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Sabbat oWoD: Ash and Steel - Pittsburgh by Night (NEW LOG)
legionofone
__BANNED USERS regular
__BANNED USERS regular
It has been six months since the siege of Pittsburgh was openly underway, and the last three of those have seen the siege stall. Camarilla reinforcements coming from the West have managed to prop up the Prince of Pittsburgh, Adrienne, while Sabbat reinforcements from Montreal have slowed to a trickle, thanks to the presence of the Inquisition in that area laying waste to many of the infernally tainted upper echelon. With their survival at stake, worrying about a stalled siege of a city across many miles has become the least of their concerns. Quebec has managed to keep the siege from becoming a route, but Lupine assaults on traveling packs have managed to take their toll. For now, the Sabbat of Quebec have begun taking the fight to the Lupines along the St. Laurence waterway, taking precious resources from the Pennsylvania Crusade.
All is not hopeless on the Sabbat side, as new events have changed the dynamics of the war. The Council of Bishops that was overseeing the war has had half its number replaced with younger, more dynamic members as Lupines, monomancy, and Camarilla saboteurs took their toll. Where once the ponderous methods of the elder Sabbat were the only tolerated way of war, the younger members of the Bishops Council have left many breathless with the constant assaults they’ve brought to the Camarilla, even sending war parties to strike west and east against Camarilla strongholds, shattering the Masquerade and leaving the Princes reeling, only to fade into the wilds when the Archons finally show.
Your pack is made up of the survivors of several mass embraces, thrown together at the order of the Council of Bishops to help supplement the war effort, since reinforcements have been lacking. A Priscus of no small power has been sent from Detroit as well, ostenably to help “guide” the Bishops, but its openly guessed she has her own agenda as well.
Every inch of power you will have to fight for, and you will have enemies at your backs as well as in front of you. Either you will rise above your individual hatreds and grudges and meet the challenges placed in front of you, or you will end up brightening sunsets after a slow and painful death. Good luck.
NEXT GAME:Thursday, 3/4 at 8 PM EST. #ashandsteel on darkmyst.
Dramatis Personae
Fenris Brood
Maximilliano(Fiaryn) - 11th Generation Ventrue Antitribu and Ductus (Personal Quest: The Black Squire)
Spire (Acratia) - Assamite 10th Generation Antitribu (Personal Quest: To Serve and Defend)
Jeremy (ST) - Gangrel 10th Generation Antitribu and Priest (Personal Quest: In the Balance)
[CAINITE NEEDED]
Shovelheads
Sam (Krata) - 13th generation Malkavian recruit (Personal Quest: True Sabbat)
The Sabbat of Pittsburgh
Restrictions and Suggestions
Prologue Fiction
Now that such is done, here's some other things you should know.
- Game will be done over IRC.
- The concept for this chronicle is "soldiers in the Sword of Caine". I'm looking for grunts who are slowly but surely rising in rank.
- The characters above have already completed their first mission, and I will be posting the logs here shortly for prospective players to get an idea of how things work. Any characters I will fit in seamlessly. If you'd like to be a childe of any of the above characters, I'm sure it can be worked out.
- I like to blue book. There's an LJ out there that I have for the chronicle. I will also include any relevant information here as well, for those who are reading along. I'd also prefer any gains in experience to be blue booked as well, but its not a hard requirement.
- Game sessions will be at night for now. Each will last for at least two hours, possibly more depending on the group's wishes. Each week will see a session. Some may see two, depending on the wishes of the group.
- Depending on concept, Acceptance Ritae and Creation Rites are not certain. Camarilla defectors can expect to be pack bitch for a while.
LJ Blue Booking - Ash and Steel
Please PM all apps to me, or email shatt3r3dsoldi3r@aol.com. Send me a PM to let me know you sent me an application please.
All is not hopeless on the Sabbat side, as new events have changed the dynamics of the war. The Council of Bishops that was overseeing the war has had half its number replaced with younger, more dynamic members as Lupines, monomancy, and Camarilla saboteurs took their toll. Where once the ponderous methods of the elder Sabbat were the only tolerated way of war, the younger members of the Bishops Council have left many breathless with the constant assaults they’ve brought to the Camarilla, even sending war parties to strike west and east against Camarilla strongholds, shattering the Masquerade and leaving the Princes reeling, only to fade into the wilds when the Archons finally show.
Your pack is made up of the survivors of several mass embraces, thrown together at the order of the Council of Bishops to help supplement the war effort, since reinforcements have been lacking. A Priscus of no small power has been sent from Detroit as well, ostenably to help “guide” the Bishops, but its openly guessed she has her own agenda as well.
Every inch of power you will have to fight for, and you will have enemies at your backs as well as in front of you. Either you will rise above your individual hatreds and grudges and meet the challenges placed in front of you, or you will end up brightening sunsets after a slow and painful death. Good luck.
NEXT GAME:Thursday, 3/4 at 8 PM EST. #ashandsteel on darkmyst.
Dramatis Personae
Fenris Brood
Maximilliano(Fiaryn) - 11th Generation Ventrue Antitribu and Ductus (Personal Quest: The Black Squire)
Spire (Acratia) - Assamite 10th Generation Antitribu (Personal Quest: To Serve and Defend)
Jeremy (ST) - Gangrel 10th Generation Antitribu and Priest (Personal Quest: In the Balance)
[CAINITE NEEDED]
Shovelheads
Sam (Krata) - 13th generation Malkavian recruit (Personal Quest: True Sabbat)
The Sabbat of Pittsburgh
Sabbat
Council of Bishops
His Grace Leonardo – Toreador Antitribu
His Grace Breaker Mcgee – Brujah Antitribu
Her Grace Emily – Lasombra
His Grace Johan – Tzimisce
Her Grace Simone – Lasombra
His Grace Benjamin – Nosferatu Antitribu
Templars
Sir Joshua – Assamite Antitribu
Sir Upton – Brujah Antitribu
Sir Alex – Gangrel Antitribu
Priscus
Very Reverend Jacqueline – Malkavian Antitribu
Major Packs
Skulls and Flames – This nomadic pack is new to the area, invited at the express invitation of Emily to come and join the siege. What she has promised them is unknown, but they’re made up of a mix of cagey veterans of the open road and newly embraced licks ready to prove themselves.
Black Rooks – Emily, Simone’s and Benjamin’s pack, and a major player in the political game surrounding the siege of Pittsburgh. It was a concerted effort to get these three where they are tonight, and any outside attempts to bring them down will have to go through several very puissant and skilled vampires.
East Village Head Hunters – From New York and coming West to join the fun, this pack has seen its fortunes change with the loss of three of its experienced members to a Lupine assassin which ended up killing the bishop who favored them . Supplemented by vampires who made their way from Montreal, it remains to be seen if this pack rises again or goes down in flames.
Coven of the Blackened Moon – This all female pack has always operated in the area, surviving Lupines and other prodigals as well as Camarilla patrols through means unknown for the last twenty five years. A repository of mystical might, they’ve been instrumental in countering the Tremere influence.
Council of Bishops
His Grace Leonardo – Toreador Antitribu
His Grace Breaker Mcgee – Brujah Antitribu
Her Grace Emily – Lasombra
His Grace Johan – Tzimisce
Her Grace Simone – Lasombra
His Grace Benjamin – Nosferatu Antitribu
Templars
Sir Joshua – Assamite Antitribu
Sir Upton – Brujah Antitribu
Sir Alex – Gangrel Antitribu
Priscus
Very Reverend Jacqueline – Malkavian Antitribu
Major Packs
Skulls and Flames – This nomadic pack is new to the area, invited at the express invitation of Emily to come and join the siege. What she has promised them is unknown, but they’re made up of a mix of cagey veterans of the open road and newly embraced licks ready to prove themselves.
Black Rooks – Emily, Simone’s and Benjamin’s pack, and a major player in the political game surrounding the siege of Pittsburgh. It was a concerted effort to get these three where they are tonight, and any outside attempts to bring them down will have to go through several very puissant and skilled vampires.
East Village Head Hunters – From New York and coming West to join the fun, this pack has seen its fortunes change with the loss of three of its experienced members to a Lupine assassin which ended up killing the bishop who favored them . Supplemented by vampires who made their way from Montreal, it remains to be seen if this pack rises again or goes down in flames.
Coven of the Blackened Moon – This all female pack has always operated in the area, surviving Lupines and other prodigals as well as Camarilla patrols through means unknown for the last twenty five years. A repository of mystical might, they’ve been instrumental in countering the Tremere influence.
Restrictions and Suggestions
Restrictions & Suggestions
- For the most part, you’re all newly (relatively speaking) vampires, created in the last two to four years, and not necessarily in this crusade.
- Keep that in mind when determining what your character knows IG.
- That being said, I’m not opposed to paths of enlightenment, just be sure you know what you’re getting into. If you want to hang around the 3-5 humanity level, that’s alright too.
- Standard Sabbat creation protocols, most important of which is 4 discipline dots (in clan) and no backgrounds.
- Your characters should be able to hit something, but this game will have social and political elements. Think of a Nazi occupation camp when it comes to the level of violence, sadism, backstabbing and general skullduggery going on.
- I’m more than willing to work with you if you have a cool character concept, so don’t be afraid to approach me about that. On the other hand, something that’s going against the grain of what the theme is (soldiers in the Sword of Caine) might not be appropriate.
- Yeah, it should go without saying no Blood Brothers, Kiasyd, Harbingers of Skulls, Old World Tzimisce, etc.
- Generation limit 10th
- Run all merits/flaws by me first. Not necessarily to shoot them down, but to help refine any rough stuff that may occur or to keep you from biting off more than you really want to deal with. (“A five point enemy? Pshaw, not THAT serious, certainly!”)
- All characters start with Cainite Lore 1. Sabbat, Cainite, and Clan Lore may be purchased up to 2. Cam, Black Hand, & Noddist Lores at 1. You should have a really good reason to start with Mage, Fae, Lupine, etc.
- Nothing above 3 in Abilities w/o Freebies, ala Exalted.
- You may pool all your dots in Attributes (15) & Abilities (27), if you wish. Be responsible - anything broken looking I will send back to the drawing board.
- Koldunics, Thaumaturges, and Necromancers need not apply.
- Celerity functions differently. The first two levels grant extra actions. The latter levels simply add to your initiative.
- Potence will also function differently. The first two levels act normally. After that it adds to your dice pool that you roll.
- For the most part, you’re all newly (relatively speaking) vampires, created in the last two to four years, and not necessarily in this crusade.
- Keep that in mind when determining what your character knows IG.
- That being said, I’m not opposed to paths of enlightenment, just be sure you know what you’re getting into. If you want to hang around the 3-5 humanity level, that’s alright too.
- Standard Sabbat creation protocols, most important of which is 4 discipline dots (in clan) and no backgrounds.
- Your characters should be able to hit something, but this game will have social and political elements. Think of a Nazi occupation camp when it comes to the level of violence, sadism, backstabbing and general skullduggery going on.
- I’m more than willing to work with you if you have a cool character concept, so don’t be afraid to approach me about that. On the other hand, something that’s going against the grain of what the theme is (soldiers in the Sword of Caine) might not be appropriate.
- Yeah, it should go without saying no Blood Brothers, Kiasyd, Harbingers of Skulls, Old World Tzimisce, etc.
- Generation limit 10th
- Run all merits/flaws by me first. Not necessarily to shoot them down, but to help refine any rough stuff that may occur or to keep you from biting off more than you really want to deal with. (“A five point enemy? Pshaw, not THAT serious, certainly!”)
- All characters start with Cainite Lore 1. Sabbat, Cainite, and Clan Lore may be purchased up to 2. Cam, Black Hand, & Noddist Lores at 1. You should have a really good reason to start with Mage, Fae, Lupine, etc.
- Nothing above 3 in Abilities w/o Freebies, ala Exalted.
- You may pool all your dots in Attributes (15) & Abilities (27), if you wish. Be responsible - anything broken looking I will send back to the drawing board.
- Koldunics, Thaumaturges, and Necromancers need not apply.
- Celerity functions differently. The first two levels grant extra actions. The latter levels simply add to your initiative.
- Potence will also function differently. The first two levels act normally. After that it adds to your dice pool that you roll.
Prologue Fiction
It begins with fire. As it always has.
While all of you have knelt at the fire dances before, some more recently than others, none of you are kneeling now. You all stand proud, the fire falling in the hollows of your face and making the shadows that fall over you seem that much darker. The deserted patch of ground has picked up a bad name in the immigrant ghetto, which makes it perfect for the blood soaked revelry that is about to occur. Sabbat stand about in packs, or congregating together in loose whorls and easy confederation as they wait for the festivities to begin.
The fire itself is the blown out remains of a SUV, the same one the kine family had been driving before they had been ripped out of it, like meat from a nut. Duct taped to the few gnarled, twisted trees that have grown in this abandoned lot, they are fully cognizant of their surroundings, but dimly understanding what they are priviledged to witness. Stupid cattle, so unappreciative of being allowed to peer behind the curtain, their screams met with derisive laughter, bleating for mercy until their throats were broken and hoarse. Their eyes still speak though, the pleading look all domesticated herd animals seem to pick up before they’re slaughtered. Big wet stupid cow eyes, on father and mother, sister and brother.
The entertainment of watching them struggle is soon overshadowed by a greater actor. Bishop Emily appears, leaping onto the hood of the burning vehicle, dressed for war. The black of her shirt, tactical pants, and boots contrasts with her pale complexion, and her long blonde hair is tied back with a thin ribbon of some sort. She stands, hands on hips, gazing over the collection of packs that have assembled here, looking like the prow of a Viking ship come to life. Her sword and revolver ride on her waist in their familiar places, and she seems to pierce you with eyes that burn like blue gas lights. The flames behind her leap up momentarily, silhouetting her as she addresses the gathering.
“What a fortunate night, my brothers and sisters!” she screams, greeted by a chorus of cries. “Our meal falls into our laps, and we shall go into battle flush, for the good work of bringing Pittsburgh to heel begins!” More cheers – someone in gang colors begins to fire an automatic rifle into air in short staccato bursts. She begins to pace on the hood now, seemingly unaffected by the fire that rages behind her as she whips the gathered vampires into a war frenzy. “Do not think it will be an easy fight, or a quick one! Your enemies are legion, and fear what you are, what you have become! They are like ticks, and you will have to rip them from their havens, fat and bloated, before putting them to fire!” She pauses for dramatic effect, letting this sink in, and then continues in a conversational voice that still carries, building to a crescendo. “I fully expect some of you to fall,” she begins, her voice rising with good humor, “but fear not! Your deaths will not have been in vain, for I know the packs assembled before me will drag the Camarilla fucks,” she is interrupted by the sudden outpouring of raucous screams that have exploded from the assembly, one worthy chopping off a finger and flinging blood wildly with it. She smiles indulgently, and then continues. “…You will drag those murderous, ignorant, treacherous Camarilla fucks from their ivory towers, bleating and screaming for mercy! Will there be mercy for them, children of Caine?!” she demands, bending at the waist to scream her question at the crowd. The reply is the voice of the Sabbat, a howling twisting “NO!”
Something snaps in a vampire to your right, and you see flailing arms and legs as whoever it is lashes out at its pack mates, who return the favor and bring the unfortunate worthy down, the combined weight of several vampires greater, at this moment, then the Beast. Others look over curiously, some with a shake of the head before turning their attention back to Bishop Emily. She has wrapped the shadows around her now, and they leap and dance like black fire. “Do you fear the Final Death? Do you fear the “Kindred”?” she taunts, putting as much derision as possible into that word. With a flourish, she draws her sword, running it over her palm and saluting the crowd, showering those closest to her with garnets that glint darkly against the roaring fire, and then shouts a war cry that pierces your guts. “Monsters of the Sabbat, let us bring ash and blood to Pittsburgh!” she roars, and then bounds through the flames, packs scrambling to follow in her heels and bring ruin and death in her wake.
While all of you have knelt at the fire dances before, some more recently than others, none of you are kneeling now. You all stand proud, the fire falling in the hollows of your face and making the shadows that fall over you seem that much darker. The deserted patch of ground has picked up a bad name in the immigrant ghetto, which makes it perfect for the blood soaked revelry that is about to occur. Sabbat stand about in packs, or congregating together in loose whorls and easy confederation as they wait for the festivities to begin.
The fire itself is the blown out remains of a SUV, the same one the kine family had been driving before they had been ripped out of it, like meat from a nut. Duct taped to the few gnarled, twisted trees that have grown in this abandoned lot, they are fully cognizant of their surroundings, but dimly understanding what they are priviledged to witness. Stupid cattle, so unappreciative of being allowed to peer behind the curtain, their screams met with derisive laughter, bleating for mercy until their throats were broken and hoarse. Their eyes still speak though, the pleading look all domesticated herd animals seem to pick up before they’re slaughtered. Big wet stupid cow eyes, on father and mother, sister and brother.
The entertainment of watching them struggle is soon overshadowed by a greater actor. Bishop Emily appears, leaping onto the hood of the burning vehicle, dressed for war. The black of her shirt, tactical pants, and boots contrasts with her pale complexion, and her long blonde hair is tied back with a thin ribbon of some sort. She stands, hands on hips, gazing over the collection of packs that have assembled here, looking like the prow of a Viking ship come to life. Her sword and revolver ride on her waist in their familiar places, and she seems to pierce you with eyes that burn like blue gas lights. The flames behind her leap up momentarily, silhouetting her as she addresses the gathering.
“What a fortunate night, my brothers and sisters!” she screams, greeted by a chorus of cries. “Our meal falls into our laps, and we shall go into battle flush, for the good work of bringing Pittsburgh to heel begins!” More cheers – someone in gang colors begins to fire an automatic rifle into air in short staccato bursts. She begins to pace on the hood now, seemingly unaffected by the fire that rages behind her as she whips the gathered vampires into a war frenzy. “Do not think it will be an easy fight, or a quick one! Your enemies are legion, and fear what you are, what you have become! They are like ticks, and you will have to rip them from their havens, fat and bloated, before putting them to fire!” She pauses for dramatic effect, letting this sink in, and then continues in a conversational voice that still carries, building to a crescendo. “I fully expect some of you to fall,” she begins, her voice rising with good humor, “but fear not! Your deaths will not have been in vain, for I know the packs assembled before me will drag the Camarilla fucks,” she is interrupted by the sudden outpouring of raucous screams that have exploded from the assembly, one worthy chopping off a finger and flinging blood wildly with it. She smiles indulgently, and then continues. “…You will drag those murderous, ignorant, treacherous Camarilla fucks from their ivory towers, bleating and screaming for mercy! Will there be mercy for them, children of Caine?!” she demands, bending at the waist to scream her question at the crowd. The reply is the voice of the Sabbat, a howling twisting “NO!”
Something snaps in a vampire to your right, and you see flailing arms and legs as whoever it is lashes out at its pack mates, who return the favor and bring the unfortunate worthy down, the combined weight of several vampires greater, at this moment, then the Beast. Others look over curiously, some with a shake of the head before turning their attention back to Bishop Emily. She has wrapped the shadows around her now, and they leap and dance like black fire. “Do you fear the Final Death? Do you fear the “Kindred”?” she taunts, putting as much derision as possible into that word. With a flourish, she draws her sword, running it over her palm and saluting the crowd, showering those closest to her with garnets that glint darkly against the roaring fire, and then shouts a war cry that pierces your guts. “Monsters of the Sabbat, let us bring ash and blood to Pittsburgh!” she roars, and then bounds through the flames, packs scrambling to follow in her heels and bring ruin and death in her wake.
Now that such is done, here's some other things you should know.
- Game will be done over IRC.
- The concept for this chronicle is "soldiers in the Sword of Caine". I'm looking for grunts who are slowly but surely rising in rank.
- The characters above have already completed their first mission, and I will be posting the logs here shortly for prospective players to get an idea of how things work. Any characters I will fit in seamlessly. If you'd like to be a childe of any of the above characters, I'm sure it can be worked out.
- I like to blue book. There's an LJ out there that I have for the chronicle. I will also include any relevant information here as well, for those who are reading along. I'd also prefer any gains in experience to be blue booked as well, but its not a hard requirement.
- Game sessions will be at night for now. Each will last for at least two hours, possibly more depending on the group's wishes. Each week will see a session. Some may see two, depending on the wishes of the group.
- Depending on concept, Acceptance Ritae and Creation Rites are not certain. Camarilla defectors can expect to be pack bitch for a while.
LJ Blue Booking - Ash and Steel
Please PM all apps to me, or email shatt3r3dsoldi3r@aol.com. Send me a PM to let me know you sent me an application please.
legionofone on
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Posts
Man when you read those logs.
I love the Sabbat so much
White FC: 0819 3350 1787
Story - Rat's Nest
Session 1 Part 1
(9:08:01 PM) ***Spire mills around in his claimed bathroom that once served as an en-suite, preferring the cool surroundings with its lack of windows. The bath packed with various beddings from elsewhere.
(9:09:19 PM) ***Anna leans back in one of the dilapidated armchairs, glancing around the room, making sure that all the windows are securely covered. The room she took used to be one of the cheaper suites, but the minimal furnishings are comfortable enough for her.
(9:09:20 PM) ST: There is a growling engine outside, coming towards the hotel, and then dissapearing into the built in parking garage. Jeremy walks through the torn out wall and starts heading up the stairs towards the main hang out area you guys have made for yourself.
(9:10:21 PM) ***Anna glances at the note in her hand, and heads towards the common room, glancing over her shoulder on occassion
(9:10:58 PM) ***Maximiliano exits into the hangout area from a mangerial office he has "appropriated for business purposes", looking about to survey who all has gathered.
(9:12:18 PM) ***Anna nods at Max, waving the note in the air. "Looks like one of the big-shots wants to talk to us, Max."
(9:13:12 PM) Maximiliano: "Define big-shot. There's not a whole lot who aren't big shots as compared to us." he greets her with his standard brand of humor mixed with business.
(9:13:19 PM) Maximiliano: "SPIRE! GET IN HERE!"
(9:13:57 PM) ST: Jeremy comes up the stairs about that time, cocking his head slightly. "Eh? You got a message from the bishop council? Which one?" he asks with a frown.
(9:15:01 PM) ST: He pulls his rifle out of a hidden wall safe, and checks the magazine on it, sliding a round into the chamber and then fiddling with the scope.
(9:15:06 PM) Anna: "Bishop Benjamin, apparently." Anna lays the note on the table, leaning back against the edge of it. "Says the corner of 23rd and Brick Yard."
(9:15:44 PM) ***Spire appears with both hands folded into the small of his back behind Max, not belying his presence until the utterance of a single word. 'Yes?'
(9:15:48 PM) Maximiliano: "Unless anyone can provide me a compelling reason to keep a Bishop waiting then, I suggest we get moving."
(9:15:52 PM) Maximiliano: "Spire. We've been summoned."
(9:16:00 PM) ST: "Ah, Black Rook," he says, flexing his fingers and looking at it. "How'd you get it?" he asks Anna, turning his head at Spire's sudden appearance and then looking back towards Anna.
