"Or tendrils in your case Mr. Costa", Arthur grins. Then pauses for a moment his eyes gleaming, "Have they the precision to fire guns?!"
"Yes," Paolo said. "Those that mantle me in the Abyss are no better than my own hands and I am no marksman, but those I call from the Abyss on its own aren't corrupted by my flesh and will do better...at the expense of all subtlety. They can come from any shadow, but to be of use that way we need to get guns to them. More preparation on our side."
Damien lets out a sigh of relief that the "terrorist" plan is seemingly being shot down, after all the city has enough issues right now with out droves of national media and protestors and counter-protestors.
The Kiasyd slides over to Lydia and quietly whispers in her ear [smaller]"My love, this is...an unfortunate gathering...I suspect the less you hear of it the better. Go upstairs, put on a bit of music and try and relax. There are things that need to be done and plans that are being made that may make you think less of me."
Once Lydia leaves as instructed, Damien asks, "Alright, I'm not a fighter so to speak, but I'm willing to do my part...although I may be best suited for interrogation assistance than brute force."
Marcus scratches his chin and then says not burning the building down or blowing the area to hell does induce some limits. However Arthur, I still do not favor assault even from the roof. There are some chemical assaults that would do little to the building but much to its inhabitants. For instance pumping hydrochoric acid into their fire sprinkler lines from further down and then turning them on. I can think of several other useful chemicals if you find this idea difficult, and before you say it cannot be done, remember that I simply need one human with access to carry out my will anywhere
"Can you get us what we need right now Professor? That does indeed sound like a fine plan".
"Yes," Paolo said. "Those that mantle me in the Abyss are no better than my own hands and I am no marksman, but those I call from the Abyss on its own aren't corrupted by my flesh and will do better...at the expense of all subtlety. They can come from any shadow, but to be of use that way we need to get guns to them. More preparation on our side."
"Can such arms be summoned within the confines of ones own cloak or coat?"
Once Lydia leaves as instructed, Damien asks, "Alright, I'm not a fighter so to speak, but I'm willing to do my part...although I may be best suited for interrogation assistance than brute force."
"As with Ms. Reed then, a large gun for you, one with many, many rounds.
You also raise a good point about interrogations. Perhaps we should start such interrogations here and now before we leave. I should hate to arrive at the site of battle only to have one of you betray us. With Damien's power a simple question can be asked and answered to ensure that each of us are on the same side. Are you a member of the Sabbat?"
"Can such arms be summoned within the confines of ones own cloak or coat?"
"They can."
You also raise a good point about interrogations. Perhaps we should start such interrogations here and now before we leave. I should hate to arrive at the site of battle only to have one of you betray us. With Damien's power a simple question can be asked and answered to ensure that each of us are on the same side. Are you a member of the Sabbat?"[/b]
That would be useful.
"I am not a member of the Sabbat," Paolo said.
"Miss Reed will do. I am not riled up about your previous insult. I am simply scared of you. You talk about the sabbat being monsters, yet you seem...way beyond human yourself. You smell like a fresh grave. Your body language is simply not there. It is uncanny. You seem like...like something using that body but not used to what it's like being a human.
I am scared of you and that is why I don't feel comfortable in your presence. Not things you said or opinions you voiced. There, I said it."
Alyson takes a moment to take some deep(and pointless) breaths, then continues before someone can react to her outburst:"As for my talents, I can SING. I am an artist. When I was small, I went hunting with my dad. I can fire a gun and probably hit a target that's not moving. That's the extent of it. I am here because I am new in town, not because I have a set of skills that would help with the task set before us. Unless you want me to sing at them."
Looking at the faces of the others, Alyson looks down at the ground:"I'm sorry, but it's true. I AM scared of him. And I'm scared of what's happening. Of what we are supposed to do. I know it needs to be done, for JJ, and so nobody else suffers at their hands, kindred and kine alike. But I'm scared, still, and being sorry for being weak does not change any facts."
