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  1. - Top - End - #1
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    Nefarion Xid's Avatar

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    Default Stormrunners [IC]

    A bundle of broadsheet newspapers sits abandoned at the north corner of 9th and Grenelle, still damp from a noon shower despite the tarpaulin. Slow news day anyway, and it’s 5:15 PM besides. The baseball scores are repeated by a man on the radio, carried through the speaker under the awning of Mise en Place. It’s a nice place and open to the public, the bar on the ground floor of Le Treizième. That’s Monsieur Leblanc’s hotel. Both offer a bit of old world charm and service if you’re not particular about which world or how old.

    Twenty feet below the sidewalk at street level proper, a man with a black mustache gestures frantically between his horse drawn cart and the policeman with a red mustache in the same style. The officer repeats, as if clarity were a matter of volume, “Ye kinnae hae nae hars drawn lorry nor tae Lex-ing-ton!”

    The first man bellows back in increasingly indignant Lucerian that, “Questo non e una lorry. E un carro!” He has a point. Sort of. He really should be six streets south though. Horses tend to spook around aerocars. This one has a glassy-eyed look like he’s just come out of a lobotomy, and doesn’t even flinch when an old model Vesper thrums over his head.

    The courier pulls into an open parking spot along the sidewalk and flings herself from the two-seater with all the alacrity of someone paid per delivery. It’s a nice neighborhood, so no one thinks anything of it when she leaves the key engaged and the drives still running. She heads for the lobby of Le Treizième at a jog, driving goggles still on, with a pair of aluminum cylinders slung across her shoulder on nylon straps -- the sort of thing you’d use for charcoal drawings or architectural blueprints.

    A few seconds later, an enclosed yellow cab arrives to disgorge a trio of brokers who look like they all went in together for suits made from the same bolt of tweed, even down to the suede elbow patches. With the exchange closed at five sharp, these fellows look thirsty. They make straight for the door of Mise en Place. The youngest of the three tips his bowler to the approaching redhead in the cloche with the plum feather. They exchange kisses on cheeks, she takes his arm, and they go in together behind the other two men.

    A handsome young blond waits by the propped open double glass doors of the bar. A doorman, one assumes by proximity to a door and his overly green overcoat with bright silver banded cuffs. He’s too interested in the boxing results to pay anyone much mind, but greets everyone on the way in with an enthusiastic, “Bonsoir!” then fills in gender and numeric declension. Judging by his rough accent, he only ventures north of Lexington Street to stand by doors and wish people good evening and good night.

    Inside, the bar is more boldly decorated than the hotel lobby it abuts. Authentically, loudly arts décoratifs with dark green marble tile and gold inlay. The walls black with gold bordered wainscoting and the same towering arrangement of rectangles set in front of some abstract coronal quelque chose. Atma lights set into the ceiling bathe the room with an increasingly intimate glow as the sun is lost behind the western skyline.

    Lenny, the balding man with a pencil mustache behind the immense, square bar in the center of the room turns his attention from the radio to the three men and one lady and begins muddling some mint before they can even order. The piano player meanwhile sucks on his half empty glass of gin flavored ice and seems to ponder if there were enough customers yet to start tooling around on the ivories instead.

    Spoiler: GM Note
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    You've been told that Monsieur Leblanc will send someone down to collect you from the hotel bar between 5:30 and 6 PM, and that you'll drink free as Lenny is expecting you by name. Please give a detailed visual description of your characters and mention _one_ rumor about you, if you can likely be identified by appearance or a noticeable piece of equipment.
    Last edited by Nefarion Xid; 2021-09-25 at 11:37 PM.
    I apologize for drawing CockroachTeaParty as a winged centaur.

  2. - Top - End - #2
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    Jade_Tarem's Avatar

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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    At the far end of the bar, a young woman of unimpressive stature and twiggy build is nursing a drink that she ordered by pointing at a random spot on the menu, trying to look inconspicuous. Clothing that's mostly imitation of more expensive brands and a demeanor that suggests she'd be fine with just turning invisible for a bit contribute to the wallflower look, which is utterly ruined by the fabulous royal blue hooded duster that all but glitters in the light, and the massive spanner slung across her back like a hefty wand. She occasionally glances uncomfortably at the pianist, apparently not realizing that he's just not going to start playing until more people show up.

    Those who recognize the coat, though, could whisper that it's no wonder Rachel Blackwood is looking for work, though why she'd seek it out in Leblanc's establishment is another story.
    Amazing Zealot avatar by Elder Tsofu.

