The crowds dispersed, and the state returned to semi-normalcy. The court of His majesty, Prince Romero Maladante was held as scheduled. We were invited to the seven deadly sins, as per the norm, save this time we met prior to formal Court, in a separate location within the building -not- deemed Elysium. During the meeting itself, Master Montoya announced a proposition. He asked us all to individually reintroduce ourselves to the court and to speak briefly as to better get to know one another. He began with himself and so one by one individuals began the process.
Early on in the process I noted that Alder Murdoch and his new childe made a late entrance. I must admit, his presence made me feel ill, though judging by the expression on his face, he was more uncomfortable coming out of the woodwork.
I know the stories that many of the city's resident have under their belts, but nonetheless the elders of the city are not storytellers. I found myself drawn to the newer members of the court, their stories unknown and fresh. I was most disappointing by Master Santiago and Lord Devonshire. Rather than serve as an example to the other members of the praxis, they chose to cling to their pride and make an arrogant statements of infamy. They are fooling no one. You see, the largest flaw to the event was a lack of preparation. Individuals became so focused on what they could say to impress the collective, that many focused on what they would say once it came around for them to speak, or in the case of Master Santiago, how they could steal the show. Master Montoya would have had much more success had he given individuals several days warning to prepare a statement rather than a few minutes.
Master Santiago did remind me of the legacy left behind by Her Grace, Duchess E. Wyndham. It is most unfortunate that the duchy over so many cities were given so hastily.
It was then decided that court proper would be held in Elysium. I found the choice to be backwards. Elysium should be a place to foster discussion. A prince that holds court in Elysium handicaps himself. Beyond that, Elysium should be a location which the praxis wishes to remain unscathed, not a safe house with which to entice members to attend court. Court is attended because the Prince requires it, and that should suffice for all.
Master Bosen Walker approached me between the two locations asking for mercy in some regard. I found the act to be self incriminating, and mildly pathetic. Nonetheless he expressed an uncharacteristic degree of respect for which I am grateful. I will find out who was responsible for the antics at the Santa Fe gathering, and only after the details have been confirmed shall he have my ear.
In Elysium itself, conversations continued. We were kept waiting for a few minutes, and in came the procession. After presentations, Father Cade announced his support for Sister Morgan Vaughn as bishop. The Lancea Sanctum has been having internal issues since well before Arthur Samuels left the Sanctified. I was happy that Sister Vaughn was now acting Bishop, but the idea that Cade was somehow advocating it somehow soiled the victory. I fear that his stamp of approval will ruin the opinions of influential Sanctified, and I have been working for sometime to make sure she got there on her own accord. Best laid plans.
On the subject of Bishop Vaughn, she gave me that knowing look pleading for some sort of support. I realized I had not brought up the situation regarding Mr. Finnegan. Master Santiago was appropriately accused of attempted murder, and so the back and forth began anew. Mr Finnegan proved that not only was he a terrible excuse of an assassin, he was an incompetent kindred overall with no abilities to tailor his behavior once he had been caught. Father Cade asked of me to hand the investigation to the Mekhet as a whole. He paid the appropriate prestation under the pretense that I would have final say as to whether or not the situation had been resolved. I have plans for Master Santiago. He will never learn.
The situation with Ethel escalated to an interesting level. She now claims domain over Santa Fe with the blessing of former Regent, Master Santiago. I wonder if he has gone insane or merely grasps at straws to gain any ground these days. He would do himself a great service in finding better company. Lord knows, her monstrous behaviors are rubbing off.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Santa Fe, city of peace?
OOC: some of the sequence of events are likely off due to the sheer amount of scenes. This is a player mistake. The diary would not suffer from this issue.
Kindred from near and far gathered in Santa Fe this weekend to celebrate the period of peace within the state; a premise which has cost many of us blood, sweat, and turmoil. This situation is a construct of the kindred condition. We create a veneer for everyone to see, to hide away all the ugly that pervades the our requiem. It is our individual choice whether or not to revel and celebrate what is accomplished in said veneer, to ruin its integrity for others by pointing out that it is simply a veneer, or to use its mantle as a means to further your agenda. I have been called a fool before, but I very much intend to foster that peace so long as it lasts.
As in all things, there are exceptions and hypocrisies that are a needed element to this process. This month, I lost a dear friend to me: Prince Donaghan of Colorado Springs. When I heard of his demise, and the circumstances surrounding it my rage was indeed great. Emotions wax and wane, and now I have the clarity to see what must be done and the patience mustered to collect on my vendetta. It is a shame the murderers of Prince Donaghan did not attend our soiree. I had a pleasant welcome awaiting them.