(9:16:05 PM) ***Maximiliano offers a nod to Jeremy as he recognizes the arriving pack mate.
(9:16:27 PM) ***Anna smiles at Spire as he enters, before turning to Jeremy. "A little rat told me."
(9:17:43 PM) Anna: "There's a lot of them in this place. This one had that, though." She jerks her head towards the table.
(9:17:43 PM) Spire: Giving a nod to that, he moves straight to the doorway, pausing at its jamb and half-turning toward the rest. "I would suggest talking on the way."
(9:18:07 PM) ***Maximiliano nods at that, making his way for the exit likewise.
(9:18:12 PM) ST: Jeremy returns Max's nod, and then looks at the note, and then Anna. "Mmm, that's right.." he says, drawing off slightly as he looks askance at Anna, and then at the note. "Well, Spire has the right idea. The jeep, I take it?"
(9:18:36 PM) ***Spire swiftly finds his way to the vehicle, claiming rear shotgun.
(9:18:43 PM) Maximiliano: "Aye. I think walking for the exercise is a little lost on us these days eh?"
(9:19:34 PM) ST: Jeremy tosses the rifle easily to Spire. "Usual hiding place, if you don't mind? Watch for the sawed off under the seat. Last time you almost blew up the gas tank," he says with the ghost of a grin, sitting in the driver's seat.
(9:20:06 PM) ***Anna hops onto the back of the jeep, turning to Spire and Jeremy. "I wonder what the big guy wants us for. Doesn't seem like top-style to send a rat with a message."
(9:20:24 PM) ***Spire stows the firearm...taking just that extra fraction of an instant to ensure not asploding them all as mentioned.
(9:20:48 PM) ***Maximiliano takes shotgun beside Jeremy, slidding his sword beneath his seat, "He's a Nossie, they do that sort of thing."
(9:21:34 PM) ST: The jeep's engine turns over easily, and the top is down to allow the night air in. "The boss has it right. Better than appearing in the middle of our haven, wouldn't you say?" he asks, driving out into the cool April night, wind whipping through the cab, crescent moon shining down on you.
(9:22:26 PM) ST: "What was that address?" he asks Anna, digging under his seat for a moment, and then pulling out a small Garmin. "Plug it in, if you don't mind?" he asks Max as he continues to drive, the clutch making a hearty click CLUNK as he shifts.
(9:23:41 PM) ***Anna shrugs, leaning out into the wind. "23rd and Brick Yard Street, man."
(9:23:58 PM) ***Maximiliano punches in the address and sets the Garmin where Jeremy can see it before leaning back.
(9:25:40 PM) Maximiliano: "You did bring that silly curved blade of yours didn't you Spire?"
(9:25:43 PM) ST: "Turn left! In 100 feet, turn right!" says the cheery female voice, the LCD glow making your sharp, inhuman features seem even more distinct in the light. You get onto the freeway, having to travel uptown a bit, and then arrive in a neighborhood that seems teetering on the edge of ruin.
(9:26:03 PM) ***Anna laughs. "You brought your giant extension, didn't you, Max?"
(9:26:50 PM) Spire: "It's in my pocket." He responds impassively, squinting out into the gloom.
(9:26:55 PM) ST: "Who needs flesh crafting when you have swords and guns?" asks Jeremy theoretically, blazing down a side street, garbage and refuse trailing in his wake.
(9:27:22 PM) ***Maximiliano scoffs at the mere notion that he didn't, "When I succumb to madness will be the time to ask that question Anna, till then just assume yes. Always."
(9:28:03 PM) Maximiliano: "Did you bring your fists?" he asks in return, a sardonic grin on his face.
(9:28:29 PM) ***Anna grins ferally, flexing her fingers. "Fuck yes, man."
(9:28:37 PM) ST: "I think....We're almost there," murmurs Jeremy absently, filtering out the background chatter. "You guys see a Brick Yard Lane? Damn computer is going nuts again," he mutters.
(9:29:31 PM) ***Spire points off-hand at a street directly adjacent to their path, replying almost lazily. "There."
(9:29:46 PM) ***Maximiliano turns his attention to the streets they pass, looking for the destination in question. "Agai-" he halts as Spire takes care of the issue.
(9:31:41 PM) ST: "Bingo. Thanks man," he says off the cuff, and takes the turn. And there it is, a ruined church, doors boarded up, windows boarded on the other side of the colored glass. Jeremy comes to a stop two buildings down, and gets out, locking his door.
(9:32:40 PM) ***Anna whistles appreciatively. "Nice pad for a Nossie."
(9:32:48 PM) Spire: Vaulting over the door on his side, he falls gracefully in line with the rest. "My pleasure."
(9:32:51 PM) ***Maximiliano hops down out of the vehicle, taking his weapon with him and slipping it to its traditional place hidden beneath his trenchcoat.
(9:33:19 PM) ST: Not exactly a gothic cathedral, the church was obviously once the prosperous seat of the local neighborhood, but like the rest of Pittsburgh, it has fallen on hard times. With the scandals in the Church, many a parish had to merge with another, leaving plenty of empty buildings. This is one of them. Jeremy reaches under, grabs his rifle, and slings it over his shoulder.
(9:33:45 PM) Maximiliano: "Lets be smart people, keep the chatter down till we're inside. Too many ears in this city eh?"
(9:34:06 PM) Spire: Peering up at the elaborate ex-holy building, he folds both hands neatly back behind him, responding to Max. "Mhm."
(9:34:29 PM) ***Anna shrugs, heading for the door and tucking her hands in the pocket of her jacket, strolling down the sidewalk.
(9:34:49 PM) ***Maximiliano makes no appearance of paranoia despite his order, following after Anna.
(9:36:19 PM) ST: You all see a series of strange markings on the door that make no rhyme or reason. In fact, Max gets dizzy looking at them.
(9:36:39 PM) Spire: "Pretty." Spyre remarks.
(9:36:41 PM) ***Maximiliano rubs his eyes and blinks them several time, attempting to clear the dazing effect.
(9:37:23 PM) ST: Jeremy leans in, cocking his head and sniffing the air. "Around the corner, towards the rectory" he says under his voice. "Leave your weapons in the hall, and come into the chapel itself."
(9:38:04 PM) ***Maximiliano does as advised, depositing his blade in the aforementioned locale before heading chapel-wards at a brisk pace. The Crusader is eager to discover their purpose.
(9:38:15 PM) ***Anna nods and follows Jeremy's advice, heading towards the chapel.
(9:39:28 PM) Spire: The air whines as Spire's shamshir is produced in a whirl, laying it carefully down before following on.
(9:39:42 PM) ST: The door opens with a loud squeak, killing any attempts at stealth. Outside, the chapel was obviously deserted. Inside, there's the harsh glow of florescent lights, angled downwards and illuminating the tables laid out before you. There, the other half of the Bishop Council stands, arguing over some point or the other, and then looking at Max and the rest of you as you wander in.
(9:40:58 PM) ST: The one who called you, Bishop Benjamin, stands to the left of the main table. He's the typical Nosferatu ugly, he wears no shirt - only a pair of boots and some overalls that have seen better days. Its not so much the ugly, puckered skin that turns you off as the reek that comes off of him.
(9:41:31 PM) ***Anna glances at the Bishops, nodding her head respectfully before walking towards Biship Benjamin.
(9:42:23 PM) ST: To the right of the table is Bishop Simone, of dark complexion with her hair cut in a bob. She is dressed for war, with a shotgun lazing over her back, knife strapped to waist, and a pistol on a thigh holster waiting to come out and argue. Her throat bears severe scaring from the Lupine assassin that killed the former Bishop.
(9:43:31 PM) ST: And in the center is Bishop Emily, still dressed as you saw her several nights ago, and it is she who speaks first. "We're glad you could find the time to join us, Sabbat," she says not unfriendly, and then waves the four of you over. "Come here, come here. We have plans for you."
(9:44:01 PM) ***Spire remains in the rear of the group as usual, doing his duty of scanning the environs for anything and everything of note while remaining on-task.
(9:44:58 PM) ST: Bishop Benjamin nods, his skin making a sickly wet sound as he waves idly at a laminated map of Pittsburgh. He points at Spire.
(9:45:05 PM) ***Maximiliano nods and approaches as indicated, offering a polite acknowledgement. "We are ready to serve your graces."
(9:45:22 PM) ST: "You!" he says in a voice that starts off in a rattle but ends with a boom. "Who is the Prince of Pittsburgh?!"
(9:45:36 PM) ST: "You!" he points at Anna. "Where is Elysium!"
(9:47:13 PM) Anna: Anna takes a step back, and wrinkles her brow. "Elysi-what?"
(9:47:41 PM) ST: He nods at Anna, and then his finger moves back towards Spire.
(9:48:19 PM) ***Spire responds evenly, keeping eye contact while the query flashes through his mind, evidently an internal cursory rifling through memory being conducted before a result is presented. "I do not know, your grace."
(9:50:24 PM) ST: He drops his finger. "Yes, and neither do we," he begins, and shuffled papers. Bishop Emily picks up. "That's the problem. We're not the only ones who've gone through a reshuffling. There's been some sort of...turmoil over there as well. The Lupines are not discriminating, and neither are hunters. The Camarilla is on something of a.." a pause and a sigh. "We'll call it a war footing, but it is NOTHING like we do every night."
(9:52:12 PM) ST: She waves your pack over, to lean on the plastic table and begins pointing out a long black line separating the west and east of Pittsburgh. "Right here is the de facto line of demarcation, where Sabbat becomes Camarilla if you go West to East and vice versa," she pauses, and then looks up. "We're sending you over the line, as it were."
(9:52:44 PM) ST: Benjamin asks idly. "Who's your ductus?" while ruffling through a file.
(9:53:10 PM) Maximiliano: "I am Ductus of this pack, your grace."
(9:53:25 PM) ***Anna frowns, looking at the map. "So if we don't know shit about the Camarilla, how do we kill 'em?"
(9:55:10 PM) ST: Benjamin slides a piece of paper to you, sliding over so that he dosen't have to talk over Emily. "Here's the list of what we need to know," he says, handing you a piece of paper with things like "PRIMOGEN COUNCIL" and "PRINCE", "ELYSIUM" and "CHANTRY".
(9:56:02 PM) ST: Simone sighs, and looks at Emily. Emily nods in her direction, and then turns towards Anna. "Well, that's only part of what we need you to do. Trust me, you'll be able to wreck havoc, or you're not doing your job right," she says with a smile.
(9:57:00 PM) ST: Benjamin nods in agreement with Emily. "She's right on that part," he adds. "We
(9:57:05 PM) ***Maximiliano looks over the grocery list of facts before nodding and placing it somewhere secure on his person.
(9:58:02 PM) ST: "We've been given a break here. The Nosferatu want to come over to our side of the fence. Something about two or three other clans pissing them off," he says with a shrug. "Whatever. The important thing is you make contact with them and do what it takes to bring them over," he says intensely.
(9:59:17 PM) Maximiliano: "And if anything would solve our information deficit it would be having a Nosferatu clan fully on our side. That is the idea, aye?"
(9:59:39 PM) Spire: "That would be...useful." He gives the understatement of the century, looking over the map.
(10:00:18 PM) ***Anna looks over her shoulder at Spire, shrugging her shoulders in confused fashion.
(10:00:45 PM) ST: All three Bishops beam at Max. What a brilliant young Sabbat. "Exactly. They've been left somewhat out of the loop, but they're also not stupid. Also, they're not ALL for coming over to the Sabbat. Mostly some of the neonates, a few of ancillae. The rest are either too important to notice the problems, or too downtrodden to do anything about it."
(10:02:23 PM) ST: "So my advice is don't go over there thinking that you offer Acceptance Rites and they'll spill the beans. You might have to run some errands for them, but they shouldn't be making you lick boots. I've already gone over that point with them expressly."
(10:02:54 PM) Spire: "Errands."
(10:03:31 PM) Spire: He lays it flat on the table, straightening and apparently flatly addressing the world in general.
(10:03:43 PM) ST: Benjamin turns his back to you, typing something rapidly into a laptop, his part done, it seems. Emily snaps her fingers. "Attende moi," she says sharply. "Yes errands. For the glory of the Sabbat and all that," she says, and you can't tell whether she's being ironic or not.
(10:04:39 PM) ***Anna looks at the Bishops, a thoughtful look on her face. "We'll need to attract attention to drag the Camarilla bastards out of their holes.. or even for those Nosferatu to notice us."
(10:04:40 PM) ***Maximiliano turns his attention to Emily as she takes center stage in all her Frenchness.
(10:05:30 PM) ST: "While you're out finding out the nuts and bolts of the enemy, see what you can do to locate who controls what. Which news stations have a Kindred pulling the strings, who's the bat that controls the local hospital, all that. Do damage, subvert them, whatever. Police, fire, communications...The more you disrupt, the easier it'll be when we finally go and rip the heart out of them."
(10:06:53 PM) ST: Emily cocks her head at Simone, and then nods. "Max? Prepare yourself," she says, and then..
(10:06:59 PM) ***Spire perks up - if you could call it that - at the mention of hospitals.
(10:09:10 PM) ST: Simone shakes her head, and stops looking so damn intently at Max.
(10:09:50 PM) ***Maximiliano goes through a number of different expressions for no evident reason. First perplexed, then intrigued, and finally perhaps a tad disgruntled.
(10:10:37 PM) ST: Benjamin speaks up when Anna makes mention of attention. "Well, the Nosferatu part is already taken care of. Head towards the old meat plant that's five blocks down. There's an access to the sewers in there. Head there and you'll have a messenger waiting for you. Follow him," he says before cursing under his breath and typing more furiously into the keyboard, muttering "Goddamn kids and their goddamn memes."
(10:12:32 PM) ST: Emily nods at each of you in turn. "We've put a lot on your shoulders, we know, but only because we have faith that we can rely on you. Three of you managed to survive the initial taking of this city - no mean feat."
(10:13:28 PM) ST: "You've got work to do though," she says. "I'll expect to hear from you all in one week on how everything has gone," and then dismisses you with a nod of her head.
(10:14:22 PM) Maximiliano: "We'll get it done, your graces. With extreme prejudice of course." he says with a faint grin.
(10:14:37 PM) ***Anna nods at the Biships again and heads for the exit, cracking her knuckles. "Consider it done, your graces."
(10:14:45 PM) Maximiliano: With that said he turns to depart at her dismissal.
(10:14:50 PM) ***Spire inclines his head in return, spinning casually on a heel and commenting to the pack on their way out - though plenty loud enough for the rest to hear. "Kindred. Serious business."
(10:16:02 PM) ST: Jeremy nods briskly at each in turn, and then goes, at the wake of his pack. He shoulders his rifle as he heads out the door.
(10:16:38 PM) ***Maximiliano returns his blade to its place underneath his coat in one practiced fluid motion, continuing out to the jeep.
(10:17:46 PM) ***Anna grins and lets out a laugh as she exits the building, glancing over at the others. "So, time to mess shit up?"
(10:17:46 PM) ST: "Did you get all that?" Jeremy asks as he starts up the jeep, looking over at Max.
(10:18:12 PM) Maximiliano: "Aye. It's all committed to memory. There's some more to this, but we'll talk about that later out of the open."
(10:18:36 PM) ST: Jeremy's ear flicks at Anna's laugh. "Sounds about right. Did you want to head back to home to work it over, or straight to the factory?"
(10:18:41 PM) Spire: Cutting the air with a fluid hum, the shamshir returns home, quickening his pace at the last moment for jeep-mounting momentum. "I'm sure Max took notes."
(10:19:32 PM) Spire: "My suggestion would be heading factoryward directly. Keeping a Nosferatu messenger waiting is rarely wise."
(10:19:37 PM) ***Maximiliano clambers up back into his seat. "I'm for heading straight for our first target. Thoughts?" he says, looking to his pack mates.
(10:19:48 PM) ***Anna nods. "No point in waiting around."
(10:20:39 PM) ST: "Why delay the inevitable?" Jeremy asks, and then begins following the directions given to them, heading down five blocks to a gated and barred meat factory.
(10:22:31 PM) ST: You can smell the blood, even after five years. Its animal blood, but blood all the same. All the butchery and slaughter that occured here isn't so easily washed away, and you can hear chains clinking dimly inside the building.
(10:23:21 PM) ST: "How'd you want to get in?" the Hunter asks, looking over at his packmates after locking and securing the jeep, exchanging his rifle for a sawed off, double barrel shotgun.
(10:23:35 PM) ***Spire takes a deep breath as they approach, as though a man on a clear wilderness mountaintop taking a draught of the fresh air.
(10:23:47 PM) Maximiliano: "Quietly. If there's any location hunters might take a peek around for our kind, it'd be here."
(10:24:14 PM) Spire: "Quietly can be done."
(10:24:41 PM) ***Anna rolls my eyes, but nods. "Quiet it is."
(10:25:13 PM) Maximiliano: "Ah don't worry Anna. I'm not suggesting we avoid them...I just prefer to be the one getting the drop, not the drop-ee."
(10:26:22 PM) Spire: Raising a finger to his lips in a hushing motion, he whispers gently as though quieting a group of children. "Shhh..." The sound, and all others within the immediate area dying to nothing.
(10:26:35 PM) ST: Radiating out from Spire, there's a sudden stillness in the air. It seems slightly thicker, heavier, and is barely tangible, but its there all the same.
(10:28:30 PM) ***Anna walks forwards and pushes at the gate
(10:28:33 PM) ST: Jeremy shoulders the shotgun, and with a directed application of vitae, claws begin to grow over his nails, and his hands become wracked, monstrous things.
(10:29:11 PM) ***Maximiliano unsheathes his blade and nods to them, gesturing for them to follow as he searches the area for an obvious entrance into the facility.
(10:29:17 PM) ST: "No need," he says as he runs his talons over the lock. Once, twice, three times before it falls apart. He pockets the remains and neatly opens the gate for the pack.
(10:29:31 PM) ***Maximiliano merely nods as Jeremy takes care of it.
(10:30:37 PM) ***Spire can't help but quirk the corner of his lips as his packmate attempts to speak through the hushed veil as ever, never having quite gotten used to the supernatural silence.
(10:30:39 PM) ST: As you walk into the shadows of the courtyard, you can see subtle traces where you're not the only ones who have been here before. The swinging double doors hang open, and a night wind catches hold of one and sets it to beating before Spire's uncanny power silences it.
(10:31:02 PM) ***Anna grins, flexing her fingers as they grow into a long set of claws similar to Jeremy's.
(10:31:02 PM) ***Maximiliano makes his way cautiously into the facility, eyes searching for any threats.
(10:33:23 PM) ST: Max is away from the other three of you, who hear the clinking of chains inside, and underneath it, the pitter patter of something moving through the empty building.
(10:34:10 PM) ***Spire holds up a hand to alert the others, in case they have not already discerned the steps.
(10:34:26 PM) ***Anna nods, slinking forwards quietly to investigate.
(10:34:33 PM) ***Maximiliano halts at Spire's gesture, keeping his eyes peeled.
(10:34:53 PM) ST: Jeremy nods at Spire, and looks at Anna. "Scout? Or go in together?"
(10:35:52 PM) Maximiliano: "If anyone scouts, it should be Spire."
(10:35:54 PM) ***Spire attempts to keep the entire group encompassed within the area of his powers, keeping in the centre of the three's triangle.
(10:36:04 PM) Maximiliano: "He can handle it aye?"
(10:36:26 PM) ST: "Yeah, he does do that vanishing voodoo pretty good," Jeremy says with a nod.
(10:38:34 PM) Anna: "Splitting up might not be the best of ideas, in a place like this."
(10:38:55 PM) Maximiliano: "Splitting up is only a problem if he gets caught, which he won't."
(10:39:06 PM) ***Spire simply nods in response, motioning the three to conceal themselves nearby before moving toward the factory proper.
(10:39:17 PM) ST: "I think we'll hear him if the shit hits the fan anyway, and whatever is in there has bought more trouble then it bargained for."
(10:39:30 PM) ***Maximiliano quiets down after that, making to take a hiding spot while Spire scouts.
(10:40:29 PM) ***Spire eyes the factory in calculating form, melting away from sight, searching it for points to scale rather than entering through the likely watched main entranceway.
(10:41:38 PM) ***Anna leans back against the outside of the building, glancing around nervously.
(10:43:19 PM) Spire: Judging the precarious nature of the sheer corrugated iron to be an uninviting prospect, he instead trusts to his own disciplines and skill to see him through, slinking into the factory itself.
(10:43:46 PM) ST: Off in the distance, gunshots.
(10:43:58 PM) ST: The sound of a car squealing.
(10:44:21 PM) ***Maximiliano looks towards the source of the noise but does not break from their position, waiting.
(10:46:02 PM) ***Anna glances at Max, and then turns her attention towards the source of the noice, shifting her weight forwards.
(10:46:07 PM) ST: More screams, more gunshots. You realise its just a few blocks down, and something is blowing in on the wind.
(10:46:53 PM) Anna: "Should we go investigate?"
(10:47:47 PM) ST: Jeremy waves one claw towards the doors. "Let's see what he drags in," the Gangrel says, and you smell something burning.
(10:47:53 PM) ***Maximiliano shakes his head, "Focus on the task at hand for now."
(10:49:18 PM) ST: A large grey rat comes bolting out of the door.
(10:49:41 PM) Spire: With a stealthed Spire following close after.
(10:50:13 PM) Spire: He motions to Anna, indicating the rat.
(10:50:34 PM) ST: The thing runs towards Max, and then sits up on its hind legs, chirping at him. At the lack of a response, it runs over to Anna after noticing Spire's gesture, and begins chirping wildly at her.
(10:51:09 PM) ST: You get the sense of it being VERY frustrated by this point.
(10:51:16 PM) ***Anna looks at the rat and raises an eyebrow, shrugging at the rest of the people before leaning forwards and looking closely at it.
(10:51:18 PM) Maximiliano: "This would be the messenger I'd guess. Jeremy? Anna? You're the animal people."
(10:51:54 PM) Spire: He retakes a triangle-centre point, crouching and addressing Max over his shoulder. "There was a snake in there, too."
(10:52:03 PM) Maximiliano: "Setites."
(10:52:07 PM) ST: "Well, her skill set is...Mmm, I'll let you explain that one," he says to Anna, and then whistles at the rat, who comes flying over.
(10:52:09 PM) Maximiliano: "The Bishops warned me about them."
(10:52:13 PM) Spire: "Long. Black. Slithered down a crack. I have a feeling it wasn't our friend here's greatest companion."
(10:52:16 PM) ST: Squatting down, he begins to chirp in turn.
(10:52:23 PM) Anna: Anna shrugs, looking at the rat. "I had a goldfish, once. It died."
(10:52:49 PM) ST: "That's pretty much what he's saying," Jeremy intones, looking over at Max and Spire. "He says thank you, even if you're a thick headed short son of a bitch. His words, not mine."
