Vampire: N4tS Hard Rain- George

[Acanous]

Starting blood pool: [roll0] (Formula: d10+Herd and Survival)

You wake up at the crack of dusk in your office tower on the 7th floor. Outside, you hear the sound of rainwater hitting the windowpanes. Seems like it's not going to be a fun night.
Down the hall, the sound of a security guard on patrol alerts you to the relative vacancy of the floor.

It's Friday night, and business has been concluded for the weekend. Elysium is tomorrow, if you can psych yourself up enough to cross the Bow River and go. That bloody Rue, you are rather sure she's moved the location to spite you in particular. Being a hot blonde woman, your clanmate's general dislike of you may have something to do with your prey choice.

Most of the nightclubs in downtown Calgary have re-opened since the flood, but you know there's been some issues at Republik.

[estradling]

George rolled out of bed and checked his email and other notices. While Friday night was clearly the end of the business week for most people it really didn't end for those that where so far beyond punching a clock for a living like George was. Still the end of day reports were all in order and Rachel had handled things with her customary skill.

George was hungry but that was sometime that cost for pretending to feed on types that he can't. He need to make up for it soon. He looked through the listing of the higher class call girls maybe he would find someone interesting. Of course that carried certain risk, either from cops cracking down on vice or some others already having their hooks in. And of course it had a cost but what was money really but a tool to get him what he wanted?

Still he really need to get to work in establishing a reliable resource for his feeding needs after his relocation


Questions... You said office building could we make it a home office... because sleeping at the office is not very stylish... I was thinking more of an apartment type highrise given his resource level.

Two... Rue knows his feeding preferences? Because that is something most Ventrue try to keep hidden... Or is that George being a bit paranoid?

[Acanous]

She doesn't actually know (Or does she?) there's just the "She is an attractive blonde, and she appears to have moved Elysium over the river just to spite you". As ST, I'm just laying down what happened and a possible cause for you to worry about.
When I use words like "May have", I'm not giving you hard facts, and it could be true or false. This early in the game, it's prooobably false. If I've been in the habit all game, though, when I drop that kind of wording later, you'll be wondering.

Also, I assumed High Rise when you said office. We've got several other players using offices as havens, and you've got the kind of coin to make your office take up most of a floor (Or all of a floor). So it's up to you, there. If you want it to be a home office, then you're in an apartment instead. Scene otherwise remains unchanged.
You easily pull out a copy of today's newspaper and navigate to the escorts section. There's a few different types of escort, including one transsexual. Rather liberal for such a conservative town.
You find a girl with "Blonde" in the listing. There's actually two, one has *19* and the other *32*.
[roll0]
Which would you prefer?

[estradling]

Both honesty... George was looking to build a private reserve so he would never have to worry about clubbing or hunting again. Escorts showed promise in that they could be bought, he just needed to find ones that would be interested in more exclusive contracts. And of course avoid all the legal issues and entanglements.

But slow and steady is better than greedy and over extended. Using steps to protect his anonymity (Burner cell if its a phone call, several anonyomizers and proxies if it is an internet contact) He contacts the 32 year old (saving the 19 year old for later) He stresses discretion required and that the cover is late night job interview.

For those mortals that needed to know about George he told them he did extensive work with offshore people. That required him to keep odd hours... Thus there were times he really did late night interview and business deals, although Rachel handled the bulk of the stuff. So as long as he was careful and willing to use his powers any vice sting wouldn't be able to stick. Getting vice to reveal itself could be useful to if that happened.

Once the details are worked out with the escort George spends the time waiting investigating the management company of his High Rise. While he had the floor he wanted the whole building to be his. Gaining control of the management company would give him control of the building's security and maintenance people as well and he needed to protection that could offer him.


Paranoia thy name is Vampire :)

I like the idea of a whole floor home/office.

George is going to work on getting the whole highrise as a domain.

A question for you... George should know how often he can return to a mortal to feed without damaging them. But I find different storytellers have different takes. So if George takes 2 blood points from a healthy mortal that should leave them safe (if a bit light headed) so how many days will it take the mortal to heal up and be save to feed on again?

[Acanous]

Well, according with the 20th anni rules, a mortal regenerates roughly 1BP per every 2 days (So long as there's only 1-3 missing.) The rate decreases with worsening health (Moves to 1/4 days at 4 points taken, 1/week at 6 (With medical attention), and "You need a transfusion or you're going to die" at 7. 8 and they die without a transfusion within the hour, and 9 it's within about 6 minutes. If you take 10, you flat out kill them, no chance of ressucitation.
Your property management company is Brookfield. Not to say you won't be able to purchase the building, but you won't be getting it cheap.

Gaining control of Brookfield... well, you may have to speak with other Ventrue about that.

