Wolfric simply stared at the beautiful vampire before him. Bargaining could be compared to may things; a tug of war or a battle of wills. Wolfric viewed this particular discussion as a form of dance, the one in the stronger position leads. Occasionally however the music changes and sometimes with it the leader. Wolfric was reviewing the moves in his head and much to his ire he knew for certain that Malvolia was in complete control of the dance. For now.

He allowed the pause to continue, speaking only as she turned away to leave. His voice was reluctant but otherwise conveyed no other hint as to his thoughts. "I agree to your terms except on one point. I cannot allow you to set the price on a whim, instead we shall reopen negotiations as we have done tonight. I am not fool enough to commit myself to an unknown price for information that you decide is useful to me. Send me the account you want the money deposited into and i will draft up the contract and send you a copy, if you are satisfied with the contents I shall present a signed copy to our prince so that he is correctly informed of this deal involving his property." The emphasis on the last two words could be interpreted in several ways, plainly speaking he actual owned the club itself however it could also infer the Princes ownership over themselves.

Wolfric put pen to paper and swiftly drew up the required contract with the agreed terms including the clause regarding the cessation and renegotiation of the contract by notice either written or personal. The clause was extended to both parties equally. The contract also stated that Malvolia would be required to provide any and all such information requested, except when either party chose to renegotiate the contract. Once the draft was complete he handed the letter to one of the clubs attendants with directions to have it taken to Malvolia.

He felt a little stiff as he walked the corridors, it had been over a day since he had enjoyed a decent meal, Wolfric preferred to restrict himself to the bottled variety of life when travelling. It was much simpler than dragging along a mortal wherever he travels. many associates he knew chose to be accompanied by faithful ghouls but Wolfric found it more advantageous to choose someone known to the local mortals someone he could use and turn them. such things required permission however and he would have to spend time choosing from a small pool of candidates. In time he would likely have another servant to feed from, to use and dispose of as he saw fit but that was unimportant at the moment to Wolfric. now he merely wanted to feed.

He strode down a hallway and stopped to ask directions, the clubs layout was not yet known in its entirety to him. Most Invictus courts had a supply of fresh blood to feed upon and Wolfric was certain there would be someone to feed from. He was directed to a rather gloomy and old fashioned room with several mortals and one or two other kindred attendants that were also feeding. Wolfric stepped towards one of the unattended mortals and glanced at the guard standing at the door, having made no move to stop him Wolfric strode forward and gently stroked his victims arm and with gentle pressure on the bicep forced the veins to rise to the surface. Arterial blood was richer and more flavorsome in Wolfric's opinion but the wounds took longer to heal and it was harder to control the amount being taken. His lips pierced flesh easily and his tongue lapped up the flowing blood with a practiced efficiency. he closed his eyes and measured the amount in heartbeats and swallows. A tingling sensation ran through his body, across his skin and he felt renewed. He held his tongue against the tiny wounds a moment to savor the taste. It was a surprisingly good vintage and he looked at the man beneath him and remembered his face.

He left the feeding room with spring in his step, the rhythm tapped out by his cane.

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
00:39, Today: Wolfric Wroth rolled 1 success using 2d10 with the World of Darkness nWoD system with a target of 8, rerolling 10s with rolls of 9,6.  feeding in club valhalla [situational die that can be discounted if deemed inappropriate by gm].

00:38, Today: Wolfric Wroth rolled 3 successes using 10d10 with the World of Darkness nWoD system with a target of 8, rerolling 10s with rolls of 1,5,5,7,6,10(+2),2,7,8,9.  Feeding in club vahalla. ([wits + survival=4] + [Herd 6= 10]) [+2 for situational modifier?]
So either 3 or 4 with situational :D