That would be useful.
"I am not a member of the Sabbat," Paolo said.
"Oh, we're starting now?" Damien asks. "Could you please rephrase your statement to 'I am neither a member of nor an ally of the Sabbat.'"
Damien shrugs, "Nothing personal, just trying to be thorough."
"Miss Reed will do. I am not riled up about your previous insult. I am simply scared of you. You talk about the sabbat being monsters, yet you seem...way beyond human yourself. You smell like a fresh grave. Your body language is simply not there. It is uncanny. You seem like...like something using that body but not used to what it's like being a human.
I am scared of you and that is why I don't feel comfortable in your presence. Not things you said or opinions you voiced. There, I said it."Alyson takes a moment to take some deep(and pointless) breaths, then continues before someone can react to her outburst:"As for my talents, I can SING. I am an artist. When I was small, I went hunting with my dad. I can fire a gun and probably hit a target that's not moving. That's the extent of it. I am here because I am new in town, not because I have a set of skills that would help with the task set before us. Unless you want me to sing at them."
Looking at the faces of the others, Alyson looks down at the ground:"I'm sorry, but it's true. I AM scared of him. And I'm scared of what's happening. Of what we are supposed to do. I know it needs to be done, for JJ, and so nobody else suffers at their hands, kindred and kine alike. But I'm scared, still, and being sorry for being weak does not change any facts."
"Not just perceptive, almost preternaturally so. Auspex I presume?
It is true, I have no Humanity left within me. In my defense, as a Mortal I was far more depraved, I suppose the term in current argot would be sociopath.
However, I have a code that I exist by and it does not include slaughtering innocents needlessly to achieve my own ends. That essence of what the Sabbat delights in, terrorizing humanity when we should shepherd them. They are after all, what allows us to continue to exist. The smell that clings to me is no doubt God or Caine's way of cursing me for the death that has clung to me since... well since I can remember. You have no need to fear me Ms. Reed, unless you intend to harm me.
Sing eh? I am not as familiar with your Clans abilities. There are many rumors as to what effect your singing actually has, when the time is right I have faith you will know what to do with those talents.
Indeed, you should be scared. The Sabbat would kill us all if they could. It is kill or be killed. Or flee. There are no other options. You are not weak, simply strong in a different way from the rest of us. We are all "Snowflakes" after all. No two of us are alike. Well perhaps Damien and Paolo are close, the same shape but different details".
"Oh, we're starting now?" Damien asks. "Could you please rephrase your statement to 'I am neither a member of nor an ally of the Sabbat.'"
Damien shrugs, "Nothing personal, just trying to be thorough."
Arthur repeats the phrase, "I am neither a member of nor an ally of the Sabbat".
Sheriff Alicia Hunter listens to the multitude of suggestions and says "Professor, I know you prefer to use mortals ,and your powers suit it well, but no explosions, no fire. And I do not think we have time to retrieve these chemicals , sneak into their lair, engage the plumbing, and attack. You have risked your self before, and aquited well. While I understand an ounce of prevention can save gallons of our vitae in ideal situations, these are not ideal. We must move. Blowing our burning things up will have to be used to cover evidence of the fight if anything, not during the fight itself."
To Damien, "If you have the resources, put the drinks tonight on the Prince's tab."
She taps a finger waiting for Alyson and Carter to sort things out between themselves
Lydia listens to Damien and briefly shoots a defiant look, then, reluctantly nods. Her eyes say what her mouth can't. Don't you get killed.
The questioning circles.
"I am not Sabbat nor an Ally to the Sabbat" Mi-Ha says.
"I neither member of nor ally of Sabbat" Betty says "Can we go now?"
"I'm neither a member of nor ally of the Sabbat," The Ravnos says.
The sheriff is doing that oddest of things...texting.
