The night brings the first snow and the first really cold night of Montreal’s winter.  The Bruins are in town so downtown is fast becoming a traffic snarl as snow and hockey fans combine to clog the streets of the island.

A dark haired man recounts last night’s incident on the six o’clock news, reporting that the police have apprehended a suspected separatist terrorist, one last devotee to the defunct Front de liberation du Quebec.

Sunset brings a new night and the uncertainty of a city in turmoil, at least for the Kindred of Montreal by Night. This could be the first night of a long struggle or the first step toward peaceful resolution.

Players, you are here. You rouse in your havens. The Conclave begins at Midnight. What are you doing?

The house was quiet and still, neither Eva or Fergus feeling up to much conversation as she prepared for the Conclave.  Nothing grand about her attire now; much as she disliked them in general she now felt it best to wear trousers on this occasion, with a dark blouse and jacket.  Perhaps it was foolish, as Guarin had said it was too early to guess what would happen, but she felt as though she had to be ready to act somehow.  With luck they might at least know more tonight.

It was still much too early to leave for the Conclave, and it was impossible to distract her thoughts for long.  She did wonder if the other Kindred she had met at the party would be there as well -- she hoped so, for they would need all the help they could muster.  Chiharu had seemed terribly angry, but perhaps that would be of help in this crisis.

But for the most part, all she could do was pace restlessly until it was time to go, checking the clock again and again, unable to settle down to anything, even her beloved music.

Chiharu rouses at what ever is the lowest rank place to sleep in the building.  Checking in the mirror even though it never changes.

She seeks out one of the others in the building to find out what her daily duties are, so she can get started on those before she has to leave.

@Eva. the stillness of the house feels unnatural. For the first night since your reawakening, you feel the same sense of despair that pulled you into that century long sleep. Without Guillaume the house, and you heart, feel empty. You can’t bear the thought that something terrible has happened.

@Chiharu. you are the chantry’s only acolyte, all others having taken the oath of the apprentice and drank of the elders’ blood. The youngest apprentices take you under their wing and begin to show you the ropes, but a couple of them give you the cold shoulder. Word that you, a mere acolyte, will be permitted to accompany the Regent to the Conclave has spread and a few of your Kindred are a bit hostile about it.

Everyone lose 1 Blood (waking).

You have a few hours before your are expected by either the Seneschal or the Regent of Tremere. Do you have anything you want to accomplish before the Conclave?

Assuming that i can leave and return before the meeting i will use my herd to top off.  Otherwise no actions of note before the meeting.

They shouldn't be mad, it means they are not the ones being volonteered for something....

@Chiharu. With no wheels, if you hunt and run into a complication, you will miss your appointment with the Regent. Do you risk it?

nope guess i will have to hope for the best.

In reply to Chiharu Miyasaki (msg # 7):

so, anything else you want to do with the time then?

Eva will continue to pace and worry until it's time to go.

David will take the early hours (hour or however much time he has) to get dressed, then prepare a few things for the night ahead. While not specifically hoping for trouble, he's going to prepare 'just in case'.

I will do some things around the chantry, maybe take a peek if they have more on elemental mastery in their library.

@Eva. you collect your bauble and leave the house with Fergus at the wheel. It feels so foreign, dressed in what amounts to men’s clothes and without Guillaume at your side.

@David. you move quickly through your apprentice duties and return to your chamber to prepare. The words flow easily, the benefit of much practice.

@Chiharu. learning your acolyte duties takes a bit longer than you would have preferred, but you do spend some time in the library and are able to spot a few volumes that may aid in your studies at a later date.

---

Given the events of the past twenty-four hours, Sherbroke Street and the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, feel dangerously close to the Sabbat Packs across the river in Longueuil.  For those who know what to look for, there is some comfort gained from seeing a few Misfits MC cuts on mean looking men lingering in a pair of black sedans outside the museum. Clearly the Sheriff is taking no chances.

Under a Toreador Prince, it’s no surprise that Montreal’s fine arts museum is undergoing a major transformation. Construction on the Jean-Noël Desmarais Pavilion is well underway, underwritten by a small network of construction firms controlled by the Prince’s Ventrue allies.

Through the classical exterior of the building and across the marble floors of the first pavilion where paintings and sculptures of Canadian and Quebecois artists are featured, you find your way into a more modern hall of glass panes and sculptured concrete. The gallery features works from the Belle Epoch, dynamic art nouveau surrounds the space where Montreal’s Kindred have begun to assemble.

@David, @Chiharu. you have been permitted to travel with the Tremere Regent, Hamadzi Rashidi. The dark skinned, dark eyed, dark haired blood mage can only hail from the East. Originally from Persia, well before modern Iran if rumors are to be believed.

@Eva. it takes a great deal of willpower to avoid becoming enthralled by the beauty surrounding you. But the gaunt, normally flamboyant, Guarin and the Toreador retinue remain remarkably staid, though unsurprisingly given the situation. Your clan’s Prince is missing and the city is in turmoil. It’s hard to share the joy in unlife during such dark nights.  The Seneschal joins the rest of the council around a large table set in the centre of the gallery while the remainder of the clan ring the outside. You spot Solomon and Amelie among the assembled Toreador, but recognize few others.

@Seren. you arrive with your Protector, escorted by some of those bikers who have taken up their posts outside. The Sheriff leaves you among the others of your clan, all strangers to you, and joins the council at the table. Presumably one of those seated at the table is the Ventrue Praetor, but you do not yet know who that is.

The animals, the rats, the rabble, the kooks. They arrive in smaller numbers, but all are present for the Conclave, each represented by a senior member or an elected representative of their respective clans.

Seren seems stiff and anxious as she arrives, even under the protection of a group of bikers hand-selected by the Sheriff of the City himself. She looked better rested than she would have been reported looking upon entering Montreal the night before, but she wasn't exactly the sun-kissed Celt as her Sire had found her so many years before.

Bowing deeply to the council and murmuring thanks to the retinue of bikers which escorted her,  Seren would take a place somewhat opposite the Sheriff, whether seated or standing. She wanted to be in his eyeline in case her Sire tried anything, whether himself or through someone else. She looked professional in a modest pantsuit, though she lacked jewellery or any of the other fineries she would normally wear due to her escape.

Seren seemed content to sit silently, knowing that her presence was not important in the grand scheme of things. She was a Ventrue who had abandoned her Sire, next to nothing, perhaps even in line for punishment for her shameful actions.

Chiharu arrives and takes a seat on the outside near where the Regent will sit.

She observes the room and people as she still isnt sure why she would have been ordered/allowed to such a meeting.

It was all too tempting for Eva to lose herself in the beauty of the setting, simply to forget all her worries and think only of what was before her eyes.  But that would do Guillaume no good, and neither would it help her clan.  So she shook off the temptation and went to stand with Solomon and Amelie, the only two she knew at all in this new place.  Did they know about her Sire, she wondered, and would they look at her with pity?  That, she feared, might crack whatever composure she had left, and she tried to brace herself.  Falling apart in such company would not do, no matter the excuse.

There are dozens of Montreal's Kindred gathered here, the Conclave open to any who are recognized by the council. Although the central table is round there is a seat that is clearly set aside for the Prince. An ornate chair of heavy wood and leather, decorated with a pair of skulls, the chair has been the seat of power in Montreal since the time of the Sabbat, through the rule of the Set and now for recent ascension of the Camarilla Prince.

@Eva. "It is good to see you," Solomon says with genuine relief. "After the bomb, we lost sight of you and your friends. Did everyone make it out safely?"

17:00, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of Eva Bennett, rolled 3 using 2d6 ((1,2)). fail Take 1XP.

Even as your Grandsire takes his place to the right of the Prince's throne, it strikes you that you have never been involved in the machinations of the council and even your tangential involvement was always shepherded by Guillaume. The self-doubt and the reminder of the possible loss of your beloved is tearing you up inside. Take the condition Unprepared -1 forward to Social.

---

@Chiharu. You observe that the Tremere delegation, such as it is, is smaller and less distinguished then the other two patrician clans. It also strikes you that you never were exposed to anything like this by your Sire or during your torture in the New York Chantry.

17:00, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of Chiharu Miyasaki, rolled 8 using 2d6 ((5,3)).weak success

There is much to learn about the world of the Kindred that has been kept from you, but if you are receptive to learning, you see a path to safety and to knowledge that would have been eternally denied to you in New York. Choose one: take +1 forward on Mental or add a detail useful for Chiharu or the Tremere at the Conclave.

---

@Seren. As terrible a time as you have had spending so much of your unlife at Cnaeus' side, you have learned much from those experiences. The subtlety of political machinations, the quiet power plays, the rivalries that underpin it all. Instinctively you position yourself in a way that can watch the Sheriff, where he has taken his seat that the right of the Prince's throne, and, perhaps more importantly, watch those who might oppose his aims.

17:01, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of Seren Kerrington, rolled 10 using 2d6 ((5,5)). strong success Take 1 Edge for the Conclave, you may also choose one: take +1 forward on Mental or add a detail useful for Seren or the Ventrue at the Conclave.

The presence of familiar faces helps a little, but Eva is increasingly aware that she is out of her depth here.  And the news she has to deliver does not help her nerves.  "Guillaume is among the missing," she replies, in a low, strained voice.  "They must have taken him."

Such a gathering is well beyond anything Chiharu has ever witnessed.  The shear number of kindred in the room at one time is overwhelming.

Hoping that she does not get called on for anything as she does not have any ideas about anything in this place.

Maybe something will make itself apparent for her which will help her.

Detail for her

David kept up with the main Tremere delegation, keeping his place properly behind the Regent as they made their way inside. Though perhaps smaller in size than some of the other clans, they had something about them that the others didn't - a sharper air of mystery. All the clans held their secrets, but none were as diverse and expansive as the Tremere. Something that both worried and fascinated many at times. Once the chamber was reached, David took a respectful place well behind the Regent given his station and occupied himself with simple observation while things were discussed and conducted. Another face in the crowd. Important enough to be permitted a place at the gathering, but still, one who kept out of the main limelight.

@David. being new to the city but not entirely new to the dynamic of how you clan works within the council, you are not surprised to see the Tremere ‘under represented’. The Regent represents the chantry; it is not a democracy. Keeping the number of acolytes and a powerful vampire like Rostov out of sight keeps them out of mind. Why remind the others of the Tremere’s strength?

10:08, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of David Bishop, rolled 7 using 2d6+1 ((4,2)). weak success take +1 forward social or add a detail that is useful for David or for the Tremere

---

@Chiharu, you may add your detail outright or I will offer you a choice.

add a detail useful for Seren or the Ventrue at the Conclave, please :)

Seren listened to those who spoke, wondering what the discussion regarding a bomb was about. Living with her Sire, Cnaeus, meant that Seren had learned the art of keeping her face neutral which was frankly a survival trait for the Ventrue.

Although the Sheriff was a new ally to Seren, she understood the value of backing allies and Seren would support any proposal that The Bull came up with, unless it directly conflicted with her nature as a Ventrue or would endanger her needlessly. She doubted Louis would go through all of the trouble and risk for his men to sell her down the river, but Cnaeus had the sadistic tendency to choose not to capture her directly the previous few times she'd made small escapes but to corrupt people she thought were allies into turning her in.

Seren glanced at the others on her side of the table, wondering if there were any other Ventrue among her number. She noticed a nervous young woman who refused to allow her eyes to linger overlong on the art collection and Seren wondered if she was, perhaps a Toreador, who had a profound appreciation for beauty. Seren could understand the Toreador, if perhaps she found their lack of ambition (when measured against her own, anyway) stifling. She watched the Tremeres enter behind their Regent, looking to see if any of them were even vaguely interesting to her - she mistrusted their magical ways innately, perhaps fearful of the potential for her vitae to be used for nefarious purposes.

Ceremony upon ceremony and Seren had sat through hundreds under Cnaeus' harsh tutelage: her back was arrow-straight and her attention, when not bouncing around the room, tended to be respectfully expectant towards those in power. A single word had not passed her lips since she entered the chamber and she sincerely hoped she was far enough out of the spheres of influence in Montreal that her presence would remain little more relevant than a cardboard cut-out of a person at a football game. Er, a soccer game. North Americans!