When I arrived on scene, I was displeased to hear that the Invictus procession had been cancelled in the interests of expediency. No matter. I took a position at the head table and looked out into the crowd. Master Santiago welcomed our guests and apologized for the tardiness of the council of bishops. I commend him on his speaking abilities, even considering the rather bland nature of the topic at hand.
I stood to take the stage for a moment, readdressed my stance regarding the state, and formally extended my hand to the proxy of Prince Sullivan, Bishop Sebaska. I always get the impression that he sees me as artificial, an underlying sense of disdain and fear pervading his very being. It is for this fear of leadership, this lack of quality, that Bishop Sebaska will never become Archbishop Sebaska. Nonetheless, he took my hand and exchanged kind words, and the gesture is respected.
I took to the floor and began the process of socialization. Our guests were welcoming and respectful. They included dignitaries such as Sir Johnny Walker, Prince Harrison of Los Angeles, Prince Rathstein of Austin, the personality known as Lord Astor, the Carthian mastermind Alexander Thibodeaux, and many others. Rumour had it that Alder Aleksander Murdoch was also present. I was most pleased to see the return of Baron LaRoque as well.
That rumour was confirmed when Master Santiago came to us distressed that his prized ghoul had been embraced. It was both surprising and disappointing. Alder Murdoch operates in ways I would deem as insane, but there is a method to his madness that demands the caution of others. It must have been a powerful blow to the ego of Master Santiago, but in a way I see it as a karmic toll for all of his own machinations. One good turn deserves another.
Mass followed shortly thereafter. It was announced that we were to have an Invictus meeting, though I made it clear that I intended to attend mass, and that the Invictus meeting would honor the tradition of waiting for its elders. I was pleasantly surprised by the content of Bishop Sebaska's first mass. It was a quality reading from the book of Longinus followed by partaking of blood from the chalice. Very simple and to the point. I would suggest to him to abbreviate the next reading as to not lose his audience and amend speaking to his congregation on what is to be learned and applied from said reading.
Shortly following mass I was approached by Mr. Thomas of the Ordo. He exclaimed to me that he was privy to a meeting in which he was informed that my clothing were now worth boons, especially my sash, which was to be worth a major boon. I found the idea amusing albeit perturbing. It was also made known that the individual would provide a major boon for presenting him a staked member of Alder Aurelius' house. The matter became more pester some when some of our guests from the Carthian Movement chastised Mr. Thomas for letting the proverbial cat out of the bag. The meeting was then explained to me in some detail, but Mr. Bosen Walker, Prince Maladante and Aleksander Murdoch were all implicated in the matter. The matter to this day is confusing. Who did what and said what is a mystery to me, but nonetheless became the subject of my obsessions for the remainder of the evening.
During my last conversation with the Carthians, I was made aware of a situation in which Wraith Wax was attacked by Mr. Finnegan of the Invictus. I will say I was amused by the notion, but that amusement was overshadowed by the concern I had regarding the peace between our two cities. I am certain that an attack against Wraith would be seen not as the extermination of an accomplice to one of the more foul monsters I had encountered, and more of an attack against an officer of the Rio Rancho court. Lord Astor filled me in on the situation, and a large group of individuals formed a ring outside the bounds of Elysium. Mr. Finnegan was interrogated, during which a name I had never heard of before was brought up. Nonetheless, the brazen attack on Miss Wax would likely cost me in some fashion down the road, and so I had to resist the urge to squish Mr. Finnegan like the liability he had proven himself to be. Nonetheless, I had to agree with Lord Astor in that Mr. Finnegan needed an Au Pair, and as the only one present, I begrudgingly agreed to take him on.
When I returned to the event I came upon Mr. Carter destroying the diablerist responsible for the absence of the council of bishops of Santa Fe before the entirety of the assembled guests. There was a mild sense of regret in not being aware nor being able to participate in said execution, but the matter was settled and I was satisfied. Sir Walker commended Mr. Carter to me personally, and suggested some prestation for him during our next court. Master Santiago took the stage, upon which he declared himself acting Regent of Santa Fe.