  3. - Top - End - #3
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    A hooded and cloaked individual steps away from the radio as the recounting of the latest baseball scores end. A quick glance shows a briefly scowling woman's face - she didn't like what she'd heard - before she ducks into Mise en Place. Inside, she casts back her hood, revealing the face of someone who likely didn't get enough sunshine. A night owl perhaps, or a woman just beginning her work for the evening, whatever that may be. Those who knew her, or knew of her at least, would recognize Miss Abigail Wexford by her shoulder-length black hair and pale blue eyes, not to mention her bold choice of lipstick. She wore all black, though her cloak was well-made and had silver embroidery, and underneath she openly wore jerkin of studded leather for protection. The hilts of several daggers can be seen about her person, and a thick dark book with arcane or eldritch (or even occultic to the ignorant) symbols hangs by a chain. A golden ring with a dark red stone graces her right hand.

    Something of a local investigator, errand-runner, and secret-sniffer, Miss Wexford had a nose for both trouble and adventure, and it was suspected that she walked upon both sides of the law. The latest rumor of her escapades involved the death of a local mobster at her hand. Details were sketchy, but she'd reportedly had him dead-to-rights and chose to kill him rather than turn him over to local law enforcement. That was the story at any rate.

    Miss Wexford selects a seat not far from the piano and flashes a smile at the bartender. "Come on, Lenny. Give us a tune."
    Last edited by Othniel; 2021-09-21 at 07:12 AM.
    Many thanks to Ceika for the Custom Avatar!

  4. - Top - End - #4
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    "Don't believe I know how to fix a tune, miss," Lenny, the bartender, continued mashing lime and mint together in the bottom of cocktail shaker. After adding rum, syrup, and ice, he capped the shaker and did as the name implied.

    "Al's the piano man. Though he's just got out of bed, you see. Needs his arthritis medicine before he hits the keys."

    Lenny dumped a shot of the white rum into the pianist's glass, which he drank without complaint. What Lenny had said was true, though he was rather glib about the man's condition. His hands stopped trembling not long after he swallowed his rum, and he began to mosey in the direction of the piano. Meanwhile the bartender turned the dial on the radio behind him until it clicked off and finally got around to pouring the mojito for the lady in cloche hat, then three draughts of an amber lager for the men. The announcer on the radio was unfortunately just getting to the results of last night's aerial races.

    Looking between the newcomer in black and the desperately inconspicuous woman sitting alone on the far side of the bar, Lenny made a self congratulatory nod and a just audible, "Ah". He pulled a slim notebook from the pocket of his apron and scrutinized what was written there.

    "What can I get you to drink, Miss Blackwood?" he said looking up at Miss Wexford instead, having mismatched the name with the clothing.
    I apologize for drawing CockroachTeaParty as a winged centaur.

  5. - Top - End - #5
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    "Bonsoir Monsieur, Merci!" Lavender thanked the doorman, and as she passed him by, she muttered,

    "White as snow." beneath her breath. She paused in the entryway with a dramatic flourish as her tattered silk cloak changed color from black to white. Underneath the cloak, she wore a thin slipdress the same color as her namesake hair, which flowed in loose waves down the middle of her back. Lavender turned her head and gave her companion an impish grin.

    <"Don't worry, Connie. If he had wanted subtlety, Leblanc wouldn't have invited us here and offered us free booze."> She spoke in lilting Elvish and entwined her arm through the arm of the cloaked elf next to her.

    <"Everyone knows the purple haired ex-mistress of Gunner Pashkov anyway. Well, everyone that matters."> Her grin turned devilish and she pulled Constantine with her to the bar.

    "I'll have two gin gimlets." She leaned on the bar and held up two fingers at the bartender before glancing up at the taller man.

    "What are you having?" A dimple appeared in her right cheek as she smiled up at him, clearly enjoying herself.
    Last edited by PepperP.; 2021-09-21 at 08:41 PM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Kasanip View Post
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  6. - Top - End - #6
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    No one had noticed the tall dryad in the bar until the luminous Miss Fosse-Wilde took his arm, and once they did see him most took pains to keep their eyes elsewhere. Features obscured beneath the shadows of a cloak of hunter green patterned in black bramble vines, it was all one could do to catch a glimpse of sage-green skin and near-black hair, though when his eyes caught the light they seemed for a moment like fiery emeralds. Beneath the neck he was shrouded in black leathers, which rumors insisted were the skins of his victims, studded with metal taken from the teeth of dead men. Sliding onto the bar stool beside Lavender, the man known locally as Constantine Jacksberry took a moment to scan the room before fixing Lenny with an unflinching stare.

