Adriana 'Sal' Salazar |
Gleep!
Before doing any disabling, Sal tries to figure out the blast pattern of the shaped charge (those are typically for specific purposes). What is it intended to do? Bring down the building? Kill those in the room? Or something else? Are they in serial or parallel?
Craftsmanship: 4d4 - 8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 3) - 8 + 3 + 2 = 8
Not enjoying sitting next to a live explosive, Sal tries disarming at least this charge, leaving the camera alone.
Craftsmanship: 4d4 - 8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 1) - 8 + 3 + 2 = 7
DSXMachina |
The explosives in the room run in parallel, however 3-4 well placed cuts would shout them down. Unfortunately the room is currently occupied.
The purpose of the explosives seems to be to kill everyone in the room, although there is one area that's not directly covered with potential blast zones - an area that someone hardy (like a vampire or ghoul) could survive.
LL: "Just remember none of your guys stop us, or anyone, if we go for our boat - lest you provoke my wrath." He adds in warning, before: "Come" he replies to the knock.
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Kenneth chuckles, "If ye're about tae make a bad second-order joke, like I'm a copy ay a copy or some such, I'll burn love notes tae the more... amorous... fae intae your suit."
Better tae joke about this than tae think about what wr're getting ourselves intae...
Danny Kaye |
"That might be preferable to what we're about to walk into." Danny says wryly, echoing Kenneth's own thoughts.
"At least that way, I'd die happy!?" He sighs wistfully.
The singer straightens up, which still leaves him shorter than the taller, more muscular Bard, and checks his bow tie.
"Well, considering that the last couple of times I wore this monkey suit I ended up being attacked by an interesting variety of goons from the stupid side of Supernatural Street, This evening promises to be anything but boring!" Danny smiles, all chipper and in charge once more.
Danny checks his watch, nods, and steps towards the car.
"It's late enough for her highness to make her entrance. Time to get this show on the road!" Danny adds as he reaches for the door.
DSXMachina |
From beneath a shock of dark hair surly eyes look at the Vampire Lord, eyes that say he's not pleased to be here, but he'll make the best of it.
"Madam de Soirette, et entourage." He announces.
Into the room walks Molly in a well cut business suit, a small briefcase at her side and an inquiring look on her face. Behind her walks a radiant vision is a shocking crimson velvet dress, a stark contrast to her associates demurely cut business suit. The waves of dark beauty and promise roll from her forcing even the powerful Vampire Lord to take a step back.
A conviction or Discipline roll, please.
Fluttering dark eyelashes across her pristinely made up face she addresses Laurence with a very cosmopolitan accent. "Oh Larry, I see you are still have excellent taste in company. Monsieur ghoul." Her words drip with venomous sarcasm, much like that with flows though her veins. Whilst Molly keeps her emotions in check, Andrews full lips quirk at the affront.
Lord Laurence looks daggers barely kept in check by a friendly tap from his advisor Aggoggo. The ghoul cares not for such words, however he seems more concerned about his unfinished checks - specifically places like the vents.
Winter Party
After being let through the barrier by G, Morien parks the car - in a position with thoughts to potential escape routes (other than ditching it in the river, although.....)
Danny exits the car and holds open the door as Laverna unfolds herself from the back-seat in a manner that any Hollywood actress would be envious of.
There's a beep from a phone, "Guys!" says Morien holding out her simple phone for the others to look at.
To one side of the car-park area is the well-lit meeting building, newly constructed and sitting heavily and squat upon the ancient landscape.
Danny Kaye |
Strangely unpanicked, Danny's lips quirk in a small smile.
"Well well, I think the evening just got a lot more interesting."
At Kenneth's words he DOES look panicked, briefly.
"Easy there Tex, I'm no expert, but I'm fairly certain that throwing around uncontrolled bursts of random energy near devices MADE to go boom is precisely what you DON'T want to do. Presuming you want to keep your appendages. Just sayin'."
Danny looks to the Lady with a small, cunning smile.
"Besides. It does add a certain element to the evening's festivities. And we wouldn't want to spoil Her Lady's fun now, would we?" The singer-slash-bodyguard says with an open grin bordering on downright lascivious.
Either Danny has something in mind, or he's REALLY good at pretending. Like, he should be accepting an Oscar good.
