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Upon rising, Edwin will cast his rituals Deflection of Wooden Doom. Edwin will text Statia that he has further business this evening but ask her availability for the next evening. Thereafter, he will seek to bring everyone together for a meeting to get an update from Matt and Savanna and of course provide to them the events of the two previous meeting he had and of course to invite them to the final meeting tonight.
Edwin, Ollie, and Buttons:
Edwin turns to Ollie, "Well, all there is to do is to see the last Primogen tomorrow, after we speak with him, we can discuss further with the Coterie what is what.
Thank you for your time Elder, I shall of course inform you of what Khalid has to say tomorrow night if that is alright with you?"
"There is much to contemplate tonight Ollie, I say we head back and get some rest before tomorrow nights last meeting, do you think the others would wish to come with? Plus, we will need to see what it is they discovered in their own meetings".
I think that's my last post of that night I think, sorry Savanna and Matthew for taking so long!
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: "I see, though Lodin would be controlled by the Lasombra in this case...
So whether this is the real Lodin or another Kindred masquerading as Lodin, is irrelevant. Well, the relevance for my Coterie, including Ollie, is that the Lasombra strongly hinted though Talley pulled back the threat a bit, that were we to not get on board with the Return of the King, our existences may be forfeit. This seems to have little distinction from the threats made by Prince Jackson. Truth be told, I was somewhat taken by the idea of the return of Lodin as a force for stability considering what I had heard of the city from the Regent prior to Lodin's death. But of these three contenders, Maxwell was the only one to not threaten to slay us if we chose not to support him. That in itself has some great value. I thank you for your time Elder. Tomorrow we shall meet with Khalid. Assuming that he too approves of Maxwell's return, that is three of the Primogen or former Primogen backing his claim to praxis quite significant". Edwin is about to leave but has another thought he feels compelled to share. "What of the other Primogen? Annabelle, Tyler, and Inyanga? Or has the Gangrel Elder withdrawn from that position? If those three split their support, that would be a significant boost for Maxwell no?"
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: "A grim thought Ollie and an excellent point.
Perhaps it is my survival instinct alone driving me, but I would prefer to back the candidate that the Elders approve of. I'd rather not be standing against Kindred alive before the time of Christ or Elder Wizards who have forgotten more rituals than I've read about. It will not be clear until tomorrow where Khalid stands... Of course, that said, without Criatias or Nicolai at my side, I'd stand little chance if Talley drew steel upon me or dropped shadows around me". Edwin pauses a grim look upon his face, "Are you saying you prefer Maxwell because he will be more controllable than Lodin or Jackson or because he is of your Blood? I suppose it's irrelevant either way, I would prefer to side with the side that is most likely to win, not lose".
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin frowns but responds, "The supposed return of Lodin as a contender for the Princeship. However, it appears that his main set of supporters are the Lasombra.
I find it odd that the Lasombra suddenly have discovered Lodin 30 years after his Final Death at the hands of Lupines. Is the Sabbat not known for the ability to change their appearances? It would appear to me, and perhaps I am just becoming paranoid, that the Sabbat wishes to soft coup Chicago by installing "Lodin" as Prince. And even if Lodin were Prince cold he not simply utilize his blood bond to command Prince Jackson to step down? All that said, I presume that you would still wish to support Maxwell? Nicolai does, of course, that is before I knew what I no know about the "Return of the King" as the odd ally of the Lasombra call it" Edwin pauses and waits for a response from Criatias.
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin enters the room and gives a formal bow, "Good evening Elder. I have with me Ollie and his trusted companion Buttons.
I apologize for disturbing you, but just this very might I cam across some information that throws much of what we discussed into chaos and I get the sense that it is something important for you to know, in light of our arrangement".
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Once we get in, I want to head to the Elders office to see if he has his "office hours" still going.
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin shakes his head at Ladislav, "Unfortunately my friend, no. Much as I wish to focus on my studies, the world has a way to pull me away from those desires.