PREPARE THE GUNS AND GEAR, THEY SHOULD BE OUT SHORTLY
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it seems that I am to personally risk my own body for this endeavor when any mortal would do in my stead and could shoot and do anything I do as well as be an emergency blood source for others. So unless the prince strictly forbids me I will be going home and sending someone in my stead.
Marcus stands up and walks to the door and says as he leaves
I am not sabbat nor an ally of the sabbat. I shall see you with a mule shortly.
"Damien, is there any way to being a back up supply from your stock in case we need to quickly replenish?
The Sabbat will have the luxury of indiscriminate feeding should this battle get away from us whereas we do not and such a supply could prove extremely valuable".
Alyson once again refuses the offered blood, after the call to put it on the princes tab:"No Auspex. Just empathy. And knowing what you are, and the nature of our kind."
Listening further, she shakes her head:"I cannot decide to fear you or not fear you. It does not work like that. It's instinct, something beyond logic and reason. You are a neophyte just like us others, or so we were told, but you feel like one of the elders. As if you'd just as soon sacrifice any of us if it furthered your plans, without thinking twice!"
She raises her hand:"I'm not saying you would, I'm saying it feels like it. We're about to go risk our lives, some of us may die, and you fought some of them last night, but you're here, unfazed, as if we'd been invited to a BBQ or a Baseball game or something. I don't think I even want to know what kind of experiences made you so nonchalant about what is going to happen, but it gives me goosebumps. Which, you may agree, is unusual."
Alyson pulls up her sleeve to prove her words:"As for singing, I...it doesn't work like that. I...nevermind, I'll tag along and do my best to pull my own weight, but I don't think I'll be able to do more than distract them."
Turning to the Sheriff, then Damien, she speaks her phrase:"I am not a member or ally of the sabbat, and I am not an enemy of the Camarilla or the Anarchs."
it seems that I am to personally risk my own body for this endeavor when any mortal would do in my stead and could shoot and do anything I do as well as be an emergency blood source for others. So unless the prince strictly forbids me I will be going home and sending someone in my stead.
Marcus stands up and walks to the door and says as he leaves
I am not sabbat nor an ally of the sabbat. I shall see you with a mule shortly.
"Professor, YOU were summoned here, not one of your proxies. And if you leave, you lose your domain and your right to stay in the city. That is the Prince's decree." The sheriff raises a brow, "I thought i made that clear on the trip here."
That would be useful.
"I am not a member of the Sabbat," Paolo said.
"Oh, we're starting now?" Damien asks. "Could you please rephrase your statement to 'I am neither a member of nor an ally of the Sabbat.'"
Damien shrugs, "Nothing personal, just trying to be thorough."
"Commendable," Paolo said. "I am neither a member nor an ally of the Sabbat."
To Damien, "If you have the resources, put the drinks tonight on the Prince's tab."
"My thanks to the Prince," Paolo said. He consumed vitae as quickly as he could, without making a spectacle of himself. "My nights have been too eventful to properly attend to things."
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yes I was summoned here but the rest of what you say was not agreed upon nor made abundently clear. How I chose to lend my support to this combat thus is my choice. There is risk to me regardless of my personal involvement or a proxy. If you wish to use threat to make a second deal you will find me less inclined. Our first deal stands regardless of now. I honor it. What is said now dictates my choices.
"Professor, this is not a matter of threat, it is a matter of fact. If you decline, you endanger your right to stay here in the city. It would be true for anyone who sent a ghoul in their place, and applies to you as well. It is no different. " The Sheriff says "I understand your reluctance but the Prince has risked much to stand by all of you. And she now asks for you to trust her in turn. It may seem like blind faith, but I assure you... it is for the best. If you refuse her, it hurts her ability to keep in check some of the Primogen who want you all gone. Appearances matter."
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Damien nods, hearing the sheriff's comment about payment for the night's libations.
Answering Arthur's question, Damien says, "In a limited fashion I suppose. I will not tap into my collection for such things."
