Shadows over York

Game Master Rogar Valertis

Bertrand steps backwards from the slap placing his hand on his face. "Ouch! Ouch!"

He says nothing further and looks at the ground, mentally filing the slight from Edward away for later.

Lachlan looks on dispassionately as the scene plays out before him. "You have taken on the burden o' these two, Sir Edward. It is your place to decide on their course o' action. I do no' care aboot the Lepers one way or t'other, but you are wise in searching for more information before setting out. Tha' said, this childe o' Malkav has his oon reasons for seeking out the Nosferatu an' they do no' include our task. Let he an' his woolies remain silent should we find them and thus prove his intentions."

"Ok so we go find the Nosferatu then. Great idea Sir Edward, glad you thought of it!"

Very well: I already pointed out the roll you need to make. Choose if you all roll (means you go your separate ways) or you choose one to make a single roll for everyone (which means you stay with each other and help out thus decreasing difficulty a little).

If no one else makes a successful roll though I believe that Edouard did make a roll. Perception + Investigation 5d10 ⇒ (1, 9, 10, 3, 1) = 24 Even ignoring one botch I think that is a fail.

If I ignore one 1 it's a single success roll. The second 1 cancels a success 3 is fail and 10 is obviously a success. But the question is: single roll or not?

Speaking of tens, how are you doing them? Auto re-roll, auto re-roll if you have a specialty only? Something else?

"Deep below I met a nosferatu he taught me the sight to look beyond the veil. He once slept below my cave from which the sheriff brought me."

"I helped him to feed, in trade."

Edward is reporting a direct vviolation of the Dukes orders regarding nosferatu, yet being unaware of the order he can not know it's potentially a problem!

Edward thinks over the situation. "I dislike seeking out the sewer Cainites, but we face an enemy we know to be deadly and who dwells in places hidden. I fear the wisest course to be the the most distasteful. To find a hidden foe we must seek the aid of those who know well the real of the hidden. We shall seek them out. Now let us work together to track down these Cainites."

"Lachlan speaks wisely. That cainite has other motives of seeking out the hidden Cainites. The Baron will not interest himself in the means of our success as long it is success we bring. We must find allies we can. The Baron uses the Gangrel after all. "

I think a combined roll will be better.

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I agree, a combined roll would be best.

Edouard pauses and looks back and forth among those with him. He waits to hear which options are selcted.

After a pause he finally pipes in....

"So our course is...."

Edouard roll means he knows in legend Nosferatu hide underground. You need a Perception+Investigation roll in order to actually search for the creatures. It seems you favor the single roll route (which means you stay togheter instead of splitting up). As for 10s I treat them as normal successes as per normal rules

As your debate takes a while, a puzzled Lucien Arbaud joins you:"What's the meaning of this delay my friends? We need to be on our way and wasting time in idle chat won't do us any good!"

Vito bows slightly "Apologies, we were debating the merits of seeking out the Sewer Rats for extra information about our prey"

The knight surprise deepens:"The Nosferatu? ... It's a simple idea yet it has its merits. I consider the punishment that the Baron reserved to them to be exceedingly cruel. And it's true they know things. I have a brother in the Order who can get information no one else can... and he does it by listening to the wind it seems! Anyway, if you wish to search for the Nosferatu you have better be prepared for a less than welcoming audience. The mistrust between them and the court is certain to be deep"

Edward turns on hearing the voice of the new entrant. "Perhaps a gift of some sort would aid our cause and give the Nosferatu less reason to mistrust us. Under normal circumstances I would suggest an offer of feeding, though that would be a severe crime by the Baron's law."

"Information for information. Let Edouard and I approach them. I have news from overseas being recently arrived. Also Ed and I not truly being members of Court, yet, will be more welcome then those they perceive as oppressors, that would be the rest of you. A gift, if one can be given, would be the opportunity to petition the Baron to reconsider his stance on their station in York. After all if they help rid the Baron of a hated enemy such reconsideration would be well deserved".

Double post

"Pray tell how would those who by your words are not members of court offer an opportunity for such a petition? Nay, if we go, we go together and I do not think such a gift is within our power to offer."

Turning to Edouard, "You mentioned that you assisted one of their kind in feeding. Do you recall of he had any particular preferences? Certain vessels he favoured above others?"

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"The one I met preferred those who sought recluse from men, he wanted to feed upon the orphan children but I would not agree. Drunks and vagrants seem fine."

Lucien looks at you with a strange glint in his eyes:"Perhaps offering a breathing human being to the Nosferatu will make for an acceptable offering, considering they were barred from feeding in the above world. Yet I wonder what will happen to such unfortunate soul as one given the a nest of famished Nosferatu... Are you sure this is the road you want to walk?