    "Something older than you, boy."

    Leaning closer to Lavender as the bartender hopped to their order, a wry smile crept into Constantine's eyes.

    <"Now we see if the vampire's taste matches his reputation.">
    Last edited by TheDarkDM; 2021-09-21 at 09:22 PM.

    I was old when the pharaohs first mounted
    The jewel-decked throne by the Nile;
    I was old in those epochs uncounted
    When I, and I only, was vile;

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    Quote Originally Posted by apocalypsePast2 View Post
    ...one could possibly refer to you guys' elaborate dance of allies-to-enemies-to-suicide-of-the-universe as some sort of weird art form.

    If one were on drugs.
    Quote Originally Posted by VonDoom View Post
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  7. - Top - End - #7
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    The next person to come through the door, was a man only just above average height, with brown eyes set into a plain yet pleasant face, and neatly coiffed short chestnut hair atop it. He returned the doorman's greeting with a smooth "Bonsoir, mon ami," and an easy smile before heading to the bar, taking care to select a seat with the best view of the room and the fewest number of windows behind it. His dress was, at first glance, not all that much different from the mixed and matched heavy-duty clothing often worn by other sky sailors, and consisted a dark blue thick shirt (though, with a careful glance, one could spot the telltale shine of a metal stud set into leather hidden underneath), woolen forest-green trousers, and entirely unremarkable brown leather boots.

    What was notable, however, was the handle of the wand that he carried on his right hip - for while he had a second wand on his left, which, by all accounts, appeared to be well-made, the first wand had a distinctive platinum crust, sapphire blue atma crystal, and sleek form that identified it as the infamous wand Diamond Dust - or, at a bare minimum, an exceptional replica. This, in turn, identified its wielder as none other than one Harcourt Zebulon Griffin - or Zeb, to those who didn't feel like uttering a full speech every time they addressed him.

    There were those who said that Zeb had once won his wand in a game of skill against a lesser Aeon, but, really, who could say for sure?

    Easing himself into the bar stool, Zeb's eyes imperceptibly flickered downward for a brief moment before turning to the bartender.

    Well, that last thing's good to know, anyhow.

    "Something nice and light, my good man. Got any blonde ales?"
    Everything dissolves into blue.

    Avatar of Kotka done by Ceika!

  8. - Top - End - #8
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    "O-oh! I'm having the Blackwood. I mean I am. Blackwood. That's me." Rachel gestured at her drink. "I've already ordered. Thank youuuu were talking to her." With that, she abruptly chose to attempt 'fitting in' by shooting through the rest of her drink in one go and immediately dissolved into a coughing fit, tears coming to her eyes at what was clearly an unfamiliar burn from the beverage.
    Last edited by Jade_Tarem; 2021-09-21 at 11:50 PM.
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  9. - Top - End - #9
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    Abigail was about to respond with her name when the other woman had her...episode? She's obviously someone in unfamiliar territory, poor dear. She offered a sympathetic smile before turning back to the bartender.

    "Abigail Wexford. Though I'll give you points for trying." Abigail rapped the bar top with her fingernails, hesitating with indecision. "Ah, surprise me." The more she talked, the more her Aenslish accent came through. "But nothing too strong before business."
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  10. - Top - End - #10
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    Lenny pursed his lips looking back at the correct Miss Blackwood, seemed to make a mental note, then went about preparing something for Miss Wexford with lime and half the vodka (though it was hard to tell since he never measured anything), poured into a highball glass with plenty of ice and club soda. He finished with a splash of grenadine and a pair of candied cherries, then gave it enough of a stir with a stainless steel straw so the red syrup began seeping down over the ice cubes.

    "Pomegranate lime easy vodka soda." He looked on to see if she liked the drink, but his attention was soon drawn to the more vivacious woman with lavender hair and her dour companion.

    "Ah!" and a twitch of his mustache was about all the rise the dryad got out of him. The lady in the cloche gave Constantine a look neither approving nor disproving, just intrigued by his presence.

    "Miss Fosse-Wilde and Mister Jacksberry, I presume," said Lenny. "That's a pair of gin gimlets and something put in an oak barrel before 3722."

