Fate Magic of Jacksonville (IC)

[Thelonius]

Chapter I: Twenty Two


Social Events

The Arcana Garden Party [Mandatory]

Scene Aspects

There is an undeniable Tension in the air, an uncertainty and glimpses of animosity from past feuds. At the same time Curiosity clearly rules the day - the war has drastically altered the political landscape, with many newcomers rising to the top. Some of those gathered don’t care for politics and feuds, but rather enjoy the Fabulous Feast, laid before them, why worry of future, instead of enjoying today? In felt by everyone with an ounce of magical talent, are the Currents of Fate, swirling around the gala, tempting Practitioners to reach out for the astounding wealth of magical power. Yet nobody takes the risk.


You have arrived to the event held every 22 years - the Garden Party, commemorating the beginning of the Arcana Ritual. Everybody who is anyone is present. The Party takes place in the Crone’s Garden, within the Demesne of Crone, Lord of Harvest. It’s a beautiful place, a maze of blooming rose bushes, with sharp thorns, lit by moonlight, that is brighter than it should be. The tables are filled with delicious food and drinks, enhanced by Harvest’s magic to be an irresistible delight. A soft, joyous music plays, though no musicians are visible and beautiful servants - constructs, made by Demesne magic, attend to guests needs.

In the center are three Lords - the Crone, an ancient looking woman, who radiates vitality and life, is wearing a thick layer of charms, that are almost crackling with power. At her side is a beautiful young woman, wearing white dress and a red rose in her hair. You recognize her as Virginia Cain, a hollywood star and renowned philanthropist, beloved by the public and native of Jacksonville. Morrigan stands alone and aloof, it seems the Phantom Queen prefers not to mingle. The Third Lord is there as well.

The five of the Council of Six are present, with Horizon Mage running late. Hierophant, a youth wearing simple white sash, most of his body tattooed, stands alone, his gaze sometimes lingering on Morrigan. Doctor Galina Hudson seems to be uncomfortable at the party, awkwardly drinking alone. Noah Graham, dressed impeccably in the business suit, seems content to spend time with Practitioners, rather than his fellow councilmen. The Mayhews occupy a large round table, accompanied by Fetches, that serve their family, proud in their ascendant position. Lucretia Hart is engaged in animated discussion with Richard Mayhew and seems intent on bringing Galina Hudson to the conversation.

In the garden, Practitioners mingle, trading gossip and establishing contacts. Hack-n-Slash stands apart, a mask hiding the Other’s face and his signature bloody cleaver attached to belt. Sinful Jack seems to act his playboy reputation, finding his way into conversation with every beautiful woman present at the event. Oz Bender pleasantly converses with others, having attracted attention as a recent immigrant to the city and thus possessing an aura of mystery. The Pact Lawyer Mr. Lewis splits his time between enjoying the food and good conversation. Techna moves across the garden with deliberate agenda, all business. There are rumors that she is seeking allies for her vendetta against the Crone. The supposed Demonslayer is mostly ignored pariah, as few believe in existence of his mythical foes. His presence is actually surprising at such an important event. Alice Chandler, the Diviner, seems to practice her craft, nursing a wine glass with her eyes closed - no doubt such gathering of movers and shakers makes the futures stir. Mortimer The Necromancer, a short fat man, laughs jovially at jokes others make, while digging into the succulent dishes. The scarred woman, Melody Pierce seems unable to relax at what is probably most secure room in the city. She’s also wearing weapons to the even, two holstered guns and knife in a boot. Hector Whitemoor, a man in his mid twenties, stands apart, exchanging but a few words with other guests. The two Others - Ambassador and Thing-in-Mirror have taken a far part of the garden which seems to be simultaneously basked in light and consumed by darkness. The petals of roses litter the earth at their feet. A woman in her twenties seems to wander without purpose, her casual dress of jeans and hoodie makes her stand out before more exotic looking or formally attired Practitioners. You can’t quite recall, who she is in the practitioner community.

Demon Hunt

Demonslayer has been seeking allies in ridding Jacksonville of “Demon”, he claims have infiltrated the city. Of course everybody knows, demons don’t actually exist, but those willing to be entertained by such children’s tales can come and meet him. There will be free pizza.

The City Reconstruction Meeting

The Council of Six shall hold a meeting about reconstruction of Jacksonville, and fixing the damage Morrigan’s War inflicted upon it. The meeting is open to all Practitioners.


The Council Missions

The Storm Domain

The Storm Domain has been somewhat turbulent lately. The Council is concerned that Fey and Elementals may stir up another storm - one that Jacksonville can ill afford, while the effects of the previous one are still felt. A reward will be provided for Dilettante to enter Storm Domain and deliver a Council’s missive to the “Storm Court”. The messenger shall have Council’s official sigil for protection, however, the chaotic nature of the place and wildness of it’s inhabitants adds unforeseeable risks to this mission.

A Fiery Fascination

Techna reports increased pyromaniac tendencies among the children of several schools. There is a possibility, that their origin is supernatural and could be a ploy by Nineteen-O-One to mould unaware children into future agents of its cause. A reward will be provided for investigating the matter and if connection to Nineteen-O-One is established, either a report or elimination of the problem, based on the level of threat. Naturally, investigation around the schools may present difficulty, due to the unaware.

A Hundred Embers

There have been a growing number of minor fires - mostly resulting in burnt food or minor embarrassments. The Council of Six has verified that minor Fire Elementals are probing the city defenses at behest of Nineteen-O-One. They must be dealt with to demonstrate city’s vigilant protectors. As the creatures in question are fairly weak, the Council deems the Dilettantes possess sufficient power to banish or destroy them.

Balance of Life and Death

The number of deaths in hospitals is climbing and Dr. Hudson wishes the situation investigated. If Others are tipping the scales of life and death in her domain, they must be dealt with. Hudson will use her position to smooth things with hospital security, so those who take this job will not be hindered. However, she insists, that hospitals would not be turned into violent battlefields.

Shining Light on Dark Streets

The Council wishes to ascertain the extent of the undead problem infesting Jacksonville. Mortimer the Necromancer will coordinate investigation into the numbers and places of habitation of Undead others, to better formulate plan for reduction of their numbers.


City Events

A Murderer of Practitioner

A news story of cuckolded husband murdering his wife and wife's lover, has attracted attention of all Practitioners - the reason, identity of the murdered. Richard Mayhew’s son and potential heir, a Dilettante Jonathan, has been killed by what appears to be an unaware man. The news story has identified Lionel Filch, former employee of Black Knight Financial Services, with history of substance abuse and anger issues. The current police theory is that Filch discovered his wife Margaret and Jonathan were having an affair and stabbed both of them.

Practitioners seldom fall to dangers of unaware society, yet a surprise attack can bring anybody low. The Mayhews are clearly looking for blood and Filch may wish he would be found by unaware cops, before Fetches.

Traces of Power

It seems that there’s a well of magical power somewhere in the city. The Practitioners have felt it as faint tremor. Whoever finds it first, may acquire something valuable, unless it’s the smell of cheese in the mousetrap.

Cracked Mirrors

As Practitioners you have an eye for unusual things, those dismissed by unaware as coincidences or meaningless patterns. Many mirrors in the city has been sporting cracks recently. Curious.

[JeenLeen]

Vanessa Chakravrati

Approach: Charismatic [4]
Invocation: Chakravrati Wealth: Vanessa has saved up some of her money to buy top-of-the line tailor-made fashion as well as expensive jewelry for this event, to put her on a better standing with the others.


Vanessa had entered the room in an elegant rose-colored grown, providing a pleasant contrast to her dark skin, slightly revealing but tasteful. She wears a diamond necklace that draws attention to her neckline. She also wears, albeit it sheathed, her scissors on a belt and her wedding ring. She moves with a calm yet purposeful stride, smiling and chatting with those near near.

However, as she hears the rumors circulating, two draw her attention. There is good to be done, and Vanessa wants to find Others to bind to increase her own power.

After Techna finishes a discussion with one person, Vanessa approaches her. "Excuse me, please. I hear you are investigating a possible supernatural influence on the children in our schools, linked to Nineteen O'One and its elementals. I like to consider myself a protectress of our schools, and I would be honored to investigate and, if supernatural influence in found, eliminate this bane. My mundane life is working at the school district, so I can get incident reports from the schools and should be able to move within the schools unhindered."

---

She will also approach the Necromancer. Her husband had respected, if not always agreed with, the man.

As she walks near him, she takes a new glass of wine from one of the servers. With a slightly demure tone, she says, "Pardon me, and I hope I'm not interrupting too much, but I heard you are seeking some to help with the undead. Although not a necromancer myself, my husband did teach me some... theory, we can say, of his art. I would be interested in assisting, and the chance to turn theory into practice and bind some of these beings is of particular interest to me."


Since, according to the recruitment thread, "Players can initiate 3 Main, 3 Support and 3 Social Scenes per Chapter.":
does this count as our first social scene this chapter, and these 'quests' would be some main scenes we can partake of? Thus, I could participate in more than one quest if wanted, and I can spend 'Support' scenes before actively pursuing the quest to try to strengthen my position.

Did I do invoking right? Since it's one of my character traits, it doesn't cost Fate Points or anything, right (just counts against a use this chapter)?
I know I mentioned my school aspect and my necromantic aspect, but I didn't really use them, so I reckon no invocation was called for there.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Social Scene - Garden Party

When attending a party hosted by one of the Lords, and attended by everyone who's anyone in the Community, it only makes sense to attend in his given role within said Community.

As such, Seth was here as the High Priest of Shezmu, and dressed for the part; a kilt-like shendyt and sandals his only garb, with a layer of scented oil giving definition to his highly-muscled bare chest and thews. A mask made from a taxidermy lion's head completed the ensemble, hiding his features and presenting an imposing sight to any who would gaze upon him. The High Priest's arms were crossed as he gazed upon the scene from a corner, his Implement out of sight... though certainly not out of mind to those who paid any attention to him.

Fabulous Feast

Invocation - Chef, Wine Connoisseur

The High Priest was not entirely aloof during the Party; at certain points, he could be seen partaking of the Fabulous Feast, slipping scrumptious morsels of food and sips of fine wine under his mask. As the head chef of a restaurant, and as the servant of one who served the flesh of dead gods to the Pharoah Unas, Seth has a professional interest in the fare being served at the Party, both in the mundane and magical sense. Perhaps he may learn something about the use of magic to prepare ever more delicious feasts... or, at the least, it could prove instructive to his already-seasoned skills as a chef.

Hack-n-Slash

Approach - Instinctive [3]

At some point, the High Priest will approach Hack-n-Slash to engage in... well, whatever might pass as a conversation for such an Other. It may be shunned by most Practitioners, but perhaps the Head Priest sees a sort of kindred spirit in the seemingly-murderous Other.

Mortimer the Necromancer

Approach - Instinctive [3]

When the time seems right, the High Priest will approach Mortimer the Necromancer in order to raise the topic of the Dark Streets.

"Good eve. I am given to understand that you will be conducting an investigation into the Dark Streets. Would you happen to have need for a blade by your side? After all, the Undead are hardly the only threats extant in those tainted parts."

[HerbieRAI]

Garden Party
Generic approach - Charismatic

Manny arrives at the Garden party in a nice grey suit and blue tie. He spends a lot of the time weaving in and out of different conversations, trying to get at least a small conversation with every practitioner attending. He does seem to avoid the eyes of Morrigan and for a while avoiding Mayhew's gaze as well.

A Murder of Practitioner
Approach - Charismatic (once I meet with them this will change to a support scene with the Clever Approach)
Manny had been dreading the talk he was going to have to have with them for days now, but it had to be done. Eventually he gets the nerve and grabs the attention of one of a Mayhew's Fetches and asks "I would like to give my condolences to the loss of Jonathan, but if they are in a good mood I don't want to ruin the party for them, they probably need the escape. Can you tell me if this is a good time for me to talk with them on the matter? I can come by afterward if they wish."

OOC knowledge question: How long ago was the murder? Days, weeks, months, years?

Shining Light on Dark Streets
Approach - Charismatic
Seeing Mortimer and Seth talking, Manny couldn't pass on the opportunity to get too birds with one stone. "You know Seth, I love the outfit. That isn't real lion, is it? Aren't they an... endangered species?" Manny seems to take a little poke at the headdress."...Well, if that thing was roaming the city we should probably give you a medal for getting rid of it. Any case, I was hoping you could also tell me more on the matter Mortimer. The Dark Streets are a dangerous place, and I'd like nothing more than to work to clean them up."

Balance of Life and Death
Approach - Charismatic
After grabbing a drink, Manny makes his way to Dr. Hudson. Keeping people from dying is the whole reason he does what he does. If there was an Other or practitioner involved, Manny would have to put this problem high on the priority list. "What exactly to you mean death rates are rising? What are the mundane reasons people are passing?"

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Vanessa Chakravrati

Techna

Like Vanessa, Techna has invested in her appearance, though not in clothes and jewelry. An expertly done tattoo, formed from tiny zeroes and ones, spirals down her neck, disappearing beneath her jacket. She also has clearly expensive body piercing and her hair are cut in distinct style. She smiles, greeting Vanessa. “I guess, we’ll be working together often then. I’m pretty much the Council’s eyes and Tech-Spirits are our primary allies against Nineteen-O-One. Which I hope the conservatives on the Council would realize. I’ve got data from school’s computer systems and kids devices - just give me your number and I’ll send it to you.”

Mortimer The Necromancer

Mortimer seems delighted by Vanessa’s request. “Of course my dear. I would be happy to show you some tricks of the trade, if it means your assistance against the undead. Ramul was a skilled Practitioner, the city and I personally lost much with his passing. Please, let us drink in his memory. May his passage beyond the Veil be swift and peaceful.”

Seth Mansour

The Feast

“The trick is in the ingredients.” speaks a quiet, old voice of the Crone. “You can feed manure to the unaware, glamoured to taste like sweetest of cakes, but Practitioners can discern such things. So you tweak just a bit with magic, and rely on ingredients and skills of the cook. I’ve been tending my garden and my herds for centuries now, manipulating the very nature of my harvests, before science of genetics was even established. Would you like to receive some of my herbs and animals for your restaurant? I think I have enough to share, once in awhile.”

Hack-n-Slash

The Other doesn’t speak, when Seth approaches. But he doesn’t need to - Hack-n-Slash is oddly expressive, every movement of his body, his posture and breathing, with no word spoken, one can understand Hack-n-Slash. He expresses respect for Priest and his Gods.

Seth Mansour (Secret)

Something passes between you. Perhaps as professional courtesy, the posture of Hack-n-Slash conveys a warning. There’s somebody at this part, who would make Seth into prey, someone, who wills him ill. Seth doubts Hack-n-Slash would reveal more. Professional courtesy goes only so far.


Mortimer

Mortimer shakes his head. “Please, High Priest, perhaps we can discuss death and rotting corpses later?” He smiles, his tone light. “I’m not a squeamish man, but I prefer to keep my work and my pleasures separate. Let us sample the fine foods and enjoy the evening.”

Manny Bringham

Mayhews

The Fetch, accompanying Mayhews, is a tall, humanoid figure, with hands a bit too long and facial features arrange unnervingly close to human, yet somehow wrong. It regards Manny with an unreadable expression. Can it even speak? Fetches are rare and odd breed of Others, so Manny is uncertain, whether his message was even understood.

[OOC: Murder happened just a couple days ago]

Mortimer

Mortimer sighs in exaggerated exasperation. “I would really prefer to take a small break from the subject. It’s been difficult weeks and I really would prefer to think of something other, then… things happening there. Let’s have some fun now and save the world tomorrow.”

Dr. Hudson

Hudson has a drink in her hand, which she quickly finishes, when Manny approaches. There’s a small, awkward pause, before she answers. “Mortimer and I have done a sweep, and we have sensed an undead presence. The issue is with patients in severe condition - burn victims, serious traumas, wounds. I believe recent physical injuries is positively correlated with these attacks. The deaths… ” She refills her glass and takes a sip. “They can be explained by nature taking its course, by I’m both doctor and Practitioner, my senses of patients survival chances are somewhat sharper, than those of unaware. Whatever it is, I think it’s not strong enough to steal life from healthy people. So those in weakened state are it’s prey. And the long it feeds, the stronger it’s getting.”

[Konatsat]

Ann Reeds
Garden Party
Approach: Prepared[3]

After hearing about the illustrious Garden Party and how all of the important figures in Jacksonville would be attending it, Ann worked on preparing and memorizing conversation topics, etiquette, and relevant information relating to those who would definitely be attending.

Techna
Approach: Prepared
The person Ann wanted to meet most was Techna, the practitioner favored by the tech spirits and master of the pact-net. She waited patiently until Techna appeared to be unoccupied and attempted to strike up a conversation. "Hello, Techna. I've heard about your efforts to fight the growing pyromaniac epidemic and about your plan to replace the Earthblood pact with a Tech-Spirit one. I'd like to offer my help for both."

The Woman
Approach: Prepared
The woman in the hoodie and jeans piques Ann's interest and so Ann walks up to her while going through a list of possible conversation topics. Unsure of which one would be the most appropriate, Ann settled for a fairly generic conversation starter. Hello there, lovely music this evening. How are you liking the party?"

[JeenLeen]

Charismatic

Vanessa gives her number to Techna. "That sounds good. It'll help me know what schools to prioritize." She gives a nod, then moves on.

--

Vanessa raises her glass in response to Mortimer's toast. "To Ramul, a man of worthy memory.", then "Thank you. And it would be an honor to hear some of your art from you after the festivities." Feeling an unexpected tinge of camaraderie with the man, she stays nearby for a bit, engaging in some small talk with him and some of the others who come near. After hearing the response he gives to some of the others who ask about his task -- and hiding her surprise that his mission is drawing the attention of her potential allies and rivals -- she puts a hand on his shoulder and says, "Thank you for your company. I feel I should engage with some of the others here as well, but I'll be in touch. Please enjoy the festivities, and thank you again for your kind words."

--

After talking to Mortimer, Vanessa decides to find out who this mysterious woman is. Knowledge is currency, and, even if she is underdressed, the woman should not be underestimated.

Still, to make the best of it, she times her approach so she passes by Sinful Jack when he's in heavy conversation with a few people. She walks by and makes sure to catch his eyes. Giving a smile and a playful sip of her drink, she then passes on to the woman.

However, as she moves forward, she sees Ann engages the woman before Vanessa gets a chance to. Disappointing, but, well, no worries. She decides instead to head towards the city Lords. Well, two of them at least. Morrigan has enemies, and Vanessa does not wish to seem her friend, not to mention her husband's death.

She, slightly in awe, approaches the Crone when someone else has Virginia's attention. "Greetings, our noble host. Thank you for welcoming us and for this feast. It is an honor to be here." She motions towards Virginia, adding quietly, "Please forgive me if I show disrespect, but I didn't know she was numbered among the aware or the gifted. Or is she here for another purpose?"

What does Vanessa see when she intends to approach the mysterious Third Lord.
Also, as I was writing my post, I saw the post about Ann engaging the mystery woman when I hit 'Preview Post', so I figured I'd integrate that to change my action.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

The Feast

Approach - Instinctive (3)

The Lord of the Harvest herself was offering a freely-given gift to a mere Dilettante such as himself? Was that truly a sincere offer, or would it prove to be a Trojan's Horse harboring ill intentions? Yet, refusing such a gift is itself problematic in a number of ways. Seth decided to go with his gut, and accept the gift as though it were given in good faith; he can always examine the foodstuff for magically-imbued traps later.

"Thank you very much, Lord of the Harvest. I shall gratefully accept. If ever there is anything I can help with, please feel free to call upon me."

Hack-n-Slash

Approach - Quick (3)

Communicating (verbally or otherwise) his own respect for the Other's prowess with the blade and valor in Morrigan's War, the High Priest thinks quickly on how to establish a positive relationship with Hack-n-Slash. Not only does the latter know some crucial detail of the secret that was shared between them, but it has some traits that are similar enough to his own faith that an alliance could prove most complementary and synergistic.

To that effect, Seth attempts to determine the motivations of Hack-n-Slash, and how best to win the Other's respect in order to pave the way for a closer working relationship. Perhaps an offer to trade favor for favor? Or the completion of some sort of trial?

Mortimer

Manny

"And what if it is?"

Seth responded to Manny, in a brusque manner and tone. Almost as if challenging the latter to make any further oblique comments on his attire.

Approach - Instinctive (3)
Invocation - Chef, Wine Connoisseur

"But of course. Speaking of fine foods, I must also say that the wine is exquisite..."

Seth said to Mortimer, changing the subject. It was only polite to demur from topics the other party was disinterested in pursuing, after all. But since Mortimer has brought up the fare being served at the Party, that was one topic where Seth knew his stuff. Seth may not be nearly the socialite some of the other Practitioners present were, but this was one of the few topics he felt qualified to engage in small talk about. Hopefully that would endear him to the Necromancer somewhat.

Mayhews Family

Approach - I'm not sure whether Forceful [4] or Quick [3] is more appropriate here.

After the first round of introductions, the High Priest was seen approaching the Mayhews' table. But instead of attempting to engage in conversation with one of them, he simply stood a short distance away with arms crossed, neither disruptive to the proceedings nor easily overlooked.

Seth's reasoning was that with the murderer of Jonathan still a fresh memory, but in the midst of a social occasion where there might be a preference for such matters to be set aside (as exemplified by Mortimer), there was no telling for sure whether the Mayhews would wish to dwell upon it. As such, by moving himself into such a position, the High Priest was putting the ball in the Mayhews' court - to either summon him to their table (which he would promptly oblige), or to either dismiss or ignore him (upon which he could simply move on to his next agenda).

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Ann Reeds

Techna

Techna smiles. “I’d welcome your help. I’ve certainly heard good things of you.” Her tone however turns serious. “But Earthblood… this promises to turn into a war, between me and Crone. You’ve must have seen how ugly those can get. Are you ready for it?”

Woman

“Ah.” the woman seems a bit startled by Reeds approach, but she quickly composes herself. “It’s good. In an exotic kind of way..” she replies a bit awkwardly. “So, em, you are having fun?”

Vanessa Chakravrati

Mortimer the Necromancer

“Ah yes, I’m not so selfish, as to deprive the rest of the guests of your radiant company.” he smiles warmly and performs a gentlemanly half-bow. “Please, call on me, whenever you have time. And we could work on that spellwork.”

Sinful Jack

Jack’s reply is an unashamedly leering gaze, that seems to be saying - let’s screw propriety, right here and now, though effect is somewhat lessened by a self-aware smile.

Crone & Virginia Cain

Crone is an old woman, but while some chafe under the weight of years, she seems to be wearing her age comfortably. Even standing next to the youthful beauty of Virginia, one’s eyes are drawn to the Crone. “She is my ward. A child blessed by all my gifts, to grow and ripen for the annointed day.”

“I’m the sacrifice.” Virgina replies wryly. “A deal made at crossroads, fame, fortune and love for ten charmed years and then it's final curtain for me. All that stuff. Well, you wouldn’t even recognize me from before, my life was anything but good. Besides, I was unlikely to survive ten years without the deal, so I was literally losing nothing from it.” Virginia looks at Vanessa, clearly savoring her reaction.

Chakravrati [Secret]

You sense something about Virginia - perhaps some magic related to her existence as sacrifice. But Crone’s presence blinds your perception, wrapping around Virginia in a protective embrace.

---

The Third Lord is… out of focus. A man, a woman, Other? While he (I’ll use he for simplicity sake) stands there and you can plainly see him, it’s like your brain refuses to make a connection between visual input and the concepts in your mind that may explain, what you are seeing.


Seth Mansour

Lord of Harvest

The Crone grins. “Certainly, I fear many young ones here” she subtly shakes head towards the Council’s seats, “don’t see into the future, blinded by present’s hustle and bustle. I think you shall grow and bloom into something magnificent, given time, and perhaps old mother Crone shall call upon you then.” Seth feels a subtle tug on the currents of fate, swirling around them - did Crone just touched the fate magic gathering for the Arcana Ritual? Certainly, she would be among the few here, who may risk such an action. Apparently in a good mood, she returns to Virginia Cain, the hedge walls unraveling to allow her passage and quickly closing behind.

Hack-n-Slash

Surprisingly, Seth finds that Hack-n-Slash’s current motivation is to enjoy the party. They savor the delicacies, observe the guests and even engage in a non-verbal conversation about the proper care of sharp cutlery. Or as Sinful Jack calls it “blade measuring” between two men. The discussion of who has the longer knife and whether girth is more important, get the guests into a macabrely festive mood, though one soured, when one remembers, what those implements are used for.

[OOC: You can establish good first impressions, gain hints and story hooks at the party, but deeper insights would require Social Scenes focused on the character.]

Mortimer The Necromancer

Mortimer is certainly more in the mood to talk of wines and have good time, though some awkwardness from the initial impression persists.

Mayhews

Richard Mayhew seems of two minds about Seth, letting him stand and wait. Just as priest prepares to leave, Richard calls to him. “Mansour. Why don’t you join us?” It seems the Mayhews are preparing to play a game of dice, on a table, the servants have just brought. The dice of green jade in golden frames, have clearly been crafted by a jeweler. Richard’s bearing is that of a powerful man, expected to be awarded respect and obedience. He gestures for the servant to give Seth a goblet of wine and slides a set of dice for the game.

[JeenLeen]

Vanessa maintains (or at least tries to maintain) her composure at Virginia's pronouncement. It is not so much the information -- honestly, Vanessa suspected as much -- but her forthrightness with stating it that gave surprise. She responds with a respectful tone, "I respect your honor in so willingly holding to your deal. There are many who would try to forsake their oaths. And that you live your life helping others instead of squandering it with self-indulgence... truly, you have my respect, Virginia, and my thanks for your part in this city's cycle of rejuvenation."

Vanessa gives a bow of her head towards the woman, and then a deeper bow towards the Crone. Vanessa had felt squeamish about the deaths used to fuel the Crone's pacts and domain, but learning this... a new respect was joined to the fear and awe Vanessa held. "My thanks, truly honorable one."

If Virginia or the Crone do not choose to continue the conversation, Vanessa moves towards the Third Lord, trying to keep her senses about herself. Not trying to penetrate whatever wards the Lord may have, but rather trying to make sure her own senses are not being warped beyond a lack of comprehension. Paranoid approach: 3
"Honored Lord of this City, I believe we have not met previously. As you likely know, I am called Vanessa Chakravrati. It is a pleasure to meet you."

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Mayhews
Manny turns away from the situation. Better not to make a scene here, it can be handled later

Mortimer
Trying to keep with Mortimer, Manny pivots the conversation with him.
"You every play golf Mortimer? I don't get much opertunity, and when I do it is always at one of the cheaper places that are half mud. I bet Crone could make one hell of a course here, although it would probably be a PAR 20 and give whole new meaning to water hazards and sand traps. Hell, I bet the Mayhews have a couple nice courses stashed away somewhere."

Dr. Hudon
"That is troubling, I may be able to help look into it. Do you need more to drink? Lord Crone has some very good wine out today."

Seth Mansour
After pulling leaving Mortimer's presance, Manny re-appraoches Seth
"I was just trying to start a light hearted conversation about the headdress, I assumed you would have a good story about it, something like that always has a good story."

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Garden Party

Manny Bingham

Keeping his arms crossed and his stance aloof, the High Priest simply regarded Manny in silence for some time, and one could imagine a cold gaze directed at the latter concealed by the lion mask. At length, he finally responded.

"Oh? And how long before the 'good story' turns into trumped-up charges of poaching and whatnot... officer?"

Lord of Harvest

Has the Crone done something? Has she seen through him somehow, or was she truly declaring an intention to call upon him as an ally? Not to mention that the two possibilities aren't necessarily mutually exclusive... Seth remained silent as he ruminated on his chance meeting with the Lord of Harvest. The Crone was formidable, that much he's always known... but knowing something intellectually is still different from first-hand experience.

Still, either Seth had nothing to fear, or he had little recourse against what was coming; in which case there was little point in fearing. Besides, it's not as if he's too inflexible to adjust his long-term goals to adapt for changing circumstances. With that thought in mind, the High Priest polished off the last of his glass of wine, and stalked off to the next item in his agenda here tonight.

Hack-n-Slash- Social Scene

Approach - Quick [3]

Invocation - Psychopath

To his own astonishment, Seth found himself thoroughly enjoying the company of Hack-n-Slash in a way that he had never felt with any human, Practitioner or unaware. The High Priest found himself gravitating towards the Other of similar temperament to himself, seeking the Other's company as much as he can manage...

...huh. It's almost like this was what it meant to be on a date, as far as Seth could tell from how he had heard others describe it. Seth himself had never recalled experiencing anything of the sort personally, as his relations with other people (of either the female or male sex) have always been of a different nature. But with Hack-n-Slash, the Head Priest found himself wanting to know more about the Other beyond their shared interests. And if it turns out that they're truly as compatible as he hoped, perhaps... but no. That much was still a pipe dream, at least for the time being. But one could dream.

So, as the Head Priest walked with Hack-n-Slash through the Party area, he steered the conversation in such a way that he could glean clues about the Other. What motivates the Other to... well, do what it does? How does it select his prey? What traits does it look for in its victims? What approach and methods does it employ in the hunt, and what sorts of cuts does it prefer to inflict on the victim at the very end? That kind of thing.

Mortimer the Necromancer

Well, this was a bust - he'd have to seek out the Necromancer again, as and when the latter is more in a mood to talk about his work. The Head Priest bided his time, and courteously excused himself when the opportunity arose.

Mayhews

Approach: Instinctive [3], Lucky [1]

Finally.

"Thank you for the invitation, Mister Mayhew," the High Priest said, affording Richard Mayhew all the respectful gestures the latter demanded by his very bearing. Picking up his set of dice, Seth knew before the game even started that he would be going home with lighter pockets tonight - he had never had much fortune at games of chance. But that was fine, it's not like showing up his host at the dice game would help Seth in any way.

For now, the High Priest would humor Richard Mayhew by participating in the dice game. When dealing with a powerful member of the Community such as one of the Six, the thing to do is to cede the initiative, such that it can be taken up at the latter's pleasure.

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Vanessa Chakravrati

Virginia Cain

Virginia smiles. “I won’t lie, I’ve had my stages of grief - anger, bargaining, depression. But, I’m at acceptance now. Reading diaries of past sacrifices helped. It’s a tradition that we all write account of our lives. They gave me some perspective. In my last year, I’ve tried to spend my good fortune around the world, help as many people as I could. So there’ll be something left of me.”

The Third Lord

“I know you. One can hardly forget such a beautiful face.” the Third Lord answers. “Welcome to the high society of Jacksonville Practitioners. Please, think of us as your new family. ”

Manny Bingham

Mortimer The Necromancer

“I can’t say I do.” Mortimer sighs. “An expensive hobby and I’ve never mastered the skill of turning magic into cash, the way some of us did.” He indicates Graham, who is certainly wearing a small fortune in his attire and accessories. “But you are right.” He brightens. “It is auspicious to play games on the eve of Arcana Ritual. They say you can steal a bit of luck, if you win.” It seems a number of guests indeed have engaged in various party games. Mortimer waves his hand at a servant and gives him instructions. Within minutes the landscape shifts, the hedge maze giving way to a first class golf course with regulation length grass and even a couple of alligators, snapping their jaws in the pools of water, that have burst from the ground. The stars seem to shine brighter, illuminating the course. “Now, since you are more experienced player, let’s figure out a suitable handicap and do you want to make a wager? A small favor to the winner from the loser, perhaps?” Mortimer accepts golf clubs from a servant - they shimmer, probably made with magic, rather than real things. “Sure wouldn’t mind being master of the Harvest Demesne” grins Mortimer, though he quickly grows somber, perhaps concerned that his remark may be taken seriously by the Crone.