@Chiharu. Choose one of:

Option one. across the assembled Kindred of the city, you spot a familiar face wearing a heavy winter coat, holding a grey wool cap in his hand. Not particularly handsome, but not bad looking either, you immediately remember the boy who you ran from in the park.

Option two. across the assembled Kindred of the city, you spot a familiar face wearing that same battered leather jacket she had on last night. She looks better for having spent the day resting and perhaps found the opportunity to feed. You're the first from the group who survived the bomb together to notice Riana.

---

@Seren, you may add your detail outright or I will offer you a choice.

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 22):

You always offer fun choices, ST. Can I ask for some sort of detail that is useful to Seren personally - even if it's just something like knowledge that Cnaeus doesn't appear to be overtly involved would be enough for her to relax a little and start to trust the others... if he isn't overtly involved, of course. *paranoid expression*

Chiharu notices the boy from the park.  causing her to raise an eyebrow.  He was acting an awful lot like sabbat,  Maybe he is just a brujah.

When she gets a chance, she will ask someone that has been in the city longer if they know the boy.

David kept quiet during the initial phases of the meeting, taking the time to listen to the main discussion from the Prince and elders regarding the status of things. Here was a time that a lot of details of things would come out, likely more than spoken of behind closed doors given the severity of things. As he listened, he looked about to those gathered, but held his tongue until (and if) he was called on to speak. Those he might recognize from the party the previous night - or in their flight from its after events - was something he did to see who all might have survived. Or been injured in their flight. Otherwise, he is there merely to observe, listen and plot quietly behind the Tremere representative.

OOC: Taking the +1 forward social for the time being. Figure it might be more useful in the next little while over a small detail now. Bird in the hand.. ;)

@Chiharu. your discreet inquires among the Tremere around you initially yield a few shrugs and shakes of heads. Then one of the acolytes leans in and whispers ”He’s a thin blood. Barely Kindred at all. I’m surprised he would show himself here, but these are strange nights.”

---

@Seren. among what can only be the Brujah, there are a few angry looking neonates. They posture and scowl. It’s tiresome, but…

Option one. A detail beneficial to Seren: …one of the seems to have dropped something. Black and silver metal, you didn’t get a good look, but you think you can grab it without being noticed.

Option two. A detail beneficial to the Ventrue. …one of them seems to have dropped something. Gold and blue plastic, with what looked like wires attached. You didn’t get a good look but you think you can grab it without being noticed.

---

@David. the Tremere Regent leans over and says something to the Sheriff in a low tone. You catch a couple of words ‘bridge’ and ‘north’ and ‘packs’ but you can’t make out anything more.

---

@Eva. ”That is very concerning” Solomon says sympathetically. ”Perhaps the Conclave will decide to mount a rescue operation? Or arrange for an exchange or random. One has to wonder about their motivation in taking hostages.”

Seren's focus seemed to be on the brighter of the two objects, particularly due to the presence of wiring: a bug, a bomb or some other device? Whatever it was, Seren got the sense that she had to have it, so she scooted forwards just far enough that she could slide her delicate foot forward and pull the item back towards herself unobtrusively before picking it up and, if determining it did not pose an immediate danger, put it in the pocket of her suit jacket for later examination.

Her dark eyes were mostly focused on the Sherriff, so when the Tremere Regent leaned over, though she could hear nothing of the conversation, she observed The Bull's expression, trying to judge if the news was good or bad. She was not using her powers, merely the training that Cnaeus had put her through to constantly be looking for a weakness or angle one could use against anyone who posed a danger to her.

While she trusted that Louis meant her no harm - after all, he had set her up in one of the most plush hotels in the city and given her a cortege of his own men to escort her - that meant that if something threatened Louis or the missing Prince, it was in her best interest to be apprised of the matter.

Seren didn't want to be the first one to speak, she didn't want to draw any attention to herself. To see a Ventrue so withdrawn and cautious was a shocking sight - she looked almost broken, despite being as beautiful and powerful as any of the other proper Kindred bloodlines. It almost looked like she was hiding a secret, which she certainly was - anyone here could report back to Cnaeus and she would be trapped by the legionnaire once more, who refused to relinquish control of her even though he had little interest in her beyond what practical services she offered.

Replying back to the person who knew him somewhat I saw him a week or so ago, He threatened me and by his words i assume he had a couple friends with him.  I was able to bluff him.

At the time i thought he was sabbat by the way he acted and tried to threaten me even after he knew i was a kindred.  I'm not going to call him out in front of the conclave but if he is sabbat who would know more about the politics of the city who i could i tell my story to so they can help?

Concerning.  There was some sympathy in Solomon's tone, at least, but his calm made Eva want to scream.  Shouldn't everyone be as frightened as she was?  How could everyone in the room simply stand here calmly, as though the problem at hand was a minor one that would soon be solved?  Guillaume was alone out there, in need of help, and they all wanted only to talk.

But the next moment she realized how unfair that was, and managed a grateful nod to Solomon.  The problem was being taken very seriously indeed -- the mere fact that they were all gathered together in this way was proof of that.  What bothered her was the idea that Guillaume's safety was not the first and only priority for the others, but of course it could not be.  They had to think of the survival of the Kindred as a whole, not the life of one Toreador.

This stiffened her resolve to be of help, however limited her skills, and Solomon raised an interesting point in the larger meaning behind the taking of hostages.  From what she knew of the Sabbat, that was not their usual way, so there must be larger matters afoot.  She would have to trust that those larger matters would keep Guillaume alive and relatively unharmed, at least for a time.

"It is strange," she agreed.  "We must hope that it means they are willing to negotiate, and will not do anything... anything rash."  It was all she could do to keep her voice steady, as was expected of a lady in public.  Giving in to her emotion would help no one.

@Seren. your little trick pays off and you are able to scoop up the device unnoticed. You barely have time to hide it away in your handbag, but immediately recognize the plastic body of a portable cassette player and headphones. Probably a Walkman, they are quite popular these nights.

Louis doesn’t seem particularly concerned as the Regent speaks with him. He seems attuned to the man’s words, giving a slight nod, then whispering something back.

---

@David. the Sheriff whispers something back to the Tremere Regent. You pick up the words ‘uncertainties’ and ‘premature’.

---

@Chiharu. ”A Sabbat coming here would be suicide.” the acolyte replies. ”Maybe they invited the thin bloods because things are so dire with the Prince missing. Perhaps we should ask the Regent after the Conclave?”

---

@Eva. ”That is an astute observation,” Solomon replied. ”If they weren’t interested in some type of negotiations, why take the hostages at all? Yes it seems to me that they must want to talk, otherwise what leverage would hostages possibly bring?”

Seren puts her handbag on her lap quietly, attempting to eject the tape from the Walkman to see whether it was simply someone's The Head on the Door album by The Cure or something. If the tape looked like a blank tape, she'd take it out of the Walkman just in case. She didn't want it overwriting or anything if one of the Walkman's buttons got pushed while in her bag. She'd show Louis later, if she saw him again that night.

Louis' calm face soothed her somewhat - if he wasn't worried, she wasn't worried yet. At least, not about whatever he'd been told. The thoughts of Cnaeus potentially marching through that door (yes, marching, the damned man still strode like a Roman soldier when he walked, though Seren had excellent posture because of it) absolutely terrified her. She knew she'd be in terrible trouble and he was the sort to hold a long grudge, as evidenced by his longstanding feud with Louis.

Seren remains quiet and serene otherwise, not wondering too much about the tape yet. She carried a Walkman quite often herself, it was such a novelty to be able to push a few buttons and hear music whenever she wanted without a live band or orchestra. Music helped drown out the memories.

Maybe he thought i was sabbat, but that is definitely not how he approached me.

As it does not seem that the meeting has been started yet, Chiharu heads over to the boy.

Giving him a big smile and reaching out to shake his hand.

Hello, I didnt catch your name last time we met.  I am Chiharu.  Is your friend here also?   Lots of kindred here, do be nice wont you?

Eva glanced over to Guarin, sitting stoically with the other Kindred of note.  In a strange way it was reassuring to see him there.  However fraught his relationship with his Childe -- and therefore with his Childe's Childe -- here was at least one other person who was genuinely attached to Guillaume, and that thought made her feel a little less alone.  It was small comfort, but for now it would have to do.

Recollecting the conversation she was engaged in, she turned back to Solomon.  "Yes, they -- they must have some agenda beyond merely killing any of us, or spreading chaos.  They do enjoy chaos, but whatever is happening here cannot be that simple," she said, with some bitterness at the thought of those beasts being pleased at all this worry and fear.  How could they exist as even a loose alliance when it seemed that all they had in common was liking this sort of anarchy?  It seemed impossible.

But if they had the Prince as well -- a thought nearly as dreadful as Guillaume being in their clutches -- then even those thoughtless animals must realize they could use this to their advantage in some way, even if they were not able to agree on what they might want.  "Will the Council be willing to give a ransom, do you think?" she asked, now with apprehension in her tone.  Perhaps negotiating would be considered a sign of weakness, but it seemed the only option from what little Eva knew so far.

@Seren. it’s a blank tape, the kind you record on. Maybe it’s got some Robert Smith or maybe it’s got something else recorded on it. You won’t know until you press play.

Louis seems weirdly calm. They all do, except the Malkavian who looks like a lunatic. The other elders are all sitting at the table as if the Prince hasn’t been kidnapped and an isn’t war looming with the Sabbat.

@Chiharu. ”I’m Clark,” the teen replied, ”Hey, listen, I’m sorry about the park we were just trying to stay safe. Sometimes we get hunted you know? By full bloods trying to prove themselves. We’ve heard that in other cities they declare a scourge in us, so it pays to be careful, you know?”

@Eva. A random? Perhaps,” Solomon replies unconvincingly. ”It would need to serve as a means to their ends. To end the Masquerade and rule over the Kine until Gehenna,” he added.  ”For the Sabbat, this is the only end game.”

---

The sound of a bell signals the preliminaries for the Conclave. Those assembled along the outside of the room fall quiet as the eldest and most powerful take their seats at the table.

At a signal from the Seneschal, two robed Kindred assemble behind the Prince’s throne. One holds a heavy tome, bound in ancient leather. While the other intoned ”Trust in the Conclave with all your blood and lean not upon your own understanding; in all your ways submit to judgement, and make your path straight.”

Well Clark, maybe you wish to re-think your tactics, or maybe go with the less threatening approach.  If you were worried about me, then just go the other way.

Chiharu goes back to her seat when the bell sounds.

Seren's judgment changed as she noticed that, considering the circumstances, all were slightly too calm - it wasn't just that Louis had the matters in hand, it was something more than that. Almost as though this was expected. Was she about to witness a coup?

At the words of the elders, Seren bowed her head and set both hands upon the table, palms-up. A way to show both that she was unarmed, but also a way to expose herself and access to her vitae obediently. A Ventrue through and through, she knew that the matters of Clan were more important than her individual life.

The tape made her wonder many things, but she knew she could not surreptitiously check the recording at the table so it would remain a mystery until she was dismissed. Though her head was bowed, she made good use of her peripheral vision to ensure no one was making moves against her while she sat in such a vulnerable position with so many less-than-friendly vampires about.

Solomon's comment made Eva shake her head, in disbelief rather than denial.  "I don't see how they can live like that," she said, unsure if she should pity them on that point or be even more angry with them.

The meeting is called to order then, and she looks out at the Council.  Even through her own unease, she can see that they look calm and collected, hardly a sign of concern on any face.  That should be reassuring, but instead suspicion was her first, instinctive response.  With as much chaos as there was in the city right now, even if they had more information and some sort of a plan in place, they should still be troubled.  However prepared they felt themselves, where was the turmoil that should result from a missing Prince?

There was none of that here, and none of the possible explanations for that were comforting.  Unknowingly echoing Seren's thoughts, Eva found herself seriously considering the possibility of some sort of takeover about to be finalized.

If so, there was very little to be done about it, but she stayed ready to move quickly if necessary.  That, at least, she could manage.

David kept his attention divided between the rest of the room and trying to listen in for what snippets he could catch from the Tremere regent and the Sheriff. He was picking up a few words here and there as they spoke, but he dare not get too close to listen in more fully. Overhearing a few words was better than risking being called out. And what little he heard was giving him a picture already. Incomplete, but a picture. As the Conclave was called and those present directed to their seats, he moved to take his own behind the Regent in his respective spot. Perhaps what came next would fill in a few of the holes.

