Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Locked Topic
Gathering: A Fine Soiree
Topic Started: Oct 23 2012, 09:19 PM (1,207 Views)
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
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.

Posted Image

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.)
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Replies:
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash seems perplexed by Salvador's comment. He responds equally quietly.

Spoiler: click to toggle
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador nods in the affirmative, furthering his conversation.

Spoiler: click to toggle


Salvador shrugs as he continues conversing.

Spoiler: click to toggle


Salvador shakes his head at the last question posed by Nash.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash seems pleased with the responses.

"A regency in the barrens is an odd desire, but I wish you luck in that. It'll need to be a recognized regency, not the sort of self-defended one if you want any support from the Sheriff. Still, it's good to see someone taking the initiative for once. If you're not on an exclusive contract, and you can continue to humiliate employees of Primogen Harper like that, I may have work for you...."

Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
(OOC: Moving along a bit. Not trying to interrupt previous conversation/cause it to end, so feel free to continue those, but wanted to add a bit more)

As your casual conversation continues, LaBeaux taps a glass full of blood to get everyone’s attention. The gallery quickly falls silent as the host speaks. She is radiant with energy, clearly eager to unveil her great surprise.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, welcomed visitors, and honored Primogen. Thank you all for joining me on this very special evening. Our wonderful casino has in the past attempted to house pieces by master artists. We utilized connections to major metropolitan museums as well as renowned private collectors to put on celebrated exhibitions, though with deference to those institutions as well as the Masquerade, ensured that the pieces themselves were returned once the exhibition was complete. Thus, our gallery has been deprived a true signature piece to call its own. But this ends this evening. And while a public exhibition with the Kine is out of the question, we can show appreciation every night moving forth. Please friends… offer your warmest regards for a true work of Claude Monet.”

Posted Image

LaBeaux pulls back a carefully placed velvet curtain over the piece that had been a topic of conversation all night. As the work of a truly significant artist is revealed, even the most uncouth vampire is briefly silenced. That brief moment of wonder is ended shortly by the sound of applause. Lady Diana Ashcroft walks arm in arm with the representative for the group known as the Alabaster Staircase. Both vampires move in unison, clapping carefully before separating to flank LaBeaux as the crowd takes up the applause. Still in unison, they each place a hand upon the Mistress of Elysium, and then raise their other hand to silence the crowd. Ashcroft speaks while her companion remains silent. Already cowed a bit, the crowd remains attentive to the Primogen.

“Mistress LaBeaux, our most sincere gratitude for this stunning addition to our domain. I know you worked tirelessly with a number of allies to secure this unique piece, and its presence in our city will be a light in our darkest times. It may also serve for other domains to realize that while our struggles our unique, so too are our assets. “Ashcroft then turns to the crowd. “So please, take some time out from your busy evening to congratulate our hostess on her stunning accomplishment.”

“One further announcement of note before I let you all return to socializing. The Council has met and has deliberated carefully. It should come as no surprise to you that our fellow Primogen, Madam Zoe Goodman, has earned the attention and respect of a great many Kindred in this domain. Her discipline and relentless desire to improve this domain in light of all we have suffered has been noted. As has her keen way with words. I think we all recall the last gathering, and Madam Goodman’s glorious tirade against the appalling behavior of some of Primogen Nash’s kin.”

A number of Kindred snicker at this comment, and though the previous scandal caused by his constituents hurt his already blunted political momentum, even Nash seems in good spirits about where Ashcroft is going with her speech.

“As such, we cannot deny further either our need for a capable Harpy, nor Madam Goodman’s skill and grace. So after you have congratulated our hostess, please also take time out to congratulate Harpy Goodman on her new appointment.”

Another round of applause breaks out, this one more fervent than the one for LaBeaux’s reveal of the Monet painting. It is clear that many of the cities vampires are happy with this appointment.

Ashcroft and her companion depart again in unison, and split their separate ways to go mingle. A quick scan of the crowd reveals that while the number of Primogen has gone up, a significant number are still absent. And while they engage in conversation, occasionally some of them - notably Ashcroft, Harper, Zoe, and Antoine - cast glances in your general direction.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
jeff.pancake

After witnessing the events, Edgar seems to become engaged again. He disengages from the random small talk he has been involved in. Looking across to make eye contact with Antoine, he walks in a direction that leads him first towards LaBeaux. As he hastily moves in that direction he notices a line forming to speak with the Mistress of Elysium, and he openly frowns. He pauses for a moment, then looks back towards Antoine, his face warming slightly as he makes his way towards him.