Bertrand shifts uncomfortably, "I prefer to offer a promise to speak on their behalf over condemning some poor soul to a doomed fate".

"Peasants have their uses. What would become of such a being would be the Nosferatu choice. If there is a better suggestion. Sir Lachlan, Vito I would hear your thoughts." dismissing any notion of Bertrand going alone.

Lachlan seems to be lost in thought as the conversation progresses on how best to confront the Nosferatu. At the mention of his name, he rouses, "It would seem that food is the agreed upon gift, yet what form that is to take is in contest. Several seem against giving up a human to their tender, or no so tender, proclivities. Besides which, we would be poaching someone's domain if we were to take a human. None o' us with our oon territories can spare the time to collect some kine; a poaching we would go."

He taps a finger on his chin as if considering before continuing, "As I recall, the Lepers have an affinity for animals. As such, would it no' make moore sense to salve everyone's conscience an' bring several beasties as gifts for their aid? While coos or horses would seem fine, they may be too large depending upon the caves or tunnels we must navigate. I think lambs would be most suitable; them being led to the slaughter an' all."

"I would prefer to deal with one than the whole lot of them...an animals might work."

Bertrand looks darkly at Edward's line of reasoning but his face brightens and he claps at Lachlan's suggestion, "An animal is an excellent idea Sir Lachlan!"

Lucien speaks again, still looking doubtful:"An animal? I'm not sure how you think that's going to appease the lepers... they sustain themselves out of animal blood after all. Perhaps an oxen or some other huge beast could make for a suitable offering but... how do you think to be able to lead it down the sewers? No. If you want to try this it's most likely you don't have the right kind of gift for the lepers. Better to go down there boldly and demand their terms for a boon of information. They might ask you something completely unreasonable... or even try to kill you for your temerity, but at least you won't risk breaking the traditions trying to fit a mule into the sewers. Be as it may do what you think it's better for our quest. I will wait for you and smooth things with the Baron and his servants, but don't waste too much time or I will be forced to proceed alone. His graceìs orders were quite specific and I won't let the foul beast we were sent to hunt down to roam the land much longer"

Please give me your road ratings and proceed with your investigation if that's the route you mean to follow

Wemyss looks down at Sir Lucien with barely suppressed contempt as he responds, "I jus' said that we should no' take any large beastie into the sewers, ya git. Least ways we'll be short one Tradition breaking ass if yoo're no' joining us. Run along to his grace, or more likely yoor sire, and tattle on us like a good lickspittle as yoo were sure to do the second we left."

Anger is clearly visible in Ser Arbaud's eyes and you feel his beast immediately surfacing:"I was actually agreeing with you, whelp. But I see you need to be put in your place. Take out your steel, ser, and prepare to defend yourself or run like a coward" Lucien hand falls on the pommel of his sword and he motions for the rest of you to make space. It seems he expects to settle this here and now.

Bertrand begins to twitch instead of stepping aside he steps in the middle, "NO NO NO! We do our enemies work by fighting amongst ourselves!!! Please don't do this please!" Bertrand screeches at the two Kindred.

Edward sees what is happening, something he has seen happen one too many times. "Good sirs, we have much work to do and dangerous enemies to fight. This matter of honour can be delayed. You will have your chance to settle this with steel if you so desire, but let us not let our petty desires interfere with the duty given by the Baron himself." Edwards says forcefully, trying to be the voice of reason in this escalating situation.

Vito sighs audibly when Bertrand does the opposite of what he was told "Stand aside Madman. This is an honor duel, and you would be wise to not get in the way. Do not force me to restrain you"

Lucien, eyes firmly planted on Lachlan, answers Edward with a slight nod:"Oh, it won't take long at all, ser Edward. And I agree this is unfortunate. But as a knight you should understand I cannot let such a slight pass without answering. The cur has 2 choices: accept my challange and let our arms show who's in the right or apologize for his impertinence. The road of honor is narrow but straight and its path clear. Now stand aside, please, we are past the time for words"

Bertrand shakes his head at the actions of the Kindred before him turning to Vito, "You would watch these two slice each other to ribbons over mere words and call me a madman? Have at it then, Knights of the realm". Bertrand will head over to his ghouls while the two fools duel each other.

Edouard moves out of the way as well

"I hope that this is not expected of us lowly clans, I would so hate to have to kill you Bertrand should you offer some offense, whether real or imagined...."

"Or should one of the puppets command my death at your hands..."

Edouard looks on and smiles still trying to process the exchange that lead to this point....

Edward sighs realising that his attempt to prevent this duel had failed before it had even begun. He steps out of the way saying, "Very well. Honour must be defended and insults answered. We shall bare witness. Choose your weapons. What shall be the terms of this dual?"