Your Escort seems interested in your offer. She tells you she can be there in 30 minutes, and asks if there's any special supplies you'd like her to bring. (Skipping the dialogue due to potentially forum rule related content.)

[estradling]

George says that 30 minutes would be fine, and that she should bring what she feels she might need personally and to sell her cover.

It was the possibly that Brookfield might be controlled by another Ventrue that gave George serious pause. Yet it was not like they labeled their property for all to see, finding out for sure would be tricky at best. Which meant he really should show up at Elysium tomorrow if he could find away to do so.

That left tonight to try to gather up what information he could and try to secure a steady supply of blood. So while waiting George reviews his notes one what he knows about Rue and the other kindred in town.


With it being two days per point and George looking to have two points per evening then it looks like George needs to secure four people as long term donors (each giving two points every four days). Too not have them come to harm?

I have the basic details of his Retainer Rachel. Should I just put it in a spoiler box?

[Acanous]

Please do.
If you secure them that way, you'd get your 2 points/day. You might want to look into ghouling them, but that complicates the math.

It's 28 minutes later when your guest arrives. She is attractive, well made up and dressed in a little black dress with a matching overcoat and a rather bulky looking leather purse.

You know all this, because Security phones it up before letting her in.

When she gets out of the elevator, she doesn't look flustered or upset by the situation in the slightest. Girl's a pro.
Not exactly a model, but she'll satisfy your needs- so long as she doesn't fall apart without the makeup, at least.
"Hey hun, I'm here for the interview. Where would you like to have it?"

[estradling]

George smiles and pours on his charm when he sees her. "This way please"

He leads her the short distance to the room that served as the reception area/formal seating room. It was place were George would entertain any guest that might show up, while keeping them away from the more personal and sensitive areas in the back.

The room was decorated in a modern style. Simple sleek lines, basic colors of black white and silver. There were sofas and love seats for sitting. Light was provided by small lamps on end tables and larger ones in corners. A large screen TV dominated one wall and pictures of modern art hung on the others (mostly electronic circuit tracings). A bar was discretly tucked into the corner

George leads her in an offers her a seat before he begins. "Now I know in situations like this its easy to the think that you should tell me what you think I want to hear, I have had experiences with that before it rarely ends well. So right up front I would ask that you, Be honest with me and tell me the truth." he made sure he had solid eye contact and made the effort to have that sink in to her.


Using the Vampire power Dominate-Mesmerize power. To implant and activate the underlined part. Its a Manipulation + Leadership (5+3 with Persuasive Specialty) vs her current will power. He is willing to spend a will power point if necessary
[roll0]


So one success against willpower 9
Two against an 8
Four against a 5
Five against a 4
six against a 3


He continues, "Sometimes truth itself can be painful, but I do prefer that to deception."


Rachel Graves is an attractive (blonde) woman. She was a lawyer specializing in corporate law. (Hostile takeovers, Incorporation, Tax shelters, etc) As such she is usually found dressed in business professional.

She handles the daylight business needs of George's various interests. While he always reviews her work, there is enough trust and power given her that she can and does operate on her own initiative. She is the CEO of his company with George as the sole stock holder

She has multiple reasons to remain loyal to George. First: he pays well. Second: she loves her work. She likes the power plays and the outmaneuvering that she gets to do on his behalf, kinda a vicarious thrill. Third: She has been willingly Ghouled. She is in her physical prime and she knows that George's blood will keep her there (immortal) for as long as she has it in her.

Things she knows about George: She knows that George is a Vampire, and several of the standard vampiric 'weaknesses' that he has. She also knows about 50% of everything he has going on (business, havens, etc.)

She also knows about his feeding restriction, Thus she willing follows his recommendation to color her hair knowing it more about throwing off track people trying to figure this out. If she was killed that would slow George down a bit, if she was compromised that would be very bad.

Things she does not know. George keeps roughly 50% of actions and deals from her. On the idea that no one servant should be 'indispensable.'

[Acanous]

She nods, her eyes going glassy. "Of course. Whatever you need to know."
looks like you miscounted by one to me, but it really doesn't matter much when dominating kine. You've got her for now, and can easily do so again later.

She sits there in a trance-like state, her slow breathing and occasional blinks the only indication she's still alive.

[estradling]

Seeing that it took George moved to the questions he really needed to know. "Are you aware of any plots or plans that might be harmful to me or my interest?" George hoped this question would reveal if she was a vice cop or possibly controlled by a person or group hostile to him. If so he could walk away before letting them get there hooks in him.

Assuming that question had a good answer the follow up would be, "What motivates you to work in your current profession?" If she was free of other hooks it would be good to know how to set his own in her.