First, we fled from Europe and settled here. a place that was supposed to be settled. Now we come to find out that chaos is here as well. Trouble yourself not my friend, I shall find a way..." He stares out the window in silence until they arrive at the University. Once the pull over Edwin asks Ladislav to drive around a bit, "Go not too far as I am not sure how soon I may need you again my friend!" Edwin motions for Ollie to follow him and he heads to now familiar building and hallway of the Elder.
Edwin, Ollie and Buttons: "Well, we still exist so it could have gone worse.
This is quite a shocking development". As the train makes its next stop, Edwin motions for Ollie and Buttons to follow him. He calls Ladislav requesting a pick up. "I wish to visit a new ally to discuss this development. I am shocked that they would drag out some ridiculous story about the survival of Lodin, but what better way for former Sabbat to control Chicago? If I am not mistaken, they have powers that can make anyone look like the former Prince..."
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin sighs at the threat and despite his own general distaste for confrontation he feels compelled to respond, "With a tone such as this, I'm not sure you're all that much different from the current Prince who used threats to justify his own tenuous hold of the city. While there is little doubt that the two of you could easily slay us here and now, I have to wonder, is that the sort of support you are seeking? The cowed? If we are so cowed by you, how could we stand against the current Prince, after all a coward isn't much of an ally. We would stand with you until such time as we could flee or if it seemed that you were losing, we might then switch sides to preserve our own hides. Contemplate this as we contemplate how to convince our friends that your cause is the correct cause to back versus the cause of an anachronistic borderline anarch Brujah". Edwin bows and he withdraws with Ollie and Buttons.
Edwin and Ollie: Edwin asks one more question then issues a statement, "I am unclear how Capone and Jackson are akin to Anarchs, because they were criminals as Mortals?
I must confess that the return of Lodin would appear to solve Chicago's leadership vacuum, let me discuss this with my Coterie". He turns to Ollie for the last word.
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin doesn't appear convinced by the argument, "Are you saying that Lodin managed to slay the Lupines and pull himself to safety somewhere and lay in torpor all these years only to be discovered by the Lasombra?
And why would he align himself with a Clan that as a Camarilla Prince he would have been at least, if not more opposed to, than he was the Anarchs? In addition, I still do not understand why the Prince cannot simply waltz back in and command his Childer to obey. Did he not Blood Bound his own brood? Perhaps I protest too much but even if I am not one in a position to demand such answers, and perhaps I am not, no doubt someone else of much greater influence than I would want to know as much if not more". After Talley gives the explanation as to utility of the Coterie, "Suddenly I feel as if were a little worm on a big hook. We're bait to draw out the ire of Jackson eh? I find it hard to believe he would fear us..." He pauses, "Truth be told, I would personally be much more comfortable, despite my seeming misgivings, to the return of Lodin versus Maxwell. This Maxwell was Prince in a different age. Lodin, from what I understand of the history of the city, kept the peace outside of feuds with the Anarchs. For one such as myself, that is all I desire. To be left alone with a stable head of State, as it were, above me allowing me to conduct my affairs unimpeded. Were we to say, support the return of Lodin, who else is aware of and interested in such a development?"
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin shrugs at this Olaf character, "I will grant you that I have heard that Lodin was a powerful Kindred but he's been missing for what, twenty, twenty-five years? Even if he does exist still, why would he align himself with the Lasombra and why now, after all of this time? Would he not be able to simply seize power once more through the Blood Bond of his Childer, Kevin Jackson?