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Waiting for Lachlan to post

Sorry for the delay.

Lachlan levels a cold stare at Lucien as he grips the hilt of his own sword. "Yoo glare, yoo mock, yoo threaten. Now yoo challenge. I will be sure to convey that yoo had some spine to yoor sire.

Once the space around them is clear Lucien makes a gesture towards Lachlan inviting him to begin The knight's hand rests on the pommel of his sword but he doesn't make any move to attack as if content to wait for Lachlan to strike first:"Show me what you have got, boy. I wish to be sure you are worthy of me drawing master Kalad's new creation. Give me your best blow and I might decide to show its blade to your undeserving eyes"

For the others you might do whatever you want in the meanwhile of course

Seeing how Lachlan has not moved yet Lucien taunts him and takes a single step forward:"Oh? What's the matter? Weren't you going to teach me something, whelp?"

In case it's not clear: Lucien is giving you the chance of attacking him. This may just be arrogance on his part or deeply rooted confidence in his own abilities

Lachlan stands his ground, smiling a wolfish grin. "Tha' tongue is only suited to licking the backside o' yoor betters. Since yoo cannae back up yoor oon challenge it is best yoo were back to work." He says as he pats the seat of his pants.

Bertrand completes his task and nods to his companion Philippe.

He then heads over to the duel between Lachlan and Lucien and blurts out, "Is this a duel between Knights? Throwing insults back and forth and patting themselves in weird places? Funny, that is how Clan Malkavian duels too!"

Lucien shakes his head, clearly irritated:"I give you the curtesy of the first blow and you refuse it. You really are an hateful and uncouth villain. As you wish then! Have at thee!"

Please Lachlan, roll initiative and declare the number of actions you mean to make excluding celerity ones

As the duel unfolds a small crowd of servants, guards and squires starts forming in the hall.

Everyone but Lachlan please roll perception + alertness

Perception+Alertness 7d10 ⇒ (4, 10, 1, 5, 4, 4, 1) = 29

Bertand concentrates on teh two knights squaring off against each other and notices nothing else.

3d10 ⇒ (5, 7, 10) = 22 Perception+Alertness

Vito, caring nothing for the duel despite respecting its need to take place, reaches into a belt pouch to pull out a candle. Reaching into another, he takes out some flint and steel and lights the candle, crushing it in his fist. He cries out a bit in pain, but maintains control of himself. 4d10 ⇒ (4, 8, 9, 10) = 31 Courage check

He tightens his grip, till a drop of blood drips out, hissing and smoking as it splashes on the ground. Shockingly the blood splatter cries out in anguish, and a tiny gateway into the deepest, darkest blackness blinks into existence. Out of the portal a glob of shadows emerges, bobbing in seeming obedience to the Lasombra and laps up the blood on the ground.

8d10 ⇒ (1, 9, 6, 7, 10, 10, 9, 10) = 62 Intelligence+Occult, difficulty 3 enacting Heart That Beats in Silence.

This creates an Eye of Ahriman

Edward watches the events unfolding, until Vito invokes a new magic, that draws his interest not knowing at all what is intended.......

Perception + Alertness

6d10 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 7, 3, 5) = 21

"I have much to learn."

Initiative: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Lachlan draws his longsword and lunges for Lucien's heart.

Melee Attack: 8d10 ⇒ (4, 6, 3, 8, 7, 7, 8, 10) = 53

You should just declare your first action, not roll for it. Anyway I'll keep the roll this time but you go after Lucien as he's faster than you (btw I forgot to modify his dex, he has 6 and not 7 after he burns blood, due to armor)

Lucien scoffs and waits for Lachlan to slash at him seemingly unconcerned by the incoming attack, at the last moment he draws an hunting knife from his belt and matches .

Lachlan feints and then strikes, the blade dating towards Lucien's unbeating earth with deadly accuracy. The crowd gasps as expecting for the Toreador to take out the knight of bitter ashes with one fell blow. Yet somehow the brujah knight manages to block the incoming blow with his much smaller blade. Then Lucien just grins showing the white of his fangs in a somehow feral display then whispers:"My turn, now"

Lachlan will attempt to strike again. I also didn't think to ask earlier, but is the "rule of 10" in effect?

As I told Vito sometimes ago we are following basic rules, so no "rule of 10", sorry

The ashen knight pauses for a split second and somehow it seems he's torn between attacking and waiting. Then he opens his arms theatrically and prepares for Lachlan's next blow.

2 celerity actions for attack and 1 in active defense - parry, please Lachlan go, and everyone else, I've not forgotten about you, don't worry!