Shortly thereafter a matter concerning the strix reared its head. Mr. Maxwell of the Ordo was to be checked for possession. Sir Finch confirmed that indeed, he was not. The accusers also accused Miss. Wraith Wax of acting particularly suspiciously when asked to be confirmed as well, so much so that she seemed to take offense and fled the grounds. Lord Astor and Acolyte Tek decided that they would ensure she would be found and cleared of possession. I left them to their own devices to hunt her down.
Sir Walker returned with information from Mr. JD. He said to me that Mr. Bosen Walker and Prince Maladante were responsible for the invitations, and boon exchange earlier brought to my attention. Conversations changed and so came the topic of the machinations of Aleksander Murdoch once again. Prince Maladante was asked if he was responsible for the invitations and he denied that he was involved. His aura did not betray his honesty. I asked Lord Astor to retrieve Alder Murdoch for me. He gleefully complied.
I then met with Mr. Cosmo, also of the Ordo. Mr Cosmo was one of the more interesting individuals I had encountered in some time. He has a predatory feel about him that made you feel like a piece of meat. Nonetheless his talents at bathing were unmatched by any Galloi I had previously encountered. I followed him, Viscount Eric in tow, to the bus haven that this creature inhabited. He provided me with lacrima grown from the vitae of the Ventrue, and a massage. My relaxation would not last, as my absence from the event would not be tolerated. I apologized to Mr. Cosmo as an almost carnival-esque cavalcade of personalities entered his haven to exchange conversation with us. This which were deemed insurmountably important by Prince Maladante and Master Montoya were cast to the winds of mystery. I never knew what it was that they wanted me to attend to. If I had left, the bath would not take, and my desire to see Alder Murdoch humiliated would not allow me to do so.
The second call of the evening was from Sister Morgan. She came to the bus and showed to me the bolt lodged in her back where Mister Finnegan had been hired by Master Santiago to destroy her. I realized then that Mister Finnegan was not with me. Mister Finnegan either has the acuity of a child or is a masochist. I filed it away to be dealt with, my bath was complete.
Upon returning, I was pulled aside yet again by Sir Walker, this time to address Master Santiago's desire to destroy her former ghoul for the violation of the second Tradition. Sir Walker thought it gauche to destroy the victim of the crime, and made it his goal to ensure she would not only survive, but receive acknowledgement from the Santa Fe Court. As acting Regent, Master Santiago took the stage and announced the acknowledgement of his former ghoul, now childe of Aleksander Murdoch. Lord Astor Returned with Alder Murdoch just in time to witness her acknowledgement. He seemed pleased. How awkward.
We spoke a few seconds, the meaningless motions surrounding his usual greetings, and moved toward a table in the rear. It seemed as though we had our Invictus meeting after all.
Master Santiago and Alder Murdoch hashed out their differences regarding the illegitimate childe. Boons were exchanged, as well as a fair helping of interplay between the two. I am most disappointed in the assembled parties in some regard. The traditions were brought up, and the rational behind some of them, but as in all things the core traditions have purpose. The prince sanctions an embrace to control the kindred population he is responsible for, ensure that the herd is able to support said population, and thus preserve the masquerade. For Alder Murdoch to claim that he had embraced his new childe outside the bounds of the city spoke volumes of him. He is dishonorable. Nonetheless the matter had been resolved and so I was disinterested in pushing the matter needlessly.
I now had the floor regarding personal matters at hand. I tossed my sash on the table to claim my major boon from him. Alder Murdoch was questions to which he denied involvement. He seemed to be speaking truth, but the Sir Finch's psychometry said otherwise. I tasked him with clearing his name. He in turn offered me a boon in holding until such a time when his name was cleared.
Sir Walker asked for my presence at my last meeting for the evening. This was a matter concerning the Ordo, the rise of the brides of Dracula, and army of brood in Russia. I had not heard of the ordeal, but it certainly sounded like something that would soon reverberate through the collective requiem of us all.
Ah, the evening was over, or so I thought. Baron Laroque came to me seeking something be done about the missing relics. Apparently members of the movement had stolen them. Sir Walker stated plainly that he had the Invictus sword. Baron Laroque seemed perplexed by the notion of taking it without the consensus of the Invictus. It became an argument in which Sir Walker looked to be harboring a thief, and Baron LaRoque to be a back talking subordinate who doesn't know when to be quiet. I knew neither was the case, but I was not certain Sir Walker nor Baron LaRoque knew this of the other. With some simple diplomacy the situation was resolved. The sword would be returned to the Invictus of New Mexico after some study.
