| Gathering: A Fine Soiree | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 23 2012, 09:19 PM (1,205 Views) | |
| KosST | Oct 23 2012, 09:19 PM Post #1 |
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Chapter 1: Too Many Cooks, Too Many Problems Summer, about 6 months after the cataclysm. The vampires of Las Vegas had grown somewhat antsy and listless. Though a few informal parties were thrown by some enterprising individuals, the civic leaders of the domain had remained hesitant to throw an official gathering in some nights. So when the mistress of Elysium, Sophie LaBeaux, spread word about an official event to be held at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, excitement began to spread like wildfire. Officially, the highlight of the evening was to be the unveiling of an authentic masterpiece procured by LaBeaux in honor of the cities new beginning. Unofficially, anything can happen, from new visitors to the city, a simple spar between more popular Kindred, to even a claim for the throne. It’s safe to say that anticipation is high. So it would be unthinkable for any vampire to miss the event. ![]() You arrive unceremoniously to the Bellagio hotel and casino. It is a busy night, with unbearable heat during the night pushing the throngs of humans into the hotel itself. As such, you walk in with dozens of sweaty, excited kine into a colorful lobby. People mill about under the Fiori Di Como, a ceiling covered with glass blossoms, each painstakingly detailed. They meet friends or lovers, awaiting a night of excitement and adventure. Their mood washes over you, and briefly you consider taking the opportunity of a Kindred gathering as a cover for feeding in a regency that does not belong to you. But as you wander the casino floor, you note the appearance of other Kindred, and pull yourself away from a night of some of some easy hunting with the herd to social obligations. The host has performed her task well. Some human guards stationed at the entrance to the gallery itself stop you, checking your name on a guest list before waving you in. The crowd of vampires are already in the thick of conversation, already spouting gossip and mingling with allies or sniping with enemies. For her part, Director LaBeaux seems pleased – though the night has lacked significant drama thus far, the attendance is high, and features nearly all of the Primogen and city officers. The more cultured Kindred seem genuinely excited about the secret artist of the still-cloaked masterpiece, though some of the less cultured Kindred seem to be getting bored by the venue and consider migrating to the casino floor. Nobody notices your arrival. While this has been typical in the past, a part of you is still insulted at the ease to which you are overlooked. You briefly consider starting a fight or an argument yourself, thinking that perhaps it will propel you into the limelight, or at least make the night memorable in some fashion. Those instincts are curbed when you recognize a few familiar faces making their way over to you. (OOC: This is an opportunity for the soon-to-be coterie to exchange some pleasantries or introductions. The scene shall progress either way, but consider this an opportunity to interact with other PCs or NPCs. Furthermore, I know prelude scenes are still going on for a number of you. Those will likely influence actions in this scene, so if you need to, prioritize those prelude scenes. For the most part, this scene is an opportunity to stretch your legs with your PCs, and to make contacts. Improvise and have fun.) |
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| Holy | Oct 24 2012, 10:39 AM Post #2 |
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Salvador, dressed in a black button-down shirt and similar colored slacks stood out, perhaps against his desires, among the brightly colored lights and decorations of the Bellagio. He felt a bit more at ease once inside the din with the other Kindred of the city, the lower lights, the greater shadows. He seems to have a purpose, though, scanning over the assembled faces, while trying to keep a low profile. It doesn't quite seem to work. "Well, well, well... If it ain't Saint Killjoy." ![]() Salvador physically flinches at the moniker, but manages a reply none-the-less. "Mister Rose." Mister Rose, or Dominic Rose to those who knew of him as a low-level Invictus courier, returned a shit eating grin. "Ah, no fuck, you remember me. He remembers me!" He jerks a thumb at Salvador, talking to another nameless face that Salvador didn't actually recognize. Perhaps a new recruit for the Estate, perhaps just some lackey that Dominic had picked up. The sarcasm was lost on Salvador. "We worked together..." "I know we worked together, dickhole, it was a joke." Dominic shook his head. "This guy," he mutters to his companion. "Luckiest guy in Vegas, way I see it. Seems to me you got six years left on your contract and ain't nobody holding you to it." For a moment, it looked like Salvador just wanted to disappear, but those words turn an edge to his features. "If the Estate wishes to review my contract, I'm willing to speak to Lady Ashcroft right now for an official end to this. One way or the other, my way or your way." He sticks out a hand to the other man. "Willing to bet on which way it goes?" Dominic looks at Salvador's hand like it was a serpent, "How do I know you even still got it?" Salvador inches his hand closer to the other man. "Psh, get the fuck out of here, Killjoy. Just count your blessings no one gives a shit about you at the moment." "I count my blessings every day," Salvador replies, though the words only reach the backs of the men walking away. |
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| KosST | Oct 24 2012, 01:02 PM Post #3 |