I admit, I am a scholar and not a political power player and I have no Childe of my own so perhaps I am simply mistaken but I see no reason why if Lodin didn't wish it, he couldn't seize the Princeship right now. Now if you are "producing" a Kindred named Lodin, that is certainly an interesting approach. I suppose then I could see the Lasombra as powerful as your reputation states that you are, ah.. Talley, or is it Lord Talley, quite frankly I'm not certain how to address you, being the power behind the throne of this "Lodin". Either way, are you seeking Ollie and I suppose by extension, our Coterie's support in this endeavor? Then that begs the question to what end, certainly we have numbers but no real influence politically. And if it's a fight you seek then certainly there are better choices than us. Most of my Coterie are scholars, well except Jack and I think Ollie". He pauses, "Yes, I understand the power of the Second Inquisition more than most. Before its ugly head reared I was a resident of the Vienna Chantry. Only by dumb luck was I traveling at that moment else I would be ash on the wind". He opens his mouth to say more fascinated by the tip of the iceberg revelations that Talley has hinted at, but holds giving Ollie a chance to speak for himself!
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin cannot resist and speaks, "By another, do you mean to say that Lodin did not suffer the Final Death or do you mean to say that you have found and assisted Shining Deer's rise from Torpor?
Though if the latter is the case, then perhaps my understanding of the methods of the Sabbat, or former Sabbat, were greatly exaggerated as I would have suspected that Amaranth would have been the end result if an Elder were located and vulnerable. In the former case I find the odds dubious as it is common knowledge that Lodin was killed by Lupines who are not known for their mercies when it comes to our kind". Edwin remains silent on the presence in Gary that would seek to return though it is seems clear that the Lasombra Elder is indeed well informed. He pauses and continues, "The Second Inquisition has made strange bedfellows. Is it Inner Circle pressure or pressure from Mortals that has brought the Lasombra into the Camarilla? A question I have wanted to ask since I first laid eyes on you at Jackson's Conclave but didn't have the opportunity, or perhaps the gumption, to ask. I must confess to being ignorant of the history that formed the two Sects. As a member of Clan Tremere, there are truths held to be self evident that appear to not be as truthful as my time in this existence has progressed, such as Sabbat are the personification of evil".
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin bows slightly and remains silent as this is Edwin's meeting, not his.
Edwin and Ollie: "I think that this error was based on old knowledge. Either this contact was a recent Embrace or the Lasombra had a presence here undetected by the Camarilla at the time.
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.
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin nods to the man, "Seeing eye dog for my friend so I'm sure we will be fine, but thank yu for the information".
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin nods to Ladislav and opens the door for Ollie and Buttons, "Thank you my friend, deop us off at one stop from 35th & Cermak at the Red Line, we will take the train to the 35th & Cermak stop.
Stay in the area and I will call you when we need pick up". Edwin waits for Ollie's feedback before speaking further.
Edwin, Ollie, and Buttons: "They certainly sound like names that such early people from the States. Quite an interesting set of facts, I wonder if either of them still live? Perhaps that is something to be looked into.
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".
Edwin & Ollie: Getting a strong sense of being dismissed, Edwin gives a curt bow, "Very well Elder, we shall relay your preference. Have a good evening".
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?"
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin shrugs, "My own personal ambitions are a side show of course Elder, I certainly was not expecting that you would entertain such a request without me proving worthy of that honor.
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?"
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: 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".
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin bows to the Elder hiding the surprise at his appearance, I had heard him to be young but I was not expecting him to be so young, fascinating, "Regent Nicolai, it is an honor to meet you.
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.
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.
Edwin and Ollie: "I would presume that you would be correct", Edwin responds wryly.
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin approaches the wall and searches for perhaps a physical trigger of some kind to active it. Failing that he inspects for some sort of magical trigger.
Perception+Investigation
Edwin & Ollie: Perception + Alertness DC 7
Edwin, Ollie, and Buttons: "Excellent work my friends. K, we will contact you later".
Edwin hangs up and they enter the Library, locking the door behind them. He heads to the basement, Auspex 1 on, searching for Nicolai...
Edwin and Ollie: "Security system i didn't anticipate, can you walk Ollie through disabling it?"