Prince Rathstein approached me at the tail end of the gathering as we were all readying ourselves to leave. He knew who had penned the invitations, and the situation surrounding the rumors flying about throughout the evening. Nonetheless he could not tell me as it would be breaking his word to someone else. I respected his position, and appreciated the gesture. It left me with just enough information to come to a conclusion: I need to find another Lynx.
Kindred from near and far gathered in Santa Fe this weekend to celebrate the period of peace within the state; a premise which has cost many of us blood, sweat, and turmoil. This situation is a construct of the kindred condition. We create a veneer for everyone to see, to hide away all the ugly that pervades the our requiem. It is our individual choice whether or not to revel and celebrate what is accomplished in said veneer, to ruin its integrity for others by pointing out that it is simply a veneer, or to use its mantle as a means to further your agenda. I have been called a fool before, but I very much intend to foster that peace so long as it lasts.
As in all things, there are exceptions and hypocrisies that are a needed element to this process. This month, I lost a dear friend to me: Prince Donaghan of Colorado Springs. When I heard of his demise, and the circumstances surrounding it my rage was indeed great. Emotions wax and wane, and now I have the clarity to see what must be done and the patience mustered to collect on my vendetta. It is a shame the murderers of Prince Donaghan did not attend our soiree. I had a pleasant welcome awaiting them.
When I arrived on scene, I was displeased to hear that the Invictus procession had been cancelled in the interests of expediency. No matter. I took a position at the head table and looked out into the crowd. Master Santiago welcomed our guests and apologized for the tardiness of the council of bishops. I commend him on his speaking abilities, even considering the rather bland nature of the topic at hand.
I stood to take the stage for a moment, readdressed my stance regarding the state, and formally extended my hand to the proxy of Prince Sullivan, Bishop Sebaska. I always get the impression that he sees me as artificial, an underlying sense of disdain and fear pervading his very being. It is for this fear of leadership, this lack of quality, that Bishop Sebaska will never become Archbishop Sebaska. Nonetheless, he took my hand and exchanged kind words, and the gesture is respected.
I took to the floor and began the process of socialization. Our guests were welcoming and respectful. They included dignitaries such as Sir Johnny Walker, Prince Harrison of Los Angeles, Prince Rathstein of Austin, the personality known as Lord Astor, the Carthian mastermind Alexander Thibodeaux, and many others. Rumour had it that Alder Aleksander Murdoch was also present. I was most pleased to see the return of Baron LaRoque as well.
That rumour was confirmed when Master Santiago came to us distressed that his prized ghoul had been embraced. It was both surprising and disappointing. Alder Murdoch operates in ways I would deem as insane, but there is a method to his madness that demands the caution of others. It must have been a powerful blow to the ego of Master Santiago, but in a way I see it as a karmic toll for all of his own machinations. One good turn deserves another.
Mass followed shortly thereafter. It was announced that we were to have an Invictus meeting, though I made it clear that I intended to attend mass, and that the Invictus meeting would honor the tradition of waiting for its elders. I was pleasantly surprised by the content of Bishop Sebaska's first mass. It was a quality reading from the book of Longinus followed by partaking of blood from the chalice. Very simple and to the point. I would suggest to him to abbreviate the next reading as to not lose his audience and amend speaking to his congregation on what is to be learned and applied from said reading.
Shortly following mass I was approached by Mr. Thomas of the Ordo. He exclaimed to me that he was privy to a meeting in which he was informed that my clothing were now worth boons, especially my sash, which was to be worth a major boon. I found the idea amusing albeit perturbing. It was also made known that the individual would provide a major boon for presenting him a staked member of Alder Aurelius' house. The matter became more pester some when some of our guests from the Carthian Movement chastised Mr. Thomas for letting the proverbial cat out of the bag. The meeting was then explained to me in some detail, but Mr. Bosen Walker, Prince Maladante and Aleksander Murdoch were all implicated in the matter. The matter to this day is confusing. Who did what and said what is a mystery to me, but nonetheless became the subject of my obsessions for the remainder of the evening.