"Come along 'Team Cool as Ice'. I want Her Ladyship's entrance to be right on cue. My Lady?" He says, gesturing for her to precede him, although he stays close enough to her side that he can assume the position of escort if needed or desired.
Danny seems as cool as the lady he escorts on the outside. A short while of playing politics and cards with the Fae will give you that ability REAL quick. On the inside, Danny's mind is racing. Running over what they knew, what they just found out, reviewing information and song lyrics and old movies. He honestly didn't have a SOLID plan. Yet. But he was confident that when it came time to open his mouth he would have something to say.
He always did.
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Kenneth shrugs, "There be people in war zones that burn plastique for heat and light, if the BBC is tae be trusted. Was made tae be as safe as possible, and I could likely ruin the lot ay them if i could magic a piece at just one. "
He chuckles, "And it isnae just that I'm fond ay *not* having bombs aimed at me.... after all, I'm more resilient than yer fragile self and have magic tae protect myself... It's more that I delight in the thought ay ruining someone's day by burning away their charges so that their wee little button doesnae dae anything other than go click."
He smiles mischievously and says, "But, if ye fear me hogging all the fun, as he Yanks say... Then I reckon we can dae it your way, ye ken."
Danny Kaye |
"Oh don't worry about me. I always make sure I get my share of the limelight." Danny says smugly, straightening his bow tie once more.
"Although, I DO like the sound of frustration the bad guys make when the plan DOESN'T come together." He admits generously.
"Don't worry, I'm sure there's enough fun tonight to go around!" He adds with a big, Joker-ish grin, rubbing his hands together gleefully and looking like Jim Carrey in The Mask.
"It's SHOWTIME!"
:)
DSXMachina |
As Danny approaches the door to the newly constructed building it gives without any pressure, as upon the other side is Bunny opening the door. Her expertly coiffured hair bounces as she lets out a little yip of shock at the group; "Oh it's you!" she exclaims.
"The Sidhe party? From Winter?" she asks blocking the threshold to the building.
Danny Kaye |
Danny gives a little grin. He can't help it.
Bunny makes even being caught by surprise adorable.
And very attractive.
Danny coughs slightly, and nods affirmatively. He givers Bunny a small wink and manages to hide all but a small smile as speaks in an otherwise bored and authoritative voice.
"Indeed. The Lady from Winter and her party has arrived. I trust we are expected?" Danny says dryly.
Danny watches Bunny's face. he trusts the others to be more observant than he about dangers. But he reads people just fine. If there were MORE surprises in store, other than what they had already spoiled, he wanted advanced warning.
Empathy/rapport= 4d3 - 8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 1) - 8 + 3 = 4
DSXMachina |
Bunny expression is open and honest, not believing there's much danger to be had. However with Danny's expert reading of people, he knows she's not the most subtle judge of dangers - too often she'll see the good and positive in any situations and people.
"Then Lord Laurence cordially invites you to enter his Hall." Bunny says as if reading from a script like a bad actress, before breaking from it with jovially adding. "Larry has gone to alot of trouble hosting the gathering, so I've heard he even built this place specially. Hired Henry Boots and had a lad from consulting." She looks very impressed, before leaning forward in a stage whisper.
"But he is being a bit of a grumpy Gus today. I think it's to do with the fancy Vamp lady, who arrived a few minutes ago...you know the one who called the meeting here." Bunny gossips.
Danny Kaye |
Danny leans forward, his forehead almost touching Bunny's as he joins her in gossiping.
"No worries Bunny-my-dear. He's probably just stressed at having to play host. You know me, life of the party! I'll have him smiling again in no time!" Danny gives Bunny a conspiratorial wink. Then the singer-slash-bodyguard straightens himself up, clears his throat, and responds as if reading from the same script as Bunny.
"On behalf of her Ladyship of Winter, we accept your gracious invitation." He says in deep, sonorous tones. "Pray, lead the way fair hostess."
DSXMachina |
Bunny curtsies, which seems to suit her - not just because of the revealing clothing she wears. "Certainly, I'd ask you to take care ...since I'm security." She flashes a pearly white smile, that reminds you she isn't just a Bunny - but a bit of a predator and starts to lead you down a well lit corridor inside.
Danny Kaye |
The modern singer gives the old-school Bard a severe mock-glare.