What did I miscount? While it might not matter, I'd like to get it right

[Acanous]

You had 2 1's in that roll, so it removes 2 successes. Counting the one WP you spent, that'd mean 0 successes on DC 9, 1 on DC 8, etc.
"The Mayor is planning to raise business taxes and implement a few new taxes."
Huh. Well, it's something, I suppose.
"I do it for the money, and for validation. I'm worth more than twelve fifty an hour, and I deserve nice things. The sex is pretty good, too."
Her face is barely moving, just enough to form the words. It's kind of creepy.

[estradling]

I totally forgot the effects of ones... its been two long.

Is this a normal effect of the power... I kinda thought it was more subtle than that ?


George eyebrows raise at the raising of taxes information. If that is all she knew about then it was pretty safe. Either that or she was really strong willed or carefully groomed.

"I see..." He replied tentatively, "And where do you see yourself 5 and 10 years from now?"

[Acanous]

Dominate is more blatant, especially to the user, with each additional success. One or two and you can't really tell. By 4, they're practically robots. There's other powers that do similar things less obviously (Presence, for instance). For ease of play, you can actually choose to take fewer successes than what you actually have. People can determine someone is under the effects of dominate with a check, and it does get easier the deeper under your target is.
"In five years, I'm hoping to get promoted. Probably keep doing this, I've got the looks and it's been a lot better to me than I thought it would. In ten, I don't know. Hoping I can invest and maybe retire early."

She seems very...normal. Too bad her plans probably won't work out.

[estradling]

So for George its every indication that working correctly and well.

Now George would like her to still answer honesty but also be more normal... can he step it back abit?

Also will she need to have her memories alter or will she think her answers were her own ideas?


"Promoted, what do you mean by that? Do do you work for someone?" George knew she might have a more normal job which this was supplemental to or she might be talking about in this profession either way the answer could be useful

[Acanous]

She won't remember what happened in trance if you tell her not to. Think of it like hypnosis. She'll remember it otherwise, and she'll have missing time if you just tell her to forget. Further dominates or other mind effects can make her remember.
"I do, I have a day job working at Clean Harbors."
As you scale back your control of her mind, a little more personality starts to emerge. Her inflection becomes more natural, and she's blinking again.

[estradling]

"In theory what would it take for to get into a exclusive professional relationship with a client?" It was bad enough he had to feed and twist her mind. If he was going to claim her (assuming he could feed) he at least try to make it worthwhile for her

[Acanous]

"Money would be one thing, I need to make a certain amount to supplement my income. Another would be the attention. Take me places, show me off. Would only be willing if you were a good physical match, too."

[estradling]

"Well shall we see about that last bit then?" George said with a smile. "If you'd like you can get yourself a drink first?" He offered pointing to the well stocked bar. He didn't offer to pour her a drink due to the possibly that she might think that he was drugging her.


Probably fade to black time. George will feed for two points, but not spend a blood point to be functional. Instead he will work on pleasing her other ways and time his feeding at the height... drawing it out for the pleasure of both of them.

Of course if he can't feed then its a bust :)

[Acanous]

Gain 2 BP. This entire scene takes about an hour. The night's still young (for you) by the time you're finished and she tiredly staggers her way back out. You do get her calling card, though, with a lipstick kiss emblazoned on the back.

[estradling]

George wanted to do a bit more with her once he knew he could feed off her

George makes sure she gets the agreed upon payment.

Before she leaves he says "I might be able to help you with several of your goals. I own my own company. I could hire you as a personal assistant or something. Better pay, benefits, retirement, vacation time etc. We are also big on career development. To help you become what ever it is you want to become. Details are in here." He hands her an large paper sized envelop he had prepared for just such an occupation. "Look it over, sleep on it, give me a call if you are interested. Otherwise I'll be calling you few days."

Once she is gone, George gives the second escort a call, to see if she is a available tonight


If she is available George will do the same thing to her as he did to this one (We didn't ever use names did we :) If not he will look in to the clubs and nightlife options

[Acanous]

[roll0]
She takes the envelope and graciously exits, stumbling just a little on the way out from blood loss.
Your second choice of the night is unavailable- appears she's in high demand tonight (That was the roll)

You have your pick of the clubs, and could head inside, or scope out the lines and maybe invite someone to a private party.

[estradling]

Ok clubbing it is then. George will get cleaned up and head out. His target would be higher end night life.


The plan is to refill is blood pool tonight (he was at 6 now he is at 8 he can hold 15) Since he doesn't want to hurt anyone he is looking for four more. Plus he is going to act like he is being watched so he will do false feedings. (Yes it can consume his night if he doesn't run into plot :) ) He will be doing the seduction method

Also when he successfully feeds he will try to get contact information and develop the person for future feeding. Its the curse of the Ventrue. If he can find someone willing to go long term in exchange for the things money can buy George wouldn't want to loose them.

Which leads to a question, if/when George finds someone he would like to set them up in a place he can use as a backup haven. They get a very nice lifestyle and George get food and a place to crash if need. With five dots I am assuming he is obscenely wealthy. So he will set up stocks and investments to fund these other places independently of his other interests. So the question is do you want rolls representing his efforts to set these up or do you want to hand wave it?