    The forty-three year old bartender wrinkled his nose and turned to search the central carousel shelving something older than him. "There we are," he said, turning around to place a half-sized black glass bottle with a blue wax seal in front of Constantine along with two copitas, if Constantine cared to share with Lavender. The label featured the white silhouette of a woman in a crown with blue diamonds. "Anselmo 3720 Sapphire Reserve. That would be grapes picked in the year of Reina Catarina's Silver Jubilee, then brought out of the dungeon to celebrate the old girl's Sapphire Jubilee. Monsieur Leblanc assures me it met with the approval of the Salazars, so I'll warrant this sherry's good enough for even you, Mister Jacksberry."

    Lenny worked a pocket knife around the wax seal, wiggled the cork free, and drained two fingers of the sable colored wine into each copita. He then began packing another shaker with the makings of a double gin gimlet.

    Spoiler: Constantine
    Show
    Make a History check. The sherry is complex, primarily sun dried raisins and figs, but with notes of honey and dark chocolate. Extremely sweet, rather dense, and a velvety, lingering finish.

    Spoiler: Abigail
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    Make a History check.
    Last edited by Nefarion Xid; 2021-09-22 at 05:14 PM.
    I apologize for drawing CockroachTeaParty as a winged centaur.

  11. - Top - End - #11
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    A breeze caught Toussaint's cloak as he opened the door, causing it to billow in front of him as he stepped in. He removed his cap, which clearly marked him as Republic soldier. The embroidery on his black cloak and top coat marked him as a man of some wealth, which along with his cap marked him as an officer or some noble's child playing dress up. As he kept walking it was clear he had a military gait and posture, so it probably wasn't just a costume. He was tall and lanky, with curly black hair and green eyes.

    ""Vous êtes Lenny?" He spoke to the barman as he took the seat nearest to the door. "Je m'apelle Gabriel Florent Jean-Rocce Manu Toussaint du Lioncœur. Capitaine Delisle m'a envoyé." Toussaint locked eyes with a man who was clearly out of his depth and sighed. "Toussaint du Lioncœur. Captain Delisle sent me." He spoke slower in Aenslish and with a heavy accent.

    Lioncœur was a name with a reputation. Many had heard the tale of how he had destroyed an entire Roanesse fleet during the revolution.
    Quote Originally Posted by lt_murgen View Post
    Exploratory expeditions expeditiously expediting exploration would be epicurially equipped.

  12. - Top - End - #12
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    By the time Zeb came in, Lenny had his hands full with a shaker. He gave the man a nod of recognition, glanced towards the wand on his hip, and repeated, "Gentleman likes his blondes. Yessir, be right with you."

    Lenny made a surly glare to the back room as if a waiter were supposed to be clocking in about now to lighten his load. He tipped out the strained contents of a double gin gimlet into a pair of suggestively beckoning cocktail glasses for Lavender, then was on to filling up a slender pilsner glass with something from the tap with one hand and tossing a cup full of spent limes in the trash with the other. The beer was on a polished ebony wood tray a moment later, and Lenny out the bar flap to pass by Toussaint and give the man a slightly blank stare as heavily accented Roannese was launched his way. Meanwhile, Al finally got around to tapping out a quiet but needlessly complex etude composed by a masochist, just to warm up his fingers.

    "Kelheim Weiß. Enjoy ..." the bartender had more to say as he dropped off an ale at Zeb's table, but he returned his strained attention to Toussaint with dawning realization. "Oui. Je suis Lenny. Désolé, Monsieur. Je parle roannais ... lentement."

    The last word came out with a proud little nod to himself.
    Last edited by Nefarion Xid; 2021-09-22 at 09:14 PM.
    I apologize for drawing CockroachTeaParty as a winged centaur.

  13. - Top - End - #13
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    Taking a sip off the head of his drink, Zeb took a moment to let himself enjoy the crisp, slightly floral flavor of his beer before turning his attention to the door as Toussaint came in. Taking a second to examine the man, a glimmer of recognition passed through his eyes. He had met Toussaint a few times over the years through their mutual acquaintance, although he had yet to work extensively with the man.

    Taking another sip, Zeb strode confidently over to where Toussaint was sitting, and inclined his head politely, a wordless request to join the officer. Barring any objections, he took a seat.

    "So, Delisle referred you too? Looks like we might finally be working together, then."


    Spoiler: OOC
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    Time to scrape the rust off the RP gears.

    Everything dissolves into blue.

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  14. - Top - End - #14
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    Upon the arrival of the scary elves, the famous gunslinger, and then the legendary revolutionary, Rachel quickly continued blending in by faking another pull from her now-empty glass, feeling increasingly ridiculous and out of place among this crowd. "Ah... Mr. Lenny? Could I get a..." she fumbled for a name she'd heard at the dorms once, years ago. "...White Mikoyan?" That was it! "Please and thank you." It couldn't be that potent if the freshmen were drinking it, right?

