| Gathering: A Fine Soiree | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 23 2012, 09:19 PM (1,208 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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| Daniel | Oct 27 2012, 02:11 AM Post #31 |
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"Killjoy, eh? That name's got more legs. They tell some crazy stories about you, man, but I don't think I buy half of them," Dana says as the man's nickname clicks with the gossip she's picked up in the past few months.
It's Whiskey who steps up at this remark. "If people wanna buy and sell the Brides, they're gonna need muscle first anyway!" Natasha nods, a bit less forcefully, "How you figure we stuck around in this place for six months without finding Havens already?" Dana chimes in, "We just need some places where the sun don't shine, and we all got those. We'll do work for people, but the pot's gotta be sweeter than that. And who's hiring, anyway?" |
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| Holy | Oct 27 2012, 09:04 AM Post #32 |
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Salvador about curls in on himself at Whiskey's threat. When Dana finally poses her question his reply is uncertain. "I... don't have money. That's why..." He sighs, looking just about anywhere but the brides now, settling on the floor itself. "I didn't mean to waste your time." |
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| Daniel | Oct 27 2012, 12:47 PM Post #33 |
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Dana just laughs at Killjoy's lack of confidence. "Whaddaya mean, you don't have money? If you do what they say you do, you just work your voodoo on some boxer and bet on the other guy. Sound like the easiest fuckin' buck on the planet, you ask me." She considers, "Unless you got robbed a few months back? And got somebody nasty on your six?" prodding, almost picking on the man. |
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| Holy | Oct 27 2012, 01:02 PM Post #34 |
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"I stopped doing that after my... After the winnowing." He frowns at the admission itself. "Not robbed, but someone's taking advantage of my people. I just wanted someone who could push back, keep them away. I understand if you don't want to get involved." His gaze slips from side-to-side, looking for an easy exit. |
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| Daniel | Oct 27 2012, 01:10 PM Post #35 |
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"Not robbed? So you can do it, you just don't?" Dana looks confused for a moment, but Whiskey picks up the slack. "Hey, I know what the Winnowing got from this guy. His balls!" The three snicker, but with a faint trace of compassion, Natasha adds, "But seriously, if you're not willing to help yourself, it's gonna be hard to get us to help you. And you gotta have something good to offer." |
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| KosST | Oct 27 2012, 04:07 PM Post #36 |
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An altercation seems to be brewing. A guy who looks almost straight out of a mob movie is yelling at Primogen Nolan Nash. A weeping girl is at the knees of Nash, a large bloody gash down the blood-doll's face.![]() Nash screams back while "Are you mad, Marino? What the hell were you thinking?" The mob guy holds a switchblade, but is pointing at the girl. "She was fucking look at me, Nash! Fucking staring with those eyes! You should train your girls better!" One of Nash's associates picks up the injured girl, holding a cloth to her ruined face. Nash consults with the girl. "Are you alright? Look at me. Are. You. Alright?" The girl shakes her head. Nash looks to his ally, and simply says "Get her out of here. Get her cleaned up." He then whirls on Marino. Nash is a Primogen, and Marino is a nobody. The nobody injured the Primogen's property. This should be a simple issue. However, somehow, Nash can't properly express himself in that matter. Instead, he calls Marino a psychopath and a madman. Marino calls Nash a softhearted loser who can't control a simple girl, let alone a covenant. That Nash's covenant has been hemorrhagic members is known to the whole domain, as is Nash's recent self-righteous moralizing. For the time being, it seems that nobody is interrupting this display. Some are simply enjoying the sight, others clearly weigh which figure they favor. Despite this being a gathering in an Invictus regency, it seems the crowd favors the Unaligned nobody over the Dragon Primogen. |
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| Holy | Oct 27 2012, 04:32 PM Post #37 |
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Salvador's attention is turned away from the Brides by the distraction. His expression only darkens at the sight of Marino, and he manages a slight whisper to Dana and her friends. "Alright, I'll... I'll try to help myself." He winces when he sees the wounded girl, but then actually stands up a bit straighter and begins to approach. "Mister Marino." His voice starts out soft, but he clears his throat and tries again to catch the man's attention. "Mister Marino." |
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| KosST | Oct 27 2012, 04:49 PM Post #38 |
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Marino continues to harangue Nash for a moment. "And another thing, Nash. What fucking right do you have to criticize me, eh? I remember a few years back, people talked about all sorts of depraved shit you used to get up to. Don't think that your little PR campaign bullshit is gonna change what people think about you. I remember that speech you gave too, about..." Marino notices Salvador. "Eh, who the fuck is this guy? One of your other pussy-whipped friends, Nash? Must be good being king shit of shit mountain, eh!" |
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| Holy | Oct 27 2012, 04:59 PM Post #39 |
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"Primogen Nash doesn't know who I am. I'm here as a messenger. Because..." Salvador squares his jaw and focuses on Marino, "Because you aren't worth the time of a real visit." He seems to be quoting someone with that bit. "Stop your activities in North Vegas." He pauses for a beat. "Do you understand the message?" |
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| KosST | Oct 27 2012, 07:03 PM Post #40 |
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He stares at Salvador for a second, clearly trying to calculate whether or not Salvador is telling the truth, working for a master. It seems like he's shaken for a moment, as if the warning sunk in. Still, the man comes back with bluster. "If Nash don't know you, then why you coming to his defense, huh?" He presses his finger against Salvador's chest while he spits out his next few words. "Listen vato, clearly you ain't entirely with it, since nobody that's anybody gives a shit about North Vegas. So there is that. Second of all, even if you are a playing message boy to somebody, it don't mean squat. Go tell your master that I got protection, see? Got me a nice friend looking out for me in exchange for a few favors. Sos you can take that message and shove it up your ass. Go tell that to your big boss or whatever." |