[Acanous]

five dots in wealth is enough to buy a lot of houses. If you want to buy an office tower or hire a celebrity, I'll make you roll wealth.
As for this, seduction rolls please. Standard method; Appearance+Subterfuge. Make one roll per hour you'd like to spend, maximum of four.

[estradling]

Appearance+Subterfuge rolls

[roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]

[roll3]

[Acanous]

You've scored no fewer than four times in four hours. Once with two at the same time. Pick up artists wish they had your playbook. You may gain up to 10 blood points.
Taking fewer will count as someone not matching your profile. (Every 2 points being a different person)

[roll0]

All of them are very interested in what you're selling. Go ahead and add Herd 1 to your sheet.

[estradling]

George fills up to his maximum (+7 to get him to 15) He flirts, he spends money, people start thinking he is an awesome kind of guy. Ladies are willing to let them buy them fruity drinks and all so willing to give him their numbers. The night wears on and the partiers start slipping away, George gets several offer to go home or take someone home, he declines while making them feel good about it.


How much night is left?... I am counting about 5 to 5.5 hours used but I don't know how long the night are

[Acanous]

The nights here range from 8-10 hours. Kill two hours (One for getting up, one for safety before sunup) and another five spent on actions, you've got about two left. It's 4 AM.
The city winds down considerably after about 3:30. The streets aren't empty, but you can spend a few minutes in solitude between cars.
You spot a couple out for an evening stroll, kind of late for that, but she's not your type, you're not hungry, and if they spend much more time down by the homeless shelter, they're Nos food.

[estradling]

With a full belly and his goals for the night accomplished in record time, George decide to prep for tomorrow. He need to find away to cross the river so he can go to Elysium tomorrow and he wanted to not waste time tomorrow trying to figure it out.

Plus it might not be a bad idea to swing by the Republik to see for himself some the the issues it might have


I am ok with summarizing and moving to the next evening and Elysium if that works for you.

Would you like me to flesh out the details of the Herd? and maybe even the escort?

[Acanous]

Sure, more player agency is always a good thing. You can FF, but I'll need a WP roll to get you over the river.

[estradling]

George spends the next little while trying to find the best place to cross the river. He doesn't actually cross, he just draws near to see if one place might seem easier then another. This was another one of his limits that he needed to be very careful with. Someone like Rue or half dozen other Vampires would be more then happy to exploit this should they find out.

After finding the best of a bad set he heads home ready to call it a day.

He spends the last bit of night updating the various business related activities he had going on and making sure they had clear instructions for the morning where need. He also Rachel to come by first thing tomorrow so they can handle some pending business before Elysium tomorrow.

Then he is out.

[Acanous]

Lose one BP, gain one WP, gain 2 XP.
You've found there are four major access points over the river, not counting railway. All of them bridges. Given the recent flooding, the river is high and crossing looks like it's going to be a problem.

Early in the evening, Rachel calls to let you know she's on the way, and asks if you'd like her to bring anything.

[estradling]

I hope you don't mind me taking a bit of liberty with this post.

I wanted to establish Rachel and her relationship with George


Security passed Rachel in per its known accepted guest and friends policy. Their phone call to announce her reached him while he was getting dressed. By the time he was done Rachel had made herself at home.

She stood at about 5’3” tall although her heels could add or subtract a few inches depending on her choice of foot wear. Her hair was a dark brown which George knew to be a professional dye job, it had the puffed up and slightly bent look of having been recently freed from being up all day. It framed her face in a shoulder length bob. Her eyes were blue and she had a cute little pert nose.

She was wearing a woman’s professional jacket, blouse, skirt combo. But she had shed the jacket and opened up the blouse abit. Much like one would expect her to do when she was looking to relax at home. She had a drink that she had fixed herself from the bar in hand.

They exchanged quick pleasantries. Then because he had a busy night and she was tired and ready to go to bed they got right down to business. He was the entirely of the Board. She was the CEO and it was a board meeting. Given their familiarity with each other and the topics they moved through the agenda at hyper speed.

As they neared the end of the meeting “....Finally, the companies anniversary party is all arranged, but you still need to record your ‘Founders Message’”

“Oh god that again. I swear I could shoot the guy that came up with that.”

Rachel smiled and gestured with her hands “I can see the headlines now… George Walters death by suicide”

George chuckled at that, the party was during the day and he could not attend for very clear reasons and the video was originally a way for him to stay in touch and be familiar to his employees.

“So how goes things on your end?” She asked. They both knew she meant the vampire aspects.

“I have some leads in the liquid assets department. I deployed one of the packets last night so keep an eye out for it.”