    Summoning what remained of her courage, she managed to ask the room. "Was anyone else here referred by Roxane Roxane? Is this one of her pranks? Am I being pranked?"
    Last edited by Jade_Tarem; 2021-09-24 at 12:30 PM.
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  15. - Top - End - #15
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    "I was referred by Roxane," Abigail piped up, sliding her drink along the bar closer to Rachel and perching upon a new seat. "A right strange one, she is, but she's never done me wrong for a job."

    "Sort of looks like there are a few as are here at Mister Leblanc's invitation. Hopefully can see him about whatever skilamalink he's got for us before we're all half-rats with all this fancy drink they're serving." As if to make a point, the dark-haired woman took a sip from her own beverage. "I'm Abigail Wexford, by the way. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
    Last edited by Othniel; 2021-09-24 at 07:59 PM.
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  16. - Top - End - #16
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    Toussaint nodded appreciatively and took in the rest of the room. Maybe it was a bit early in the evening for the venue, but clientele seemed sparser than he had expected. The shocking thing was how many of them he'd heard of.

    "Ah, oui?" He raised an eyebrow at Zeb as he approached. "I'll make sure to secure my wallet then." Toussaint offered his hand to shake with a wry grin. "Did she tell you anything about what we are to do for Monsieur Leblanc?"
    Quote Originally Posted by lt_murgen View Post
    Exploratory expeditions expeditiously expediting exploration would be epicurially equipped.

  17. - Top - End - #17
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    Raising one glass to his nose, Constantine indulged in a languid sniff of the sherry's bouquet. After a long moment, he takes a sip, finally nodding to Lenny before sliding one of the glasses in front of Lavender and retrieving one of the gin gimlets.

    <"Well, I can at least vouch for his taste in bartenders. Anselmo Sapphire, just the thing to chase the gimlet.">

    Spinning in the bar stool, Constantine placed an elbow on the polished wood of the bar and gestured around.

    <"Take a bet, Vivi? How many are here to drink, and how many are drinking away their nerves before meeting Leblanc?">

    I was old when the pharaohs first mounted
    The jewel-decked throne by the Nile;
    I was old in those epochs uncounted
    When I, and I only, was vile;

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    Quote Originally Posted by apocalypsePast2 View Post
    ...one could possibly refer to you guys' elaborate dance of allies-to-enemies-to-suicide-of-the-universe as some sort of weird art form.

    If one were on drugs.
    Quote Originally Posted by VonDoom View Post
    Behold, the mighty slayer of strangely coloured mutant equines! The thwarter of forum woes! The! Dark! DM!

  18. - Top - End - #18
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    Rachel drew away from the gregarious Wexford. "A pleasure to meet you," the pleasantry came out crisp, showing that wherever life had brought them, the academic had learned Aenslish from a much stricter tutor. "I am Rachel Blackwood. You... probably knew that from when I blurted it out a moment ago." Her speech picked up speed along with her nerves. "I'm terribly sorry about the mixup and interruption, I just really rather need this job. Have I dressed appropriately, you think? I read that you're supposed to wear your best to an interview but the only outfit I own that's higher quality than this is designed to showcase physical charms rather than technical proficiencies, and I didn't want Monsieur Leblanc to think I was applying for the wrong job. At the Starlight Gala some years back I remember hearing a vampire duke say that you can't be a doxy if you went to university, but to be perfectly honest I don't think they check your academic credentials prior to employment in that sort of profession. I could be misremembering, though. I was young enough that I had to look up what the word meant." There were atma engines that ran slower than Rachel's tongue now, and at a lower pitch too. "Sorry, digressing again. When I heard this job might involve work in my field I knew I had to try for it, it's just a step up from gig work for Roxane and thankyousir." The white Mikoyan had arrived, and she had to pause to take a sip. Setting it back down, she swallowed slowly, then took a deep breath, resuming normal speech. "Abigail Wexford. I think Roxy mentioned you a few times. It's nice to meet you."
    Last edited by Jade_Tarem; 2021-09-25 at 12:47 AM.
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  19. - Top - End - #19
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    <"You know I can't resist a bet, Connie."> Lavender grinned and took an appreciative sniff of the proffered sherry as she cast a speculative glance at the other bar patrons.

    "<Those two for sure. The soldiers."> She tilted her head at the two sharply dressed men on the other end of the bar. She furrowed a delicate brow at the rest of the room.

