, Bianca, Felecia, and Camille are. I'd like to get a better handle on that.

I want to ask about Lazarus.

But yeah, you can move things forward.

[Detritus]

I'm a bit unclear on who Kallista, Bianca, Felecia, and Camille are. I'd like to get a better handle on that.

I want to ask about Lazarus.

But yeah, you can move things forward.
OK, we can deal with some of these things as we move forward. I don't think I'm going to be able to post the start of the new scene tonight, I'm starting to feel out of it tonight, but I'll get to it as soon as I can.

[Kalzazz]

((OOC feel better soon! To bad you cant just spend blood and poof, shiny better))

[Detritus]

I'm a bit unclear on who Kallista, Bianca, Felecia, and Camille are. I'd like to get a better handle on that.
Check out this post (http://forum.criticalfumble.net/showpost.php?p=68878&postcount=5) in the Jocelin character thread. We can assume that she'll have had a chance to relay this info to Menachem on the drive from the jazz hall to the docks.

The subject of Lazarus will probably come on the prince's boat.