You continue to slowly make your way though the stacks, looking left, right, high, and low for any sign the Tremere elder when both Edwin and Ollie catch a glint of faint red light seeping from beneath a wall in the back of the room.
Approaching the light it seems obvious to you that there is something beyond the wall, but there is no obvious way of getting to what ever lies beyond.
Anita leads you to an apartment at the end of the hall. Entering, she gestures for both of you to sit.
"Alright..." she says with a calm unnatural to those of her clan. "Color me intrigued. What do I get out of this arrangement beyond risking my neck with a Prince who's just dying to make a statement?"
A few seconds pass before she adds, "What sort of deal has Evelyn made with this Maxwell? I've heard the name before, but it's before my time. Are you even sure he is who he says he is?"
Perception+Investigation
Intelligence+Occult
Edwin studies the area near the glowing and finds - etched into the floorboard in nearly imperceptible script - runes. Lessons of years passed flood the Tremere's mind as Edwin touches each of the runes repeated in a particular sequence. Moments later the wall slides open to reveal red lit room with a large, ornate wooden desk. Behind the desk sits an impeccably dressed, dark haired, swarthy skinned boy, a boy who by appearances could not be more than ten years old.
The boy looks up from the seemingly ancient book that lays before him.
"Hmmm...it would seem that you have passed the first test and shown your worthiness to have an audience with me. Tell me young Edwin, what is it you would speak of?" the boy says in a voice commanding a presence that speaks to true age of the boy.
You are well informed, I am Edwin Wagner, Childe of Hans Schmidt. This is my coterie mate Ollie of Clan Gangrel, and his companion, Buttons.
I am here as a messenger as it were for one who was and would again be Prince of Chicago, Maxwell. Criatias supports this opportunity as he believes that the present Prince's leadership leaves much to be desired.
Once he signaled his support, I asked Criatias whether he believed you would as well be interested in this endeavor. He informed me that I would have to ask you that myself.
Thus, here I am inquiring as to whether you would indeed be willing to enter the arena of Kindred politics in Chicago once more.
However, this was also a selfish quest on my part as I wished to seek you out for personal knowledge and if possible mentorship. As a Fledgling, I was privy to the halls of Vienna itself, with the fall of the Prime Chantry, I have been without the support and guidance of a true Elder of our Clan".
Edwin pauses to await Nicolai's response.
Dispassionately, the child-vampire regards you silently for what seems like an eternity before responding.
"Maxwell wishes to return? I can not say that I ever liked the man and was an ardent supporter of Lodin as he was easier to manipulate, but I will admit that Lodin's youngest progeny is a poor choice to rule the city." Nicolai says. "It was more than a bit surprising to hear from Critias on your behalf...he and I have not always seen eye to eye, but I suppose different eras require different alliances."
"My Childe, DuSable, is not a suitable mentor for you? Tell me, why do you believe that to be so?"
Edwin does not comment upon Nicolai's statement regarding the Brujah Elder, "I do not believe him to be an unsuitable mentor Elder, he has been most forthcoming. That said, I believe that one should always seek the most qualified mentor available, thus I seek you, a legendary member of Clan Tremere to further advance my studies.
By way of analogy Regent, I submit to you, were Etrius to be my Mentor, would I not benefit from the teaching of Tremere himself if he were to avail his wisdom and insight to me?
Moreover, I am not certain that after the blowing of these political winds that DuSable would wish to continue to assist me in my studies. He appears to believe that Prince Jackson should remain in his current position".
When introduced, Ollie pets Buttons, and says "How you doing? Don't mind me, just here to support Edwin and show that he has allies, meaning his worth to any other allies is greater than just himself." Ollie doesn't play the game well, and he knows it, and he doesn't like trying, but he also knows that the game is one that comes to you if you don't at least recognize it, and that making Edwin look connected could help Edwin's perceived status or at least make it clear so that if Edwin vanishes, folks are out there will notice.