"Sheriff, I understand that we are obligated to carry out this task, but it seems to me that you know more than you are telling us. This task will be difficult enough with full information. If there is something else, please tell us."
"I understand and share your concerns," Paolo said to the Professor. "But as the Sheriff says, this is a serious matter. We are called upon to defend our homes. Knowing that takes no faith at all."
Alyson listens, seeming thoughtful for a moment, but does not speak up.
"Sheriff, I understand that we are obligated to carry out this task, but it seems to me that you know more than you are telling us. This task will be difficult enough with full information. If there is something else, please tell us."
"Merely that things are not always as difficult as they seem. I cannot say anymore or else I risk violating the Prince's plans myself."
I have limited ability for combat besides my mind and intellegence. What I am suggesting is actually quite literally just as good as I would be if not better. I shall remember the way I was negotiated with and handled here. Let us go, I am done with discussion
The Sheriff closes her eyes briefly, "While I could make you stay, I said this was not meant as a threat, and I meant it. I will try to talk to the Prince after this and explain your concerns as a favor to you. I can do no more. Do not brother to send a mortal in your stead. It would not do us any good. If you refuse to recognize the Prince's authority ,go."
Answering Arthur's question, Damien says, "In a limited fashion I suppose. I will not tap into my collection for such things."
"Mundane will do, this is about survival after all".
Perception + Empathy Dif 6
"Ms. Reed, I believe you wish to know more about me out of some sense of morbid curiosity. If we survive this and you wish to speak with me thereafter I will. If you wish me to leave you alone I also will. I shall let you decide your own level of involvement. Suffice to say, I survived the entirety of the Great War on the front lines of trench warfare, that alone creates a world of difference between your experiences and mine and that I assure you is the tip of the iceberg".
On Professor Welby's and the Sheriff's confrontation Arthur remains silent. Both were right for their own reasons he supposed.
"I said I would go. This is my word".
"Excellent, we have confirmed that one of us are likely to betray the rest and all will be going to this location for a unified purpose. To stop the Sabbat from ruining our Havens.
Now, all we need are the blood, the guns and armor, and the address. Our destiny awaits us".
"Thank you, Professor. I am not a Diplomat, and am struggling to obey my Prince's orders in a way that does not sacrifice her plan or good relations, clearly I'm failing at the latter .. Now, let's head out to where the van awaits. We'll outfit you all there and head to the strike zone, timing is everything, and we've lured the Sabbat to a specfic locale with the one bit of bait they can't resist," She motions everyone to follow her out, adding ,"Paolo, they think they've got your sire cornered in his haven. Let's move."
"Thank you, Professor. I am not a Diplomat, and am struggling to obey my Prince's orders in a way that does not sacrifice her plan or good relations, clearly I'm failing at the latter .. Now, let's head out to where the van awaits. We'll outfit you all there and head to the strike zone, timing is everything, and we've lured the Sabbat to a specfic locale with the one bit of bait they can't resist," She motions everyone to follow her out, adding ,"Paolo, they think they've got your sire cornered in his haven. Let's move."
"They're in for a very unpleasant surprise." Paolo said, rising.
Damien waits for everyone else to leave the club, afterwards he locks up the door to the private club and follows the others.
The large van is dark silver, slightly shaded windows, and the reluctant warriors find themselves piled in, where a scruffy young man in his twenties, a ghoul, presumably, almost immediately begins offering up flack vests and help with putting them on.
There's also a box filled with hand guns and yes, shotguns. As Malkavian ghouls have been the ones to arrange them, some have words scratched on them with phrases like 'Fine Rebuttal' 'The Freshmaker' 'I kissed a gun and I liked it' and 'Exodus'
"Take a seat," The sheriff says, after you are all in and the doors are closed, "Now there is a reason I could not tell you more in the Fields , there was at least on Nosferatu spying on our conversation. Early I found a ghoul trying to plant a bug in your place of business, Mr. Talbot. Welcome to Primogen politics. While they do not want the Sabbat to succeed, they have every reason to hope 'you' at least fail and die. If the bloodlines are wiped out, then the Prince's vision is quelled and she will probably be forced to grant replacements form the usual clans. Frankly I wish the Prince were explaining this herself, but her astral being is the chief spy keeping track of the Pack. THat's how we're tracking them."