A hush fell over the Assembly and the Council as a third hooded figure approached. Incredibly the figure didn’t merely stop behind the Prince’s throne, but instead took the place as head of the Council.

When the hood was removed, a hushed whisper carried through the Assembly.

‘Justicar’

Unhooded the figure looked corpselike, skin taunt across the bones of its face, skeletal and androgynous. Staring out from cloudy dead looking eyes, the grey-skinned elder surveyed the Council with an unwavering gaze that had seen empires rise and fall.  Despite the shock of the Assembly, the Council did not seem at all surprised with the arrival of the Justicar, a powerful representative of the Camarilla.

”The Council had reached a consensus?” it asked, voice like dead leaves on the dirty ground. ”There are no objections to the appointment of interim Prince.”

The last sentence sounded more like a statement than a question. Clearly some machinations have occurred to find a possible solution. That begins to explain the calm among the Council. It seems like the presence of the Justicar and intervention of the Camarilla has calmed what would otherwise be frayed nerves.  Like it was a forgone conclusion and a verdict had already been reached.

But a dissenting voice breaks the silence  Someone speaks from among those seated at the Council table.

”I object…”

Each player PM me with a suggestion of who objects and why. I have an idea for the story already, but if I like your idea better, I’ll run with it and you get 1XP.

"I object," comes an ethereal voice, echoing from high above. A ghostly image, translucent phantasm, descends from the arched ceiling of the Musée des beaux-arts. A hush falls the Assembly as the face and voice of Prince Sonja are discerned in the darkness above the Conclave.

"There can be only one Prince par interim and it is my Seneschal, Guarin, comes the whisper through the night. "I haven't much time, they are coming, she says, her voice fading "It has taken all my strength to address you, know this, this is the doing of Alexander and his packs," she exclaims as her image begins to fade.

Guarin is to be appointed.

The Justicar looks at the newly appointed Prince par interim, seeming to expect something, though it is difficult to tell with the Nosferatu's dead eyes and skeletal grimace.

"This was not as we agreed upon, comes a slam of a fist on the hard wood and a dissenting voice from the end of the table. The elder of the Gangrel is on his feet..

Chiharu just sits back with her mouth open at the apparition which appeared in the room before being startled out of the fugue by the table being slammed.

With her complete lack of understanding how this was supposed to work she just sits and waits to see.


She has no idea who "alexander" is but i'm guessing that is the man who just slammed his fist?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Mon 18 Dec 2023.

As surprised as anyone by the apparition of their Prince -- or rather their former Prince -- Eva, too, stares unmoving for a long moment, even after the vision fades.  Odd, she thinks, that she can be so accustomed to the idea of vampires but not of ghosts.

Then one of the Gangrel objects, unsurprisingly.  It would naturally be either one of them of them, or the brutes of the Brujah clan.  But what agreement has been reached?  Surely there has been very little time for such planning?  These recent, terrible events have been happening all too quickly.

"The Seneschal is always looked to first in such situations," she ventures, though she lacks the courage to speak these words loudly enough to be generally heard, only those nearer to her likely to catch the words.  It's true that this is generally the custom, though perhaps things are different here.  She isn't yet used to Montreal and its ways.

Nor is she perhaps the best person to be speaking up, with the Seneschal being her Grandsire.  Still, this might not generally be known, given the state of Guarin's relationship with Guillaume, and she looks at those faces closest to her, wondering if others will agree with her hesitant statement.

Used to furious outbursts, Seren barely jumps when the fist is slammed against the table. Her eyes subtly move from Louis to the elder Gangrel, taking in the information she'd just been told. Who had agreed on what with the elder Gangrel and what idiot had made a pact with them, anyhow? Little use other than for sniffing their own rears and squabbling amongst themselves, in Seren's limited and rather judgmental opinion.

Who was Alexander? 'His packs' suggested that perhaps he and the Gangrel had bestial ties, though whether a Gangrel would truly side with a werewolf was anyone's guess. Tactical manoeuvres weren't their strong point. Seren had a rare pang of desire to speak with Cnaeus, who was a master tactician, to dissect the plot, but it was quickly erased by the fact he would mock her that after so many nights at his side, why could she not see the obvious truth of the matter.

But what WAS the obvious truth of the matter?

There was a plot, that much was certain. Vying for power that had gone awry by Gangrel estimates. Alexander, and his packs. Seren wasn't certain where to turn, but she also wasn't about to leave her newest home in the lurch. Whatever Louis asked would be done, without question. Seren had the personality of a Ventrue, after all, and order was to be respected.

David held his own tongue as the matter of the Prince's temporary successor was determined. The rather dramatic appearance of the Prince, specifying their own wishes, put a new spin on things and the outburst from one of the Elders proved that there was more going on prior to this assembly than known to the general assembly. What agreements? With who?

Such an outburst would likely not be ignored by any, least of all those involved and more pertinently those who were not part of such discussions now had a bit of flesh to latch on to for digging at the truth. To his mind, in simple terms, the Elder of the Gangrel had screwed himself with that outburst.

But regardless of his own conclusions, he kept his mouth shut and let things play out for the moment.

It is only a split second before a second elder of the Council roses to his feet, two men facing off against each other across a distance far more vast than the table. Tanner Michelson, Gangrel and Alcott Covington, Ventrue, both men the Primogen of his clan.

”I am reminded of a time not long ago when you vehemently disagreed with our Prince about our approach to our unruly neighbours.” Covington says angrily. ”You aren’t one to forget. Now the Prince shows herself, undoubtedly using the last of her power to send us a message and you stand against her wishes? Do you hold that much of a grudge?”

”That’s rich coming from you,” Michelson snarls. ”Your risk aversion and concern with mortal and material playthings has put us all in danger. Everyone knows I disagree with letting the packs stay on our doorstep unchallenged. That is the full extent of my disagreement with our Prince, Alcott, don’t make it out to be more than it is.”

Covington replies heatedly, ”And just which packs would you be most concerned about? The Sabbat or the wolves?”

”I thought you better than that, Ventrue,” the Gangrel shoots back. ”The wolves have their own affairs to deal with and would leave us to ours if we dealt with Alexander and his ilk. If the Prince had remembered that, perhaps she would have made it to her party.”

”There is more than one way to read that last statement,” the Ventrue replies, ”Perhaps the Council should be seeking answers from you.”

”Read it how you like,” thunders Michelson baring his fangs.

As things heat up between two Primogen, the tension is felt in the Assembly.  It may boil over at a moment’s notice…

Seren had had enough, this was unbecoming of everyone involved, and finally, she spoke with the clarity and diction that would have been home in an ancient Roman oratory, should she have been a man. Cnaeus had enough sense to train her in everything he knew, after all, having an embarrassing Get would be the height of gauche to a Ventrue, potentially even leading to their destruction.

"I'm going to interrupt here, with my sincerest apologies for doing so," Seren paused, allowing the others to absorb what she had said and to mount the tension for her next words.

"Regardless of what was agreed upon, we have heard the wishes of the Prince from the Prince's own apparition. You may bicker amongst yourselves at a less critical time; unity is strength and anyone who seeks to disobey what is potentially the final orders of the Prince is an enemy to that unity and therefore a danger to us all," Seren snarled softly, baring her long, elegant fangs in distaste.

"I will not stand by and watch those of my clan debase themselves by in-fighting with those whom we remain allies, however uneasy, with. Ventrue are trusted with authority and we must wield it responsibly and answer offences like this one as a unified force, not whining over unmet expectations and casting aspersions. Really, now!" Seren chided the pair, knowing that her own behaviour was arrogant, almost suicidally so, but she could not help herself. She had to interrupt before things reached the stage of open violence.

Chiharu tries to make herself small in the corner as the mens voices start increasing in volume.   Scanning the room like a trapped animal, and not seeing any way out, just ends up pulling her legs up and holding her hands around them.

Maybe the men will just ignore the small girl in the corner.

In her mortal life, long ago, it was not uncommon for Eva's father and brother to argue.  Both had tended towards hot tempers, and they had at times sounded much like squabbling children -- as, indeed, the two elders did now.  Following her mother's example, Eva had learned something of the art of gently distracting them from their shouting, subtly turning their minds towards something more immediate and practical.

She had been about to attempt that art again, the habit never quite having left her.  Guillaume and Guarin had on occasion given her an opportunity to practice.  But before she could muster any words now, a woman she did not know spoke up.  Her language was formal, that and her manner marking her out as a Ventrue even before her words confirmed the guess, but even so her disdain was dangerous, shockingly so.

Stifling a gasp, Eva quickly gathered her wits, hastily returning to her own plan.  "Sirs, madams, we must have a leader, and soon," she said, her polished English accent as strong now as though she'd crossed the ocean only a week ago.  "If we are seen to be without, then surely all our enemies will seek to take advantage.  Can we not settle that question first, before we are overwhelmed?"

"With the Prince's state of being at least suggestively confirmed, it seems the matter of leadership has been dictated by them for the moment; at least until such time as the Prince's fate is discovered. At least that's admittedly an observation from one far beneath such dictates," David remarks from his spot, interjecting a little into the conversation to hopefully calm things as well and return the attention of the gathering to something a little less volatile.


"Beyond choosing her pro tem, the ultimate party behind last night's... unpleasant events.. was revealed it seemed. Alexander and his packs. It was a well coordinated and planned attack, at least temporarily sending the Prince into hiding or capture, the destruction and injury of many, not to mention the risk to the Masquerade such chaos presented. I'd further hazard a guess that while the matter of current leadership appears, at least on the surface, decided.. there is the greater issue at hand. What to do about the unprovoked declaration of war that was issued in blood last night?" he quips.


Indeed, turning the focus of the Primogens' rage from each other and their internal politics to the external threat posed by Alexander and his packs would - hopefully - not only quell the discontent currently building in the Conclave, but refocus it at the primary threat. And his own words would give the Seneschal a perfect opportunity to interject and move things in the chosen direction - if they wished. Even in giving a little aid to the discussion, David played a little politics at the same time. Though young, he was seemingly quick.. or perhaps just lucky.

While the two Primogen have been very publicly airing their grievances, all but accusing each other of deposing the Prince, a handful of Neonates begin to raise their voices. It seems your temerity and defiance are catching. You aren’t alone calling upon your betters to settle their differences. Others call out their frustration. But opinions are dissenting, divided. Some Neonates favouring Covington and others Michelson.

Meanwhile many have been positioning themselves behind the two arguing elders. Hopefully the posturing is merely symbolic. Some have gathered on the Ventrue Primogen’s side of the room while others seem to gravitate toward the Gangrel’s side.

---

Option one.
Unsurprisingly the Seneschal, the Regent and the Primogen of Ventrue stand together. The authority of the allied patrician clans.

”The quickest way to maintain stability is to re-establish order and find our Prince.” the Ventrue Primogen shouts. A number of Kindred nod their agreeement.

”I have suffered your clans’ effete rule long enough,” spits Michelson. ”I will not abide by this travesty.”

Will you join Covington? What will Michelson do if the majority of the Assembly is arrayed against him? Is the All Saint’s Day war to be a civil war between Montreal’s Clans?

---

Option two.
The Gangrel, Brujah and Malkavian Primogen stand as one. Two clans spoiling for the fight and a third crazy enough to follow them.

”The Sabbat will grind your Prince par interim to dust. There is no time to wait, we must take the fight to Alexander now.” the Gangrel Primogen retorts emphatically. The Kindred who have joined him clearly agree.

”Don’t be a fool,” Covington retorts, ”This Council cannot risk the Masquerade with an endorsement of open warfare with the Sabbat!”

Will you join Michelson? What power will the Prince par interim really hold with the majority of the Assembly arrayed against him? Is the All Saint’s Day War to be an unauthorized counter-strike against the Sabbat.

---

Option three.
The Nosferatu Justicar and that clan’s Montreal Primogen huddle together, whispering secrets. They stand apart from the others clans, perhaps offering a third option.

Or will you do something else?

---

Please feel free to discuss your options in OOC. Whatever you choose, I’d like the PCs to make the same choice so they play together as a coterie.