---

Wolfric bowed his head as Johannes greeted him and allowed a slight pause before lifting his head. As he listened he felt a sick feeling of preminition that was confirmed when he glanced at the paperwork. His hand flinched involuntarily and crumpled the corner a little as his eyes flashed with anger before he regained control and made a very forced smile appear on his face. His voice sounded disappointed. The glance at the paper was short and he was soon facing the prince again. <rose>"If she had indeed discovered the issues within the ledgers and made these  adjustments herself then i would  be in the unfortunate positikn of informing you that you do not require my services after all. As it happens these are the very same changes i proposed to Lilith last night after browsing the accounts. I had hoped that it would be a little less abrasive to the rest of your court  coming from one already well established though it seems that she has ommitted mention that the adjustments were of my creation. An honest mistake i am sure, it was a rather confusing night after all, its evident from the fact she has forgotten to pass on the information about the dummy accounts i have kept in order to move funds into and out of the club without being taxed.

Your confirmation number is 11405634

Nathaniel loomed over the wreck of a man and observed his work. The first knuckle bone on each finger of his left hand pointed upwards at an impossible angle, all except the smallest finger which had been neatly cut off and placed on his surgeons table. Unlike most first mates Nathaniel had decorated his meager quarters efficiently and it resembled a miniature surgery quarters. He draped a thick canvas over the table when not in use

He laughed cruelly when she mentioned the swordfish. <coral>"Im sure he will enjoy that one. I have promised to shove a live fish up his ass every morning until i run out of fish or get bored  then im going to chop of his cock and feed it to him. I was quite annoyed at his comments but it should make for an interesting experiment, i think i will leave them inside until they suffocate then feed them to him raw.  Perhaps i will save the swordfish for last eh.

He laughed cruelly when she mentioned the swordfish. "Im sure he will enjoy that one. I have promised to shove a live fish up his ass every morning until i run out of fish or get bored  then im going to chop of his cock and feed it to him. I was quite annoyed at his comments but it should make for an interesting experiment, i think i will leave them inside until they suffocate then feed them to him raw. Seems like an appropriate punishment and i'l leave it to the new crew to administer it."

Nathaniel gave her a quizzical look before retorting dryly. "I must compliment you on the eloquent recovery Captain..." He wasn't so calm and cool inside his head. Her smirk and the dangerous glint in her eyes made Nathaniel cautious

Nathaniels now moist hand whipped up to grasp her cheeks in a firm grip and pulled her head around to face him in a slow and steady yet unresistable motion. The pain and fear on her face was delicious to him, all the emotion she usually tried to hide when he took out his pleasures on her flesh. She knew deep down that even then he was being kind and holding back. She had seen enough of his victims to know the scope of his addictions but could never truly understand their depth. She would never have asked him tonvent all of his fustration on her if she did. He looked into the eyes of a younger Scarlett once more but this time he neither shied away  or relented. <coral>"Whats wrong? Didnt you want to know what it was like to be that siren bitch to me? For me to treat you like i would her? A piece of living flesh to be carved .

http://www4.mangafreak.net/Manga/Shingeki_No_Kyojin

Wolfric had indeed spent the greater manority of the night in state of stoic silence. He had a curious fascination with the social etiquette of his fellow students. Barely any of them even pretended that they would repay Pandora. It was all so alien and strange to Wolfric, especially the reckless abandon that seemed to overcome them when they realized that the bill was being covered for them. He vaguely wondered if they would spend so recklessly  had they not known she was ridiculously wealthy. It seemed amusing that some of them still judged people like him and Pandora by their upbringing whilst debasing themselves in amusements provided by the thing they dissaprove off.

Shortly after the drunken girl had emptied her  bowels onto the floor he found himself stepping away from a steadily encroaching pool of vomitus. As he did so he felt a gentle vibration in his left pocket and a look of curiosity followed by ansudden realisation flashed over his face. Very few people had that number and even fewer would actually call it. He flashed Pandora a smile and patted her hand gently before heading towards the nightmarish cesspit that the people around him called a bathroom. As he wove into the small crowd he seemed to grow hazy before dissapearing into the crowd completely. He ignored the terrible droning and screeching from the microphone held by Travis and satisfied that he would nit be seen or heard, read the message.  He read the message twice, three times. A feral grin split his face before  eing replaced with a look of focused determination. He sent a short reply and headed into a quiet corner as he began to simply watch the other students. He always managed to keep one eye on Pandora and was curious when she appeared a little distressed and then broke her phone. Wolfric wasnt particularly surprise when the  ew one was delivered, it was standard protocol for VIP members of the Black Claw. Just one of many small perks. He wondered if they would arrive so quickly with a replacement for him. Probabaly not.