[Ooc]Hopefully an assist might help, spend that Willpower point Ollie! :)
Edwin and Ollie: Edwin grabs his cell and dials K...
Edwin and Ollie: Edwin frowns, "Ollie, any skill with security?"
Edwin & Ollie: The Tremere remains silent as Ollie and Buttons accompany him.
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons: Edwin approaches the Mortal with the keys and turns on Awe followed by hard Dominate command.
"Good evening friend, fine night, I wasn't aware that the Library was closing so early. I've a meeting there. I'll need you to let me borrow those keys. I'll drop them by your place afterwards no harm no foul. Our friend Clyde here will take down your address, he's good at remembering such things, retired law enforcement and all. Good to have friends like him". Edwin grins broadly. [ooc]Presence 1 - Charisma + Performance - 2 Successes, the impression Edwin wants the Mortal to feel is Trustworthy.
Edwin, Ollie, & Buttons:
Edwin and Ollie: Edwin in the car casts a ritual upon himself, the Illusion of Perfection, concealing his appearance to that of a nondescript individual (similar to Mas of a Thousand faces).
Edwin smiles at Ladislav as they close on the destination and he asks his Ghoul to stop a 10 minute walk away, "I don't want the car to be seen too close to the Library. At least not tonight. Normally I would say take a drive, tonight I'll say park somewhere nearby, but not too far. Just in case we need you quickly. Thank you my friend". He exits and walks with Ollie (and presumably Buttons) towards the meeting with purpose. As they near the library, Edwin will extend his sense, Auspex 1, to hear and see better. "Appreciate you attending with me Ollie, this should prove quite the interesting meeting... I have not interacted with a Tremere as powerful as Nicolai since I was a Fledgling".
Edwin wakes up and immediately seeks out his Herd, calling a closed door meeting to provide advice to his "most special" followers seeking to "get clear". He absolves them of both sin and just a bit of their blood... Once the private meeting adjourn, he text messages Ladislav to have the car ready for tonights trip, then heads down the hall to where Ollie's temporary quarters are located, Though I suppose a Gangrel could have slept in the earth... and knocks on the door softly. "Ollie, are you and buttons ready?"
ST: Makes sense! I will begin learning Donning the Mask of Shadows, a personal favorite of yours! I believe I have a good 3 hors to put in this night.
Edwin will also text Statia letting her know he has a few busy nights of work ahead but would like to meet up with her again on the third night (as the next two nights have pretty heavy Vampiric activity but I will of course NOT include THAT in the text)!.
Edwin grins at Jack, "Perhaps muscle would be considered impressive at an Anarch meeting. Though your mere presence there could be good as you are certainly imposing, or bad as Anarchs don't often come from your "stock". I suspect any display of machismo in a meeting with the Tremere Elder would result in literal immolation of one or more of us. I think it may be more helpful if Jack and Alexander discover Calliope's whereabouts".
"Fascinating Doctor, it appears that the Anarchs are not the political monolith the Camarilla has made them out to be. Do you believe that Ms. Wainwright would be opposed to you bringing anyone along? For my meeting, Nicolai expects there to be more than just me. Ollie, is your meeting at a time that all can attend? Assuming we want to, of course".
Edwin frowns at Savanna's answer but continues forward anyway, "My coterie and I were recruited, for lack of a better term, to gauge the popularity of an old Prince returning to replace the regime of the new Prince. This Prince appears to have the backing of the Anarchs, for what that is worth. More importantly, he has the backing of a significant Primogen member who for the moment, shall remain nameless. Through a meeting with that nameless Kindred, I was able to arrange an audience with two others, well, one a former Primogen - Khalid of Clan Nosferatu and the other Nicolai of Clan Tremere. The meeting with Nicolai is tomorrow night, the meeting with Khalid, tow nights from tonight. I propose you all join our Coterie and attend these meeting with me. Ollie has a meeting as well tomorrow night, but I will let him reveal those particulars. If we are to unify, all three meetings should be attended by us all. A cohesive unit to hear what these Elders have to say and see if they are indeed willing to support the once, and perhaps future, Prince. While the existing coterie has bonds through a few years of tested loyalty, our bonds will be through mutual defense against potential rivals. The streets of Chicago may be getting very dangerous, very soon".