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| Holy | Oct 27 2012, 07:46 PM Post #41 |
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"Your dealings to make Primogen Nash look bad don't concern me or my employer." He reaches up to push Marino's finger off his chest. "Stop your operations in or on the people of North Vegas. This is your only warning, done in respect to your new employer. But I doubt he wants a lackey that can't keep his dealings secret for even an hour." Salvador's gaze slips over to Primogen Harper enough to make a point. "Comprende?" He addresses the mafioso with that last. *1 |
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| KosST | Oct 28 2012, 10:51 AM Post #42 |
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The grunt's bluster is deflated. He seems to want to speak, but reconsiders. Instead he slinks off to a corner to go hide. Primogen Nash extends a hand of thanks to Salvador. "I appreciate you getting that man off of my back. His tirade was getting rather frustrating." "You're Salvador Ruiz, correct? I don't believe we've had the opportunity to meet. Nolan Nash, Primogen of the Dragons. Or, what's left of them, I suppose." A few people note the exchange between Nash and Ruiz. They were enjoying seeing the mook tear into Nash, and their entertainment was interrupted. Edited by KosST, Oct 29 2012, 10:18 AM.
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| Kara | Oct 29 2012, 01:14 PM Post #43 |
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Ariadne offers a sidelong glance toward the lingering altercation between Nash and Marino, looking no more or less interested when Ruiz steps in. Instead, she makes her way through the crowd toward Zoe Goodman, stopping a few good steps away from the woman, similar to the distance she kept between herself and Antoine to start. |
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| KosST | Oct 29 2012, 03:28 PM Post #44 |
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Zoe notices the girl standing before her, staring. Zoe's currently engaged in directing a conversation between two other Kindred, presumably covenant mates. It seems they are going through a mock conversation of some sorts. "No no no, you can't jump to those sorts of conclusions. If you go into the negotiation expecting that they'll just demand fealty, then you'll come off as weak. Instead, you need to come at it from a totally different angle. Deep down, they want the same connection as you do. Use that. And, barring that, use other means. Now, try again. You need to prepare if you're really going to pull it off." Zoe stops her participation to address the girl. "Miss Schaffer, correct? I'm sorry, Madam Schaffer? Is there...something I can help you with?" |
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| Kara | Oct 29 2012, 03:40 PM Post #45 |
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The two others hold Ariadne's attention even once she is acknowledged by Zoe, though her eyes eventually move back to the original reason she came over here. She takes another step closer, dropping her voice. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| jeff.pancake | Oct 29 2012, 03:57 PM Post #46 |
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Outside in front of a fountain, Edgar stood in thought staring across the waters surface. He had intended merely to clear his thoughts, to think of who he was about to speak with but somehow it had turned longer. As guests filtered past one would have thought that they would have woke him from his idle thoughts yet perhaps because of who he was they left him alone. Looking at his watch he suddenly realized how late he actually was, and contemplated not attending, but then quickly realized the profound error that would be. Instead he hoped to slip in unnoticed, to pretend perhaps that he had been there the whole time. He double checked his suit, gave his shoe a quick shine, and ran a weathered hand through his whispy gray hair. Upon walking in, he immediately noticed that the hostess had already arrived. "Damn." Thankfully, someone was drawing attention as he entered. He used the opportunity to 'move from one conversation onto another'. As he enters he seems to scan the faces of the crowd taking note of a few individuals. Before he realized it he had found his way towards the other disenfranchised wallflowers. |
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| KosST | Oct 29 2012, 04:52 PM Post #47 |
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Zoe looks at Ariadne, cocking her head slightly before tsking with her tongue. "That's a bit forward of a question, don't you think? Do you make it a habit of going around asking those sorts of questions of everybody you meet? Oooh! And do they answer you usually? Or do they tend to ignore you? I wooooonddderrrrr..." She shakes her head slightly out of amusement. "I'm sorry Madam Schaffer, but that information is private, unless there is some significant reason you'd like to know." |
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| Kara | Oct 29 2012, 09:02 PM Post #48 |
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Her lips twitch without parting - perhaps a nervous tic, perhaps a frown. Her thin arms shift around the folds of her baggy shirt, finding her pockets, and she continues her mumbling. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| KosST | Oct 30 2012, 10:21 AM Post #49 |
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Zoe seems a bit frustrated with Ariadne. She plays along with the clandestine game of whispering after pulling the shy Kindred closer to her. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| tpenrod | Oct 30 2012, 10:29 AM Post #50 |
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Keeping an eye on Ariadne, Sebastian senses his moment has arrived. Nodding a polite "Thanks" to his Primogen, he takes the doll with him towards the girl, using Zoe's agitation to his hopeful advantage. Fortunately, Zoe's response provides just enough information. He waits until Zoe lets Ariadne go from the exchange of whispers before speaking up. Arriving next to Ariadne with the doll, Sebastian attempts to make his presence known respectfully. " Madam Schaffer, I don't mean to interrupt, but if I might pull you away? It would seem the Primogen is a very busy woman, I wouldn't want us to waste her valuable time. I was hoping to have a short discussion... over a drink?" He motions to the girl at his side. |
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| Kara | Oct 30 2012, 10:46 AM Post #51 |
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Ariadne doesn't seem to react to being brought closer, other than her eyes now aiming toward the ground. Spoiler: click to toggle
Her head turns a fraction in the direction of Sebastian, but her eyes stay on the ground, not budging from Zoe's presence. Edited by Kara, Oct 30 2012, 10:52 AM.