    <"The rest aren't so obvious, but I'd guess there are at least two more. A job doable by less than six people likely wouldn't be worth our time at this point, at least until we're good enough to get it done ourselves."> She raised her glass as if in toast.

    <"to new jobs and new adventures, Connie. May we find new prowess and prosperity from this one."> She drank deeply from her glass, tingling from the alcohol and anticipation.
    Quote Originally Posted by Kasanip View Post
    Somehow it is nostalgic to see the lewd discussion to return again to EMPIRE game.
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  20. - Top - End - #20
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    Entering in rather late is a tall rotund middle-aged man, his thinning hair covered by a bowler hat and a garishly puffy mustache. As he strode into the establishment, shadowed by a slinking silent manikin in a butler's outfit carrying a myriad of bags, satchels, and luggage. Whiffing his nose at the smell of this unrefined booze Giovani dragged his freckled olive-skinned hands over his beleaguered face. The investigation over Professor Nero's murder had reached a fever pitch, to the point where even his long-time rival Baron Fabrizio, had suggested he skip town so the heat of the citadel authority brass could find another target.

    With a voice still, primed for lectures in the great halls of the citadel Giovani bellowed "LEENNNNYYY, show me the good stuff."
    Last edited by Lleban; 2021-09-27 at 11:04 AM.
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  21. - Top - End - #21
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    Quote Originally Posted by zabbarot View Post
    "Ah, oui? I'll make sure to secure my wallet then."
    Zeb grinned cheekily. "Good. I could use the practice, make sure my fingers are warmed up." He shook Toussaint's offered hand (resisting the urge to pocket any cufflinks he might have been wearing), and then took another gulp of beer. At Rachel's inquiry, he shook his head, but opted not to address the woman directly, letting the woman in the silver-embroidered cloak engage her in conversation.

    Quote Originally Posted by zabbarot View Post
    "Did she tell you anything about what we are to do for Monsieur Leblanc?"
    Zeb made to open his mouth, but was cut off as the rotund man in the bowler hat proudly strode into the bar and boisterously called out for "the good stuff". With a raised eyebrow, he turned back to Toussaint. "Hopefully nothing too discreet, or we may be at an early disadvantage." Another sip. "In all seriousness, I wasn't told much - I was told Leblanc would provide all the details. I'd likely wager some sort of prolonged expedition or scouting action. She usually refers me for jobs where operating on a more... independent basis is required."
    Last edited by Lord Of Mantas; 2021-09-25 at 02:39 PM.
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  22. - Top - End - #22
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    "You can slow down a bit, Rachel," Abigail couldn't keep in a small laugh. "I suspect this isn't an interview so much as an offer to people with assorted skills. Judging by the look of the other folk who just came in it'll likely be dangerous, so our employer won't have to pay if we don't come back. That said, you can bet it'll be lucrative enough for him that he comes out ahead even if we survive."

    The Warlock glanced at Rachel's outfit again. "I think you're dressed just fine for what I suspect this is, and judging by our outfit and the equipment you carry, I'd say you have some technological know-how. My expertise is more with people and sussing out information, and with slipping in where I shouldn't be. Plus I know a few magic tricks."
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    With some of the barroom talk drifting towards potentially sensitive information, Lenny leaned over towards the trio of stockbrokers to say something in confidence. After looking only a bit taken aback by what he said, they nodded, all smiles, and Lenny began pouring another round for them.

    Spoiler: Passive Perception 15+
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    Lenny said, "I wouldn't repeat anything you hear from these fine folks. Not about Monsieur Leblanc's business. How's about a round on the house, gents? And the lady of course."


    No sooner had he fixed the lady a second drink, someone new was bellowing his name. Lenny matched the enthusiasm and volume of the loud Lucerian fellow in the bowler, throwing his arms wide with a, "Signore!" as if they had been lifelong friends. That was typically how Lucerians greeted when another when they were great friends. Or great enemies. Or just the people who handled your food and drink.

    "Some Bardolino for you? Maybe a Negroni? The food carts will be around any minute now. I'll keep an eye out for the piadina guy!" A negroni would be just the thing for the stomach in preparation of that much ham and cheese and bread. Just the thing to drink after too.

    5:35 PM, after one round of drinks and a bit of conversation.