You may of course choose one path but surreptitiously work toward a different goal - choosing to align with the upstarts and declare war on the Sabbat while investigating the Prince’s disappearance for example.

You may propose a third option. If you agree on another way forward, the considerable influence of the Justicar can be brought to bear to sway the Council. Perhaps only temporarily, but you may stave off the war long enough to accomplish your aims, whatever those may be.

See you in OOC…

Without preamble, the Nosferatu Justicar begins to speak. ”The psychic projection of the Prince conveying her wishes has caused all manner of chaos.” he said without raising his voice. Yet, uncharacteristically, the assembled Kindred all go quiet. ”We will not risk this city falling to Anarchs or the Sabbat. Our path demands unity of thought and purpose. Alexander wants a war. It would be rash to play into his hand without a good sense of our objectives. The Gangrel Primogen proposal cannot be supported. The Ivory Tower demands stability over all things. Stability ensured by unity among the Traditions. The Ventrue Primogen proposal cannot be supported.”

“I will retire to Saint-Sulspice in the College Ahuntsic. Together you carry far too much animosity for each other. I have heard enough to know that. I will deal only with your representatives. Neonates of you choosing. Sent to me as representatives of the Primogens. I will receive them at midnight. Put aside your differences or I will put them aside for you.” he says without raising his voice, but the admonishment was clear. ”Bring new ideas. Better ideas. My decision will be made by sunrise. It will be final.”

As he finishes speaking, the elder vampire simply disappears, as if he was merely a whisper on the lips of two lovers, gone in a blink of an eye.

@Seren.The Bull catches your eye and silently indicates the group of Ventrue Neonates gathering around the Primogen.

@Eva."Come here girl," your grandsire calls to you as several Toreador Neonates begin to gather.

@David, @Chiharu. You do not need to be beckoned. You know the Regent will want to speak with the Tremere in the Assembly.

Chiharu's head falls, as she puts her legs back down again.  She will be ready for the assembly in short order.

David likewise waits for the assembly to begin its own disbursements, but ultimately he awaits the Tremere Regent to rise and indicate where he wishes to speak. Without word, David falls into step behind the Regent to whatever location he wishes to utilize to address the others of the Clan - whether it be here or to a side room.

Seren regarded the Bull, her poker face excellent, and she closed her eyes slowly, keeping them closed for a moment to signal her comprehension. Rising, she smoothed out the outfit she wore and walked - no, strutted - to the front of the pack to face Covington directly. She did not shove her way through her Ventrue brothers and sisters, merely finding the opportunities and openings between the jostling bodies to be put at the front of the pack.

"Send me." Seren spoke with utter confidence, perhaps owing to the way she chose to Dominate the humans she dealt with, though there was no attempt to use her power now, nor was there was no arrogance in her tone. She did not even bother asking, or supporting her position immediately: she was not asking to be sent, she was telling the Ventrue Primogen that he had to send her.

Her dark eyes regarded Covington impassively, as though the man's opinion meant only so much to her and that, if nothing else, she had shown the entire Conclave that she was unafraid of being put in an undeniably risky, probably dangerous position. She knew he would object, that there would be concerns, but she would do her best to allay them. She had to be the one sent. Something in her heart told her that pursuing this path was the right thing to do.

The moment the Justicar utters the word neonates, Eva knew what was about to happen, seeing it as vividly as though it had already happened.  Guarin would summon her to his side, as one that he could trust, and she would find herself at the front of the pack already agitating over this decision -- either hoping for notice and renown to come to them through this, or, perhaps, hoping to avoid the peril that would come with such a mission, without actively avoiding it and risking being labeled cowards.

Can she do this?  That question pounded in her thoughts over and over, even as she stood and walked over to her Grandsire with apparent calm.  That, at least, was a skill she had, the ability to seem poised and calm no matter how upset she was beneath the facade, and she made full use of that now.  "I will go if that is your wish, Grandsire," she said, quietly but firmly.  And in that moment she realized that she wished to go, wanted desperately to do whatever she could to aid Guillaume, whatever the danger.  Her hazel eyes flickered over the other candidates gathered around, a silent warning that any who wished to take this duty from her would have great difficulty in doing so.

@Chiharu. the angry words and posturing pass leaving you unnoticed, save for Clark. Your eyes lock with his as he fades away to the side of the room. He beckons you to follow, but that would mean leaving the Regent. You aren't bound to the Chantry, you have made that clear, but how much offense would you cause by leaving now? Follow the Thin Blood or go to the Regent?

@David. Hamadzi leads the small group of Tremere neonates off to the side, out of earshot of the other clans. "The rats will seek a suitable outcome. They can be trusted to protect the Traditions and resist the Sabbat. Alexander must be held north of the bridges, penned in between us and the wolves. We need not be too enthusiastic about taking the fight to them, there are more indirect methods if we use the time we have wisely."

@Seren. "I will support her nomination. Louis says, standing by your side.

"I would prefer my own childe, James, be the Ventrue envoy, Louis, I'm sure you understand." Covington replies smoothly.

There seems to be a tension between the two elders. Something unspoken.

Storyteller, on behalf of Seren Kerrington, rolled 3 using 2d6+1 ((1,1)). BOTCH! Take 1XP. This is bad. You have completely misread the situation. No matter what you do next, it will be a terrible gaff. Have fun with it.

@Eva. "I would not choose any other than my own blood to represent me." the Seneschal replies, challenging any other who may make a claim with a withering glance. "You have the most personal interest in bringing this to a swift and bloodless resolve. Passion is a virtue. Let the other clans use cold logic, I know you will follow your heart."

"Is sending your own childe the look you really want for the Ventrue in front of the Justicar? It smacks of self-interest and risks insulting the Justicar who just refused your proposal, contrary to the interest of the dignitas of the Ventrue. You want an echo chamber, and that is emphatically not what the Justicar spoke of desiring - your proposal cannot be supported as is, and you would risk the weight of the Ventrue proposal on yourself for a mere vanity project!" Seren exclaimed, flicking her dark hair over her shoulder dismissively.

The Ventrue valued order and good discipline, but if they were being led by an idiot, Seren wasn't going to take it. She would be loyal to her clan, not just those currently in power. The Jusicar had given his judgment regarding the Primogen's choice and it was time for a new way of thinking, a new offering for him.

Seren found herself surprised by the support of Le Taureau, but she kept her pokerface on. She knew she was taking a big risk but, like Cnaeus had taught her, she never just had one goal in mind with her actions: she wanted to bring attention to the decision-making skills of the Primogen, potentially destabilising the faith that others might have in him. Even if her gamble didn't pay off, it would cause others to examine his motives and potentially create an opening she could use... if she wasn't dead because of her initial risk.

"Merci," Seren spoke softly and respectfully to Le Taureau, as though trying to evidence she could heel when the occasion called for it and it was someone that she respected. Having the Sherriff of Montreal at her side made her feel more confident, surely the Primogen would not lash out in violence at her disrespect. Would he?

Chiharu notices the young blood, but she will have to catch up to him later.  While not fond of the regeant, the chantry will let he advance her thaumaturgy.  Besides the regeant can make her life very miserable in this town, much more than the young blood can.

Giving clark a pleasant wave before she heads out

David listened to Hamadzi as he spoke to the neonates, stating the Clan's likely position in 'holding' at this time. He gave a slow nod, but spoke up, "If I may?" he asked, waiting for permission before he continued.

"I agree that a direct flight against Alexander and his allies would be unwise, but I also see a great opportunity in the situation as it sits. Even if, perhaps, it may delve in a bit of.. unsanctioned activity?" he suggests, proceeding after to explain himself. "One group is obviously of a mind to let the Prince deal with her own fate and shore up what we have. Another wishes to go to all out war to destroy the offenders with little care given for the Prince's outcome in the end. And some are likely on the sidelines without a great deal to invest either way at this time. While an outright fight seems unwise, I was thinking.. perhaps a more subtle and covert approach could be useful? If the Prince's location was discovered along with the state of the defenses there, a quiet rescue could be attempted. Given the Council's remarks tonight, it is something Alexander would least expect at this time I think. However, if the Prince were to be retrieved, it would show Alexander's hold is less secure than he thought. That might weaken his influence among his own allies as they begin to see him as weak. If a little chaos could be caused to weaken him during the rescue as well, that would help push such a narrative even further. And once the Prince is returned, the.. more outspoken opinions expressed tonight could be addressed by her directly," he noted. The Tremere's own silence thus far could be taken in any manner at the moment.

"However, such a bold plan would speak to a great investment of the Clan's might.. or not. A small group, perhaps with the aid of a few others of similar thought, could attempt the rescue without... 'official' approval if you will," he says, careful of his words. "Should things go poorly, it would be truthful to then denounce the attempt as unsanctioned by the Clan - officially. The rogue actions of a handful would not be cast onto the greater whole. But if successful.. well.. quietly passing word to the Prince of the plan's encouragement would endear her favor I would imagine. The presence of those sent would be testament to the claim and all are happy. Except perhaps those seeking to overthrow the current rule. And those holding her. Of course, such a plan would hinge on speaking to those who may know more of the Prince's location and disposition, finding a select few willing to risk their lives on such a plan - high risk but high potential reward, and, of course, not officially requesting permission for such a plan in the first place. All hypothetically that is. If such a plan could be considered bold but reasonable, theoretically some might take it on themselves to act on it. Then again, if such action would be unwise at all, such a hypothetical situation could be forgotten," he finished.

It was clear as to what his ultimate plan might be - minus perhaps who to speak to for more details on the Prince. Something that could be supplied by the Tremere's head if they so wished. Voicing such a plan as a hypothetical, it would give a means to correct any fallacies in the plan and acknowledge if it was wise or not - an unofficially sanctioning as it were. Or it could be dismissed instantly if felt unwise. A teaching moment for the elder kindred to instruct the neonates.

With Guarin's own stern glance added to hers, Eva allowed herself to feel confident that she had secured the task for herself.  Few would dare to flout the Seneschal so openly, and it would be difficult for any Toreador to argue with his reasons for selecting her.  As a clan, they did indeed all value passion, in their various ways, and most also took the bonds of Childe and Sire very seriously.  Even Guillaume and Guarin, as tense as their relationship had often been, had never lost that fundamental attachment to each other.  It was part of what united them all.

"I will, Grandsire," she said after he had finished, more loudly now as she again looked around the other neonates.  "I will do my best to make you proud -- to make our clan proud."  It was a mission that would challenge all her skills and resolve, but in those moments, at least, she felt able to meet that challenge.

Chiharu is amazed that some people definitely have much bigger plans than she does, maybe that will come with time.

@Seren. choose one:
Option one. Take the condition 'Blacklisted'. "We are not Brujah and it will be a frosty day in hell when I suffer the sharp tongue of an irreverent childe, Louis," Covington says silkily. "Take her from my sight or she will suffer the consequences." Until you do something noteworthy to make up for your insult, those in good standing with the Ventrue will 'officially' have nothing to do with you.

Option two. Take the condition 'Marked'. "You had best muzzle Cnaeus' irreverent childe, Louis," Covington says silkily. "Or would you rather I sent word for him to come and do it for you?" The cat is out of the bag and the story of your escape from Cnaeus is making the rounds. Those with a bit of pull will have leverage over you with the threat of communicating your whereabouts to your sire.

@David, @Chiharu "Your idea is not entirely without merit, apprentice." the Regent replies to David, casting an appraising eye over the vocal neonate. "It would be bold to proceed as you suggest without securing some sort of approbation from the Justicar. Do you believe that the rats can be convinced of the merits of you plan?"

@Eva. "I have no doubt. Take our message to the Justicar that we must focus on safe return of the hostages and our Prince," the Seneshal says while the other Toreador in the Assembly nod their agreement. "We will not shy away from battle if it is necessary, but to enter into violent confrontation against Alexander should only be viewed as the last resort. The priority is the Traditions. The goal is safe return of those of our blood"

Take the condition 'Marked'. "You had best muzzle Cnaeus' irreverent childe, Louis," Covington says silkily. "Or would you rather I sent word for him to come and do it for you?" The cat is out of the bag and the story of your escape from Cnaeus is making the rounds. Those with a bit of pull will have leverage over you with the threat of communicating your whereabouts to your sire.