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| KosST | Oct 30 2012, 12:00 PM Post #52 |
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Zoe answers Ariadne without whispering this time. She seems more willing to speak, if only for the moment. "Family exists if people want it to exist. Some Kindred try to claim there are no families anymore. Others run away from what they used to be. But then you have figures like Antoine who claims his seat of leadership not only because of his efforts with the Circle, but also because he wants to remain as Priscus for the Gangrel." The Carthian Primogen oddly offers a sympathetic touch on the shoulder of Ariadne. "Nothing is certain. Everything is in flux. If you want family? Push for it." Zoe notices the appearance of Sebastian. "I appreciate the gesture, Mister Thorne. Perhaps just a moment more, then you and Madam Schaffer can discuss." She turns again to Ariadne. "What are your thoughts?" |
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| Kara | Oct 30 2012, 12:31 PM Post #53 |
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Her weight shifts between her from one foot to the other, and she offers a jerk of a shrug before she speaks. Her voice carries further this time. "Depends. I can see where being something else would be better." She falls silent, appearing to consider something. "Maybe people want the past. Who they were. The power they had. Maybe they don't like what happened to them. Maybe family is more comforting." Her feet shift again, and she switches to gazing at a different patch of floor. "Maybe it's all a way to make sense of things." |
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| KosST | Oct 30 2012, 12:41 PM Post #54 |
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She frowns slightly before nodding once. "You cannot change what happened, Madam Schaffer. Loss is hard, I know. But all you can do is understand and accept it. Change is natural. Our changes may be more profound, but perhaps our need was greater. But ultimately, while you may have lost something perhaps you've gained something else. That familiarity? That comfort? Perhaps it was an illusion. If the only comfort came from a family that only existed out of convenience, rather than true connection, then maybe it's worth learning that now." |
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| Kara | Oct 30 2012, 01:00 PM Post #55 |
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Ariadne's head finally lifts to meet Zoe's eyes through the shield of her bangs. "Same game as before though," she mumbles this, not inaudibly. "Better question, maybe - you're happy with it changed you? No interest in knowing why, how?" |
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| KosST | Oct 30 2012, 01:45 PM Post #56 |
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"I'd guess that just about everybody wants to know how and why. I'm just not stuck living in the past. I count the blessings and the losses, of course, but the work doesn't stop. Not for me, not for you, not for any of us." |
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| Kara | Oct 30 2012, 02:01 PM Post #57 |
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She doesn't move for the better part of a minute, instead staring at her with notable expression. At length, she nods, and abruptly turns to face Sebastian. And begins to stare at him instead. Edited by Kara, Oct 30 2012, 02:01 PM.
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| Holy | Oct 30 2012, 05:50 PM Post #58 |
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Salvador takes Nash's hand, leaning in close to speak with him. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| tpenrod | Oct 30 2012, 06:04 PM Post #59 |
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Sebastian politely awaits their conversation to finish. It is only after a moment of their silence that he feels Ariadne's gaze upon him. He lightly tips his hat up. " Right, well. Thank you for your time, Primogen. Madame Schaffer, a word perhaps? " He gazes around at the various Primogen around him. " Where we might not intrude on Primogen business? " He keeps an arm around the Blood Doll, while motioning off to the side to a less crowded area of the gathering. |
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| Kara | Oct 30 2012, 06:13 PM Post #60 |
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Ariadne keeps her eyes on the ground, though she does take a few steps toward Sebastian, and further should he continue to move. "Seems like a big room," she comments. "Business everywhere." |
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3:31 AM Jul 11