(10:52:50 PM) Spire: Not quite understanding the various ways of Gangrels, he shrugs and allows Jeremy to do the duty.
(10:53:17 PM) ***Spire makes a rude gesture at the rat.
(10:53:35 PM) Maximiliano: "Why exactly is he in such an edible-for-snakes form still?"
(10:53:38 PM) ***Anna stands up, stretching. "So, any sign of the Nossies?"
(10:53:54 PM) Anna: "Aside from the rat, that is."
(10:54:04 PM) ST: "He has," Jeremy says, and then shakes his head. "Quite a mouth on him. Anyway, he says that snake was hunting him for the past hour, and that we're to follow him to meet someone named...Stinky Cheese."
(10:54:15 PM) Spire: "I saw nothing aside from our rodent friend here."
(10:55:27 PM) Maximiliano: "Well lets get on it. Tell him to lead on."
(10:55:58 PM) ST: The rat begins to head back towards the doors, in the center of the group and chirping all the while. "He says that we're to follow him to a certain point, and then two of us are to go and meet the rest of the Sewer Rats," he tells the group as he pushes the doors open.
(10:56:13 PM) ***Spire makes a mental note for future not to bring any animals - especially goldfish - to Anna, rising with the group to follow the scuttling beastie.
(10:56:43 PM) ***Anna follows along, glancing back in the direction of the gunshots before entering the building.
(10:56:51 PM) ***Maximiliano nods but frowns as he follows after, "Not sure how pleased I am at having to split up."
(10:58:04 PM) ST: The rat heads through the chains hanging from the ceiling, laps at one dried bloodstain (and there are many) and heads back into the shadows, still obviously nervy about the snake laying around.
(10:58:33 PM) ***Anna nods, also frowning. "Whoever stays behind should investigate those gunshots. I volunteer."
(10:58:34 PM) ST: Down stairs leading into the basement, where there is complete absence of light.
(10:59:31 PM) ST: "There's no light down there," he tells Anna, and then his eyes begin to pulse red, glowing dimly. "Whoever else goes is going to need you, I think," he says.
(11:00:04 PM) ST: He turns to Max. "Just my opinion though, chief."
(11:01:01 PM) Spire: "I would say our fearless leader would be most appropriate for meetings."
(11:01:23 PM) Maximiliano: "It's the right choice Hunters. I need to be one-...for basically that."
(11:01:31 PM) Maximiliano: "And I'll definitely need one of you to be my eyes."
(11:02:12 PM) ST: "Take Anna. She's good in a pinch, and she makes enough noise when she's fighting that we'll hear it," Jeremy says sardonically.
(11:02:30 PM) Maximiliano: "Says a man with a damn shotgun."
(11:02:32 PM) ***Anna glares at Jeremy, flexing her claws.
(11:02:38 PM) Anna: "What he said."
(11:03:03 PM) Spire: "That's why I'll go with him, to keep the 'damn shotgun' from announcing us to the tri-state area."
(11:03:32 PM) Anna: "I'll go with Max, then." Anna closes her eyes for a moment before opening them, glowing blood-red.
(11:03:54 PM) Maximiliano: "That'll work."
(11:03:58 PM) ST: He pats the shotgun fondly. "You never know what you'll meet down there. Claws are nice, but there's just nothing that says hello like two servings of double aught buck."
(11:05:24 PM) ST: Anna, Max, join #sewers please?
(11:06:00 PM) ST: Anna and Max descend into the sewers, leaving Spire and Jeremy to guard their backs.
(11:07:54 PM) Spire: Crouching by the stairway descent, he glances to Jeremy before turning his attention onto the environs. "Worth checking out that gunfire from earlier? I couldn't tell much about it from being in here."
(11:09:02 PM) ST: Jeremy cocks his head. "I'm of two minds. This isn't the best neighborhood, so it could be your typical nonsense."
(11:10:15 PM) ST: "On the other hand," he continues, laying his shotgun across his lap. "If its something important, then we should keep an eye on it. However, if something goes wrong here...Say that snake comes back with friends and the gunshots are unimportant..." he trails off, letting Spire draw his own conclusions.
(11:12:16 PM) Spire: "Precisely. Times like these are when extra manpower would be just wonderful." Settling into a comfortable watch point in the shadows and fading away, his loyalties to protecting the pack overcome the curiousity and information-gathering instinct.
(11:12:50 PM) ST: "Could always make some more," hazards Jeremy with a shrug, looking down the stairs and then out the way they came.
(11:13:24 PM) Spire: He gives a noncommittal shrug in response to the suggestion.
(11:14:58 PM) ST: "Yeah, I feel the same way," he says. "I mean yeah, letting us make our own way, that's how the Gangrel do it...But on the other hand, it kinda sits wrong with me."
(11:16:24 PM) Spire: Changing the subject, he queries Jeremy from his watch-'post'. "Dealt with these snakes before?"
(11:18:00 PM) ST: Jeremy tilts his hand back and forth a bit. "A little. Think of em as Keepers, but more "oh and I'm a religious bastard" and with half the competency."
(11:20:02 PM) Spire: "Religion never has been a great partner to competence." Folding one arm over a crouched knee, the other remains on his weapon hilt, a keen glance sent into the inky blackness below.
(11:21:16 PM) ST: "I know a little bit, but mostly about my own clan, and what's what with us and the Sabbat. You pick up a little bit here and there, always good to know something about everything, especially with the Lupines raging like they are."
(11:23:18 PM) Spire: "Lupines. Mutts." He remarks with a dark, flat tone, evidently not being their greatest fan.
(11:23:47 PM) ST: He nods. "Yeah, fuckers killed my last pack. We'll settle that hash one day," he says softly.
(11:25:08 PM) Spire: Giving a slow nod to that while watching the entranceway, he falls into observant silence.
(11:25:50 PM) ST: Taking the hint, Jeremy follows suit as well.
(11:06:03 PM) ST: As you two head down the stairs, you can hear the sound of the rat, chirping ahead of you. Well, Max can. Anna can SEE the rat, turning and twisting down the warrens, a thin river of sewage slowly trickling along with you.
(11:06:41 PM) ***Anna turns to Max, keeping one eye on the rat. "Can you see anything?"
(11:06:54 PM) Maximiliano: "No."
(11:07:02 PM) ST: Slowly but surely, the thin trickle becomes a flow, and then a deluge, burbling along next to you. Max, you can barely see what's going on, thanks to the occasional utilty light casting a slimy radiance over everything.
(11:07:39 PM) ST: The rat comes to a dead end, and then drops into the water. Obviously, there's some sort of hole you have to go through.
(11:08:00 PM) ***Maximiliano maintains a dignified posture and gait, even blind and his nostrils all but dead under the onslaught of sewer scents. He keeps close to Anna.
(11:08:29 PM) ***Anna stalks forwards, following the rat, her nose constantly twitching. "God, it smells in here."
(11:08:30 PM) ST: Max does not see this. Anna, however does.
(11:08:46 PM) ST: The rat paddles in the sewage, waiting for you two to join him down there.
(11:08:52 PM) Maximiliano: "Really? I've reached the point where I've lost the ability to smell."
(11:09:08 PM) Maximiliano: "I hear splashing. I do not like where this is going."
(11:09:34 PM) ST: You can only imagine what that rapid fire chirping means in rat.
(11:09:41 PM) Anna: "Yeah... grab my hand. We need to take a little swim." Anna steps into the sewage, stepping forwards to where the rat is.
(11:10:16 PM) ***Maximiliano takes Anna's hand (like he's always wanted undoubtedly) and follows into the sewage. "For the glory of the Sabbat" he intones, this time there is no question whether it's ironic or not.
(11:11:07 PM) ***Anna looks at the rat. "Let's go." She steps forwards to where the rat is paddling, bracing herself for the fall into the sewage.
(11:11:12 PM) ST: You both sink into the foul waters, no sign of a bed underneath your feet as you push forward with the foul, thick ooze coating you.
(11:11:19 PM) ST: You feel a hole ahead of you!
(11:11:43 PM) ST: A big hole!
(11:12:44 PM) ***Anna mutters quietly "Today is the best day ever." and plunges into the hole.
(11:13:04 PM) ***Maximiliano follows after, tight lipped. You know the Crusader would love to gripe though.
(11:14:01 PM) ST: As you pull through the hole, you break the surface, and come up behind a group of cloaked and cowled beings, facing the other way, and then turning, obviously shocked when you pop up. "What the hell are you guys doing down there?!" rasps one.
(11:14:52 PM) ***Anna nudges Max. "Your cue?"
(11:15:31 PM) Maximiliano: "We thought this was the water park. Someone direct us to the Nosferatu?"
(11:15:58 PM) ST: The one who spoke looks harshly at another one who's wearing a foul and stained suit down here, who gives a little shrug. "I told Bubba to take them along the normal route, didn't say nothing about no sewage holes," he says defensively.
(11:16:32 PM) ST: The Speaker looks back to you guys, mumbling something under his breath. "Yeah, Jesus. Mike! Pretty Dan! Give those guys a hand, will you? Fuck's sake, don't just stand there!"
(11:17:02 PM) ST: Two Nosferatu lean over, reaching out to give you guys a pull out of the raw sewage you're treading.
(11:17:37 PM) ***Anna takes the hand, glaring at the Nosferatu. "Well, a little sewage never hurt anyone."
(11:17:45 PM) Maximiliano: "Thanks for that." he brushes himself off, quite possibly the most futile gesture ever.
(11:18:50 PM) Maximiliano: "Despite...navigational issues, we're here. Lets get to business; fence crossing business."
(11:18:57 PM) ST: "Yeah, tell that to the Brujah who came down here. Ended up meeting the White Tooth, and it was game on," he says.
(11:20:03 PM) ST: "Yeah, right. Look, I'm Stinky Cheese. I'll be your contact for right now. No offense, but you're no fellow Nosferatu, and you guys have that entire fire dancing eating other vampires thing going on. We're cool with that, we just don't want to be the ones ate, you know?"
(11:20:56 PM) Maximiliano: "Unless you plan on being a useless sod, getting eaten shouldn't be an issue. As I understand it, you're far from useless."
(11:21:31 PM) Maximiliano: "It's not exactly open season on anyone who looks vaguely tasty after all."
(11:21:48 PM) ***Anna leans against the walls, flexing her claws and giving intimidating stares to the Nosferatu, especially the one in the suit.
(11:22:19 PM) ST: He slaps your shoulder comrade-like. "That's what I'm talking about, you and your little minx over there," he says, not quite meeting Anna's gaze, but throwing a thumb her way. The suited one whistles softly, obviously embarassed.
(11:23:02 PM) ST: Stinky Cheese turns to Anna. "Hey, sorry about that Miss. That's just Bubba. He's been around longer than some Cainites, so he gets a bit of an attitude. We'll just put him in the cat box for a bit. That usually straightens him out.
(11:24:08 PM) ***Anna growls. "There's a few other ways I'd like to straighten him out, but he's your guy."
(11:25:06 PM) ST: "Oh no, he's our /rat/. Bubba is the rat. That poncey fuck? That's Fancy Tom. He's a fuck up, but he knows how to make computers work. Anyway," he says, turning back towards Max. "You need a rundown on our issues?"
(11:25:31 PM) ***Maximiliano gives an amused grin at that and shakes his head, "More of a cougar than a minx really. And yeah we do."
(11:27:18 PM) ST: "Heh! I gotta remember that," he says, moving in closer. You don't notice his smell quite as much. "Look, we're tired of getting kicked around, ignored, and basically treated like shit. The Tremere, Toreador, and Brujah run this city, and the old bats of our clan can't even worry about our issues. So we're being proactive."
(11:28:34 PM) ST: "We've been left out of the loop...Only a little bit. We've got the names of all the bigwigs, along with their havens for you guys...But you have to help us, first."
(11:29:50 PM) Maximiliano: "Of course. No such thing as a free lunch and all that."
(11:30:11 PM) ST: "The Brujah Primogen...That's basically the clan boss for the city... He has an antique weapon collection that's his pride and joy, and it would just kill him to have it stolen or destroyed. That fucker...Well, you get what I'm saying?"
(11:31:01 PM) ***Anna smiles lazily. "You want us to break up the haven of one of the city elders? I see nothing wrong with this plan."
(11:31:11 PM) ***Maximiliano raises an eyebrow as "antique weapon collection" is said. It slowly, slowly lowers. "Yeah I do. We know where it is?"
(11:33:48 PM) ST: "Yeah, the cocksucker likes to fancy himself a political style type of Brujah, so he makes his home in the old town hall. This one is on us. But be careful! There's some heavy firepower in the city. Someone's called the Archons," his face twists a bit. "Basically, big time ass kickers. You guys look bad, but these guys are really bad, and probably have backup. I wouldn't make too much noise going in if I were you. Just some advice," he say
(11:34:23 PM) ***Anna sighs. "Always with the no noise."
(11:35:03 PM) ST: Stinky Cheese holds up his hands. "Hey hey, I didn't say no noise! I just said no noise going in. Once you get in there, I'd imagine its game on."
(11:35:28 PM) Maximiliano: "The Archons huh? Any details besides the name?"
(11:36:15 PM) ST: Cheese nods. "Yeah, he's fast, he can read minds, and he's good with a sword. Plus he's been around for a while. And he's got two ghouled retainers."
(11:36:35 PM) ST: Cheese spits something green and moving into the water. "Other than that, we didn't want to get too close."
(11:37:26 PM) Maximiliano: "Sounds charming. I'll keep all that in mind. Anything else we should know before going after the collection?"
(11:37:58 PM) ST: "Yeah, all that stone? Holds in noise REALLY well," he says with a wink towards your "cougar".
(11:39:32 PM) ***Anna grins viciously.
(11:39:37 PM) Anna: "Sounds like a party."
(11:40:01 PM) ST: "Other than that, me and the boys are going to get going. If you want, go ahead and jump through the hole again, but you can take two rights and a left and you'll be back at the stairs. We gotta get moving before we're noticed missing. Hope to hear from you guys soon," he says with a wave.
(11:40:39 PM) Maximiliano: "You will. Anna, feel like guiding us out the non-sewage way?"
(11:40:46 PM) Maximiliano: "I think I can do without a second dunk."
(11:41:24 PM) ST: You follow the directions given..Coming towards the stairs..
(11:42:04 PM) ***Anna growls with anticipation. "So, we get to wreck the house of one of the big bad camarilla boys? Should be a pleasure cruise."
(11:42:17 PM) Maximiliano: "That's the idea."
(11:42:54 PM) Maximiliano: "See any choice blades though, we grab...not smash."
(11:43:16 PM) Anna: "Of course."
(11:41:45 PM) ST: You hear something squishing, and some atrocious smell begins to waft up from the stairs.
(11:43:45 PM) Anna: Anna walks up out of the darkness, dripping sewage and chatting with Max. "So, you think they'll have security?"
(11:44:11 PM) ***Maximiliano marches back into the area, looking disgruntled in all his sewage-slatheredness. "Undoubtedly."
(11:44:19 PM) ST: Jeremy wrinkles his nose. "What. Happened."
(11:44:26 PM) Spire: Having been statue-still, his head 'creaks' down to the dark...nose wrinkling as they appear with a healthy coating of...everything nasty.
(11:44:37 PM) Maximiliano: "What...-ever- do you mean dear Hunters?"
(11:44:44 PM) ST: The two are covered with sewage, bits of...toilet paper? clinging to them, among other things.
(11:44:52 PM) ***Maximiliano gives them both a flat look. He seems to not acknowledge it at all.
(11:45:05 PM) Spire: "..." Dot dot dot.
(11:45:28 PM) ST: "I thought Bishop Ben said they weren't going to make you lick boots. What the fuck man?"
(11:46:03 PM) ***Anna shrugs. "Rat made us swim through a sewage tunnel. Nossies sad we didn't have to. AFTER we went through."
(11:46:06 PM) Maximiliano: "The rat led us down the long way. By "accident".
(11:46:50 PM) ST: Jeremy's face falls. "...Oh. Well, what'd they say?"
(11:47:16 PM) Maximiliano: "It's good news. They told us the location of the Brujah Primogen's stash house for an antique weapons collection."
(11:47:20 PM) Maximiliano: "They want us to smash and grab."
(11:47:33 PM) Maximiliano: "They don't care what the balance is between smashing and grabbing either."
(11:47:33 PM) ***Anna grins. "Couldn't have said it better."
(11:47:54 PM) ST: Jeremy cocks his head. "Primogen?"
(11:48:09 PM) Maximiliano: "Basically the head of this city's Brujah."
(11:48:45 PM) ST: The Hunter taps his fingers together. "What's the chances of eating him? Or do we need to leave him be?"
(11:48:48 PM) Spire: "Free weapons. Handy."
(11:49:12 PM) Maximiliano: "They didn't say. My bet is on 'not good' as he's probably an Elder and he's probably not home."
(11:49:28 PM) Maximiliano: "They said we'd probably be wise to enter the place quietly, as there's some ass kicker named Archon."
(11:49:40 PM) Maximiliano: "He's been around for a good long while and has two ghouled retainers, good with a sword."
(11:49:58 PM) Maximiliano: "Once in there though, we don't need to worry too much about noise."
(11:50:16 PM) Spire: "Do we ever?"
(11:50:22 PM) Maximiliano: "True."
(11:50:49 PM) Spire: "Do we know how large this 'stash' is?"
(11:50:54 PM) Maximiliano: "Anyhow, the collection is at the old town hall. This Primogen fashions himself high society."
(11:50:57 PM) ST: "Man, those guys love their titles..Alright then," Jeremy says, standing up and shouldering his sawed off. "Off to see the Brujah then?"
(11:51:21 PM) ***Anna nods. "We're on a roll, no reason to stop now."
(11:51:34 PM) Maximiliano: "See him? I plan to do more than that." he says with a grin, already heading up the stairs.
(11:51:44 PM) Maximiliano: "And Anna? You can let go of my hand now."
(11:51:53 PM) ST: (We'll close it on that note.)
(11:52:11 PM) ***Spire rises from his darkened corner, stalking his way back to the jeep.
[23:44:25] <Dezrik> "Then we pay it no heed for now, we've got enough on our plate with a Brujah Primogen's private stash as it is."
[23:44:41] * Dezrik climbs up into the jeep, giving the area a paranoid once over as he is wont to do.
[23:45:28] * Dezrik is now known as Maximiliano
[23:45:58] <Spire> Already embarked by this time, Spire reclines in comfort. "Drive safe, now."
[23:46:35] <ST> Jeremy nods absently, sliding the shotgun under his seat and turning the engine over. "Oh of course. I don't want to draw attention to us on the way there..Way back, well, that might be another story," he says as he turns the headlights on and drives towards the interstate.
[23:48:24] <Spire> Sliding down in the seat to evade the whipping wind of travel as the vehicle accelerates, he watches the cityscape pass them by.
[23:48:26] * Maximiliano grins broadly at that, baring fangs and laughing lightly, "Ha! Might."
[23:48:49] <ST> The smell of burning fades quickly as the night whips around you guys, driving the scent of the sewers and burnt air away from you. Traffic is thin, but you feel something in the air as you pull into the Camarilla controlled part of the city.
[23:50:19] <ST> Its not so much the lack of the wild, exuberant energy, the thrill of living on the edge that comes from your nightly revels for Cainite and cattle alike, but there's a more sedate calm that you see in the people around you, sans the furitive look that seems to prevail on the looks of the kine in your part of the city. People are out, openly at night, and generally there's a sense of a city at peace as you drive slowly.
[23:51:34] <ST> Old Pittsburgh is an example of the industrial design of the 19th and 20th centuries - precise lines and pillars, all seemingly made to withstand for eternity, if need be, and right ahead you see the Corinthian pillars marking the front of historic Old City Hall.
[23:52:34] * Spire folds both arms over his chest, hunching shoulders warily while watching the filthy Camarilla-kept streets. "I'm surprised they all don't simply collapse from sheer ennui."
[23:53:03] <Maximiliano> "Oh don't you worry your little head about that Spire, they're working on it."
[23:53:26] <ST> The jeep cruises past, and parks two buildings down, away from the scene of your soon to be mischief. Taking off his hoodie, he wraps the shotgun in it, and carries it loosely as a bundle. "All things have their place. The hunter hunts. The hunted is fed upon," Jeremy says, waxing Harmonic.
[23:54:16] <ST> He approaches the meter, and slaps his pockets, turning to you two. "Either of you guys got any quarters? I don't tend to carry money around," he says.
[23:55:21] <Spire> "If you say something about 'keeping the balance', I'm putting one of those Setite serpents in your bed." He shrugs and motions Max to the meter, having none of his own. "Change jingles."
[23:55:23] * Maximiliano digs around in his various pockets, fishing out what loose change he has here and there.
[23:56:14] <ST> "Oh, I've got balance for them right here," Jeremy responds, patting the wrapped "tri state alert" and giving a decidedly feral smile.
[23:57:29] * Maximiliano reaches around behind and inside his trenchcoat, adjusting the blade hidden beneath to not show when he walks. It was all too likely he'd need it.
[23:57:47] <ST> Taking the change, Jeremy errs on the side of safety and drops it all in, ending up giving you guys about two hours worth of time. A quartet of kine walks by you, and speeds up without even looking your way. Apparently you're an off putting group, to say the least.
[23:57:55] <Maximiliano> "Lets make our approach nice and casual eh? Turn down the volume when and if it becomes necessary."
[23:59:06] <ST> "Roger ranger," Jeremy replies off hand, and with a trick of the hand makes it seem like the shortened shotgun is nothing more than a loosely draped hoodie at the side of his leg, heading towards the front of Old City Hall.
[23:59:43] <Spire> Currently with his facecloth tucked down like an old cowboy neckerchief, he beams at the cattle as they scutter past, giving them a little wave before turning back to business without missing a beat, falling in line behind the Ductus. "Got that."
[00:00:53] * Maximiliano buries his hands in his pockets, trotting down the street, posture impeccable as ever. The man couldn't look anything short of well-to-do if he tried.
[00:01:42] <ST> The front of Old City Hall looms over you, the entrance sitting back somewhat from the street. You notice an alley going along one side, and cameras angle at the door, watching all passerbies.
[00:03:12] <ST> Surrounding the formidable, carved wooden doors is a bas relief of man's conquest in the pursuit of industry, an affront to your Sabbat sensibilities as it portrays humans as Olympian in stature, as opposed to the downtrodden and huddled masses they are.
[00:05:00] * Maximiliano discretely makes to head down the alley when the camera is angled away from said means of entry, careful to leave no record of their passing...yet.
[00:05:54] <ST> The three of you skidaddle down the alley, moving quickly and with a purpose, coming to a steel utility door with no handle on the outside.
[00:06:33] <ST> Jeremy taps the lock with a finger. "So, anyone able to deal with this...discreetly?"
[00:06:59] * Maximiliano looks to Spire without a word.