"I can get into trouble all by myself. Thenk yew." He sniffs aristocratically as they enter.
As Bunny leads the way, Danny turns to address the Lady as they walk.
"My Lady, Please allow me to introduce our hostess. This is Bunny. Watch out. She's cute and fluffy, but she DOES bite." Danny says with a perfectly straight face.
DSXMachina |
"Oooooh behave." Bunny says to Kenneth pushing her hand out at him playfully. With a little wiggle, she leads the group down the corridor into the meeting room with a little Monroe wiggle.
Whilst with a twinkle in her eye Laverna replies to Danny; "One can only hope."
Standing in front of the door to the meeting room door, Bunny asks with practised ease; "Can I get you a refreshment? Tea, coffee? Something stronger?"
Danny Kaye |
Danny rubs his sore shoulder whilst appreciating Bunny's Monroe imitation.
How DID someone so dang cute stay so dang strong?!?
The singer also rolls his eyes at Laverna's comment.
"Be careful what you wish for My Lady. You might get it!" Danny advises humbly. With only a hint of a smirk.
Danny steps past Bunny into the room first, ostensibly to look for dangers.
In reality, Danny is doing what he does best, being the center of attention. Keeping the attention of anyone else in the room, even if only briefly, distracts any potential attack on Laverna, and allows the REAL 'bodyguards' to do their job.
'Man, I need to ask for hazard pay for these gigs! I don't paid enough to put 'Target' on my resume.' Danny muses as he makes a show of slowly scanning the room.
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Kenneth smiles at Bunny's joke, then straightens himself up, falling into place behind Danny and Laverna, then following Danny into the room ahead of Laverna. He once again adjusts his gauntlet and blade, making the threat they possess clear... and also clearly making no moves toward drawing the weapons.
He leans forward and whispers, "Nae offense, Danny-boy, but ye dinnae quite fit intae the bodyguard mold, even amongst the fae. Mayhap ye should... think ay yerself a mite more menacingly.."
Danny Kaye |
Outwardly, Danny shows no outward sign of Kenneth having spoken.
But the Celtic Bard is close enough to see the tiny, subtle signs that Danny did indeed hear him.
The Bard can almost hear Danny's ego deflating like a leaky balloon.
Danny finishes looking around the room, and Presuming that it is 'safe'? nods to Laverna. The movement covers Danny's return whisper.
"That's beauty of it. I'm mortal, and so no threat. But I'm also the bodyguard. Ergo I must be a threat. I'm obviously no physical threat, but this is the Fae, therefore I must present some threat cleverly hidden. Is he or not? Is he bluffing or for real? That's what makes this fun. And survivable. Everyone else plays the game FOR me, trying to outsmart themselves. All I have to do is watch for who decides to test their lame theory first."
"The Lady will have, wine?" Danny answers Bunny, looking towards Laverna for confirmation.
"None for me, thanks. I'm working. Maybe later." He adds with a wink.
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Kenneth blinks for a moment, then nods, "I reckon I can wrap my head 'round that twisted Fae logic... Just barely, ye ken. However, dinnae forget another factor, I'm here as your Champion and nae hers. One more wildcard, that - are ye weak enoe tae need the support, or powerful enow tae find violence tae be beneath ye and tae be owed a favour from a goddess. Either way, if someone tests ye, that's where I fit in."
Danny Kaye |
Danny glances at Kenneth, flashing him a brief but brilliant smirk.
"Sounds to me like you figured it out ok. I think you'll manage just fine." He retorts, covering his his words with an exaggerated turn and adjustment of his tux.
As Bunny brings Laverna her glass of wine, (Probably something ridiculously expensive with a name stupidly difficult to pronounce) He makes sure that he is noticed looking carefully at it. (As if he actually had a clue what he might be looking for. Does poison even leave anything to SEE in a glass of wine?!?)
'C'mon Danny-Boy, THINK! You couldn't spot a poison if it jumped up and slapped you. And that's not what's going down here. We have all of the puzzle pieces. All we're missing is the picture on the box to put them all together. What IS Lawrence up too?,....'
Danny steps back to stand where he can assist Laverna if requested. One thing he picked up from watching real bodyguards, (Ok, they were Fae, but they were actual bodyguards), is that you don't watch the Target, you watch all the possible threats TO the target. Which meant it was perfectly in character for him to be looking around the room like a Secret Serviceman playing tourist.