Taking a sip of blood from his glass, Edgar provides an almost too familiar smile to Antoine as he steps into conversational range.

"It would seem I might crumble to dust before that line settles down." He lets out a short dry chuckle

"I had hoped to find you tonight, Primogen, no doubt you have lots on your plate and tonight would seem the perfect night to find some relief from all of that."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Quote:
 
"It would seem I might crumble to dust before that line settles down." He lets out a short dry chuckle

"I had hoped to find you tonight, Primogen, no doubt you have lots on your plate and tonight would seem the perfect night to find some relief from all of that."


Antoine also lets out a slight laugh at Edgar's joke, the words hitting their mark. He also seems relieved that for the time being, more attention is placed on other high-profile Kindred. Maybe he's tired of some of the Danse. Antoine moves to another painting, less impressive than the recently revealed masterpiece, and engages the old man.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was relieved that most of the city is here tonight. Means less people out there causing trouble, whether it's my people or others. And a chance to engage in some politicking, to gauge the temperature of allies and enemies. But, yes, it has been a busy night, as I imagine you've noticed."

He looks at Edgar's eyes for a moment, assessing something.

"And how have your nights been recently? I trust they have been well, given the current state of affairs? Is there any truth to some of the rumors about you? People flock back and forth with all manner of gossip since the event a while back, but I hadn't expected to see you up and about, to be honest. You planning on being more involved in what's going on, so to speak?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
jeff.pancake

Quote:
 
"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was relieved that most of the city is here tonight. Means less people out there causing trouble, whether it's my people or others. And a chance to engage in some politicking, to gauge the temperature of allies and enemies. But, yes, it has been a busy night, as I imagine you've noticed."

"And how have your nights been recently? I trust they have been well, given the current state of affairs? Is there any truth to some of the rumors about you? People flock back and forth with all manner of gossip since the event a while back, but I hadn't expected to see you up and about, to be honest. You planning on being more involved in what's going on, so to speak?"


Listening, he follows to the next painting, nodding along as the Primogen expresses his frustrations.
As Antoine assesses Edgar's eyes, the old man wiggles his eyebrows comically before taking a drink.

Clearing his throat and lowering his voice as if he were slightly annoyed by the next line of questions he responds quickly at first
"Jesus! You'd think I was an animal wearing a suit" looking more composed with an effort to make it sound like the slight outburst was a joke he continues leaving a slight awkwardness in the air only due to the uncertainty of his condition

"Yeah, I'm looking to become more involved in the nightly affairs of the court. I've had quite a bit more time on the sidelines then I would like and it is time I start making up ground again. I suppose the first thing is, I should ask you what rumors I'm up against"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Antoine seems to interpret Edgar's reaction as an honest joke rather than any real offense. He offers further wry smirks as evidence of his interpretation that this just self-deprecating humor.

"Oh you know, more of the same. Kindred only now getting the fact that you're not what you used to be. Some people can't let go of the past, and that comes with baggage. But mostly a few people say things about some of your new associates." He gives a slight glance to the Primogen of the Staircase.

"I'd say about the weirdest thing I heard about you is that you're not the same man you used to be. That somehow your lucidity is just the fact that another soul is riding your skin. That the Staircase hollowed out what used to be in there, and dropped something new inside. While I know enough to suspect something like that is possible, I don't buy that story one bit. Then again, maybe it makes no difference."

Antoine looks at the floor for a moment, breaking eye contact.

"If you're looking to belong more, get involved more, that's a good thing. And whatever your new friends did for you, if you like it, then who is anybody else to complain, right?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
jeff.pancake

Edgar grins as the rumors come out, laughing slightly at the thought of being possessed, though deep down inside there is a pang of unease about that thought.

While Antoine is looking at the floor, Edgar places a hand on his shoulder and says extremely casually
"You know what they say, 'Anesidora Provides Further Hope In The Darkest Places.' "
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Antoine's previously pleasant demeanor drains from his face as Edgar speaks. His head remains down, as if he is staring at the floor for a while. When he drags his eyes to meet Edgar's, his attitude has shifted significantly. His voice remains confident while he probes Edgar.

"And are you the bearer of Hope, Edgar? Or is there some other individual I should thank for the blessings of Pandora?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
jeff.pancake

Edgar lets the moment linger for just a second, staring into Antoine's eyes attempting to discern the reaction. There is a slight suspicion there as if the old man isn't sure that he isn't being set up. Once it is clear that Antoine is paying attention to his gaze, he then scans across the crowd across the group (OOC: PCs) gesturing his glass that direction and then continuing until he and Antoine are looking up at Primogen Ashcroft. He tilts his drink towards her and nods at her if she looks his way.