Dr. Hudson

Dr. Hudson gladly accepts offered wine, which is soon gone. She seems a little bit drunk, perhaps having overindulged in the fine vintages of the feast.

Seth Mansour

Hack-N-Slash

As Mansour weaves his inquires to unravel the mysteries of Hack-n-Slash, he senses the growing attention of other guests, their greedy Curiosity seeking to gain the secrets of the Other and High Priest for themselves. Caught in the moment and desire to learn secrets of another, his own facade has slipped for a moment - did anybody see into the soul of Seth Mansour, at this moment of vulnerability? Even without use of magic, the rosebushes and bustle of party lend themselves to eavesdropping and spying.

[Seth Mansour’s Secret DC -1]

Seth Mansour [Secret]

You get a sense that Hack-n-Slash likes horror movie classics. Unfortunately, the Other is far more careful at revealing too much, where others can spy, then Mansour


Mayhews

Mansour’s prediction proves false. He wins every single roll of the dice. His instincts scream danger - Richard Mayhew’s mood is clearly souring and it seems somebody among guests have noticed the streak of ill-luck plaguing Seth’s opponent. There’s no superstition in Practitioner’s community - only magic. And to be seen as unlucky on the eve of magical ritual essentially governing luck would look very bad for Mayhews reputation. Would Seth be seen as cause of such humiliation, that grows more certain with every won throw of the dice?

[OOC: Depending on Seth’s actions, Mayhews stand to lose -1 Social Title.]

[Reality Glitch]

Garden Party

"Do I really have to be here? I've never much for parties; too many people, too much noise, lights are too bright." I am standing in the corner like a wallflower. Much less able to socialize effectively in such large groups.

"Not my fault you're an introvert. Besides, anyone who is anyone comes to this event." Yggdrasil, my dragon-spirit patron was nestled on my back; his red eyes and white scales visible only to me at the moment. His translucent form tense with anticipation despite the sarcasm as his head peaks over my shoulder enough to that he can whisper in my ear.

"Has it occurred to you that maybe I want to be no one."

"Sorry, kid, I need this. My reputation's on the line."

At least his apologie was sincere. "And I'm introverted and extroverted in equal measure. You've seen me get antsy when none of my play-by-post games updates."

"I highly doubt that counts."

"It totaly does. It's much better than in person because it's soooo much less awkward and I can take my time to ensure I don't put my foot in my mouth. Plus, none of that pesky eye-contact or body language. Though, I do miss out on tone of voice and inflection."

"Ha. Good thing you found me, else you'd b--"

"Someone's coming over here! Quick! Make youself visible!"

"Oh! Right!"

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bringham

Seth Mansour
Manny quickly sees this conversation isn't going to get any better for him, there was enough paranoia to deal with already. "Well, first I would have to go to a court and convince a judge there are Lion packs roaming Jacksonville, and that these packs are a good thing. That alone would probably cost me my job, not to mention if I cleared that hurdle then I'd have to prove you killed the creature. There is a reason possession is said to be 9/10ths of the law. I'm not going to fight you to be friendly, I hope you enjoy the party", and Manny begins walking away toward another group.

Mortimer
Manny gets a small grin as he grabs the other set of clubs. "So your telling me you've never played before, want a handicap, know how to summon a golf course, and want to bet on the game? You're not trying to hussle me, are you Mortimer?", Manny says in a jestful tone. "Count me in." Manny walks and looks out over the green, taking in the beauty for a moment. "Your right, must be good being the master of the Harvest Demesne."

Dr Hudson
Manny leans in a little, to help keep others from hearing the conversation. With a look of worry and a flat tone, as to not get confused with flirting "Is something on your mind Doctor?"

[JeenLeen]

Vanessa would repeat her thanks towards Virginia and the Crone before heading on to the Third Lord. She hopes that her respect and admiration shows through.

---

Shifting to Charismatic approach, also invoking Socialite/Enchantress to give the proper look and stance to draw favorable attention.

At the Third Lord's compliment (as cliche as it may be), Vanessa gives a smile and bashful look. It is a practiced look, but one she has honed with time to look sincere. She wouldn't be surprised if this mighty one notices, but maybe he'll appreciate the effort. The smile is sincere.

"Thank you, Lord, such is an honor." She glances over the crowds with a slight but elegant wave of her arm, in part hoping others may notice her conversation with one of so high a rank. "I have lost family, and the idea of being welcome amongst this society is an aspiration of mine." Turning her eyes back to the Lord (or well, as much as her eyes can do that), she continues in a quieter tone, "I worry, though. I sense a tension in the air, even on this auspicious day. The family of society seems at odds with one another. I know even siblings can fight but still love one another, but I fear for the peace of our city and our livelihoods within it. Do you think the family is strong? Or," she adds, as she pauses slightly and shifts her tone for effect, "do you have any advice for one such as me when joining this family?"


I'm trying to use the Tension aspect in the area to my advantage... let me know if I'm missing the mechanics. I guess I'm not really invoking it, but mentioning it. Do I need to spend a Fate Point to sort of 'force' it to my advantage (assuming I can think of a reasonable way to do so).

Also, Vanessa plans to go to the Reconstruction Meeting when it starts, so please include her in that sub-scene.

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Argee Alzumar

There are a number of guests at the party, but it seems a certain social conventions are in place, as few move to approach a lower ranked Dilettante, instead awaiting for him to seek them out. Those Practitioners who are less formal of such thing seem to be distracted by conversations or games.

Manny Brigham

Dr. Hudson

“Oh no, don’t worry. I can’t say things are alright, with all this chaos of war. And with the recent deaths, it’s just been hard week at the hospital.” Hudson replies. “I should probably go mingle, I think Hart wanted to speak to me.”

Brigham [Secret]

“It’s like I’m sinking deeper with every day. I don’t think I can go...” she spoke quietly, before seemingly realizing, what she was saying. After that Hudson offered the quick reassurance and disentangled herself from conversation.


Mortimer The Necromancer

“You needn’t be so paranoid Brigham.” grins Mortimer “I’ve never cheated in a game of golf in my life.” It seems he’s telling the truth at being beginner at Golf, as he fumbles with golf clubs. Graham arrives, quickly taking charge, by recommending a handicap and giving Mortimer a few tips on his swing. The Necromancer good-naturedly accepts them.

[OOC: So, do you rely on luck or employ dastardly tricks to win?]

Vanessa Chakravrati

Third Lord suddenly grows dismissive. “You wish to trade courtesy and your charms for insight, yet I find little value in this exchange. There’s but one way to succeed - that is to use your mind.”

OOC

You can with well-thought actions benefit from Scene Aspect, but it of course depends on situation. Using Fate Point to invoke Scene Aspect generally twists fate and luck for you to benefit from situation with certainty.

Okay, I’ll be starting things with reconstruction meeting and moving things with Garden Party on weekend.

[JeenLeen]

Vanessa retains her pose for any who may be looking, but her tone shifts to one far less effected. "Of course. I can understand such are of little value, and I did not mean to imply you would be swayed by them. I am sincerely interested in your opinion of the family, as you put it, of this society: if you truly view them as a family. But I understand if you would require a fair trade for your opinion, which I unfortunately lack. Perhaps I shall grow in strength and then we may barter."

Externally, she gives a gracious bow, calm yet deferential. Internally, she curses her mistake and hopes her response regained some ground. She awaits any response from the Lord, but then plans to rejoin the festivities and engage in small talk until the reconstruction meeting.

Thanks. No invoking of aspects, then. I'll probably want those Fate points for a Main Scene.

Also, ha ha. She learned about over-stepping boundaries with the really powerful.

[ArcaneStomper]

Dr. Letts

Social Scene - Garden Party
Approach - Logical[4]

Melvin stood on the outskirts of the party dressed in his normal tweed suit. It wasn't that he didn't think that the party wasn't worth dressing, but that he felt the old fashioned suit was quite suitable for such a formal occasion. Dr. Letts had never been particularly adept at fashion.

He barely paid attention to the other participants. Only talking enough to be polite. He wasn't here for social reasons, or at least not primarily. No he was here to watch the Current of Fate. Such things fascinated him. Were they chronological threads that navigated space time, did they go deeper and manipulate probabilities, or was it just a name for some other power those in the know had harnessed for their own use.

Dr. Letts would love to explore the possibilities. But he wasn't quite socially inept enough to do so in front of the Lords who currently controlled it. Maybe later. Such parties seemed a place for social interaction rather than scientific experimentation. Unfortunately the only person Melvin really wanted to speak with was Professor Hart. As a fellow scientist, and one by far his senior in this field, he wanted to hear her thoughts on the nature of "magic" and other such topics. Though she seemed to be talking to the Mayhew fellow and interrupting would surely be impolite.

Glancing around he sees the two Others standing in the garden. He wondered what thoughts were going through their alien minds. Talking with them would no doubt be interesting, but Melvin was a fairly cautious fellow. Perhaps best not to entangle himself with something completely inhuman just yet. If folklore was anything to go on they would be tricky and difficult to deal with.

He sighed, there really weren't many people of interest to him here were there. Then he happened to spot Chandler standing more or less by herself. Normally he'd be skeptical of her supposed divinations, but his awakening had taught him to keep a more open mind.

Wandering over he decided to open a conversation, "Ms. Chandler might I have a moment of your time. I'd like to discuss the nature of Fate and you would seem to have a unique perspective on the matter."

Shining Light on Dark Streets
Approach: Prepared

Later, after the feast, Dr. Letts called Mortimer the Necromancer about the undead infestation, "Hello, I was hoping you could tell me more of the undead that everyone seems to be worried about. I've never seen such creatures so I'm not sure I could be of use. But I'd be happy to help if you'll have me."

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Mortimer

OOC: I will use my Luck 1 to lose win the day. The purpose of the game is to use Clever 4 and Curiosity to learn what Mortimer enjoys and have him consider me a friend after the game (win or lose).

Techna
Manny eventually makes his way to Techna and introduces himself "You must be Techna. I don't believe we have formally met, I am Manny Bingham. This is quite a party, I never could have imagined a place like this a few years ago."

Melody Pierce
Making sure Melody sees him before approaching, Manny brings an extra drink for Melody. "Would you like a drink? You seem a little on edge."

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Arcana Cards: The Priestess

The Third Lord rises, immediately drawing attention of every eye in the garden. A card, shining in a golden light is in the hand. To the trained eyes of the Practitioners, it’s magic is unmistakable.

The Third Lord speaks: “The Arcana Ritual has begun and two cards have been revealed. I’m the custodian of the second one. This is Priestess. I shall give it to whoever would reveal the most interesting secret by the end of this Party.”

There’s stillness as gathered Practitioners are caught between the greed for the card and concern for the secrets, needed to be exposed to gain it. The mood somehow grows darker and none offer to speak.

Sinful Jack breaks the silence in his usual irreverent way. “Well, I’m certainly in no hurry to confess my sins to the public. Anyone else? I doubt our Councilmen will speak - those with power have the blackest secrets. But certainly our fresh meat will have somet delicious deviances they’d be willing to share?” He eyes the Dilettantes.

The Missing Councilman

There’s growing concern among the Council, that seems to be spreading among some of the Practitioners as well, as to the absence of Horizon Mage. The hosts and guests whisper and speculate - it seems the reclusive immortal has never missed Arcana Ritual Party. Some even speculate, that he can’t miss it due to mystical reasons. Yet the Ritual has commenced, but seat remains unoccupied. Horizon Mage is the most powerful Practitioner in the city - some suspect him to be equal to Lords in power. What could have happened to someone of such great stature?

Argee Alzumar

Oz Bender

“Not a fan of such parties?” inquires a man in white suit. A scarf is wrapped around his neck and he is wearing a cap, despite warm weather. “Oz Bender, a recent arrival to the city scene.” he extends hand in greeting.

Vanessa Chakravrati

Third Lord

“You are mistaken in having nothing of value to trade. If you give me your assent, I can easily extract price for such question.” The Third Lord offers.

Dr. Letts

Alice Chandler

The diviner nodes, her look still a little distant. “”Have you considered, how you’ve arrived here Dr. Letts? If you think back on it, you have not received a formal invitation. Things just worked out in a way, that led you to this Party, in a way, that seemed so natural at that moment, that you haven’t realized, how odd it was to be here. This Party is not to celebrate the Arcana Ritual - it is part of the Arcana Ritual. I suspect a number of guests, were brought here by ritual’s power.” She falls silent for a moment and then adds. “Or somebody manipulating ritual’s power”. Her eyes focus on Dr. Letts. “So, was your free will usurped to lead you to this Party? Were you manipulated by environment to make certain choices? If you didn’t wish to be here, would Fate Magic failed or would your desires be irrelevant? I often ponder such questions to ponder - can future be changed by our choices or not?”

Manny Brigham

Mortimer The Necromancer

Manny ends up losing the game and thus the wager of small favor. Mortimer seems to have enjoyed himself and proposes to have a re-match for double or nothing, at some later date. “I’m certain you went easy on me.” he offers smiling.

Techna

“The Crone has centuries of experience in organizing these events and possessing such powerful Demesne certainly doesn’t hurt.” Techna agrees.

Melody Pierce

“On edge? Well, considering we are dining with the warlord, who nearly destroyed our city, killed a whole lot of people and is free to finish the job, now that she is our new Lord.” Pierce takes a sip from her drink. “We ****ing won the war, but we are going to lose peace. The Council should have taken a shot at her, when they had a chance, not compromised.” She puts the glass back on the table. “Nah, I’ll be fine, just need to get it out of the system.”

Shining Light on Dark Streets

“Okay, let me explain situation.” Mortimer begins. “The undead come from beyond Death’s Veil. The war weakened it, so a whole lot of them managed to pass. The problem with Undead is that they need to feed to stay on this side. And with current numbers, the amount of life they need to consume means people are dying. We need to figure out how many of them there are, so we can figure out how to best deal with them. ”

Now, in order to feed on unaware humans, the Undead need to fulfill just one of the following conditions - possess a Bond, be present in high numbers or act in the area, where Veil is weak, a sort of temporary “deadlands” Demesne. Well, I'm not explaining High Undead, like vampires, just leave those to me."

"So, you need to identify the so-called haunted houses - you can feel them, if you are close enough. They are probably concentrated in the areas damaged by the storm. And you need to check, where undead can gather in large numbers, without giving themselves away to the unaware. Many of them can pass for humans, as long as one doesn’t come too close or attempts to communicate with them. The whole mission is basically, a lot of legwork, running around the city and waiting for your supernatural senses to go off. You’d probably have better chances at finding them, if you go at night, but then the risks would also be higher. So I advise you to stick to daylight and not to go too deep into areas, where your escape could be easily cut off."

[OOC: Depending on your strategy, a Support Scene indicating time wasted following false leads may be required.

[Reality Glitch]

Garden Party
Argee Alzumar

Oz Bender


“Not a fan of such parties?” inquires a man in white suit. A scarf is wrapped around his neck and he is wearing a cap, despite warm weather. “Oz Bender, a recent arrival to the city scene.” he extends hand in greeting. "Not in the slightest. Sorry if I don't shake, but I've had one too many run-ins with someone who can take something from me that way. That aside, I'm Argee; this is Yggdrasil." I thumb over my shoulder at Yggy.

"Oh, sure, give him my real name but your's to a pseudonym."

"You defend yourself against that sort of attack. And it's not like you wouldn't give it to him yourself."

"Fair enough. Anyway, anything in particular you'd like to discuss? I honestly didn't plan this far ahead since I expected the kid here to be dragon me down." Yggy pats me on the shoulder with that last part.

"Hm, hm. Wait; hey!"

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

(OOC: Aaaaaand this is one of those times when I wish I'd gone with another Alchemist instead. Oh well.)

Manny

Seth simply watched silently, as Manny made his hasty retreat. At length, the High Priest shook his head slightly, mumbling to himself.

Fellow talks too much. Guys like him have something to hide. Can't trust guys like him."

Hack-n-Slash

Approach - Instinctive [3]

Alright Seth, think fast. If this is a date... then small talk about shared interests is par for the course, is it not?

Going with his gut to steer him right (hopefully), Seth steers the conversation towards horror movie classics he has seen, throwing in tidbits here and there on how he himself - were he the fictional slashers depicted in those movies - would have done things... differently. By coloring the conversation with such a macabre tone, he hoped to repulse any eavesdroppers who might be listening in. It would probably also paint him in the Practitioner social scene as a rather bloodthirsty sort; but as the Head Priest of a blood-soaked cult, that probably wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. At the same time, given the nature of Hack-n-Slash, maybe the Other would catch on that the High Priest might have a... more intimate experience with what he's talking about, than he's letting on.

Mayhews

Approach - Instinctive [3]

Use 1 Fate Point

Was this the Crone's doing, which he had sensed earlier? Or was this the shenanigans of the one Hack-n-Slash indicated wished him ill? Or they could be one and the same... either way, it all amounts to the same thing.

His gut was telling him that whoever it was had laid either a blessing on Seth himself, or a curse on Richard Mayhews, to bring about this course of events. He was way out of his depth here, the social arena one that he was never used to nor had much skill at. And with not a great deal in his repertoire to deal with what he was facing here, Seth decided his best shot was to call upon his Fate to deflect any suspicion on himself regarding the present course of events. And to make a note to himself; avoid these social events as much as possible in the future, because politics are difficult to deal with.

[DukeGod]

Garden Party - Social Scene
Approach: Prepared(+3): Knowing he'd come here, Cecil used of all the information he had avaible. Interest in Jacksonville isn't uncommon. He has information on the players (except the mysterious Third Lord), and has done some rehearsing on some conversations. He's not a desperate newbie arriving blind.
Invoking: Old Blood: What better way to ingratiate one into a scene then to bring up how far his line goes. For the purposes of allies, the Vortigerns are know mostly as Scourges and Goblin Kings.

His arrival at the Garden Party had been a mostly rushed affair. He's not entirely sure of who knew he'd be there, though he understands the Council (and the Lords) were hopefully informed of the presence of a new Dilettante. He does however possibly surprise them arriving a bit early, "Fortuitous winds! Or more likely, aa scissor on red tape. My visa was expedited. Good background it seemed" he'll say, though in truth this was always planned.

Though soon after the formalities are done, before ingratiating himself with the community and start anything, he'll search straight for the Third Lord of the city, to find out just who the man is.

The Storm Domain
The Notion of Council Missions was an interesting one. From what he had gathered, they'd help the Dilettantes with getting the part of the trinity they are missing. That is something Cecil was very interested at, after all, a Demesne would help immensely with setting up base in the city and grant him some independence from his family. Inside it he could possibly grow the exotic materials of his alchemy with more ease

As such, he of course shows interest in taking part in such missions. Bearing a missive into the Storm Domain interested him. Practioners could fool themselves into socializing with each other, but eventually, knowledge of the local Others was important, and the Storm Domain was where they'd be

Arcana Card: The Priestess/The Third Lord
From what he could gather, the man who revealed the hold the card was The Third Lord. He had yet to truly talk to him, or the other Lords, to whom he had at least introduced himself. But already he was surprised. Was it...actually possible that he could claim one of the Arcana cards here in this day?

But it was foolish to think himself special. He'd see as the party started to end if he could truly lay claim to it by revealing a secret.

For now, he chooses to simply talk to the Third Lord

[JeenLeen]

Vanessa offers a smile at the Lord's 'offer'. Not a mere affectation and not flirtatious at all, but sincere. After all, that offer seems to show she has not shown herself merely as some bimbo. She had learned something of the mysterious Third Lord. And perhaps a hint of at one his powers.

She chooses her words carefully. "I thank you that you esteem me able to pay, but without knowing first what the price would be, I dare not pay it. I assume knowing the price would itself cost; unless I am mistaken, I will take my leave and let others trade their resource of time for the opportunity to speak with you. I thank you for your time and conversation."

She has taken a few steps back when the cards manifest. For a moment, she is filled with hope that she would be named the holder of Priestess, that perhaps her words had merited more in his eyes than she thought. But, alas, no. She tries to stand such that, perhaps, some in the crowd with realize she was near the Third Lord when the cards materialized. That would, perhaps, make some think she were favored by Fate.

After Sinful Jack's proclamation, she smiles and with a wave of her arm, adds, "May we know the rules for revelation? Must it be aloud to the entire gathering, or would a secret broken by sharing it with you -- the current holder -- suffice?"

She doubted she would earn the card -- her secrets were close to her heart, and she wasn't quite sure what these Cards could do -- but let the associated others and Others think she is in the game.
Heh, perhaps Fate was favoring her, at least with this auspicious timing.


As Dilletantes, we don't know the value of holding the cards, correct?

Also, can I remember what his voice sounded like, or is that distorted like his face and form?

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Mayhew, Morrigan and Seth

After Richard Mayhew loses three more times to Seth, a mocking voice of Morrigan cuts sharply through the party. “Where have you spent all your luck, Mayhew? Certainly, it wasn’t on the battlefield, for I know you were not among those fighting my army on the front lines.”

Mayhew, red-faced with rage, rises sharply, his voice demanding. “Is this your meddling you Irish witch! I'll make you pay for this!” In reply Morrigan smiles as she approaches Mayhews table, picking up a butter knife from a table with pastry. "Make me pay? That sounds like a challenge. Well, prove yourself a man, best me here and now with your strongest weapon. I shall wield no blade, but this knife." She raises the dull silver cutlery, yet it feels somehow dangerous in the hand of the war goddess. "Should I fight blindfolded as well, to give you a sliver of chance?".

The gathered Practitioners stand still, bewitched by the graceful movements of Morrigan, who resembles a snake, ready to strike a rabbit. Mayhew's looks at fellow Council members yield no support - only Melody Pierce seems to consider acting, perhaps seeing a chance to fight against Morrigan, but in the end she doesn't speak up. The fellow Lords seem unwilling to interfere - the Crone cackles quietly, apparently amused by the spectacle, while Third Lord shows no reaction at all.

It doesn't seem that Richard Mayhew wishes to fight Morrigan - but backing down now, will undoubtedly lose him face.

Third Lord & Priestess

Third Lord replies to Vanessa: “You will not reveal a secret by speaking it to me.”

Argee Alzumar

Oz Bender

“Well, speaking of dragons” Bender leans in conspiratorially. “Might you be interested in the treasure we have hidden in the city?” He indicates Morrigan with a shake of his head. “You must have heard the story - of how Morgan-Trinity was brought low. They say, somebody stole her power on the eve of the decisive battle, leaving Trinity shattered with just Morrigan left. Doubt the thief did it with a handshake." Bender chuckles. "So since then, not a peep was heard about it. Where is the goddesses own divine might now? I find myself obsessing over this little puzzle as of late.”

Cecil Vortigern

Third Lord

Third Lord examines Cecil as he approaches. He preempts Cecil’s polite greetings: “I know you’ve been making inquiries about city’s Practitioners. I approve of such sensibility. So, can you up the ante and impress me with insight about me, you must have gained through your research?”

Vanessa Chakravrati

OOC:

Third Lord’s face and voice aren’t distorted. You see and hear him/her plainly, you just don’t realize who it is.

You do not know the value of holding cards. The value of controlling the power of the Arcana Ritual on other hand is immeasurably powerful.


Seth Mansour

Hack-n-Slash

The Practitioner and Other are absorbed by talk of horror movies. It seems Hack-n-Slash gets a hint that Mansour wishes to pass to him. Hopefully, those who are spying on the pair will not make the connection.

[OOC]

Seth Mansour's Serial Killer Secret -2 DC (Currently DC6)


Storm Domain

The missive is a scroll, sealed in a protective tube, with a seal of the Council attached to it by a silver chain. An identification of the messenger. Lucretia Hart examines Cecil with a critical eye. “Well, nobody else volunteers, you will be our choice of messenger. There are two ways to access Storm Domain - portals in the ocean and atop our tallest buildings or mountains. Pick whichever you believe you are best equipped to handle. The Storm Domain is a combination of water and wind, a fairly dangerous place, but Council’s seal should afford a measure of peace in your environment. You’ll need to make your way to the Eye of the Storm and deliver it to whoever is in charge at the moment - their power structure has been turbulent as of late.”

[Reality Glitch]

Garden Party
“Well, speaking of dragons” Bender leans in conspiratorially. “Might you be interested in the treasure we have hidden in the city?” He indicates Morrigan with a shake of his head. “You must have heard the story - of how Morgan-Trinity was brought low. They say, somebody stole her power on the eve of the decisive battle, leaving Trinity shattered with just Morrigan left. Doubt the thief did it with a handshake." Bender chuckles. "So since then, not a peep was heard about it. Where is the goddesses own divine might now? I find myself obsessing over this little puzzle as of late.” "You had me at "Treasure". :smallamused:"

"If you're planning a heist, leave me out of it. I don't want to get in trouble with the law."

"You're kidding, right? I need your help to anything of worth in this world. Besides, you sign that pact; I've got some more of our argeed upon reward in it for you."

"I'm not that petty. You'll need something more reassuring to convince me to join you."

"Hmm...."

"Sorry about that Ozzy (Can I call you that?), but I'm sure you know how dragons can be."

"I'm right here you know."

[JeenLeen]

Vanessa ends with a deferential nod to the Lord. How much does he know? she wonders.

She happens to be nearby when the wretched Lord of Strife makes her comments to Mayhews.
...a feeling arises in her, filling her with determination. Perhaps it is foolishness, but...

She strides towards the group, with her face straight towards the Lord of Strife. Although she is not easily seen drawing it, her implement finds its ways to her hands. She declares with confidence and poise:
"Perhaps Fate has simply held his luck for a time of Its choosing, such as this duel, O Lord of Strife. I declare to all gathered here that I believe I have a secret to reveal: I am more bold than I seem.
We can all feel the tension your presence puts in the air, but Fate may choose to rise some of us high despite it. Your actions led to the deaths of many treasured in this city, including my dear Ramul. Know that if Mayhews here stands against you, I stand with him, as will others guided by Fate. Do you, Lord of Strife, dare to challenge Fate, and your own tenuous acceptance by this family of practitioners, by risking the peace of this feast?"


Charismatic approach, hoping that the flair of the dramatic has the spirits and Fate favor me. Also, spending 1 Fate point to invoke the Currents of Fate for "let this prove to my benefit", as much as it can get me, even if that's just not death.

I'm not clear on what subtle magicks, if any, we can do with our Implements, but if it is possible, she tries to weaken the feelings of fear and hesitation others have towards Morrighan, in hopes that they will join in.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Mayhew & Morrigan

Approach - Quick [3]

First the Lord of Harvest, now the Lord of Strife. Seth could just see his life becoming very interesting in the short term.

But for now, there's an opportunity he could seize here. With any luck, he can get in good with Richard Mayhew (but not to the extent of sticking his neck out entirely), take a stand against Morrigan (but not to the extent of declaring himself overtly against her), and deescalate the situation at the same time.

"Mister Mayhew, if I may," the High Priest interjected, standing up from his seat. "Perhaps it would be wise to refrain from a confrontation at this time. After all, what do you believe would feed and sustain the power of the Lord of Strife?"

By coaching it in terms that suggest forcing a confrontation would be playing right into Morrigan's hands, this would hopefully give Richard Mayhew an out without losing too much face. Seth subsequently gestured to his own pile of winnings.

"In the meantime, this is not of my doing, but it is clear that this game has been... compromised, somehow. As such, by your leave Mister Mayhew, I would like to declare all of my wins invalid and forfeit, and the proceeds returned to you."

Hack-n-Slash

Approach - Quick [3]

That went about as well as he had hoped, and gave Seth the opportunity he needed. Thus, the High Priest suggested to the Other that they depart the Party afterwards in each other's company, so that they may resume their thoroughly interesting... conversation on horror flicks.

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Vanessa Chakravrati

Morrigan & Third Lord

Morrigan laughs. "Child, I'm Goddess of Fate, broken as I may be. You shall not find Fate as your ally. I challenge, that you have spoken false of your secret - tis not boldness, but bluff. Say, that you shall fight me here and now to prove yourself true. I love boldness, the bold die young."

The Third Lord speaks "Indeed, your declaration requires proof. If you agree to fight Morrigan, it would certainly be incontrovertible, that you are bold to the highest degree."

The gathered Practitioners observe the proceedings, and while sympathies are clearly with Vanessa, so far none have chosen to join her against Morrigan.

[OOC]

Thumbs up for trying out rules and your bold attacks, though you are are sort of aiming high, by trying to defeat one of the Lords of the City. Let's say that Fate point is in the works and will bear fruit with your next move.


Seth Mansour

Mayhews

Seth's suggestion gets overshadowed by Vanessa's bold pronouncement.

"Compromised." growls Mayhew, his attention focusing on Seth. The Priest feels the fate magic he spent snap, unable to deflect consequences from him any longer. "Well, clearly the only way it could have been compromised, would be due to your actions. You have served as a dupe, for whoever did it, so uncover the responsible party, or I will make you answer for this. People find my dissatisfaction with them very unpleasant." He sweeps the winnings off the table, letting them fall on the ground and walks away.

[Seth Mansour gained Consequence: Mayhews Ire]

Argee Alzumar

Oz Bender

Bender shrugs. "Sirs, I deeply respect the law. I merely wish to recover stolen property. It's quite legal, as long as it's restored to the city - which would have claim on Morrigan's power, considering she's now City Lord, sans the well-deserved finder's fee." He glances at Morrigan. "Besides, if somebody with good intentions finds it, what if a vile blackguard acquires all this power?"

He coughs. "I'd prefer Oz."

[JeenLeen]

Vanessa holds a smile on her face, though indeed that is a cover for her internal anxiety. She walks in a semi-circle, keeping her eyes pinned on the challenger, with an occasional snip of her scissors.

"...ah, but my boldness was tempered with context. Indeed, I spoke that if one of the Councilmen challenged you, I would stand beside him even to the death. Such is different than a youngling fighting you on her own. Yet, you offered him terms -- you, a butter knife, and perhaps blind-folded. Surely you would give terms to me, too, lest you elevate me in honor above him who outranks me.

So, how about this, Goddess of Fate and Lord of Strife. A contest, not to the death, nor to binding, but fitting your challenge and the contest of the your fellow Lord. We fight. You, with whatever handicaps you deem appropriate for fighting me, though I hope it would at least equal that you would show to Mayhews. I fight with what I have. If the fight stays between you and me, it ends when one of us yields or is unable to yield. If one of us kills the other, or binds them into service, there is no victor and a punishment shall be appointed by the other two Lords. But if others join on my side to put you low, then the fight may be to the death or binding without punishment.

And what should go to the victor? On this auspicious night, the Rule of Three comes to mind, as we await the third Card. Let the loser state three clues to their deepest secret. True clues, not misdirection. And the winner... well, if you win, you have proven Fate still supports you despite your losses. If I win, well... in that unlikely event, I shall have proven my boldness is coupled with Fate's favor and power, and maybe that display of a secret will show me worthy of Priestess."

She gives Morrigan a partial bow and tilt of her head, although she keeps her eyes centered on the Lord.


Yeah, I could definitely see this going badly, IC and OOC.

[Reality Glitch]

Garden Party
Argee Alzumar

Oz Bender

Bender shrugs. "Sirs, I deeply respect the law. I merely wish to recover stolen property. It's quite legal, as long as it's restored to the city - which would have claim on Morrigan's power, considering she's now City Lord, sans the well-deserved finder's fee." He glances at Morrigan. "Besides, if somebody with good intentions finds it, what if a vile blackguard acquires all this power?"