DSXMachina |
Laverna accepts the wine with a gracious nod of the head and gently takes a waft of the bouquet before having a sip of the wine. The delicate flavours blend seemlessly and from Laverna's smile it's obvious the vintage is excellent. "Thank you my dear." she says to Bunny, before nodding to Kenneth. "Certainly, we'll see the best way to deal with these... people. And a wild-card is always handy." There's a sly wink to Danny as she remembers the card-game from earlier and the promise of debts owed.
Bunny slinks in from of them, all Monroe-wiggle in her leather skirt. "The meeting room is through here." She moves around a corner in the anti-chamber and opens a door to the meeting room.
Cleanly furnished the meeting room seems to be a Scandinavian architects dream, stained pine and laminates as far as the eye can see. The room is dominated by a large table with a trio of chairs - obviously for the 3 delegates that are attending the meeting. The leather chairs are soft and inviting, meant for comfort and baring a resemblance to a modern throne. The high backs also provide a small measure of protection - of course.
However it's occupants draw the eye more than it's mere fripperies.
The only delegate to have arrived so far, sat in the chair as an Empress of old - is the most exquisite picture of beauty. A brazen red velvet dress with a deep cut that reveals bountiful pale skin and the promise of more. Radiant, as something from a classic Hammer horror vampire flick - she rises from her throne in a fluid inhuman motion. There's the distinctive feel that you got from the boat in Whitby.
The waves of magical power and pheromones threaten to overwhelm the senses as she brings to bear the magnificent presence upon those that enter the room, in rather an aggressive manner.
A Conviction or Discipline roll please, for the magical waves of power.
Alertness or Investigation check please.
Beside her you barely notice Kenneth's sister Molly, herself wearing a business suit with a contrasting demure cut to it. She bustles with a leather briefcase and some ancient papers contained within.
To one side stands Lord Laurence, the leader of the Red Court in York. A native and one of the most politically powerful people in the city; or at least that's what he likes to decree. He seems to be glowering at the woman in crimson, there's a restraining hand upon the crook of his arm from a tall man. Mr Aggoggo is of West African descent, though that maybe his origin, for he's a vampire. The slightly sallow complexion and piercing eyes indicate his supernatural presence and there's a sense of underlying power from him, of restraint.
Watching over all of this is Andrew, from one protective corner - a neutral security guard, however his attire is not that of normal security. His oiled torso glistens putting athletes to shame, whilst he appears to have been poured into the leather trousers and at his throat and wrsts are bands of leather. From beneath a wave of dark hair he looks to the newcomers with an appraising glance and a nod, his eyes surly at his apparent position for the security gig.
The Poppy Court Vampiress smiles mockingly at Lord Laurence as if looking upon a peon. Aggoggo puts a restraining arm upon the nobles arm, to remind him not to do anything foolish.
Then after a minute the group enters...
Danny Kaye |
Here we go! :)
FYI, Did we all take the resistance potions Ken was going to make? We have talked about a lot of things. Trying to keep them straight and not cheat. :)
Conviction: 4d3 - 8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 1) - 8 + 4 = 5
Perception?: 4d3 - 8 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 2) - 8 + 1 = 2
Danny manages to not (audibly) gulp as Laverna gives him a sly wink.
He supposed it WAS a bit much to hope that she had forgotten about the 'friendly' card game,...
Danny happily follows the vivacious Bunny as she leads the way to the next room. He enters first and steps politely to the side to make way for his 'Boss'. His quick scan takes in the room, and his first thought is,
'Wow. They spent a LOT of money and trouble to line this cage. Probably could have built an actual building for what they spent on this room alone. Nice.'
The singer's second thought is, 'Oh goody. The gang's all here!' As he mentally starts preparing hopefully clever word-games to throw Lord Lawrence and his cronies off-balance.
He just has time to spare a professional nod to Andrew in the corner, and notice 'MR Aggokos' hand upon Lord Lawrence's arm, before SHE stands up.
He has just enough time to appreciate the cut of the crimson dress, and warily notice the daring amount of pale flesh showing from it, when her presence hits him like a runaway Mack Truck.