Rachel nodded her head knowing that George meant the job offer packets that he had asked for

“If we don’t hear from the them I’ll follow up tomorrow. Speaking of which I would like to float the idea of offering scholarships for women pursuing business or technology based degrees, and see about a charitable donation to the local university to upgrade any business or technology programs they might have.” George didn’t know what the local university had specialized in if anything but he had people who could figure it out.

Rachel thought it over then recapped, “So look into strengthening our position in recruiting the most likely source of up and coming talent. See if we can help make our field less of a total sausage fest. Find a tax break, and maybe if we are lucky find a liquid asset that is useful in more than one way.”

“Exactly”

“I like the idea. I’ll put people on it”

“I have a meet and greet with the power players tonight. Hopefully I can find out if any of the Homicidal sociopaths have their hooks in Brookfield”

“Homicidal sociopaths? Is that what we are calling them now?” she grinned.

“What can I say I know my people.” he shrugged

Her grin became giggles, and giggles meant that the alcohol had taken the edge off Rachel’s day. The more serious business was done so George went more personal.

“So how is what's his name doing? You new boy toy?”

“His name is Mark… and he is not a boy toy he is a man toy. Very much a man toy. Right now things are good.” George would have blushed at that had he been capable of it. Even after all these years she could still get to him.

Still George was glad it was going good for her at the moment. Most of the times her relationships ended because the guys either turned out to be leeches or tried to change her. And those were the guys that were not flat out intimated by her success.

“Well on that note I think the productive side of this meeting just ended. I do have to head out soon, but promise me you will stay until you sober up or let me call you a cab.”

“Actually, Mark is out of town today and tomorrow. Mind if I crash here tonight? I’ll help you give your place that living touch by raiding your booze and fridge.”

George smiled the food and booze were for guest and she was the most common one. Over the years George had learned that at some level Rachel didn’t like being alone. She would deny it and go to great lengths prove it wrong if someone called her on it, but it was true none the less. Knowing that George would be back in a few hours was simply better in her mind then spending the whole weekend at home alone.

George decided to play along, “Ok not a problem. But don’t think you are going to trick me by sneaking out after I leave. I’ll tell security to restrain you and call a cab if you even seem even a little bit drunk”

“Oh now you are tempting me with burly men and handcuffs how does that not encourage me?”

“Oh behave.” George smiled as he surrendered the verbal battle. He headed out to Elysium.

Willpower roll to cross the river.
[roll0]

[Acanous]

On your way out of the building, you spot a mouse slip in the front door and run to an open vent. The security guards at the front desk look shocked and a little bemused.

Driving towards the 5th street bridge, you feel a dread growing inside you. Mother nature abhors a monster like you, and the life giving waters repel you as vehemently as crosses would to a Hollywood Vampire.
Doctors would call it a "Panic attack", but that's not nearly descriptive enough of the anguish you go through forcing yourself to cross the Bow.
Luckily, due to preparation or mental fortitude, or maybe just from having your foot frozen on the gas, you make your way to the other side.

You do not relish the idea of the return trip.

Checking the mirror, you do notice that your veneer of calm, self control and immaculate grooming did not crack even a hair. You take solace in the fact that lesser Kindred would have been reduced to gibbering wrecks.

The rest of the drive is entirely uneventful. When you arrive at Elysium, you notice the place is sparsely populated. Seems many of the city's 'elite' have problems commuting.
The place is a repurposed church, vaguely triangular in shape with a central cross theme. The pews have been stowed away, aside from one on the far left side which serves to seat the evening's 'Refreshments', and tables dot the room apparently at random- though looking at the arrangements, you're rather certain somebody measured the distance between your fellow Ventrue and the Toreador across the hall. The Harpies are currently speaking with Rebecca, a Toreador of serious influence. Whether she's Primogen or the Whip is something of a betting game among high ranking Ventrue, as it's unlikely the clan would tolerate a Primogen associating this closely with Lasombra trash.

Darling, the current Keeper of Elysium, is currently seated with Stephen, a Gangrel candidate for Sheriff.

You do recognize the Prince, Aiden, speaking with Donovan, his Nosferatu shadow down at the long table which has taken the place of an Alter.

There is no sign of Rue. That perks you up a bit.

[estradling]

George spends a moment taking in his surroundings and placing people. He also recalled to mind his mentor's training on the various protocols. It would be one thing to give an offense when it was planned but it just wouldn't do to to give an offense without meaning to. George had already been formally introduced to the Prince, when he first got here, so that was out of the way.


Who are the Ventrue that are here? Who is the Ventrue Primogen?

[Acanous]

I just had to go through 8 pages of notes to find out why I didn't have the Ventrue Primogen's name on my quick list.
Guy's been in three scenes, and has yet to be namedropped. Wow. That's what I get for having a Primogen that doesn't like other clans knowing who he is, and who deals through intermediaries. The guy that sits at the big table? That's not him. That's Anthony Keller, his body double/guard.