During my last conversation with the Carthians, I was made aware of a situation in which Wraith Wax was attacked by Mr. Finnegan of the Invictus. I will say I was amused by the notion, but that amusement was overshadowed by the concern I had regarding the peace between our two cities. I am certain that an attack against Wraith would be seen not as the extermination of an accomplice to one of the more foul monsters I had encountered, and more of an attack against an officer of the Rio Rancho court. Lord Astor filled me in on the situation, and a large group of individuals formed a ring outside the bounds of Elysium. Mr. Finnegan was interrogated, during which a name I had never heard of before was brought up. Nonetheless, the brazen attack on Miss Wax would likely cost me in some fashion down the road, and so I had to resist the urge to squish Mr. Finnegan like the liability he had proven himself to be. Nonetheless, I had to agree with Lord Astor in that Mr. Finnegan needed an Au Pair, and as the only one present, I begrudgingly agreed to take him on.
When I returned to the event I came upon Mr. Carter destroying the diablerist responsible for the absence of the council of bishops of Santa Fe before the entirety of the assembled guests. There was a mild sense of regret in not being aware nor being able to participate in said execution, but the matter was settled and I was satisfied. Sir Walker commended Mr. Carter to me personally, and suggested some prestation for him during our next court. Master Santiago took the stage, upon which he declared himself acting Regent of Santa Fe.
Shortly thereafter a matter concerning the strix reared its head. Mr. Maxwell of the Ordo was to be checked for possession. Sir Finch confirmed that indeed, he was not. The accusers also accused Miss. Wraith Wax of acting particularly suspiciously when asked to be confirmed as well, so much so that she seemed to take offense and fled the grounds. Lord Astor and Acolyte Tek decided that they would ensure she would be found and cleared of possession. I left them to their own devices to hunt her down.
Sir Walker returned with information from Mr. JD. He said to me that Mr. Bosen Walker and Prince Maladante were responsible for the invitations, and boon exchange earlier brought to my attention. Conversations changed and so came the topic of the machinations of Aleksander Murdoch once again. Prince Maladante was asked if he was responsible for the invitations and he denied that he was involved. His aura did not betray his honesty. I asked Lord Astor to retrieve Alder Murdoch for me. He gleefully complied.
I then met with Mr. Cosmo, also of the Ordo. Mr Cosmo was one of the more interesting individuals I had encountered in some time. He has a predatory feel about him that made you feel like a piece of meat. Nonetheless his talents at bathing were unmatched by any Galloi I had previously encountered. I followed him, Viscount Eric in tow, to the bus haven that this creature inhabited. He provided me with lacrima grown from the vitae of the Ventrue, and a massage. My relaxation would not last, as my absence from the event would not be tolerated. I apologized to Mr. Cosmo as an almost carnival-esque cavalcade of personalities entered his haven to exchange conversation with us. This which were deemed insurmountably important by Prince Maladante and Master Montoya were cast to the winds of mystery. I never knew what it was that they wanted me to attend to. If I had left, the bath would not take, and my desire to see Alder Murdoch humiliated would not allow me to do so.
The second call of the evening was from Sister Morgan. She came to the bus and showed to me the bolt lodged in her back where Mister Finnegan had been hired by Master Santiago to destroy her. I realized then that Mister Finnegan was not with me. Mister Finnegan either has the acuity of a child or is a masochist. I filed it away to be dealt with, my bath was complete.
Upon returning, I was pulled aside yet again by Sir Walker, this time to address Master Santiago's desire to destroy her former ghoul for the violation of the second Tradition. Sir Walker thought it gauche to destroy the victim of the crime, and made it his goal to ensure she would not only survive, but receive acknowledgement from the Santa Fe Court. As acting Regent, Master Santiago took the stage and announced the acknowledgement of his former ghoul, now childe of Aleksander Murdoch. Lord Astor Returned with Alder Murdoch just in time to witness her acknowledgement. He seemed pleased. How awkward.
We spoke a few seconds, the meaningless motions surrounding his usual greetings, and moved toward a table in the rear. It seemed as though we had our Invictus meeting after all.
Master Santiago and Alder Murdoch hashed out their differences regarding the illegitimate childe. Boons were exchanged, as well as a fair helping of interplay between the two. I am most disappointed in the assembled parties in some regard. The traditions were brought up, and the rational behind some of them, but as in all things the core traditions have purpose. The prince sanctions an embrace to control the kindred population he is responsible for, ensure that the herd is able to support said population, and thus preserve the masquerade. For Alder Murdoch to claim that he had embraced his new childe outside the bounds of the city spoke volumes of him. He is dishonorable. Nonetheless the matter had been resolved and so I was disinterested in pushing the matter needlessly.