Riding on a Railway car.
Carried by a cargo ship.
Fortunately, THIS was one of the things that Danny and Ken had prepared for. Or at least tried to.
Their (thankfully long-distance and brief) encounter on the boat and docks had given the gang a taste of Her Slinkiness' Power. It had been a frankly frightening experience. But one thing about fear, once you get over the initial shock, there's nothing it can really do to you.
In the car on the way over, Danny had compared the Queen's presence to a hunting cat's roar.
'Think about it. A Lion or Tiger only roars to freeze it's prey with fear before it strikes. A deaf man, or a prepared one, can ignore the roar. It doesn't make the cat any less likely to eat you, of course. But at least without fear you can deal with the kitty-wants-lunch problem without soggy britches.'
With a sigh, Danny had gone on to admit that was probably a REALLY bad analogy. But he maintained that the proper mindset could prepare you to handle anything. He put his money where his mouth was, and put his theory to the test.
Before the Goth's Dream Girl finished pushing her chair back, Danny was reciting under his breath an ancient ballad of bravery-against-all-odds (Lyrics kindly provided by Kenneth) to an 80's pop-rock tune (provided by Danny, natch). In the moment the Queen's presence hit, Danny's voice became audible, his fingers desperately drumming his rock rhythm on one leg. Maintaining his internal music-logue gave him something to concentrate on, allowing him to (mostly) resist the wave of Power as it washed over him. His voice gave the others something to concentrate on, hopefully helping them resist as well,...
Performance: 4d3 - 8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 3) - 8 + 5 = 6
OK, help me with specifics here please :) Declaring an Aspect, small area (only those right next to me/who can hear me) a Defense or Resist vs her Aura of Presence Power.
Trying to be clever here, how about calling it, 'Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself' :)
I could justify a lot more if Danny wasn't trying to be subtle. (Subtle is NOT his strong suit. :)
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Conviction: 4 + 4d3 - 8 ⇒ 4 + (3, 1, 3, 2) - 8 = 5
Aye, that was part of the plan -- and the kindly GM I believe said that Kenneth had the time to mix 'em up. I'm imagining it'd be mental armour more than a block -- take the edge off as it were -- but Kenneth wouldn't have kept one for himself (and would especially make one for Sal). Also, I have to say that I'm sorely tempted to trace out a circle against that one.
Kenneth keeps his expression neutral, fighting the urge to ask about the inside joke. Seems ol' Danny-boy's gotten hisself intae a bit ay a fix.... A'course, I'm the last person that could give a body trouble for that sort ay thing.... Rather than pushing those thoughts away, however, this time Kenneth latches onto them, using the well-trampled trails of thought as walls to keep out the wave that he knows will be coming... just in time for the vampire's power to try to wash over him, only to crash against the bard's faith in his goddess, and, almost as importantly, his acceptance of his own nature and self.
DSXMachina |
Yep, that's a great Aspect. Remember anyone can declare them upon the scene. Between the potions & your rolls it's enough to prevent any of her 'presence from influencing you guys.
Laverna smiles and tilts her head; mumbling under her breath....but still audible; [b]"Such gauche behaviour although I what else can you expect from that sense of style." The Fey lady moves over to her seat and stands beside it.
Molly's shuffles her papers and looks darkly inquisitively at Kenneth, to some extent Danny too.
Danny Kaye |
Danny shakes his head, and immediately moves to follow Laverna and pull out her chair.
"A thousand apologies my Lady." Danny says subserviently. "I was momentarily distracted by uncouth behavior. It won't happen again." He speaks to the Fae as if no one else was in the room, and in his best 'Bruce-Wayne's-Butler-Alfred' tone.
Hah! Take THAT super-vamp! Paranoid preparation for the win! ;P
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Noticing Molly's attention, Kenneth cocks his head, as if curious about her curiosity, Now the question is, be you surprised tae see me here, sister dear, or is it just that I'm standing and havenae fallen tae my knees? He raises an eyebrow and mouths, Wha?, then slips the neutral expression back into place, a move made that much harder by Danny's reaction. Well played.
The bard falls into position beside Danny again, then tugs on his sleeves, adjusting his cufflinks and archery gauntlet with a practiced, almost bored, move.
DSXMachina |
There's also a faint smell or sense of dead ghoul flesh in the area, as if some ghoul has been in the room.