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Despite Salvador's words doing nothing to change the demeanor of Dominic and his goon, it briefly caught the attention of a few individuals in the room. Most notably other Invictus, particularly one Asher Banks. He makes slight eye contact with Salvador before continuing the conversation he was engaged in. Still, when Dominic walks over to mingle with other Estate members, their attention drifts again away from Saint Killjoy, and back to their gossip. |
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| Kara | Oct 24 2012, 02:29 PM Post #4 |
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Almost precisely on time, Ariadne slips into the lobby from a side door, rather than the main entrance. She navigates the crowd quickly, weaving between kine with her gaze cast halfway to the floor and covered by dark strands of head. No glances are spared for the decor, or any other Kindred for that matter - not, at least, until she's found a spot against one wall. Her eyes then finally lift to take in the crowd, but it isn't long before she pulls out some shiny brand of phone and focuses her attention on that, for the moment at least. |
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| tpenrod | Oct 24 2012, 04:38 PM Post #5 |
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Sebastian doesn't attempt to arrive quietly. When the guards stop to ask his name, he puts on an air of insult before being ushered through. As he enters the main hall, his eyes gaze about the room, sizing it all up. When no one at first notices his presence, Sebastian shrugs it off. As the minutes pass and no one still approaches him, his demeanor becomes far more self aware. Spotting the shrouded painting, he makes he ways over to it, quickly tilting his hat downward slightly over his eyes and pulling his hand across it lightly. Examining it, he begins to search around, seeing if perhaps he can strike up a conversation with someone nearby regarding the mystery of the item. |
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| Daniel | Oct 24 2012, 08:20 PM Post #6 |
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"Dammit, Whiskey, did we really have to get dolled up for this? I feel like such a fuckin' tool right now... And I swear to God, if those valets scratch my bike, whoever owns this place is going to need some new help real fast."![]() Dana and her two companions, Whiskey and Natasha, walk through the crowded lobby with stilted steps. The girls are barely managing to stay upright, unused to the motions required for high heels, and Whiskey's rented tux is just a bit too tight for his slightly potbellied frame. The fabric of his cummerbund stretches as he laughs. "You think they woulda let us in here any other way? I don't like it any more than you do, but this is LaBeaux's show tonight, and you gotta buy a ticket if you want to see it. We can't miss this thing, first big Gathering in months, from what I hear. 'Sides, this tux ain't all bad," and he stretches the cummerbund a bit to reveal a flask tucked near his waist. The trio approaches the guards; their names are present, but near the absolute bottom of the guest list. "Natasha Rowan." "Dana DiTomasso." "Whiskey!" The guards pause as they scan the list, as do the two girls, now in the gallery proper. "Ah, come on..." His voice drops to a near whisper as he says "Gerald Sherman," and the glare on his face makes makes sure the others quickly stifle any chuckles. Without their trademark jackets and souped-up bikes, few have a chance of recognizing the Brides of Dracula. They mill around together for a few minutes, snickering at the more ostentatious displays of the resident Kindred, then break off to talk to various acquaintances or check out the most disturbing pieces of art in the room. Dana finds herself in front of the covered painting. "So this is what they got me dressed up to see? A board with a sack over it," she mutters sarcastically to no one in particular. Edited by Daniel, Oct 24 2012, 08:21 PM.
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| tpenrod | Oct 24 2012, 09:49 PM Post #7 |
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At this, Sebastian raises an eyebrow, glancing the woman over. Given her talk, she seems out of her element. He deems it a perfect time to remove the stifling silence surrounding him. He continues to look at the covered canvas as he speaks. " I would assume there is something under the sack, painted on the board. " Sebastian says with a smile. " Although, that would be the biggest laugh. Getting us all dressed up, gathered here. All to reveal a blank canvas. Would depend on what kind of fools LaBeaux takes us for. Though given her reputation, she's likely looking to prove herself in the new order of things. Just like the rest of us. Wouldn't want something unfortunate to happen, I wager. " He turns his head to give a tip of his hat to Dana, but that is all in terms of greeting. " Sebastian Thorne. And who might you be? " |
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| Daniel | Oct 24 2012, 10:54 PM Post #8 |
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"No shit, Sherlock," Dana snipes, but a look at the man's smile assures her that he's not making one of the "dumb Savage" jokes she's heard at roadhouses from Anaheim to Augusta. She briefly remembers that, in this town at least, there are no Savages, and the thought chills her for a moment as Sebastian continues to talk. She manages to crack a grin, though, and responds, "Nice hat. I'm Dana; don't let the dress throw you off, though, I'm with the Brides. Heard it was gonna be a pretty big deal tonight, LaBeaux's first big bash for everyone. Guess she wanted to impress the high-rollers with all this..." she waves her hands around the room, "this, but it's like all they ever do, trying too hard." "So what's your guess? Some portrait of the council? Some crazy splatter shit? If the Invictus had any balls, it could be Prefect Goodman sucking off Banks." She sniggers, but keeps an eye open to see how the man responds to her brashness. Edited by Daniel, Oct 25 2012, 11:07 AM.