He coughs. "I'd prefer Oz.""Alright, that sounds a lot better. Mind if we start now? An excuse to leave while also earning browny-points with the magical elite is an offer I'd be a fool to pass up."

[DukeGod]

The Third Lord

"I'm afraid not, Lord, though I believe you'll be impressed by the effectiveness of the measures you've taken to secure your own identity. Though truly we believed that whatever magic you've worked into it would weaken far from Jacksonville, the truth is it did not and you remain mysterious.

Now, truly I don't wish to move around without knowing all I can, and in the hopes that it'd be that simple. Would you tell this humble Dilettante, what is your grace, my lord?"

Storm Domain
Cecil nods at Miss Hart. "I have some protection from it, though just as much I hope that a good warm coat, like we wear for winter would do." He takes the tube and places it in his pocket, leaving the silver chain with the Council mark open to see.

Then, with a look at the horizon, scanning the entire skyline, he picks the tallest building and with a two finger salute to Miss Hart, he departs. He'd pick up said warm coat at the hotel he was staying until getting some land, along with a number of minor exotic items he could feed the fire of his implement to work some magic

Approach: Instinctive Cecil is following his gut, locating his chosen portal location by merely heading towards whatever seems to be the highest building.

[ArcaneStomper]

Dr. Letts

Garden Party
Dr. Letts nods, "Such thoughts are difficult to ponder. If one action leads to another, then the chain of cause and effect can be followed back infinitly to the very beginning of time. It gives rise to the question of whether Free Will exists at all or are we just complex automata following a universal clockwork."

"The only solution I can devise is that something has to exist which cannot be altered from the outside. A soul you could say. One which does not run by chemistry or magic, but which can decide its own fate."

"However this then leads to another complication. It is possible that there are many universes. Each splitting whenever a choice is made. If so, then even such a soul would be of little use as no matter what you chose another universe would arise where you chose the opposite. In an infinite multiverse an individual's actions would be even more meaningless."

"Sadly I don't have the evidence to prove or disprove either a soul or the multiverse. I can only theorize. I was hoping you might have some insight. Do your divinations always prove true. Such would seem to support the iron rule of Fate. Whereas the occasional deviation might give some support to the power of individual choice."

Shining Light on Dark Streets
Scene: Support
Approach: Prepared
Aspect: Spider Keeping

Melvin decides to approach the matter methodically. He divides up the city into a grid and then correlates various statistics such as deaths, accidents, and general property values, because "haunted houses" are likely to drive those down. He of course does not neglect things like cemetery and morgues locations as those seem to be obvious points of undead activity. As well as the hospital since he remembers hearing that a lot of people have been dying there recently.

With his hot spots of undead activity picked out Dr. Letts goes for a stroll. He carries with him a large transparent case that is very obviously full of spiders. This fulfills three purposes. First if any asks he can pass off his interest in old and decrepit properties as a search for interesting specimens of the arachnid kind. Second any living person is probably going to react with fear and revulsion to seeing a mass of crawling spiders, or possibly start a conversation if he runs into another arachnophile, while an undead probably won't notice. Third he'll be searching old and decrepit properties for interesting specimens to add to his collection.

If he's going to be walking all over town he might as well pursue one of his own hobbies after all.

[Ascaloth]

**** it. It's apparently the season for rash and impulsive actions...

Seth Mansour

Mayhews

Approach - Forceful [4]
Invocation - Psychopath

"Excuse me?!"

The High Priest rose without so much as a flinch in the face of Richard's wrath. He stalked after the Mayhew patriarch, muscled torso bristling with rage.

"Due to my actions?! When you were the one who invited me to join the game, even when you never had to? You brought this upon yourself, and you'd make me - who had nothing to do with it - answer for this?!"

It was no longer Seth Mansour, the silent and stoic cook, pretending at a civil facade. The person confronting Richard Mayhew was the High Priest of Shezmu, lusting for blood and right at the edge of sating his thirst for violence.

Yeah, I don't care anymore. Kill Seth off if you want, I'll just reroll an Alchemist :smalltongue:

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Morrigan & Vanessa Chakravrati

Morrigan seems to ignore Vanessa’s proposal turning to Richard Mayhew. “Well, does Councilman challenge me?”

Mayhew seems to have gotten control of his temper as shakes his head in reply. “I could, but then you would certainly kill Ms. Vanessa, who so gallantly decided to stand by my side. I simply can’t let an innocent perish - a good leader looks after the lives of their soldiers. And indeed as Mr. Mansour has said, this is no time for strife, but for cooperation and peace. The war is after all over.”

Morrigan sighs. “Off the hook, I see.” She turns and walks away. The tension flees the scene as everybody relaxes.

[Vanessa Chakravrati -1 Social Title]

Vanessa Chakravrati [Secret]

Your gambit hasn't paid off, but I feel you should have a consolation prize in insight about what happened - consider it explanation of Third Lord/Vanessa figuring out situation:

1. Why people haven’t rallied behind Mayhew & Vanessa
a. Many believed that Morrigan is bloodthirsty enough to fight and that she would win or at least the victory would be extremely costly. Even those who wish to kill Morrigan would wait for an opportunity, that gives them a better fighting chance.
b. A number of Practitioners wanted to see Mayhew taken down a notch.
c. Vanessa lacks Social Title and allies among Practitioners to support her.

2. Vanessa invoking Fate with a Secret
Vanessa has invoked powers of Fate against Morrigan. She has Fate Title 1 against Morrigan’s Title 3, plus Morrigan is still Goddess of Fate (weakened). So, for the challenge to succeed, Vanessa needed to boost her Fate Title to a point that it would exceed Morrigan's by a certain margin.

Secrets are Power - so it’s reasonable to draw power from a secret to strengthen Fate Title. But, it must provide sufficient power and the secret Vanessa revealed was definitely not powerful enough. When Morrigan offered a duel against her, that actually served to strengthen the Secret revealed by Vanessa (few would have thought her capable of such suicidal boldness). So if Vanessa agreed to Morrigan’s conditions, well, maybe it would have been sufficient to power her claim of Fate’s support. There’s of course the whole - die, to prove you have power to win, but it’s fate magic, things get tangled pretty oddly there.

3. Resolution
Vanessa’s conditional boldness, while certainly bold, was not to an extreme degree, that would have paid the price for the Fate’s support. As such, Vanessa’s threat to Morrigan became zero. She ignored her at that point, since accepting conditions without cause from somebody so much weaker than her, would have diminished Lord’s standing. She turned to Mayhew, who had time to compose himself and use Vanessa and Mansour to shift the conflict from possibly Magical (which Morrigan had high chances to win) to wholly Social, where difference in ranks was 2 points and could be dealt with.

Vanessa lost standing since Practitioners now view her as either too reckless, willing to set her life on highly risky bets or Mayhew’s pawn, though of course some may admire her guts to stand up to Morrigan.


Argee Alzumar

Oz Bender

Bender considers the party. “Well, things seem to be wrapping up. I think I’ll make my rounds around the table and be going. How about we meet tomorrow 7.00 sharp? I’m certain half of people hear would be sleeping in late, after all the wine that has been consumed.” He bows politely and glides among the tables, filled with food, where Alzumar could swear, he pockets one of the antique knives from the table.

Cecil Vortigern

Third Lord

“Oh, you flatterer.” the manner of Third Lord seamlessly shift to more feminine and coquettish. “Please, it’s nothing special on my part, I do not deserve such praise.” Third Lord smiles mischievously. “But I fear your thinking falls short. If nobody in Jacksonville knows my identity, then how exactly would those outside of city learn about it?”

“Ah, I fear that you’ve missed my conversation with Ms. Vanessa. I do not trade power for politeness and good manners. You should be more aware, if you wish to survive in our city.” there’s something a little unnerving in Third Lord cheerful tone.

Dr. Lets

Alice Chandler

“There are degrees of power to divination. Morrigan here could predict death in battle with complete certainty. One of the reasons, nobody wants to fight her. On other hand my prediction would be less certain. Perhaps I simply can’t see the whole picture - some of my visions have powerful finality to them, some are mere probabilities. I know that Arcana Ritual cements Fate - my divinations related to it are always immutable. But, perhaps if there were a greater magic, it could alter future secured by the Ritual yet.”

Seth Mansour

Richard Mayhew

Mayhew is unperturbed by Seth’s anger and bloodlust. He seems to grow calmer in his reply: “Mansour, I have kindly invited you to my table, offering you every courtesy to help a new Dilettante enter our society. And yet you’ve enacted this black-hearted treachery. There are two suspects as to whoever fixed our game - you and I. And I’m quite certain, that I am innocent. But, you are clearly a mere catspaw, taken advantage of by somebody, who didn’t have your best interests in heart. So I’m magnanimously giving you a chance to earn my forgiveness. If you would prove your willingness to repay my kindness, then I would certainly forgive you.”

Seth Mansour [Secret]

Seth senses, that despite his calm facade, Mayhew is unnerved by the display - he masks it well, but Seth can smell a little bit of fear slipping through the cracks.


OOC

Well… he sort of neither wants, nor can, legally speaking, just kill you willy nilly in a room full of witnesses. You need to give a sufficient cause.


Storm Domain (Cecil Vortigern)

It’s not hard to gain access to the roof Bank of America Tower, with a bit of magic and persuasion. Cecil feels the portal - does he step it?

Dark Streets (Dr. Lets)

Dr. Letts finds that his case of spiders is useful tool to root out Hidden undead. The spiders get agitated, whenever Letts approaches considerable concentrations of the undead, somehow sensing their unnatural presence. The other way spiders prove useful, is when clearly well-off professor ventures into some of the more shady areas - as result of the recent Crime Wave, there are gangs and muggers on the streets - but none wish to concern themselves with a man, carrying spiders.

Of course the entire enterprise hinges on Dr. Letts making an effective system to determine the most likely areas of undead habitation.

[OOC: I’ll need explanation on how Dr. Letts gains access to the data/processes it into useful information. Otherwise, you'll need to spend another Support Scene, to denote false leads]

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party
Vanessa feels mixed feeling at the fallout of the confrontation. From the looks and half-whispered remarks of the gathered crowd, she can tell she lost face, leading to her cursing her luck and rashness; at least if she had wound up bloody and broken, she'd likely had gained some face. On the other hand, she is not bloody, broken, or dead... which seemed rather unlikely an outcome at this stage. And she had gained some insight to the politics. Costly.

Outwardly, though, she tries (with just a few hints slipping through) to maintain her bold face. Still, she doesn't risk losing more face by taunting Morrigan at this stage.

After Seth and Mayhews separate, Vanessa walks up to Mayhews. "I hope my words did not give you offense, Councilman. I had hoped that my losing some blood might lead to good with limited loss of limb, but I fear I let rashness overpower my sensibility. May I join you for a drink?"
She knew better than to state it, but she hoped the Councilman might realize he owed her for helping take away the mockery from Morrigan from him to herself. Though she figured the prick probably didn't care, after hearing how he acted with Seth.

--------
[Support Scene: training with Mortimer]
Paranoid Approach: trying to think of how to protect herself and contingencies to bind a target

Vanessa meets with Mortimer the following morning, to prepare for the necromantic events. Mainly, she would ask him of any particular wards or helpful practices for binding undead, if mundane things like salt or holy water work, and just what general advice he has. She'll also mention that she's thinking of having her bodyguard, an unaware, come along, to help ward off any undead who might feel like feeding but don't want to risk losing their Potential to awakening him. What's his opinion?

I assume he recaps what he said earlier about how to track them: walk around & let the magical senses ping.

-----
[Support Scene: Fiery Fascination]
Prepared Approach: methodically going through the records -- so much like her day job -- to find student trends. Also, some supply gathering.

Vanessa reviews the report Techna sent. Using her administration login at the school district, Vanessa is easily able to access the student information database and look into these students. She looks for any particular trends: age, shared classes or teachers, if the focus is in one more more than the others. She also checks those recently involved with fire to see if they had past evidence of such actions. The main thing she is looking for is if she can find something, like a class or teacher, who might be influencing the majority of the students; or to isolate those who are causing trouble now but used to be good students, since those are most likely the ones under supernatural influence.

While she's doing her research, she asks her live-in bodyguard to please go buy a few hand-held fire extinguishers, some glauze, and burn cream. At his raised eyebrows, she just adds with a smile and their familiar teasing, "It's related to some of the stuff Ramul used to do. I... should be okay. C'mon, you know better than to ask questions." Recalling her plans to meet with Mortimer, she adds, "Oh--and please also get a few pounds of salt. And whatever you'd like to do for dinner tonight. I'll probably be out."


Gah... but thanks for the input and dynamics.

It looks like some others are moving on to scenes after the Garden Party, so I've started my support scene. With Fiery Fascination, can going to the school in response to the research be the same Support Scene? I still plan on a Main Scene after scouting, before confrontation.

Also, although I highly doubt she'll win after this loss of face, but is Vanessa still in the running for Priestess and for the +1 Social for biggest "impression"? So far I'm the only PC to have stated a secret, and Vanessa at least was willing to go through with the fight. And... well, it wasn't a positive impression, but she's certainly having folk talk about her now (net gain of 0 Social).

No offense if the answer to both is no, that the secret was deemed false and this faux pas ruined her chances for the +1 ending social.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Mayhews

Huh. Interesting hypothesis: the Mayhews are in some way weaker than they're letting on, which of course they're not particularly eager to advertise. :smalltongue:

Approach - Quick [3]

Time to turn it down a notch.

"Hmmph. 'Black-hearted treachery', indeed. You wound me with slander, Mister Mayhew."

The High Priest replied, appearing to calm down to his usual stoic self in turn. However, there was still a definite edge in his voice; Seth may have reverted to civility and politeness in his words, but there was a definite sense that he was being dangerously civil and polite.

"But nonetheless, you have my appreciation for what you were trying to do for me by extending an invitation to the game, Mister Mayhew. And as for reciprocating your kindness... very well. I must admit that I was biding my time in the vicinity at the time you invited me, and was waiting for the point when you yourself would choose to bring it up."

"For after all, I felt I may be uniquely qualified to take care of a certain... niggling issue presently bedeviling your family?"

[Konatsat]

Garden Party
Techna
"I've heard but don't worry about me, I'll handle it. I look forward to working with you."

The Woman
"The party's fun enough I suppose many people roaming around who I have not had the pleasure of meeting. Speaking of, I don't believe I've seen you before. What's your name?"

[ArcaneStomper]

Dr. Letts

Garden Party
"That suggests that there is a way to control Fate and alter our futures. Though perhaps many of the choices we make are preordained. Perhaps even to the extent that few people actually have any control at all. Still the fact that the future is not set in stone has promising possibilities."

"I would certainly like to test that theory. Is there any set of actions which seem to be the most mutable to you?"

Dark Streets
Dr. Letts will access the statistical databases of the university he has Tenure with in order to gather enough information. If that one doesn't have enough local information, then at the very least there are probably professors there who can put him in touch with the local Jacksonville University. In fact he'll make a stop at the Jacksonville University personally to see what he can find out.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Garden Party

Melody Pierce
"I lost friends in the war too, even though I wasn't awakened at the time. I was under the impression the truce was because both sides were on even footing. Would you mind telling me more about it, if you want I can meet you later when there are less foreigners around?"

Balance of Life and Death
OOC: first just getting some base information, but I plan on using a Support Scene to help with this.
Approach: Charismatic Aspects: Police Officer
The day after the party, Manny will go to the hospital to talk with Dr. Hudson about the deaths. When in her office and alone. "I would like to start by trying to find any patterns with the deaths. Do you have surveillance around the hospital, and the times and rooms of some of the targets?"

Shinning Light on Dark Streets
[i]Approach: Clever
Manny will call Mortimer the next day. "I'm planning on keeping an eye out for undead on the Dark Streets. What things should I be looking for?"

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Manny Bringham

Melody Pierce

“Why not. I have my opinion of why Morrigan got the position, but this party is not the best place talk about it.” She leaves Manny to talk to Ambassador.

Manny Bringham [Secret]

Before going, Pierce leans in and whispers conspiratorially. “It’s all about having three city aspects for the Arcana Ritual.”


Dr. Letts

Alice Chandler

“Perhaps” Alice Chandler answers. “But, I fear I must excuse myself. This party is a unique opportunity for me to sense the currents of Fate. Don’t take it personally, but I’d hate myself, if I miss this chance, giving lectures. We can meet at a later date and discuss this more in depth.”

Vanessa Chakravrati

Mayhew

Mayhew seems to hesitate for a moment, before nodding. “Yes, of course. Well, your heart was in the right place. Fortunately for you, I’ve no wish to see a young lady suffer from that bloodthirsty witch. And now was just not the right time to deal with her. But you should be more careful in the future, were somebody crueler in my place, they may have chosen to sacrifice you, when you’ve interfered in this little confrontation.”

OOC

You are in the running for Social Title, but not for the Priestess Card.

The secret was deemed insufficiently powerful. I may have been imprecise in my terminology - an attempt to reveal a false secret, would have had considerable magical consequences.


Seth Mansour

Mayhews

OOC

Well, it’s possible, that Mayhews have [Secret: Weaker Than They Appear] or some such.


Mayhew’s face darkens once more. “Ah, the matter of that son of a bitch.” He seems ready to dismiss Seth, but changes his mind at the last moment. “I don’t particularly need help in catching the man, but perhaps you could be useful for delivering appropriate and creative punishment, once my Fetches deliver him to me. You would be qualified for that. I’d say, that would make me pleased.”

Ann Reeds

Melissa

“Ah, right, I’m, em, Melissa.” answers woman, with a hint of hesitation.

Ann grows certain, that she has never heard of a Practitioner with that name in Jacksonville.



Dr. Letts

Shining Light on Dark Streets

The university databases and connections with other Professors certainly help, though some of the information hasn’t been updated yet or is simply incomplete. It takes Dr. Letts considerable time to complete his survey, but he manages.

Dr. Letts discovers four major concentrations of Undead.

- A large presence of undead at the Port - it seems there are haunted ships and warehouses there.
- Ghouls masquerading as gang members or homeless in the city.
- A series of hauntings across St. John’s River.
- A mass of weak, intangible undead spirits, spread across the city like a cloud.

There seemed to be some strange presence as well, but Dr. Letts lost track of it and couldn’t find it again.

Mortimer examines the results:

“The Waterfront Infestation is troublesome. It’s a pain to root out undead, who hide underwater - we can’t even take a good count of how many of them are there.”

“Well, the River Hauntings are expected. The River is gateway and natural point of crossing for the undead - I expect them to be opportunists, who have been waiting for Veil to weaken. This makes them more dangerous than others, since they would be prepared and more experienced.”

“I don’t like the Ghoul Gangs, operating in the shadow of so-called crime wave. The Ghouls can sustain themselves by consuming flesh of the dead. They don’t need to risk their existence by attacking the living. This aggression is out of character - though of course, if one considers effects of Morrigan on the city, it becomes less strange. Perhaps if her Aspect of Strife stopped stirring the creatures, they would migrate out of the city and stop being our problem.

My second concern is about Leechers - those weak, undead spirits, who steal life from the living. They are subtle and cunning, usually getting their way through stealth and deception. In other words, a pain in the arse to banish. I don’t know, why so many of them have crossed.

Reward

Soon, Dr. Letts is contacted by Lucretia Hart. “An excellent job. I have used my connections to get you extra funding in the University and some extra leeway, if you opt to focus on field research.”

[Dr. Letts gains 2 bonus invocations for Tenure Character Aspect.]


Manny Brigham

Balance of Life and Death

Doctor Hudson replies. “It’s a hospital. There are security, cameras, monitoring equipment and nurses. I can provide you all the relevant information.”

Shinning Light on Dark Streets

“Okay, you need to identify the "haunted houses" and concentrations of undead in the city. A lot of running around the city. You’d probably have better chances at finding them, if you go at night, but then the risks would also be higher. So I advise you to stick to daylight and not to go too deep into areas, where your escape could be easily cut off."

I have received a report from Dr. Letts, a second set of data should serve as confirmation. You can check out the same areas as he did - docks, areas around St. John's River, areas under crime wave, but perhaps you'd be able to find places, that professor missed.

Vanessa Chakravrati

Support Scene [Mortimer]

“Ms. Chakravrati.” Mortimer seems pleased to meet her. “Well, then, allow me to explain.” He seems unused to the role of the teacher, making pauses to gather his thoughts and better formulate his explanations.

“The reason much of the holy stuff works against the Undead, is because it strengthens the mind against them. There’s a certain connection between the undead and fear. They are in a certain sense, creatures of fear, you see. It often doesn’t matter, what gives you faith, you can overcome them, as long as it makes you more confident. If one observes certain symbolic connections, it’s not that difficult to pick the right tools for the job.”

Vanessa gains Wards against Undead. They should help her secure area against undead influence.

Vanessa [Secret]

“So, as to your questions. You can use your Bodyguard, if you take advantage of the Dark Bond. You can strengthen it, you see, cause the effect yourself. A bit of a necromantic trick. So the man would not quite remember, what happened. It’s a bit of a controversial technique, due to certain implications of what necromancer can achieve with it. But I trust you will not abuse it.”

[OOC: You can use Dark Bond Technique now. It doesn’t need any invocations, you just need to describe, you are doing it.]


Support Scene [Fiery Fascination]
[OOC: I’ll assume you are invoking School Mistress Aspect.]

The involved students are usually of the same age and in the same class. It seems most of them are girls, but there are some boys as well. Their past histories don’t have anything outstanding, those are just normal kids and apart from fire starting, none can really be called troublemakers. From what she can see, no teacher seems to be responsible and they see the recent trend of fire starting as some sort of young fad, that hopefully would soon pass.

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party

Vanessa gives a thankful smile and joins Mayhews, taking a new glass of wine from a server. To his words, she responds, "...yes, and thank you for that kindness. Please know that, if--or, should I say, when?--the time comes for a confrontation, you can call upon me. Even if my power just aids in being a distraction, I would like to help."

(Assuming she stays welcome), she engages in some idle chatter over the drink, then tries to circulate around where the other people of interest and influence are. She plans to announce a secret they cannot contest, but best to wait until she sees what competition there may be.

Support Scene: Mortimer

"Thank you, Mortimer. I think I will ask him to serve as my driver, but should a confrontation with an undead go poorly, I can ask him to help and use that to keep him unaware.

I was planning on going by some of the abandoned areas in town, as well as the graveyards, tonight, to see what pings my senses. I know that investigating these sites is the job I signed up for, but do you have any recommendations on where I should go? I saw several others talking to you about this, and I'd be happy to look around an area they suspect undead may be.

Also, as I mentioned last night, I hope to bind an undead into my service. After last night, I feel I need more mystical strength to carry on in this city. If I force a corporeal undead into a Pact, does it... well, get sealed into some object that I summon it from, or would I just have some of its power to call forth. I'd prefer not to leave it free to harm others, but my Pacts in the past have been with incorporeal beings or simple trades of power and Pact.."

Her fingers trace around her wedding ring as she talks to him. She was never a person of faith -- her upbringing basically precluded any religious belief, beyond acknowledging the existence of gods and spirits -- but this ring was perhaps symbolic. And the circle as a symbol of life continuing... She'd also pick up the salt and chalk. She was raised to have belief in wards.

Fiery Fascination

Vanessa sends the information back to Techna, noting the grouping and trends she found in the students.
She then drives to the school to see the students firsthand and see if her senses note anything. She does stop by home and pick up the hand-held fire extinguishers and burn treatment supplies she asked Gordon to pick up. She has those in a large purse, to avoid suspicion.

She arrives at the school in a business casual dress. To her thigh is strapped her scissors implement, should she need to draw it.


As part of my question to Mortimer, I'm basically asking what happens to Others when they are bound. Is it like sealing a ghost into a physical object (June in Blake's hatchet), or more like I now have a ghoul's strength to call upon (but the ghoul stays free)? Or does it depend?

Is going to the school to see the kids be the same support scene?
If I can actually find some minor elemental or something like that

Also, decided on Gordon as the name for the bodyguard.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Mayhews

"In that case, Mister Mayhew, I will gladly lend my... expertise, to the task in question."

Seth said in a deep baritone, caressing the spine of the Chef's Knife that had somehow found its way into its bearer's hands. The High Priest's bloodlust was leaking out in his voice and posture again, almost as if he seemed eager for the time to come.

"As for the... other matter. Being the more experienced Practitioner between us that you are, I will take your word for it that our unknown adversary was acting through my actions, without my knowledge. As such, said adversary has done just as much harm to my reputation, as it has done to yours; I would say this gives us a mutual enemy. As such, if and when I embark on the hunt to identify and visit the appropriate retaliation for this act, I trust that I will receive... enthusiastic support from your family in this endeavour?"

Okay, I'm considering going for a single big play that would further several of Seth's interests all at once. In order, they are increasing Hack-n-Slash's interest in Seth; a bid for the Priestess card; and an oath to make Seth's unknown enemy pay.

But first, I need a better idea on the Community's views on killing. I'm planning on having Seth reveal that he has taken life before, but only in the vaguest terms; he'll neither confirm nor deny any inquiries on the subject, and let others figure it out on their own. Doing it this way could mean anything; maybe he has killed the unaware or even fellow Practitioners; maybe it might not even be human life he has taken, but the lives of Others; maybe he was formerly a hangman who had the duty of meting out the death penalty, just like his god; maybe it could even be as mundane as Seth, being a chef, personally butchering the poultry that goes into his dishes.

How would the Community take a revelation like that? I'm assuming that it wouldn't come as that much of a surprise since it's known he's the High Priest of a murder cult, but I just want to confirm before jumping in.

How exactly do the penalties to Secret DC I incurred from the HnS conversation work? I see the numbers, but I can't really gauge how badly it's likely to affect me. Not really sure about my chances here.

Finally, under what circumstances would I be able to invoke the "Jacksonville Janitor" Secret? I figured Richard Mayhew (being a Council member) would be aware of the fact, but as far as I can tell he acted like this wasn't the case.

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Vanessa Chakravrati

Mayhews

Richard gives a slight nod of approval. He rises his wine glass and speaks loudly. “Yes, let all witness, that if the time comes, that I should oppose Morrigan, Ms. Chakravrati shall fight under my command against the Goddess of Fate.” He looks over other Practitioners and then returns his gaze to Vanessa “The city is fortunate to have a brave woman like you, as its protector. I’ll be certain to call upon you, when the time comes.”

Vanessa Chakravrati

Training with Mortimer [Support Scene]

“Well… Perhaps, I could ask you to investigate the St. John’s River Hauntings more closely. Just be careful about it.”

“Ah, I fear corporeal undead can’t usually be confined in objects. If you want them not to harm people, you’ll need to specify that as a condition of the Pact.”

[OOC: Others under Pact remain free to roam - though you can negotiate terms, such as confinement to certain location or prohibition on attacking humans. If contracted Other is banished, the Pact dissolves, which is why many Practitioners host their Others in their Demesne, for extra protection.]

Fiery Fascination [Support Scene]

Vanessa methodically goes through the school, extending her senses to check for fire elementals. She senses some traces of the Other’s presence, but they are always faint. Clearly, her prey is either very good at hiding its presence or very good at avoiding her.

The children are respectful and either contrite of their misdeeds or quick to claim innocence, but Vanessa’s experience with students tells her, they are likely simply appeasing the authority figure, while feeling little actual remorse for their rule breaking or simply lying to get out of trouble. The fact that many of them are repeat offenders certainly confirms it. There’s no dangerous or harmful magic on them, though Vanessa suspects she is not skilled enough to discern subtle mind manipulations.

[OOC: It’s the same scene. And you have 1 more attempt to gain more useful information.]

Seth Mansour

Mayhews

Richard laughs. “Why, would I want to deny you a chance to shine Mansour? I’m certain you are more than capable to achieve success without handouts. My family has built our estate by self-reliance and our own strength. It’s a lesson I hope to impart to the aspiring Dilettantes.”

OOC


Okay, I'm considering going for a single big play that would further several of Seth's interests all at once. In order, they are increasing Hack-n-Slash's interest in Seth; a bid for the Priestess card; and an oath to make Seth's unknown enemy pay.

But first, I need a better idea on the Community's views on killing. I'm planning on having Seth reveal that he has taken life before, but only in the vaguest terms; he'll neither confirm nor deny any inquiries on the subject, and let others figure it out on their own. Doing it this way could mean anything; maybe he has killed the unaware or even fellow Practitioners; maybe it might not even be human life he has taken, but the lives of Others; maybe he was formerly a hangman who had the duty of meting out the death penalty, just like his god; maybe it could even be as mundane as Seth, being a chef, personally butchering the poultry that goes into his dishes.

How would the Community take a revelation like that? I'm assuming that it wouldn't come as that much of a surprise since it's known he's the High Priest of a murder cult, but I just want to confirm before jumping in.

Well, opinions would vary. As long as Secret is unbroken and thus there’s vagueness about it, Seth won’t suffer consequences, but if secret is revealed, public knowledge, that he is a serial killer will not endear him to certain NPCs. Others will not be particularly troubled. You should consider that such information would essentially open him to proxy attacks from mundane authorities.


How exactly do the penalties to Secret DC I incurred from the HnS conversation work? I see the numbers, but I can't really gauge how badly it's likely to affect me. Not really sure about my chances here.

Your current Secret [9 - 2 = 7]. That’s essentially means a Roll of 7 is needed to learn the secret. You can set how much Secret DC you lose (basically, how vague your revelation is), if you decide to partially reveal it. The danger depends on how much resources people digging up stuff would have. Let’s say DC 1-3 is where low Ranked Practitioners can uncover it.


Finally, under what circumstances would I be able to invoke the "Jacksonville Janitor" Secret? I figured Richard Mayhew (being a Council member) would be aware of the fact, but as far as I can tell he acted like this wasn't the case.

Mayhew shouldn’t know your secret, unless you specify, that you've trusted him with it.
Feel free to invoke your Jacksonville Janitor aspect in any way you see fit - well, as long as falls under purview of being Jacksoville Janitor.

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party

It seems internal tempest and outward calm are a common occurrence this night.
At Mayhews' rather unexpected remark, Vanessa simply raises her glass in thanks to his, letting her eyes follow over the crowd with Mayhews'. She turns to Mayhews after his final words and gives hims him a nod, replying--in a similar proclamation, though not as loud out of deference--"Thank you, Councilman, yet again for your words. Indeed, let it be known."

A small part of her, kept far from her face, wonders what would happen if she happened not to answer Mayhews' call. Or if the man actually had the strength and courage to confront the fallen Goddess. Still, he at least was putting on the appearance of an something between an ally and master, and that was worth something.

As the people glance this way and that, she again thanks Mayhews and takes her leave. No need to push her luck by being near him too long. Thank you, Seth, she thinks, for letting me be near your interaction with him.

She walks up to Manny and says, "Excuse me, officer. I'm, well, you heard who I am, I'm sure. I hope I haven't made myself an early grave. I wanted to say that I appreciate you trying to keep the peace in this city, both in the mundane and mystical sense. I'm hoping to become something of a protector of the children, as I work at the school district, so I feel we may have some common goals and could support one another. Please feel free to call me, if you wish." She rolls her eyes in the direction of Mayhews table--not quite risking looking back, but enough to state her intention to Manny--and adds with a chuckle, "although I'd appreciate you doing so without any loud proclamations about it."

Fiery Fascination
Paranoid approach: lookout for danger, keeping senses keen

Dissatisfied, Vanessa thanks the children and their teacher.
She then heads to a few key locations -- the boiler room, the basement, and the library -- to check for anything unusual, before--seeing her time is almost up--checking with the principal and assistant principals to ask if they've noticed anything particular or any changes that may have led to this tendency in the children, and to thank them for their time and say some blather about her putting in a good word at the district office for the school.