Being that you're IN clan Ventrue, this city's Primarch is Eric Gregorio, and he's a very big player in the fashion industry. When she recently overstepped her bounds in said fashion industry, he put Rue up as a potential Keeper of Elysium, knowing that due to politics, she'd have to fail. That recent snub to one of your rivals doesn't mean you're in the good books, though. He's a very shrewd operator, and prefers not to take any action directly. He has people for that.

You identfy three other Ventrue, Anthony making his way over to the head table to speak to the prince, the (Real) Primarch, speaking with an associate you've rarely interacted with, another ventrue who goes by Hector Vines- a mover and shaker in the oilsands projects.

[estradling]

George processed all the information. George wasn't in the fashion or oil industries... He was in the tech and computers industries so he had no reason to be in conflict with any of the other Ventrue. Of course that didn't mean that they would be friends.

Since this was suppose to be a social event it was time for him to be social and work his way around the room.


Unless of course protocol dictated he start with the prince or some other leader

[Acanous]

Give me Wits+Etiquette and I'll give you the rundown.
I probably should have asked for the roll earlier, but eh. I'm sick. You do know automatically that you're not to approach the (Real) primarch first :p

[estradling]

Oh very much so... George will approach the double at the right time and feed the illusion that the real one is selling

Wits + Etiquette
[roll0] he will also use a Willpower point for an auto success... Or at least no botch

[Acanous]

Ok, here's what 2 successes buy you:
The Prince doesn't like to be approached unless you're asking for a favor, announcing yourself, or delivering something. He's actually pretty approachable under those circumstances, but in any of the cases, he prefers you keep it short while at Elysium.

Primogen and people of note: Rebecca of Toreador is not someone you want other Ventrue to see you with. She's high up on the social ladder, everyone knows it, and lately she's been keeping Lasombra 'pets', having installed two as harpies in a debacle about 4 months ago.

Neil of Tremere is absent. Probably in continued protest, or maybe just paranoia. He used to be so level headed, now he's paranoid and dangerous. You do notice that there aren't any Tremere here, at all. That really isn't good, but you know YOU didn't have anything to do with the attack on their chantry. Probably a good idea to extend some kind of olive branch, if your Primogen hasn't already.

Alistair of Malkavian is at the table, now. He wasn't before. Creepy ass kid. No city can get off without one steriotype, too bad yours had to be this guy. Temporary social suicide to attract his attention.

Donovan of Nosferatu. He prefers to remain in the background, you prefer not having to look at his face. He's polite, quiet, and well connected.

Ryan of Gangrel- is missing. His bullyboy Steven is over by a pillar talking with the Keeper of Elysium, Darling.
She's kinda new. Got the position by way of being either very lucky or by being played.

There's a few others, you notice a mediterranean lady with sharp features nervously tapping her phone while talking to the city's Scourge, James.

It'd probably be a good idea to conduct any business dealings first, as that's the atmosphere favored by this city. After that, clan and finally personal associations.

[estradling]

Plan forming in his mind George take a moment to check to see if anyone here has taken an interest in his arrival. After all he was in many ways fresh meat and unattached. People might think he would be a good pawn and that was something worth knowing. If someone thought he might be useful then they would most likely be able to give things in return. At the very least it would be a conversation starter.


Would that be a perception Alertness test?

Also on George's sheet I made a mistake. Under talents he has Dodge. Dodge doesn't appear in the anniversary edition. It might be from an older edition. Would it be ok if I swapped it for something in the anniversary edition (like Alertness?)

[Acanous]

yeah, Dodge is gone and now is covered by Athletics. I believe Awareness took it's place on the new sheet.
Please give me percep+Alert, though you notice the Keeper of Elysium looking your way once or twice.

[estradling]

if you are ok with the swap to alertness... if not then drop the last three dice

[roll0]

[Acanous]

wow, that roll.

The Keeper actually walks right over to you, after snapping something at a handicapped Nosferatu making a beeline for the "Refreshments".

"You seem to be looking for something. Anything I can help you with..." She seems to be fishing for a name.

You notice that two of the Harpies are actually watching you with cold, calculating eyes hidden behind a facade of petty banter. Then you notice it's not YOU they're staring daggers at, but rather, Darling, the Keeper.

[estradling]

Yeah that was a awesome roll

"Ahh Keeper... Please accept my delayed congratulations for your appointment." Still smiling he continues, "Or should that be condolences?" George could see it going either way. "I am George, and I am trying to avoid my past mistakes. I am not sure how much you can help with that. But I appreciate the offer"

[Acanous]

"Darling Lafleur." She introduced herself back. "And I think it's mostly congratulations." Her own smile grew with that.

"Couldn't say what I can do when I don't know what you're trying to avoid. If you want, I can introduce you to anyone if you're curious. Couldn't help but notice your wandering eyes, and don't want people to be shy here."