    There was a muted ding from short corridor opposite the entrance, about the place you'd guess the water closets would be located. A moment later, from out of the alcove stepped a severe looking woman in a white trench coat. A bit tall by nature, but the stiletto heels were a statement. Her right eye was covered with a black kidskin patch, the same leather as her gloves. The good eye was the color of sunlit honey, if not so inviting, though a great deal of care had gone into applying a dusky amber shadow and thick black outline. Dull sable hair was worn loose and forward on the side of her eye patch, but pinned tight on the other. She was beautiful, but also so completely uncharmed by the world as to be immediately off-putting. This was a woman who had fun once and swore to never repeat her mistake.

    A few resounding clacks of her heels on the marble floor carried her into the bar proper, where she moved her good eye left to right, appraising everyone in turn for about three seconds.

    "Harcourt, Constantine, Lavender ... the rest of you. Follow me." she said after an uncomfortable silence, then returned to wait in the alcove without any clarification.

    One of the stockbrokers lifted from his stool and hesitated, unsure if that included him and quite unwilling to disobey the woman if it did. Lenny put a hand on his shoulder, silently assuring him that he absolutely did not want to go back there.
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  24. - Top - End - #24
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    After pointedly waiting for someone braver and directly named to take the lead, Rachel "the rest of you" Blackwood taps the side of her hood. "Alright, let's go, Cinnamon." Out of the hood pops a round floating creature, brass plating bolted together into a ball, the front of which gave way to a thin screen over what was, internally, an atma ray vacuum tube. The screen displayed a pair of round lit monochrome circles that passed for the tiny construct's face, and were programmed to display any number of emotions and even a few simple statements just by changing shape as the homunculus had no mouth or speakers and as such, could not talk. It did, however, have four tiny mechanical arms ending in slightly larger forearms and metal mitten-like grippers, joined to the ball in an x-pattern.

    Construct Identification Number (CIN):4M0N, or 'Cinnamon,' turns to quizzically glance at Rachel then at the woman in the eyepatch. The screen briefly flashes from OO to ! before shifting back, and it floats silently behind the Aenslish academic as she follows the taller woman's instructions.
    Last edited by Jade_Tarem; 2021-09-28 at 09:24 AM.
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  25. - Top - End - #25
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    Zeb pricked his ears as Lenny leaned over to the stockbrokers and, taking in their presence, winced briefly.

    Damn. Shows what I get for throwing stones in a glass house. Forgot we weren't alone.

    "But anyway," he said to Toussaint, leaning his head toward the trio, "for the moment speculation can probably wait. I'm sure we'll get there when we get there. On a lighter note, what do you think of the Beachers' chances against the Black Cats this year?"

    *** 5 minutes later ***

    When the severe-looking woman with the sable hair showed herself, Zeb's eyes immediately went to her. As she called his name, he rose, joined Blackwood, and strode towards the alcove.
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  26. - Top - End - #26
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    Abigail barked a laugh. "There's an expression that could curdle milk," she said quietly as she drained her drink, swung her legs around and hopped off her stool to follow Rachel. Somehow she made it look graceful. She snapped a finger at the floor and whispered a brief incantation. A small, black cat appeared in a swirl of purplish energy and mewed questioningly. "Come along, Binx. She said 'everyone else,' and that means you too."
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    Giovani plopped down near the stockbroker, depositing his jacket on an ever-growing pile of clutter carried by Felix. If the Doll weren't around an observer may even be fooled into believing Giovani Zapata was a kempt, organized man who hasn't been through a court summons, two duels, 3 separate ragers, and a "medium" speed aerocar chase across the school promenade in the span of a fortnight.

    Giovani gesticulated waving his hands in an exasperated circle "Grazie, Grazie, give me a Necromancer, I need to forget about the youth, too busy idling in their aero cars and baseball games to pay attention in class."

    This rant is punctuated by Giovani slapping his spellbook against the table, scrolling through formulas and byzantine annotations not to find something, but out of nervous comfort.

    "AND THEY'RE NOT EVEN GOOD AT BASEBALL, FACULO. Felix has had his heart broken too many times but the junior citadel team."

    Felix began to silently mime weeping, rubbing his wooden hands against the blank porcelain mask that serves as its face.
    Last edited by Lleban; 2021-09-27 at 10:45 AM.
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    Spoiler: The gift that keeps on giving
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    Spoiler: and giving
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    Spoiler: and giving some more
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    Spoiler: Metric tons of giving
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    Spoiler: Keep going
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    Spoiler: Suprise
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  28. - Top - End - #28
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    "Please. Take your drinks, if you like," Lenny offered. "Monsieur Leblanc may have a liqueur cabinet in the penthouse, but the man can't mix a gimlet to save his bloody life."