Flatly, "In some things, Primogen, we merely play our part and act on faith. Am I the bearer of hope?" He shrugs looking back at Antoine and takes another drink letting Antoine play the next card

Spoiler: click to toggle
Edited by jeff.pancake, Oct 31 2012, 04:59 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
(Info added to personal thread for the scene, take a look there!)

Antoine's eyes follow Edgar's gestures. When he locks onto Ashcroft, he gives a few slight nods and a murmur of understanding. He mutters something in a language that is unfamiliar. (Greek). He then returns his attention to Edgar.

"Very well. If your employers or Lady Ashcroft are responsible, it at least makes further actions a bit clearer. And truth be told, I could use the help."

Antoine deliberately scans the crowd to find the pairing of Ariadne and Sebastian. When it looks like there is a lull in their conversation, he waves them both over. (TP, feel free to keep whatever you were going to have Sebastian ask Ariadne going, and then this can continue)


______________________________
(Holy)
Nash is pulled away by business, as he needs to fulfill social obligations - praising both Zoe and Labeaux is on the docket to resolve, let alone checking in with his associates. He starts to make his way back to Salvador when Harper suddenly intercepts Salvador personally. A wall of figures trail behind Harper, who stay out of eavesdropping distance, but effectively divide the room between the conversation of Harper and Salvador, and the rest of the gathering. It's a bit intimidating to say the least.

Harper approaches Salvador, maintaining distance, but close enough to have a quiet conversation (Auspex checks to listen in would be severely hampered by Harper's screen of people)

Spoiler: click to toggle


______________________________

Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador almost manages to slip away, but with the divide firmly in place, he's cornered fair and square. His eyes trail over Harper's followers, before looking back to the man.

Spoiler: click to toggle


Salvador levels a quick nod towards Marino, or at least where he'd been.

Spoiler: click to toggle


Salvador seems to be talking a lot, easing into a sense of security the more he speaks to Harper.

Spoiler: click to toggle


Salvador leans in very close to whisper a final bit to Harper, shrugging as he finishes and waits for a reply.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
____________________
Whatever Salvador said to Harper elicits a loud laugh from the Primogen. He certainly doesn't seem upset, but very clearly wraps an arm around Salvador, perhaps to keep whispering to Salvador.

Spoiler: click to toggle


He looks over at Marino.

Spoiler: click to toggle



____________________
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador looks very small encircled in the shoulder-hug by the bigger man. He tries to keep pace with the conversation.

Spoiler: click to toggle
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
The Primogen nods a bit, continuing the conversation.

Spoiler: click to toggle


He runs his other hand under his chain.

Spoiler: click to toggle


Harper turns Salvador at the direction of Dana and the Brides. With the hand not wrapped around Salvador, he points directly at the Brides.

Spoiler: click to toggle
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador frowns as his attention is brought back to the brides, no doubt still remembering the various insults.
Spoiler: click to toggle


He glances up to Harper.
Spoiler: click to toggle
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Harper laughs a bit. He seems to give Salvador's shoulder a good strong squeeze.

"Now get the fuck away from me Killjoy. I'm done with you.."

Harper then shoves Salvador towards his ring of followers. The followers catch Salvador, give a slight sneer at Salvador, then continue the momentum of the push from Harper to toss Salvador past them. The circle then collapses around Harper, and immediately gossip begins again. A number of Kindred eyes watch the interaction between Harper and Salvador, most notably Nash, Marino, and the Brides.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador spins so he doesn't land face first on the ground, but he still lands with a jarring thud on his ass. He remains sitting there for a moment, looking back at Harper and his flock.
Edited by Holy, Nov 1 2012, 03:27 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
A small peal of laughter escapes the crowd of Harper's followers as Salvador lands, but otherwise their attention returns to Harper and the gathering around them.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

The man on the floor climbs to his feet, stopping to brush himself off, though the painstaking cleaning the room had taken in preparation didn't leave much to mar his clothes. You blink, and you notice a well-worn black book in his hands which you swear wasn't there a moment ago. He thumbs through it, stopping at a given place, and reads for a moment, turning has back to those that laughed.
Edited by Holy, Nov 1 2012, 04:19 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
tpenrod
Member Avatar

Kara
Oct 30 2012, 06:13 PM
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."
Sebastian is about to respond, when the reveal of the painting occurs. His attention is drawn for a time, only returning to the conversation once the events unfold. At Ariadne's comment, he does not walk much further away from from the Primogen.