Seren's eyes widen for a moment, a feeling of ice in her stomach as Covington offers to send word to her Sire, Cnaeus. She grits her teeth and snarls wordlessly under her breath, but she is silenced, looking at Louis carefully.

"Apologies, Primogen. I hadn't realised that you would stoop to such depths to find support for your flawed plans that will harm the Ventrue. Please, continue," Seren purred, having regained the control over her beast she needed to find her logic.

"Perhaps you should summon him, I trust in my Sire to know a bad plan when he sees one," Seren shot back, raising an eyebrow. She'd escaped once already, she would not have it held over her head at every waking moment by any vampire who felt the need to push her into doing something she didn't want to do.

"I would gladly take my punishment just to watch his displeasure with you," Seren laughed at the thought. She had been many things to Cnaeus, but he did understand that she was his childe and, while his punishment would most likely be agonisingly severe for Seren, and potentially take her life, it was worth it for the cause of the Ventrue. Especially because she knew Cnaeus did not suffer any ego but his own, he would crush Covington merely to strengthen the remaining Ventrue, in her estimation.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:37, Mon 15 Jan.

Not that i am much help, but i am willing to try and help if i can with your idea.

David gave a nod to the initial question, then again to Chiharu at her own addition in offering to assist. He speaks back to the Regent to address his question though, "I think it more likely than anything else that will undoubtedly be proposed. As much as they may clutch their own secrets and discoveries, open war is something even though would feel a hindrance to any further development in the region. If such a bold plan were enacted, I'm sure they would only be willing to take part under the similar condition of it being.. unofficial. A bit of intel, a few hints, then letting the dice fall where they may. As with others, they could deny any true endorsement of the activities if they fail.. and quietly whisper of their part should it succeed. Aid from the shadows as it were. Of course, as you note, it would be unwise to proceed without at least some acknowledge from the Justicar," he agrees, pausing a moment and then showing a slight smile.

"Of course, if the plan were proposed in the hypothetical - much as we are discussing now - if it appeared to be a plan they would silently endorse, then it could be just that. A simple statement that he 'cannot endorse such an action'... but neither would he denounce or forbid it. Meanwhile, if the information required were to be discussed within earshot of those who would undertake such a venture.. well, those who were speaking couldn't be to blame for being overheard. Nor the Justicar chastised for not sanctioning such actions. A nicely wrapped proposal that could easily be denied and even more easily accepted. If such a plan were actually undertaken of course," he added. All hypothetical of course right now. They obviously wouldn't dare suggest acting without permission from the Regent. At least.. not without 'unofficial' approval at a minimum.

Among the clans, there is much discussion of their plans and the best way to achieve the most important aims:

@Seren. Your retort is quick and sharp…

Stand Your Ground. 19:32, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of Seren Kerrington, rolled 4 using 2d6+1 ((1,2)). fail Take 1XP.

…but despite your bravado, you can sense that you have faltered in the face of the powerful Elder.

”You presume to know better than I what is best for our clan?” he says smoothly, masterfully deflecting your anger, his tone as if he is speaking to a petulant child. ”Best you concern yourself with matters befitting your station. We don’t have many farm girls in the city I’m afraid, but perhaps there is an opening here at the museum for a night janitor.”

His rebuke carries the reminder that Cnaeus embraced you, despite your humble beginnings, purely out of necessity not due to your status, wealth or love.

The assembled younger Ventrue largely delight in you drawing the ire of the Elder. Your loss of status is of course their opportunity for potential gain. You feel the Beast as it presses against your will, a physical sensation as if its rage is about to burst from your chest. Your Beast Stirs (1/3).

”I think perhaps we should speak outside,” your protector says in harsh whisper, taking your hand, saving you from yourself.

Leading the way outside, into the cold November air, he stays silent for a long moment and lights two cigarettes offering you one. ”Your mouth moves faster than your brain, ma petite,” he finally says, paternally.  ”Would you do me a favor? Bite your tongue and represent the Council as my personal envoy to the Justicar? If you agree, I’ll ensure the request is made in time for you to go to them at midnight.”

Is it worse that he contains his anger and instead sounds so disappointed? Cnaeus would either tear into you or ignore you completely. Louis disappointed yet asking you to represent him is unfamiliar and disarming.

@Eva. The Toreador are among the first of the clans to break up, second only to the Malkavian, who never really gathered at all.  You have the Seneschal’s guidance. Return of the hostages is the clan’s primary aim.

You have some time to yourself. What would you like to do before meeting the Justicar?

@Chiharu, @David. The Regent considers Chiharu’s offer of assistance, knowing she is not bound to aid the Chantry. ”Your offer is accepted acolyte.”

Turning back to David, he nods his assent. ”You play to their desire to manipulate things from their shadows. Astute. Very well apprentice. Take the acolyte and represent your Chantry. Report to the Magister. He will keep me appraised,” Hamadzi says, reading himself to leave. ”And ask the Magister for access to my copy of Picatrix when you have time to devote to study. I’m certain you will find it enlightening.”

Later.

Saint-Sulspice College Ahuntsic is one of the largest collège d'enseignement général et professionnel in the City. Offering both university preparation and vocational training, the college sits on foundations that date back to Montreal’s very earliest days.

Beneath the bowels of the main college built in the 1960’s, there are tunnels and catacombs that go back at least a century. The damp air is warm, despite the cold winter above. The smell of musk and earth permeates these dark, narrow corridors.

Beneath the CGEP these tunnels are one of many entrances to the home of the city’s Nosferatu. Cloistered beneath the streets, the shadowy Kindred manipulate the world above. They are quiet and subtle compared to the other clans, but none are more effective. When they whisper their secrets, it would be wise to listen.

The Prince’s throne has been returned to these dimly lit caverns under the earth and the Justicar sits quietly among flickering candles as the Neonate representatives of the clans trickle in.  There are chairs arrayed around the low ceiling chamber, a space for every representative.

As you settle, the Justicar speaks, an ancient and powerful voice emanating from its skeletal visage. ”Introductions are in order. I am Pterodan. Justicar of Nosferatu to the Camarilla Council. Who. Are. You?

You are here. How do you respond?

Hello Justicar Pterodan, I am Chiharu Miyasaki neonate of clan Tremere, survivor of the fall of New York.   I hope that we can find a beneficial arrangement for everyone that can protect the masquerade.

David similarly entered and settled in as the Justicar ultimately began first, speaking up to those who had come to represent the rest of the Council at this time - neonates all it seemed. None of higher status would risk themselves at this point obviously. He gave a nod to Chiharu's own introduction, then spoke up himself.

"David Biship of Clan Tremere, formerly of the Vegas Chantry," he introduced himself to start, then after a pause added his own extra, "Deferring to any proposals the others may wish to make first, I bring a potential consider as well if granted leave to share at that time," he concluded. Let the others make their own proposals if they had one of course. And then make the suggestion one prompted. While respect was greatly needed - particularly to a Justicar - he knew too that at this point being blunt would probably afford them more than subtlety.

With matters settled, even if the situation was still tense, Eva took a moment to calm herself first of all.  Being led by her heart was one thing; she must be certain not to be controlled by it entirely.  And there were practical, everyday issues to attend to as well.  Finding a telephone, she made a call to Fergus, informing him of the task before her and letting him know that she might yet be some time in returning.  He would have to mind the house and any urgent business matters himself, as best he could.  At least she could trust to the faithful retainer's instincts and know that he would be discreet.

Old habits returning -- though more likely they had never truly left -- she automatically stood and curtsied as the group gathered and introductions began.  "Eva Bennett, representing Clan Toreador and my Grandsire the Seneschal."  The Justicar would know of Guarin, at least, even though Eva herself might well be beneath his notice, and she had felt it best not to attempt to hide that fact, certainly not from a Nosferatu.  Her own motivations would soon be clear enough, once any sort of real planning began.  "My Sire is among the hostages.  We seek their safe return above all."

The Brujah had sent the punk girl who had interrupted the performance at the Masquerade Ball. Wearing the jacket that had burned under the sun lamp last night, she introduced herself with a snarl, using the name Razor.

There was a lanky, man whose clothes hung off of him, a disarray of worn cast-offs. He called himself Finlay. This could only be the Gangrel.

A thin, surprisingly melodic voice emanated from a pile of wet looking rags in the corner. Somewhere under the stringy hair was a mouth of fangs like an angler fish that said her name was Mirabel of Nosferatu

Finally, there was the man in drag. Heavily muscled bare arms showing from a glamorous, backless sequin ball gown. Running long painted nails over a days worth of stubble under elaborate eye make-up and a big, bouffant hairdo. The Malkavian went by the name Lady Tiara.

The Justicar nodded in silence at each introduction in turn, watching, the way his clan always seemed to do. Comfortable not prattling to fill the silence. Always playing the black pieces, always waiting for someone to make the first move.

Seren was used to bearing insults in silence, being Cnaeus' childe meant that she was never far from hearing how she'd been a matter of expediency, not pedigree. A Celtic guide to the Land of her Fathers¹, through moor and glen for someone who wanted nothing more than the destruction of her culture and native tongue. Still, the beast within, fuelled by the insult to her pride and her self-esteem roared from deep within: she would not tolerate further insults.

Seren rankled as she was led outside like an unruly childe, though in many ways she was: she was already seen as a mistake by her betters because of her low birth and her unwillingness to yield to the machinations of others made her a danger. She'd been afraid of worse than a shared cigarette as she spoke with Louis, sighing heavily as she put the lit cigarette to her lips, taking a drag in a way that suggested it wasn't her first time.

"I will not bow for a man who seeks the destruction of the Ventrue through his own hubris. We would forfeit any benefit to our position at the table simply to annoy the Justicar with more of the same drivel he has already refused," Seren's mouth was still outpacing her brain, though she exhaled and dug into her purse, handing over what she'd retrieved at the meeting.

"Someone dropped this, I don't know who. Ce n'est pas la mienne," she added in impeccable French. If she was going to trust anyone here, it would be Louis. She knew he could be discreet and make better decisions than she could.

"I will go as your special envoy. Tell me what you would have me do, and I will see it done," Seren spoke seriously, her dark eyes gazing at Louis with a certain unquestioning loyalty that others might have found easy to exploit. The woman had endured so much in her relatively brief unlife that even the professional warmth of the Sheriff was enough to earn her loyalty.

The sweet hurt of his disappointment shamed her more than she had expected: where there was usually rage and punishment, there was only disappointment an an opportunity to try again. His continued trust in her confused her: why had she not immediately been deemed a failure by Louis the same way the others had done? Le Taureau's mind confused her.

-

When it came Seren's turn to introduce herself, she did so with more humility than she might have otherwise done, knowing she'd been humiliated once this evening, she sought to better herself, to reduce the hit to her dignitas.

"Seren of Cnaeus. I come as a special envoy on behalf of Monsieur Louis Vachon, le Shérif," Seren said simply, bowing her head respectfully towards the Elder. She'd introduced herself in the Old Way, using her vampiric sire's name as her patronym - Seren ferch Cnaeus as she used to, before English became her primary tongue. Perhaps this most recent admonishment had sent her scurrying back to the comfort of routine and rote. Even being at the meeting was a foolish risk, and yet whatever Louis asked her to do, she would do.

--
¹ - 'Land of My Fathers' is the national anthem of Seren's homeland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kUnCwV3AYE
The short version: https://youtu.be/7tPmtXJ-kQk?feature=shared&t=14

David glanced about to the others who had introduced themselves, noting particularly those he knew by appearance if not by name - such as the one who had been touched by the sun as it were from the previous night's raid. Odds were that one would particularly be interested in a bit of payback if it came to it. Not to mention they might hold a small touch of gratitude for what aid were lent their way. But as it became apparent the Justicar was waiting for one of them to make a proposal, he gave a slight nod of his head and did just that.


"Sir," he began, this to the Justicar obviously, as he continued with a glance to the rest, "It is clear by all accounts that those of us who have been called on to step forward in this matter have two things very much in common. First of which, I would hazard, is a bit of ambition. In such times as this, only those who wish to get somewhere would be foolish enough to be chosen for any sort of endeavor that puts us directly in the middle of two potentially warring factions - even if one of them is our own. The second equally obvious fact is that each of us, every one, is expendable," he noted. A fact that while many may not have admitted aloud, surely it was something they would have to silently agree with privately. The Elders and Sires of each were decidedly absent from this discussion. Indeed, the request alone had been for the lowest of them to be sent to discuss matters. Likely even the Justicar knew that none of any significance would allow themselves to be forced into anything. So each of them were on equal footing in that regard.