As the group is assembled, Edwin shuts the door and speaks. "Introductions are in order. For those of you who do not know him, the handsome brooding man at the table is Jack, an original member of the Coterie. Jack, you met Olliver and the good Doctor, presently Ms. Savanna Douglas has arrived. I was hoping that Calliope would attend to us but she has disappeared. Alexander is not here, that I am aware of. K is not "truly" one of us so his presence is not exactly necessary. Our little Coterie was originally formed partially for safety in numbers and partly as a group interested in learning, we were politically agnostic, but with the meeting called by the Prince last week things changed... Everyone in Chicago is being forced to take sides. If we are to form a new Coterie, we too must take a side much to my own chagrin. Before I share further what steps I am prepared to and indeed must take as the die has been cast, I wish to know, are you all in or out? If you are in, remain. If you are out, leave now and I shall think no less of you nor should I consider you to be my foe as the sun rises, but by leaving I will at least know, I cannot fully trust you either".
Edwin nods at Doctor Baker's assertion, "Thank you Ollivor".
Edwin raises an eyebrow and turns to Doctor Baker, "Is Savanna on her way?" He then turns back to Ollie, "Our resident Nosferatu filled us in on exactly who Talley the Hound is. He is a Lasombra and former member of the Sabbat... and the Prince has brought him in as an advisor or enforcer. It seems there's a fox in his henhouse. He raises an interesting point regarding the former Prince, a point which I have contemplated myself. He mentioned two former Princes, I wonder who the other one is? We know where, do we know when Ollie? I, we, have a meeting with someone for tomorrow night already that cannot be missed. Note that I don't wish to discuss all details until Savanna is here, I'd prefer if Calliope were here as well but things are moving so quickly we may not be able to wait for her to re-emerge before we make decisions". He pauses again, "Alexander, are you with us?"
Edwin returns to the main conference room with Jack, "Apologies. From here on out, there shall be a bit more transparency... Any luck with Savanna Doctor? Also, can you share with us who you met with Ollie?"
Edwin & Jack: Edwin shrugs, "No matter.
I am glad you are here though I am concerned about Calliope. Still, these new Cainites have come to us and I think we have little choice but to embrace them, so to speak. We will need numbers and more importantly, I believe they were sent our way on purpose, especially Doctor Baker. I was planning on telling them that I have meetings set up I wish for them to attend, for now, we can keep quiet about your revelation of course".
Edwin & Jack: "So he's not exactly hiding.
Why then would the Prince publicly proclaim him dead if you found him with ease? Very strange. Perhaps they have some sort of deal... Before we discuss further, first let's check in and see if our resident spy is present. Alexander, are you present?"
Edwin and Jack: Edwin whistles, "That's big news.
As it turns out, Nicolai is alive as well. Our meeting with Criatias bore fruit. Meetings have been set for us with the Tremere Elder and with Khalid, the Nosferatu Elder... The South Side, I would have thought that to be Jackson's territory, how is he even hiding there? Though I suppose Cabrini Green is north side so maybe I am just conflating Jackson's sphere of influence with local gangs to be larger than it actually is. Who confirmed that he was even alive?" He pauses but throws out a few more thoughts before Jack can get a word in, "I suppose he could be an ally against Jackson but the sense I get is that the Elders were never aligned with Lodin's childer so they may not want to align themselves with Capone. We cannot assume all enemies of Jackson will be each other's allies, especially where the purpose of those collaborating are to put someone other than Capone on his Sire's throne.... Would you even want to find Capone... apologies for the questions, this is all very shocking news".
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