[00:07:23] <Maximiliano> "I can deal with it alright, but I don't think breaking it with my bare hands counts as discretely."
[00:07:50] <Spire> Noting the lack of obvious conventional entry, he pulls back from the wall to scan the alley itself for potential as any good caser does, giving a nod in response to Jeremy while peering upward.
[00:08:51] <ST> Without a word, Jeremy slides down the end of the alley, discreetly keeping a lookout while Spire does his thing.
[00:09:12] <Spire> Taking note of the area, he goes for the most immediate option - the lock itself - while taking note of the other options.
[00:10:09] <ST> There are no windows on this side of the building. All you see is the door and solid brick all the way up.
[00:10:47] * Maximiliano , seeing no other useful applications for himself, takes watch over the opposite end of the alley while Spire does his magic.
[00:12:28] <Spire> Crouching by the lock surrounded by bare metal, he closes one eye while peering through it with the other, deftly producing what appears to be a six-inch spike of steel.
[00:13:39] <ST> The night is in full swing over here. Where on the other side of the city you went out well armed, the kine wander the streets freely, laughing and talking and generally enjoying their lives, unknowing of the hunters in their midst.
[00:15:04] <ST> The lock is a Forbes MKII Securiplus, known for its steady, if uninspired design.
[00:15:24] <ST> However, with the right leverage of force, you SHOULD be able to pop it open easily.
[00:16:37] <Spire> Shaking his head subtly in disapproval of the uneven application of security in the building, he mentally marks the Brujah as amateurs with more care for an -appearance- of security than true fortification, striking into the lock swiftly with his tool.
[00:18:01] <ST> Your tool catches on something, and with some fiddling you manage to retrieve it. The lock won't take another blow like that thought.
[00:19:06] <ST> Concentrating your formidable will, you think back to your training and move through the motions, the lock popping open for you this time, no match for a true Angel of Caine.
[00:19:20] <ST> The door swings open, and dimness awaits you inside.
[00:20:31] * Maximiliano holds up a hand, signifying that they halt before gesturing for Spire to take the lead.
[00:21:38] <Spire> Having a great appearance now of being pissed at himself, he slips within, taking to the gloom and allowing his eyes to adjust...taking stock of their new environs.
[00:22:43] <ST> Its a service corridor, leading into the guts of the place. Immediately to your right is a staircase, a stick man running down a set of drawn stairs.
[00:23:28] <ST> Jeremy is the last in, shutting the door behind you, leaving not a clue to the wolves in the fold.
[00:24:27] <Spire> He motions the others in with a hand back to beckon them, returning to a concealed spot near the stairwell as Jeremy and Max enter, relaxing just in the slightest as the door clicks shut.
[00:25:27] <ST> The stairs, like a mouth, swallow the shadows. You can make out the door there, but just barely. Over your shoulder comes a familiar red glow.
[00:25:38] <Spire> Looking back to the Ductus, he motions with a questioning hand in both directions - along the corridor, and down the stairs themselves.
[00:26:26] * Maximiliano gestures downstairs, assuming a somewhat hunched position to better conceal his own mass as their mission begins in full.
[00:27:28] <ST> The three of you begin to head downstairs - Spire point man, Max able to lead from behind or the front, and Jeremy covering your rear, hoodie out and his shotgun ready to talk if need be.
[00:28:09] <Spire> Without a moment's hesitation in being given the decision, he vaults stealthily over the rail to maintain front.
[00:30:49] <ST> You own the night, moving as the air itself as you move into the bowels of the obscene elder's palace, sound and vision failing to track you as you stalk, no hint of your presence as you come to an open doorway at the base of the stairs, and the gentle sound of singing wafting down hall.
[00:31:47] <Spire> He can't help but arc a brow at the chorus, glancing back in query.
[00:32:17] * Maximiliano wears a perplexed expression but nods to Spire regardless, casting a paranoid glance behind them now and again.
[00:32:18] <Spire> All the while on the move, as the darkness shifts to accomodate them.
[00:32:40] <ST> While the doorway you three crouch in is dark, you can see the floor is panneled with wood, and down the hall you see the dim glow of lights, casting a shadow while a soprano voice floats down the hallway.
[00:33:29] <Spire> He holds up a hand to pause them for a moment, making a 'knock knock' motion in the air upon seeing the treacherous wooden panelling.
[00:33:47] <Spire> An instant later, he motions them onward.
[00:34:13] <ST> Jeremy cocks a brow at Spire, and then shoulders his weapon, nodding at Spire, and moving on all fours, like a leopard, claws sliding forth silently.
[00:35:20] <Spire> The floor no longer threatens to betray their passing as all unwished sound is washed from the surroundings, leading them to the opposite corridor wall and proceeding quietly, yet swiftly forth.
[00:35:43] <ST> As you both activate your natural powers, Spire's eerie silence kicks in, the air resonating with that familiar heaviness, killing the noise you might have made and lending a forboding aspect to your already nefarious course of action.
[00:35:54] * Maximiliano nods, taking his meaning he steps even more carefully across the wood panelly, simultaneously reaching a hand underneath his coat behind him, ready to draw steel if need be.
[00:42:40] <Spire> Making a silent curse to himself, Spire's form almost evaporates in speed as he dashes across the floor round the corner.
[00:47:34] <ST> Spire is liquid mercury, speeding across the floor before the sword can even bounce soundlessly a second time, grabbing the girl in a merciless grip that pins and silences her as he pounces like a spider.
[00:48:12] * Maximiliano strides into the room authoritatively thereafter, surveying the scene and the source of Spire's urgency. He returns his half-unsheathed blade to its place before nodding.
[00:48:40] <Maximiliano> "Looks like we found the collection."
[00:49:26] <Maximiliano> "Keep her silenced while I ask questions, Spire. These are going to be very simple questions girl, an up and down motion of your head for yes, side to side for no."
[00:49:29] <Spire> Having seized and held the girl in place, he keeps her for Max and Jeremy's overseeing, like a criminal before judge and jury.
[00:49:31] <ST> The girl attempts to struggle as you two follow into the room, the girl wriggling futiley against Spire's iron grip. Jeremy nods in response, looking around. "Seems that way. Easy breezy, right?" he asks.
[00:51:08] <Maximiliano> "Jeremy, you can begin smashing up his toys. See any nice swords though save them for me to have a look at."
[00:51:21] * Maximiliano turns his attention back to the captive thereafter.
[00:51:27] <ST> The girl - an attractive one at that - has huge eyes as she looks at the three of you, her eyes are huge pools of liquid blue.
[00:52:08] <Spire> "Likewise." He adds to Max's intimation, making sure also to append a note to the prior statement. "Not too much one way or the other, mind...the edge here is very sharp, I assure you."
[00:52:18] <ST> Jeremy nods, and begins to rake his claws through the weaponry on one wall, taking his time to destroy the machinery and scatter it around, Spire's blood silence still in effect.
[00:52:37] <Maximiliano> "I'm sure you can guess the rules of this little game, I have any reason to suspect your answers are lies, I replace everything we're about to destroy in this room with your guts. Nice decor I'm sure that'd be."
[00:55:06] <Spire> Manipulating the allowed sounds in the room to now permit her responses to the questioning, he smiles predatorially at her with his eyes from the side.
[00:55:30] <ST> Her eyes flick back and forth between you and Spire, the Hunter in the background small cheese compared to the two monsters who are up close and personal. For a moment it seems like she's going to faint, then resist, until finally she gives a quick hurried nod, shaking uncontrollably in Spire's iron grip.
[00:56:29] <Maximiliano> "Is there anyone else in the building?"
[00:56:53] <ST> The faint sounds of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" are heard in the background from Jeremy, humming as he works and adding a surreal element to the scene. From the girl: a quick nod of the head after a moment's hesistation.
[00:57:11] <Maximiliano> "Less than 10 people?"
[00:57:41] <ST> Hesitation. A nod.
[00:57:58] <Maximiliano> "Does the collection span into other rooms?"
[00:58:17] <Spire> He sniffs suspiciously at the girl, above the ear in her hair.
[00:58:43] <ST> Her eyes roll like she's going to pass out, but she snaps her head back around at the thought of what you might do to her if she blacks out. A shake of the head.
[00:59:03] <Maximiliano> "Do you know what we are?"
[00:59:23] <ST> She looks at you, and gives a roll of the shoulders.
[01:01:10] <Spire> "Think she's a ghoul?" He ventures, having sniffed at her and brought his concealed face back to merely a few inches away.
[01:01:27] <Maximiliano> "Maybe. Regardless, she doesn't need to be for the message to get where it needs to go."
[01:01:36] <ST> At this last, her body begins to shake, and her head throws back several times, knocking Spire's head ineffectively. That's it, you've broken your new toy.
[01:01:41] <Maximiliano> "Listen closely girl, because there's something I want you to say when you're questioned about this incident."
[01:02:58] <Maximiliano> "Are you listening? Because if I think you're not I'll assume you're telling me that you don't need ears."
[01:04:14] <ST> She's out.
[01:04:54] <Spire> "I think she ran out of juice."
[01:06:13] <ST> The two of you, so engrossed with the kine, notice at the last second the footsteps approaching you as they hit the doorway. Two men look at you in uncomprehending surprise for a moment before drawing pistols and firing wildly.
[01:06:45] * Maximiliano smiles faintly in amusement, glad for the lack of sound he draws his blade and makes his approach for the men.
[01:08:53] * Spire instinctively whirls, placing the girl he holds between himself and the men, her unconscious form sucking up lead like a wet sponge.
[01:09:19] <ST> The bullets smash flat against Max's skin, falling to the floor like silent pennies as the Crusader stalks towards them in ominous silence, the sword not even whispering death as its drawn forth. The girl jerks twice as the bullets pass through her shoulder in a tight group, burying themselves in the wall.
[01:12:05] * Maximiliano approaches with the grace and overall disdain for his opponents that one might expect of a Crusader, he swings the broadsword with practiced ease.
[01:16:19] <ST> Jeremy bounds over, grabbing one ghoul by the guts after knocking his pistol aside with disdainful ease, wrenching painfully with one claw and yanking him in a practiced manuever over towards Spire, the blood leaving an exclamation mark across the immaculate wooden floor.
[01:16:38] * Maximiliano makes his surgeon's education plain for all to see, or at least, for all the room to see as a blade slips past ribs to slice the pulmonary artery and a number of other crucial parts of the heart in one fell strike.
[01:18:27] <ST> The sword dips in, a crane spearing fish as it destroys the ghoul's innards, leaving him alive long enough to feel the hot lifeblood draining away from him, mouthing the word "Not"
[01:18:52] <ST> Death takes him before he can finish, letting him cry out for whatever whats for him on the other side.
[01:22:25] <Spire> Discarding the girl to his right, he whirls the blade behind his back from right hand to left, spinning on the smooth floor to increase the momentum ever further...
[01:26:31] * Maximiliano moves across the room quickly, wiping his blade on the girl he then sheathes it and pulls a sword off its mount on the wall with a grin for his prize.
[01:28:10] <ST> As Spire's shamshir descends and severs the head from the neck, Max grabs the sword from the wall, where it throbs briefly in his hand for a moment, the edge seeming to shimmer red...
[01:28:23] <ST> The ghoul's legs kick. Once. Twice. And then it is done.
[01:28:25] <Spire> ...Neatly severing the ghoul's head from his shoulders, where its Jeremy-fed momentum carries it to bounce off the opposite wall, while the body turns lazily before flopping like a sack of potatoes across the floor.
[01:29:44] <ST> "Waste not want not," mutters the Gangrel as he kneels next to the corpse across the room, digging his face into the guts and making a mess as he sups from his prey.
[01:30:29] <ST> Pulling his head back covered with gore, he smiles at you both. "Almost like we've done it before, eh?" he says with a grin.
[01:31:06] <Spire> Reaching down to the girl, he pulls her up by the back of her clothing. "Tch. So much for the messenger."
[01:31:56] <Spire> Taking a page from Jeremy's book, he latches onto her pretty neck and replenishes himself, as her head lolls back dully.
[01:31:58] * Maximiliano moves his new blade from hand to hand, testing the heft of it with a few practice swings before planting it in the skull of the girl. To "break it in" of course.
[01:32:06] <ST> As you three begin to feel comradely, a voice, rich with power booms down the corridor. "Who dares violate my domain?" the force of will behind it almost bringing you to your knees.
[01:32:34] <Spire> Dropping the body after taking his fill, which is not much considering his relative lack of expenditure.
[01:33:12] <ST> Jeremy's eyes narrow, and he leaps to his feet. "Guys, I think that's our cue," he says, clipping his words.
[01:33:17] * Maximiliano bares his teeth in a grimace at the unmistakeable presence of an Elder, yanking his blade from the girls head.
[01:33:29] <Maximiliano> "Aye, lets get the hell out. Quickly."
[01:34:46] <Spire> He gives a curt nod at that before moving as a ghost toward whence they came, with unnatural haste and grace, beckoning them on.
[01:35:39] * Maximiliano sprints after the feline Cainite, in no hurry to meet a Primogen face to face.
[01:36:02] <ST> The three of you drop any pretense of grace you had coming in, blowing up the stairs and into the cool night, just as a furious roar comes from below, seeming to shake the building. It seems your handiwork has been found.
[01:36:40] <ST> And just as you step into the night, your faces are illuminated by the red and blue flashing lights of a police car. The way behind you is barred, the way ahead is filled with enemies.
[00:50:28] * Maximiliano murmurs to Jeremy, "I'm pooling theories on just how the hell the cops found out about us and got here in such a short span of time. Any ideas?"
[00:51:37] <ST> Jeremy bites his lower lip, thinking. "My guess is the ghouls we just killed pressed the all alert button or whatever you had down there, and this is downtown, mind you.." he says, trailing off.
[00:51:51] <ST> A second cruiser drives by, and then stops, just out of range.
[00:52:03] <Spire> "Nobody knew we were here until a few seconds past. They're here for something else, perhaps." Spire comments, eyeing down the darkened alley to discern if they have been spotted as yet.
[00:53:01] * Anna snorts. "Why does it matter why they're here? Do we get the hell out of here or tear through them and cause some havoc?"
[00:53:34] <ST> Jeremy looks over his shoulder warily. "Do we know that nobody knew, though? Or are the jaws of this trap tightening on us as we speak?" he says. When Anna speaks up, he nods, and looks to the rest of the pack. "We need to do something, and fast."
[00:54:15] * Maximiliano nods, "That's exactly what we're going to do. Spire, work your magic and move by unnoticed. Get to the jeep and bring it back and be ready for Jeremy to take the wheel."
[00:54:24] <Maximiliano> "We'll be nice and attention grabbing till then."
[00:54:38] <Maximiliano> "You get a five second head start."
[00:55:07] * Anna cracks her knuckles. "I like this plan."
[00:55:28] <Spire> Without hesitation the Assamite makes his move toward the jeep's resting place, swift as the passing wind.
[00:56:10] <ST> The cops don't even glance your way as you slide over to the jeep.
[00:56:49] <Maximiliano> "One. Two. Five. Go."
[00:57:18] <ST> Jeremy retracts his claws, and slides the shotgun out from his back. "Lead on!" he hisses.
[00:57:45] * Maximiliano strides out of the alley way as casual as a man holding a still bloodied, newly liberated broadsword can, flashing the cops a predatory grin.
[00:57:48] * Anna bursts out of the entrance to the alleyway, her fingernails extending into vicious claws as she charges towards the cops.
[00:58:23] <Spire> Wasting not even the barest fraction of a second, he bounds onto the hood of the jeep on his beeline, vaulting in a leapfrog directly into the driver's seat, igniting the trusty machine's innards.
[00:58:51] <ST> The engine roars to life, breaking the spell you wove over yourself everyone
[00:59:03] * Maximiliano wastes no time in capitalizing on the demoralizing effect of his bared undead nature, opening the bowels of two nearby officers with two slices.
[00:59:28] <ST> As everyone's gaze in the vicinity snaps towards you, wheeling the jeep around with an ear splitting screech, joined by Anna's animal howl as she launches herself at the cops.
[00:59:48] * Anna smiles ferally at one of the cops before punching her claws straight into his torso, ripping out his still-beating heart and tossing it aside; ripping another officer's throat out with her other hand at the same time.
[01:00:49] <ST> "Ah what the fuck," Jeremy mutters, bringing the bore of his shotgun around from Anna's prey to the cars that were driven over. The shotgun speaks twice, and then he nods at Spire as he pulls up to them. "Alright then. Cry havoc. Dogs of war, all that."
[01:01:04] <Spire> Revving the vehicle in a growl to match the Pack's ferocity, it lurches as a hungry beast toward the horrified cattle, spilling them aside in a bullrush and fishtail, sliding to an ungraceful halt on the other side of the flickering police vehicles.
[01:02:18] <ST> The scene: Total chaos. People don't just rip the guts out of the police, nor do they drive through crowds of people in the middle of downtown! Its a mad scramble with people fleeing the scene, your pack the eye of the storm in this brewing calamity.
[01:02:55] <Spire> Vacating the driver's seat in a tumble backward, he beams below his facecloth to Jeremy, making a sweeping gesture of invitation to the rest.
[01:03:10] * Maximiliano swings his blade upwards, dipping lightly underneath the flesh of a cop's navel and travelling all the way north to finally exit out his jaw. He turns and ascends into the jeep thereafter, attending immediately to the cleaning of his blade after he takes his seat. The Pack would see to the driving.
[01:03:28] * Anna continues to tear through the cattle, her claws and body moving in a frenzy of blood, soaking herself and anyone unfortunate enough to be near her, before leaping onto the back of the jeep, grinning maniacally.
[01:04:25] <ST> "Anna banana," Jeremy says in a sing song voice, sliding the shotgun between the side console and the seat, digging around for his rifle and slapping a clip in as he stands on the backseat. "You're driving, sugar, I do believe," he says as he hauls her up with one hand.
[01:05:49] <ST> The sounds of sirens begins to grow in the distance as the kine rally to the defense of their own. To add further anxiety, you all see the steel security door fly off the hinges and smash into the wall of the alley, bending it in twain.
[01:05:53] * Anna glowers at Jeremy for a moment before licking the blood off of her claws, releasing the vitae that holds them in their deadly shape and gripping the wheel. The Jeep roars loudly as she stamps on the gas, and she lifts her voice in harmony with the squealing tires.
[01:07:29] <ST> You all involuntarily lurch as the jeep speeds off, the engine giving a throaty roar as Anna throttles it, just missing the cop cruiser that comes speeding out of the intersection. "We need a distraction!" Jeremy yells over the wind.
[01:08:07] * Spire decapitates a doe-eyed rookie as they go, allowing the blade to glide in the wind after with drops of his remains falling from its tip.
[01:08:18] <Maximiliano> "You're the one with the gun, as far as I can tell the rest of our options are limited!" the Crusader bellows, nevertheless furtively glancing about for anything he might do.
[01:09:22] * Anna wrenches the wheel to the right, spinning the Jeep and blazing into a side street, knocking over several garbage cans and a pedestrian on her way. "We need a BIGGER distraction than that, I think!"
[01:09:34] <ST> The first of the hounds has begun to pick up your scent, and the car that nearly sideswiped you joining the chase with three others gaining on you. Jeremy throws the shotgun Spire's way, and then snaps his head back to Max. "Look in the glovebox!" before shoulder his rifle and beginning to open fire.
[01:10:21] * Maximiliano reaches into the aforementioned glovebox, and pulls out...a grenade. A wide grin manifests as he begins to look for a likely target.
[01:11:02] <Spire> Taking the tossed weapon from the air, he double-checks its load before locking it in place, leaning back to aim the shotgun at arm's length over one shoulder.
[01:11:54] * Anna plows over a hapless pedestrian as she jumps the Jeep up onto a sidewalk, sending the corpse smashing into a restaraunts plate-glass window.
[01:12:36] <ST> Thudda thump thudda thump! You all grab for something to hold onto as Anna rolls over the cattle, the jeep's suspension rolling with the terrain. Smashing through the trashcans, you've entered a bricked over section of downtown, where cars should normally NOT be. As a result, kine run everywhere, shrieking and in one case, throwing a shopping bag at you.
[01:14:32] * Maximiliano turns and pulls the pin on the grenade, cursing explosively as a bump almost bounces it out of his hand he nonetheless catches it and lobs it at the kine that deign themselves so worthy as to pursue the Brood.
[01:16:07] * Anna twists the wheel violently, slamming the gas as she smashed into another knot of pedestrians, purposely aiming for the cattle.
[01:17:12] <ST> Several things happen at once. Anna plows through a coterie of women out to shop, bodies flying everywhere and decorating the windshield with blood and bone, splattering against you. Spire and Jeremy's firearms go off almost simaltaneously, burying themselves into the two lead vehicles, who spin out and crash. The cops behind them end up having a panic, and slam into each other before hitting the new roadblock.
[01:17:48] <ST> Max's grenade bounces once, twice, and then rolls underneath the tangled knot of metal and flesh to the horror of the one officer who sees it, and screams before it goes off.
[01:19:29] <ST> The effect is both immediate and dramatic. The initial shockwave turns the collection of cars into a pyre of charred meat, while causing a secondary shockwave that rips through the channeled street, impaling those unlucky humans who didn't have their brains turned to jelly with bits of shattered glass.
[01:20:27] <ST> It rolls over your undead forms, buffeting you like a strong wind as you leave the shopping area with a trail of woe in your wake.
[01:20:28] * Spire calmly aims for a long second before his shot, taking into account the fact he is attempting to maim a vehicle from such distance with a sawn-off shotgun. The attempt pays off however, as the load ploughs into one of the foolish pursuer's front wheels, shattering its connection with the main vehicle and 'tripping' it such that the entire thing goes arse-over-tit.
[01:21:24] * Anna screams with triumph as the explosions rip through the street, turning her head to glance at Jeremy. "That a good enough distraction for you?"
[01:22:21] <ST> Jeremy salutes in her direction with a wave of fingers to temple. There really are no words for the destruction they have caused.
[01:22:33] * Spire faux bemoans the hasty departure from the mall, still scanning the rear with the other loaded barrel. "It's a shame we couldn't stop for dinner."
[01:23:59] * Maximiliano laughs heartily at their (horrific) success, "Alas, Spire, some things must be sacrificed in the face of our overwhelming accomplishments."
[01:24:36] * Anna yells as a black SUV attempts to slam into the side of the Jeep, slamming on the brakes and twisting the wheel simultaneously, turning the Jeep and slipping behind the oncoming vehicle before smashing back onto the main roads.
[01:26:06] <ST> The jeep yanks wildly, shaking you all out of your complacency as the enemy vehicle easily eats up the distance between you both, and then begins to try and run you off the road, the black tinted windows glinting ominously in the city lights.
[01:26:17] * Anna shouts out "Hang on, guys!"
[01:27:02] * Maximiliano grips the back of his seat quite tightly, twisting the frame somewhat in so doing. "You know, I still have a grenade left..."