Main Scene: St. John's River
Paranoid approach: looking for danger, hoping to look innocent/easy prey in order to draw one into a trap
Invocation: Bodyguard--asking him to tag along as a driver, but only interfere if needed. The man has a baton and a gun (with conceal carry permit). He is aware she will likely be attacked, but is to look the other way (literally and metaphorically) unless she gets injured or calls for him.
Advantage: Wards Against Undead, and trying to set up a trap

Vanessa and Gordon drive up to St. John's River as the sun begins to set. She is quiet on the way there, meditating in preparation for what is to come. She focuses her mind on her wedding ring, as well as the chalk in her pockets and bags of salt tied to her belt. She's given her body a dusting of salt, that her confidence in its protective abilities (preservation verses undeath) will help protect her.

She's dressed in decent clothes, a shirt and pants and tennis shoes, with her hair tied in a bun. Not fancy, but nice enough that she won't appear homeless or destitute. Good for an evening run. Gordon lets her away a couple blocks from the river, then he drives to where he was told to wait. She jogs towards the river, then stops nearby to fake a stretch. As she bends down, seeming to stretch her arms, she traces a circle of warding around herself and also lines it with salt. After one full circle is made, she takes a few steps and does some more stretches to mask forming some lines, the idea that passing the geometric patterns to reach her will weaken any undead.
If anyone was looking very closely, they'd see her exercise doesn't make sense, but she hopes any undead will focus more on the 20-something distracted by a jog than her improper exercise technique.

She does a bit of a jog back to where Gordon is, then jogs back, and, at the location of her circle, 'sprains her ankle' and falls down, giving a yelp of pain and nursing her 'injury' with one hand. Her other hand draws her scissors as her eyes and magical senses wait to see what comes.


If her magical senses ping anything when she first runs near, she'll use that to help target where to set up the circle and other wards.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Mayhews

Approach - Quick [3]

"A lesson worth imparting, I agree."

The High Priest nodded, agreeing with Richard Mayhew's assessment.

"That said, my concerns are of a practical nature. As an offended party in its own right, I presume your family will be taking action to avenge the insult. Should I move to do the same of my own accord without coordination with your family, it's quite possible we may inadvertently interfere with each other at some point. Am I mistaken in that assessment, Mister Mayhew?"

I had Seth try to indicate to Hack-n-Slash that they should continue the conversation after the Party. Since there was no follow-up from that, I assume it's going to take a Support Scene? Especially if I'm planning to escalate it into a Main Scene where Seth and HnS have a duel to the death?

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Mayhews

[OOC: If Vanessa fails to answer Mayhew’s call, it’s likely, he would call it a breach of promise and demand a steep compensation, with threat of violence, if she fails to comply. Or make an example out of her, so others wouldn’t dare to go back on their word to him. Ganted, the condition for it, would be “opposing Morrigan”, which may not come to pass.]

Vanessa Chakravrati

Fiery Fascination [Support]

Vanessa examines the school and incidents to determine their danger, but quickly establishes, that boiler, library and basement, where uncontrolled fire would have been most dangerous, are not affected. All concerns of Others grooming pyromaniacs aside, the creature doesn’t seem to present any physical danger to students or school - nobody had as much as a burn and none of the fairly small fires actually threatened property damage. Vanessa’s danger sense receives zero pings.

Principle Douglas Masterson is confident with his answer. “It’s one of the social media things - like taking selfies with fires, one of the meaningless fads that impressionable children all too easily imprint upon. There are lots of “hilarious” videos on the internet right now, of fires going out of control, so the children watch them and then try to imitate, what they’ve seen. Of course, the parents are not going to do a thing to prevent them from watching inappropriate materials, it’s age of youtube and facebook. We can only wait it out.” It is true, that internet is full of such videos - result of the minor fire elementals testing the city defenses. But the Other in the school is clearly far more cautious in its methods.

A careful examination of building has led Vanessa to believe, that the Other has a Bond - School Building. It seems the creature is reluctant to damage the school in any way. Vanessa is certain she can use this connection to force a confrontation - any attempt to sever School Building Bond will draw the Other out of it’s hiding.


Possible Options
You can start a Main Scene in which you exorcise the Other from school building - you can do general exorcism, though knowing the nature of the being you are targeting would be helpful (penalties if you don’t). The exorcism would likely require you to operate at night, so that Unaware don’t stumble on the ritual. That'll require invocation of aspect to access closed school Or figure out how to keep them out during daytime. This can be either Magic or Social Title conflict, depending on Other.

Inflicting damage on school would also likely to draw it out - and naturally, if school building is destroyed, the bond will be gone as well.

You can even try to dispute the Bond with just words - a Social Conflict (your low Social Title may dissuade you, but remember, that difference of 1-2 is acceptable, so if opponent has Social Title 1). By invoking the Aspect of School Mistress, you can claim authority over the school building and deny Bond to the interloper - though again, it would be tricky to argue, without knowing, who you are arguing against. For example, if it’s a ghost of old principle, he can counter-argue, that he definitely belongs.


Main Scene: St. John's River
Paranoid Approach Restriction: 3

Vanessa quickly discovers the flaw in her approach. She is too alert, too well-guarded. If the undead were starved, stupid or overly aggressive, then perhaps they would have attacked. But it seems these ones are not the type to attack indiscriminately. She senses their attention - careful, deliberate, calculating. For whatever reason, they don’t take the bait. Vanessa herself is too cautious, having chosen position that gives her the most advantage, which unfortunately makes her appear like a hard target, that is not worth the risk.


Rules
Your options for action to proceed are:
1. Change Approach. Note, that this may allow your opponents to adapt as well.
2. Use Support Scene to establish Situational Aspect that would allow use of Paranoid approach.
3. Overcome Restriction by using Aspects/Fate Points. You need to acquire 3 points to overcome this restriction.
Character Aspect adds 1 Point, if appropriate
Fate Point adds 1 Point
Implement adds 2 Points, if appropriate
Pact may add 1-3 Points, if appropriate.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Garden Party

Vanessa Chakravrati
"I'll keep my voice down then, wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm rash and hot headed. Likewise, if you need my help give me a call. Those of us trying to protect the city need to stay together."

Balance of Life and Death
Support Scene - Approach: Clever

Manny will begin looking into the times, visitor logs, and surveillance of the slain individuals to see any patterns or any people that were present with each kill. The plan is to get a picture or time, then set a trap for the killer.


Shinning Light on Dark Streets
Approach: Clever
Dr. Letts, phone call
"Hello Dr. Mortimer said you were already looking into the undead on the Dark Streets. Would you be looking for any help, or perhaps you could forward what you found to me so I can look elsewhere?"

Demonslayer's Pizza Party
Social Scene - Approach Charismatic
Manny arrives at Demonslayers pizza gathering wanting to hear his thoughts on demons. Most other practitioners say he's crazy, but a few years ago he would have thought the same about the existence of fire elementals. Plus, slayer seemed interested in keeping the city safe, so perhaps a little goodwill could get his aid with some of the other issues plaguing the city.
"Hi Demonslayer, do you have time to tell me about demons and the demon threat to Jacksonville?"

[Thelonius]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life & Death [Support]

A check soon confirms, that nobody could have killed the men in the hospital, without causing an alarm. Which means the culprit could be incorporeal, operating under invisibility magic or able to deliver attacks at distance.

[OOC: You can make 2 more Inquiries.]

The Demonslayer's Pizza Party [Social]

Manny finds a few other Practitioners present - Oz Bender, Melody Pierce, Hector Whitemoore and a woman from the Garden Party... it seems her name was Melissa. Manny also notices a glimpse of somebody in the wall mirror - Thing-in-the-Mirror?

The Demonslayer doesn’t look the part. A youngish man, in mid twenties, dressed casually, with a short stubble for a beard, he looks like a chill college student, rather than slayer of the supposedly mythical beings.

“Well...” the Demonslayer begins. “Ahm, I’d start with the name. I haven’t actually called myself Demonslayer, that’s just nickname Sinful Jack gave me. And it… well, technically correct, but I seriously doubt, I can actually kill any demons.” He gives a friendly, if somewhat nervous smile. “So… yeah. I’m Jeff. A sort of intern, was intern, I mean apprentice to the Practitioners, who have landed us into this mess. The senior staff… didn’t make it. So, I’m all that we’ve got to stop the Demon. Which is why I hope I’ll persuade you to lend a hand, because, by myself I’d probably won’t succeed.” A doorbell rings and “Jeff” The Demonslayer rushes to answer it. “Ah, pizzas are here, so if anybody wants to partake, then feel free.”

He returns with boxes, which he places before the gathered public, and continues:

“You probably wondering, what’s this dude talking about. I’ll get to the point. In the middle-ages, there were all these mystical organizations, hermetic orders, mystical societies, templars, illuminati, basically Practitioners were much more organized back then. I don’t actually know historical details, but basically, the leaders of largest organizations got together and formulated this grand plan, to solve mankind's greatest issues with magic., Stop death, learn all human knowledge, reach other realms, control fate. The last one must sound familiar. So, at some point the organizations split, so each could focus on one specific issue, and eventually the guys, who were working on controlling fate ended up in Jacksonville. The project was very long-term - generations upon generations accumulating power and knowledge to achieve the impossible.”

“So, I was with guys, who wanted to unlock the sum of human knowledge - the Akashic Records Ritual. Interning. We weren’t so focused on passing power with bloodlines, you see, that was actually discouraged. It was a unified organization, in which I was on one of the lowest levels. And we’ve pulled it off. Except for the Demon.”

“You see, there are Demons, a very malicious and powerful type of Others, who want to destroy our world. There were major wars, conflicts between them and ancient Practitioners. Basically, they are very dangerous, but we thought we were winning, keeping them bound and contained. Except, one managed to slip through our defenses and corrupt our grand ritual. So… well, it got access to Akashic Records, as in mystical sum of all human knowledge. And it erased all knowledge about demons from Practitioners. He couldn’t completely eliminate it - I mean, the knowledge of Others seeps into the normal world, and there, there are billions of Unaware, who read about demons. You can’t actually tamper with common knowledge, without risking awakening them. But any mystical books about demons, that only Practitioners knew about - gone. Any memories about actual demons, by people, who are aware of magic - erased. So, now nobody remembers demons existing, due to tampered memories.”

“Only people, who were connected to the Akashic Ritual remember, how things were. Which, would unfortunately be me.” A shadow crosses his face. “Demons are dangerous. Elimination of the only people, who still knew of them was a natural move.”

“I know ours isn’t the only Grand Ritual that it seeks to tamper with. Right now in Jacksonville, one of the Practitioners, isn’t who you believe her or she is. You may remember him or her as real, but in truth, it’s memories, fabricated by the corruption of Akashic Records Ritual. It’s a Demon, one who seeks to take control of the Arcana Ritual and corrupt it. And we must stop it.” Jeff the Demonslayer looks over the gathered Practitioners. “So. um… any questions?”

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party

Vanessa smiles at Manny's answer, accepting the mild rebuke at her own hot-headedness. "That sounds good. Well, enjoy the rest of your evening." She exchanges phone numbers.

Socializing while she waits to see what secrets others may offer. If the party looks like it's getting close to an end -- folk start to disperse, etc. -- she'll announce a secret.

Main Scene: Fiery Fascination
Invocation: School Mistress
Charismatic approach

Vanessa e-mails Techna the new information, adding that she plans to find out more about the Other after school closes. She goes back to the office--gathering a few supplies on the way--and then, near the end of day, makes a call to the principal at the school.

"Principal Masterton, hello. It's Vanessa, from the district office. I'm sorry to bother you again, and this is a new thing. I was examining some of the student records we have for your school against the funding records, and found a discrepancy. I know it's late in the year to discover such--and, honestly, I think one of my staff might've misfiled them on our end--and that means I'll be held responsible. Could I come over to the school and double-check our records against yours? That way your funding isn't delayed and I keep me and my new hire out of hot water. I hope to just need to be at school a few hours after class ends."

Assuming she's allowed to return, she profusely thanks the principal and gets to work. Just, instead of a briefcase of files, she has various tools for making wards. She does get some files from the office in order to keep up her ruse for any cameras, then moves to the library for a quiet desk to work at. A fitting place, she feels.

She has with her the same defenses against flame, but also now some packets of matches, a bit of lighter fluid, and tinder. She sets the paperwork out on a desk, then, in a corner not covered by security cameras, prepares the exorcism ritual--as well as having the fire supplies nearby.

Once it is prepared, she raises her implement and declares. "I, Vanessa Chakravrati, Practitioner accepted in the city of Jacksonville, wife of the necromancer Ramul, protector of this school and searcher for the Council of Six, request the presence of the Other who has forged a bond here. Let us parley, lest we come to blows."

She will decide how to proceed when she sees what draws near. If nothing does, she'll begin the exorcism ritual to see if that forces it to come near. She will use dramatic flair with what arcana she knows, in order to focus her charisma on the ritual.

St. John's River
Staying paranoid. Using an implement invocation

Vanessa scowls, seeing that her 'food in distress' ruse isn't working as-is. She pulls out her cell phone and calls Gordon, whispering, "Drive a bit closer. If you see me raise my empty hand, I want you to put a shot or two into whoever is walking towards me." Once he acknowledges, she puts her phone away after he drives into position.
Then she stands, stretches, and raises her scissors like one holding out a blade.

With a moment of hesitation, she starts to rise and then 'accidentally' cuts her arm with her scissors. A long but shallow cut, her blood starts to flow. Let that cloud their hungry minds.
She also focuses her senses on the relational weaves around those she senses, and with several sharp snip cuts the bonds between the undead. At the best, this will lead to them fighting each other the the chance to target, confused as why they were together before and just seeing each other as competitors. At worst, it should at least disorient them and make it harder for them to coordinate efforts against her, perhaps one choosing to act on its own lead while the others hang back or flee.


Hoping an injury like that might give a situational bonus to me by calling on their hunger to make them stupid. I'm fine if I get a temporary Consequence that means stuff less strength in my arms or it harder to fight someone in melee.
But of course I'm happy not to take that, if the ingenuity of injury alone is enough.

EDIT: if that's not enough, she'll pull some trick her husband taught her, invoking Necromantic Training. I completely forgot I had that Aspect! I'd rather save it and see if my implement plus adding some scent of blood to the mix does the trick.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life and Death
ooc: 1)What about any pattern to the times of death? If it is feeding the creature should get hungry at regular intervals, and lead to a time we can trap it. 2)Any patterns to the rooms it is targeting? If it is a ranged attack the enemy would have to know where it is targeting. And it would help lower down where to set a trap

Pizza Party
Manny lets the room stay quiet for a few moments, then speaks up. "I got a lot of questions, but the first is the most important. The ritual let them rewrite the past and present, but can they still do that? In other words, if we find out who the demon is could they just re-create a new person and start the whole process over again?"

[DukeGod]

The Third Lord

"I guess I can see that now, lord. Perhaps I will find it by other means then."

Cecil takes his leave, looking around the party, trying to figure out if anyone wanted to interact with him

Storm Domain

Trusting that this would be the best entrance, Cecil takes a deep breath and steps into the portal

Right foot first, obviously

[Thelonius]

Vanessa Chakravrati

Fiery Fascination [Main Scene]

Vanessa gains entry to the school with her subterfuge.

It takes less than a moment, for the Other to manifest. It rises on the other side of the room - in the shape of a burning fire, though one, that doesn’t blacken the floor or walls.

The Other speaks “So you say, Vanessa Chakravrati, Wife of Ramul, one who claims to protect this home. What is it that you wish of me?” The Other seems strong, it’s bond with school giving it power. Curiously, inside the flame, Vanessa notices paper pages, probably ripped from exercise books, slowly burning, instead of being instantly consumed by fire. “You ask for parley, yet bring weapons.” observes Other with dissatisfaction.

St. John’s River [Main Scene]

Necromantic Training: +1
Consequence: Blood +1… and you need another point to lure them out.

[You’ll need to justify, how cutting bonds between Undead would lure them out - wouldn’t them turning on each other make them less likely to attack?]

Manny Brigham

Balance of Life & Death

It seems deaths mostly occur, when patients are sleeping or otherwise unconscious, though there are a couple exceptions. Manny can’t pinpoint an exact pattern of deaths - the problem is, that it’s people, who are already weak, who are dying, it’s even possible, some of the cases are due to natural deaths.

There’s no apparent pattern for rooms, in which deaths occur.

Demonslayer’s Pizza Party

Demonslayer answers: “It won’t be able to do that. Maybe some mind mojo on those near it, as part of it’s demonic powers, but not creating a false persona, that everybody remembers.”

Melissa asks the next question. “You said that demon created this false persona. Is it possible, that this person doesn’t realize, that they are demon? Like, they think they are real?”

Demonslayer seems uncertain, as he answers. “Well, it would be helpful to fool certain powerful magics, that would reveal true nature of the being, so it’s possible, that Demon could have created a false persona, that is not actually aware.”

Whitemoore is next to speak. “Well, that sucks. Your guys managed to complete your project, while ours are still figuring out this whole - control fate thing. I mean twenty two years of controlling fate in Jacksonville is nice, but it’s not exactly world class, like Akashic Records Ritual.”

“Well, it’s still very dangerous. Demons are powerful - just controlling fate around Jacksonville could be far worse, then you can imagine, but it may be able to extend ritual’s effects. Well, probably. I’m unfortunately not an expert. Oh… well I am, comparatively speaking.” answers Demonslayer

Cecil Vortigern

Garden Party: Third Lord

“I’d be delighted for you to illuminate this hidden truth with light of your curiosity.” answers Third Lord.

Storm Domain

Cecil takes a step and finds himself plummeting down, before an updraft slows his fall, only for the gale to set him spinning sideways. He attempts to stabilize himself and get some idea, what’s happening. Powerful winds are blinding him and Cecil’s attempts to determine up from down run into complication of there being two downs. Below and above, stormy sea looks angry, as powerful waves runs across it. The water is falling from up and down, raining on both upside and downside seas and soaking poor Cecil, stuck in between. Powerful winds blow constantly and on the horizon the two seas join together - a powerful vortex of water and wind spins there - and with heavy heart Cecil realizes, that he’ll need to enter it - The Eye of the Storm. The winds and weird gravity of the place are keeping Cecil afloat, but flying in this place isn’t going to be easy.

It’s difficult to ride the Mercurial Winds [Negative] to the destination, as they shift constantly, so an air current, that just a second ago was bringing Cecil close to destination is now flinging him sideways. And riding on the winds are Angry Air Sprites [Negative], that seem to delight in interfering with Practitioner. The worst part, is that cold rain and wind are threatening to kill Cecil with Exposure [Negative] if he lingers here too long. He feels that the Council Seal [Positive] is somehow giving him power over the environment, weakening the winds and guarding him. He also notices the presence of powerful Air Elementals [Neutral] floating in the wind… or being the wind. They seem content to ignore him, as long as he doesn’t come too closely.

[JeenLeen]

Fiery Fascination
Shifting to Prepared (3) approach, as she has a thought-out plan

Vanessa replies confidently yet respectfully. "You, as a creature of fire, are yourself a weapon, so it seems only fair I come armed. I meant no disrespect, and I hope my weapons are not needed. The Council of Six has noticed your influence on the children of this school--at least, I assume you are the one leading them to start fires? They believe you work for Nineteen O' One, and they plan to stop you. If needed, I am here to perform an exorcism on their behalf, but even if I fail, a stronger than I will come to defeat you, break your bond, and likely banish you. I don't mean that as a threat; simply a statement of fact.

You act to protect the school. I respect that. I would rather you not be banished, so I offer a deal. In the specific, you stop influencing the students to start fires; in the general, you stop furthering the wishes of Nineteen O' One, and form a Pact with me. You are left free to live here and retain your current bond with the school, plus you gain whatever strength Others gain from Bonds with practitioners. I gain the means to call on some power akin to yours, as well as knowing a being willing to protect the school lives here. It seems win-win, especially since your alternative is someone, myself or another, hurting you. Of course, I would like to know more of you and why you are here before we enter a Pact, but I would also be willing to entertain your questions.

Does that sound fair?"

What makes me think it is exercise books instead of just random books? Also, does it appear to be actual books from the library it absorbed upon appearing, or pages (real or phantasmal) that appeared with it?

St. John's River

OOC: I figured part of their caution, which is why they are hanging back, is their working as a group to make sure they stay safe. If that cooperation is broken, at least one would likely come forward on its own instead of heeding its allies.
On the other hand, if they break out into fighting with one another, Vanessa would approach after they've weakened each other.

If you allow as the same invocation, Vanessa could also snip the 'strings' that are the undead's attention to her wards and Gordon, making them forget (or not focus on) her defenses as well as their bonds to one another.

When we invoke our Implement, is it for one use of it or for using it for that scene? If the latter, I can see Vanessa realizing just weakening their coordination was not enough, so she then snips their attention on the wards.

Social Scene: Demonslayer's Party
Charismatic approach: being friendly

Vanessa did arrive for the party, and listens with interest to Jeff's stories and the questions the other pose. It sounds too fantastical to be true, and part of her suspects it may be the Demonslayer's intent to just have an excuse to call whoever wins the most Cards a demon, to usurp their position... but, well, it is odd that demons aren't real while so much else is, isn't it?

Vanessa adds a question, "Many, myself included I admit, found the idea of demons laughable. In your view, did the demon's actions not just erase knowledge of demons but also instill a resistance to believing in them?" Raising a slice of pizza with a friendly smile, she adds, "If I would believe a practitioner talking about a cheese-and-pepperoni-based Other more than I would believe talk about a demon--perhaps that hints at some manipulation of our minds."

[Thelonius]

Seth Mansour

Mayhew shrugs. “I trust you won’t do anything to imperil my interests. Feel free to take your vengeance, the way you want it. I doubt, that whatever you do, could affect any of my plans.”

OOC

I’d say it would be Social Scene, before any escalation. Or you can just start with Main Scene. So… you want to be killed by Hack-n-Slash?


Demonslayer Pizza Party

Vanessa

Demonslayer considers the question. “Well… only as far as manipulating memories could affect somebody’s judgement.”

Pierce speaks, swallowing large pieces of pizza. “We are sceptical, because apart from demons being present in Unaware culture, which could be explained by them gaining imperfect knowledge of different Others, there’s about as much proof of demons existing, as Pizza-Based Others.”

“And then there’s option, that somebody is simply trying to manipulate Arcana Ritual, by introducing a figure, with an outrageous story on the gameboard. So outrageous, that it may just be true - I mean, nobody would make up such ridiculous lie. People would think. ” joins in Whitemoor. “Heck, if we start talking of memory manipulation, are you quite certain, you are remembering things right?”

Demonslayer pauses to find words. “Well… I’m going to trust what I remember. Though, if we have somebody, capable of altering my memories to such degree, you still have a serious problem.”

Vanessa Chakravrati

Fiery Fascination

The Other replies: “You wish to bind me with words, but why should I be bound by somebody weaker then me? I see fire and darkness in the future - a great uncertainty. Your presence is a challenge I can defeat. Twice more and my claim over my home shall be too powerful for anybody to dispute.”

[Well, it seems there’s math homework written in them. The pages are part of the Other or at least inside it. It seems the Other believes it's Titles are too high compared to Vanessa, while her arguments aren't sufficiently strong to make up the difference. ]

St. John’s River

[It’s for the Scene, but presently I don’t think it would work. The more intelligent undead are, the less likely they are to work together (beyond stronger one, using weaker ones as slaves). If this was a situation, where master undead was keeping less intelligent, aggressive slave undead in check, it would have worked. Apparently it isn’t. If it’s a situation of equals cooperating, then break of trust would make situation too risky for them to act - since it would open them to attack from their former allies. Snapping connection to traps wouldn’t work either. At this point you can use another Fate Point, since you need just another point to lift the restriction.]

[JeenLeen]

Fiery Fascination

Vanessa frowns and lets frustration seep into her tone. "Do you not understand? I am not saying these words to bind you but to give you an option. Your time here is numbered. The Council knows you are here and much about you. Someone will come with the power to banish you. I'm giving you an out, a way to continue thriving here and actually grow in power, if you ally with me. All I ask is that you stop influencing the child to start fires and break from Nineteen O' One. I am sure you can rechannel your influence to something like the students starting a chemistry or engineering program: let them be focused on chemical reactions that have ignition, or how combustion engines power devices, instead of building arsonists for the future. I have influence and could, in time, get those programs funded here.

Maybe you can defeat me, but that is irrelevant. If I fall, another will come. If it comes to it, the Council may destroy this building and relocate the students. Then you lose everything. Why not work together?"

Vanessa is promising to use up a future invocation of School Mistress in order to use her influence to get funds for programs likely favored by the spirit. Essentially, in Chapter 2, I have to 'waste' one use.

St. John's River

Eh, I guess I'll spend the Fate Point. Vanessa is frustrated the creatures don't attack after she works her magic, but she wants this win. She invokes the powers of fate to help compel the undead to come towards her, hoping her magic makes them heedless of her defenses and breaks their cooperation.

Pizza Party/Garden Party

In both scenes, listening. For the Garden Party, has nobody proclaimed a secret? Does it seem like others are waiting for someone else to make the first reveal, so they can top it?

Vanessa walks up to Mortimer. He's been friendly, so she hopes he'd share some experience. "May I ask you something about this contest for the Card? Do you know if something like this happened last time, with the Lords declaring challenges or contests for the cards?"

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Garden Party

Mayhews

Seth nods, acknowledging Richard Mayhew's words.

"Noted, Mister Mayhew. In the meantime, I'll be looking forward to your summons, as and when you have the... miscreant in your custody."

Alice Chandler

His main interests in the Garden Party satisfied for the time being, Seth pondered on the next move he should make with the remaining time he had left at the Party. He was still concerned about what Hack-n-Slash had told him earlier, especially in light of the fact that it may have had something to do with his altercation with Richard Mayhew.

It goes without saying that Seth would have to get to the bottom of things, and root out the responsible party... yet, he had no idea where to even begin. After some thought, with no better options coming to him for the moment, Seth acted upon the first idea he had; he approached Alice Chandler, the Diviner.

"Good evening, miss Chandler. If you're agreeable, would you allow me to impose upon you for a certain matter?"

Social Scene - Hack-n-Slash

When it seems the Garden Party was beginning to wind down, Seth paid most of his attention to the Other he had been conversing with not so long ago, waiting for the latter to take its leave. He would choose that moment to offer his own company to the Other, and take their leave of the Party together, so they may continue their conversation about... horror classics.

Actually, I figured that for a pair of screwed-up bloodthirsty killers like these two, a 'duel to the death' might be the equivalent of second or third base for them. The idea is for Seth to establish enough of a rapport that HnS would agree to a Familiar Pact, and given its particular theme, I figured nothing less than a straight-up Freddy vs. Jason showdown would suffice. :smalltongue:

[Konatsat]

Ann Reeds

Garden Party

Melissa
Ann nods noting that - though Melissa is a practitioner - she does not seem to draw much attention. She responds "Pleased to make your acquaintance Melissa, I'm Ann. Maybe we'll meet again sometime."

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Ann Reeds

Melissa

“Be seeing you around then” replies Melissa.

[OOC: To clarify, other Practitioners at the part seem a bit perplexed at Melissa's presence as well, it seems she's a bit of an unknown quality.]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

“It seems I’m the fountain of knowledge for this party. Well, as long as you are not asking me to foretell, I can answer a few questions.”

Vanessa Chakravrati

Mortimer The Necromancer

Necromancer shrugs. “I haven’t been to such gatherings before. Not certain, how I got to this one to be honest. So, no idea. I do wonder, why Third Lord is giving away Arcana Card - aren’t they supposed to be key to controlling Arcana Ritual. If it was me, I’d keep it.”

Vanessa Chakravrati

Fiery Fascination [Main]

“You offer convincing arguments. So call that someone stronger, who shall come after you and I will judge, whether he or she is worthy to make a Pact with.”

“You insult me!” The Other hisses at Vanessa’s proposal. “I train no home destroyers!” The Other’s fire grows to suddenly fill half of the room, only to recede. Despite the flames, not a single thing has been as much as singed. “Let the stones and wood of this house be my witness, that I did no harm to them.” Vanessa senses hundreds of tiny Others - elementals and tech-spirits stir. Tiny sparks of magic, barely sentient, they inhabit the School and now awoken by the Other, they whisper their ascent to its statement.

St. John River Undead [Main]

It grows darker - seems one of the clouds have covered the setting sun. And as if it was signal, a large, black feral dog emerges from river bank, it’s fangs bared. It trots purposefully towards Vanessa with hungry intelligence in its eyes. A jogger attacked by a dog gone feral, drawn in by smell of blood, unable to escape, viciously mauled, flesh torn, dead. Just an animal attack. The Other has latched to the concept of Animal Attack, as it’s bond to the world. Then suddenly there’s more than one dog - spectral copies appear and then Vanessa can no longer tell, which of them is real and which one is fake. The undead and it’s Illusory Copies are encircling Vanessa, though still leaving an avenue of escape - farther from the river and into the city. She knows, if Other reaches her, it will Viciously Murder her - physically, it’s much stronger, than her.

The Anti-Undead Wards [Positive] hum with power - but Vanessa can see clearly, they don’t have power to stop the undead, only slow it down. From a distance her Bodyguard [Positive] is shouting warnings and training his gun on the creatures, prepared to shoot. Vanessa’s Spilled Blood [Negative] on the pavement, just a few drops, but it’s dangerous to leave such things in the presence of the undead. Behind the attacking undead is St. John’s River [Neutral] with a bridge over it nearby. With cloud covering the sun it’s Dark [Negative]. A Illuminated Stretch of Road [Neutral], lit by the faint light of street lamps and a few house windows, leads away from the river - Vanessa has run it already and familiar with layout of streets and houses here. Nearby is a Parking Lot [Neutral] with a few cars left for the night.

Seth Mansour

Hack-n-Slash [Social]

Seth follows the elusive Hack-n-Slash and soon enough finds himself in the middle of the woods, with lights of civilization shining in a distance. The cloudy skies take turns concealing and revealing the moon, while trees intercept most of the moonlight. With this poor lighting, only silhouettes of two killers can be seen.

[OOC]

Hmm… maybe my definition of fight to the death is a different then yours :)

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party

Vanessa nods. "Thank you. Indeed, it is mysterious. Somewhat unsettling."

Speaking of mysterious, Vanessa walks over to the mystery woman in mundane clothes. She doesn't want to spend too much time with one under-dressed, less she dampen her already-marred reputation, but-- well, curiosity is in the air tonight, and a short conversation should do little harm.

She walks up to her. "Hello. I'm Vanessa, Dilettante in this city. I don't believe I've met or heard of you. Are you a practitioner new to this city?" She decides to leave off or an Other to her question.

Pizza Party

Just want to note that, near its end, Vanessa has a proposal for Manny and Demonslayer. For now, listening.

Fiery Fascination

Vanessa raises her hands in a calming expression, trying to keep the fear from her face as the fires swell. When the being finishes its speech, she says, calmly yet confidently, "I apologize. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding, and I spoke from that. I was sent to investigate this school and you presence here because the Council believes that Nineteen O'One has an agent here that is indoctrinating the students with the goal to become arsonists. Lesser fire elementals around the city seem to be acting similarly. You show a greater intelligence, subtly, and... well, foresight and reasoning than the others. The Council may have falsely made assumptions about your purpose and loyalties.