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| tpenrod | Oct 24 2012, 11:25 PM Post #9 |
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" Brides huh? The bikers I've heard running through town now and then? What brings you here? Thought you were all Nomads."
Sebastian ponders for a moment, not responding too obviously to Dana's comments, but can't help but to smile at the idea. " You know, thinking about what I said, maybe I wasn't too far off..." He flicks his sleeve to reveal a playing card in his right hand, a Joker. " What we were before..." he snaps his fingers over in front of the card, obscuring it for a moment, and when it pulls back, reveals a King. " What we hope to be..." Another flick of his fingers. Now the card is blank. " And what we are right now. " He offers the card for Dana to examine. " A Blank Canvas. Tabula Rasa. " |
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| KosST | Oct 25 2012, 08:54 AM Post #10 |
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(I neglected the notion of starting blood initially. Everyone, in your new thread in your private section, please give me a simple 1d10+1 roll for starting blood. Shit's harsh out there)
Edited by KosST, Oct 25 2012, 08:54 AM.
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| Kara | Oct 25 2012, 09:39 AM Post #11 |
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Ariadne's eyes move over to the conversation near the painting, watching Sebastian and Dana. After a moment of this, her phone is slid back into her pocket, and she begins moving toward them, taking a somewhat meandering route through the assembled Kindred. Without a word to either of them or anyone else, she stops near the concealed piece and gently, slowly reaches out to touch it. |
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| Daniel | Oct 25 2012, 11:32 AM Post #12 |
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"Yeah, well, it's kinda hard to keep moving when you can't pop into the ground whenever you want," she says ruefully. "This place fucked with us something fierce, so we thought we'd fuck with it a bit before trying to move on. 'Sides, the juice is usually pretty easy to get, and though there's a bunch of Primogen, there's no Prince screwing with us. Least not yet." She smirks at Sebastian's tricks, but her eyes dance around his hands, and he can see that she fails to follow all of his legerdemain. With a trace of appreciation, she says, "You got a rabbit in that hat or something? But yeah, if Kindred here are the same as they are anywhere else, someone's gonna try to get on top." "Couldn't pay me to be Prince, though. Get stuck listening to everyone else's problems, get stabbed when you turn your back? And have to dress like this every damn day?" she adds, ruffling her skirt with distaste. "No thanks." |
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| KosST | Oct 25 2012, 12:06 PM Post #13 |
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The night continues with casual conversation and gossip.
A few individuals seem to take note of this - a few snickers, a couple of shocked gasps. For a brief moment all attention is actually focused on this conversation. Someone says "....lucky Zoe isn't around to hear that..." and another murmurs approval. But others also clearly enjoyed the audacity of the Bridge. "Got some balls on her" is overheard. Eventually attention moves elsewhere.
A few nearby Kindred stare at Ariadne as she goes over to touch the painting. One or two seem to want to interfere, but as they approach, activity near the entrance to the gallery draws attention away. By the time anyone looks back, Ariadne is no longer touching the piece. The activity itself seems to be the arrival of a few higher ranking Kindred. A number of them enter, flanked on each arm by an attractive male and female human. It seems that each major member of the city brings gifts for the assembled with them. The Kine are dressed well, each wearing complimentary colors to their Kindred master's outfit. Once in the threshold and given due respect for their entrance, each leader relinquishes their Kine, who mingle in the crowd of Kindred, offering their blood. A few Kindred seem put off by this. Others take them up on their offer quickly. Nash. Antoine. Harper. Zoe. Arregi. The significance of entrance order is not lost on some in the crowd. The entrance of Labeaux herself, Mistress of the evening, is last. |
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| Kara | Oct 25 2012, 12:49 PM Post #14 |
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Ariadne's attention moves from the painting a few beats after the entrance of the new arrivals, taking it turn in now to stare at the blood dolls, though she does not move toward any of them. Instead, shoulders hunched, she shuffles over in the direction of Antoine. She pauses far enough away to not be in his personal space, but in facing him, it's clear where her attention is. |
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| Holy | Oct 25 2012, 01:19 PM Post #15 |
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Salvador steers clear of the blood dolls, rather, he approaches the three Brides. "Miss DiTomasso? I'm sorry, I don't know your friends." He glances to both Whiskey and Natasha, setting up an introduction, "My name is Salvador Ruiz." Though he doesn't offer his hand to shake. |
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| KosST | Oct 25 2012, 01:56 PM Post #16 |
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While Salvador joins the Brides, Ariadne continues to stand in front of Antoine. And stares. And stares. Eventually, between occasional greetings to other Kindred, Antoine seems to notice the figure and her awkward gaze. He looks around for a second to see if any other Kindred can briefly provide him a way to not deal with her, but comes up short. So instead he speaks to her, a good distance still between them. "Excuse me? Can I help you?" His voice has a slight edge to it. |