[01:27:30] <Spire> "I believe our Camarilla friends may have come to say 'hello'." His half-loaded shotgun swivels to the new threat, picking its target...
[01:29:07] <ST> As if in response, the window begins to roll down, and gunfire spits wildly from it at the two Cainites in the backseat.
[01:30:22] * Maximiliano ducks and curses, "Bollocks!"
[01:30:27] * Anna nods, glancing grimly at the road ahead, waiting for the last possible moment before wrenching the jeep left, scraping the paint against the walls of the alleyway.
[01:35:55] <ST> The bullets scream past Spire, several slamming into Jeremy who gives a small grunt as one actually manages to penetrate skin. Anna's "inspired" driving whips you all around again, and surprises the Camarilla kindred enough that they don't see it coming, instead trying to whip around to avoid the grenade.
[01:37:01] <ST> No luck though, as it smacks between the undercarriage and the road, keeping pace as it builds up energy, and with a solid WHUMP behind you, the sound of an explosion rings out, followed by the sound of metal crashing into asphalt.
[01:37:04] * Spire calmly continues to keep his aim, waiting for an opportune moment to use the not-entirely-preferable shotgun - if it will even be necessary due to Max's plan of blow-everything-to-hell.
[01:38:20] <ST> A wave of heat washes over you before you make another turn, and you find yourself facing a sign announcing the interstate back to home.
[01:38:40] * Maximiliano brushes his hands off and smiles to himself, returning to a reclining sitting position and the maintenance of his new blade which had so rudely been interrupted.
[01:38:41] * Anna punches the air, letting out an excited whoop. "Nice arm, Maxy!"
[01:39:36] <Maximiliano> "It should certainly give them something to ruminate on shouldn't it?"
[01:39:52] * Spire lowers the weapon as the unfortunate opposing vehicle goes nova in the night, retaking his own seat and holding the shotgun back out to Jeremy, offering the butt.
[01:40:13] <ST> Jeremy leans back and pats Max on the shoulder. "I don't know if ruminate is the word. Maybe freak the fuck out over," he muses, nodding at Spire and taking the weapon back from him.
[01:40:57] <Spire> "One of those would've been handy for taking out that weapons cache quick-sharp...then again, we'd then have been missing one for our fun and games here."
[01:42:19] * Anna shrugs. "We got the job done, made a nice impression, and those fuckers in the city are going to be pissing our pants. I say it's a night well-spent."
[01:43:06] <Maximiliano> "Moreover, the Primogen will have to deal with the discomfort of Kine positively crawling over his haven."
[01:44:26] <ST> Jeremy simply shakes his head at it all, sitting down only when they're on the interstate and then forcing the bullet out of his flesh. The air, decidedly cooler to your dead skin, caresses you as you make the drive towards the meat factory.
[01:45:00] <Spire> "And questioning why he has such a large amount of - albeit broken - weaponry, providing he's not removed it all by now."
[01:45:38] <Maximiliano> "Well they were antiques, that probably won't be questioned too much."
[01:47:16] <ST> Your vehicle comes to a stop in front of the abandoned slaughterhouse, where things are much as you left them.
[01:47:57] * Anna cocks her head to the side, listening to the sirens in the distance as she pulls the jeep over in front of the slaughterhouse. "Let's not go in the same way we did last time, eh?"
[01:48:26] <ST> Under the harsh squeal of sirens, muted thankfully at this distance, you can hear the buzz of a helicopter.
[01:48:53] * Maximiliano frowns and stops, "On second thought, we might want to head straight home."
[01:49:04] <Spire> Tilting his ear at the sound with a sigh, he pipes up once more. "Eyes in the sky."
[01:50:16] <ST> Jeremy grunts, and begins to pick his rifle back up. "They can pick up a paper like anyone else. I'm sure they'll know what's going on and get with us," he says.
[01:50:47] * Anna growls in annoyance, gunning the engine once again. "Bloody cattle never give up, do they?"
[01:50:59] * Maximiliano nods, "That and I don't plan on putting a black mark on our victory by being forced out of our current base of operations. Anna, homeward."
[01:52:04] <ST> The drive home is tense, all of you scanning the sky for any watchers. It passes without event, and you all feel a cloak of tension slip off your shoulders the moment you dissapear inside the garage of the Open Arms.
[01:53:22] * Anna hops out of the drivers seat, patting the jeep's hood, taking note of the bloodstains on it. "I gotta say, this is a nice piece of vehicle."
[01:54:56] <ST> Jeremy nods in response, slinging a firearm over each shoulder once he's out, and looking over the blood stains himself. He clicks his tongue, and then points at the grill. A woman's head is wedged between the bumper and the grill.
[01:55:11] * Maximiliano descends from his seat in the jeep, "Good work on everyone's part. Won't our Nossie friends be delighted to see how efficiently we dealt with their problem?"
[01:56:07] <ST> "It was tricked out to go into Lupine country and make it out if we had to...I don't see how downtown Pittsburgh would be TOO nasty," he says, and then looks over at Max. "I'd hope so. We deliver."
[01:56:11] <Spire> "I'm most certainly not cleaning it now, however lovely it may be." He remarks while actually opting to exit via opening the car door for a change.
[01:56:36] <Maximiliano> "Well someone needs to clean it before we take it out again."
[01:57:11] * Anna takes a step back, looking at the front of the jeep appraisingly. "I like it as-is. Very classy."
[01:57:13] * Maximiliano turns his head towards she who created the decorative smears in the first place in a silent suggestion of responsibility.
[01:57:36] <Maximiliano> "I do too Anna, but as much as I hate to say such a thing, practicality over vanity."
[01:58:06] <ST> Jeremy gives a wave of the hand. "I'll try to get to it before we head out tomorrow. The blood stains we can deal with for tomorrow night, but this.." he trails off, and pulls out the wedged head, handing it over to Anna. "I think this kill is yours," he says.
[01:58:37] * Spire has notably exited stage right by this point, making the vanishing act to duck out of any potential tacking-on of car wash duty.
[01:59:59] * Anna grabs the head in one hand, heading for her room. "Thanks, Jeremy."
[02:00:11] * Maximiliano nods, "Sounds good to me. " and with that the Crusader heads to his "office".
[02:00:35] <ST> "Its what I do," he says, heading to the fire escape and the privacy of the garden on the roof to clean his guns.
[01:41:30] * Tildryn is now known as Spire
[01:41:32] <Spire> The variety of covers and duvets in the tub shift, and a low grunt comes from below as a Spire stirs.
[01:41:36] * Rainfall is now known as Anna
[01:42:37] * Anna opens her eyes, letting out a low groan of distaste. Slowly sitting up from the pile of blankets and clothes that make up her bed, she places two fingers on her forehead and quietly mutters: "Fuck."
[01:42:42] <Maximiliano> A (neatly so) overturned wardrobe at the back of Max's "office" opens up and outwards, the Ventrue pulling himself out with no regard whatsoever for the absurdity of his resting place.
[01:43:58] <Maximiliano> He takes a moment to select the garments that takes his fancy this evening before donning, adjusting, straightening, and heading out of his office.
[01:44:23] <ST> There's a light coming from the fire escape, leading downstairs where running water from a hose can be heard.
[01:46:01] * Maximiliano trots towards the fire escape in question, calling out. "Jeremy? That you? Did you light the place on fire or something?"
[01:46:22] * Spire continues not to get out of 'bed'.
[01:46:33] <ST> A voice echoes up from below. "No, just washing the jeep. You'd be amazed where you can find bits of scalp and meat, to be honest."
[01:47:06] <Maximiliano> "Really I doubt I would, given the most recent driver."
[01:47:32] * Anna exits her room, still muttering obscenities under her breath as she heads for the garage and the noise of conversation.
[01:47:37] <ST> A pause. A curse. Another shout up. "Yeah but the /drive train/? Anyway, I'll be done here in a bit, then I guess we can go see what the Creeps want."
[01:48:55] * Maximiliano glances around, and finding not the object of his search lets out the yell that he often does. "SPIRE! Either wake up or stop hiding, whichever it is you're doing."
[01:49:23] * Spire grumbles and pulls the covers further over. "I don't want to go to school today, mom."
[01:50:34] * Anna punches Max on the shoulder as she walks past him, heading down towards the garage. "Go drag him out if you want him out. Shouting never does it."
[01:51:00] <ST> Several minutes pass, and Jeremy comes up the stairs, carrying a bucket stained with red and wearing cut off sweatpants. "Okay well, that's that then," he murmurs, "Let me get dressed and then we'll be set," he says to the duo, flicking bits of bone matter out from under his nails.
[01:52:15] * Maximiliano wanders off in the direction of Spire's room. Upon arriving he grabs the tub by the underbelly and jerks it upwards once or twice. "We've got Nossies to meet and we'd do well to have someone as sneaky as they are."
[01:52:40] <ST> The heavy iron tub rattles ominously.
[01:54:07] <Spire> The primary duvet erupts in a billow, up and over Max...converting him into an impromptu halloween ghost. A mutter comes from below, which moves out of the tub as Spire does...considerably slowly.
[01:55:20] <ST> A voice from down the hallway. "Yo! You guys ready in there?"
[01:55:48] * Maximiliano tosses the assorted clothes to the side with a grunt, "Finally." and with that heads Jeremy-wards.
[01:56:31] * Anna leans against the wall, tapping her foot impatiently.
[01:57:10] <ST> Squeezing a hand vice, Jeremy cocks his head at Max as he comes through the hallway threshold, dressed in his usual duthers. "Ready?
[01:57:57] * Maximiliano nods, adjusting the leather strap across his chest, the only hint of a blade hidden beneath his customary trenchcoat.
[01:58:03] <Maximiliano> "Indeed I am."
[01:59:01] <ST> Rising, he looks down the hallway for Spire. "Is he?"
[01:59:34] <Spire> A clatter echoes from somewhere beyond, followed by a bitter grumble.
[01:59:58] <Maximiliano> "Not really, but he will be."
[02:00:22] <ST> "Well, that answers that then," he murmurs dryly. "Lead on," he says to Max before heading for the fire escape down.
[02:00:55] * Maximiliano nods, trotting down the aforementioned escape.
[02:01:23] <ST> Jeremy looks to Anna when they get down. "You feel like driving again?" he asks her, holding the keys out.
[02:01:30] * Anna swings down the fire escape after Jeremy, still muttering quietly.
[02:02:47] <Maximiliano> "I think Anna is more suited for...driving under pressure."
[02:04:06] * Anna swipes the keys from Jeremy's hand, smiling pleasantly at Max. "I'll drive, thank you very much." The other words under her breath are not nearly so pleasant.
[02:05:05] * Maximiliano merely smirks, "Just so long as we can save the daring escapades untill after the meeting."
[02:05:18] <ST> Jeremy looks between the two and shrugs, going into the jeep over the bumper and pulling himself up using the roll bar. "Where. The Hell. Is Spire?" he asks a little impatiently, nostrils flaring.
[02:05:58] * Spire coughs from the back seat, where a somewhat cranky Spire sits...stealthily, apparently.
[02:07:06] <ST> Jeremy glances down, and shakes his head, aggravation fading.
[02:07:29] * Anna twists the key in the ignition, flinching slightly as the engine roars into life, before heading out onto the road. "Who's hungry?"
[02:07:31] <Spire> Shuffling to sit low in the seat, he folds both arms over his chest and pulls up his neckerchief, stealing a few more minutes of slumber during drive-time.
[02:07:43] * Maximiliano takes his typical position at shotgun and reclines, "Everyone I think."
[02:08:44] <ST> Jeremy stands still, one arm around the roll bar. "Ditto. I could use a pick me up, but its not to the point of being life or death yet," he says.
[02:09:21] * Spire 'hrmmmm-nums' his approval for breakfast at some point in the near future.
[02:10:24] * Anna nods, keeping her eyes open for food while headed down the highway, barely paying attention to her driving.
[02:11:27] <ST> Nothing really catches your eye, but your driving does force the passenger in the back to sit down as you take the interstate, driving inexorably towards the abandoned meat factory.
[02:12:24] <Maximiliano> "So, bets. Will they freak out at our handiwork or be appreciative?"
[02:12:55] <Spire> "I'd say a bit of both."
[02:12:56] <ST> A moment of tension when you do see a cop car driving hell for leather, but it goes past you without a second glance.
[02:14:05] * Anna shrugs, twisting to look over her shoulder at Max and Spire. "If they're not happy they'd fucking better ACT like they are."
[02:14:14] <ST> Jeremy shrugs. "Appreciative if they know what they're getting into, shocked if they went into this thing eyes wide shut. Probably somewhere in between," he states as you come back down off the interstate, the neighborhood looking familiar to your eyes.
[02:15:46] <Maximiliano> "And then of course there's the third option: Suppose they were involved with the stunningly rapid appearance of the police?"
[02:16:07] * Anna blinks. "Then our night got a lot more fun?"
[02:16:54] <ST> "Double double cross?" comes the voice from the back as you drive within a block of the meat factory. "Well then, we won't be hungry for long," he finishes ominously.
[02:18:17] <Maximiliano> "It would make sense. It wasn't a very competent trap if it was a trap, but then, it would probably be the power mongering ploy of a bunch of neonates looking to make a name for themselves."
[02:18:59] * Anna pulls the jeep over to the curb, killing the engine and yanking the keys out, tossing them over her shoulder to Jeremy. "Well, why don't we find out?"
[02:19:01] * Maximiliano smiles faintly as he muses, then shrugs. "It would be entertaining...but very disappointing in terms of achieving our goals."
[02:19:25] * Maximiliano nods and lowers himself out of the jeep, "Lets."
[02:20:29] * Spire slumps out over the side, stretching with linked fingers behind his back while following the group on.
[02:21:16] <ST> The meat factory looks much the same as before, empty and abandoned with the smell of old blood still hanging around, years after it was closed down. The broken out windows look even more like the empty eyes of some beast's corpse, and you get only a hint of the forboding that fills this place, making a lock completely unnecessary.
[02:22:04] <ST> Jeremy vaults out from the back, and then reaches under the seat, digging around for a moment before giving an "Ah ha," and coming back, shotgun over one shoulder. "Well, shall we go in?" he asks.
[02:22:38] <Spire> "It'd be rude not to visit our friends."
[02:23:04] * Maximiliano nods, burying his hands in his pockets and heading towards the meat factory proper at a leisurely stroll.
[02:23:12] * Anna opens the door and steps out, cracking her knuckles. "They should be expecting us."
[02:25:06] <ST> Anna has the right of it, and the doors open for you as you cross the courtyard, with shadowed forms revealing themselves as the upstart Nosferatu coming into play as you get closer. "Figured we'd meet up here this time, as opposed to having any incidents like the last," says Stinky Cheese, waving you guys in.
[02:25:44] * Anna growls quietly, glaring at the Nos as she steps forwards, keeping her eyes peeled for trouble.
[02:26:16] * Spire yawns blearily, inspecting the Nosferatu as they pass by, especially as he has not personally met them beforehand.
[02:26:21] <Maximiliano> "That consideration is most appreciated." he remarks in a deadpan, his posture utterly relaxed as far as can be told nonetheless. He enters the building at the Nosferatu's bidding.
[02:27:52] <ST> The chains hanging from the ceiling clink in the breeze, and all your friends from last time are there, at least those of you that went down into the sewers. "Max, Anna," says the wrapped up Nosferatu, "I take it this is the rest of your war pack?" he asks.
[02:28:50] <Maximiliano> "Indeed it is. This is Jeremy." he nods to the Gangrel "and Spire." a nod to the Assamite.
[02:29:13] * Anna nods in agreement, her eyes glowing red as she glances around the dark corners of the room.
[02:30:34] * Spire sinks his hands into his pockets for now, inclining his head to the greeting Nossies as he's introduced.
[02:31:27] <ST> Stinky Cheese nods. "Competent looking mofos, but all the same after that bit of carnage you did..." he trails off with a shrug. "Wouldn't expect anything less," he says, and then go through pointing at the five or so Nosferatu there, naming names like "Fancy Tom, Mike, and Pretty Dan". "Look, we know you're legit now, so this is the big thing we need," Stinky says, coming up to Max and rubbing his hands against each other.
[02:32:24] <Maximiliano> "I'm listening."
[02:33:10] <ST> "Something," he says, a thin blood sweat forming on his skin, "has been killing us down there. We don't know what it is, but whatever it is, we need you guys to go down there and kill it, or at least identify it so we know what's going on and how to escape it or seal it off," he says. "Killed three of us so far, but we can't get a hold on it."
[02:34:29] <Spire> "It." He states flatly.
[02:34:58] * Maximiliano cocks an eyebrow as well, apparently believing that Spire's one word statement sums up the question in his mind as well.
[02:35:16] * Anna snorts in disgust. "Killed three of you? Can't have been hard."
[02:36:11] <ST> The Nosferatu looks over at Spire and nods. "It. We don't have a clue what it is, just that we find a limb now and then that's withered," he says with a shrug towards Anna. "We never claimed to be Grade A asskickers like you guys," he says a little defensively. "We just figured you'd take care of us when our own won't."
[02:36:55] <Maximiliano> "We don't give free rides, let me remind you of that right now Cheese."
[02:37:28] <Maximiliano> "That said, we will help you with this little problem. I have some questions about our previous order of business before we go any further though."
[02:38:45] <ST> Cheese holds his hands up defensively. "Hey, hey, I'm not asking for a free ride. Its just our skill set isn't made for joyriding through downtown and killing kine like mosquitos before pissing off the Sheriff and his boys, you know?" he says, the mood becoming a little tense.
[02:39:17] <Maximiliano> "That answers one of my questions. There is another issue of some importance though."
[02:40:10] <ST> Cheese cocks his head, the sound of a joint popping accompanying it. "Yeah?"
[02:40:14] <Maximiliano> "See, there was one very odd little hiccup in our little escapade through the Primogen's haven...the police were somehow waiting for us mere seconds after the Primogen himself became aware of us."
[02:40:30] <Maximiliano> "Despite the fact that we made no noise whatsoever and were not seen by anyone who got to talk about it."
[02:40:50] <Maximiliano> "Now, I don't mean to make any accusations...but when unpredictable and seemingly reasonless things like that happen, it makes me a little paranoid."
[02:41:05] <Maximiliano> "I prefer not to be paranoid. Anything you might have heard on the Camarilla grapevine would be very...very helpful."
[02:41:09] * Spire watches the Nosferatu keenly, evidently now quite a bit more awake.
[02:44:05] * Anna growls at a Nosferatu, smirking as she sees him flinch. Her head snaps towards Max as his voice grows more serious, and her smirk turns dangerous.
[02:46:29] <ST> Cheese gets the hint, and holds up his hands in front of him. "Whoa whoa whoa!" he says, shaking his head. "You gotta be fucking kidding me," he says, but then calms down a bit. "Look, we're not the only eyes the Camarilla has got. Right now you've got an archon running around over there, a sheriff and his crew, fuckall how many ghouls, and so on. But we didn't finger you, if that's what you're getting at," he says, obviously scared.
[02:46:34] <ST> But firm in his conviction.
[02:47:25] <Maximiliano> "Good. I had hoped you might have had some somewhat solid suspicions as to who did at least but...c'est la vie."
[02:47:31] * Spire remains blankly unimpressed.
[02:48:05] <Maximiliano> The Ventrue gives a languid shrug of his shoulder and a slight smile, completely comfortable in the atmosphere of social parry and thrust.
[02:49:51] * Anna blinks lazily, straightening up. "So, where's the last sign of this thing you want us to kill?"
[02:50:14] <ST> Cheese waves his arm in front of himself wildly for a moment. "For fuck's sake, its total war over there! I can throw twenty names out there who might have been in the area, and probably have at least half of them there," he says before taking a breath to steady himself. "Look, they are scared, okay. You guys have got them on the ropes, and they know it," he tells you.
[02:52:06] <ST> Fancy Tom, the Nosferatu wearing the ruined remains of a suit, responds to that. "Last arm we found was about six blocks north of here," he says, brandishing a map. He begins to walk towards Anna, and then thinks better of it, handing it over to the Nosferatu next to him, who heads over to hand it off.
[02:53:17] <Maximiliano> "Got any spare lights we might use? Not all of us come with glow in the dark action, unfortunately."
[02:54:14] <ST> Jeremy speaks up at that. "I've got a pretty high powered light in the back of the jeep," he says. "I'll go get it," and then turns on a foot, heading back outside.
[02:54:24] * Maximiliano nods, "Good good."
[02:55:17] <ST> "Just stay out of the deep water, if you can help it. There's a ghouled bull shark running around there who's got a temper and a half, and tends not to deal with strangers well," Cheese advises.
[02:55:42] <Spire> "...Pleasant."
[02:57:17] * Anna takes the map, taking it in. "No other signs of the thing? If it's killing vamps it's gotta have left some sort of trail."
[02:57:25] <ST> Jeremy returns with the light, a rather heavy duty one as promised, and Cheese looks over at Max. "Whatever you find out, come back with, and we'll do the swap," he says.
[02:58:03] <Maximiliano> "We'll come back with its skull, ideally."
[02:58:05] <ST> All the Nosferatu nod in the negative in response to Anna. "Nothing, just limbs we find every now and then. It only grabs someone when they're alone," says one.
[02:59:44] <ST> The Nosferatu begin to file out, leaving you guys alone with the map and each other.
[03:00:09] * Anna rolls her eyes. "Well, if it only hits someone when they're alone, I think one of us had better take the lead."
[03:00:15] <Maximiliano> "Well this'll be fun. Who wants to provide the detective story narration?"
[03:00:34] <Spire> 'X marks the spot?" He remarks while peering over Anna's shoulder.
[03:01:58] <ST> The map is a standard sewer works type map, with street overlays indicating where goes what. It takes a moment or two, but you can finally orient yourself, and pay attention to the notes left by the Nosferatu.
[03:02:04] <Maximiliano> "We'll need either Anna or Jeremy to take the lead, as the person in the lead can't very well be minding a map and a light."
[03:02:08] <ST> (streetwise + int diff 6 plz)
[03:02:11] <Maximiliano> "That'd leave no free hand for defense."
[03:04:02] <ST> "I'll take point," Jeremy says, not looking up from the map. "I can take a punch, and she needs to sneak anyway," he says tonelessly.
[03:04:52] * Maximiliano nods.
[03:05:03] * Anna glares at Jeremy, but nods. "I'll be close."
[03:05:20] * Maximiliano unsheathes his sword and holds out a hand, "I'll take the light."
[03:05:57] * Spire cricks his knuckles and delves both hands into his pockets once more. "I'll hang back and look pretty."
[03:06:02] * Anna taps the map at one spot, looking intently at it. "I'm guessing it's around there. See how the body parts might have been carried by the flow?"
[03:06:43] * Maximiliano peers at the map, nodding to himself "Good observation Anna."
[03:06:48] <ST> Jeremy slides the light over, and then nods, tracing the direction of the flow to where a circled memo indicating a body part is located. "Yeah, I see it now,"
[03:08:43] <ST> "Well then," he says, looking over at the stairwell. "Time to hunt I guess?"