I now had the floor regarding personal matters at hand. I tossed my sash on the table to claim my major boon from him. Alder Murdoch was questions to which he denied involvement. He seemed to be speaking truth, but the Sir Finch's psychometry said otherwise. I tasked him with clearing his name. He in turn offered me a boon in holding until such a time when his name was cleared.
Sir Walker asked for my presence at my last meeting for the evening. This was a matter concerning the Ordo, the rise of the brides of Dracula, and army of brood in Russia. I had not heard of the ordeal, but it certainly sounded like something that would soon reverberate through the collective requiem of us all.
Ah, the evening was over, or so I thought. Baron Laroque came to me seeking something be done about the missing relics. Apparently members of the movement had stolen them. Sir Walker stated plainly that he had the Invictus sword. Baron Laroque seemed perplexed by the notion of taking it without the consensus of the Invictus. It became an argument in which Sir Walker looked to be harboring a thief, and Baron LaRoque to be a back talking subordinate who doesn't know when to be quiet. I knew neither was the case, but I was not certain Sir Walker nor Baron LaRoque knew this of the other. With some simple diplomacy the situation was resolved. The sword would be returned to the Invictus of New Mexico after some study.
Prince Rathstein approached me at the tail end of the gathering as we were all readying ourselves to leave. He knew who had penned the invitations, and the situation surrounding the rumors flying about throughout the evening. Nonetheless he could not tell me as it would be breaking his word to someone else. I respected his position, and appreciated the gesture. It left me with just enough information to come to a conclusion: I need to find another Lynx.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Lady Luck favors the bold?
It is a bizarre occurrence that happens not infrequently when kindred society gathers, drops prior grudges, and cooperates. This past evening was one of those nights. We did not hold court, there was no kindred politics, and the external forces constantly battering at our collective's metaphorical gates just seemed to pause. One might say that the Requiem itself came to a screeching halt, all for the sake of a poker game.
On the game:
Master Santiago provided hospitality as well as the premise: gambling. Individuals were asked to buy into the game with a minor boon. This seemed rather benign, so I decided to participate regardless of my poor history with the game. Sitting down at the table, I understood that it was highly probably I would walk away one boon in the "red", which made the game all the more entertaining. Sure enough, the acolytes began to take a decisive lead early on but as in all games of chance, luck is fickle. It seems as though some karmic retribution or perhaps unchecked recklessness took Master Santiago out of the game before anyone else. Miss Clarissa, one of the newer acolytes, came in like a lion but exited Second. The game began to drag onward when only Mr. Sunshine, "Thomas," and I were left. The chips would flow in, and out, and just as soon as Mr. Thomas looked as though he was out for good, he began an amazing streak of victories. In an effort to take him out of the equation, or myself for that matter, I decided to go "all in" on a blind. One would consider this an unfavorable move, but the game grew stagnant and uninteresting with the pattern it was falling into. The cards were turned and shortly I was out of the game. C'est la vie.
The two victors from the other table joined ours and the game continued. Father Cade came into the game with a decisive lead, but it seemed that Sister Morgan would have none of it. She practically took all of the chips from Mr. Sunshine, and Mr. Thomas by herself. When the chips were counted, Father Cade had a marginal 10 pt lead. Morgan would loose chips and then in a bold move, doubled her pool. Again she began to loose, the anti at an all time high, and so the duo decided to go all in on the final hand. Two pair a piece, with the higher pair in the hands of Father Cade. Father Cade had won the tournament. I look forward to seeing what machinations are in store for the court as a result of this victory.
On the individuals:
It becomes difficult to trust Master Santiago, regardless of appearances, when boons are on the line. He is a slave to the very nature of his blood, and so he must be treated like a poisonous toad. The toads intentions may not be to kill the stork, but his nature is volatile nonetheless.
To see him go so soon in the game was good, though his mirth spoke volumes.
During the first few rounds, I was approached by Miss Narcissa. She was a bit off throughout the evening. She was aloof, and acted as though she wanted to speak to me, yet couldn't bring herself to breech whatever was dominating her mind. She gave me a letter to give to Alder Vertith Mereni during our upcoming gathering. I agreed to this. Then peculiarly she asked me if I was going to kill him. I've never given her the faintest impression I had any intent to do so, so it lends credibility to the rumors that he is a diablerist. I could not bring myself to give her the answer she wanted, so I instead offered her the answer I could; "It will depend on him." She nodded, and I returned to my hand.