If the Council is mistaken, and you are not here to serve Nineteen O'One's goals... perhaps I can persuade them to leave you be. Are you the one enticing the students to take pictures with fire, and is it at Nineteen O'One's behest? What is your purpose here?"

St. John's River

OOC Math: so I'm at a net 0, right? Dark + Spilled Blood for -2, but Wards + Bodyguard for +2
Also, I'm guessing it wasn't really multiple undead, but rather one undead with copies, hence my implement doing little good.

Vanessa tosses one of the bags of salt on her spilled blood, hoping the positive mystical qualities of salt--or at least her faith in them--will neutralize the blood. At least, from a mundane perspective, it should dry and dilute it.

Then she runs straight backwards for the parking lot, believing the undead will--its senses distorted by her magical working--run through the anti-undead wards. Perhaps that will even distort its power enough to dissolve one or more of its illusory copies.

She runs for the parking lot, jumping up onto one of the cars to gain some safety and better footing, slicing another bag of salt with her scissors and spinning to leave a circle of it around her atop the car.
Then, she raises her arm high and empty, calling for her bodyguard to shoot at the beast. With her implement and bond sense, she snips the tendrils of connection she sees between the gunshots and the nearby homes, hoping to keep people from really believing the gunshots are more than fireworks or other excusable noises, as she readies to slash her scissors at the undead and toss more salt at it once it comes near.

After one slash and spilled salt, Vanessa strongly states, "You think me a fool? You are not some dumb attack animal. I saw the subtly you used in hiding, your trickery. Unless you wish to go back beyond the Veil, swear service to me."


I'm using both the +1s I have, hoping to call on the Anti-Undead Wards effectively to weaken one aspect of the Other.
I'm trying to turn the Spilled Blood into a neutral, by neutralizing it.
I'm trying to turn the Parking Lot into a positive, since I'm using it for higher ground.
Lastly, Vanessa words call into challenge the Animal Attack aspect, hoping to weaken its grasp on its form and thus its power.

That should put me at a net +2 with the creature weakened, assuming it works.
If this is a valid use, I'll also go on and invoke the second use of Necromantic Training. Perhaps Vanessa learned some trick in timing a physical attack (scissors) with a metaphysical one (words + salt) in order to make both extra effective. (If you think another use of it would fit better, feel free to use the invocation for something else.) That should give me a net +3.

Also, if the beast reaches me before I reach the cars, Vanessa would use her implement to snip the connections between the beast and itself, causing some confusion in order to buy her the time to reach the car. I picture her implement working like she could completely cut the connections, making it not notice her (at least if the spell works), but just tearing at the connections could leave it confused and give it pause. Vanessa isn't ready to cut-and-run yet.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life and Death
Approach: Clever
Manny thinks to himself. So far he had nothing to point to the culprit, which meant that the next attack could be anywhere and anytime. He did have a few more options. First he will identify any current potential targets, then take walk through the hospital trying to sense if the entity was still in its halls.


Demonslayers Party
Approach: Charismatic
"A few smaller questions, where was your ritual held and do you have any pictures and/or names of those killed by the Demon? I imagine the Demon could cover its tracks near perfectly, but I'd like to know the extent. How many people did it kill taking over your ritual? Can you compare its power to something here in Jacksonville, let’s say before the ritual?"


Mayhew Mansion
Approach: Charismatic
Support Scene
Manny will approach the Mayhew mansion and knock on the door in a somber tone. When he gets to talk with Richard he starts "I would like to offer my condolences about your son. He showed a lot of promise, and losing him was a great hit to the community. I was hoping to talk about the situation, if you feel you are able."

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Garden Party

Alice Chandler

"Much obliged, miss Chandler."

Seth said, taking a seat besides her.

"In that case, could I ask of you to teach me some way of identifying and tracking down the source of hostile intent against myself, from your particular discipline. And while we're at it, is there anything I can do for you in return?"

Hack-n-Slash

Approach - Quick [3]
Invocation - Psychopath

Past as a Serial Killer (9)

As he had said he would do earlier, Seth continued chatting casually with Hack-n-Slash about their favourite horror movies. However, he began seguing into detailed observations of how he himself would have done things differently from those fictional killers, in such a way as to suggest there was substance of sorts behind his words. All this, in the assumption that the Other would pick up on the hints...

Well, that was speculation from my initial impressions of HnS anyway, Let's see how it develops, maybe I won't actually have to go quite that far. :p

[Thelonius]

Demonslayers Party

Manny Brigham:

“London.” answers Demonslayer. “We had connections to universities and museums there.”
Whitemoore seems satisfied with this answer. “Makes sense, Brits were hauling everything they could get their hands on to their museums and collections. A useful thing, if you are gathering mystical knowledge from around the world.”

“I can tell you names. If you check them, you’ll probably be able to find obituaries around the same date - and a number of coma patients. Well, might not be easy. We kept a lower profile in the unaware world. So, you’ve got 22 as your magical number, for us, it was 21, nine magisters and twelve mnemonics. I was actually a last minute swap. We could have taken the Demon in an open fight… called upon city magic, but it wasn’t a fair fight. I don't think it will be a fair fight here. You see, the ritual involved merging consciousness, and Demon managed to replace one of us, just before the ritual, I don't know how, but I think there was a dark pact involved. So it simply ate minds of my comrades, once it had access. I… I’d rather not talk of it now. As for power, I think it would be stronger than a single Lord, but your Lords should be able to deal with it, with some Practitioner support.”

Vanessa

Melissa

A puzzled look passes through Melissa’s face, before she replies. “Well, you can say that. I’m not exactly new to the city. I live here.”

Fiery Fascination [Main]

“Pictures? Is that what those little boxes, they fiddle with do? No matter. They seek and offer, so I deliver. Here, I have no purpose, except to be what I am. It is my home. I can declare, that I will do nothing to help home-destroyer Nineteen-o-One. I’ve seen his mischievous servants and I allow them no entry. Will you persuade the Council to leave me be then?”

St. John’s River Undead

The black dog is too cautious to enter the Wards - instead the Other runs around them, chasing Vanessa. Fortunately it means, the creature has no opportunity to use Spilled Blood - perhaps the dog can simply no longer sense it within the wards. It’s hesitation also allows Vanessa to reach the parking lot.

She suppresses the noise from shots with her implement and issues her challenge to black dog’s bond. It’s true, that it has been cautious, but a feral street dog can be careful and cunning. The Bond trembles, but for now holds. Vanessa’s position on the car gives her height advantage, however, the dog is using the cars at the parking lot as cover, so it works in favor of both Vanessa and the Other.

Her bodyguard opens fire, but between the illusionary copies and darkness, he fails to hit the creature. So Vanessa, using her necromantic knowledge flings her bags of sand at the circling dogsm while reciting a short spell. Those dogs, that are hit with it, disappear. Finally, a shot meets the creature’s flesh and it flinches. At this point, Vanessa can sense, that her opponent has [Magic Title 5], if you factor the power, it must receive from the Bond.

Mechanics

Changes
Wards & Spilled Blood move to Neutral from strategy.
Parking Lot remains Neutral from strategy.
Bodyguard moves to Neutral from Illusionary Copies.
Bodyguard moves to Positive from Necromantic Knowledge.

Situational Aspects
Wards [Neutral]
Bodyguard [Positive]
Spilled Blood [Neutral]
Parking Lot [Neutral]
St. John’s River [Neutral]
Illuminated Stretch of Road [Neutral]
Darkness [Negative]

[OOC: You can invoke more aspects to attempt to shift advantage to your side or we proceed to resolve combat.]


Manny Brigham

Balance of Life and Death

It’s somewhat a matter of luck, rather than cleverness in finding patient, whose life is balancing between life and death - there are such people periodically, but there’s usually a short window of time before they either get better or die. He observes a victim of such attack, too late to save him. The old man seems hollowed out - it’s life sucked dry by the Other, however his face seems peaceful.

The examination of the hospital reveals a considerable host of minor Others - tech-spirits in electronics and medicine, elementals in the walls, ghostly echoes, even a couple conceptual spirits. It seems the condition of humans and their periodic passing beyond the Veil, creates an ambient magical field inside the hospital, that is both attracting Others and keeping them active. The mystery is not whether there’s a hidden Other - but rather, which Other among dozens, that Manny senses is the culprit. He clearly needs to narrow down, exactly what he is looking for.

[OOC: It’s clear that whoever is killing men, is doing it through a Bond to them. You can use it to perform exorcism based on this bond - but you’ll need to specify your suspects, as a whole lot of Others in the Hospital have bonds to the patients.]

List of Suspects
Lingering Ghosts
Whispering Echos (seem to be small spirits, whispering in patient’s ears)
Elemental of Blood
Tech Spirit of Monitoring Equipment
Tech-Spirits of Antibiotics
Tech-Spirits of Painkillers
Conceptual Spirit of Pain
Conceptual Spirit of Hope

Mayhews Mansion

Manny is ushered into a guest waiting room by a Fetch. Priscilla Mayhew enters. “My husband is busy. What is it that you wish to talk about?” She looks cold and reserved, wearing an expensive night dress.

She seem unmoved by Manny’s offer of condolences. “Did you know him personally? Okay, talk, but I hope this is no attempt to ingratiate yourself to our family, by claiming you could track down the murderer.”

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

“I’m afraid I can’t think of a good trade, for what you ask. Maybe, if you could direct my to Others with prophetic and oracular powers, I wouldn’t mind getting in touch with those.”

“However, if you want to find the culprit behind the recent events with Mayhews, perhaps I can offer a hint. With standard disclaimer, that it may not be quite accurate. If you are interested, meet me after the party.”

Hack-n-Slash

A cloud passes over the moon, temporarily hiding Hack-n-Slash’s form and then he’s not there. Instead…

Seth [Secret]

There’s a girl, perhaps in her early twenties, wearing jeans and a tshirt with symbol of anarchy on it. She seems to have been running - there’s a trickle of blood from a cut on her face, that must have been from a tree branch and her hair's a mess. Still, one would say an attractive mess. A bead of sweat is running down her cheek and Seth senses fear - yet he also notices a knife tucked into her boot.

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party

Vanessa gets a quizzical look then replies, "Hi, Melissa. I'm just surprised that I haven't heard of you before, and, well, from the looks I've seen others give, it seems like most people here don't know who you are. Did you become aware recently? ...actually, asking that, is what I'm asking making sense? Like, you know about stuff like the War, the City Lords, and the Arcana Ritual?"

Fiery Fascination

Vanessa gives a respectful nod towards the elemental.

"I will deliver your message. And, honestly, I believe you, but I do fear the Council will question it; it seems they lump everything fire-related with Nineteen O'One. Would you consider making a Pact, so I can confirm the truth of your words via a formal Declaration of Intent? I would still be willing to get extra funding for this school, to bolster in ways that could strengthen you, and I would leave you free to do as you please, beyond making the declaration you already made. But, if not, I will still relay your words to the Council and recommend they leave you alone. I would like us to part on good terms."

If he says no to the Pact, Vanessa will also ask
"Would you be willing to tell me why you say no? From what I heard, a Pact strengthens the Other who is involved, and I would not be restricting your actions. I... gather there is some gap in my training, and I would appreciate the insight of how a Pact would be detrimental to you."

St. John's River

Vanessa yells out to Gordon, "Shine the car lights on us; give me some light to work!", to dispel the darkness.

"A feral dog showing fear of runes and salt? No, I know you are no attack animal." Then, she grasps one of her few remaining bags of salt with one hand and her scissors in the other, preparing for the fight.


If possible, I'll shift to Charismatic to better attack its bond with the dramatic flair of words and flashy combat. I don't really have my paranoia benefiting me now that I'm atop a car. If that's not applicable (probably because I misunderstand what Charismatic is limited to), may I shift to Prepared to reflect the preparations I've made -- Gordon, layout, equipment -- being useful? It's still a 3 like Paranoid, but might be more applicable.

I get to hear how the spirit responds before we enter actual combat, right?
If it seems I'll likely die, I'm considering summoning the angry ghost to let it slice into the undead. Magic 2 vs. Magic 5 is a bit uncomfortable.

[ArcaneStomper]

Dr. Letts

Shinning Light on Dark Streets
Dr. Letts / Manny , phone call
(Sorry I didn't see you had contacted me until just now.)

"Certainly I could use your help. There are four concentrations of undead that I've found." Dr. Letts gives Manny the details he has discovered. "Personally I am ill equipped to actually hunt the undead. So I am open to any suggestions you might have."

Preparing a Haven - Support Scene
Approach - Prepared [3]

Dr. Letts thinks that it better to prepare ahead of time than to scramble to meet future threats. As such he has decided to stock his Pocket Universe with various useful items. He first sets about assembling some basic first aid supplies in case of emergencies.

I'm not quite sure how this works mechanically. I assume that by using a support scene I can get another invocation for my demense later. But I'm not sure if it will be useful on its own. I would like to use some of my other aspects to do things like stocking it with furniture and equipment. But I'm not sure if that's how it works or I'm supposed to use an invocation of the demense.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Garden Party

Alice Chandler

"If I happen to come across any Others of that persuasion, I will certainly point you to them then."

Seth nodded, affirming the Diviner's request.

"I will take my leave for now then, and meet you afterwards."

I assume if Seth does meet the Diviner after this, it would be another Social Scene. But it's already established he's meeting Hack-n-Slash after the Party, so how does this work?

Hack-n-Slash [Main Scene]

Approach - Forceful [4]
Character Invocation - Knife Fighter, Fitness Enthusiast, Psychopath (?)
Magic Invocation - Implement (Chef's Knife)
Pact Invocation - Blood Magic
Use 1 Fate Point

Under his lion mask, Seth broke into a deranged grin. So that's how it was going to play out? Very well, he was more than game.

The High Priest drew his Implement, the Chef's Knife, from its sheath. The mark of his station, it was his tool of choice for making a cut on his arm, letting the flowing blood drip onto the blade, to invoke the Pact he has with his god.

"There is blood in the water, time for the hunt. My blood I offer to you, Lord Shezmu, and ask for your divine blessing. Bestow on me the nose of the bloodhound, that no prey will elude my senses. Imbue me with the speed of the falcon, that no prey will escape my clutches. Charge me with the power of the lion, that no prey will survive my fangs nor my claws."

"And with your divine blessing, Lord Shezmu, I will bring you blood. The plundered blood of the unworthy, fit only to be judged... or the freely-given blood of an adherent, sworn to your service."

The ritual completed, the High Priest leaned forward on the balls of his feet, primed for the chase. He is confident in his stamina, being in prime physical condition. He is confident in his knifework, sufficiently so that he was sure it would not prove wanting against an admittedly worthy opponent. Briefly, he considered invoking the Executioner's Blade... but no, not when his intent was weighed towards conversion rather than sacrifice, although the latter was not to be ruled out. Instead, he called upon his Fate once more, to assist in bringing about a satisfactory resolution for himself. And with that, he was as ready as he would ever be.

"Let the blood fly."

And with that, the High Priest set off in pursuit.

I'm not sure whether something like this should be a Support or a Main Scene. Also, whether Psychopath can be carried over from the Social Scene.

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Vanessa

Melissa

Melissa hesitates, but then seems to come to a decision. “I… have no idea, what is going on. I’ve just arrived here and I don’t know anything about things you say.”

[OOC: As a reminder a recently awakened human is called Pawn and would not have access to magic. Practitioners need to learn magic, which is a combination of training to help focus willpower and various arcane knowledge.]

Vanessa

Fiery Fascination

“I will not conclude a Pact. A bond is strength and weakness. Many are the reasons to decline.” The Other falls silent, but then begins to speak again. “I will give you one answer. Do you not as Practitioner seek to snap or exploit the bonds of your foes? You seem weak and without standing - if we are bound by pact, then you shall be the Bond others will seek to control or destroy to conquer me. Grow stronger and then perhaps, I will consider your offer.”

[OOC: The Other seems to be a “She”. Maybe.]

St. John’s River

Vanessa’s bodyguard shines the car lights, improving visibility. The black dog seems to shrink a bit - certainly the darkness made it look bigger, then it was. However, instead of shooting at the animal the bodyguard drives to Melissa - “Let’s get out of here - before this dog takes a bite out of you miss.” he yells. “I think I saw a couple more, we shouldn’t wait, in case they join in.” It seems the concern that Vanessa would be viciously murdered has triggered bodyguard instincts and unfortunately, now he’s interfering with her plan.

Actions
You invoke Bodyguard to shift Darkness to Neutral.
Undead invokes Vicious Murder to shift Bodyguard to Neutral.
Vanessa offers 2-nd claim against Animal Attack Bond.

OOC:

I’ll need a little more description, if you are switching Approach. Basically, to see in what way you are being dramatic and flashy or prepared. Ah, can you edit bodyguard’s name to your character post?]


Dr. Letts

OOC: What you are doing is creating a Situational Aspect: First Aid Supplies, that would apply for a Scene in your Demesne. When that Scene happens is up to you (probably, when you’d need to get medical supplies).

If you invoke other Aspects, you will be able to make specific Situational Aspects or more then one Situational Aspect. I assume First Aid Supplies are easy enough to get, so making such Situational Aspect would be easy enough. If you want to hide a Tank or enough TNT to level a city block there, well, then you’d need to invoke Aspects, that would provide you with access to it.

You don’t need to invoke your Demesne for such Scene. You can do it to play with laws of physics and matter, though the bareness of your Pocket Dimension is both a plus (flexibility) and minus (Power). It’s easier to make stuff in the place, that already has stuff, but you have more constraints, to fit the nature of the Demesne.

Seth Mansour

Moonlit Horror Chase

Seth half expected a scream of terror, but none came. The girl gave him a look, where fear, disgust and defiance all mixed into one, before sprinting away through the woods. The sounds

Opponent’s Aspects
The escaping girl is Silent, giving away zero sound and she looks tough - a Survivor. Seth remembers the Knife in her boot.

Situational Aspects
They are in the Thick Woods [Neutral], which hinder both of their movements. The Moonlight and Darkness [Neutral] change with rapidly moving clouds in the sky. In the distance are the Lights in the Distance [Neutral] - close enough to give about even chance for the girl to escape or for Seth to reach her. And it seems, should Seth succeed, a Knife Fight [Neutral] is likely.

With Seth’s prayer he can smell blood from the Shallow Cut [Positive] on the girl’s cheek and he senses Shesmu’s Endurance [Positive] in his veins.

OOC

You can run multiple scenes, within reason. One scene for Hack-n-Slash, that I believe you’ve updated to Main and one scene for Alice Chandler. I’m sacrificing causality to convenience here.

If there’s danger, then it’s Main Scene.

By my records you’ve spent both invocations of Psychopath - unless you use Fate Point to get a free invoke. And a bit more clarity, of what you are doing with your Implement - would it be strengthening your prey to Shesmu? I’ll resolve your other invocations, after you confirm this one.

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party

Vanessa's affected look breaks down with some sincere sympathy. Could this truly be a pawn? Or is it possible some mundane happened to come here and remain unaware, perhaps a plaything or trap of the Crone?

"I... I see, and I'm sorry to hear that. This must be overwhelming. I think most of the people here came here by means they weren't aware of. Now that I think of it, I'm not exactly sure when or how I found out about this party, even though I remember my preparations for it." With a sigh, she continues, "Did you see something... unusual, supernatural in the past few days, that seemed to change things for you? Have you seen anything strange else, beyond the things of this night? I'm sorry to ask so many questions when you need answers, but I think there are rules, some I know, some I don't, about what it's safe to tell. If you answer those questions, I can tell you more."

OOC: can Vanessa sense if she is a pawn, practitioner, or unaware? Mainly, asking if I can be certain I don't lose Potential by awakening her by myself, is she is somehow an unaware.

Fiery Fascination

"Thank you, spirit. I did not realize that that weakness went both ways. I will make my report to the Council, and I wish you well." As she gathers her supplies, she adds, "I will not ask your name, lest they extort that from me and try to use it against you. But I am curious: you said the children 'seek and offer, and you deliver'. What exactly were they seeking, and what did you give them? If you won't tell me details, can you tell something I can relay to the Council to allay their fears? All I saw was them playing with mundane flames."

The details of my report to Techna will depend on its last answer. After this, Vanessa plans to leave then call Techna after she gets to her car and has driven away from the school.

St. John's River

Vanessa utters a small oath at Gordon's actions, then holds out her hand, hurling the salt it held at the 'dog' as she says, "Not yet. There is something you don't, and can't, understand." Calling upon Mortimer's training, she invokes the Dark Bond to cloud his senses, then calls forth the angry ghost bound within her scissor blades. "As one trained against those of the night, I make this triple command. Sarah, come forth and rend shadow-flesh from this being of death with a false form, but harm no others here. Disguised undead, submit to me as your new master; serve and you, like she, may yet taste blood. Gordon, my trusted companion, we shall leave soon in victory; if you cannot take aim, then wait and shield your eyes as I shield your mind."

Sarah, a young, transparent woman with ragged cuts around her body, appears. Knives, hatchets, and chains with hooks appear around her. Vanessa can see the bloodlust in Sarah's eyes for Gordon, but the oaths she and her husband bound with her hold the wraith obedient, and the wraith rushes towards the dog-form to let her spectral blades tear it to shreds. Vanessa stands poised atop the car, ready to strike at the beast at any openings Sarah's assault leaves, holding the scissors out in a defense fencing position.

I hope that description is flashly enough, especially with a triple command to call on the Rule of Three and a dramatic poise, ready to strike. I am also trying a third questioning of the dog's bond, though the statement to Sarah and the dictum to it.

Using the Dark Bond to keep Gordon from awakening. Yeah, I'll edit my character post in the OOC thread. Did this count as a second invocation of Bodyguard or still the one from earlier?
Invoking my Pact to summon Sarah to help with the fight. I hate to lose an invocation, but gaining this dog as a Pact would be worth it.

Fight on! Here's hopin' I don't die.

EDIT: also, please notice the implicit notion that the undead will get to feed if it is in service to me. I tried to stick a bit of 'carrot' in the statement instead of all 'stick'.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life and Death
Approach: Clever
OOC: What would you say to using Wolsfbane(my familiar) to sense the other and finding its next target? Plan would be for it to bond to a therapy dog. With the dogs senses and the others senses it will have a better chance at finding the culprit. It would rely on the hospital having therapy animals.

Lighting up Dark Streets
Call with Dr. Letts
"Well, the Ghouls sound like the easiest problem to target. We might be able to lure one alone and bind it to get more information. The undead around the Port would be the next easy target, since they would be easy to find. I haven't fought any undead yet, so I'm a bit more hesitant about those kind. I think I may try to go round up a ghoul or two, would you like to come along?"

Demonslayers Party
Approach: Charismatic
"One last question, do you have anything that could help identify or fight the demon?"

Mayhew Mansion
Approach: Charismatic
Also using "The Law Isn't in Stone" Aspect to get them on my side. I'm going to try to bring Filch into the police without pissing off the Mayhews
"No mam, I'm looking to make my life easier and safer. You see I find it strange that a mundane drunk like Filch could kill a Dilettante without aid of a magical verity. The only way to find evidence like that would be to find the man, bring him to the station, and interrogate him. That would go against what I assume are your wishes, and that is a lot of drama I don't want to deal with. So I'm here to ask, if Filch was in a jail cell, would you be able to accomplish your wishes?"

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Social Scene - Alice Chandler

As was requested by the Diviner, Seth looked to meet up with Alice Chandler after the party, picking what seemed to be an appropriate time to approach her. What has she got to say to him?

Main Scene - Hack-n-Slash

So, it was not a hapless victim that was doomed to die by his hands. Instead, he was facing the plucky protagonist of the story, who is bound to bite back like the cornered rat she will eventually become, and stand a good chance of prevailing to boot.

That didn't spell out anything good in Seth's future, as far as he could tell... and yet the grin on his face only grew even wider, as he considered and accepted the narrative being laid out. Of course this was not going to be easy, and he couldn't ask for anything less. This was going to be fun, whichever way it was going to end.

My second use of Psychopath was in the Social Scene immediately preceding this Main Scene, which is why I figured it might be possible that this Aspect would carry forward (maybe Seth regrouping with HnS after the Party should have been a Support instead of a Social Scene instead? Still feeling my way around this system).

As for the Chef's Knife Implement, well... maybe it'll work better if I define beforehand the deeper meanings it conveys, as according to the Pactverse;


Declarative: The chef's knife is both subtle and overt all at once, depending on the context in which it is displayed. Within the bounds of a kitchen, it is an indispensable tool for the preparation of nourishing meals. Outside of a kitchen, it seems to have no apparent use... except perhaps as a ready means of exacting violence. It is a sharp weapon, a threat as opposed to a livelihood. It reflects yet another aspect of Seth's very being that's dual in nature; a delicate balance between civility and barbarism, able to tip to either extreme seemingly at will.

Authoritative: The chef's knife is truly representative of the demon-god Shezmu, patron of Seth Mansour. A deity truly contradictory in nature; as the Lord of Blood and the Headsman of Osiris, Shezmu carries out the fatal sentence of those judged unworthy, decapitating their wretched souls with his executioner's blade. With that same blade, he was also charged with harvesting the flesh of the gods themselves. The chef's knife represents this aspect of Shezmu, the blade that reaps.

However, as the Lord of Wine, Shezmu makes fine red wine enjoyed by the gods themselves; the heads of the wretched are crushed in the wine press, and the blood that flows is transformed into the crimson ambrosia. The flesh he harvested from the carcasses of the dead gods was used to prepare a nourishing feast for a dead pharaoh, who needed the sustenance to ascend to the stars. The chef's knife represents this other aspect of Shezmu, the blade that nourishes.

Socio-cultural: The chef's knife is, as its name implies, most often found in the hands of a chef. Such knives are typically chosen with great care by these masters of food preparation, and tends to be their tool of choice throughout their career, well-used and well-maintained. On the other hand, it is still an imposing blade, one that can easily be used by one so inclined to exact violence on another. As both chef and executioner, the chef's knife is the perfect tool/weapon for the High Priest of Shezmu.

In this case, Seth will be using his Chef's Knife as the "blade that reaps"; it will be his weapon and tool of choice to cut into the flesh and bring the life of its target to a messy end, and the Invocation is intended to guide Seth's hand, via the Implement, to that very effect. There is also an 'optics' component to it; the famous slashers of fiction tend to be associated with iconic weapons that they themselves wield exclusively. And as the Head Priest is playing role of such a slasher, the specific nature of the Chef's Knife in particular would be his iconic weapon, recognizable at a glance (that, hopefully, should add some more power to it).

[ArcaneStomper]

Dr. Letts

Lighting up Dark Streets
Call with Manny
"I admit to some interest in seeing how one would capture a ghoul. Though I don't know how much help I would be in the matter I would be glad to lend you my assistance."

Preparing a Haven
Dr. Letts uses his connections as a Tenured professor to acquire some basic laboratory equipment. The sort that physicists use to measure basic physical constants like gravity or electromagnetic fields.

[DukeGod]

Storm Domain

It isn't hard to realize Cecil is in a bad position. He needed to get those air elementals on his side, or at least, for the sprites to stop going against him.

So, he searches around, bringing up his flute. He plays a fast tempo piece for some seconds, and gradually slows down into a more calm one.

Hopefully, that gets their attention.

"I bear a message from Jacksonville's Council, and ask that you let me pass, to enter the Eye and see it delivered"

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Vanessa Chakravrati

Melissa’s hand goes to her neck, a part concealed by her clothes, but she stops herself. “I… maybe. I don’t quite recall, what it was.”

[OOC:
1. You can assume Garden Party is magical enough, a human couldn't remain unaware here. As for been Pawn or Practitioner, Vanessa leans for the latter - you can usually tell, when somebody knows magic and Melissa seems to know it.
2. Garden Party is happening in Crone’s Demesne. Which means, only people approved by Crone or given access by power equal or greater than Crone’s can enter.]

Demonslayer Party

Manny Brigham

Jeff the Demonslayer sighs. “Not quite. But there’s a clear list of suspects. The Demon wants to control Arcana Ritual. So it would be one of those, who are part of it.”

“So, presumably one of us.” muses Whitemoore. “Well... those of us, who are players, rather then... not.” He picks a piece of pizza from the box. “I’d say, if you have a trump up your sleeve, you wouldn’t exactly be disclosing it to somebody, who may be the Demon.”

From Demonslayer’s expression, it seems Whitemoore may have hit the mark. He continues “The Demon shall seek to control Arcana Ritual - I think only City Lords or magic of Arcana Ritual itself would be sufficient to strip away it’s lies.”

Pierce asks the next question. “Can this Demon masquerade as Lord?”
Demonslayer seems to think on it. “It may.”

Melody Pierce mutters “mhm” under her breath, while Whitemoore is munching down pizza, his eyes distant in thought.

Vanessa Chakravrati

Fiery Fascination

“Playing?” the Other says. “Would fire not burn, if handled carelessly? Would it not destroy, if one treats it like a toy? Clearly, you have seen wrong, for I would not permit such danger. I shall not reveal their desires, for they have sacrificed and I have accepted. Such promises are sacred and their Secrets I shall keep. This is their home, more so then it is yours.”

St. John River Undead

The Vengeful Ghost manifests, a with a knife in her hand. She hurls herself against the dog and it’s vicious vengeance matches that of the creature. The Ghost shall deliver it’s Vengeance [Positive] with it’s Blades of Torment [Positive]. Her bodyguard swears at supernatural manifestation, but it seems his training takes over, as he begins discharging his gun against the dog, while screaming.

The battle is vicious - both sides are about equal, now that Vanessa has invoked support of Sarah. This means they both suffer vicious hits - Vanessa is hit both physically and magically , dog bites and wounds that only Practitioners and Others can see, though unaware may sense. The undead has been weakened and Vanessa is certain, she can banish it - however, she didn’t press it hard enough to bind it into a Pact.

Consequences
Dog Bites (Light)
Magical Mauling (Moderate)

OOC
Vengeance SA restricts Vicious Murder.
Vanessa switches to Charismatic Approach.
Black Dog switches to Forceful Approach.
Vanessa’s arguments are insufficient to successfully challenge the Bond.

You can either banish the enemy or continue the fight, in hopes of scoring a good hit and binding it. Light & Moderate Consequences are generally short-term, but another hit is likely to cause Serious Consequence, that will likely haunt Vanessa for several chapters and would be difficult to be rid of.

Cecil

Storm Domain

The flute attracts attention of smaller air sprites, who seems to focus on trying to wrestle it from Cecil’s hands.

His words are acknowledged by the air elementals. One of them speaks, with voice of howling winds. “The Emissary of the Crooked Council. You are no messenger, but thief, come here to steal from us!”

The winds are calmer, but clam could be deceptive. It’s clear, that for Cecil to gain support from air elementals, he’ll need to disprove their assertion.

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

They meet at a small, cozy cafe, where Chandler seems to be a regular. After waitress brings their drink, the Diviner speaks. “I see three possible culprits for the incident with Richard Mayhew. Let’s call them hunches. I’ll tell them to you, but I’ll need you to either provide me with a payment or pledge a Favor, to be repaid in the future. Are you interested?”

Moonlit Horror Chase

It soon becomes clear, that the girl’s escape from Seth is completely silent - which means, he’d probably would have lost her, if it weren’t for his sense of her blood, he would have had a chance of losing her in darkness. She is a survivor and picks a path through thorny bushes, her slight frame lets her pass through. Seth barrels straight through, ignoring thorns tearing through his flesh, the power of his god pulsing within him. The blood flowing from the cuts feels pleasant, like wine. He manages to overtake her, before she reaches the light and a bit of luck in cloud covering the moon lets him deliver a surprise attack, as Seth circles around a tree to attack unexpectedly, from the front. The knives flash, but guided by his implement, Seth knows, he can’t lose. Warm blood. Flesh. Body contact. It all unites in a single breath taking moment. And then Seth is alone in the woods. Was it all some kind of illusion? He looks at his knife and sees Blood of Young on it.