Molly shuffles the papers with extra care, glancing to her brother with an enquiring look. However Lord Laurence cuts in; "We're still expecting another guest and as you all know. I'm the Lord Laurence - ruler of York and it's environs. Your Host. Lady de Soirette has invited you here..." he indicates Laverna; "To my region, to discuss a proposition."
Danny Kaye |
Empathy<Crosses fingers>: 4d3 - 8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 2) - 8 + 3 = 5
Danny, his senses heightened by nerves, adrenaline, His own singing, Ken's potion and the sheer joy of mental battle of wits, finds himself hyper-alert at the moment and noticing things that he would normally miss.
The singer 'accidentally' bumps Ken with his elbow as he settles Laverna's chair behind her. His eyes flicker to Andrew in the corner, and his nostrils flare wider briefly, then narrow, as if smelling something unpleasant.
Performance to do this so the 'bad guys' don't notice, but get the message to Ken.: 4d3 - 8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 1) - 8 + 5 = 7
OooooH! With THAT roll, I declare 'WHERE'S WALDO?!?' on the scene! :) Tap 'WHERE'S WALDO?!?' to get a bonus to notice something your trying to spot! (Like a hidden something, or somebody being sneaky, trying to manipulate something, etc) IS that ok? :D
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Alertness: 1 + 4d3 - 8 ⇒ 1 + (2, 3, 1, 3) - 8 = 2
Kenneth is focussed on watching his sister's reaction from behind his affectation of neutrality, Hopefully me being here will throw her off her game..., until Danny's elbow and strange expression bring him back to the matter at hand. He follows the singer's glance, his own eyes narrowing, Aye, that could be a problem...
Not sure to what extent I'd be able to notice a smell now that it's been 'pointed out' to me, as it were.
Adriana 'Sal' Salazar |
OK, looks like minor mental consequences aren't that terrible. Do we get separate consequences for physical and mental or is there only one set of consequences?
So this gal is the head of the Poppy Court, the baddest of the baddies that held her and her comrades captive. If she'd seen her before, it could cause a flashback. Or it might kick her back to a serious craving for narcotics, maybe a reversion to withdrawal? Both seem kind of harsh for a minor consequence, though.
Oh, wait. If Kenneth did brain-fortification potions, would that have helped Sal's defense?
DSXMachina |
Kenneth, Andrews eyes look a bit glazed over & not quite what's to be expected of a bodyguard. Though his eyes are on Laverna and her delicious costume.
Molly starts with a nod to the lady beside her, cutting off Laurence as best she's able. "Certainly, we are awaiting another - however we can start discussing why we brought you here." Her tones are professional and clipped as she lays out a dark leather attaché case with a binder and removes a binder.
"My Lady has a deal to offer you..."
The twilight of the cave is lit only with the lurid pale green flashes of electronic equipment, pain shoots through Sal's body as from her caged position she can see but rows of other people like herself. Emaciated, addicted, immobile in their tiny cages.
The hunger gnaws away at the pit of her stomach, radiating an ache to her bones that causes even the insufficient light to be a pain.
However there's a soothing aura that wafts into the room, a feeling of warm Sunday mornings under the duvet your arms wrapped about your lovers still slumbering body. The first cup of coffee on a morning.
A glimpse of a woman, the one in the meeting room; "Look, we need the blood, a catalyst. Ours is growing weaker, I'm get less nourishment - thus you are, as a all the childe. Create a serum, an antidote, anything.... I know you are not the Russian Alchemyst, but you must be able to reverse the f***ing Fae curse - maybe one of these has Starstruck blood." The liquid tones of the woman bely her aggravation as she glides with her companion out of the rough cavern.
Clasped in your thin hand is a sliver of metal and the tiniest glimmer of hope....
Danny Kaye |
After pushing in Laverna's chair, Danny steps back slightly to the side. He keeps a wary eye on Andrew, wondering if there is a way he could cue the seemingly oblivious Bunny that her boyfriend might be in trouble.
But he keeps his ears glued to the scene unfolding at the table before him, hoping he can figure out how to spoil the trap BEFORE it's sprung.
And in the back of his mind he wonders,... 'Where did Sal get to?!?'