"I will not lie to you, Ms. Wainwright--Baron Wainwright? I don't fully know. Ms. Evelyn did not share the specifics with me. If I had to venture an educated guess, there have been some considerable tension between our two cities. I imagine Maxwell has agreed to some sort of hands off arrangement of non interference in Gary going forward. As for if he's who he says he is, I am a trained psychologist-- I still practice as a matter of fact, though my patients are regrettably mostly kine-- few seem comfortable with one of our kind knowing our vulnerabilities, especially one of my clan." Dr. Baker's lips curl up in distaste, before he remembers why he is here.
"In my time with Maxwell he certainly struck me as one both very powerful and very confident in who he is. He is either a powerful kindred pretending to be a long gone prince, or he is the genuine article. Either way, he's someone powerful enough to make a play for one of the greatest cities in the world, if you will allow a bit of patriotism to slip into my assessment." he chuckles. " Ms. Evelyn trusted him enough to contact not only myself but several members of the Camarilla to assist in the conspiracy, and she's never struck me as a rash individual in the time I have known her."
The child-vampire seems to be singularly unimpressed by both Ollie's introduction and Edwin's prostrating answer of why he sought the elder as a mentor.
Nicolai leans forward though when DuSable's support of the new Prince is brought up. "He bends a knee to the upstart? This is how he repays my attempts to grant him the title of Prince of Chicago?" Nicolai asks, rage apparent in his voice.
"I knew I should have tried harder to bring Erichtho back into the fold..." he mutters as much too himself as anyone present.
"Baron is a title reserved for an Anarch Freestate...unfortunately, Chicago is not that." Anita responds to the honorific question.
"As for Evelyn, she's been known to be a bit of a wild card before...but I guess that was before Juggler disappeared."[b] she comments.
[b]"Now, back to my real question - what do I and my organization get out of supporting this coup? I nearly got stomped by Lodin and lost a number of friends and allies in that mess. I'm not so sure I'm ready to rock the boat again."
"I thank you for the clarification. Ms. Wainwright, then.
"As for what you get out of this, I suppose first we must consider what you want. Mr. Maxwell's position is not yet fully secure: its why he is seeking allies in this, after all. And the forces you can bring to bear ensure you have a strong hand to play. We could open communications with him, see how amenable he remains to your initial offer. At the bare minimum I believe he understands the Chicago and Gary Anarchs expect a greater autonomy and to handle their own affairs.
"There's no denying there's some risk. But its not as though the current situation is without any either. Prince Jackson is Lodin's childe, after all, and he knows his position is still not uncontested. In situations like this, it may prove tempting for him to turn his eyes to an old enemy to prove his leadership bonafides. If he believes he can do something his sire himself could not--destroy the Chicago Anarchs-- do you believe he could resist the temptation?"
Dr. Baker then chuckles self consciously. "Just the thoughts of an old man, my dear, one admittingly unversed in politics. But hopefully my consul has given you things to consider."
The more important matter, is whether you are indeed willing, or not, to support the former Prince Maxwell. If no, well that answer is clear enough to deliver. If yes, this begs the question as to whether you had a message to pass along as to your conditions and/or willingness to exit the shadows as it were directly related to this matter.
Though there is a matter of succession I would ask you to clear up if possible. My understanding was that Maxwell was the first Prince of Chicago and Lodin the second. However, in my discussions with Criatias he hinted at a Prince of the City before Maxwell, whom would that have been?"
"If it is a choice between Jackson and Maxwell, Maxwell it is." Nicolai concedes, seemingly dropping the subject of a mentorship.
With Edwin's latest question, a wry smile forms on the face of the child-vampire. "I believe you have fallen prey to a technicality, Edwin. Indeed there was a ruler of these lands that pre-dates Maxwell, but back then, this place was not known as Chicago - those of European stock called it Fort Dearborn, the natives called it Shikaakwa."