OOC

Shallow Cut SA restricts Silent Aspect.
Endurance SA restricts Survivor Aspect
Chief’s Knife SA restricts Knife Aspect

Thick Woods [Neutral]
Moonlight and Darkness [Positive][Shifted by Fate]
Lights in the Distance [Positive][Shifted by Fitness Nut]
Knife Fight [Positive][Shifted by Knife Expertise]
Shallow Cut [Positive]
Endurance [Positive]
Chief’s Knife [Positive]


Seth Mansour [Secret]

It seems Mansour established a deeper connection with Hack-n-Slash. Whatever it was - illusion or reality, but it seems Hack-n-Slash allowed Seth to glimpse a secret side of it.

The Blood of Young holds within it magic, that could prove useful...


OOC 2

Psychopath Invocations
1. Garden Scene - impress Hack-n-Slash
2. Garden Scene - intimidate Mayhew

Well, your Pact Magic and Implement make you a frikkin Jason Voorhes. The outcome was sort of obvious. Though you can say, the encounter was tailored towards your strengths.


Manny Brigham

Balance of Life and Death

[OOC: The way you do the invocation would matter. I’m a bit uncertain, whether you are invoking Wolfsbane as Therapy Dog or as Keen Dog Senses, from your description. If it’s Therapy Dog, then it would be effective at sniffing out Others, who affect emotions, while if you invoke it as Keen Dog Senses, you may detect physical effects of Others actions, such as faint smells. Naturally, there are other ways you can do the invocation, that may provide different spectrum of information.]

Mayhew Mansion

“Oh, but you underestimate Filch.” answers Priscilla. “Some men break beneath the feet of their betters, but some grow dangerous, like cornered rats. If boys in blue manage to get Filch before our Fetches, give me a call. We’ll arrange for the rest. No need for him to rave of strange things he saw, even if it would be dismissed as an attempt at insanity defense.
Filch isn’t going to get an interrogation, only execution.”

She examines Manny. “Well, I may have been a bit too harsh to you, officer. I like boys, who don’t play by the rules.”

Dr. Letts

Dr. Letts secures funds from the university to acquire measuring equipment, for his latest project.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

Approach - Quick [3]

Having changed out of his High Priest attire, Seth Mansour in his civilian life is a muscular, tan-skinned man with black hair and a mustache, still presenting an imposing figure. Nevertheless, he seemed polite enough as he took his seat opposite Alice, nodding to the waitress as the drinks were served. He mulled over the Diviner's words, nursing his drinks while considering his options. At length, he spoke in turn.

"First things first, let's hear the kind of payment you're looking for. And the kind of Favor for that matter, because I was given to understand that pointing you to a prophetic Other if I come across them would count as such. After that, I can decide how I would prefer to repay you in kind."

"Secondly... I think you may be assuming that I give more of a damn about Richard Mayhew's fortunes, than I actually do. How about this; would you have any idea as to who, in this Community, is holding a grudge against me? Who may be wishing ill on me, so much so that they'll act to make it happen? Because more likely than not, that's the same guy who caused the whole incident in the first place."

He paused, looking around for the menu, before turning back to Alice.

"On a side note, what do you recommend here? Professional interest, you see."

Hack-n-Slash

The High Priest breathed heavily from his exertions, reveling in the scents of the kill. Noticing the blood that was coated on his knife, Seth raised it in the air, and raised his voice as well so Hack-n-Slash, wherever the Other may be, could hear him.

"I offer my thanks, Hack-n-Slash, for this most entertaining night. I offer my thanks, for showing me a part of what you really are. And I offer my thanks, for the gift of the kill's blood you have bestowed upon me! Let this establish a friendship between us for the ages, and may we hunt together soon! If ever you have need for me, just call upon me whenever you wish!"

Glancing down again at the Blood of Young on his blade, Seth took a few seconds to consider what best to do with it. Finally, he made his decision; he did promise that he'll bring his god blood, didn't he? In which case, there was only one thing to do. He would make an offering of it to Lord Shezmu, in return for whatever blessing his divine patron may bestow upon him in return.

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party
staying Charismatic, friendly and empathetic

Vanessa nods, some caution mixing with her sympathy. Melissa is obviously holding some secrets close. Still, she reminds Vanessa of her younger self.

"Well, I guess I can tell you some things safely. I sense an air of magic about you, so I imagine you know some magical arts, though perhaps I just sense your potential. Probably the biggest warning I could give you is that others here will try to use you. Myself included, to a degree, but I remember myself when I was introduced to this world, and, well, I'd like to give you a hand if I can."

Vanessa gives a summary of the other persons gathered here, trying to keep any bias out of her statements, although she mentions caution about getting on the bad side of the City Lords or the Council. She also tells briefly of the War and how one Lord died to be replaced by the invader.

"If you're interested and willing, I could take some time to train you in some basic magicks. Wards, focusing your will, and the such. I had some formal training as a practitioner, so I know some basic lessons that are helpful. The only payment I'd request would be your goodwill and a favor for the future. Nothing that would risk your life or power, just assistance. "

She also asks, "Do you know the terms implement, demesne, and familiar, and do you have one or more of these?"

Basically, trying to set up a Support Scene (or Social, if that'd work) where she trains Melissa, in exchange for a future favor to call in.

From what Melissa has said, can I tell if she became aware before or after the War? Also, how long ago was the War?


Demonslayer's Party
shifting to Paranoid Approach with this dangerous topic

"For the Lords, I doubt it could be masquerading as the Crone. We were all at the Garden Party, and I imagine the demonic taint would have corrupted the demesne, if the demesne and Earthblood Pact would not outright reject a usurper."

Rather than risk speaking out against the other two Lords, Vanessa simply stays silent regarding them.

Fiery Fascination
Prepared Approach for reporting to Techna

"Then I will respect you, your Bond, and your and their Secrets. Thank you, spirit, for your time."

Vanessa finishes collecting her supplies, does a bit of paperwork for the sake of her supposed reason for being at the school, then leaves.

Once she's driven well away from the school, she calls Techna.

"Hi. It's Vanessa. I was able to speak with the Other. It's a strong fire elemental, but not like most I've heard of. I think it might be a spirit of creativity or insight; it had what looked like math problems or formula sheet smouldering within it, and the tech spirits of the school resonated support for the spirit.

I mentioned Nineteen O'One, and it got angry at the thought of being associated with it and very angry at the thought of making children into arsonists. I'm not sure what it's relationship with the children is, but it seems to mean them and the school no harm. I think it has a strong Bond to the school, and perhaps the children as well. It did say that it keeps all of Nineteen O'One's minions out of the school.

To be honest, I think this Other might be beneficial against Nineteen O'One. Although I know it's the Council's decision, my recommendation would be to not try to banish it."

St. John's River
staying Charismatic

Vanessa grimaces at the pain, metaphysical as well as physical, from the undead's assault. She can tell she could banish it now, but--such a little victory for so much already spent...

As the dog's teeth sink into her arm, she drives her scissorblade into its eye with her other hand. When the beast jumps back and prepares its next attack, she lets a cruel smile come on her face and calls out, "Know that I could banish you now, but I have sacrificed too much this night for such a paltry prize as sending you back. My shed blood, my companion's sanity, part of the Pact my husband entrusted to me... no, these Three will not be spent in vain! What I have spent shall bear rich fruit, and you shall serve me. Now, submit!"

She slashes with her blades as Gordon's gunfire and Sarah's spectral weapons convene on the 'dog'.

Invoking the City Aspect of the Crone by spending my last Fate Point. Also, going for a rule of Three emphasis by mentioning thee costs.

From an OOC perspective, I definitely hope to avoid a major consequence, but if I get one I learn the system mechanics of having one, so that's a small consolation :smalltongue:

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life and Death
ooc: The plan was to have the spirit in dog and use its senses. I imagine the spirit itself will be the best at finding the culprit, and a therapy dog will be the best way to get the spirit in the building.

Murderer of Practitioner
Approach Prepared, Main Scene
Aspects: Police Officer, Chris Numan, Positive Community Figure
"I'll get back with you then." Manny takes his leave and begins organizing a search. He will use his influence in the community to get Filch's face out, and set up a hotline with Chris Numan for anyone who knows or has seen Filch. Hopefully this will create a large drag net to get his location with.

Light in Dark Streets
To Dr. Letts
ooc: I'm going to use a Main scene for the trap, but I'm going to wait for one of my other paths to finish first.

[Thelonius]

Demonslayer Party

Vanessa

Whitemoor shrugs. “I would say, you shouldn’t rule out Crone. Her control over Demesne may allow her to hide corruption within it - and from what Jeff has told us, the demon may have enough power to masquerade as it’s master. And as for Earthblood Pact, as go between, she has exclusive access to it. Unless Council decides to check on Earthpact’s condition, we wouldn’t know if it has perhaps rejected her.”

Melody Pierce seems irreverent of Lords. “I’d say they are all prime suspects. Techna says Crone went bonkers, from being a thousand years old, and that Hack-n-Slash job is a strike against her, Morrigan’s assault comes at most convenient time, I mean is she really The Morrigan? and then there’s the big question mark of the Third Lord. I mean, who the **** is he-she? If I could become anybody, I'd become the top dog.”

Garden Party

Vanessa

Melissa

“Thank you for the crash course. I think I’ll need some time to process that, but if you could show me the ropes, then okay, I guess I’ll owe you. ”

Another guest of the party, Whitemoore passes by. He gives a small bow and a smile, before handing Melissa a card. “My address. I’d recommend you to take Vanessa on her offer and visit me sometime afterwards, once you’ve settled in and learned the basics. I may know a useful thing or two.” He quickly leaves the pair of women, to approach Virginia Cain.

From this moment and over next week's, Vanessa feels her magic power grow, quite inexplicably, as if some outside strength is pouring into her.

[Vanessa gains +1 Magic Title. Effective for any new Scenes, the already running ones will remain with your old Magic Title]

Vanessa

Fiery Fascination

“Strong Fire Elementals serve Nineteen-O-One, but the way you describe it, it could be either a Conceptual or Tech-Spirit. I’ll pass the message to Council and maybe check it out later. If it didn’t eat you, then I guess it’s safe to talk to. Good job. I’ll inform the Council, to deliver your reward.”

Reward: Vanessa senses change in the currents of Fate. She gains 2 Fate Points.

St. John’s River

Vanessa drives the creature into corner with it’s attack and the undead issues a silent howl, before Vanessa’s magic binds it. And then she feels attention of something from the other side of the Veil - perhaps attracted by this prolonged fight. Whatever the source of it, there’s no question, it’s going to be trouble. Without Demesne to protect herself, Vanessa may consider strengthening her defenses.

She also senses Crone's momentary presence, perhaps because her city aspect was invoked. She thinks she heard a faint whisper "A farmer chooses her land wisely, before planting her crop.".

Combat Results:
Gained Minor Consequence: Dog Bites (1 Damage in one Scene)
Gained Medium Consequence: Magic Mauling Aspect (Short-Term)
Gained Major Consequence: Attention from Beyond the Veil (Long-Term)
Gained Pact: Vicious Black Dog [2]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

“You are saying, somebody hates you, so much, that they want to murder you?” Chandler raises her eyebrow in question. “That sounds a little far fetched, who would want to kill you?” She seems intrigued and closes her eyes for a moment, perhaps drawing upon her power. When she opens it, she shakes her head sadly. “The identity of your supposed enemy is a Secret. I don’t have power to overcome it’s magic, not unless you give me something to work with. I fear, your request exceeds my capabilities.”

Hack-n-Slash

[OOC: Will you make the offering here and now or would you commit to an official ceremony? The latter would take a Support Scene.]

Manny Brigham

Balance of Life & Death [Support Scene]

Wolfsbane manages to feels an undead presence in the hospital, detecting the unnatural energies of the undead. It’s likely a large number of leecher undead, draining life from people. Clearly, they are masquerading as benign Others, inhabiting the hospital. Unfortunately, Wolfsbane is unable to provide clues, to who that could be - the leecher undead lack physical body and as such dog’s senses can’t track them.

Murderer of Practitioner [Support Scene]*

Manny soon notices a tall man in trenchcoat and hat following him - a disguise of Mayhew’s Fetch, they seem to have attached to Manny, to keep an eye on him.

He soon receives a phone call from Numan. “Got a hot tip, seems like our target has holed in a residential complex. A slum to be exact. He’ll likely move soon and the place has enough exits to make it hard to follow him. Should I call for back-up? We get enough officers to block all exits, then he’s not getting away.”

*At this point, it doesn’t qualify as Main Scene.

[DukeGod]

Storm Domain
"I do simply as is asked of me. But I come not to steal, simply to deliver a message. And would not hope to reach the Eye, without paying a toll. Name a price, let's bargain!"

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

Approach - Instinctive [3]

"Indeed? That's a shame."

Seth murmured, putting his hands to his chin. Leaving unsaid that the identity of his unknown enemy was not only magically concealed, but done so with magic powerful enough to thwart even the Diviner, was an interesting fact in itself. Not to mention the even more interesting fact, that Alice's thoughts had jumped straight to murder of his person, when he had said nothing of the sort; the most Seth had said was that his enemy "wished ill" of himself. Almost as if there was something the Diviner knew, and wasn't telling him... but what?

"That said, giving something for you to work with, hmmm? Is that in the sense of a focus to guide your prophetic powers, or alternatively a power source you can use to penetrate the veil that's concealing my enemy's identity?"

Support Scene - Blood Offering

Approach - Prepared [2]

Something like this was best handled in the proper manner, and in good order. Thus, as the High Priest wrapped his Chef's Knife in a heavy cloth (to conceal as well as retain the Blood of Young for later), he ruminated on the list of things he would need for the offering ceremony to be held later.

The Blood of Young as the main offering, yes, but apart from that. Some red wine to represent Shezmu's role as the Lord of Wine, yes. A bottle of cologne for reflecting his patron as the Lord of Perfume, and some of that essential oil he got from that aromatherapy place to symbolize his god as the Maker of Precious Oils. And some grapes, which the High Priest would later crush with his feet while singing and dancing, as part of the ritual...

I envision the use of Seth's Prepared trait as organization not being his strongest point, but competent enough to have at least the basics in place, if not anything particularly elaborate.

This also ties in with Seth's latest question to the Diviner; can the offering grant Seth some store of divine power, which he can subsequently pass on to the Diviner so the latter can use it to break the Secret regarding his enemy?

[JeenLeen]

EDIT IN: Demonslayer Party

A thought is formed from Pierce's words. "Jeff, is there any reason tech spirits might be a weakness to the demon more than most, that could explain it wanting to weaken or eliminate Techna?"

Garden Party

No new actions, beyond making plans with Melissa for later and exchanging contact info to determine an exact time. Still waiting for the right time to reveal a Secret at the Garden Party.
OOC: would training Melissa be a Social or Support scene? I feel like I should spend a Support scene bolstering my defenses after getting that major consequence, so I'd like to spend my last Social scene for training with Melissa, if possible. Alternatively, could I combine them by having my 'training' her include showing her the creation of the wards? Upside is I save the scene, cost is that Melissa would have an easier time than most bypasses the wards.

St. John's River
Paranoid approach for retreat

Vanessa commands the beast to get into the trunk and to remain still and silent, as she consoles Gordon and bandages and disinfects her wounds. Well, her physical ones. She then gives a cautious look to the darkness behind her and lines the car with a dusting of salt, before driving away.

She drives around for some time, crossing several bridges for the wards living water offers, before driving home. Beyond making it harder for the Whatever to track her, she waits until Gordon falls asleep. She then calls Mortimer to report. "Hello, Mortimer. Well, I managed to bind the undead threatening the river. It was... powerful and a hard fight, but I won. However, I sensed some greater spirit from beyond the Veil notice me. Beyond the basic wards we talked about, do you have any recommendations for what I could place at home? Also... this is my first corporeal undead bound. If I command it to stay somewhere, be silent, and only attack those who are not my guests, would it be compelled to obey?"

OOC: my idea now is to command the undead to stay in my basement, being silent, and not attacking me, Gordon, or anyone I announce as my guest. Is that legitimate? I figure it's a risk storing it in my house, since that makes it open to attacks, but the trade-off is that it is there and will (if it chooses) attack an intruder.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life and Death
Approach: Sneaky?
I will use a Fate point to be at The Time of Death for someone, so we can see the Spirit involved in the crime.

Demonslayers Party
[i]Approach: Charismatic
"Without more information trying to say who is the demon is only going to lead to our own doom. After all Techna could just as well be the demon, and Crone's attack was trying to remove the threat. What we need is a test of some kind to identify the demon. I have a bad idea for a test for us lower practitioners, where we get into a life or death situation that we could not get out of ourselves. If the demon is present, it would step in to make sure its vessel doesn't get destroyed. This idea doesn't work very well for stronger practitioners."

[b]Murderer of Practitioner[b]
Approach: Sneaky
"He's wanted for murder, and a high profile one. Lets bring the guys in to make sure we bring him in." Manny then gets in his car and gets to the location as quick as he can. Once arrived, Manny will have the other officers lock down the other exits, while he sneaks up to the room to try and bring Filch down peacefully.

[JeenLeen]

Manny Bingham

Demonslayers Party
Approach: Charismatic
"Without more information trying to say who is the demon is only going to lead to our own doom. After all Techna could just as well be the demon, and Crone's attack was trying to remove the threat. What we need is a test of some kind to identify the demon. I have a bad idea for a test for us lower practitioners, where we get into a life or death situation that we could not get out of ourselves. If the demon is present, it would step in to make sure its vessel doesn't get destroyed. This idea doesn't work very well for stronger practitioners."


Vanessa eyes the others practitioners in the room, then says, "While I admit that logic holds, it's not something I'd risk. It sounds too much like the old witch drownings to me: either we are the demon and we survive, or we aren't the demon and we're dead. I know some of my actions haven't shown it, but I don't want to risk my life unnecessarily."

With a smile, she adds, "But, Manny, I do like the idea of some test. Jeff, do you have any ideas, from what you know of the creature? Hmm... and if demons are true, maybe the Shining Ones are something like angels, and are their counterpart in some way. Have you talked to the Ambassador?"

[Thelonius]

Demonslayer Party

Vanessa & Manny

Demonslay seems ambivalent about “Jeff”, perhaps trying to figure out whether he’s embarrassed by the Demonslayer nickname or prefers how imposing it sounds, compared to his real name. “Well… threatening the Demon to the point, it has to expose itself would be effective. But, yeah, witch trials. May turn ugly. I don’t know, whether Tech-Spirits have some advantage against Demon… well, they are new. We don’t know that much about them, really.”

“I’ve talked with Ambassador a bit at the party, but I’m afraid my standing in the community is rather low, so it’s hard learn more about it’s members. I don’t have a way to expose Demon yet, but perhaps the Arcana Ritual itself may give us such tools. Or perhaps Lords and city magic.”

Cecil

“We have been offered such bargain before - tricked and deceived!” The air elemental roars. “Our payment stolen by your Council.” It examines Cecil and it’s tone shifts to more gentle one - the air elementals are often mercurial, quick to change their moods. It seems Cecil had a bit of luck, as it offers: “Pay us in Council’s Coin - the power of Fate!”

[OOC: Air Elemental asks for 1 Fate Point. Cecil suspects he needs just one more push to reach the Eye of the Storm - either up the ante and offer greater reward for greater assistance or find ways to neutralize issues, like exposure, mercurial winds and wind sprites, that hinder him.]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

Alice ticks off options with her fingers. “Yes, first if you could provide me with power sufficient to break city magic, then I may learn more. Second, if you could weaken the secret, it may release its lock on the future. The third option is to learn the identity of your enemy by bypassing the secret. Unfortunately, we don’t know the nature of the secret - what exactly it is hiding. Could be the name of your enemy, could be something different, that just gets in the way by coincidence. So, sometimes it is merely the matter of asking the right question. Of course I wouldn’t wish to meddle with secrets blindly, the consequences are not nice.”

Blood Offering

[OOC: To clarify, do you invoke additional aspects, like Wine Connoisseur for this scene? It’s implied in your action, but you don’t list it as aspect invocation. And it’s up to you to ask for something specific or let the god decide, which blessing to bestow. Naturally, outrageous requests would have consequences, but I think you’ll be wise about it.]

Vanessa

Training Melissa

[You can combine it with making wards - though of course focus would be on wards in that case. It can be either Social or Support Scene, but effect would be different - one is talking, the other is practical experience.]

St. John’s River

“Ah. You sensed something. I have my theories. I think we should meet, once I’ve verified them. As your reward, perhaps I could place some defenses for your house? It sounds, like a prudent thing to do.” offers Mortimer.

[*To clarify, Mortimer would like to speak on the subject of other side of Veil in the next chapter, timewise. You can stick the undead dog in your house, no problem.]

Manny Brigham

Balance of Life and Death

In about an hour, a new patient with a gunshot wound arrives to the hospital. Manny recognizes him - a fellow police officer at his station, Johnny Gordon, a recent graduate from academy, he got his trial by fire, during the Morrigan’s storm and has been on the streets in the thick of it since, as city needed every officer to keep order. Numan arrives shortly, to fill in Manny on the situation, as Gordon is being operated. “Just senseless bad luck. A kid was stealing and had a gun on him… I don’t think he had it in him to shoot, but got spooked and fired by accident. Damn.” Numan seems depressed and goes to encourage Gordon’s partner. The operation is successful as doctor explains to shot officer’s relatives, that, he got lucky the bullet didn’t hit a few centimeters to the left. Still, he is weak and the next two days will be critical to his recovery.

It’s easy for Manny to explain his presence next to Gordon’s room, a fellow officer, keeping vigil on an officer from his precinct. There’s a bond between Manny and Gordon, strong enough for him to senses, when the attack comes. His cunning approach has worked. Most of the suspects have been eliminated and only three remain:

Situational Aspects
The target of the attack Johnny Gordon [Positive], is unconscious, fighting for his life. The Thin Veil [Neutral] in the hospital let's Manny catch glimpses of darkness beyond. A single press of a button will summon a Nurse [Neutral]. The three suspects - Elemental of Blood [Neutral], from the recent blood transfusion, Tech-Spirits of Painkillers [Neutral], that were administered to Gordon and Conceptual Spirit of Pain [Neutral], hovering above him.

Suspects
Elementals of Blood
Tech-Spirits of Painkillers
Conceptual Spirits of Pain

[OOC: Your options are Magical Exorcism or exposing identity of undead-leechers and calling hospital spirits to banish them through Social Challenge. As Hospital Spirits are supportive to your cause, you have +1 to Social Title for this Scene.]

Murder of Practitioner

As Manny arrives to the scene, the Fetch, who has been following him falls behind - the circle of alert police officers around the building would probably destroy it. However, Manny’s phone rings, just as he prepares to enter the building.

“This is Richard.” he hears Mayhew’s voice. “Good job on cornering that rat. Now make a hole in your goons encirclement, so that my Fetches could get in. They’ll arrange things to look like suicide, so you’ll get your credit for cornering the killer. Would certainly save the city a bunch of money on trial.” It seems Mayhew expects to be obeyed and deal with Filch himself.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

"So long story short, it's possible. But it's neither efficient, nor really advisable for that matter. okay."

Seth nodded, digesting what Alice had said. A few seconds' pause, then he spoke up again.

"Alright. So while I'm thinking this over, let's talk payment first. What sort of payment would you be looking for in particular? Both if I were to ask about the Mayhews, and if I were to ask your assistance with this nameless enemy of mine."

Blood Offering

Oh, I didn't actually think that Wine Connoisseur would have been relevant. But since you say it can be used, then...

Invocation - Wine Connoisseur

[JeenLeen]

note on dog: I'm thinking of concepts of the Pact terms, but I'll post it in the OOC thread later once I have it finalized. For now, dog stored in basement with some words to keep it from luring people to their doom, can't attack me, Gordon, allies, guests, etc. I put some ideas for how to invoke the Pact in my character sheet; let me know if they are too strong.

No NPCs have stated Secrets at the Garden Party, right?

St. John's River

Vanessa lets thankful relief flow into her voice. "Thank you, Mortimer, that would be grand. Let's touch base when we have time." Internally, she feels regret at forsaking another prize for this one, but--well, at least she is learning where to plant, as the Crone said.

She then makes another phone call, to a somewhat disreputable private security firm her husband had used in the past. After giving her client code, she requests a 24/7 house guard for the new few days and transfers the needed funds. She knows it isn't the most moral route, but having a circle of unaware should keep most undead away--or at least raise an alarm so she can be prepared or flee, as needed. She does explicitly tell the dog these are guests.

Invoking Chakravrati Wealth to gain a temporary Mundane Security aspect until Mortimer can set up the wards.

Support Scene: training Melissa
Prepared Approach, trying to offer formalized training while also getting a sense of Melissa's magical power. Invoking Social/Enchantress to call on formal training.

The morning after the event with the undead dog, Vanessa calls Melissa. Explaining that there are unaware at her home, Vanessa requests they meet at Melissa's or some neutral yet relatively private place. (If Melissa doesn't like the idea of her home and can't think of any suggestions, Vanessa proposes a park where some folk doing meditations and circles and stuff would just look like strange New Age stuff to onlookers.)

Calling on her formal training as a Enchantress to guide her lessons, Vanessa starts with some principles of focusing the will and meditation as a safeguard and for healing. While doing the examples, Vanessa tries to shore up the metaphysical wounds from her magical mauling, using that as a lecture. They also focus on some wards and the basics of banishing and binding, Bond Sense, etc.

Vanessa explains the concepts of familiar, implement, and demesne. She asks Melissa if she has any of those or any Pacts.

Demonslayer's Party

"I'm sorry that you suffer from that, like us Dilettantes. I was thinking... although I'm a little hesitant saying it aloud amongst so many... but what if a team of us here, or at least some of us, investigate that trace of power that been sensed of late? I at least assume all of you have felt it.

If we find the power, we could declare our intention to split it evenly but to pull it in order to reveal the demon, if a good opportunity arises. If it is some resource we can't split, I'm sure we can find a solution where one person gets the prize while owing favors to the others. If we find it is instead a trap... well, as a group we should be able to eliminate whatever is generating that lure and thus gain some respect in the city. Either way, it should help Demonslayer's standing in the city as well as our own."

Although she glances over the crowds, as well as at the mirrors, to try to keep everyone's interest, her eyes rest mainly upon Manny and Demonslayer.

[DukeGod]

Storm Domain
"Of. If it is like that, then I'll ask for this to be a proper pact between Practioner and Elemental. I will work the magic of fate, and make the winds of fortune blow your way, if you will allow me to summon your power 5 times, the first use of which I swear will be to propel me towards the Eye."

Cecil says barely without thinking, unwilling to be seen hesitating, but he is nerve wracked. Has he asked for too much or too few?

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Demonslayer Party
"I might be able to spare some time looking, but my schedual is pretty booked for the forseeable future."
ooc: Thel - is my balance of Life and Death still a support scene or has it become a main? I think right now I have one social, one main, and one support scene left. Is that right by your count?

Balance of Life and Death
Getting more and more worried about his fellow officer, but not much to go on Manny begins thinking in circles, trying to determine which Other is false. Is blood an element? Is Pain a concept or a physical thing? The peaceful passing of the last victim would point to painkillers. In the end, Manny decides Pain isn't a concept, but a physical thing, and therefore the culprit. Manny will call out the Conceptual Spirits of Pain and call on the hospital spirits to banish the killer.

Murderer of Practitioner
Approach Sneaky
Manny hangs up the phone and walks back to the building, looking for any news crews. no news means the Mayhews can see and hear through their fetches. Good to know when they are hunting me down. Manny approaches the cops guarding the exits. "Let me try going in alone first. I may be able to get him to come down without a fight."
Manny will go in alone, approach Sneaky

[Thelonius]

Demonslayer Party

Oz Bender perks up at the mention of power traces. “I’ve made some inquiries already actually. It seems that the power originates from a warehouse in the docks, one would need to bypass unaware security to get in. Perhaps out police officer would be able to do it?”

Whitemoor speaks up as well. “Let us not forget about the Aspect of Strife. The more of us cooperate, the strong would be Strife’s pull to tear us apart. This meeting so far has been fairly free of Morrigan’s Aspect, but I suspect it has to do with levels of commitment to this project. The more of us working together to retrieve that power from warehouse… well that leaves us open to invocations of Strife, from enemies, if such are present. Just a word of advice on my part.”

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

“I fear, the only thing you can offer me would be an open ended favor, to be redeemed, before end of Arcana Ritual. Unless, you’d be willing to trade secrets of Hack-n-Slash, if you’ve learned of him, but I suspect, that’s unlikely.”

Blood Offering

The divine power infuses Chef’s Blade, which seems to absorb Young Blood, until only shining steel remains.

Seth falls on his knees, overwhelmed by the power of Shezmu and a divine vision descends upon him, merely three words of guiding wisdom. As he recovers, he notices the wine bottle, he spilled as part of the ritual, before him and knows, what must be done.

Seth Mansour [Secret]

“Speak with Earthblood.”

The voice of his god rings in his ears, sings in his blood. The bottle of wine has received Shezmu blessing - if it’s filled with worthy blood and that blood is spilled in the place, where Earthblood can be contacted, the ancient spirits will wake from their slumber and speak with one, who brought them holy offering.


OOC: Seth gaines +1 Invocation per Chapter for his Implement, Chief’s Knife.

Cecil

Storm Domain

“Cheeky bastard.” The Air elemental roars, with what could be laughter. “Full of hot air, ain’t you. You are no Morrigan to promise us winds of fortune. Make an offer that is more reasonable or we shall plunge you down, into the cold waters of storm.”

[OOC: Yeah, your Fate Title is 1. It’s not going to impress. The Air Elemental in question is Magic 4+, one of the larger ones, so pretty powerful. Vanessa beat Undead that was stronger with her, but this one is located in Storm's Domain, it's home turf. You’d have better chances with Air Sprites, who are either equal or weaker, than you.]

Vanessa

St. John’s River

[OOC: Organizing Security would be a Support Scene. It’s separate from St. John River’s Scene. You don’t need to spend Scenes on Mortimer’s work.]

Training Melissa

As Vanessa begins training Melissa, she finds that her power is [Magic Title 1]. However, she soon finds, that whatever concept she explains, Melissa grasps almost immediately and her progress is astoundingly fast. To the point, the Vanessa begins to wonder, if her pupil was actually faking ignorance. By the end of their training, Melissa has advanced to [Magic Title 2], a progress that should be impossible in such short amount of time, without use of certain special methods, Vanessa herself unfortunately doesn’t know.

She also notices, that Melissa seems to have a tattoo, showing on her neck, that she tries to keep covered. Vanessa feels a tingle of power coming from it.

It seems Melissa has taken on Whitemoor’s offer, as she alternates in her lessons between him and Vanessa - though what she learns from him remains unknown.

[OOC: Unfortunately, you can’t split your attention between treating wounds and teaching.]

Manny

Scenes

Support
Balance of Life & Death (Investigation)
Murder of Practitioner (Finding
1 Free
Main
Balance of Life & Death
Murder of Practitioner
1 Free
Social
Garden Party
Demonslayer Pizza Party
Visiting Mayhews (oh was part of Support Scene to Investigate. In that case, you won't get benefits from that social scene, but you'll have one more Social scene.)