"Given the importance of matters presented tonight, contrary to what many might wish to claim for our Clan, I will speak directly in the interests of time and clarity. There are several possible paths forward for the city at this time and a few groups who are positioning themselves for each. One wants us to go to war in the city, the Masquerade and costs be damned. While victory might indeed cleanse the city, it will also attract much attention from beyond the city limits. It may grant some a higher position in the short term, but the troubles that will likely come from it afterwards would force many into flight if they are lucky. Another group it seems may wish to cut ties to the Prince and leave her to her fate. Pass control to another and establish an uneasy peace once again. This may buy time and, again, it helps give power into the hands of those who seek it even if it may be temporary. Less bloodshed for the moment, but it keeps the city on an uncertain path. Yet another seems to rescue the Prince at any cost, even if such invokes a war. While a large scale attempt in this manner may lead to that outcome, I would like to propose something that.. splits the arrow as it were," he remarks.

"Obviously the attack last night was well orchestrated and enacted by Alexander and his minions, given the Prince's communication and verification. But that amount of effort no doubt came at a cost on many fronts. Success is the only coin that will make the efforts worthwhile for Alexander, so turning it to a failure will do more to stop him than outright war. While a formal rescue would undoubtedly fall afoul of the various factions vying for control right now, I would suggest something less... formal. An informal rescue attempt on the behalf of those of us present - at least those who wish to partake. Unsanctioned by our own Clans, perhaps even unsanctioned by yourself - though presumably not forbidden," he adds. What he's suggesting might not be fully sanctioned, but that would just mean each is responsible for their own efforts. If it were forbidden, well, even if they succeeded, their success would be their own doom in that case.

"Assuming we were able to discover the location of the Prince's imprisonment, perhaps even some details of those holding her, a small scale rescue could be performed. Undoubtedly they will be watching for a large attack and are prepared to move the Prince if that happened, but with just a small group of us here," David continued, glancing to the others to see who might be interested thus far. "We could slip in, take out those on guard and bring the Prince back safely. Her capture is the largest proof of Alexander's success. Stealing her right from under him would undermine his position and authority within his own organization and humiliate him. At best, he may be forced to leave the city. At worst, he would be greatly reduced in power and future plans of his would be met with less eagerness out of fear of reprisal. The Prince can enact her own vengeance after resuming the throne, further cementing such thoughts. While this all may negate some of the political maneuverings of some of the groups at work currently, it restores stability to the city for the moment and lessens the risk of the Sabbat - quietly."

After a momentary pause, he shrugs his shoulders and adds, "Ultimately, such a proposal would be unsanctioned by any as it also means none could be held responsible for our actions. If we fail, no one group can claim to be responsible or risk the fall out from whoever ultimately comes out ahead from the other groups vying currently. If we succeed, order is restored and each of our clans can claim to the Prince - quietly - that they unofficially supported it whether they did or not. Even if they were ultimately arguing for replacing her, actions can speak louder than words and that could save them from any of her own reprisals. A fact that even those among such Clans could use to explain their own joining of such a plan. In the end, great rewards come with great risks.. as each of us likely knows. This offers both. All that is left is for a nod to proceed and perhaps a bit of information to get us started. At least, that is one possibility for consideration," he adds at the end with a slight smile. He knows his own proposal is bold and dangerous, but it is a starting point. Especially if others have something to suggest as an alternative. Or to voice their own support or refusal of such a plan.

You of course don't have to listen to anything i say as i'm not an expert on anything, and for all intents kept my head down for a year under the radar to not get involved in these things.

I am quite the pessimist,  I suspect that with his plot at least partially exposed he will dispose of the prince in short order under the guise of the sabbat having done it.  At least if i was playing the game, that is what i would do.  As dead vampires speak a lot less than live ones, and even with the accusation, does make it much harder to pin on him for his actions.

If we are going to rescue the prince it will have to be very quickly. if not tonight, tomorrow at the latest would be my guess.  Of course, going through a load of Brujah and others would probably involve combat, of which i am even worse at than i am at playing the game under the jihad.


As far as clues, there was a weak blood at the meeting tonight who wanted to speak to me, but all of these things happened, it is possible that he has some information, or maybe he was just scared i was going to out him for trying to attack me.

"My ambition is reserved more for my music," Eva admitted.  "But I will do everything I can to bring my Sire home safely... and I cannot deny that I am also more expendable than most," she added dryly, glancing towards David.  The envoy from the Sheriff also earned a second glance.  The woman was forthright, to say the least, though whether that would be a help or a hindrance in their mission was yet to be seen.

"If our mission can be a stealthy one, so much the better.  If we act quickly enough..." she gave a nod towards Chiharu before continuing, "...for I agree that speed is of the essence, then we may yet be able to ruin Alexander's plans."  This, too, was old habit, her speech precise and formal, her English accent strong as she looked back to the Justicar and gave a polite little nod of her head.  "If you agree that there is merit in this plan, might there be any information you would be willing to share with us?  Any detail might help."  But beyond this she did not press, simply waiting hopefully while the elder considered the proposal before them.

@Seren. Earlier. Louis hands you his cigarette and takes the little machine from your hands. Placing the headphones on, he presses the play button and listens for a long moment, a dark look crossing his countenance.

By the time he rewinds and hands you the headphones, his cigarette has burned itself out. You listen intently, hearing the bombastic voices of two men.

The cassette contains direction to the followers of these men. It begins with a sort of manifesto, decrying the Traditions. The tired old rant about how Kine should be ruled, if not openly subordinated to Kindred. How the wolves and the mortals are inferior and how your kind were born to rule. That you are held back by old ways that have not changed to keep up with new times.

They go on to give instructions about how to start an insurgency within the Camarilla held territory of Montreal. Infiltrate and become trusted advisors. Make your dissenting voice heard. Stir up doubt and discontentment, especially among other Neonates. Remember the Elders cling to the status quo merely because they cannot see a better way.

They urge their followers to fight the tyranny of the Elders. When opportunity presents itself, pit Kindred against Kindred and draw the conflicts into the open. Destroy Elders if you can. Camarilla and Sabbat, in equal measure. To bring about the revolution of the Neonates and break free from the rigidity of control.

”We must keep this between the two of us for now,” Louis says sternly. ”There is a third faction, operating in secret among us. There are Anarchs in Montreal.”

---

@All. Now.

”Empty promises. Pretty words,” growled the Gangrel, encouraged by the nod of the punk girl with the riotous mohawk. He gave David a particularly nasty scowl then turned to the Justicar.

”Are we weak? We are faced with an enemy who is resourceful and remorseless but we talk of hiding from him? We should act swiftly as the Tremere girl says, they will kill the Prince if we wait.  Let us take the fight to them!”

”I was burned by those bastards,” Razor chimed in her agreement, ”Why are we hiding in the shadows like the thin bloods who snuck into our Conclave?  You want to save your Sire Eva? You were there last night with me! Why don’t we go to the north shore together and fight the Packs? Beat them into submission.”

I understand how your blood calls for action, but we do not know where the prince is, nor what they have there to protect/prevent her escape.  We need to find her first, then figure out what kind of resistance we will encounter.

Then we need to determine how to apply our strength against their weakness.

First does anyone have information on where she is, or a way to get that information?  I doubt we can just drive around the city and get lucky.

David listened to the others discuss matters as his own words were considered, but spoke up in response to a few of the remarks in the meantime. Whether in agreement or as an alternative suggestion was anyone's guess, though his demeanor seemed encouraging at the least. His initial remark was to Razor, whom he had been witness to her burning.

"A man breaks into your home, steals from you, injures you and then leaves while boasting of his victory afterwards. Do you in turn go after his friends and beat them as retaliation?" he asked, curiously, then showed a bit of a smile as he continued, "Or do you follow the one who actually did you injury? Take back what was stolen from you, beat those holding your property into a pulp in payback and then set their bodies and the man's house aflame in response? Whether you get him or not at that point would be a bonus, but you've shown he could not keep what he took. He lost more than he gained in the end and your revenge is satisfied against the one who actually did you harm rather than his friends. Go after them at a later time. The one who truly did the injury is who should be the focus to start. And what better way to strike back than to retake what was stolen? The collateral damage in the process would be.. a bonus," he suggests, a path aligning with his own suggestion that gives those desiring combat and blood a way to satisfy it in the most direct - and beneficial - means possible.

Turning to the gangrel, he considered the man for a moment and then continued, "Acting swiftly is exactly what I am suggesting as well. Take back the Prince. Punish those holding her and exact our revenge. Not in the streets in an open war that benefits no one but perhaps our foe, but in the quiet of the night. Let their smoking ruins be a testament to our work rather than risking a fight in the streets where we draw the wrong attention."

He gave an agreeing nod to Chiharu's own words in turn, looking back to the Justicar briefly as he spoke up to her own question, "That is perhaps the biggest hold up I foresee right now. Finding out exactly where the Prince is so we can direct our efforts and attack at the right place. I think we have a little time as yet.. while killing the Prince may be the ultimate goal, even exposed as to whose plan this was, I think the man's pride will force him to brag and boast for a short while at least. Killing her too soon would make his victory a hollow one I think. He wants to gloat over her first. Which is why he abducted her instead of merely killing her in the first place. But even then, we should move quickly.."

"No one here wishes to hesitate, I'm sure," Eva put in, instinctively trying to soothe the Gangrel by keeping her tone gentle and reassuring.  That had always been expected of her in her youth, that she always remain diplomatic and calm.  It had also always rankled, yet another reason to smolder quietly over the unfairness of having been born female, but now it might manage to be of some service to her and the others.  "Or to appear weak.  But if we attack without planning, without focus, all we will do is warn them that we are coming for them.  They would then have ample time to kill at least some of the hostages, if they wish, while still leaving the Prince alive to gloat over.  That would give them a further triumph over us to boast of."

She nodded to David at this, then glanced at Chiharu.  "If we first pause to find what we can of their weaknesses, then we will be able to make every blow against them strike home.  Once the hostages are safe, we will all be able to join together, to gather all our strength.  Then we can truly take the battle to them.  That will be victory indeed."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Mon 12 Feb.

Given Louis' earlier advice to keep the presence of the Anarchs in Montreal between them, Seren did just that; the thought rolled over in her mind as the others spoke, her dark eyes betraying little thanks to being Sired by a man who saw weakness as a personal affront. She remained seated in her chair, her eyes downcast, but she spoke a simple sentence, wondering if anyone had considered the angle:

"What if this is a false flag situation?"

”Astute,” the Justicar observed, considering all that has been said, particularly the word ‘expendable,’ for a long moment.

”Once the hostages are safe, the plans converge to be virtually the same thing.” he says with a nod to Eva and Chiharu. ”But we do not have long to gather all our strength.  To determine who is most justifiably pursued or to ferret out any false flags. We must act now or lose the initiative."

”The north is dangerous, closed off from our kind,” squeaks the pile of wet looking rags through a mouthful of sharp dagger like teeth. ”The streets are patrolled by the packs bit there are ways to slip past, though few know of them. There are also those who would aid us  who straddle both sides of the river, those unwelcome by the Clans and the Packs.” she adds with shrug.

Seren was surprised by the Justicar's willingness to consider the angle she had suggested, but she was grateful: regardless of the humiliation she suffered, things were rarely so simple as they seemed on the surface with the motives of vampires. This all could be the result of some long-forgotten insult at a party during the height of the Roman Empire and the fact that it could benefit one group or the other was just window-dressing, justification for what could be more aptly described as a vendetta.

"The enemy of our enemy is our friend," Seren spoke quietly. "Perhaps we can both benefit from such an arrangement."

"At the very least, a permissible 'live and let live' agreement for the short term. The Prince will have to finalize any long term agreements in that vein, but it would be obvious to such groups that lending aid at her rescue right now would be a great incentive to encouraging her favor in such matters after the fact," David noted, looking thoughtful.