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| Kara | Oct 25 2012, 02:01 PM Post #17 |
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Ariadne finally shifts when Antoine acknowledges her, taking almost a full step toward him. Her voice is quiet, barely audible. "Lady Ashcroft said..." She pauses and blinks a few times before abandoning her previous sentence. "Anything I can help you with?" |
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| KosST | Oct 25 2012, 02:39 PM Post #18 |
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Antoine seems confused for a second. "Uh... do I know you?" He then seems to have a flicker of understanding. He gestures her to come closer, less openly in earshot of others. "You got sight? You looking for work?" |
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| Kara | Oct 25 2012, 02:58 PM Post #19 |
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"Yeah." She nods once before walking nearer to him and nodding again. "Ariadne. Shaffer." A moment passes before she adds, "Invictus." Her introduction made, she returns to staring at Antoine through her bangs. |
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| KosST | Oct 25 2012, 04:51 PM Post #20 |
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Antoine whispers to the girl. Among the din of the other conversations, it's imperceptible to those without Auspex. Spoiler: click to toggle That doesn't stop the occasional Kindred from noting the exchange between a total wallflower and a Primogen. |
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| Kara | Oct 25 2012, 05:06 PM Post #21 |
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Ariadne's mouth sets in a line briefly, but she whispers more than a few words back. She takes no apparent notice any Kindred noting her conversation. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| KosST | Oct 25 2012, 08:16 PM Post #22 |
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He doesn't seem to care much about her reaction. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| Daniel | Oct 26 2012, 12:24 AM Post #23 |
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As the blood dolls enter the Gathering, Dana's eyes stop paying any attention to Sebastian and follow their movements. "Guess we'll find out pretty soon," she says by way of excusing herself, and she moves to the male Kine that entered with Harper. "Now I could get used to this," she says with a palpable hunger on the way. --- A short time later, she looks in much better spirits, and has rounded up the other two Brides to gossip and snark. Their plans are interrupted, however, by a visitor the three haven't seen before.
She smirks, "You and everyone else in this town." Nodding in turn, "Whiskey and Tasha." There's a brief pause before she realizes something, "Wait, should I know you? Haven't heard your name kicked around in here, probably a good thing if you listen to the capes bitchin'." |
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| Holy | Oct 26 2012, 04:41 AM Post #24 |
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Hands slip into pockets as he's caught between keeping silent about his more public profile and starting things off with a lie of omission. "Sometimes people call me Killjoy." He clearly takes no pleasure in the name, moving on to his point as quickly as possible, "I heard that you and your crew might be in the market for a trade. A place to crash for, well..." "Muscle." |
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| Kara | Oct 26 2012, 08:27 AM Post #25 |
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Ariadne's head cocks at something Antoine says before offering a single nod. Spoiler: click to toggle She murmurs something further before breaking off the conversation with the Primogen, slipping back into the crowd, gaze darting about without settling on anyone in particular. |
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| KosST | Oct 26 2012, 10:12 AM Post #26 |
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(a few more details on Dana's brief departure) Dana breaks off from the conversation with Sebastian to approach the male blood doll provided by Harper. As Dana approaches a the man, Harper intercepts Dana. He seems pleasant, and escorts Dana somewhere private. The three return shortly afterwards in positive spirits. The blood doll seems a bit less steady, but not looking too bad, all things considered. He goes to wander around the crowd, looking for other needy Kindred. Antoine offers a simple nod in return to Ariadne before returning to other conversation. |
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| tpenrod | Oct 26 2012, 03:28 PM Post #27 |
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Having Dana's attention turned away from him towards Killjoy, Sebastian takes the opportunity to track the Kindred woman who touched the painting earlier. Seeing her speak with Antoine, he approaches the Primogen once she leaves his presence. He says in a small whisper to his ear. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| KosST | Oct 26 2012, 03:40 PM Post #28 |
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Antoine seems pleased by the presence of Sebastian. Whatever was whispered in his ear brings a wry smirk and a nod towards Ariadne. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| tpenrod | Oct 26 2012, 04:15 PM Post #29 |
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Sebastian gives a nod. He looks to the Kine companion Sebastian arrived with. He motions to them as he follows up with a short response Spoiler: click to toggle
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| KosST | Oct 26 2012, 05:36 PM Post #30 |
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Antoine gives a nod and a public "By all means. That's what they are here for." The blood doll follows the lead of Sebastian thus far. |
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3:31 AM Jul 11