[03:08:55] * Maximiliano nods, "Lets get to it."
[03:09:06] * Anna flashes her fangs. "Let's rock."
[03:09:18] <Spire> "Tally-ho."
[03:10:43] * Maximiliano waits for Jeremy to take his point position before falling in, blade remaining ever at the ready.
[03:11:36] <ST> The four of you descend into the sewers using the same stairs as before, the flow of sewage going from trickle to river, the smell overpowering as you stalk over catwalks, following Jeremy's lead. The architecture of the sewers goes from modern to not so much to cobblestone as you head back towards the hunting area of whatever is killing the Nosferatu, and the hiding places are endless.
[03:14:43] * Anna keeps to the shadows, the darkness seeming to cling to her, making her almost invisible in the shifting darkness of the sewers.
[03:16:07] <ST> There's little and less to be said, the trickling of the water, the occasional chitter of the rats...And then the scrape of something against stone, coming from ahead.
[03:16:59] * Spire cants his head at the rear of the group at the sound.
[03:17:03] * Maximiliano slows down, glancing from left to right slowly with unabashed paranoia. His grip on the blade at his side tightens ever so slightly.
[03:18:16] <ST> There's a PLOP as something falls into the water, and as the current carries it down, you can make out the unmistakeable form of a withered leg, floating past you.
[03:19:38] * Maximiliano looks up in the direction the leg fell from, squinting to see anything of note.
[03:19:51] * Spire murmurs low. "Anyone hungry?"
[03:20:42] <ST> There's a flash of white on brown, and then nothing as whatever it was dissapears up into the ceiling.
[03:21:10] * Anna looks up, scanning the ceiling intently.
[03:22:33] * Spire crouches instinctually, doing much the same.
[03:22:45] * Maximiliano says nothing, merely giving the rest a "see that?" look before continuing to progress onwards, watching his surroundings more carefully still.
[03:22:50] <ST> Nothing. Just crevices and holes from ill mortared stones no wider than a foot at the most.
[03:23:51] <ST> A high pitched shriek cuts through the blackness ahead.
[03:24:11] * Anna bolts forwards, growling underneath her breath.
[03:24:58] * Maximiliano darts off in hot pursuit of the Gangrel(s).
[03:25:04] * Spire moves slowly, waiting for Anna's charge to flush out the object of their hunt as she barrels forth.
[03:26:06] <ST> "Awwh shit," he mutters under his breath, running after the Ductus and Anna. Anna is obviously the first to reach it, but when she gets to where the scream probably came from...Nothing, except ominous ripples on the water.
[03:26:52] * Anna looks at the water suspiciously, leaning in close. "Who wants to swim?"
[03:27:11] * Spire does not appear best pleased as the darting reveals nothing.
[03:27:57] <Maximiliano> "I say we avoid meeting it underwater, not the least due to the fact that there's a ghouled bull shark around here too."
[03:28:00] <ST> Back from where you guys ran from, you hear another scream.
[03:28:17] * Maximiliano pivots and moves out. "Then there's that."
[03:29:32] * Anna hisses in frustration, wheeling on her foot and moving forwards, taking a bit more care this time. "Spire, watch our back."
[03:30:34] <ST> Again, the same thing when you guys get there. Nothing, not even the ripples on the water. However, from up ahead, the faint sound of something scratching against stone, followed by the tic tic ticking of claws running.
[03:30:38] * Spire does indeed watch their backs, especially using his more cautious rear position to watch for the bugger.
[03:32:03] <Maximiliano> "Bah...same as the original plan, somebody take point ahead of the rest. We gotta keep after it."
[03:32:43] * Anna shrugs, stepping forwards into the darkness. "Don't get too far behind, boys."
[03:33:48] <ST> The path winds forward again, leading into a shallow pool that's about knee height, water raining from above and pouring into the depression.
[03:33:51] * Maximiliano takes a moment, giving the Feral a head start before trudging after her.
[03:35:07] * Anna sighs. "Why's it always gotta be the sewer water?"
[03:35:48] <ST> (alright everyone, alert + percep diff 7 for the dudes with Eyes of the Beast, 8 for the flash light.
[03:39:39] * Maximiliano is oblivious.
[03:41:37] <Spire> Spire's eyes dart upward, and so does he as a vitae-fuelled leap blurs him through the air...into the air over Max's head, the shamshir flashing as its length is drawn in a single fluid motion.
[03:42:23] * Anna turns and looks over Max's shoulder, then moves with impossible speed as she shoves Max to the side, slamming her fist forward into the mouth of the chitinous beast approaching him.
[03:44:53] <ST> The monster seems to sense Spire's approach and twists fluidly, moving in a flash of limbs, but dosen't manage to avoid Anna's brutal pounding, which cracks it in the side of the head unawares.
[03:48:35] <ST> The blow seems to simply surprise the monster as all hell breaks loose at the seams, and it gives the same shriek you heard in the sewers. Standing about 7 feet tall, sharp apendages protrude from its back, slicing wildly at the air, and a tail lashes behind it, while the capsule shaped head with its row of eyes on either side glares at you balefully.
[03:51:36] * Maximiliano lets out an expletive at full volume, his cool completely broken. His sword play nonetheless suffers naught at all the Ventrue stepping forward and sending a thrust at a vulnerable joint on one of the creature's numerous appendages.
[03:55:16] <ST> Your weapon hisses through the air and buries itself in the creature's body, which writhes and squirms and lashes out, the edged arms striking all around you.
[03:57:12] <ST> A sudden activation of vitae, and the monster, which seemed to be mercury and lightning, moves even faster, lashing out at Anna and Max and shrieking the whole while.
[04:01:15] <Anna> Anna jumps backwards from the monster's claws, twisting her body as she falls to all fours, her hands and feet lengthening into long, vicious claws as she shrieks in response to the creature's attacks.
[04:02:09] * Maximiliano moves to the side, using his blade to attempt to angle the edged appendages coming his way. His efforts are for naught though as it continues on its course for his body.
[04:03:15] <ST> The monsters needle like appendages come down where Anna used to be, snapping at air, while Max's sword manages to deflect the one that comes for him, pushing it off course enough that instead of puncturing a heart, it just finds his guts.
[04:10:14] <Spire> Having rolled into a tightly-packed crouch upon hitting the floor from his leap, he instantly flashes backward in a whirling, bladed somersault through the creature, the pair of three-hundred-sixty strikes cleaving it into a number of chitinous leftovers. The air thrums and whips with his passing, sending some of its innards flying with him.
[04:11:37] <ST> It falls into pieces, flying here in there and saturating the water with its foul ichors, the legs shaking for a moment, and falling into the water.
[04:12:52] <ST> It is about this time that you notice movement out of the corner of your eyes, and see from either end of the chamber, two more of the creatures, except bigger and more imposing, making their way towards you, hissing their displeasure as you just killed the youngest of their 'pack'.
[04:15:09] * Maximiliano curses explosively and moves back from the front line, his wounds repairing themselves in rapid order...but still not quite fully done with.
[23:17:59] * Rainfall is now known as Anna
[23:18:06] * Tildryn is now known as Spire
[23:20:17] <ST> The first abomination charges after Spire, seeing it striking down its progeny, while the other one goes to attack the weakened one.
[23:29:04] <ST> The first claw slash misses the agile Cainite, who ducks underneath the blow, but the tail lash buries itself deep in his shoulder, twisting wildly and causing horrendous damage before tossing him aside nonchalantly.
[23:31:35] <Spire> Slammed across the dank artifical cavern by the strike, he slams against the wall with a sickening crunch...his vestiges of life only revealed by a vicious snarling that begins to emanate from a moment's notice. As his contorted gaze rises, so does he, with murder in his eye.
[23:36:32] <ST> The first claw swipe is accompanied by a frenzied screech, and the claw runs down the length of Max's sword to trail ineffectively against his skin. The tail lunges forward, most of the force absorbed by the sword, and slices into his wounded side.
[23:39:26] <ST> Jeremy barrels into the one attacking Max from the side, which tries to sidestep but ends up tripping over its own tail. Jeremy's claws scratch across the black carapace, but don't seem to sink in.
[23:45:04] <Anna> Anna leaps off of the ground in a blur of motion, flying past Spire and punching her claws into the monster's face. A shower of gore obscures her motion, and the creature falls to the ground with a heavy thud.
[23:48:56] <ST> The creature howls as its knocked over by the surprising blow to the head, blood pouring out over Anna's claws. It responds by lashing out with its tail, seeking flesh to trip up and entangle, but finding only air as Anna ducks around it. The second mans up to Jeremy, turning on him as they grapple in a tight ball, but even the blow that does land is unable to pierce undead flesh.
[23:52:44] * Maximiliano bobs and weaves between the flailing appendages of the downed beast, leaping onto it's chest he surgically implants his blade in two quick motions into its eye sockets before making a golf swing to take its head off. Just to be sure.
[23:57:31] * Spire flies across the intervening space in a frenzied shriek, his shamshir striking twice - once on the approach, with a twist to slash as he departs its space, the first proving ineffectual as the creature turns its body to evade while the second hits home, gouging a deep wound.
[00:01:45] <Anna> Anna's eyes glow an even brighter red in the darkness of the sewers, and she lets out a feral growl, crouching low to the ground as blood drips from the body of the creature. She pounces, her Beast fuelling her assault as she rips at the monster's throat, greedily drinking its blood.
[00:04:30] <ST> The thing shakes wildly, crooning out a blissful moan as Anna takes her fill from it, tail lashing wildly in ecstacy. Its moan turns to a howl of shock as Jeremy's claws find a weak point in the carapace and sink in, ripping flesh and slicing towards the organs.
[00:07:41] <Maximiliano> The Crusader ambles his way over, lacking in vitae and exhausted overall his thrust is not as precise as he might otherwise desire. Nonetheless it finds its way between plates of its carapace.
[00:09:16] <ST> The creatures thrashes wildly once more, and then stops, tail going stiff in the air, before falling limp, held up only by Anna's strength. The only sounds in the pool is the water cascading down, and the wet, sucking sounds coming from Anna hungrily feeding.
[00:10:44] * Spire begins hacking the nearest creature with abandon, shishing it into fleshy chunks.
[00:12:16] * Maximiliano wearily makes his way over to the disembodied head of his first kill and grasps it, examining the thing closely. "Our proof of victory...over something."
[00:13:22] <Spire> Upending the weapon and impaling the corpse with it, he growls and breathes heavily, grasping its hilt and holding as said breath comes in more controlled intakes.
[00:15:16] <ST> Jeremy checks the rents on his hoodie, muttering under his when he sees the skin untouched except with thin red lines, quickly fading. Going over to the one Spire finishes hacking up, he holds the head between his hands. "Alas, poor Yorick," he mumbles, jerking his head back as the jaws come together reflexively.
[00:16:58] <ST> Jeremy stands, looking over at Max and Spire. "Are you guys..Alright?" he asks.
[00:17:27] <Anna> Anna pulls away from the beast, her growling muffled as her hands cover her mouth, blood dripping from between them. Her eyes slowly stop glowing, and she trembles in place for a moment before dropping her hands away, swearing constantly.
[00:17:53] <Spire> "I wish I hadn't skipped breakfast now." He states with a flatness more pronounced than Dutch farmland.
[00:18:09] <Maximiliano> "I've been better...Ana? Status?"
[00:18:27] <Anna> Her lips are sliced, and new, deadly-looking serrated teeth fill her mouth, giving her a freakish smile as she looks at the others. It does nothing to mute her vicious string of expletives, looking at the others. "shit FUCK that hurts."
[00:19:01] * Maximiliano blinks slowly as this wholly unexpected development catches him off guard.
[00:19:36] <ST> Jeremy snarls, his face twisting as his own Beast responds and he drops to a crouch, eyes wide. "What the holy hell?" he hisses, blinking and standing back up.
[00:20:28] <ST> Shaking his head, Jeremy murmurs "Well, it'll give the Nosferatu something to shit themselves over."
[00:20:53] <Maximiliano> "Ana...quit talking quite so fast, you're gnashing the shit out of your lips even worse."
[00:21:30] * Maximiliano gives the spilled blood of the creatures a look one might normally reserve for nuclear waste.
[00:22:01] <Anna> Anna glares, but shuts up, closing her mouth. Her lips distend a little around her new teeth, and the tips of two peek out at the corner of her mouth.
[00:22:40] <ST> Jeremy cradles the head under his shoulder, and then nods at the other two. "I think you have another one for your collection, Anna," he says.
[00:23:00] <Spire> Pulling the resisting blade free with a combination of metallic ring and grisly crack, he watches Anna carefully, also eyeing the corpse once more and giving it a good kick.
[00:23:31] * Maximiliano wipes his weapon on a non-moist carapace section before sheathing it. "So, if I might voice what is on everyone's mind..."
[00:23:36] <Maximiliano> "What the -fuck- was that?"
[00:24:29] * Anna shrugs, still not speaking.
[00:25:21] <ST> Jeremy leans over the body of the one Anna fed from, and kicking it over, drives his claws under its chest, lifting it up and pulling the sections back, revealing a human anatomy, minus some bits clawed or chopped off. "Does this look familiar to anyone?"
[00:25:32] <Spire> "I was thinking more along the lines of 'are there more of them'." He states, grimacing as the reality of his wounds returns to the forefront of his mind.
[00:26:32] * Maximiliano leans forward, stroking his chin for a moment in contemplation.
[00:26:35] <Maximiliano> "They're human."
[00:26:58] <Maximiliano> "Were, at least."
[00:27:04] <ST> The Hunter spits a word. "Fleshcrafted."
[00:27:08] <Anna> Anna shrugs, opening her mouth again. "Doesn't look human to me, Max."
[00:27:26] <Maximiliano> "I was nearly a doctor before my Embrace, Anna."
[00:27:38] <Maximiliano> "The anatomy is most definitely human. They're simply fleshcrafted."
[00:28:02] <Spire> "Fuckin' Tzimisce."
[00:28:03] * Maximiliano nods to Jeremy at his contribution.
[00:28:08] <ST> Jeremy rolls the head Spire's way, since it was his kill, and with a swipe of the claws removes the head from this one, passing it to Anna.
[00:28:51] <Maximiliano> "We're going to need to have a talk with the Bishops about this. To say they'll be interested would be understatement."
[00:29:00] <ST> He follows the same procedure, picking up a tail, and throwing it over his shoulder. "Now that we've all got souvenirs, let's get the fuck out of here."
[00:29:13] * Maximiliano nods at Jeremy's suggestion, "Lets."
[00:29:36] * Anna grabs the head, and turns to head down the sewers. "And don't forget to talk to the Nossies."
[00:30:47] <Spire> Sheathing the weapon, he takes his trophy and trudges after the others.
[00:31:24] <ST> Its not surprising that shortly after Anna makes that statement, you come across your same group of friends, looking nervous and giving a shout when they see you..Followed by cries of disbelief when they see what you're carrying.
[00:31:52] <Maximiliano> "First off, "it" was a "them"."
[00:33:20] <Spire> Tossing the head of his own with his one good arm, his ridiculously wounded self speaks bitterly. "Here's the baby."
[00:33:59] <ST> Jeremy throws the tail on the ground. "There's the reason for the withered limbs, I think," he says, kicking at a gland located at the base of the spine, causing poison to squirt out.
[00:34:26] <Anna> Anna dangles the head over her shoulder, smiling viciously. "And they're all dead, I think."
[00:35:26] <ST> Cheese approaches you guys, looking at the destruction laid out before him, and openly shuddering at Anna's Red Smile. "Fuck..Fuck man..." he says, shaking his head and reaching into a pocket, pulling out a jewel case with a CD in it. "Here, take it you guys. This is all the information you guys need," he says with a shaky voice, picking up one of the heads and spitting in its face.
[00:36:26] * Maximiliano takes the case with a nod. "I'll take your word for it Cheese."
[00:37:25] <ST> Cheese nods. "You tell Benjamin that its going to be the Night of the Long Knives down here in a few days," he says. "I take it we're even?" he asks?
[00:38:19] <Maximiliano> "We're even if everything on the CD is legit. You lot keep your eyes open though, these things were ghouls."
[00:38:30] <Maximiliano> "Whoever made them may make more one night."
[00:39:29] <ST> Cheese mutters under his breath, shaking his head. "Well, the guys are appreciative all the same...There's something waiting for you up in the butcher factory..A gift of sorts," he says with a foul little smile, nodding before turning away and herding the rest of his warren with him.
[00:39:35] * Spire does not seem best pleased, and re-states for the benefit of the Nossies. "Fuckin' Tzimisce."
[00:39:54] * Maximiliano cocks an eyebrow at that. "I see..."
[00:40:01] <Anna> Anna waves casually at the departing Nosferatu. "Be seeing ya."
[00:41:40] <ST> Some of them wave back, but they're in an awful hurry to get away from you all, not knowing how hungry you might be. Their footsteps fade immediately as they turn the corner, and you begin to head up the stairs...Where several twentysomethings, bound in duct tape, squirm helplessly from hooks on the ceiling.
[00:42:18] <Maximiliano> "Know what? I like those guys."
[00:42:34] <Spire> "Brunch."
[00:43:31] <Anna> Anna raises her eyebrow. "I just ate."
[00:43:41] <ST> "Not bad sorts at all," he says, brushing his talon's over one's skin, and watching her squirm. "This is the law of the jungle, as true and as old as the sky," he recites before pulling her off the hook and feeding from her, sinking his fangs into her shoulder and feeling her shudder against it.
[00:43:56] * Maximiliano immediately seeks out the most well-to-do looking of the bunch, taking his fill.
[00:45:35] <ST> Jeremy finishes his meal, leaving her pale and passed out, slumping on the ground. "That's quality blood right there," he says, offering it to Anna.
[00:45:52] <Spire> His wounds knitting together with a degree of the vitae taken, the rest he refills himself with, appearing greatly satisfied with the result.
[00:47:07] * Anna grasps the woman, bending down and biting into her neck, tasting the sweet flow of blood once again as her new teeth shred her skin and blood vessels.\
[00:47:45] * Maximiliano regenerates his numerous injuries even as he drains the mortal. Fully rejeuvenated, he returns the business man to his hook, wiping his mouth.
[00:48:00] <ST> The discreet puncture marks are replaced by a series of ragged gashes as she feeds noisily, taking in more blood than normal and exsanguinating the girl quickly. In a short amount of time, dead kine lay around you.
[00:50:35] <ST> "Well, now that we're all fed," Jeremy begins, looking towards Anna, "you've got the keys. Let's pay the bishops a visit," he says.
[00:51:46] <ST> He heads outside, towards the jeep.
[00:52:01] <Spire> Now a much happier antitribu, he vaults into the vehicle and awaits chauffeuring to their destination.
[00:52:28] <Maximiliano> The Ductus takes his shotgun seat as per usual, letting his head loll back and his eyes close he simply relaxes for the trip.
[00:52:35] * Anna follows Jeremy, tossing the desanguinated husk she holds to the side, and starts up the engine of the jeep.
[00:53:15] <ST> Jeremy hops in the backseat, and for the short ride up to the ruined cathedral, hopping out again once they stop.
[00:54:48] <ST> "Well, let's go see if the bishops are going to be pleased with us," he says quietly, heading towards the side door, waiting for the rest of the group. "Remember to leave your weapons," he says.
[00:55:15] * Maximiliano nods, heading inwards he leaves his blade at the place indicated by Jeremy the first time.
[00:55:16] <Spire> On vanguard duty as ever, he spins the blade out on the way. "Of course."
[00:55:33] * Anna grins, baring her teeth. "Hard to leave these behind."
[00:57:14] <ST> "I think they'll make an exception for that," he says dryly, and the four of you head into the inner sanctum of the three bishops. More Cainites scurry about tonight - you've seen them at the fires, and they give your ripped and mangled clothes a second glance before hurrying on. Bishop Benjamin is the first to see you, and waves you over, hunched over a table. "Whatcha got?" he asks.
[00:58:02] * Maximiliano plants the jewel case containing the hard won info on the table before Benjamin, "Here are the Nosferatu's findings."
[00:58:41] <Maximiliano> "There is also the issue of an encounter in the sewers I think you'd like to know about."
[00:59:32] <ST> The Bishop blinks at you, and then slides it into a waiting laptop, murmuring under his breath all the while as he tap tap taps into the keyboard, cursing softly as the data streams down his monitor. "Fucking A, that's everything, alright," he says, punching his hand into the other. He looks over at the three of you. "Yeah? Go on?"
[01:00:13] * Anna glances down at her empty hands. "Shoulda brought the heads from the jeep."
[01:00:15] <Maximiliano> "The last task the Nosferatu required of us before handing this over, Your Grace, was the extermination of an unknown force in the sewers picking off their kind."
[01:00:41] <Maximiliano> "What we found were heavily heavily fleshcrafted ghouled kine. Looked like something out of a science fiction flick."
[01:02:43] <ST> Benjamin's face drops a bit, and he frowns, shaking his head. "Damn it, if only Em and Simone were here right now," he mutters. "Look, keep this on the low down, but I'm going to pass it on to the other two. It might a dead Fiend's work, or a live one, I dunno. We haven't exactly been on speaking terms," he states, shaking his head and then looking at Anna. "Go get me that head, would you? I wanna see this for myself," he says.
[01:03:04] <Maximiliano> "Should we bring the giant scorpion tail too?"
[01:03:48] * Anna nods, turning on her heel and heading out to the jeep
[01:04:27] <ST> "Nah, just the head. The tail might be a little too..indiscreet," he says with a shrug of the shoulders, joints crackling and popping under the skin.
[01:07:52] <ST> Ben scowls when Anna comes into view with the head, and takes it from her quickly, stuffing it under a table. "Shit, shit," he says, muttering. "This is not good at all."
[01:08:17] <Maximiliano> "Why do you say that? Aside from the fact that it looks like it's from Aliens."
[01:08:53] <Anna> Anna shrugs, sitting on the edge of the desk. "Fuckers were nasty. Almost took out Max. Are there more of 'em?"
[01:08:59] <ST> He looks around to make sure no one else saw, and then leans in towards you guys. "You did good, but keep this on the quiet side for now," he begins, and then looks at Max. "Because trust me, these sorts of things in the sewers aren't good at all, and someone should have known better than to have released them without calling them back in," he says.
[01:09:51] <ST> "Its no secret the Bishop Council is a little at loggerheads with each other, at least us with the other three, but whoever the fuck made these...Shit."
[01:11:14] <Maximiliano> "Fair enough...we'll just act like this little scuffle didn't happen for now."
[01:12:03] <Anna> "What should we do with the rest of the heads, then?"
[01:12:40] <ST> "Damn right you will," Bishop Ben says, bringing a bit of authority into his voice. "You guys did good with the Nosferatu information, but you still have that matter with the Setites to clear up. You guys take care of that, and then we'll call a War Party here soon enough, and kick things off in grand style," he says.