"Oh, certainly. I'm just interested in making sure your business doesn't take up the Primogen's entire night. He has a lot of people to talk to after all." He says this as he motions over to Antoine and Edgar's discussion.

"Seems to me you spent a great deal of time stuck to the wall, watching. What makes you want to talk to Primogen Antoine, in particular?" He pauses for a moment, catching himself. "If you don't mind me asking?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne's gaze is drawn toward Salvador and Harper as she walks, eyes narrowing as the two men move further away and remaining as such until Ruiz picks himself backs up and starts to read his book.

Having her attention taken up by the other displays, her head slowly turns back toward Sebastian. It then tilts just as gradually, bangs falling away from one blue-grey eye. "All this means I need to be out more. So I thought I'd offer help, make connections. Things like that." She looks at him straight now, hiding behind her hair again, and speaks more slowly. "People in charge...usually know what's going on."

Then, as an after thought, "I also talked to the Carthian Primogen."

e: grammar
Edited by Kara, Nov 1 2012, 09:11 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
tpenrod
Member Avatar

Kara
Nov 1 2012, 09:11 PM
"People in charge...usually know what's going on."

Then, as an after thought, "I also talked to the Carthian Primogen."
" Sure, sure. But someone as observant as you must have some ideas..." Sebastian, noticing Ariadne's gaze float to the dispute with Salvador, makes note of it.

" That. For example. What do you think went on there? "
Edited by tpenrod, Nov 2 2012, 09:12 AM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Her jaw tenses as her attention is now pulled back to Salvador. She spares him barely a glance before staring at the floor. "Talked to one Primogen, then the other. They don't seem to be getting along. Might have pissed one or the other off. Smart money would be on Harper, what he just did."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
tpenrod
Member Avatar

Kara
Nov 2 2012, 09:26 AM
Her jaw tenses as her attention is now pulled back to Salvador. She spares him barely a glance before staring at the floor. "Talked to one Primogen, then the other. They don't seem to be getting along. Might have pissed one or the other off. Smart money would be on Harper, what he just did."
Sebastian looks to Salvador, then to Ariadne with a slight look of frustration crossing his face. Then he merely shrugs with a forced exhale. " Not exactly what I meant...but I'll take it. " He looks her up and down, tipping his hat up, then back down. His frustration turns into a smile. "You uh...don't talk much, huh?"

He motions to the Girl he brought over with him. " You do drink, I take it? Care for a taste? "
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

"Don't really get out much either." She looks up at Sebastian briefly. "Could give you my email, though."

At the girl's approach, she switches to staring. After a moment, she shakes her head. "I'm good."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
tpenrod
Member Avatar

Kara
Nov 2 2012, 11:35 AM
"Don't really get out much either." She looks up at Sebastian briefly. "Could give you my email, though."

At the girl's approach, she switches to staring. After a moment, she shakes her head. "I'm good."
Sebastian shrugs. "Suit yourself." He bends down gently against the woman's neck, a light kiss against her flesh. For a moment however, his beast gives over, and his clasp becomes firmer, drinking deeply. After a moment, he pulls away, lightly brushing his lips.

He flicks his wrist. In his hand appears a card. While it looks like a playing card, the image of a double headed Sebastian in place of the double headed Jack, Queen, or King. A distinguished "S" instead of a "J", "Q", or "K" is in place. Printed along the side is a phone number.

Posted Image

" Well, it's been a pleasure. Do stay in touch. " He attempts to hand her the card, and waits expectantly for some sort of contact information.

After this exchange, however it may turn out, he politely tips his hat to her and moves off into another area of the Gathering, looking to return the girl to Antoine.

e: Card uploaded, couldn't resist :)
Edited by tpenrod, Nov 2 2012, 03:23 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne takes the card, examining it for a moment before nodding to herself. Instead of a card of her own, she produces a cellphone, and send off a quick text. She looks up at Sebastian as she slides her phone away once more.

"Texted you my email, and you'll have my number too." She stares at him again, almost long enough to make it seem that she doesn't intend to speak again.

"You ever want to find something, or want help finding something..." She pauses, hesitating briefly. "I'm still as good as a Shadow for that."

She puts her hands in her pockets, murmuring something that doesn't carry much past Sebastian.

Spoiler: click to toggle
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador's steps, taken with his eyes still on that little book, manage to take him close to the newly appointed Harpy. While not as flashy as Sebastian's tricks, the book does vanish from sight as he glances up to catch her attention. "Harpy Goodman?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Free Forums with no limits on posts or members.
Learn More · Sign-up Now
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · In Character Scenes · Next Topic »
Locked Topic

Theme created by Xarina from Zathyus Networks Resources