"While I have no proof of which it was, the research I have done into the subject calls the vampiric lord of the region either Clear Bear or Shining Deer - both of whom fell into torpor just before Maxwell's arrival and seizure of Praxis."
Having answered your questions, Nicolai dispassionately gazes at the three of you.
Anita raises an eyebrow at Dr. Baker's last insinuation. "That's...that's not a bad point." she concedes. "What assurances do I have that Maxwell will hold up his end of the bargain and not just become yet another Camarilla my way or the highway type?"
He exits the Elder Tremere's secret study lair with Ollie, once they exit the building, he calls his Ghoul. As they await the Ghouls return he turns to Ollie, "Well, that went well enough no?"
Matthew allows himself a moment of enjoyment at Ms.Wainwright acknowledging his logic. It always felt good when those outsiders who felt his clan were all raving loons recognized his wisdom. It was something he tried to display as much as possible, both for outsiders but also to serve as a source of inspiration for his clanmates.
"He's having to swallow his pride and make quite a few deals now. I believe that strengthens your position. If Mr. Maxwell attempted to cross you, he'd send a message to everyone of the allies that backed him both in and outside of the Camarilla that he's not to be trusted and it would only be a matter of time and convenience before he double crossed them as well.That would rob him of much of his support and almost certainly guarantee plans would begin being made for his ouster. Better from his position to treat you with respect, if only to ensure himself of the Anarchs soft support against any further subterfuge."
Sensing the elder's waning patience, you take your leave of the library and wait for Ladislav's arrival.
Anita nods. "Seems like a reasonable gamble then if nothing else. Tell Maxwell I'm in."
At the mention of Shining Deer and Clear Bear, the Gangrel looks intrigued.
They leave, and Ollie says "Well? I'm not sure. I did find the mention of Shining Deer and or Clear Bear interesting. My sire told me some of the first Native American vampires were Gangrel, but then, he wasn't a master of lore. Did you get what you wanted out of that meeting?"
"I'll be pleased to tell him such. Though if this old man may offer one final suggestion, do not agree unequivocally; be upfront about what you'd like to get out of this arrangement. Make Mr. Maxwell offer you concrete concessions before you give him your backing. You will likely get better terms that way."
Do you think securing Wainwright's support counts as fulfilling Matthew's Nature of Scientist?
"Regain Willpower any time a logical, systematic approach to a problem helps you solve it, or information gathered logically is of use in another, similar situation."
I would suspect that without your powers it would be difficult to survive in the wilderness. I did not get what I wanted out of the meeting, but then, I was informed that the Elder was surly.Tell me, what would it take from me for you to teach me that ability?
While I didn't get what I want, I believe the objective of moving closer to determining whether there is sufficient support among the Elders for He Who Would be Prince has progressed forward.
Onto your meeting then, hopefully, it will be one that doesn't require us to get our hands dirty".
"Where to now, sir?" Ladislav asks from the front seat.
"In return, should things work out satisfactory, I would be delighted if certain Anarchs took me up on my offer for therapy. Strictly voluntary. I know our kind finds it difficult to trust, and my sect and clan unfortunately only add to that apprehension. But a kind word or two as to my reliability would not go unappreciated." He smiles.
Finishing his business, he waits to see if Savanna has anything to add.
Stay in the area and I will call you when we need pick up".
Edwin waits for Ollie's feedback before speaking further.
Thinking about Matthew's offer briefly, Anita says, "I think I'll take you up on that offer. Although I don't know how many of my allies will take you up on the offer of therapy."
Turning her attention to Savanna, she says, "Hmmm....maybe Marc would be able to help you with that. Would you like me to reach out to him for you?"
Ollie nods at Edwin's suggestion, "Sounds good."
He's not sure how free he should be around Ladislav and worries he's been a bit too chatty.
"As you wish." Ladislav responds, remaining quiet for the remainder of the drive to the Roosevelt station. The Roosevelt station is one of the more major hubs, as the red, orange, and green lines converge at this station, along with a major stop for the CTA buses.