"Identifying the location and getting there would be the biggest hurdles to start. If someone might know exactly the answers to both such questions, they would be ideal to seek out immediately if such a plan were to proceed. I wouldn't necessarily assume that the location of the highest traffic would be the right area either. Far easier to hide a valuable item away where no one is looking while you distract them with activity elsewhere."

To Eva's surprise and deep relief, the discussion was progressing.  Though relatively inexperienced in the ways of her kind, from what she had heard from Guillaume and seen for herself, she knew all too well how easy it was for arguments and old resentments to distract a group like this from the real concerns.  Apparently all it took to persuade everyone to focus was for the Prince to be in danger, she thought grimly.  Had it been Guillaume alone who was kidnapped, she might easily have found herself attempting a rescue entirely on her own.

"Probably only the most powerful among Alexander's packs are even aware of where the hostages are being held," she put in, still a little nervous about speaking out but compelled to do so.  "They will want to use secrecy as a weapon as much as possible.  But there will still be traces -- signs of guards, for instance.  They cannot trust to secrecy alone to keep the hostages in their grasp.  And those standing guard will need to feed.  An isolated place, then, with some unusual activity there recently... Ideally, they would have wished for a place not far from where the bomb was set as well.  They would no doubt prefer not to move the hostages over long distances."

All this made sense to her, though as unworldly as she knew she was -- both her lives had been sheltered ones -- she found herself looking to the others for some assurance that she was not simply rambling uselessly.  "Surely there cannot be many such places."

It seems like we have little time and less to go on.

”So we sneak around? Cut deals with the weak?” Razor growled.

”Look, we were out there together,” she said, looking to David, Eva and Chiharu, letting her frustrations turn to resignation. ”I owe you for your help, otherwise I’d be fucking dead.  We could save the Prince, save the hostages but lose the whole city.” she sighed with finality.

”I like you fucking guys, but I’m just not convinced that we should wait long to gain information. To find people to help us, to cut deals with Thin Bloods or to figure out if this is a false flag. In all possibilities I think that taking the fight to the Packs now is the solution that we control and the one that seizes the initiative.”

James had been indulging in a little people watching, allowing himself to gain a sense of the ebb and flow of the relationships in the room. His Grandsire had trusted him to represent Clan interests and he had the good business sense to know that those interests were best served by a compromise.

All he had to do was figure out how to go about getting to yes.

Knowing that Shaw and Alcott would rather take a strong arm approach, too focussed on the power dynamic between the Clans, he risked raising their ire. But, seeing that a hostile takeover was impossible here, James offered ”What about a feint?  You get your war,” he said with a nod to the hawkish faction, ”But, it will be contained. Limited. We launch a strike that is likely expected. A strike that must tie up Alexander's forces long enough to mount this rescue mission and determine whether or not there is another player in the game.”

”Who the fuck cares what you think?” Riana snarled, automatically.

But there was less heat in her words than usual. She saw the value in the plan that the Ventrue proposed, though she hated to admit it.

"Everyone here is at this meeting because someone trusts their judgment," Seren looked at Riana.

"Including you. While I appreciate the 'who dares wins' spirit, attacking people on the off-chance they're the right ones to attack makes a lot of enemies out of potential allies. Information allows resources to be in the right place at the right time, a balance between action and information must be struck."

Seren wasn't defending Covington's plan, but she was defending the Ventrue dignitas in a surprisingly democratic way. She seemed to have the ability to put aside her feelings for the Ventrue plan of action to ensure that other Clans weren't insulting her own.

"Action in the form of scouts and smaller teams makes more sense before a full-out war: we can do it now, with few resources, subtly - send those with special relationships to those they have special relationships with: the ..." Seren gestured to Mirabel, as though trying to be compassionate but finding that her words failed her.

"Spoke of allies on both sides of the river. We do have some information, or at least, we have to trust that the Prince did and that her desires were based on the information she worked so hard to get to us. Small groups move fast, make less noise and can target precisely the information we need to preserve the Masquerade. While it is not a consideration to all, there is no reason to throw caution to the wind and to act precisely as our enemies anticipate."

"I too think there may be some benefit to a feint of sorts as suggested.. remember, the packs opted to not act entirely on their own last night either. They used either real or pretend police to control the streets after their initial attack. Why not return the favor? It may require a little investiture, but if we could call in some more mundane resources to launch what would appear to be the start of a counter against them - especially in an area that is believed to be a fake location of the Prince - that would work to our advantage. If we have a lot of activity where they believe we'll go, they'll focus their forces there. Give such individuals free reign to.. shall we say, unleash hell? That will draw in more of their members and we may even take a few out in such efforts. Meanwhile, we can launch our own strike where the Prince truly is. Of course, all that would necessitate having both the intel on where to send such resources and obtaining them in the first place," David remarks, then gives a nod to Riana as he adds.

"But as said, we cannot delay for long to gather such intel or aides in striking back for a feint. Time is against us and our best bet at a rescue is moving tonight. Quickly. Having a plan is important, perhaps more so, but we cannot wait too long. If not tonight, by tomorrow the packs may opt to remove the Prince from the equation during the day and our opportunity disappears. In ideal conditions, I'm certain we could come up with a foolproof plan to both distract and rescue. But given the circumstances, 'good enough' may have to suffice. Regardless, I wouldn't worry," he adds to Riana with a slight smile, "No matter what route we opt for, I expect tonight there to be plenty of opportunities to pay back your pain on those who caused it in blood and ruin."

Chiharu tries to remember if she had a way to contact that thin blood, or if that is just as likely a dead end for information.

"Yes, I fear a fight is the one thing we will not be able to avoid," Eva admitted.  That felt like a failure somehow, as though there should always be a way to avoid anything so crude, but that did not seem to be the case here.  Their opponents were too set on violence in one form or another, and it looked as though they would need to meet force with force -- or very possibly be wiped out.

"IF we can move quickly enough -- in smaller groups, without drawing too much attention," she added, with a nod to Seren, "then perhaps there will yet be time to arrange something for tonight.  But the gathering of information is not always a speedy process.  Do you have any idea of where to begin?" she asked, dividing her question equally between the Nosferatu present.  If there was to be a breakthrough in that area, it would surely come from a member of that clan.  "Or where we might begin to search for this information, if that would be best?"  There, at least, she was a bit more confident in her own abilities as compared to how she would fare in any sort of pitched battle.

"You know there is something to that idea. Scouts and smaller teams, wreaking a bit of havoc while others sneak in and gain information." Finlay said thoughtfully, rolling loose tobacco into a cigarette.

"That could actually work,” said the Gangrel Neonate, looking to his Brujah ally for approval.

"You're right about one thing," Razor said, looking to David, "If you let me have free rein, I'll unleash hell."

"I know the way to slip in. The way is not without difficulty, but it is not impossible to move along the North shore." the Nosferatu offered with a squeak. "I know where the hold is not too tight."

You are close to an accord.

-Join the Gangrel and Brujah to wreak havoc on the Sabbat?
-Join the Nosferatu and sneak across into the North Shore enclave of Repentigny?
-Something else?

@Chiharu: you may spend one Blood to gain Edge then spend that Edge to add a useful detail that you know a way to contact the Thin Bloods.

"Why not let us do both then?" David suggested with a thoughtful look. He glanced over to Eva at this and then back to the group at large, "Two smaller groups to split the difference. One group goes to raise hell somewhere that will obviously draw their forces. At least enough to lessen the risks for the second group. That one can slip through quietly and go directly towards where the Prince is being kept to rescue her. Raise hell ourselves on the way out to enact a bit of revenge there as well, but in the end getting the Prince out safely would be the top priority."

He turns to Riana and also Finlay at this, showing a touch of a smile as he adds, "I'm sure you might be most interested in the 'raising hell' portion of the task. But beyond causing as much chaos and damage as you can, you'd also want to make sure to get out before things got too heated. Don't give them the opportunity to claim any form of victory, even if its just one casualty. Draw blood. Kill a few if possible. Then get away to deny them any chance of reprisal. Maybe even go to hit somewhere else after to further distract them.. or hit more than one spot if you can loop in any others. The more they focus on you, the less they'll keep in reserve to block us. And should we fail," he amends, considering the worst possible outcome, "At least you will have made the first strike for the eventual war that will come after."

I will do that.
I forgot this is 1985, you dont have instant caller id and people still mostly use land lines....


I need to make a call, I'm not sure if it will provide any information but it is worth a try.  If i might be able to use the phone and ask, or should i use the pay phone that was down the street?

Making the call.

Hello,  This is Chiharu.  It looked like you had someting you wanted to speak about at the gathering, and i had a question also.

By chance might you have something to say about where the prince might be located?

As i dont know i'm just asking the question to help along the story.

Eva caught David's glance and nodded almost imperceptibly.  This sort of strategy was hardly where her skills lay, but again she was pleased that matters seemed to be moving along fairly well.  "I myself would do far better at gathering information than unleashing hell," she admitted, now nodding towards Riana.  "But if this plan works as intended, I believe we will all have the chance to get revenge, in our own ways.  As David has said, if nothing else this may help to weaken them."

Curious to see if Chiharu had managed to find any information of her own, however, Eva also waited for the young lady to report back.  Any new facts they could glean might be of help.

"Ooh, the Children are formulating a plan!" Boy Georgeous giggled, leaning forward with great interest. "Violence and networking, staples for the neckbiters. You know, just the sort of thing they'll be expecting."

Glittering with far too many sequins, rhinestones and glitter to be comfortable, Boy Georgeous perched on the edge of her chair, fanning herself with what appeared to be a Victorian ostrich-feather fan as she giggled, almost as though there was an inside joke that only she was in on. She crossed her muscular legs that were wrapped in at least two pairs of pantyhose and hummed to herself, tapping a brightly-painted fingernail on her cheek.

"Hmm, none of you are Gemini, are you?" Boy Georgeous seemed entirely serious with this question, heavily made-up eyes narrowing suspiciously, gazing at each of them in turn. "Because that would be an issue."

@David, Eva and Seren

"Do both?" Pterodan said with a hint of confusion in his voice as he listened to the Malkavian's rambling and watched Chiharu suddenly leave. "Perhaps it was something I said?"

"There is a certain elegance to this solution... it is not perfect, but eminently good enough. A slap in the face that might shake Alexander's hold on the leash of his Packs and our advantage gained in the appearance of unrest if nothing else. The dead eyes staring out of the Nosferatu Justicar's skeletal face gave a pointed look at the lanky Gangrel and the punk rock Brujah. "But you must move swiftly if covert operations are going to have a chance of success" he added with a glance at the diminutive Toreador and the thoughtful Tremere.

"Consider the potential offered by real and pretend police. An interesting development, useful for either sneaking about or raising hell in Repentigny." he said addressing both factions, "And remember that the Sabbat want the war, it would have facilitated their aims to simply destroy  the Prince. Alexander is seeking leverage, it is unclear why."

---

@Chiharu

"Oh, hey," comes Clark's surprised voice. There is a long silence from the other end of the phone after your question. "Look, if you think we had anything to do with that shit, I mean c'mon, there is no way. It's not safe for us to work with them, and at least the Prince had never declared a blood hunt on us or anything. You know that if I knew where she was, I'd tell you, right?"

"I am willing to go where needed, as an envoy," Seren spoke suddenly, addressing Pterodanctyl directly, her head bowed respectfully as she spoke.

"Even if I must go to treat with Alexander directly, if he seeks leverage it means that he has terms. I am willing to hear them and report back." Seren's voice was calm and composed, though she was a little uncertain whether such a bold move would curry favour or irritate the Justicar.

"Ooh that could be our Gemini with a little Where's the Beef action!" Boy Georgeous squealed, looking at Seren appraisingly while waving the ostrich feather fan. "Offering to go straight to the enemy, you two-faced little minx! Of course, the enemy of your enemy is your friend, so really we're all friends here, boots."

The babbling had a strange sense to it: old, festering disagreements would need to be ignored for the moment to work together as a cohesive team. A leader had not yet emerged, but there were some promising voices making themselves heard. Or the drag queen might just be utterly insane.

"Do both, do neither, baby, it doesn't matter." Boy Georgeous cooed at Pterodan, batting her many-layered eyelashes that had the appearance of a chorus line of spiders.

"What's gonna happen next depends on who's holding which cards. Some of you have been waiting for this chance for years, so Don't. Eff. It. Up."