[estradling]

A bit of tension left George as Darling clearly got his attempt to be a bit humorous. It was always nice when people got the joke. "Ahh then Congratulations to the Lovely Lady Lafleur." George kept his smile and slightly nodded his head, reminiscent of a more courtly bow.

"Your offer is most generous and I thank you for it. My first visit was all about getting me properly introduced to the Prince as someone new to the city. Moving truly sucks and my focus was on the bare basics of survival that night. My second visit here I started introducing myself and getting a feel for how things work around here."

For a moment his eyes are lost in thought and memory then they briefly focus over Darling's shoulder and into the distance before coming back to her. "Unfortunately I must have misstepped somewhere, although I am not sure how. And I ended up alienating someone." He gave a bit of a frustrated sigh at that.

"Tonight is my third time here. There are still a few I don't know yet and I would love an introduction. But I am trying to be more careful and observant. Trying to avoid such complications. For example did you know that two of Harpies are staring daggers at your back? At first I thought it was me they did not like, but it is not."

[Acanous]

Give me a quick Wits+Empathy if you please.
"The Harpies thrive off troubles, and I try to keep troubles out of Elysium. It's just the natural way of things. Tell you what, why don't I lead you over to your table, and you can chat with your clanmates while you sit back and observe, and if anyone strikes your fancy, I'll give you a proper introduction. Sound good?"

[estradling]

Wits+Empathy

[roll0]

[estradling]

"Ahhh" George replies as her comments sink in. If she thought he was trouble then it would explain her reaction in coming up to him. "I have no desire to stir up trouble here. Only to make introductions and see if I can develop mutually beneficial relationships. While I always love being in the presence of the beautifully charming, I completely understand if you have more important things to take care of, being Keeper and all that."

George was not one to hold on conversationally to someone that didn't want to be there. He plucks a business card out of his suit jacket pocket and handed it to her, "Should you ever need something that I might have, I will repay your kindness tonight by at least listening."

[Acanous]

Darling took the card as she led him to the other Ventrue, her eyes casually moving over the room, but an extra moment was spent scanning the Harpies. "I'll keep that in mind, Mr. George."
"And I wouldn't say more important things at all, I'd say trying to spread my charm to as many as I can." With that, she kept a hold of the card, as her dress had no pockets and didn't have a purse or handbag with her either, and made her exit towards the refreshment line.

[estradling]

Sorry for the delay. I was traveling for vacation

George allows himself to be lead. He will pay the customary respects to the Kindred playing as Primogen, knowing that the appearance was important and he did not want to cause issues by not playing along.

[Acanous]

After about another 10 minutes, when everyone who would be coming has already shown (Still no sign of Rue), you're slightly surprised to hear the doors open again. There's a group of about ten kindred you've never seen before walking in like they're important. The leader appears to be a man with a bit of grey in his straight black hair. Donovan sits back and you see a smile dancing in his eyes, while all through the church conversation stalls. Aiden seems shocked.
When the group walks in, a chill wind seems to follow them.
The leading man of average height and slight build seems to carry an aura that seriously creeps you out.
"Good evening, I hope we're not interrupting anything important." He twirls a cane of polished oak.
To his left, there's a girl with frizzy brown hair, bleached at the tips. She's got sparkles on her dark blue nails.
"I thought interrupting was the point."
The girl holds a finger up to her lips as though pondering.
"Regardless, here we are. I must apologize, it rally takes quite a bit to get me this irate. Normally we'd be handling our own problems, as usual, but you've put a bit of a fly in that ointment. What's going on, Aiden? Why are my people being hunted down?"

[estradling]

Well this could be interesting... Maybe if I had some popcorn. George thought to himself as the show began

[Acanous]

Darling steps forward, and it actually looks a little pathetic, one small woman standing up to a gang.
"If you'd like to step forward I'm sure things can get aired out. The rest of you. Please?" She motioned towards the seats.

This unknown accuser shrugs. "Alright. If it means something is actually done."
His gaggle of cronies takes a nearby table.
The Prince does not get up. Rather, he motiones for the man to approach.
"Tom, explain these accusations. What's been going on?"
"Ever since you appointed a Scourge, my people have been going missing. Suddenly, a flood hits and food is scarce. People are still paranoid from the bomb scare. What is it then, your Camarilla getting paranoid, cutting out any competition?"

"Well. The floor recognizes Tom Gib of the Anarch movement.
Tom, we have done nothing of the sort. My Scourge has been operating as a purely preventative measure, and nobody has been destroyed as of yet. Present us with a list of missing persons, and I'll have someone look into it."

Tom looks about the audience, catching a few scowls from the Toreador side of things, and a snicker or two from the Nosferatu. Your fellow Ventrue seem to be studying the Anarchs from a distance.