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Kenneth cocks his head at Andrew, Andrew's state ay mind isnae good... I wonder if there'd be a way tae burn away what's effecting him without tipping my hand...
He turns back, straining to hear whatever it is that his sister might be offering... and wondering if the absence is simple lateness or an unwillingness to not put one's hand into the trap.
DSXMachina |
Lord Lawrence with a pious look on his face cuts off Molly. "Enough of that for now, you are my guests and as such I must show the sort of hospitality you deserve." He proclaims imperiously and slightly ominously.
With his cropped platinum hair, the vampire lord moves over to Bunny and whispers something to her.
Mr Aggogo, the Lord lieutenant, looks at Andrew and something passes between the two. Like a thread snapping the werewolf sags slightly, then with a fluid and exotic motion he moves across the room towards Laverna. Whilst Bunny stalks towards Mdm. de Soirette....
Danny Kaye |
(attempt) at Alertness: 4d3 - 8 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 1) - 8 + 1 = -2
Danny happens to glance around the room, looking for trouble, at exactly the wrong moment. He turns back just in time to see the two werewolves moving.
Kenneth Evander Finley |
Kenneth keeps his face blank, keeping the wince on the inside, Far too close to a threat, that.... Sadly, I imagine it'd be bad form to reach for a holy item...
Alertness: 1 + 4d3 - 8 ⇒ 1 + (3, 2, 1, 2) - 8 = 1
He strains to hear what's whispered to Bunny, then sighs, Probably need a werewolf's ears to hear that...
DSXMachina |
Bunny stalks towards the Poppy Court head and Molly, slipping to all fours in a smooth canine gait - but not changing. Whilst the glazed eyed Andrew moves towards Laverna, his whole attention upon her.
From Lawrence there's a rasping chuckle, an evil knowing all too human chuckle. "A present, for my guests, for I am the generous Lord of all - they are yours for the day or whatever."
The door suddenly opens and a ghoul stands in the opening, looming darkly with his pale heavilly tattooed skin. "The final guest is here." He slips the words out, with spittle.
Arrogantly Lawrence waves he away; "Show him in, and bring the rest of the real security detail." The ghoul glowers at this, even the undead creature seems slightly apprehensive at this though - seemingly making some intricate superstitious gesture with it's clawed hands.
Adriana 'Sal' Salazar |
Not sure if I have a shot at hearing from the vent, but...
Alertness: 4d3 - 8 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 1) - 8 + 4 = 1. Eh, no matter. The dice are NOT my friends.
Sal struggles to peer through the vent gratings into the room, unable to hear well because of the placement of the parties within the room. Nerves jangled by the vampires' presence, she draws her weapon and places a booted foot on the grate, just in case.
Danny Kaye |
Danny relaxes, mostly, as the impact of Lord Lawrences' words sink in.
"Easy Andrew, Her Majesty doesn't need THAT much attention. Yet." He whispers to the lean werewolf, standing in front of his lady like a good guard should. But as soon as he's (fairly) certain Andrew really isn't going to charge, he shoots Kenneth a look, glancing from Andrew to the vampires and back.
Performance to get the message across silently while the big wigs are talking about the new arrival.
Performance: 4d3 - 8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 2) - 8 + 5 = 3
Message= <"Are they under the Vamp's control? And what can we do about it?">
DSXMachina |
Andrew pays no attention to Dannys warning, he slides across the floor crouching beside the Sidhe Lady Laverna. Resting his cheek against the side of her leg, a tremor runs through his body as he touches her bare flesh.
Laverna looks to the doorway, her fingers trailing absently through Andrew's locks - as if this is just another normal day for the fey. Which suddenly reinforces their inhumanity, not just another flavour of person their actions can be enigmatic and inscrutable.
Molly and her mistress glance at each other and rise as the final guest enters the room, whilst Bunny crouches behind their seats.
The final guest is a tall figure, beneath his simple robes is a well-built man with a long beard and a face permanently in shadows. But the most striking feature is the piercing eyes that look from the gloom; observing all and not shying away from any in the room as if daring them to look into his soul. But none of the others seem to take him up on that challenge.
Beside him is another figure, his body-guard or escort for the evening, a pale man.
Seemingly capable of holding back this debilitation, the vampire Lawrence must have released the restraint. Not necessarily under the vampires control - but