    As people assembled in the bar's rear alcove, the dour looking woman turned to address the contents of a cleverly disguised panel in the wall. When closed, it sat perfectly flush with the rest of the wall. Between the black matte lacquer finish of the wood and the dim mood lighting, discovering its existence on the way to the bathroom would be near impossible. How it opened in the first place was a mystery. Within, there was only a stainless steel plate with a hole in it for the cylindrical arcane key in the woman's hand. Jabbing the key in produced another pleasant bong, and two sections of the wall to her left recessed and withdrew, revealing an empty elevator.

    Spoiler: If you have proficiency with Thieves' Tools
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    Arcane locks are difficult, but not impossible to bypass with the right tools. While improvised picks like bobby pins won't work at all, a proper set of thieves' tools includes the atma tipped implements to deal with such a lock -- normally an adjustable "bump key" with rings of atma that can be raised and lower to the correct depth.

    A skeleton key performs this adjustment automatically until a suitable combination is found, though inserting the wrong key array into a lock can trigger alarms and fail safes. The best skeleton keys are sensitive enough to take feedback from the lock and not commit themselves to the wrong combination. Most devices, like aerocars, cease to function when the key is removed. Some also lock a key in place once inserted and require some other mechanism to return the key, thus depriving many would-be thieves of an expensive skeleton key, and trapping them in an antechamber.


    The interior of the spacious elevator was an abrupt departure from the art deco style of the bar and a return to the baroque with ivory walls and gold leaf tracery. The painted ceiling was a deepening blue twilit sky with barely robed or disrobing creatures drifting through the air, many embracing, others more playful, and one clearly sinking his teeth into a woman's pale thigh to draw a trickle of blood. When you were 'out' as a vampire, and as rich as Leblanc, there was no need to be shy about your decor.

    The woman in black and white stabbed her key into another arcane lock and her gloved hand hovered by the adjacent buttons. Judging from the labeling, the elevator only went to the 13th floor and the 2nd basement.

    "I'm rather well acquainted with antiques and wands," she said by way of polite if stilted conversation, perhaps in an attempt to seem amiable, or at least less depressing. "I had hoped to satisfy Captain Delisle's curiosity regarding yours, Mr. Griffin. If you would permit me to inspect Diamond Dust?"

    Spoiler: History = 20
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    Diamond Dust was the signature weapon of the Dauphine Véronique of Loire, a Roannese royal with a penchant for dueling, gambling, and cheating on the Dauphin. Allegedly. The wand belonged to a matched set, though it is unclear if the pair were known as Diamond and Dust separately, or if that was the name of only the Dauphine's wand. Regardless, she is only ever depicted with one weapon. The wand's mate was either gifted away or tucked away in the royal vaults.
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  29. - Top - End - #29
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    Zeb turned turned to the woman in black and white with an amiable smile on his face, even as his mind quickly arranged a response.

    "She is a beauty, isn't she? That being said, ma'am, I hope that you won't take it amiss if I respectfully decline. I'm sure you know your way around wands, but this gal's my life. Besides,"
    he said, winking cheekily, "A guy has to have some secrets."
    Everything dissolves into blue.

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  30. - Top - End - #30
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    Default Re: Stormrunners [IC]

    The alchemist obediently entered and scooted to the back of the car, with Cinnamon hovering overhead. While fascinated at the legal implications of liquor to go, she had finished her white Mikoyan and let the relaxing warmth suffuse her now, even as she briefly brought a hand to her mouth at the interior of the car's decor.

    Not that she hadn't noticed the wall panel or the complex mechanisms within. Rachel would like to think that she'll never truly need to know how to break into the property of a vampire as powerful as Leblanc, but if it came down to it every detail helped. She was no master thief, but she was good at studying and taking fast mental notes. Her mind sorted through the mechanisms she'd seen; arcane key, sealed panel, and it didn't escape her that the whole thing, while fiendishly well hidden, was within view of Lenny's position at the bar, at the very least. If it was a reconfigurable ring array-

    Her thoughts were interrupted by the talk of wands and Harcourt's refusal. Oh no, she's going to eat him! It should be noted that Rachel did not, at this time, believe Leblanc's apparent employee to be a vampire herself, but this thought nonetheless leaped through her mind. What came out of her mouth, fortunately, stayed on topic. "Oh, but is it truly Diamond Dust? The one wielded by the Dauphine? The one she used to defeat three men at once in a duel after bedding their spouses? The one she used to freeze over a convent to fake the death of another lover? If you have such a legend on your person, you simply *must* show us!"
    Last edited by Jade_Tarem; 2021-09-28 at 09:25 PM.
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