[estradling]

Seeing the Keeper stand up to the gang George's respect for her rises... Seeing the wannabe Sheriff do nothing his respect for the guy drops.

Then the prince take over from the Keeper and George listens and learns

[Acanous]

The Anarchs at the table grumble a little bit, except for the one, who is sitting there muttering "Chocolate Syrup, Chocolate Syrup, Espresso, empty box..." as she looks around the room.

"Sure. I'll get you a list, and then you punish the ones responsible. Or we'll have to do it."
Aiden half smiles. "Good luck with that, Tom. Why not enjoy the party, while you're here. Darling went through so much to ensure we all have a lovely time."
You see Tom give the Keeper a brief glare before turning and heading to his table. The wannabe Sheriff, now that you mention it, seems to be watching the exchange very closely. He's spent too long in Ryan's shadow, you surmise. He's eager to step in and end a fight if one starts, but he is too cautious, too unsure to begin the violence in this company.

[estradling]

Noting it George says softly to the near by Ventrue. "Well now that almost got exciting didn't it?"

[Acanous]

"Quite. I wouldn't put this to bed just yet, we're likely in for a-"
"Well. If that's all accounted for, James, could you please meet me in the antechamber?" The Prince summons the Scourge, and then makes an exit towards the rear of the room.
"Mm. He's good at this. I wonder how he always makes it look so scripted?"

Your Primogen nods very slightly, so far not speaking. He watches the Anarchs.

[estradling]

"Ahh," George nods. "The new Keeper appears to be working out. "

[Acanous]

"She's a pawn, of course she's working out. If she doesn't, I'm going to be very disappointed in her handler."
Eric cracks the thinnest of smiles.
"On an unrelated note, I believe someone should make contact with the Anarchs. Not too close, just enough to ascertain that these accusations are not some kind of hoax, and ensure that we don't lose any assets. Suggestions?"

[estradling]

"We are all pawns in some way or another," George replies simply. "Sometimes we are effective to those that are trying to pull our strings sometime we are not." George knew he had to be careful he needed to be respectful of the Primogen without looking to everyone that he was being unduly respectful.

George did not believe the discussion of pawns was unrelated at all to the Anarch question. He was looking to a pawn he could 'handle' into spying on the Anarch. More importantly George was convinced that the pawn Eric had in mind was himself. "Well it would need to be someone not entrenched in our politics yet, so either newish, or clearly on the outs. The Anarch would never believe otherwise. Chances are they wouldn't believe anyways so the pawn is likely to end up dead." George then gave him a knowing smile, "I don't suppose you are thinking of Rue for this are you?"

[Acanous]

"Miss Masters is sadly unavailable this evening. I don't know if she could handle being both Darling's handler and our contact with the Anarchs, and if she can, I'd much rather she not have that much power at her fingertips. I was actually going to ask if you had a ghoul available to run the errand, since that would be most appropriate at the social level and would give us some plausible deniability. Do you?"

[estradling]

George nods in understanding, "Not currently. I could find a candidate, ghoul them and send them in but that would take some time."

[Acanous]

"Time is really not a luxury we have, given the circumstances." He nods towards the anarchs, where a purple-haired girl is climbing on top of the table. She starts speaking rapidly with the graying man who served as their spokesman.
You also spot Darling over by Donovan and Alistair at the big table. What she's doing within arm's reach of the little maniac is unclear.

[estradling]

"So what other resources are available?" Of course him having an handy ghoul would have be nice, but George didn't and now would come the hook. Eric wouldn't have come this far if he intended to let George go.

[Acanous]

"Given the circumstances? There's you, me, and Hector, who had a bit of trouble with Anarch activity after the university fiasco. I don't have any ghouls to spare in the immediate vacinity that wouldn't tip our opponents off. How would you like to earn some clout in the clan, George?"

[estradling]

George nods abit, "I am always interested in gaining clout and creating beneficial relationships. However given the time and resource constraints I would have to work in person and take various actions to show I support their cause. My higher goal would have to be hidden from all but the most select few. This would pretty much make everyone else think I was a traitor in some form or another. And should the winds of politics change like they always do, those who would know of my real status might find it inconvenient to bring me back in. I would rather not be sacrificed like a ghoul"

"How about working with the Nosferatu? They can gather serious data, I could reach out and offer and exchange of services."

[Acanous]

"I see. You'd rather exchange pleasantries with the rats than the rabble. Very well then, if you believe there's some ground to be gained that way, I'm interested to see your results."

You've got yourself out of the immediate predicament, but it seems you've volunteered for a new project, and the results will weigh on you.

[estradling]

Well he preferred the Rats because that didn't scream treason like the Rabble would. George takes another look at the crowd. This time looking for any Nosferatu other then their primogen. Given their power and looks it would have be very easy for George to have simply over looked them on the first pass