Though Eva had no idea what to make of the Malkavian -- who seemed to be both mocking and encouraging them at once -- she did try to pay attention to whatever sound advice might be lurking behind the mockery, if that was indeed what it was.  At Seren's suggestion, she frowned, though not because she felt the general idea of the plan was unsound, quite the contrary.  "Learning Alexander's terms might indeed tell us a great deal," she said, slowly.  "As far as those go, at least, he will not be able to lie to us, for that would defeat his own purpose.  Might he perhaps think it an insult, however, to send a Neonate to him for such a discussion?"

She gave Seren an apologetic look at that, though Eva certainly did not pretend to any real rank or power herself.  "And I do not believe anyone should take on any possible mission alone, if that can be avoided," she added, fully prepared to offer to accompany Seren if her suggestion was taken up.

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 102):

Oh I was just looking for anything that might be helpful.  I certainly wouldnt want you to be in any danger.  Maybe i was a bit to straight forward on my question, i apologize.  Of course that was rude of me as i didn't take into account who might also be there.

Now you seemed like you had something that you wanted to talk to me about anyway?  Perhaps you might like to meet in person, maybe where we met the first time?  I think that would be a good place to discuss anything on your mind.

Of course if you think it can wait when we can meet when it is a good time for you.


Bad player not making that a indirect question leaving him the ability to answer in company

"I think Alexander's position is pretty clear right now. Even trying to negotiate with him would put whoever goes in more danger than not. Better to put whoever that would be to more use in one of the various approaches already planned. Since he didn't issue any requests directly, he's either holding the Prince for now as leverage or torture. If for leverage, about the only thing he'd really want is to be rid of us from the city. No matter what might be agreed on, once the Prince is free she's likely to renege on it anyway, which if he's smart he'd anticipate. So any negotiations would be for naught - which leaves the alternative for any real planning," David muses. He shrugs then.

"Pulling in real or fake cops to help stir up the unrest in the feint would be good though. Use their own tactics against them, which would make them believe it even more. Fake might even be better.. if they used fake themselves previously, they'll do so again in response. And if they used real, they'll call in those favors to counter - pulling them from any other protection they'd offer elsewhere. In either case, it helps the primary mission of rescuing the Prince. Once we have that location chosen that is," he points out with a slight smile.

Seren makes a few inquiries among the local Satanists to see what they might know about the packs that roam the other side of the river…

20:47, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of Seren Kerrington, rolled 3 using 2d6+1 ((1,1)). BOTCH! … ffs two botches in this scene … the dice hate you ... take 1XP … the Beast stirs (2/3) … you may not use your pull with the Occult Underground for the rest of the scene.

…the Satanists are unimpressed and not only do they refuse to help, but they have decided to align with Alexander and the packs. This will be a problem that must be reckoned with in the future.

---

Eva, stricken by the disappearance of her Sire, sends a veiled threat through her contacts in the business and arts community...

21:00, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of Eva Bennett, rolled 10 using 2d6+1 ((4,5)). strong success

...a name, location and time come back through that network. Darius, l'ile Bourdon, 3am.

---

Chiharu working an unlikely angle, arranges to meet with the the Thin Blood she met in the park and spotted among the Assembly at Conclave...

10:47, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of Chiharu Miyasaki, rolled 11 using 2d6+1 ((5,5)). strong success

...you are introduced to Vincent, the leader of a gang of Thin Bloods calling themselves Les garçons perdus. The LGP hold no love for the Sabbat and are interested in helping the Prince if it means they will not be hunted in the streets of Montreal.

---

David makes a few calls, aided by some connections made through the Chantry...

10:58, Today: Storyteller, on behalf of David Bishop, rolled 8 using 2d6+1 ((3,4)). weak success

...you make contact with an Inspecteur Levesque of the Sûreté du Québec who is willing to listen, but is looking for a little something to sweeten the pot.

Option one. You do have information about the construction delays at Place de la Cite. A few wise investments in the right places might make someone a lot of money if they knew that little tidbit.

Option two. something else??

When you return to Saint-Sulspice in the College Ahuntsic at the appointed time, you find James, Mirabel and Boy Georgeous.

Neither Findlay nor Riana have come back.

Seren returns to the Saint-Sulspice after an acrimonious discussion with the Satanists, who seemed to disapprove of nearly every reason that Seren brought to their leader. Seren chafed at much of the pomp and circumstance that she was forced to endure for these humans, play-acting as though it had some significance in their short lives and it must have come through in her already brittle tone.

That, or they sensed her desperation. Seren really, really needed a win to show her pedigree Ventrue betters that she was not simply a farmgirl who had been embraced for the expediency of the moment any longer. Of course, the mishandling of the Satanists would be known by all soon enough, seeing as their parting words to her seemed to imply that not only would they not help her, they would align with the opposing force.

The Beast stirring within Seren murmured that at least she'd be able to make them pay for their insolence in blood. Seren felt an ache in her for the blood of their leader, but he'd have to see battle before she'd be able to drink, such was the peculiar hunger for blood her Ventrue nature had bestowed upon her. Her Beast assured her that the right time was coming...

Meeting Vincent, the leader of a gang of Thin Bloods

Good Evening,  I am glad you would be willing to meet with me.  I can not speak for the prince, but i am sure she would be grateful for assistance in her return from her current situation.  I of course would lend what limited influence i have in such a endeavor.

I understand that there is not much to know, but there are many young bloods, and often they may happen to see something as others tend to ignore them.

Myself and a few others are looking to head this rescue effort, and we are just looking for eyes to help find where we need to go.

A few moments after Seren appeared, Eva arrived in a slightly flustered state, sure she would be the last to arrive.  But no, there were still several faces missing, though it was not a complete surprise to realize that neither Riana nor Finlay had yet returned.  It was entirely possible that they had already begun the fighting they craved, not waiting for any further help or information.

Seren, she noted, seemed out of sorts, so Eva did not press for any news about the success or failure of the Ventrue's efforts, presumably the latter.  For the most part she was simply thankful that her own methods of gathering information, primitive as they might be compared to those of the Nosferatu, had yielded some helpful results.  Using the telephone was still not entirely a comfortable thing for her, but she had had quite a bit of practice on this night.

Sketching out a curtsey to the Justicar, she relayed the name, place, and time she had managed to obtain.  "Is anything known of this Darius?" she asked, hopefully, wondering if that, too, might be of some use.

As the others began to trickle back into the tunnels beneath College Ahuntsic, James passed around a pack of duMaurier Special Mild. "I had expected a call from Finlay but he hasn't checked in. There is the danger of course that he and Razor have decided to go their own way, but I suppose we have to trust that they are working to the aim we agreed upon." he said without much confidence in the feelings of trust that he was espousing.

"I have heard this name Darius before," replied the Montreal born and bred Ventrue. "Alexander's Priscus, a trusted advisor and an elder of clan Lasombra if our information is correct."

@Chiharu

"Eyes and ears we can do," Vincent replied keeping his guard up. "Our survival is the only thing I am interested in. The Traditions, the fucking Sabbat, none of this bullshit matters to me. All I want is a place where we aren't hunted and torn to pieces for the crime of being so fucking far down the line that we're considered not good enough. If you can guarantee us a safe haven on Montreal Island, we'll help you spy in the north. Beyond that, you can rip each other's hearts out for all I care."

David's own funding at the moment might not be sufficient to pay for the level of aid that was sought at the moment, but given Inspecteur Levesque was apparently open to the idea of such persuasion, it presented a good opportunity to initiate the connection. And who knows, it might could lead to further such aid in the future? Particularly if David's bribes were sufficient, be they of monetary value or otherwise. A man easily bought could be useful.

"Inspecteur Levesque, I'm sure you know how.. delicate.. direct transfers could be. Particularly of a substantial denomination. Inquisitive minds will always be interested in prying and that could lead to issues best left behind. However, a little information that could return a modest chance.. a return that would be sizable enough to make life comfortable - perhaps even to the point of retirement if one wished - well.. that sort of information would be valuable indeed, don't you think?" he suggested. An investment opportunity of a legitimate nature. While the endeavor itself may be questionable in terms of how it took place, well, as long as the man kept his hands adequately apart from any of it, then what riches he reaped from it would be free and clear. He could always claim he had heard rumors of something worthwhile, but had no knowledge of anything 'illegal' that might be behind it. He'd end up much wealthier and in a manner that raised few questions. A lot easier than suddenly having to explain a briefcase full of cash of course.

Once he was agreeable to the aid for the information, David would relay what he had learned during the party about the construction delays at Place de la Cite. While some of the specifics as to who he heard it from were kept quiet, the information alone would give the man enough to go on to place a few smart investments. Something David planned to do himself once the current situation was concluded.

In reply to Vincent Lareux (msg # 114):

I believe in keeping my promises, and so i only make ones that i honestly believe that i can keep.

I can not promise you safe haven, as i do not have a domain of my own, let alone the authority or power to grant such a request.

I can promise to be an advocate for your cause, and should we succeed, if the prince is not willing to dole out such a reasonable request for your  assistance, i can promise to use the boon i would expect for rescuing the prince from such circumstances to help arrange such safe haven.

If that is acceptable then i believe we can agree.

@David. Levesque is suspicious but makes a few calls of his own to verify your claims. Within the hour he returns satisfied that the info you have given him may really pay off. He is equally concerned that too many dabbling in this pool will tip off the authorities. To secure his help you must agree not to put the tip to use for your own benefit.

@Chiharu. Vincent listens closely, slowly coming to the understanding that you are merely a low ranking member of the vampire community, not an emissary from the council. Still, the fact that any full blood might champion the cause of LGP combined with the chance to beard the Sabbat goat seems enough to gain his support.

@Everyone. With the Gangrel and the Brujah missing and presumably about to bring the battle to the street, you have little time to get moving.  You have the opportunity for parlay with Darius, you have the support of the Sûreté de Quebec and the Thin Bloods. You know that the local mortal Satan worshiping hedge wizards are playing for the other team.

What are you doing?

Glad to have you on board, i will do what i can.

Chiharu heads back to the rest of the team, hoping that they have found something out.

While not ideal, David gave his assent to the request, also noting though that, "I hope that the rewards of this particular endeavor are well remembered in that case. Quite a bit of potential there, but as you say, I shall refrain from parting of it myself at this time," he agreed. It was a big ask, particularly for what little David was asking of the man, but then again, a large windfall in a cop's bank accounts would hopefully lead to the man being willing to help him in the future. Especially if David could gather accounts showing the man's purchases. Legit though they may be, if David had something to show they were a.. little questionable? He could be blackmailed or bribed one way or another. But for now, they had their police assistance.


He returned to the others then, sharing the fact the police were ready. On returning and hearing of the status of things, he considers the fact of the hedge wizards siding with the other side and considers inquiring on that front. If they could learn where the hedge were focused, that might give them an idea of where to look first.

"It might be a trap or a ruse to draw us out, but I think we should take the offer for a meeting with Darius at face value." the Venture neonate said, looking to the others for support. "If it is a trap, they have chosen their ground poorly because there shouldn't be much that prevents us from escaping to our side of the river. If it isn't a trap, perhaps we can make some headway on finding out if there is a way to mount a rescue or arrange a cease-fire with the Sabbat."

"I agree," Eva said, nodding to the Ventrue.  Perhaps the fact that this information had come through her own efforts was influencing her decision, but she'd done her best to consider it logically and he also raised some very valid points.  "It might possibly be meant as a distraction of some sort, but it would seem to be a very poor trap.  And if only Neonates are sent to this meeting, then even as a distraction it will not do Darius much good.  I believe we should take the chance that it is a genuine offer.  We may at least learn something useful."

@Eva, @James.

A little less than an hour later and the arrangements are made. The drive to l'ile Bourdon will take a little less than 30min. The streets of the north side are pretty deserted at this time of night, but bars are letting out, gas stations and convenience stores are
open, other storefronts are dark and might be ripe targets for a well timed break-in.

You have some time to make stops along the way if there are preparations you need to make.

@Others. anyone not going to the meeting with Darius? Need to know you actions s’il vous plaît.

I am heading to wherever everyone is.

OOC: I think David is as prepped as he could be. Has a little in the way of weapons, is prepped and made what arrangements he could to help out the overall plan.

OOC: Same for Eva, she's about as ready as she can get.