I must say, that I was pleasantly surprised by the level of depth to the other indivuduals at the table, most notably Miss Clarissa. She has a level of sophistication and wit I found unexpected, especially for a member of the Ventrue clan. She was clever both in conversation and in her skill with cards.
Mr. Thomas had a great deal of mirth and was generally very pleasant. I have as of yet to understand what covenant he belongs to, but the repeated references from Miss Clarissa pegged him as a member of the Gangrel clan.
Mr. Sunshine was in high spirits up until a visitng member of the Carthian Movement became our dealer. He was mildly irate at the man, but gradually warmed up to his expertise in gambling. Las Vegas has its peculiar perks.
Once Sister Morgan cleaned out the Acolytes, I leaned in and jested to her "It seems as though you have my money." She smiled in amusement.
I could see a light in her eyes die when the final hand was dealt. The smug look on Father Cade's face cut deep into her mischievous facade. It will certainly be interesting to see how exactly Father Cade will make use of his boons.
On the game:
Master Santiago provided hospitality as well as the premise: gambling. Individuals were asked to buy into the game with a minor boon. This seemed rather benign, so I decided to participate regardless of my poor history with the game. Sitting down at the table, I understood that it was highly probably I would walk away one boon in the "red", which made the game all the more entertaining. Sure enough, the acolytes began to take a decisive lead early on but as in all games of chance, luck is fickle. It seems as though some karmic retribution or perhaps unchecked recklessness took Master Santiago out of the game before anyone else. Miss Clarissa, one of the newer acolytes, came in like a lion but exited Second. The game began to drag onward when only Mr. Sunshine, "Thomas," and I were left. The chips would flow in, and out, and just as soon as Mr. Thomas looked as though he was out for good, he began an amazing streak of victories. In an effort to take him out of the equation, or myself for that matter, I decided to go "all in" on a blind. One would consider this an unfavorable move, but the game grew stagnant and uninteresting with the pattern it was falling into. The cards were turned and shortly I was out of the game. C'est la vie.
The two victors from the other table joined ours and the game continued. Father Cade came into the game with a decisive lead, but it seemed that Sister Morgan would have none of it. She practically took all of the chips from Mr. Sunshine, and Mr. Thomas by herself. When the chips were counted, Father Cade had a marginal 10 pt lead. Morgan would loose chips and then in a bold move, doubled her pool. Again she began to loose, the anti at an all time high, and so the duo decided to go all in on the final hand. Two pair a piece, with the higher pair in the hands of Father Cade. Father Cade had won the tournament. I look forward to seeing what machinations are in store for the court as a result of this victory.
On the individuals:
It becomes difficult to trust Master Santiago, regardless of appearances, when boons are on the line. He is a slave to the very nature of his blood, and so he must be treated like a poisonous toad. The toads intentions may not be to kill the stork, but his nature is volatile nonetheless.
To see him go so soon in the game was good, though his mirth spoke volumes.
During the first few rounds, I was approached by Miss Narcissa. She was a bit off throughout the evening. She was aloof, and acted as though she wanted to speak to me, yet couldn't bring herself to breech whatever was dominating her mind. She gave me a letter to give to Alder Vertith Mereni during our upcoming gathering. I agreed to this. Then peculiarly she asked me if I was going to kill him. I've never given her the faintest impression I had any intent to do so, so it lends credibility to the rumors that he is a diablerist. I could not bring myself to give her the answer she wanted, so I instead offered her the answer I could; "It will depend on him." She nodded, and I returned to my hand.
I must say, that I was pleasantly surprised by the level of depth to the other indivuduals at the table, most notably Miss Clarissa. She has a level of sophistication and wit I found unexpected, especially for a member of the Ventrue clan. She was clever both in conversation and in her skill with cards.
Mr. Thomas had a great deal of mirth and was generally very pleasant. I have as of yet to understand what covenant he belongs to, but the repeated references from Miss Clarissa pegged him as a member of the Gangrel clan.
Mr. Sunshine was in high spirits up until a visitng member of the Carthian Movement became our dealer. He was mildly irate at the man, but gradually warmed up to his expertise in gambling. Las Vegas has its peculiar perks.
Once Sister Morgan cleaned out the Acolytes, I leaned in and jested to her "It seems as though you have my money." She smiled in amusement.
I could see a light in her eyes die when the final hand was dealt. The smug look on Father Cade's face cut deep into her mischievous facade. It will certainly be interesting to see how exactly Father Cade will make use of his boons.
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