[01:13:33] <ST> Ben shrugs at Anna. "Make trophies of em? Some shovelheads round here do that," he says. "Get enough, and maybe they'll start calling you head hunters, like that nomadic pack Emily called up," he informs you.
[01:15:35] <Maximiliano> "It will be done, Your Grace. With any luck as quickly as the Nosferatu matter was resolved."
[01:15:39] <Anna> Anna grins. "Well, sounds like a royal fucking fun time. Shall we, Maxy?"
[01:15:42] <ST> He gives you guys a final wave, dismissing you before scanning over the information given.
[01:15:59] * Maximiliano nods at Anna's comment, "We shall indeed. Buggering snakes."
[01:16:19] <Spire> "Fuckin' Setites." He contributes.
[01:17:12] <ST> The four of you gather your weapons, heading back to the jeep. "Well, I guess that's a night," says Jeremy. "We'll have to enact the Vaulderie when the moon turns black," he says.
[01:18:20] <Maximiliano> "Any idea how soon that is? Astronomy isn't exactly my field."
[01:18:30] <Spire> "Alright." He responds while sliding the blade home, climbing back in.
[01:19:09] <ST> Pointing at the fat orange moon in the sky, Jeremy waggles his hand as they drive back to the haven. "Maybe a week or so?" he asks.
[01:19:53] <Maximiliano> "With any luck we'll be enacting the Vaulderie while sitting on a mound of dead snakes."
[01:21:11] <ST> "We'll see," he says a bit laconically, as Anna pulls into the haven.
White FC: 0819 3350 1787
3DS FCode: 1993-7512-8991
I've never been allowed to play a Malkavian before, maybe this would be a good chance to start.
What time zone is that, out of curiosity?
White FC: 0819 3350 1787
Gee Emm Teeeeee!
So an IRC game at EST/PST Evening is out of the question.
3DS FCode: 1993-7512-8991
Could be. I don't have anything against Malkavians.
Probably be PST/MST (Arizona doesn't have day light savings time), but is there anything workabale for you?
3DS FCode: 1993-7512-8991
You're probably right on that point. If something changes in that regard, I'll let you know.
Yeah but I'm not entirely convinced you're not a mutant that does not require sleep like normal humans.
Mutant
White FC: 0819 3350 1787
That's a shame, but I totally understand where you're coming from. When you do return, and I hope you do, it'll make an interesting bit of story.
Awww. We'll drive extra reckless
Just for Anna
White FC: 0819 3350 1787
We won't eat you I promise ;-)
White FC: 0819 3350 1787
Man, the Sabbat makes so much sense.
Edit: In a game world perspective.
One of the things I've always loved about the WoD is how much sense most of the groups make... from their own perspective.
Session 1
* Tildryn (user@dm-20707.sgyl.cable.virginmedia.com) has joined #ashandsteel
* Tildryn is now known as Spire
* Krata is now known as SamTheMalkavian
<@ST> The moon is black and hidden as you three stand on the roof of the Open Arms, the scent of jasmine and lavender washing over you.
<@ST> Jeremy's sermon is wrapping up now, his voice conversational as he preaches. "And so, it is our responsibility to explore the limits of our new nature. To see what this new gift holds for us all, and not squander it in the petty squabbles that our enemies engage in every night."
<@ST> "And when we meet new Cainites, it must not always be with the sword and the fire. We are blessed to have been brought into this new life on the right side of the war. It is our duty to be open to those that wish to follow our path."
* Maximiliano has his head slightly bowed out of deference to Jeremy in such things. The sermon has a decidedly Harmonist bent, but he respects it all the same. Jeremy's service was entirely too exemplary to be questioned.
<@ST> He pauses. "Though, we should not be recalcitrant in purging those who would just soon as see us fed to the Ancient's for one more night of unlife."
* Spire remains silent and thoughtful, weighing the words - and their future courses of action.
<@ST> He lowers his head, and then raises it. "I thank you, my brothers, for your attendance here," he says, and then turns to the bag behind him, with drawing a single bladed knife with no hilt, and a plain chalice.
<@ST> "This is the Vaulderie, by which we our bound in our holy cause," he begins, curling his fingers to motion you both towards the small altar he is now standing behind.
* Maximiliano approaches the altar with practiced calm, waiting to be called to offer his blood to the collection.
<@ST> "The silver is blessed to Lilith, who taught our Dark Father his powers. I invoke her now," he says, kissing the blade. He then slits his wrist, drawing a long scarlet line down his arm. "The blood represents Caine, for his potential is inside each and every one of us," he intones. He performs another cut on Max's and Spire's arm, intoning "In the name of Caine" after each cut.
* Spire does in turn, slipping his arms casually behind him till ready.
* Spire profers the arm when necessary, of course.
<@ST> "And the mingled blood is that of the Sabbat. From many, we are one," he says, holding the chalice high. And then he dosen't something you have not seen before, spilling some into the plants behind him.
<@ST> "In memory of our sister, may she come back to us," he says, before taking a deep draught of the chalice, and passing it to Max.
* Maximiliano nods his head in hearty agreement, "The Brood is the lesser for want of her ferocity." before drinking deep and passing the chalice to Spire.
* Spire inclines his head whilst taking the mingled vitae, adding his own words. "May she travel swift and drink deep." - Passing it forth upon taking in a draught of its contents, strengthening their bonds.
<@ST> "Until the next new moon," he says, taking the chalice from Spire and spilling the last dregs across the altar. "For Anna," he finishes, and puts the items away. As he does so, the solemn mask of Jeremy the Priest drops.
<@ST> "I've added a new door to the main entry way. Fireproof. Security lock. Reinforced the entrance from the main lobby. Just in case," he says.
<Maximiliano> "I'd say such measures are warranted when we make a habit of pissing off Brujah Primogen."
<@ST> Jeremy gives a small frown, nodding. "I wonder if he had anything to do with it." All you know is you saw a note in Anna's room that said "Have to run! I will see you guys later! Don't sweat it!"
<@ST> "Poker Face" begins going off from Max's pocket.
<@ST> Jeremy cocks an eyebrow. "Is that your cellphone?"
* Spire gives Max his poker face in turn.
* Maximiliano fishes around in his pocket for a moment before retrieving his phone, flipping it open to hopefully gaze upon that which is not spam.
<Spire> "..."
<Maximiliano> "Yes. Yes it is."
* Maximiliano spends a moment squinting at the screen before looking up, "It's from our Nossie friends. A tip regarding the Setites, some new drug called Hex is being peddled left and right."
<Spire> "My surprise is nil."
<Maximiliano> "Really uninspired name for a drug but eh, Setites."
<Spire> "That should make them easier to track. A chain of supply for these things is...predictable."
<@ST> "They get off on being creepy. Not too surprising. I read somewhere its got one hell of an addiction rate."
<Spire> "Sounds like a bit of an ego-booster as well as the narcotic effect. Like steroids, for the former. Stronger, faster...who wouldn't want that little 'boost'."
<@ST> He slings the satchel over his shoulder. "I assume we're going into the fun part of the city then?"
* Maximiliano shrugs his shoulders, "I dwell very little on vice. I know little. I will say this: Remember that the Bishops wished us to leave the infrastructure of the vice trade intact."
<Maximiliano> "And yes."
<@ST> Jeremy opens up the fire escape for the rest of the pack. "Well, hopefully we won't have to rip the entire apparatus up by the roots."
<Spire> "I nominate Max if it comes to that."
<@ST> "Max was going to be a surgeon, remember?" says Jeremy with a wink.
* Spire glides through the doorway, elegant as ever.
* Maximiliano stuffs his phone back in his pocket, trotting fire escape-wards. "Was? I was under the impression I still am."
<Maximiliano> "The Camarilla is a cancer." he explains with a grin.
<Spire> "Looks like you took up those 'enlargement' ads on your scalpel, then."
<Spire> "You should write them a testimony."
<@ST> "Touche," he says with a chuckle, closing and locking the door behind them. Down the steps they go, and Jeremy puts the Vaulderie implements in his room under lock and key before stepping back out into the common room, keys to the jeep with him.
<Maximiliano> "It just isn't the same, driving around town, without Annas driving posing the constant threat of Final Death."
<@ST> "Well, let's see what our snake-y friends are up to tonight, shall we?" he asks, heading for the door.
<Maximiliano> "Ah well."
<Spire> "First thought: Eating mice."
<Spire> "Second thought: Being generally ineffective."
* Maximiliano departs for the Jeep, taking his customary position in the back.
<@ST> "Third thought: Talking with a lisp," he says as he walks into the garage and slides into the driver's seat.
* Spire must be feeling particularly pithy tonight, as he totally takes shotgun.
<@ST> Jeremy glances over at Spire for a moment, and then shrugs. "Let's do this," he says as he activates the garage door and peels out into the night, heading for the interstate.
<@ST> The night air is cool against your skins, and the city smells as it usually does: Ash and pollution, with a faint hint of the river drifting underneath it. It has rained recently, so the worms are rotting in the street, the smell mingling with the others.
<@ST> As Jeremy gets off on Exit 112, along the boundary between Sabbat and Camarilla, you pull into a neighborhood under the overpass. It makes the ghetto surrounding the Open Arms seem homey and comfortable.
<Spire> "I hope everyone remembered to pull their pants halfway down." Spire comments as they rumble through.
<@ST> Bums surround drums, burning trash for warmth. The others are passed out in alleys or in the middle of the street. Whores loiter, calling at you for a good time as you drive pass. Tough looking youths stand on corners, congregating in packs while occasionally breaking off to talk to someone who stops near them.
<@ST> The windows in all the buildings, without exception, are either boarded up or covered with thick metal bars. The miasma of despair and rot hangs over this place. This is where sickly, weak kine congregate, living brief, violent lives, before dying painfully.
<Maximiliano> "Well it sure looks like an asp hole"
<@ST> Jeremy looks around, a tight frown on his lips, the Harmonist side of him annoyed at the waste he's seeing. "Well, we're here. Anyone with any ideas of where to start?"
<Spire> "The gangs of youths seem logical."
<Spire> "They'd be in business for anything to make them 'tough'."
<@ST> Jeremy nods at Spire. "Or they're dealing it."
<Spire> "Just a hunch, though."
<Maximiliano> "A few. Spire has already stated the most obvious one."
<Spire> "Failing that, the bums could be down-and-outs from the stuff."
<Spire> "Or the whores could be whoring to support their habit. This 'Hex' sounds like the thing that'd appeal to young males more though."
<@ST> "The thugs then?" Jeremy asks, craning around to look at Max, and then at Spire.
* Maximiliano nods, "It's our best bet for now."
* Spire nods at that, as they settle on a course of action.
<Maximiliano> "I'm sure they'll be willing to open up to me."
<Spire> "Your incisive wit will leave them gasping, no doubt."
<@ST> Jeremy nods, pulling a discreet U-turn. "Do you want to jump out and ask them? Or pull along side?"
<Maximiliano> "Jump out and ask them. It's a more confident position. One that suggests you do not require a quick getaway should things go bad."
<Spire> "I'd say the former. More likely to give off the impression we need."
* Maximiliano readies himself to do just that, wearing what one might describe as a...poker face. He looks as one assured of control over his environs.
<@ST> "Sounds good. It'll be like old times," he says. "Get ready," he tells the group before pulling up alongside a group sporting blue gang colors with a screech.
* Maximiliano steps languidly down from the Jeep, exerting a subtle but potent magnetic aura as he does so. He fixes the gang with an unconcerned look and smiles slightly.
* Maximiliano does not speak at first, taking a moment for his very presence to grasp their attention.
<@ST> Jeremy bounds over the jeep door, coming down in a crouch next to Max, and standing a little bit behind him, to his left.
* Spire unfolds from the vehicle, casually flanking the larger Kindred as his presence falls over the unfortunate youths.
<Maximiliano> "If I'm not wrong, you know what little's worth knowing in this part of town. I'm talking vice. Am I wrong?"
<@ST> The group of black guys react with open hostility on their faces at first, and then find it hard to grit on you. Their intitial response of "What the FUCK do you want, man?" is a slightly shaky "Yeah, what's good?"
<@ST> A chorus of agreement from them. "Yeah, whathcoo be wanting ta know?"
<Maximiliano> "What else? Something new is out and about, I'm curious. Hex. Know it?"
<@ST> A bunch of "oh shits" and "fuck dat" with various individuals shaking their heads or holding up a hand and averting their gaze. "Man we don't be fucking with no Hex. That's those new bros turf."
* Maximiliano cocks an eyebrow "New guys huh? How fucked is this stuff exactly?"
<@ST> "Its totally fucked man, that's what," he says, taking off his fitted Steelers ballcap and turning it just so. "Fucking cracker retards from the AB thought they were going to shake down some of the guys who push it, and ended up getting strung on up."
<@ST> He turns, visibly nervous, and looks up and down the street. "No one wants dope or E when you can be stronger than Jesus and invincible man. Cutting into everyone's profits but no one wants to fuck with the spooky n-ggers who be pushing this shit."
<Maximiliano> "Sounds like a shitty situation. You help me, maybe I can help you."
<Maximiliano> "Where exactly are these spooky assholes?"
* Spire more or less continues to look generally intimidating as Max makes pretty words.
<@ST> He looks like he's going to say something else, and then shakes his head. "Naw dawg, I ain't got nothing else to say."
* Maximiliano gives a derisive snort, "You've got nothing else to say? Where the fuck am I, the 'burbs? Because I didn't think I was sitting here talking to a bunch of pussies who are too fucking afraid to even talk about where a pusher -is-"
<@ST> He mutters something under his breath. "All you spooky motherfuckers round here," he says, shaking his head. "Look bro, you three remind me of them, regardless of even if they have some bitch calling the shots."
<@ST> He swallows, looks around, and then closes in with Max. "Look, two blocks down, the house with a red door. Can't miss it. It goes bad, me and my boys just some random n-ggers. No problems with the beef you have with these guys."
<@ST> "We cool, Casper?" he asks, obviously eager to get the fuck out of there
* Maximiliano nods in approval. "We're cool."
<@ST> "We're gone then," he says, and him and his crew fade down an alley. Like any good predator, they know when a storm is coming, and are going to ground.
<@ST> Jeremy looks over at Max. "Well, that was interesting. Seems something has them spooked."
<Spire> "...I'm almost inclined to gank them for the Casper comment."
<Maximiliano> "Of course. They're Setites. They get off on pretentiousness and pseudo-mysticism"
<@ST> "Mmm," Jeremy grunts. "I'd generally agree, but these guys aren't ones to jump at their shadows."
<@ST> He leaps back into the still running jeep. "House with the red door?"
* Spire returns to their precious vehicle - this time in the back, rather than shotgun.
<Spire> "So he said."
* Maximiliano nods, "Unless of course either of you have suddenly developed a mortal fear of snakes." as he returns to his accustomed spot.
<@ST> "Hah!" he says as he whips the jeep around. "Not likely. Going to park this bitch in an alley though, walk up to it," he says as he does just that.
<Spire> "Why must you hate our legs, Jeremy."
<@ST> "I am just thinking of you. Yours are getting scrawny," he shoots back.
<Maximiliano> "What. What is this lack of accomodation for my laziness. Bah."
<@ST> He takes the keys and pockets them, heading out to the street.
* Maximiliano smiles in faint amusement even as he says this, returning to the street to head out on foot.
* Spire relents bitterly, disembarking and sliding habitually into the building's shade.
<@ST> You guys see the house the thug described. The red door is new, and the windows are boarded over, with iron bars over the boards.
<@ST> There is a high iron gate that leads to a back yard.
<Maximiliano> "For the most part I'm assuming they've already detected us and know who we are." Max comments to Jeremy, pointedly failing to acknowledge Spire's presence.
* Spire mutters. "We could've jumped the gate if we had the jeep."
<@ST> "Doubtful," he says. "That gate looks like you'd need a tank to knock it over."
<@ST> He cocks a head at Spire and Max. "How do you guys want to do it? Through the front door?"
<Spire> "Let me take a look at what's over that gate first. Scope our other options."
* Maximiliano nods at that, choosing to wait and watch. He scans the buildings facade with a lazy eye whilst the more stealthily inclined scout.
<Spire> With that, he proceeds onward. Spying out sections to scale the gate and its surroundings, in order to have a closer look.
<Spire> Taking stock of the lock in case it's necessary to let the clumsy-ass others in, he begins the climb. Emitting silence in all directions, veiling himself for view whilst also of course utilizing his varied skills at not being seen in the first place.
<@ST> Everything suddenly goes silent over you. The small creaks you give off as you move stop, and you realise Spire has activated his powers.
<Spire> Spire vaults over the fence and disappears.
* Maximiliano looks to Jeremy, "So...any theories on Anna's disappearance?"
* Maximiliano fails at small talk.
<@ST> Jeremy shakes his head. "Wanderlust? That's what most Hunters would tell you. Maybe something from her personal life popped up?"
<Maximiliano> "I suppose. It'd have to be pretty important with so many good fights in our future though eh?"
* Spire reappears, from a completely different direction alongside the pack.
<@ST> "No kidding. Or maybe she thought she'd get a better fight?" he muses, and then looks over at Spire. "Yo."
<Spire> "There's a semi-concealed side road leading up to a delivery entrance. Only opens from the other side, eye-slit."
<Spire> "So we either try to force that open, or go through the front."
<@ST> Jeremy hurms in his chest. "Think we can go through it?"
<Maximiliano> "Only opens from the other side? That's quitter talk. Lets have a look."
<Spire> And of course, all eyes turn to Max at talk of forcing doors open.
<@ST> You follow Spire's lead and head around the side street via an alley and head to the back entrance, looking at the green door
* Maximiliano sidles up to the door to have a look at the hinges, sizing up about how much punishment it can take.
<@ST> No sign of the hinges. The door is built into the frame. Its solid wood, not steel though.
* Maximiliano strokes his chin, sizing up his odds.
* Spire holds up a hand, crouching at the door. "Assholes."
<Spire> "Figures they'd -consider- that someone might try breaking it off its hinges."
* Maximiliano nods. "Damn them and their incredible foresight."
<Maximiliano> "Can you do anything about it?
<@ST> Jeremy snorts. "Like I said. Half as competent as the Keepers is still somewhat competent."
* Spire studies the sensor closely, shaking his head and pondering its construction.
<Spire> "I'm going to try shorting the circuit. If I fuck up though, you need to start breaking it down. Fast."
<@ST> Jeremy's claws slide over his fingertips, glinting black in the weak street light.
<Spire> Focusing intently in the perfect silence, Spire bites his fingertip. A droplet ebbs slowly forth, suspending as he upturns it over the mechanism, wedging it into the door frame. As gravity pulls it down, the droplet falls upon the device, -sizzling- as it makes contact. The acid blood burning away its circuit.
<@ST> Jeremy blinks and gives a low (silent) whistle at this application of power.
<Spire> Studying the effects, he signals Max. "I've fucked it up, but it's still going. Don't know if or when it'll trigger. We have time, but not leisure. Go go."
<@ST> The green light on the sensor winks over to amber, and then back to green. A few seconds later, back to amber. Then back to green.
* Maximiliano hurls himself into the door with a savage shout that is entirely muffled by magic Assamite powers. It was the thought that counted though.
<@ST> The door rocks on its hinges as Max slams into it. There are some cracks in the door, but it still holds solid.
<@ST> Max EXPLODES through the door.
* Maximiliano brushes wood splinters off of himself for a moment before looking up and around,assessing his surroundings.
<@ST> Bits of wood cling to him as he stumbles into a darkly lit kitchen. There are stairs going down, and sounds from above.
<Spire> In fluid motion, Spire is ahead of Max and searching out their path of progress, and to give the rest advance warning of any trouble as they follow up behind.
<@ST> Jeremy blinks, and heads in behind Max, claws tapping on the door as he moves through it. He cocks an eyebrow at the thumps above and points one claw upwards.
* Maximiliano draws the Juniper Blade from its place of resting at his side, letting it rest on his shoulder as he sweeps down the corridor after Spire once the signal is given.
<@ST> The corridor leads past an empty living room, and towards some stairs going up.
<@ST> The garnet on the end of the Juniper Blade glints in the darkness.
<Spire> Taking stock of the sounds from upstairs and thus the likelihood that that's where the guardroom is, he slips down the downstairs staircase. Since Setites will almost certainly keep all their crap as deep as they can. SNAKES.
<Spire> And by down, he of course means going up to gank the guards before they know what's hit them.
<@ST> Jeremy sees Spire's hand motion, and nods at Max, heading up the stairs.
* Maximiliano follows behind promptly, wasting no time with a sensor that could go off at any time.
<@ST> There's a sudden amount of movement from upstairs, and you can hear someone running the down the stairs in a hurry. An attractive red headed woman sees you, says "Oh SHIT!" and then turns right around, yelling "Grab my phone!"
<Spire> If within range, Spire concentrates the aura to muffle the woman's words, and thus their opponents' attempts at communication.
<@ST> There are loud deep voices from up the staircase.
* Maximiliano curses softly and advances. They were detected. Naught to do but press on now.
<@ST> Jeremy frowns, and then heads up the stair case at a lope. The moment his shadow falls across the threshold, bullets ring out.
<@ST> Taking cover in the threshold, there are four ghouls behind a large wooden table. Two draw out heavy revolvers, while two more draw large fighting knives and yell out something foreign sounding before rushing you.
<@ST> Jery stays low to the ground and lunges at one ghoul with a knife, his claws whipping out to disembowel the fool.
<Spire> Drawing out the shamshir, Spire waits for what counts as a break in the fire, before dashing out at superhuman speed past the knife-wielders and vaulting the table.
<@ST> One ghoul tries to jump back from Jeremy's claws, while the other squares up with Max, trying to avoid the blows of his sword. The two with pistols change targets from Jeremy and Max to focus on the whirling death heading their way.
* Maximiliano advances on the first Ghoul in sight to foolishly consider their knife a match for his swordplay, lashing out with a practiced thrust.
<@ST> Jeremy's claws find flesh, raking across the ghoul from left hip to right thigh, causing him to scream in pain.
<@ST> Max's swordplay with the long blade pays off, and he drives the sword cleanly through the chest of the ghoul. The garnet on the sword's hilt glows green for a moment, and the ghoul screams as he turns into a dried out husk in a matter of seconds.
<Spire> Giblets form a fetching arc across the room as Spire's weapon says 'hello', the body spinning and laying out flat on its front. The whirling death turns upon the other, about to show him a good time.
<@ST> The Python jumps in the ghoul's hand as he fires point blank at Spire. The bullet smashes into him full on, and the impact causes him to roll with the blow but ends up on his feet, the only sign of damage a hole in his pants.
<Spire> "...My -pants-. Fuck -you-!" Exclaims Spire, beholding the damage.
<@ST> Jeremy slides under the ghoul's guard, and rips both his claws upwards, showering the wall and Spire's table in gore as the ghoul hits the opposing wall heavily and falls to the floor, dead.