Balance of Life and Death required investigation scene to track down the killer, but you can expect higher reward for it.


Balance of Life and Death [Main Scene]

[OOC: I may have mislead you about with intangible description. The blood elemental is possessing transfusion blood, while painkiller Tech-Spirits are possessing painkillers. Or perhaps possession isn’t quite the right word for it - perhaps they are the animistic souls of these things. They are intangible in that sense - and though they can manifest physical bodies, but in order to affect humans, they don’t need to. You can’t identify the killer on this characteristic.]

Murderer of Practitioner [Main Scene]

Manny enters the place. The locals have little love for police Residents [Negative], so they would likely hinder him. There are many floors and apartments, a Residential Building [Neutral], but Filch has nowhere to run, it’s only a matter of time for Manny to find him. The report warned him, that suspect had a Pistol [Neutral] - but from the file Manny read on Filch, it’s unlikely, that he would know how to handle a gun. He notices a Fire Sprite [Neutral] - must be one of those scouts he heard about, that are making trouble across the city.

Then Manny notices a Fetch [?]. It’s a different one, from the one that followed him before and he is certain, none could have entered the building, without his fellow officers noticing them. The Fetch walks through a small crack between the wall and door - Slipping Through Cracks [?] and disappears from view.

Then Manny hears Filch - the man must have noticed him somehow, his voice is coming from a locked apartment, though there are likely more than one exit from it. “You are that cop, that you cultists have on the force, right.” he shouts. “Come to eliminate me? Well, can I ask just one question?”

Manny [Secret]

“Why the **** me? Why did you ruin my life? Whatever have I done to deserve this?” Manny hears desperation, anger, fear in this voice. It’s a voice of man with nothing to lose, and such men are dangerous. “Took my job, my friends, ruined my reputation, ****ing KILLED MY WIFE! Just tell me why!”

Manny’s phone vibrates and he carefully checks the message, while holding his gun ready. It’s from Richard Mayhew. “Get your police buddies out of the way. Filch is mine. Don’t cross me, or you will regret it..”

[JeenLeen]

OOC: okay, no mundane defenses or healing wounds for now. Also, by my count, I have 1 Main Scene. If I don't want to do a Main thing, could I use it for Support actions?
Also, that Aspect of Strife is an awesome way to justify how practitioners tend not to work together. Cool setting thing.

Do I know if Melissa has a familiar, implement, or demesne?

Training with Melissa

Vanessa's concerns about Melissa grow as the training continues. Jacksonville is a strange place, probably moreso while the Arcana Ritual is in play, but this is not normal. Still, she sticks to the lessons.

"Melissa, I realize this is a personal question, but can I ask you about that mark on your neck? I feel an energy from it, and I gather it's somehow related to your awakening to this world. If you'd let me see it, I could see if I can decipher something about its magicks. Could be helpful for you to know."

Demonslayer Party

"Perhaps we can mitigate the impact of Strife by a mix of limiting our numbers and agreeing not to discuss the payout until after all the dust has settled? I could see a party of four working well, one for each cardinal direction to symbolize protecting and supporting one another. Assuming you all are willing, I'd suggest Oz, Manny, Demonslayer, and myself.

Also, we are all either relatively new to the city or at least to be active participants in magical society, but none of us are novices as practitioners. Those of you more established in the city may find its magical trapping more... likely to notice, you could say, no?

Let me state, though, for the purposes of avoiding Strife: I don't name that party to exclude those of you more experienced or established here. If any of you are interested, I am sure we could make room--but it just sounds like Oz is the only one already working towards this goal, or at least willing to share knowledge of his work in a cooperative effort.."

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

"Unlikely indeed. So... open-ended favour before end of the Arcana Ritual.
But, I get right of first refusal for any such favour asked of me, and it's considered fulfilled if I come across and subsequently introduce you to any Others with prophetic or divinatory powers. Sounds fair?"

"I'd go on to give you an idea of how my... talents are best employed. But, I figure that's something you'll know well enough already."

Blood Offering

Seth stooped down to pick up the wine bottle, pondering the words of his god in silence. Well, that is going to be something of a tall order, as divine commandments go. But he was going to see it through, somehow.

End of Scene

[JeenLeen]

Garden Party
Charismatic approach

Vanessa walks around, sampling the delicacies that were laid out and chit-chatting with some of the others and Others gathered.

Noticing the hour, she decides to stop waiting for others to first announce their secrets.
She walks to a spot near the middle of the crowd, takes a wine glass, and dings it thrice with a spoon. Standing so her dress accentuates her best features and speaking so her voice carries, she announces to the room:

"I have decided I have a true secret to share, in bid for the Priestess Card: there is a group of practitioners who would pay greatly to have me delivered to them.
Many of my relatives are practitioners. I abandoned them, and anyone who abandons the family is to be killed, bound, or made an example of. I admit I don't know the exact details of what they would want to do to me since I have avoided them, but my actions in leaving them to come here and be with Ramul are such that I expect I'd be killed or be wishing for death. Anyone who could find my birth family and turn me over to them would gain a great reward, I'm sure. If he's still alive, the man I was engaged to when I met Ramul may also offer some rewards."

With a smile, she bows towards the Third Lord, then adds, "And--I assume others have been biding their time, waiting to hear the first secret so they could trump it with their own. I know I was, but the hour is getting late. I would hope, out of fairness, some weight or other boon would be given me taking the initiative and starting the secrets to flow."

I'm aiming for a -2 to -3 on my Family Debt secret, but I defer to you for what's appropriate.

[Thelonius]

Garden Party

Vanessa

Third Lord muses over the announcement, before conceding with a sigh. “An incomplete revelation, but I suspect, I would hardly get better ones. Very well, I shall award the Arcana Card to you, unless somebody trumps your offer, before clock strikes ten o’clock.”

The guests listening to the announcement with rapt attention relax and soon conversations resume. It seems nobody else is prepared to offer a secret of their own. Sinful Jack winks at Vanessa, before taking to another bottle of champagne in his quest to earn the strongest hangover.

[OOC]

I fear it would be -4, to qualify for the card.


Demonslayer Party

Traces of Power

Pierce speaks “Sounds fine by me - I don’t exactly have time, searching for treasures.” Whitemoor nods in agreement. “Yes, I think I’ll sit this one out as well.”

“So, Oz?” akss Demonslayer. “Well, the four of us should make short work of it, I’m sure. I’m in.”

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

“I believe this is acceptable, though I think you overestimate, how much I know of your talents. Truth be told, you weren’t particularly interesting, until this meeting.” Alice replies. “So, agreement concluded, let me deliver my part.”

Seth [Secret]
“The question is of course, who could have manipulated the outcome of the game, without others noticing. And for that there are four suspects. You, Richard Mayhew, Third Lord and Arcana Ritual. All others we can exclude by simple elimination - they don’t have power to command fate to such fine degree, without upsetting the fate currents at the Garden Party. Perhaps Crone, but she was too well watched. Third Lord is an enigma - he or she is a suspect, simply because he may possess such power, we just don’t know about it. Personally, I think it’s a long-shot. My primary suspects are Arcana Ritual and Mayhew himself. The first could be attributed by some random chance - fate magic acting unpredictably or perhaps on a level we simply can’t understand. The second is as Morrigan has said, there’s something wrong with Mayhew’s luck. I’m certain Mayhew knows the truth, but accusing you would give him leverage, a way to coerce your obedience - a brutish tactic, that lacks finesse. But his raw power… or rather raw power of Chromatic Book has allowed him to get away with such things.”
[/spoiler]

Vanessa

[OOC: You can use Main Scene as Support or Social Scene.]

Training with Melissa

Melissa seems to hesitate, before pulling on collar of her shirt, revealing a tattoo of Arcana Card - Magician. “Hector says it’s the first Arcana Card.” She answers, uncomfortably. She quickly adjusts her clothes, hiding the tattoo once more. “I just got it. By magic I guess.”

[JeenLeen]

OOC: so it's a -4 to my Secret? Just making sure the "incomplete revelation" still means -4.

Demonslayer Party

Vanessa shows a look of relief that the more experienced and respected practitioners took no offense, then looks towards Manny.

OOC: I'm out of scenes except a Main, so I'm just up for the actual going to the place. It sounds like Oz is providing basic intel (so that Support feature is taken care of), so if Manny can provide a Support scene to get rid of mundane guards, I reckon we're good. Not meaning to put too much on you, HerbieRAI.
If there's any way I can use my last invocation of Chakravrati Wealth to assist, let me know.

Garden Party
Shifting to Prepared--still engaging in conversation, but more reserved to get the chance to carefully listen in and avoid folk noticing she's drinking less than she seems to be

Vanessa gives a confident yet reserved smile at the Third Lord's proclamation. Moments later, a more flirtatious one towards Sinful Jack. After a few minutes pass, she decides to go near those drinking heavily. She just nurses a glass of wine, but, well, those who drink much may say things they don't expect to, so it's worth standing around and listening.

Training with Melissa

Vanessa takes a step back at the sight, her usual control over emotions slipping. She recovers quickly, but her tone shows her concern.

"This is remarkable. I'm sorry for my response, but I was mainly troubled because of the Third Lord's words. It... well, it sounded like two cards have been revealed, Priestess and another of unknown name. He claimed to be the custodian of the one he left unnamed. And if that is Magician, the one you hold, that sounds dangerous for you. Of course, he never stated outright that only two have been revealed, and maybe your card didn't count as revealed, so his words might not have any reference to you...

Did you get this mark before the night of the Garden Party? Have you had any interaction with the Third Lord?"

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

"Ah, you wound me, miss Chandler," Seth said, but with a smile on his face. A smile which soon turned into a frown, as he digested Alice's words.

"Hmmm. So excluding our mysterious nameless Third Lord, I simply got Murphy'd by the Arcana Ritual... or it was Mayhew conspiring against me, and using his poor luck as a weapon in an attempt to suborn me. Hah, he probably did not expect me to react quite the way I did, then."

Another pause, as Seth digested the whole thing further.

"Mmm. Thank you very much for this, miss Chandler. As it happens,
I might have a couple of minor Secrets regarding Richard Mayhew, and the Crone as well...
well maybe not so minor with the Crone, depending on how you look at it. Interested?
Enough to call in your Favour right now, perhaps?"

Right, AFAICT this is my count of invoked Aspects for this Chapter;


Social Scenes

Garden Party
Hack-n-Slash
Alice Chandler

Main Scenes

Moonlit Horror Chase

Support Scenes

Blood Offering


Invocations

Chef's Knife (Moonlit Horror Chase)

Pact: Blood Magic (Moonlit Horror Chase)

Knife Fighter: Moonlit Horror Chase
Fitness Enthusiast: Moonlit Horror Chase
Psychopath: Intimidate Richard Mayhews, Impress Hack-n-Slash
Chef: Fabulous Feast
Wine Connoissuer: Fabulous Feast, Blood Offering

Use of Fate Points

Deflect Richard Mayhew's ire (1)
Moonlit Horror Chase (1)

Does this mean I cannot start any more Social Scenes, and should declare end of Chapter for me soon? If so, could I invoke Knife Fighter and Fitness Nut for a Support Scene in some kind of training montage?

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life and Death
Approach: Clever
Then I will switch to call out the Tech Spirits of Pain Killers

Dinner with Melody
Approach: Charismatic (social scene)
After Demonslayer's party, Manny sets up a meeting with Melody to talk about the war and how she sees things, and brings over some beer and Chinese takeout. "I would have gotten Pizza, but I had my fill of that with Jeff. Nothing like adding more complication to a situation. How have you been holding up?"

Murderer of Practitioner
Approach: Sneaky

"That’s what I'm trying to figure out. I know you were set up, but I don't know who set you up. I need the information from you, and for that I need you to let me in. I've heard the other side of the story, I need to hear yours. Also, hiding here isn't going to help. Afterward you'll need to be escorted down to the rest of the cops."


GM question

My other two scenes this turn I would like to capture a Ghoul using a carcass as bait, and possibly my combat skills. The other is getting into the docks for the source of power. With only 1 Main and 1 Support scene open are both these possible?

[Thelonius]

City Reconstruction Meeting

Vanessa [Social Scene]

The Council of Six shall hold a meeting about reconstruction of Jacksonville, and fixing the damage Morrigan’s War inflicted upon it. The meeting is open to all Practitioners.

The Council is represented by Noah Graham and Galina Hudson, with the Crone presiding. Around half of the Practitioners have chosen to attend, with Techna, Pierce and Mortimer playing greater role in the proceedings. The main public is comprised of Dilettantes, the group most suffering from rampaging Others. A lot of disgruntled voices are directed at the Council - carefully worded accusations of doing too little to speed up recovery and deal with dangerous Others. The fact that Morrigan is one of the Lords is clearly a sore point with some nearly coming close to blaming Council for weakness in giving her the position.

Noah Graham seems to bear the brunt of negativity - considering his company Nexcal Inc. is supposed to fix the damage to the city, that has allowed the Undead latch onto destruction and suffering, forming dangerous Bonds. Mortimer’s feeble attempts at reassurances seem to have little effect - the Necromancer is perhaps liked, but clearly not respected. On other hand Pierce the Hunter shuts down any attacks on Council’s response to threat of Nineteen-O-One with profanity and aggressiveness, she is not liked, but definitely respected - or feared, which is close enough. Only presence of Glaina Hudson helps sooth the tempers and stop the shouting matches, so some actual work can be done.

Techna and Crone mostly keep silent, but the tension between them seems to be growing by the minute, and they are clearly watching the proceedings with extreme care.

Garden Party

Vanessa [Social Scene]

It seems that apart from Sinful Jack, Mortimer and Galina Hudson, Practitioners are either careful with their drinks or can hold their liquor well. Hudson excuses herself from the party early, while Sinful Jack, utterly drunk as he is, seems to babble about everything, except anything useful.

Vanessa

Training with Melissa [Support]

“It seems I’m the first card revealed. Whatever that means. Well, since it’s a tattoo, it can’t be exactly taken from me. So, I guess nobody is going to steal it or try to hurt me to get it.” Melissa seems uncomfortable. “I haven’t spoken with Third Lord much. Let’s just continue with my training.”

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

“Well” Alice considers the offer. “You are a newcomer, so I’m uncertain, whether what you believe to be secrets are indeed such. But you have trusted that my advice would have value, so I may as well do the same. I will accept such trade. I’m certain, you will not disappoint.”

[OOC]

You can use Support or Main Scenes as Social Scene. It’s like Main -> Support -> Social, so you can play Support as Social, but not vice-versa.


Manny

Balance of Life and Death

The Spirits of Painkillers screech, as full attention of the Hospital falls upon them and Manny thinks he can see something dark about them, something out of place. They cry out “No. We belong here! Thrice we deny your accusation. We give relief from pain to those suffering! The doctors administer us to the patients! It’s patients giving up on life!

[OOC: You need to refute/expose their denials as lies or half-truths (at least one).]

Dinner with Melody

“Holding up?” she shrugs. “I’m as much fine as one can be.” She takes a beer. “I don’t actually drink much. It’s better to keep your head clear, this job makes you too many enemies. I remember, when I decided to start running errands for the Council - a Dilettante, seeking a shortcut to power, founding her own dynasty by protecting the city. And sure, I’ve got them, all the things they promised me. Except, I’ve earned enemies and made enough pacts, to be stuck as an enforcer, because if Council cuts me loose, all sort of nasties are going to come out of woodworks to take a bite out of me.” She gives Manny a steady look. “So I see you lot, and I want to give you advice. You can work for the Council to earn your wings, but watch out for that line of no return, and decide, whether you want to cross it or not. If you get stuck as Council’s hatchet man, at least do it by choice.”

“And as for how things are, Nineteen-O-One is coming, and all the good men died in war. We are stuck with creep Mortimer, shifty Whitemoor and useless Sinful Jack or unknowns like Oz and Demonslayer. The ones, who can be counted on - Techna and Hack-n-Slash are too busy planning to murder each other. I expect, things are going to get real hot. ”

Murder of Practitioner

“Give me one good reason to trust you.” asks Filch.


OOC

You can do it, if you are assisting another player’s main scene in the Docks with a Support Scene.

[ArcaneStomper]

Setting up the Instruments (Support Scene)
Approach - Logical

Dr. Letts is very interested in the physical aspects of the demesne he has created. It seems almost like a separate universe, but it could also be some sort of alternate dimension, or simply a fold in the space/time. Dr. Letts aims to find out. His first order of business is to write up a plan of approach.

Using the instruments he has already acquired he does some basic simple experiments to establish a base line both in his demesne. Then he writes a hypothesis and experimental outline that details what he plans to accomplish and hope to find out. Being a Physicist he knows what to expect if he were to carry out such a plan in the real world, but he does not know what to expect of a demesne.

Performing the Experiments (Main Scene)
Approach - Prepared

With his equipment in order and plan of experiments laid Dr. Letts begins his experiments inside his demesne. He has prepared as best he can before he begins, and is ready for whatever might happen. Or at least he hopes so.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

"In that case, I will leave it to your judgement," Seth nodded. "If you believe what I'm about to tell you worth the asking price, then I'll trust you'd honour the exchange. If not... the Favour stands, but perhaps you would considering availing me with a couple morsels of gossip, should I say, about this Community of what you feel to be equal import?
After all, every little bit of knowledge could be useful to a 'newcomer' such as myself."

"The first thing is this; when I confronted Mayhew back at the Party, he actually feared me on some level. True, he did pull off a good act of taking it in stride, but I... have a nose for these kinds of things. But if the Chromatic Book he possesses has as much raw power as you say, a seasoned Practitioner like him should have nothing to fear from a mere Dilettante like me. So, what gives? Plus with what Morrigan has hinted about his luck, that paints a most intriguing picture. I posit that, on some level, Richard and his family are weaker than they present themselves to be. I, for one, would like to know what they're hiding."

"The second thing pertains to what you yourself said, about Crone being too well-watched at the Party to influence Fate so subtly, without being noticed. But the thing is, that did happen; I know, because I was there to feel it when I was conversing with her. Or at the least, I felt that tug on the Fate currents during that time. Can't be absolutely certain it was her doing, of course... but I don't believe that sort of timing is a coincidence, especially not when it was shortly before I sat down to that game with Mayhew.
To what purpose, that's a matter for further speculation."

"So, how much value do you place on what I've just told you, miss Chandler?"

Knife Drills (Support Scene)

Invocation - Knife Fighter, Fitness Enthusiast

After his 'excursion' with Hack-n-Slash, and after all the loose ends had been accounted for, Seth still felt blood pumping around in his veins vigorously. There was still some residual adrenaline in his system, and he felt the need to work off the last dregs of the night's stimulation. Nothing to it then, but to do just that with a bit of a workout. And since it involves sweating anyway, might as well make it a revision with his erstwhile long-neglected knife-fighting skills.

Thus, with his Implement in hand, Seth began imagining scenes from his past where he had gotten into those knife-fights, and moved his blade as though he was back in those days.

No invocation of Chef's Knife, he's just using it as a normal blade.

City Reconstruction Meeting (Support -> Social Scene)

Although he wasn't particularly aware of what the whole thing was all about, Seth figured he should attend in person anyway, for the sake of keeping in touch with the Community and its happenings if nothing else. Thus, he was there in civilian attire, a large but otherwise unassuming man taking in the proceedings.

[JeenLeen]

OOC: waiting to see what Manny does, before deciding on last Main Scene

Training with Melissa

Vanessa drops the subject with a, "Sure thing, Melissa. Thanks for sharing this with me," and continues the lesson.
Unless anything else comes up, I consider this the end of scene.

Reconstruction Meeting
Charismatic approach to appeal with a speech

Vanessa comes to the party well-attired, but dressed for more business than the formal attire she wore to the garden party. The tension in the air surprises her. Well, not much, given what one of the Lords are, but she figured the meeting would be more productive than it is.

She generally stays quiet, but she adds when some of the group attack Mortimer: "And what work have you done to stem the tide of the undead? I can't speak for Nexcel and their efforts, nor do I agree with all the decisions made by the powers of this city, but I believe that the Council and other full practitioners have been working to help. Mortimer has been coordinating efforts against the undead. With his guidance, I managed to defeat a cunning beast plaguing the riverside." She moves so that the bandages on her arms are clearly visible; let them see that her words are backed with action. "It is up to all of us to work towards the restoration of our city. Even if it is at some personal cost, if we work towards this goal, we can keep Jacksonville safe, be it from the undead for the fire elementals."

She is careful to just mention defeating the undead, not that she bound it to a Pact.

[Thelonius]

City Reconstruction Meeting

Pact-Net or Earthblood

Graham’ waves hand, calling attention to himself. “Do not worry, the Nexcal Inc. will fix the damage in record time, with use of Pact-Net. Once we finish negotiations.” He smiles at Techna, who regards him coolly. She answers: “I have told you Graham, my code belongs to me, you can use Pact-Net, but you will not take it.” The Crone breaks her silence, since the start of the meeting. “The Pact-Net… untested, untried. Dangerous.” Techna shoots daggers at ancient witch, before asking in return ”When will be the Sacrifice? How much power can the city expect, once Ritual is empowered?”

The gathered public waits for Crone answer, but before she can speak, somebody shouts from the back “Are the rumors true? Is Nineteen-O-One planning to steal the sacrifice and Earthblood’s power?” The Crone laughs. “That upstart will be boiling water under my pot, if he dares to assault my Demesne. I have guarded the sacrifice and Earthblood for centuries. It is perfectly safe. And there will be enough power for Arcana Ritual and to mend the fortunes of Jacksonville.”
“Is that so?” Techna sounds sceptical. “Ritual’s demands has been growing. And we have been terribly inefficient with power use. There need to be changes.”
“Don’t fix, what ain’t broken, dearie.” the Crone speaks soothingly at Techna. “The Earthblood shall provide. And our sacrifice this time is of highest quality.”

Vanessa

The Dilettantes seem impressed by Vanessa’s assertion. It seems the rumors of her confrontation with Morrigan has spread and she has acquired reputation for recklessness, however the fact, that she did manage to vanquish a strong undead, have shown, she has some power to back her bluster. She may yet recover her standing - unless things go bad next time. Mortimer mouths his thanks. It seems he can’t handle crowds well. Melody Pierce on other hand looks at her with harsh eyes. She whispers to Vanessa, when others can’t overhear. “I’m experienced with battle damage. And I can tell, that banishment took more from you, then those wounds beneath bandages. A word of warning, some victories, can be more dangerous, than defeats.”

Dr. Letts

Setting up the Instruments (Support Scene)

Dr. Letts formulates a Demesne Research Plan.

Performing the Experiments (Main Scene)

Dr. Letts quickly establishes that basic measurement return values, he wishes them to return. His Demesne simply alters to adhere to his expectations. This seems not to be the case of the fundamental physical constants, however it’s hard to say, whether it’s because they are inviolable natural laws or because Dr. Letts wants them to be inviolable natural laws in his Demesne. For now Letts leans towards space/time fold theory as explanation for his Demesne.

[OOC: Okay, your next move.]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler [Social Scene]

“Intriguing. I think you are onto something with your first insight.” Alice seems thoughtful. “As for the second one, I’m certain most Practitioners with some skill in Fate manipulation has noticed Crone’s work. She bound your offer of service to her with fate, I expect, to influence a future, where you’ll be of use to her. It didn't have affect for your game.”

“Well, I admit I’ve gotten more, than I expected. Perhaps, I can offer you a curious tidbit, I’ve learned recently.” Alice pauses, before speaking “The Arcana Ritual is made of Twenty Two Major Arcana cards. Do you notice the seeming irregularity?” She calls waitress. “I believe we are ready to pay.”

Knife Drills (Support Scene)

Seth’s form markedly improves and in the coming days he persists with regular workouts.

[OOC: +1 Knife Fighter Invocation per Chapter]

[OOC: Note, if you repeat knife drills support scene, it’s much less likely to provide results.]

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

"Ah. Good to know."

Note to self, don't offer your services to the Lords so readily next time, Seth thought to himself. Now, he can only hope that whatever Fate the Crone has in mind for him wouldn't be too far out of his depth.

"I must admit, the Tarot isn't exactly something I'm an expert on, so I'm not sure that I'm aware of what you mentioned. Let's see... the Ritual uses the Major Arcana, it consists of twenty-two trumps, two cards have been revealed so far, one of them is the Priestess... huh. Assuming these reveals are supposed to happen in a certain order, either the Fool or the Magician has been skipped over. I wonder what that means."

City Reconstruction Meeting

Approach - Forceful [4]

"A-hem!"

Seth coughed loudly, his patience with the myriad recriminations having come to an end.

"I came to hear what has been done for the reconstruction of the city,
and what still needs doing," Seth's baritone boomed across the room. "Can we get around to that already? Because I have a business to tend to, and I didn't take time off from that to weary myself with all this... squabbling."

Is there catering at this meeting? Because if not, I wonder if I can invoke his Chef Aspect to have Seth provide untouched hors d'oeuvres as refreshments, and maybe soothe some nerves here.

[ArcaneStomper]

Performing the Experiments (Main Scene)

Dr. Letts to see if the demense can handle the flow of energy. He spreads temperature sensors throughout the demense and gets behind something solid. Then he concentrates on slowly raising the temperature in one specific zone as far as he can go. Or until it reaches mildly dangerous levels. Whichever comes first. He plans to map how the temperature in the demense changes over the area and time.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Balance of Life and Death
Approach: Clever
ooc – I assume spirits know they are spirits, and not the actual drug itself.
"That relief would come with or without your supposed help, and the doctors do not know you are attached to the medicine. All the spirits can sense the life being drained from the patients, otherwise they wouldn't be Supportive of my cause.

Dinner with Melody
Approach: Charismatic (social scene)
swallowing his bite of food "You know the best way of fighting enemies is friends. Now I'm probably not strong enough to help against your enemies, but that’s probably the best way to help ease that problem. Is Nineteen-O-One coming for something specific, or does he seem to show up every couple decades? You know, it seems like every enemy the city could have is coming out to take over the ritual, did something like this happen last time?"

Murderer of Practitioner
Approach: Sneaky

"Well, for starters bringing normal police and talking to you instead of busting down the door should be good indicators, but the way I see it your options are limited. Running isn't an option at this point, Mayhew is betting on you trying to bolt from the police."


Demonslayer Party
Manny spends a few minutes thinking about the docks. "Well, alright, I'll help. I will give you a warning though, that dock is more likely a trap than a free power source. Power has to come from somewhere, and those that have it don't just leave it lying around."
OOC: I'm assuming you still want to go through with it?

[JeenLeen]

Demonslayer Party

Vanessa nods.
"Alright, so Manny will handle the mundane security. That leaves us with three for the... well, assault or investigation. If we want to work on the cardinal directions for protection and support, we'd need a fourth? Melissa, or would you be interested, Thing-in-Mirror?
Although I guess just as a group of three, we can invoke the force of that magical number, so we'll likely be okay against Strife as me, Oz, and Demonslayer."

herbaieRAI: honestly, I'm a little mixed about this route. Using a Main Scene as support for bolster my invocations or heal a consequence is probably wiser, but it seems I'm playing Vanessa as a bolder sort. I'll likely tend my wounds next chapter.
Thelonius: Also, since unused invocations are wasted (right, DM?), could I give Manny a use of my Chakravrati Wealth invocation, in case it's useful as part of the Support scene? If your answer is yes, she offers it as:

"Also, Manny, I have a bit of... spare funds allocated for this week that I haven't used. If it could help you disperse the mundane security, I could get you some money. ...I really it probably won't help, if you're using your police connections, but I wanted to offer in case another route seems wiser to you."

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Opening the Guard
Support scene
Approach Prepared
The night Venessa plans on getting into the dockyard, Manny will get into position opposite the warehouse in question. The plan is a simple one, he will have Wolfsbane trip an alarm on the other side of the dock, then when the guards respond Manny will approach as a police officer (1 fate point used for 3rd use) telling them he was chasing some thieves and they ran into the docks. Then Manny and Wolfsbane will spend a few hours playing cat and mouse keeping the guards away from the warehouse in question.

[JeenLeen]

Trace of Power

OOC: waiting for description of the scene before knowing how to set up/approach, but I reckon it's the party (Oz, Demonslayer, and Vanessa, with or without a 4th) waiting discretely until the guards are pulled away by Manny.

Reconstruction Party

Vanessa gives a deferential nod towards the more experienced practitioner. Pierce is right, of course, but Vanessa is hesitant to show weakness in the crowd.

She looks over the crowd, trying to guess--between those here and those at the Garden Party--about how many dilettantes there are in the city.

[Thelonius]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler [Social Scene]

“The Fool isn’t numbered. I wonder whatever that means. As for Magician, the 1st card, it has been revealed - just not everybody realized it.” It doesn’t seem like Alice is going to elaborate on it.

Dr. Letts

Experiments [Main Scene]

Dr. Letts begins his experiment, trying to determine effects of heat and where exactly, the energy for it is coming from. He notices the Others - small, translucent spirits, weaving energy into warmth, that is filling his Pocket Universe. It seems, they are using the matter from the measuring tools he brought in. Fascinated Dr. Letts observes as matter is transformed into energy - did he bring these Others with him - where did they come from? And what was the mechanism of their matter transmutation, a complex molecular manipulation or quantum mechanics? Were they affecting matter directly or somehow changing the quantum state of Pocket Universe through observation, changing reality on some fundamental level?

[Dr. Letts gains 1 Invocation per Chapter on his Demesne.]

Manny Brigham

Balance of Life & Death [Main]

[See OOC. The creature’s bond to medicine actually may have an effect, as it claims. If it was proper pain killer tech-spirit, then it would make the drugs slightly more potent. You can switch this denouement to another one.]

Melody Pierce [Social Scene]

“The Nineteen-O-One was beaten and broken by the old Council, when I wasn't even born. They locked him in his Demesne with powerful wards, because, going in and killing him was judged too dangerous. The old Council believed, Nineteen-O-One would be too weak to break out from inside and with time it’ll grow weaker. I think the plan was to wait a hundred years or so, before reclaiming the Demesne. Well, when Morrigan attacked, it broke out. Some think that Morrigan destroyed the wards - though I don’t think it’s her. She’s a bitch, but not a crazy bitch. Plus she’s aligned with Water and Wind, they’d see it as double-cross. So, maybe old Council underestimated how much power Nineteen-O-One had left, maybe wards got damaged somehow during the war. Or maybe somebody on the outside sprung him out. I know the wards were strong - they wouldn’t fail on their own.”

Murder of Practitioner [Main Scene]

Filch doesn’t reply for some time and Manny is almost ready to try something else, when he speaks. “Okay. Call in normal cops. Not cultists. I’ll surrender to them. I know you can’t do spells in front of them. You want to know, what I know - fine. I’ll talk in the police station. Might as well go for insanity defense.”


Docks

Manny (Support Scene)

The Blue Shell Transport Co. has above average security, perhaps reflecting the value of their cargo. The security cameras, fence and guards would likely deter thieves. Wolfsbane attracts the attention of the security and Manny provides a distraction, by his story of thieves. This should allow the group to slip into the Warehouse.

Vanessa, Oz Bender, Demonslayer (Main Scene)

The group slips into the warehouse, a simple spell opening the locks. Inside, it’s dark and various crates and containers make a veritable maze. They can feel something - a power, at its center. But the warehouse is filled with Miasma, a heavy cloud of something, that clouds their minds and makes every step difficult. Vanessa doesn’t think she can remain inside for long, without losing consciousness. “Careful” Oz warns, pointing to a thin green thread floating in the air. “This seems dangerous.” The warehouse is filled with Green Threads, slowly floating and hard to spot things. Something tells Melissa she doesn’t wish to touch one. Fortunately, due to Manny’s distraction they can at least use flashlights without fear of discovery, but it’s not going to be easy to find their prize.