Going up to the vending machine, you purchase your fares and go through the turnstiles to wait for your train. The stop is sparsely populated at best tonight, with a pair of college age girls across the tracks waiting for a northbound train and an old vagrant slumped against a vending machine, watching the three of you with a suspicious eye.
"Better hope the train cops aren't on this next one." the old man says. "They don't let pets on the train." he adds, gesturing to Buttons.
"I don't see no cane in your friend's hand, but whatever." the vagrant says as you hear the train approaching from the north.
If he can find something that works as a cane , even a stick, he'll consider grabbing it up.
"Whatever..." the old man mumbles as the train arrives.
The short trip from the Roosevelt station to the next stop, Cermak-Chinatown goes by uneventful. Looking up at the diagram above the door, you the next stop is Sox-35th, but yet Ollie was told Cermak and 35th...that doesn't seem to be an actual stop name.
"Ah, right make that the Sox-35th stop."
"I'll see what I can do to make that happen. Do you have a preferred manner of contact?" Anita asks as it pertains to Savanna's request.
Realizing the stop names have changed, you stay on for two stops - until Sox-35th. Stepping off of the Red Line in front of Rate Field, home of the White Sox, you look around but do not see anything other than a few homeless who looking for shelter for the night.
One question remains in your mind. If this is the Lasombra, why would they use a stop name from the 90's, as they have just arrived in Chicago.
"Oh, that's understandable. I am sure most will be rightly cautious until they see others have worked with me with no harm coming to them. Really if I can even get one or two souls who find themselves seeking a friendly ear I will feel accomplished. Therapy among our kind is such an unexplored field. Imagine the insights waiting to be discovered!" Dr. Baker forces himself to avoid launching into an impassioned ramble here, albeit it only with great effort. He gives her his phone number for easier communication between them.
Regardless, that is old news, let's find your contact and find some new news...".
Edwin activates his Auspex to see if he can spot anyone his normal senses failed to detect.
"Please, glad for the help." He says knowing that Tremere tend to be both learned and ...well, sensitive to things regular senses fail at.
They also do ##@# that freaks folks out but I think they like it that way.
With phone numbers exchanged, you make your way out of the building back into the streets of Chicago.
You look around for who you were to meet with when one of the homeless stands and begins to approach you. As the tall, horribly scarred man approaches, Edwin recognizes from the Elysium a few nights back. From the shadows to your right, Ollie hears - physically this time - a familiar voice. "Ah, you've chosen to come us, very good."
Well, that went better than even I expected." The doctor remarks."It just goes to show that logic and mutual self interest can go a long way.
"I've no further plans for tonight. I suppose we should wait for our colleagues to contact us and tell us how their meeting turned out. Ms. Douglas, If you require any assistance I am at your disposal. Conversely, if you'd like to swing by my office and attend a therapeutic session, I would be happy to assist. I know many in our clan struggle to process their emotions, and would be happy to be a bridge to greater mental stability for you."
She looks a few minutes at the stars
I have no real plan or tonight either..Have you fed tonight, my good doctor? Maybe we should go to the movies? What kind of movie do you prefer?
"How very true. I've never been fond of politics, but sadly it seems we are mired deep within it.I plan to start doing more research when I can to become more knowledgeable about the local political situation." Matthew says.
" A movie would be delightful. I confess I've a certain fondness for lighter fare; perhaps we could see a comedy and take our minds off all this unpleasantness for a few hours. Though horror movies are always so amusing to me though,considering.
"I have fed; my work allows me easy access to nourishment. But I'd be happy to accompany you and assist with securing you a meal if you like."
"Sounds like a plan, my dear. I thank you for indulging this old gentleman with the pleasure of your delightful company for just a bit longer." Dr. Baker offers her his arm, and sets off for the cinema. Perhaps one night he will get a look inside his clanmate's head, but for now he shall appreciate the small break from their duties.