Paolo allowed himself to be helped into a vest and then collected a gun, trying not to think about all the times he protested gun violence. He looked out the van's windows.
Oh.
"Is there a plan that involves us having doubles running around?" Paolo said. "It looks like someone did their homework. On all of us."
Hearing Paolo's comment, Damien looks out to window to what exactly he is talking about, but sees nothing, perhaps being to distracted by the rather unfamiliar situation he finds himself in.
"Take a seat," The sheriff says, after you are all in and the doors are closed, "Now there is a reason I could not tell you more in the Fields , there was at least on Nosferatu spying on our conversation. Early I found a ghoul trying to plant a bug in your place of business, Mr. Talbot. Welcome to Primogen politics.
While they do not want the Sabbat to succeed, they have every reason to hope 'you' at least fail and die. If the bloodlines are wiped out, then the Prince's vision is quelled and she will probably be forced to grant replacements form the usual clans. Frankly I wish the Prince were explaining this herself, but her astral being is the chief spy keeping track of the Pack. THat's how we're tracking them."
Arthur grins, "That or we are having a shared delusion Mr. Costa.
Brilliant, Sheriff, quite brilliant.
Indeed, failing or at least dying in wartime scenarios is certainly the preferred method of Mortal politicians who wish to be rid of a troublesome sector of the population utilize. There is so very little we learn despite all of the years of our existence that we did not already know as Mortals.
Tell me Sheriff, has the Pack arrived at the Shadow Lord's Haven already making this is essentially an ambush of the Pack? No scouting of the location need take place then? Perhaps Mr. Costa even already knows the layout within?"
"Is there a plan that involves us having doubles running around?" Paolo said. "It looks like someone did their homework. On all of us."
The Sheriff sighs, "That too is part of the Prince's plan. Whether it will actually be a useful distraction or not I do not know but I have found the Prince is a woman of many whims."
Tell me Sheriff, has the Pack arrived at the Shadow Lord's Haven already making this is essentially an ambush of the Pack? No scouting of the location need take place then? Perhaps Mr. Costa even already knows the layout within?"
"I believe they've already arrived," She answers, "Some mortal agents have been...prepped...but will not put up much of a fight I'm afraid. Don't drink from said mortals, even if they are already dead or dying."
The Sheriff sighs, "That too is part of the Prince's plan. Whether it will actually be a useful distraction or not I do not know but I have found the Prince is a woman of many whims."
"I believe they've already arrived," She answers, "Some mortal agents have been...prepped...but will not put up much of a fight I'm afraid. Don't drink from said mortals, even if they are already dead or dying."
"Very well. Have we a head count on the strength of the Pack? Any indication of Gangrel?"
Arthur dons a flak jacket and takes the shotgun labeled 'The Freshmaker'.
Arthur grins, "That or we are having a shared delusion Mr. Costa.
"I'm reasonably confident of my mental health," Paolo said, not quite able to suppress the smile. "But I would say that."
Perhaps Mr. Costa even already knows the layout within?"
"Probably. It's been a while but he doesn't like to move the antiques." And it took him three years to be satisfied with how I hid the computer he barely uses. Father was flexible enough to manage phones and all the rest. Living that way at home? Not Gaetano of Palermo.
"Forgive me, Hound Arthur. Do you mean Our gangrel, or theirs? If theirs, one has demonstrated Gangrel like attributes. but none of my childer are there nor any other Camarilla clan mates." The Sheriff says
"Forgive me, Hound Arthur. Do you mean Our gangrel, or theirs? If theirs, one has demonstrated Gangrel like attributes. but none of my childer are there nor any other Camarilla clan mates." The Sheriff says
"Theirs Sheriff. Loa Joe, the Gangrel and the Assamite are the deadliest opponents in the Pack. Can you describe their facial features to us? It is best if we neutralize them first followed by the Lasombra. Not that the rest are not dangerous but certain wounds are more egregious than others..."