[OOC: You can use the following Approaches - Lucky, Instinct, Quick. The time restriction imposed by Miasma demands quick action. Other Approaches are restricted (though if you present a good argument why other Approaches would work or use Aspects/FP to lift restrictions, they could be used.]

City Reconstruction Meeting

Vanessa

There are around two dozen Dilettantes at the meeting - most with little potential and power. The Practitioners of this level usually specialize in a single field, to make the most of their limited resources.

Seth Mansour

A number of similar voices follow Mansour’s words, as many assert, that they want to hear concrete steps and they’ve got stuff to do. It takes a couple minutes for the shouting to die down.

The main points from the discussion seem to be:

Graham and Nexcal have ambitious city development project, that goes beyond simple reconstruction. They are using the current situation to push it through.

Nexcal needs Pact-Net to complete their project, but insist to have access to Pact-Net code. Techna refuses to give the latter to them?

The crime wave, empowered by malicious Others and uncertainty about Storm Court and Nineteen-O-One attacks may hinder the reconstruction.

The war with Morrigan expended a lot of Pacts, that kept the city prosperous and now many are waiting for the Sacrifice to Earthblood to recharge them. Some are concerned the power wouldn’t be enough for both restoring the city and powering Arcana Ritual and push for greater degree of power to be channeled into city pacts.

[OOC: You can certainly handle catering.]

[JeenLeen]

Reconstruction Meeting

If she can catch Mortimer when things have quieted down, she asks, "I'm a little lost about how the Earthblood sacrifice empowers the Arcana Ritual and various Pacts. I'm guessing the sacrifice has limited energy, and it gets... split... to some degree between empowering the ritual and empowering Pacts some of the higher-ranking practitioners have that strengthen the city. Is that right? Do you know why we can't use Earthblood and Pact-Net's power; does one somehow limit the other?"
If he isn't sure, she asks who she could ask, noting that she's hesitant to ask Crone or Techna, due to their stake in the argument.

---
During the mention of Nineteen-O-One, Vanessa tries to encourage the gathered dilettantes to work together to quell the fire elementals acting as scouts throughout the city, mentioning concepts such as working in groups of magical numbers (3, 4 cardinal directions, 7) in order to avoid the influence of Strife and for enhanced protection. It should be a way for many of them to gain some standing and perhaps power, as well as weaken one of the threats to the city, thus enabling the Council and other full practitioners to focus on stronger threats.

If asked why she doesn't do it herself, she'll note again the undead she handled and that she's helped resolve another issue for the Council (though she stays vague about what it is), redirecting the focus to all of the town's practitioners needing to do their parts.

OOC: I'm a bit tired now, so I hope it's okay that I don't try to type out an invigorating speech.

Docks
Lucky approach: hey, it's the only one I have a rating above 1 in. I figure being guided by magic falls into karma, fate, and luck. Invoking 2nd use of Implement: although she generally uses it to cut connections, I imagine that she can also use it to strengthen the sight of said connections; afterall, to cut something you have to know it is there.

Vanessa clasps her implement, using it to focus her senses on the connections forged between her comrades and the green threads once one of them spot it. Using this as a sixth sense, in addition to her own vision, as well as a connection to her comrades to help focus her mind, she moves forward with them towards their goal, letting her magic guide her.

I'll also spend a Fate Point for a lucky break in finding our goal quickly

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

"Ah. Interesting. Is that the 'curious tidbit' you were alluding to, then? Or is that yet to come?"

City Reconstruction Meeting

Approach - Quick [3]
Invocation - Chef

While they were getting things settled down, Seth took the opportunity to make a call to his restaurant, and arrange for some ad hoc catering. The spread of bite-sized morsels that would shortly be rolling up to the venue would be nothing fancy, but it should be just sufficient to help soothe a nerve or two while the real business was getting under way.

With that done, he crossed his arms and listened silently to the proceedings. When it came to the disagreement between Graham and Techna, Seth shrugged and spoke up.

"So, what's needed is essentially an IT solution from a specific vendor, right? Why not hire Techna as a third-party consultant on the project, and be done with it?"

When talk has moved on to the crime wave, he spoke up again.

"So, if you're telling all of us here about this issue, I gather you're looking for volunteers to handle it?"

[Thelonius]

Vanessa

Vanessa calls upon the powers of fate... and then feels the energy pour back into her, replacing the power she expended. Her understanding of Fate (Fate Title) is insufficient to realize, why that happens, but why question, when something good happens.

[Check Successful]: She navigates the maze of containers, while dodging the green threads and hoping everything would work out. Her companions do the same, searching in other directions. Vanessa is the first to arrive to the location and discover the Flames of War. A white-hot ball of flame hovering above the ground, invisible to mundane sight, but blindingly brilliant to the Practitioner. Tentatively, Vanessa extends her hand, and the Flames of War surge towards her palm. She feels both heat and coldness, somehow impossibly intertwined, emanating from this magical manifestation. With her path illuminated, she easily makes it out of warehouse and soon the group rendezvouses with Manny to discuss their find.

Oz Bender seems excited. "I'm going to bet, we've got a trace of Morrigan's power here. Now, why was it in that warehouse, and where did it go..."
Demonslayer on other hand has a look of concern. "I haven't even considered the danger from Morrigan's power. Whoever stole it... If demon gets its hands on it, that'll be a disaster."

[1 Fate Point Spent, 1 Fate Point Regained.]
[OOC: Flames of War can be used for a number of things - siphoning it's power for yourself, using it as one-shot weapon or as ingredient for magical rituals, etc.]

City Reconstruction Meeting

Vanessa

Mortimer scratches his neck, as he thinks of a reply. "The Earthblood is ancient. There sacrifices to it, before Jacksonville, I believe the Crone simply revived the old Pacts. The sacrifice gives vast amounts of energy to the Earthblood and it gives us magic in return. It's a matter of energy transfer - Earthblood is attuned to specific sacrifices and is extremely efficient in gaining power from them, far more, then if we used said sacrifices to directly empower Arcana Ritual and various city enchantments."

He gives a look at Techna. "Pact-Net and Earthblood are perfectly compatible. One is about gaining energy, the other is about using it efficiently. What is not compatible are Techna and Crone. At least, as far as I can tell, I'm not the best person to ask about politics and interpersonal conflicts. I prefer to just do my thing and stay out of other's business."

---

The various Dilettantes discuss possibility of hunting down Fire Sprites, though how many of them would dedicate their time and efforts to that is unclear.

Seth Mansour

The catering is welcomed by the present public and Seth is complimented for his work.

Techna nods. "Yes. And if Graham stops insisting on seeing the code, we can just proceed with it."
Graham shakes his head "I owe the city due diligence. Pact-Net is very ambitious and powerful tool - but it's a new thing. Crone is partially right, we don't know, if there's not a flaw in it. I need to make certain."
"I checked, double-checked and triple checked the Pact wording" replies Techna, sounding annoyed. "It works."

The Crone replies to Seth's second question. "You are the seeds, from which we shall reap the victory. Already, you work to root the darkness."

"The Council will deploy our resources to deal with the issue. And we will issue missions, with appropriate rewards, once we discuss the recent findings." says Graham.

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

City Reconstruction Meeting

Graham & Techna

Seeing that the bickering was about to start up again, Seth decided to nip it in the bud with a follow-up.

"So, is this something that can't be handled with a little bit of Pact Lawyering? I know nothing about the fine details of this thing you've got going, but it seems to me that Mr Lewis can figure out terms that'll protect both your interests."

Crone & Graham

"Sounds good to me," Seth nodded. "I presume some sort of system will be set up to inform us of these missions in due course, then?"

Alice Chandler

So, what was Alice's response to Seth's latest statement?

[JeenLeen]

Docks (or, well, a safe distance away from the docks

She adds, "There's also the question of who knew it was here, and who hired this security. I can see retribution from Morrighan in her wanting to reclaim her power, in addition to retribution from whoever knew it was here. Though... I can't tell why they would just put mundane guards outside and a magical ward inside, if they planned to use it themselves." With a groan of frustration, she adds, "Maybe this was even some test by one of the Council or Lords, to see if someone was willing to test those defenses. Any of you know of anyone whose magic would lend easily to creating that miasma?."

"I don't want to risk Strife--or whoever we just ticked off finding us--by discussing things when we are too close to danger. Shall we relocate to, say, a diner or bar nearby to figure out how to split the rewards or decide favors owed? I think a nice cup of tea would clear my mind and give time to let the adrenaline cool off."

OOC: is this something I could give to one of the others, or something we can split? Does it still exist as a 'physical' object, or is it inside Vanessa and no longer visible to magical eyes?
Also, can I tell if the green threads and miasma came from or was empowered by the Flames of War, or was a defense in addition to it?

City Reconstruction

She gives Mortimer her thanks, commending his wisdom in staying out of such rivalries. As Crone and Techna and Techna and Graham bicker, a sadness comes to her mind. This is unnecessary. She nods along with Seth's recommendations. The man seems to have more subtly and skill than she thought from her initial sights of him at the Garden Party.

---

To the dilettantes discussing the flame elementals, Vanessa adds, "I am willing to offer a minor boon to any of you who would seek to banish or bind these scouts of Nineteen-O-One. I'm sure it pales in comparison to whatever boon the Council offers, but I could order a nice ruby ring set in silver for each of you willing to try the task. The monetary value is minor, but I think the symbolism could be helpful: a ruby to hold fire, while silver to cool and purify. I recommend you not try to bind them as prisoners within the ring if you think it too dangerous, but it is far easier to banish than bind." With a shrug, she recounts again, "I know it's a trifling thing, something many of you could obtain on your own, but it is a small bit of aid I could easily give."

invoking last Chakravrati Wealth for the chapter, with the intent to order several of the rings from a local jeweler. If that's not legit for a Social Scene, let me know and just ignore this paragraph.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Docks
While leaving the docks with the others, Manny adds in his two cents. "I still say it is a trap or ploy. I'd recommend using it soon to get it 'out of play' so to speak."

Balance of Life and Death
Approach: Clever
"You are using that attachment to their relief as a method of syphoning their life, and the doctors do not know you are attached to the medicine. All the spirits can sense the life being drained from the patients, otherwise they wouldn't be Supportive of my cause. Do not be persuaded by their lies, these are not real spirits of Painkillers but leaches and must be expelled from this place."

Dinner with Melody
"There are too many possibilities there. It could also have been one of the council trying to tap into power they shouldn't. You could also think about Jeff's" Manny puts up air quotes "Demon. That threat is already trying to mask itself behind as many doors as it can, adding in Nineteen-O-One would be another. How serious a threat do you consider Jeff and/or the Demon? He doesn't seem so insane to me."

Murderer of Practitioner
Approach: Sneaky

"Alright, I'll bring a few of them up." Using the radio Manny calls up Chris, when he arrives, he has a quick talk with him. "I want to get his side of the story before we leave the building. We may have the exits covered, but I get the feeling there is something else in here that is going to come after us on our way out."

[JeenLeen]

leaving the Docks

"Hmm... I've been thinking of crafting a demesne, and this could be a useful power source for that ritual, but I don't know if I can do the preparations quickly enough. Demonslayer, Oz, do either of you have a useful way to get this 'out of play' quickly?"

OOC: another question: by the 'siphon its power' use, would that be a one-use boost for a scene, or something to permanently increase our Magic title?

[Thelonius]

A Trace of Power

Vanessa

Oz and Bender shrug almost simultaneously. Oz answers first “You are asking questions of two people, who are least knowledgeable of Jacksonville politics. We are both new to the city.”

Demonslayer seems reluctantly willing to help with Demesne formation, while Oz shakes his head. “I’m afraid, I have affairs of my own.”

Rewards

Demonslayer begins by saying “Okay, I don’t need anything. Consider this repayment for you coming to the meeting and hearing me out, and I hope not dismissing my words outright.”

Oz seems generous as well. “We didn’t do much, it’s you and Manny, who lent most effort. Just keep me in the loop about where this flame came from - I’m interested in the big prize, not this little morsel of power.”

On Flames of War

You can split Flames of War. It exists as invisible flame, floating in the air. I assume Vanessa simply brought it with her, instead of consuming it. If a single Practitioner draws on it, it may be sufficient to improve their Magic Title - or at least come close to it. You can split it, to make progress in increasing your Magic Title or use it as invocation in multiple scenes, which would eventually deplete it.

Your use of Implement has lent you some insight: the Green Threads/Miasma are connected to the Flame of War. They are both castoffs of magical power, that once resided in the warehouse - just different in nature. The Flames of War is magical power that can be handled safely, while Green Threads/Miasma is magical power, that will kill human practitioner, if they try to draw on it. It’s possible, that some Others can use it safely.

City Reconstruction

About Mr. Lewis

“We are working with Mr. Lewis to reach an equitable arrangement.” replies Graham. The Dilettantes mood darkens - as Seth clearly pointed out, the assistance of Mr. Lewis should have resolved the issue. Clearly, some sort of political games are interfering with proper functioning of the city administration.

Graham

“Yes, you will be informed about council requests. Anybody able to complete them, will receive compensation.”

Vanessa’s offer of monetary compensation is welcomed. While some Dilettantes simply don’t care for material wealth, others are more in touch with mundane world, where it’s useful. Hopefully, this would help combat Nineteen-O-One incursions in the coming weeks.

Manny Brigham

Balance of Life and Death

“We do not siphon their life!” - the creature yells, but Manny easily disproves it, by demonstrating his bond to the wounded officer to the present Others.

“You do not know doctors design! They wish for us.” - the present Others seem to side with leechers on this one, as Manny can’t prove, that it is not doctor’s intention.

The Leechers are slippery sort, but they didn’t have opportunity to gain strength yet and as Manny successfully banishes them, he recognizes the nature of their trick - they have imitated a bond for euthanasia, the granting of death to end pain and suffering. Of course their corrupt version was a cruel deception, to allow them to feed. With the creature’s gone, their victim’s condition improves, though he’ll need a period of recovery to return to the force.

Once Manny reports success, Dr. Hudson greets him warmly. “Thank you. We have enough death as it is here, to allow for Leechers. The Council owes you a Favor, I’ll make certain we don’t skimp on reward.”

[OOC: Manny gained a Favor from Council, that you can redeem for whatever you wish.]

Melody Pierce

Melody seems half-amused. “Yes. It could be somebody on the Council - and as Council’s enforcer, I’m not going to ****ing say it. I’m on their payroll.” She waves her hand. “But Council is least likely to do it - it’s their city. Nineteen-O-One is their worst nightmare. It’s more likely, that somebody in opposition to the Council, decided to make a power play.”

“Demonslayer.” Pierce thinks for a moment. “I’m keeping open mind on any **** that can hit the fan, but at this point, it’s a possibility, not reality. Just as likely, our friend Jeff here is a pawn of somebody, who wants to stir the waters. A false cause, to distract or manipulate us away from the real problems. If you find any confirmation about this demon, tell me.”

Murder of Practitioner

[OOC: I’m assuming you invoke Chris Numan]

It proves to be a right call to call in Numan, as Filch is far less wary of somebody, without magical powers and seems to relish opportunity to talk, as the two slowly and carefully escort him to the exit.

Secret

“I lived a normal life. Job, family, friends. Then at some point, things started happening, I’ve started losing things, my life going from bad to worse. And I’ve started having thoughts, that it’s not just bad luck, that some dark force is after me. I didn’t think that seriously - I mean, would you think there could be a conspiracy to ruin your life? That’s crazy. So, I just soldiered on and though, bad luck. The last couple of months though, it’s gotten less subtle, things really got bad for me - and that feeling, that somebody was after me, it grew stronger. Except no way they could do things they did.”

He falls silent, and Numan has to gently coax him to continue. “My wife… she stuck by me, good time and bad time. Especially bad times. So when she started yelling at me, talking divorce, cursing at me… I just knew it wasn’t her, that something dark was possessing her, making her say those things. Then I saw that bastard, there, smirking. And I knew, that somehow, he was responsible, controlling her. And something snapped into place - I knew he was responsible...”


They reach to the building exit and the police officers there are ready to take Filch into custody. Manny can sense Fetches, hiding, unable to come out, due to the presence of the unaware.

[OOC: The way Filch describes what happened, makes it obvious, that he recognized magic, that Jonathan Mayhew was using, destroying his magical Potential and becoming aware in the process. It’s possible that Jonathan grew careless and exposed his abilities to the unaware, paying the heavy price for it.]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

“I have given you the information. If you can’t grasp the possible implications, then you are not yet ready to address them.”

[JeenLeen]

Rewards

Vanessa lets the sincere surprise at Demonslayer and Oz's generosity show on her face.
"Well, thank you, both of you. Demonslayer, I can't say I completely believe there is a demon here in Jacksonville, but I can easily believe some malevolence is active behind-the-scenes. I plan to listen to you if you sense anything more wrong in the city and encourage others to hear you out. Oz... you have respect in this community, at least the respect of a foreigner who has elicited curiosity, so I especially appreciate you not trying to wrangle the most you can out of this. You've at least earned my good will, and I'll let you know if I find out anything more about this. I would hope you both stay discrete about telling others what we've found. We don't know for sure this is Morrighan's lost power, well, some of it--but I don't want to face her anytime soon.

I did sense a link between that miasma and green threads and this power. They're different, but seem to come from the same source, like maybe both were castoffs from Morrighan or something else that was once in that warehouse? But this can be safely used by practitioners while the other can't. Maybe one of your familiars could claim the power of the miasma or green threads, but that's just a guess. It's beyond my reckoning, and I don't want to gain your ill will if it wound up hurting your companions.

If any of you do research into who hired that security force, well, I'd appreciate you sharing the intel. If I find the time and means to look into it, I'll share."

To Manny, she says, "Well, what's your thoughts? I could see splitting it fifty-fifty, but if you aren't interested in having it I'd be willing to owe you something for the future. Or, if you really want it all, I can probably think of something you could owe me."


To HerbieRAI: if you want to bargain, I'd prefer us discuss it in the OOC thread then have our PCs agree to the terms quickly. I'm pretty okay with any of the options, but splitting it fifty-fifty seems least likely to make one of us feel ripped off in the future, IC or OOC.

To Thelonias: if Demonslayer helped with making a demesne, what would the implications be? Could it lower the Potential cost, but give him an advantage if he tried to fight me for it later? Also, if it's something you're willing to share, could you post the potential Potential Cost various acts carry (creating implement, creating demesne, bonding familiar, making unaware aware)? Lastly, if we make a demesne, is its entrance a fixed location, or, well, how does that work?

[Ascaloth]

Seth Mansour

Alice Chandler

"It does seem that's the case at this point. No doubt it'll all make sense to me some time down the line with hindsight, as such things are wont to be. Thank you for your time, miss Chandler."

Seth acknowledged, reaching into his wallet to pay for the drinks.

End of Scene

City Reconstruction Meeting

Sensing the general mood darkening in light of the implications, Seth found that he shared somewhat in the discontent. That said, there was nothing he could do about it for the time being, and his part was pretty much played out. He nodded with a smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Graham. I have no further questions."

End of Scene

End of Chapter: Seth Mansour

[ArcaneStomper]

Dr. Letts

Playing a Game (Main Scene)
Aspect: Logic

Dr. Letts goes into town to the Chess Club he is a part of in order to play a few games with the other members. He makes sure to talk with everyone and listen to all the local gossip. His goal is to sharpen his strategic skills and maybe hear a bit of local news.

Just a quick little scene to use up my last main scene.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Docks
"You keep it. I'll get your help with something later. I'm not keen on keeping that power."

Dinner with Melody
"I will. I'll be trying to keep Jeff close for the time being. The way I see it either he's telling the truth and he would know the best about the enemy, or he is the enemy. Either case I want to know what he's doing."

"That just leaves the Morrigan as the last major threat. She has to have some scheme in motion to take over the ritual, and I hope Crone is smart enough to counter it."

Murderer of Practitioner

ooc: I assume this losing potential ended up with him dying and killing Filch's wife in the process? Just want to make sure he's saying he is innocent. I had also invoked Chris once for this scene, does the invocation last the whole scene or just the application?


Hunting the Hunter
Main Scene
Approach: Prepared
Manny has a long term plan to help the clean Dark Streets, and it starts with an informant. He needs to find and bind a ghoul to get eyes on area and help target the rest of the problems. To do this, he would need a trap. Manny gets from Fresh Meat and sets it out near the spot Dr. Letts told him about. He then hid and waited for his prey to come by, so he could target a straggler.

[Thelonius]

Vanessa

OOC [PM]


if Demonslayer helped with making a demesne, what would the implications be? Could it lower the Potential cost, but give him an advantage if he tried to fight me for it later? Also, if it's something you're willing to share, could you post the potential Potential Cost various acts carry (creating implement, creating demesne, bonding familiar, making unaware aware)? Lastly, if we make a demesne, is its entrance a fixed location, or, well, how does that work?

1. It may lower the cost - do note, that the amount of free assistance NPCs are willing to render depends on their relation to you (I track +- for every interaction.
2. He could certainly embed some malicious spell, if he's skilled enough. It's a tricky thing to get aid from other Practitioners - as it leaves you vulnerable.
3. I'll post the stuff, but default for any type of Attribute is 5. It's fairly east to lower to 4, with an appropriate scene (finding right location). The entrance would be at physical location, though some Demesne's can have special qualities - of course you usually can't make them, without some special advantage.


Dr. Letts

The practice of chess games improves Dr. Letts play and connection with fellow players.

He plays against Jay McCoy, one of the Jacksonville's Pawns. The man seems worried. "This whole thing hasn't been good for Pawns." He cringes slightly using the name, the Practitioners given to those aware of magic, but without skill to protect themselves. "It's either serve or get eaten. A few people, I haven't seen around lately, don't know what became of them. There's talk of Council's incompetence, corruption, weakness. Dangerous talk."

Letts also meets Third Lord, who greets him amiably. "Would you mind a game?" The Third Lord produces a chess board with transparent game pieces - rather then black and white. "You'll need to remember which pieces are yours to win." In the following match, Letts notices, that Third Lord seems to focus on guiding a pawn to the other side of the board, clearly banking everything on turning her into a queen.

[+1 Chess Club Invocations.]

Manny Bingham

Dinner with Melody

"You think Morrigan wants to control Ritual? Why?" Melody shrugs. "Personally, I think she wants the city destroyed. She's bound, trapped as our Lord. She hates it. We hate her. She wants out, but renouncing her position will At least that's my read on the situation. I know others have different opinions."

Murder of Practitioner

The police officers arrive to take Filch into custody and he goes without resistance. In the distance, Mayhew's Fetches retreat silently. There will be consequences...

Another phone call. As Manny takes it, he hears Graham "Brigham. I've got word, that you've got the man. I'll pull strings, make certain the peculiarities of this case are addressed. Do not be concerned about Mayhew. He is acting on his own in this case, the Council is on the side of law. I'll make certain, he does not interfere with you. We should have a luncheon on Friday. Discuss the situation. You have preformed admirably, and I'll make certain, you receive proper commendation."

OOC [PM]

The loss of magic explains how Filch could overpower Jonathan, but it doesn't explain death of his wife - clearly, he hasn't shared full story, but he's unwilling to go into details at this point.


Hunting the Hunter

The information from Dr. Letts saves Manny time to locate the creature - he is certainly in the Right Place (Positive). The negative is that it's one of the more dangerous parts of town - where Gangs (Neutral) control territory. He places a piece of fresh Animal Meat (Neutral) - it's not exactly what the Ghouls go for, preferring necrotic human flesh. He waits in ambush, near piles of Trash (Neutral), until one of the creatures takes the bait. Dressed in the gang colors, the Ghoul packs heat, a shape of a Gun (Neutral), which hopefully the creature isn't too proficient with. As pack creatures, it's buddies are unlikely to be too far away - the Ghoul Gang (Negative) would certainly rush to help their buddy. The ghoul sniffs at meat and walks towards it, carefully adjusting scarf and hoodie, that is hiding it's twisted features.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Dinner with Melody
"But if she can control the ritual she would be able to bargain for just about anything. Simply put, she is needed right now. Once the ritual is over, her necessity is... significantly less. That along with the city hating her, she'll be in an even worse position at that point. She'll be looking for a trump card, or something to give her an advantage. I wouldn't be surprised if the ritual is her best chance. I trust Crone to be able to out smart her, assuming she is able to focus on Morrigan's schemes instead of other issues, say Nineteen-O-One."

Hunting the Hunter
Seeing his prey, Manny will move out of his hiding spot behind the Ghoul, summoning Rock John to infuse him with rock like skin. His Combat Experience tells him to disarm the target first, then cover its mouth so it cannot summon help. The rock skin will negate any damage done by the biting teeth.
ooc: I'll leave an opening for failure here, but if successful next comes the binding. I still have one use of combat experience and Rock John, can I use them in the scene again for something else if the need arises?

[Thelonius]

Manny Brigham

Melody Pierce

“Well… true. I believe Crone will do her best, but she can be somewhat passive - perhaps because her greatest strength is her Demesne, perhaps because she usually outlives most of her enemies. Hack-n-Slash and Techna are our best defenses really - powerful enough, but not bound enough to be inflexible. Of course they are busy with their feud. Maybe Third Lord will balance Morrigan - I’ll try to figure him or her out. We need more Practitioners, that we can rely on… I wish I could look into it, figure out, which ones are trustworthy, but I expect my schedule will be occupied with banishing fire elementals or whatever else goes wrong.”

Hunting the Hunter

Rockjohn provides Manny with [Rock Skin] and [Stone Strength]. Both prove to be invaluable, as Ghoul tries to bite Manny’s hand, as soon as police officer tries to silence him. Manny’s combat expertise allows him to disarm Ghoul, however he feels the creature to draw on power - vestiges of magical energies unleashed by war with Morrigan, that empower the creature to fight fiercely. This certainly explains, why they are acting so boldly, despite their scavenger’s nature.

Description
Manny invokes Combat Expertise (Gun moves to Positive)
Ghoul invokes Ghoul’s Bite (Restricted by Rock Skin)
Ghoul invokes Resilience (Stone Strength moves from Positive to Neutral)
Ghoul invokes Battle Rage (Negative)

Situation
Ghoul: Forceful [?], Magic Title 2-3, Social Title 2, Fate Title ?
Manny: Prepared [2]
Rock Skin [Positive]
Right Place [Positive]
Gun [Positive]
Ghoul Gang [Negative]
Ghoul’s Battle Rage [Negative]
All other SA's Neutral

[OOC: You can either invoke more Aspects or I’ll proceed with resolving situation. Also, depending on whether you are going for a Full Pact or simply enforcing a couple conditions (like serving as your informant), the difficulty may be affected.]
[OOC2: The active Aspects may serve as restrictions for what aspects/approaches can be used or you can spend more invocations to shift Situational Aspects on Positive-Negative axis.]

[ArcaneStomper]

Dr. Letts

In his game with McCoy Dr. Letts is amiable, but avoids mentioning the council. "I'm sorry to hear that. I've taken to walking the town in my free time, which I find myself with plenty of. I can keep an eye out for your missing friends if you like."

Of course he also accepts the Third Lord's offer of a game. "Of course always a pleasure to match wits with someone new. And an interesting variant you have as well." Dr. Letts is of course aware that some kind of symbolism is going on with the pawn promotion. So not being completely inept at social matters he does not block it. Instead he takes advantages of the Third Lord's sacrifices and set himself up to be able to handle the addition of a second queen to the board. Powerful as they are queens don't win the game by themselves after all. And he supposes that's a bit of symbolism too.

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Dinner with Melody Pierce
"Well, I can try to help with finding some reliable practitioners. That is assuming you can trust me. I'll also look into Jeff for a bit, see if he's on the level or playing some kind of con."


Hunting the Hunter
Seeing his rage increase, Manny talks softly to the creature, hoping it understands English. "Listen, you know the war magic you're thriving on is lessening since the peace, that doesn't bode well for you and your gang. You can either be the survivor or fall with the rest of them. Work with me bringing the rest down and I can protect you from the hammer that's going to fall."
ooc: I don't think any other aspects are effective without evoking fate, which I'd rather not. Just taking down the goal to him being an informant

[Thelonius]

Dr. Letts

Third Lord surprises Dr. Letts by a gambit, that sacrifices his first queen, shortly before he promotes new one. The speed of the game picks up and the mental strain of keeping track of which colorless, shapeless figure belongs to which player grows harder. In the end Dr. Letts gains an advantage, that he successfully presses. "Thank you for the game." Third Lords shakes doctor's hand. "It was a pleasure."

Manny Brigham

Hunting the Hunter

The ghoul hisses, not quite growing slack, but certainly no longer struggling. "Peace? It's eye of the storm man. You certain, where that hammer would be falling? I ain't turning on my mates. You snuff me out, they'll be after your flesh. You sure you can handle heat like that?"

"You Council's man? How about a deal of our own - you tell Graham, we'll resolve this crime wave, make streets safe, keep business out of papers. He gets us grub, dough and guns and we'll be right asset for the city."

[HerbieRAI]

Manny Bingham

Hunting the Hunter
ooc: I am assuming Ghouls can be killed through mundane means. If not, then ignore the bold sections
Manny smiles and gives a small chuckle. "you're not following, perhaps you are to stupid for what I need. Lets say this is just an eye of the storm, then the Council is going to do everything it can to show it has things under control. To do that it is going to target the easy prominent fixes first. Something easy to find, predictable, possibly on the news, well known in the city kinda problems. You ghouls fit the bill surprisingly well. Hell, they don't even have to risk any real assets to take you out, just pull a few strings and the mundanes come at you in force. The only reason you've been around this long is the war was diverting their attention and power. You see, your gang is already destroyed. Lining up with them is just getting yourself destroyed as well, I'm giving you a way out. Being an informant is just a way of making sure you won't stab me in the back, I'm really looking for a long term partner for the coming storm. I'll give you one more chance, work with me."

ooc: If he answers no again, I'll give him a good hard hit to the head and leave. If the hit is hard enough to kill him I wont be upset.

[Thelonius]

Manny Brigham

To Manny [Secret]

The Ghoul seems to consider Manny’s words, the creature seems to hesitate, before steeling it’s resolve. “Nah, I turn on my pack, there ain’t future for me. I tell you, things aint' so easy, we are not real problem for the Council. That war did stir things down below. Things that have risen up. Call him Phantom of Lethe. He’s still on the other side of the Boundary, but once he crosses, there’ll be a reckoning for the Council and all you living. Leechers are just first taste of it. Most of cold fellows are right, hitching their ride with it, little fishes following the shark. See, we ain't’ biting, cause we are just fine with status quo, our business, that’s enough for our appetites. Phantom of Lethe though, now he real hungry, right insatiable. You ask Thing-in-The-Mirror, it’ll tell ya, I ain’t lying. You tell your Council, they ain’t got long, before Reaper gets his dues.”


The hit delivers a solid crunch and the creature falls, though with undead resilience, it's unlikely to perish.

[OOC: Threat of police would be real - while ghouls are highly resilient, if they fail to die from bullet wounds, the Unaware effect with observing magic would kick in and finish them off. And the fact that Ghouls have assumed identity of criminal gang, means they are restricted by this bond, so they would be weaker against police authorities. That is unless, there’s a major shift, that would create City Aspect: Sin City or something, that would alter the bond to “corrupt police lets gangs do as they please”, in which case ghoul’s gang bond would be less constraining against police.]