* Maximiliano completely disregards He Whom Mocketh Ye Pants, for his fate is sealed, and instead moves to the crippled man to assess and mitigate his injuries. At least so long as he's useful.
<@ST> Max manages to make some bandages out of the wreck of the man's clothes, but all the same he's lost too much blood and Spire's blade was too deep. He's going into shock and not long for this world.
* Maximiliano is wracked my terrible doctor's guilt at losing a patience. In some alternate reality perhaps. In this one he shrugs and stands up to survey the scene and listen for indications of further forces aware of their presence.
<Maximiliano> patient*
* Spire unceremoniously thrusts his weapon deep into the man's inner thigh and -twisting-, completely ruining his pants in return. As well as severing the femoral artery. "Let's see how you like it."
<@ST> The ghoul grasps futilely at his wound, watching the bright spurt of femoral blood shoot up into the air and paint the wall red. He looks up at Spire, and his eyes roll back into his head as the shock overtakes him.
* Maximiliano holds up a hand before the ghoul. "You know how powerful the blood in these veins are. It can save you. Tell me what I want to know, and that can happen. Where is the Hex made? Where is the person running this show?"
<Spire> "Yeah I thought so." He remarks as the Ghoul slumps off to the side.
<@ST> He looks at Max with bleary eyes, bloody froth on his lips. "I will tell you nothing...I have served the Dark Father for long enough... I will not betray him at the end," he says, and begins to mutter a prayer. "Your time...will come," he murmurs.
* Maximiliano shrugs, "Alas, it will not. Now then if you'll excuse me, I must cleanse your masters from this city."
* Maximiliano stands up and brushes himself off.
<@ST> "You will cleanse nothing, Godkiller," he mutters, forking the evil eye at you before falling into oblivion.
<@ST> Surveying the room, you see a lot of blood, a chemistry set against one wall, some various trunks and crates against another wall. And a locked closet.
<Maximiliano> "Search the place while we can. Lets move." and with that he moves for the trunks and crates.
<@ST> Jeremy shakes his head. "No sign of that red head. Wonder where she got to."
* Spire also takes the opportunity to refill his vitae from the Pantskiller. May as well get something out of the whole mess.
<@ST> Jeremy nods at Max, and looks around at the mess he's made. He begins to search the pants of the ghoul he killed, taking the wallet and looking through it.
<Spire> Discarding the body, he joins in the scouring.
* Maximiliano shakes his head, "This is just a basic meth lab so far...nothing out of the ordinary."
<Spire> "...Gentlemen, you may wish to take a look at this." He indicates within the closet. Within is a vampire, staked and tubed-up, the blood running into a reservoir.
<Maximiliano> "What the hell?" Max queries simply, not making any suggestion regarding the unstaking of the Vampire he simply inspects the...apparatus surrounding it.
<@ST> Jeremy wanders over, his eyes wide when he sees what Spire found. "Fuck me," he says softly.
<@ST> "Well guys, what now?" he asks, fingering the stake lightly, but not withdrawing it.
<Maximiliano> "On the one hand, we could unstake him and he could simply...TELL us what the hell this was for. On the other hand, he may give in to the Beast once unstaked."
<Maximiliano> "With the three of us here, we can likely handle that possibility. Thoughts?"
<@ST> Jeremy's claw wraps around Sam's neck. "Go on, pull it out. He comes at us, I'll rip his head off."
<Spire> He can't help but quip at Jeremy's reaction. "Maybe once he comes out of the closet this one'll be willing to satisfy that for you, Jeremy."
<@ST> Jeremy grunts in response to Spire. This is bothering him more than he's letting on.
<Spire> He cleans his weapon on the comatose vampire's clothing, since it's not like he'll much care about it at the moment.
<Maximiliano> "This precaution is adequate." and with that he grasps the stake and yanks.
* SamTheMalkavian takes all of an instant to draw a single breath, a long, shuddering gasp long overdue. And then, without moving even a muscle, perhaps due to the claws pressing against his neck, or perhaps due to simple weakness and terror, the vampire lets loose with a bloodcurdling scream. It lasts for an impressively long time for someone who hasn't breathed in quite some time. For a moment,
<Spire> "At least he's moist."
<@ST> Jeremy's claws tighten slightly. "Stop that you fool."
<SamTheMalkavian> it seems wordless, but when it ends, it becomes clear it was a name. Jessica.
* Spire exerts will to silence the scream.
<Spire> Since the Quietus is still in effect and such.
<Maximiliano> "Be quiet. We will release you, but we have questions. Fair?"
<@ST> "There is blood out here if you need to feed. If you lose yourself to your Beast, we will kill you at the least. Do you understand?"
* SamTheMalkavian wasn't particularly paying much attention to being silenced, but an instant later, his eyes pop open, and focus suddenly on Max's moving lips. Sam's lips move for a moment in a whisper that the Quietus may well cover entirely.
* Spire releases the muffling once it appears the scream has died down, and the others have stated it quite simply.
* Maximiliano plants the tip of his sword on the ground before him, his hands grasping the pommel as he addresses the captive.
<SamTheMalkavian> "Oh god they see you."
<@ST> Jeremy shrugs, releases his claw and steps back. "Works for me."
<Maximiliano> "Pardon?"
<SamTheMalkavian> "They... beasts and shadows. They see you. Blood and death. You..." A pause. "You aren't Katja."
* Maximiliano heaves a great sigh and massages his forehead, "Am I talking to a Malkavian?"
<@ST> "No, we're not. Who's Katja?" Jeremy asks, cocking his head.
<Spire> "I'm going to guess that's the redhead."
<@ST> Jeremy looks over at Max. "Blood and death certainly describes us."
<Maximiliano> "True enough. THe redhead seems a good guess."
<@ST> Jeremy nods in assent to the other two.
* SamTheMalkavian sat up, rubbing at his neck for a moment. He looks down at the tubes running from his body with a blink, not answering Max for a moment. He reaches down and yanks them loose almost dispassionately for a moment, then blinks. "That... feels better."
<Spire> "Beasts and shadows describes us, too."
<Maximiliano> "Good. Who is Katja?"
<Maximiliano> "And why were you strung up like so?"
<@ST> Jeremy grunts at Spire. "Yeah you're not kidding there."
* SamTheMalkavian glances up, after a second, and focuses on Spire, seeming confused for a moment, and opens his moutht o say something before Max interrupts him, then he blinks again and glances at Max. "You... must have seen her. Pretty. Red hair. Hurts to kiss her."
* Maximiliano nods, "She fled at our coming. Is she responsible for your situation?"
<SamTheMalkavian> "I screamed for her, but no one heard. Do you think she heard? No. She couldn't have. But you heard. Oh god my head..." Another pause. "Is she what?"
<Maximiliano> "Is she responsible for you being strung up. Filled with tubes. Getting your blood pumped out for Caine knows what reason.
<@ST> "As a cow fatted for milk," Jeremy says harshly.
* Maximiliano restates the question with a patient tone, his gaze occasionally flitting to the exits from the room.
<SamTheMalkavian> A glance around, and a blink. "Maybe they were feeding the wolf." A shrug, as if it didn't matter. "I remember her. A voice. A kiss. Then screaming for so long." A pause again. "...What's today?"
<Maximiliano> "Wolf?" he cocks an eyebrow
* SamTheMalkavian makes a motion at Jeremy. "The one that's going to kill him."
<@ST> Jeremy blinks and cocks his head. "Feeding the wolf?"
<Maximiliano> "I'm talking to a Malkavian aren't I. Ugghhhh."
* Maximiliano lets out a noise of frustration, his patient tone fading.
<SamTheMalkavian> "That's what... You know Jessica?"
<@ST> Jeremy lunges forward suddenly and grabs ahold of the errant Cainite. "That wolf is dead! He's FUCKING DEAD! Do you hear me! DEAD!" His fangs are out and he's inches away from Sam's face.
<Spire> "...The crazy is catching."
* SamTheMalkavian lets out a sudden shriek of shock and lunges away... or tries, anyway. He probably doesnt get far, closets not being particularly large.
<@ST> He picks him up easily and slams him into the plaster of the wall, burying him halfway in the wall before pulling himself away.
<Maximiliano> "Calm down Jeremy! We don't know that he's talking about your lupine past! We need to focus on the now."
<Spire> "Calm down, Jeremy."
<SamTheMalkavian> "...Meep?"
<@ST> Jeremy's claws rake the wall next to Sam's head, and then he pulls himself away with overwhelming willpower. Snarling all the while as he struggles with his Beast.
* SamTheMalkavian goes wide-eyed and curls up against the wall, eyes focused on Jeremy, unable to tear them away as his mouth works soundlessly. Waking up to screaming and blood and death wasn't what he expected after so long alone.
<Maximiliano> "We don't have time for this. This Katja is still at large and possibly calling for back up. You" he snaps at Sam
<@ST> He comes back after a moment from across the room. "You can question him, I'm going to search the dead," he snarls, agreeing with Max.
<Maximiliano> "You will either help us or you will be a liability to our Pack. You do not want to make me choose between dallying with your issues and the concerns of my Pack."
<Maximiliano> "It is not a decision that will end in your favor. Understand?"
* SamTheMalkavian seems to visibly relax with Jeremy out of the room. Fucking monster... His eyes snap up to Max and he blinks. "...Help?"
<Maximiliano> "We need information. You are in the lair of a group of fucking Vampires called Setites. They were pumping out your blood."
<Maximiliano> "Do you have any idea why, or who runs this place?"
<SamTheMalkavian> "...Katja is the only one I know... She took me. Occasionally even fed me... But then..." A sudden touch of his hand to the gaping wound in his chest. "Holy. Shit."
<Maximiliano> "You were staked. Yes. It's out now. I'm keeping it. Moving right along."
<@ST> Jeremy waves Spire over to one downed ghoul, something small in his hand.
<Maximiliano> "Keep focused lick. Keep telling me what you know."
<@ST> "Spire, c'mere and look at this," he says, holding a mobile phone covered in blood.
<Spire> He strides over at Jeremy's intimation, crouching and taking the phone. "If this thing starts blaring out 'Poker Face', I swear..."
* SamTheMalkavian lets his eyes focus on Max for a minute... especially on the large sword he is only now noticing. He becomes more visibly nervous again, but his voice remains steady. "What you see is what you get, I guess... I remember something about junkies, something about testing. They had to let me loose to feed me sometimes... tasted funny. Always tasted funny. Sometimes like sparkles."
<@ST> "Hrm. Look at the texts," says Jeremy.
<Spire> A few thumb presses, and the history of texts flips up.
<Maximiliano> "Hrmm. I'm guessing this drug Hex, was using your blood to ghoul people. Fucking Setites."
<Maximiliano> "Find anything back there boys and girls?"
* Maximiliano cranes his neck, glancing behind him.
<Spire> "Possibly."
<@ST> "Looks interesting."
* Maximiliano nods and looks back to Sam. "Alright then. A few more questions. Who is Jessica? The one who made you a Vampire? Embraced you, as we call it?"
<SamTheMalkavian> "...Ghoul people." Blink, and then he answers Max's question. "Yeah. Embraced she called it too. I guess you don't know her after all. Too bad. I'd like to see her again."
<Maximiliano> "I don't. But we may know people who do. We'll see. For now you've got a few options:
* SamTheMalkavian interrupts Max with a quick "Whichever one doesn't have me turned over to the Tower."
<Spire> "Some of this isn't too helpful without context."
<Maximiliano> You can fuck off right out of here. That is an option. The Sabbat is about choice, and you can go your own way if you want."
* SamTheMalkavian blinks again. "S..Sabbat? You're WITCHES?"
<Maximiliano> "...Nnno."
<Maximiliano> "Look, I'll explain another time. Who the hell is the Tower?"
<Spire> "Who's Henri? Adrienne? Good Hope? ...The Director? Warlocks? The Chantry? ...Blue Bloods and Elysium."
<Spire> "I don't suppose either of you can make sense of any of this."
<Maximiliano> "Adrienne is the Prince of Pittsburgh. The Chantry is the Treme headquarters."
<Maximiliano> "Elysium is where the Camarilla meets."
<SamTheMalkavian> "Jessica talked about them. Scary bastards, she said. Owned like everything. Big Brother, you know." shrug. "Said they'd kill me."
<@ST> "Good Hope is the name of a major hospital over on the other side of the line. Good Hope Trauma Center and Care."
<Maximiliano> "Rrright...well, okay, let me explain something. What is your name?"
<SamTheMalkavian> "...Sam."
<Maximiliano> "Sam. Your ah...-bloodline- of Vampires is called Clan Malkavian. They're known for having visions, you see. Hallucinations even."
<Maximiliano> "Sometimes, it makes it hard for them to discern reality."
* SamTheMalkavian gets a faintly offended look, but doesn't comment.
<Maximiliano> "It's possible Jessica could have been rambling about something that doesn't exist."
<Maximiliano> "That said..."
<Maximiliano> "Malkavians also sometimes see things that are genuine hidden truths. I'd never claim they don't."
<Maximiliano> "Take it with a grain of salt."
<Maximiliano> "Now then, what are you lot babbling about back there?"
<SamTheMalkavian> "Like you and the robot."
<Maximiliano> "I have no idea what you're talking about Sam."
<Spire> "...Aha. We have a jackpot."
<SamTheMalkavian> "You. I guess it's you. Swordfighting the Terminator." A shrug. "Doesn't matter."
<Spire> "They have a warehouse down by the river. They were about to take our friend here down there. Seems they were just about done with him."
<@ST> "Yeah, you're not kidding. No wonder she wanted them to get her phone. Not to mention we've got some definite leads on what's going on with the Camarilla."
<Maximiliano> "That's a start. We can interpret the rest later. It sounds like the Setites were in bed with the Cammies though."
* Maximiliano looks back to Sam, "I gave you your options. We're moving out, to investigate the rest of this building and then this warehouse."
<Maximiliano> "Pick one."
<Maximiliano> "Spire, scout out the rest of the place for us?"
<@ST> Jeremy looks at Sam. "For I am the life and the resurrection," he quotes.
<SamTheMalkavian> "...Hey, you're the answer man. And scary boy there is Jesus I guess. Can't say no to Jesus. Wouldn't be polite."
<Spire> Handing the phone over to Max so he can take a look at the contents and be on the same page as the rest of them, Spire slips off to check out the remainder of the building.
* Maximiliano looks it over, "Jeremy, Warlocks is slang for Tremere yes?"
<@ST> Jeremy walks over the Max. "Yeah, it is."
<Maximiliano> "Right. Thought so." he nods after a few moments thought.
<Maximiliano> "This text history will be more telling once put in the hands of our superiors. For now we focus on the warehouse."
<Spire> Returning not long after, he shakes his head to the three. "More chems, but that's about it. Looks like everything of interest was up here."
* Maximiliano nods. "And Katja is long gone. Right. Lets get moving. Sam? Grab a weapon from the dead. And feed"
<Maximiliano> "You're useless to us drained."
<@ST> "Ah, so. Fire then? Yes?" he asks, before replenishing himself on a fallen ghoul.
<Maximiliano> "What, for this building?"
* SamTheMalkavian looks up at Max for a moment, but right about then notices just how much he really IS starving at the moment. A gulp, and a greedy glance at the corpses... and a distasteful glare at the waste, and Sam waits for Max to leave the closet before shuffling out to find something to... dip into.
<@ST> "Yes, for the building. We have a reputation to live up to afterall," he says with a smirk.
* Maximiliano nods, "Works for me."
<@ST> Jeremy and Max seem to be talking hurredly.
* Maximiliano finally nods, looking vaguely vexed.
<Maximiliano> "You get to explain this one Jeremy."
<@ST> "That would be my honor and my penance, Ductus," Jeremy says. "But once we get back to the house. For now..." he trails off, reaching into one of the boxes and digging around to find a large jar marked "FLAMMABLE".
* Maximiliano looks to Sam. "You may wish to head outside, to our car."
<Maximiliano> "You're probably too young to keep your cool in the face of fire."
<@ST> He tosses it against the wall, and watches as it floods down the wall. The chemical stink instantly fills the air.
<Maximiliano> "And I really don't want to have to go through the trouble of subduing a frenzied lick."
* SamTheMalkavian looks up, then blinks, and with a flash of realization, just nods and makes for the door. Of course, he remembers to pick up one of the pistols from the corpses, mostly because he'd been told to. Not questioning batshit demands had become pretty much second nature by now.
<Spire> "...Right. I'll go babysit the loon." Spire follows calmly after the path of the Malkavian, to the jeep.
* Maximiliano lends a hand with Jeremy, prepping the place for immolation.
<@ST> Jeremy smiles at Max, and then pulls out a silver zippo. "Ready?" he asks, flicking the wheel. Once, twice, and then producing a flame.
<Maximiliano> "Always."
* SamTheMalkavian gives Spire a faint smile. "I'm sorry about your friend."
<@ST> Jeremy touches the flame to the chemical spilling across the floor. It races along the walls and wood instantly, eating hungrily at the house.
<@ST> It stirs your Beasts for a moment, and when you see it crawling across the ceiling, you feel something twist inside you. "Let's go," says Jeremy a little huskily.
* Maximiliano nods in satisfaction and begins to make his way for the exit, fighting the inherent desire to flee more speedily.
<Maximiliano> "Homeward bound, let us regroup."
<Spire> To that, Spire gives Sam a blank look. Not having the slightest clue what he's going on about.
* SamTheMalkavian just gives Spire a big bright smile and a pat on the shoulder, then waits for the others at the jeep.
<@ST> As Max and Jeremy come out of the house, you two see flames starting to lick out of the boarded up windows on the third floor. "Oh good, glad to see it has its wheels still," comments Jeremy, who loads into the jeep.
* Maximiliano hops up into the back with a sigh, "Lets be gone from this place. And Jeremy? We need to talk to someone about this sword. Not sure who, but someone."
<Maximiliano> "It worries and pleases me in equal measures."
<@ST> Jeremy glances over at Max as he heads to the interstate. "Yeah, I saw that," he mutters. "And you wonder why I didn't want you to hit me with it that week," he says.
* SamTheMalkavian glances at Max for a moment, just... looking at him, a puzzled look on his face, but doesn't speak. Interesting.
<Maximiliano> "What's the name of that female pack in the area, the rumored mystics? Convent of the Blackened Moon or something?"
<Maximiliano> "They might be able to help."
<Maximiliano> "But that's an issue for another time."
<SamTheMalkavian> "...I thought you said you weren't witches?"
<Maximiliano> "We aren't. They might be."
<SamTheMalkavian> "I think I need a flow chart." Then he falls silent.
<@ST> The drive seems to be simaltaneously take too long and be over too soon as you all pull into the Open Arms. "Yeah, them or the East Village Head Hunters. I guess some theurges from Montreal came down to join their pack after that Lupine fucked them up."
<Maximiliano> "I can do Venn Diagrams too" he replies with characteristic dry humor.
<@ST> "The Coven lives somewhere in the woods though. No clue how they pull it off, but they do," he says as he pulls into the garage and shuts it behind them. Muttering to himself "I hate rushing this," he says as he leaps out of the jeep.
<Maximiliano> "The woods? I do not like the sound of that."
<@ST> He punches the code into the door, and opens it up. "Bring him up to the roof? I'll go get what we need," he says.
* Maximiliano nods, "Fall in line Sam, we don't have a lot of time to spare here." and with that he begins making his way roof-wards.
<SamTheMalkavian> "Sir yes sir."
<@ST> Jeremy pulls out the fireproof box, and digs out his satchel, heading back up to the roof behind Spire, Sam, and Max.
<Maximiliano> "Jeremy will explain the nature of what is about to happen. Suffice it to say, it is...somewhat of a precautionary measure."
<SamTheMalkavian> "...Is it going to hurt more than being stabbed in the chest and sucked dry for God knows how long?"
<SamTheMalkavian> "And what the Christ is that smell?"
<@ST> Jeremy comes up to the roof. "If you fuck this up, yes," he says flatly, heading over to the altar and laying out a single bladed knife and chalice.
<@ST> "You," he points at Sam. "Kneel before the altar," he tells him.
<@ST> Jeremy motions for Spire and Max to join him on the other side of the altar. To their knowledge, this is the first time they have been with him on this side as part of ritae.
* SamTheMalkavian blinks for a moment, cocks his head to the side and makes a glance past the altar for a moment, as if something were bothering him, but approaches and pauses. "...One knee or two?"
<@ST> "Both," he says. "You approach as a supplicant."
* Maximiliano takes his appointed position with arms folded behind his back, he fixes Sam with a neutral expression as he awaits the conducting of the Ritae.
* SamTheMalkavian obediantly drops to both knees, but seems to not entirely be paying attention. He obeys well enough though.
<@ST> Jeremy holds the blade and points at Sam. "You have the blood of Caine in your veins, ignorant though you are. You have been a tool of the Antediluvians to this point, a slave to your desires. No more," he says, slicing down his arm. "This is the True Blood of the Sabbat, and with it, you take your first steps into our Communion."
* SamTheMalkavian hisses, suddenly paying VERY close attention to the man with the knife.
<@ST> The blood spills into the chalice, dark and rich. "This is the blood of the priest, who is the soul of our battle." He reaches for Max's arm, sliding the sleeve up to expose the wrist. "This is the blood of the ductus, our leader in battle and the heart of the struggle." He says as he slices.
<@ST> The blood mingles, and he gives Max back his arm, and takes Spire's. "This is the blood of the angel of Caine, who is the spine that holds us together, the support which the Sabbat so needs," he says as he cuts.
* SamTheMalkavian watches very closely, his enhanced senses picking out details that to anyone else would be irrelevant. Perhaps for good reason, as many of them didn't mean much. And yet, he watched and listened, raptly fascinated by the proceeding. It had the feel of religion to it. Maybe he really WAS Jesus...
* Maximiliano wordlessly complies with his part in the Ritae, unfazed by the blood letting which has become routine at this stage.
<@ST> The blood mingles again, and he thrusts the chalice to the sky, and then in front of Sam. "This is the Body of the Sword of Caine, this is the Blood of the Sabbat. This is the freedom and the duty, the burden and the honor. Drink and be reborn," he whispers.
* SamTheMalkavian hesitates for a moment, as if he wasn't really sure whether he was actually literally supposed to, well, take the thing and drink from it. But as it became clear that was the intent, he reached out for it and looked into it for a moment. Something struck him in that moment, and his lips moved soundlessly as if he were speaking without saying anything. A moment later, he drank.
<@ST> Jeremy's smile is hard and tight while he watches you drink. "Welcome to the war, recruit," he says after a moment.
lol What?
I liked the sample pack at the end, but "Sunshine" seemed a little too blargh for me. 9 years old, but Dex 5 and Brawl 5 and aggro damage all the time. Not "soul eaters" bad, but just a bit eye rolling.
EDIT: Ah-ha. irc.darkmyst.org
Though Fiaryn had said we were picking this up tonight, and nobody's here. >.>
Its going to be Thursday, 3/18 for the involved. Hope to see everyone there!