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.