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Chapter 2: Something Dark is Coming; Interlude/Chapter Description
Topic Started: Mar 14 2013, 12:46 PM (91 Views)
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Chapter 2 - Something Dark is Coming
Winter, approximately 1 year after the cataclysm -

As far as gestures in the Danse go, displaying the strength of your alliances at a pool party wasn't very typical. Then again, Owen Harper wasn't a typical Kindred.

Harper's rule was cemented quickly. At the gathering, Lady Ashcroft was ousted by Asher Banks, for reasons unclear. And with Nash losing control - so soon after formulating a plan for safety - there was no leverage for the traditional Dragons to resist. Nash and his allies fled the strip to live in ignominy in the barrens, aided by the Sheriff and Antoine both initially, as well as in an ongoing capacity. The two Primogen appealed to Harpy, sued for temporary peace, and secured some temporary stability.

All that had remained was Zoe Goodman, and she had folded as well when things moved faster than she could control. She retained her Harpy position, as well as was appointed Seneschal. But the deft woman had suffered a set-back, one she hadn't yet overcome.

Harper's rise to power came because only one person stood against him, and she was quickly made silent. And for her part, Ashcroft went underground for some time, keeping only to her allies. The Bellagio was given to the new Primogen, Banks, who hoarded it for his loyal subjects.

Sophie Labeaux kept her position as Mistress of Elysium. She tried to remain independent of the growing power struggle in the Invictus. She often claimed she was just focused on her job, and "couldn't give a shit what Banks wants." She wore her real opinion on her sleeve, but didn't lead a rebellion against his plays.

Elijah, Primogen of the Alabaster Staircase, was appointed Chief Adviser, a role Harper established without much fanfare. The full extent of the role was not clear, but it certainly caused a power struggle between Zoe and Elijah, as Elijah presumed powers more traditionally associated with Seneschal. Kindred had two "official" routes to Harper, through the Carthian or through the Elder.

Arregi and Antoine had formed a tacit agreement in their protection of Nash. The men became clear allies, associating in public, and tying their forces together. Gossip indicated that Harper was absolutely not pleased about this, but since the two men seemingly avoided the actual Danse to focus on city issues, he had little ground to stand against them. Combined, the men secured a fiefdom in the Barrens - Harper stating that while he could take it away later as he desired, they could do as they see fit as regents. Both men agreed to offer Salvador Ruiz a small portion of land as his own regency.

In celebration of Harper's ascension, a number of parties were thrown, some by Harper, some by Banks, some by Labeaux as official events, some by others as impromptu gatherings. When Harper tended to appear, Dana DiTomosso would sometimes be found on his arm. Gossip swirled about the Bride who had the ear of a Prince, and clearly more.

Ariadne paid for her insolence on the night of Harper's ascent. Whereas the other members of the coterie all were seen as more renowned, she was ostracized. Though she retained her citizenship, she was derided. It didn't matter that she didn't interact with some Kindred at gathering - their mockery was easily overheard.

Sebastian was buzzing with energy in those months. By spending time making friends and mingling during the fateful gathering, his audience grew. By remaining affable and cocksure, he displayed a persona of an elite, even if he hadn't earned it yet. Sometimes perception is reality, though. And when he caught the eyes of Zoe and Elijah, others noticed. For a while, anything Salvador did seemed successful, and nobody seemed to bat an eye.


Still, the events of the evening came at a grave cost. A cost that couldn't easily be forgotten. With the Brides partying with the Prince, with Ariadne tending to Nash, with Sebastian and Salvador off on their own, Natasha couldn't contact any of them. Cell-phones were forgotten or unheard, or perhaps Natasha never knew in the first place how to get a hold of some of the coterie. Frantically, she had tried to reach out, but somehow, none answered.

Natasha had learned that Jacky-boy had woken up. She saw a note that he left. And though she eventually found him, it was too late to calm him down. She met him at the roof of Vdara, roughly in Harper's territory. She could not persuade him. And so he fell, and was lost, another victim of the city and whatever took his mind away.

Despite their success, and despite strong, capable rule of Harper, unease permeates the coterie. They've known loss. They've made allies, but no answers. And new figures have posed new questions. In the city, they are growing more powerful, more potent. But under Harper's leadership, the city seem unconcerned with anything but celebration, growth, and power. Answers from the Prince have been in short supply, and everybody wonders what is to come.

(Salvador/Dana/Sebastian all received City Status 2. Ariadne does not. Other changes will be noted in private threads.)


Chapter 1 - Too Many Cooks

Major Choices/Development:
-Coterie came together to help Antoine resolve Sewer Issue/Trina. The successful completion of this reveals information and improves the standing of the coterie. (Trina is killed/Jacky survives)
-Antoine Survived Sewer Adventure, leaving him as Primogen and a strong ally to coterie. He will be an asset in the nights to come.
-Coterie is forced to choose between Harper killing Nash/becoming Prince, and checking on Jacky-Boy. Coterie on the whole focused on saving Nash/being political with Harper's ascent, leaving Tasha to check up on Jacky-boy.
--Jacky-boy perishes without the coterie speaking to him.
--Nolan Nash survives, and is spirited away through the actions of the coterie. In addition, the coterie doesn't fully burn bridges with Harper during this confrontation. Nash will be an ally in the future.
-Due to coterie's choices and interactions with other members of the domain, Owen Harper takes control as Prince.


Minor Choices/Development:

Character minor choices will be spoilered initially for view by the given player. With permission from each player, they may be unspoilered for open view, to share the drama and facilitate communal story-telling.

Salvador


Dana


Ariadne


Sebastian

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