Alyson tries to listen to the explanation, but finds herself distracted by both the Fugue and the bounty of arms and armor:"Oh dear lord!" is all she manages to whisper in a kind of shocked awe.
When she realizes things are about to become ugly, Alyson quickly picks out a Kevlar Vest that seems to fit, and one of the Heavy Pistols.
Shotguns certainly had more kick to them. But then, they had more kick to them. She had tried shooting them once, as a teenager, and couldn't even hit a tree because she was unable to control the recoil...she'd not risk her life on one of those beasts, now.
Loading a bullet into the chamber and picking up an extra Magazine, Alyson took a deep breath, then realized that not needing to breath, not having a pulse was a significant advantage when it came to using Firearms...and thought back to anything else she could remember about guns, sitting silently and providing her mind refuge in focusing on a topic, to avoid being paralyzed with panic. Mixed in with her thoughts about pistols, rifles and cartridges, the music plays on, with a steady rhythm: Vivienne wants me to do this. I must succeed, for her. For Samuel. For Justina...
"The Gangrel they have would be a caucasion woman, embraced in her early to mid twenties, a vaguely cannide look to her eyes, and a tendency to rest at a hunch. I suspect one of their 'city' gangrel, that offshoot likes to attack from ambush, but hopefully the equalizers in place will help curb that edge."
The vehicle closes in on the destination, you can see rivershore manor coming into view. Irongate and iron fencing surround it, or did, for the gate is busted down.
"The Gangrel they have would be a caucasion woman, embraced in her early to mid twenties, a vaguely cannide look to her eyes, and a tendency to rest at a hunch. I suspect one of their 'city' gangrel, that offshoot likes to attack from ambush, but hopefully the equalizers in place will help curb that edge."
The vehicle closes in on the destination, you can see rivershore manor coming into view. Irongate and iron fencing surround it, or did, for the gate is busted down.
"He's very fond of that gate," Paolo said. "It was custom-built."
The Sheriff has the van pull up here at the gate, "Work your way in from here. Please remember everything I have told you. " Bullet proof vests are double checked, weapons are double checked for Ammo
And you're all all but pushed out of the van to storm a castle few of you probably feel qualified to storm!
"I'm starting to miss Ventrue Princes. At least a@$&#!$s you can predict" Damascus mutters.
"Don't be a baby," Betty grins. "Much Prestation."
Perception+Alertness DC 7
Arthur shifts himself to the left, "To the left, one of these bloodthirsty brutes is scanning for signs of life on the right side of the building".
As he does so, he begins to attempt to peer into the local shroud.
Whether it is the fact that he is distracted or simply moving, he is simply not able to pierce the vulgar reality before him. The effect fails.
Damien checks his vest one more time and grabs one of the shotguns before reluctantly exiting the van as he activates the Auspex granted him by vitae mutation.
Sticking closer to the more martial minded of his current companions, Damien looks around.
-
"Over there...right side of the building, one of the bloody mouthed savages. Can't even clean up after themselves." Damien adds derisively. "Amazingly enough, I don't think he's seen us. Might be a good idea to avoid that side of the building for now."
Alyson all but pressed into the darkest corner of the car, leaving it reluctantly, forcing herself forward by power of will alone. But she kept silent, and in the back, and tried not to draw any attention to herself.
Paolo checked and re-checked his gun and considered the size of a proper donation to a gun control lobby. It grew more substantial every time. There's no way I can give them a house...
Paolo's eye caught the Sabbat in the window just as Arthur and Damien spoke.
"Agreed." Paolo whispered back. "There's a side door to the left too. And a servant's entry in back if that's no good."