It took longer than expected for the vultures to gather around Pandora and Wolfric watched with amusement as they each seemed to line up and take their turn. He couldnt hear what they were saying but he didnt particularly care either, their courting rituals were very different and fascinating. Travis seemed content with recieving her number as he escorted another beautiful woman away, this caused a tiny amount of admiration or perhaps respect to flicker within Wolfric for a moment. It lasted exactly long enough for him to realize that the woman was Grace. He found it a pity that one so beautiful would be wasted on Travis but the  Wolfric was not overly keen to court a corpse. Imagine the scandal! Pandora could feed on it the rest of her life and still not have exhausted the shame it would bring him amonst their peers

Name: Ptomalac Tolbek

Race: Shabti if allowed, if not either a dhampir or a human.

Class:Cleric (Undead Lord) Investigator (Dread investigator)

Age: As a shabti he would have an unknown age but probs in the material plane for around 40 years. Human would be late 20's or early 30's.

Concept: An Urban, Lawful Evil Necromancer. Probably some horrific past event that made him turn to necromancy but that would be discussed as you said.

Sample Writing:

Tolbek paced the room incessantly, allowing his footsteps to echo softly in the small stone room he had secluded himself into. Tolbek had spent years progressing his art and despite his many setbacks was confident that this time he would succeed, with each new subject bringing nothing but failure he had become a little disheartened. He had no shortage of volunteers, willing or otherwise. he preferred to work with the dead, they didn't need to be fed, kept warm and they were much quieter and peaceful. He viewed each subject as a canvas for his art, in each failure a lesson learned and in each success a leap towards his goal. Every canvas provided challenges and allowed for different approaches and techniques, not all of his canvases survived or even displayed signs of physical harm but they retained and evidence of Tolbek's handiwork nonetheless. Tolbek navigated his impromptu laboratory comfortably in the low light, knowing where everything was placed in the small and comforting room. He glanced over at the fresh corpse on the large fallen stone he used as a medical slab, he hadn't killed her himself. A life of bad choices and drug addiction had done the work for him, she might have been considered beautiful had she not ruined her body with unknown and suspect magical substances designed to induce feelings of pleasure or relief.

"You are fortunate to be here, of course you don't know that. Very few get a chance at a second life, of course i haven't been massively successful but i have a good feeling about this time."

Tolbek wasn't mad, well he didn't think he was, he just found it a rather lonely experience cooped up in his lab for days on end. not all of his canvas' had a the ability or faculty to talk so most of the time he spoke to the dead. They were such good listeners. he injected his latest concoction of various chemicals

Residence:
Wedged between a long abandoned coal shed and a bawdy house frequented by only poor and desperate wretches sits the wreck of a building that was once perhaps a merchants house. its long faded facade perhaps would have looked almost pleasant before it began crumbling and half collapsed in on itself. It appears that the only thing holding the building upright is its proximity to the sturdier buildings either side.

If the building has a legal owner they would likely be far too embarrassed to be associated with it publicly. Multiple collapses have lead the bottom 3 floors all but inaccessible except by a small openings and craggy passages between the stones the most experienced miner might baulk at attempting to squeeze themselves through. the inteior staircase is mostly intact, that is to say that only every third step or so will support any weight and sections have a tendency to sway alarmingly at the top.

Past these obstacles is Gambols room, a small and dank corner of a once larger room holds most of what Gambol owns; a small cot bed several remains of tiny wax candle sutbs and a small shoddily made bookcase filled with a truly random assortment of books. Opposite his bed is a surprisingly sturdy locked door that opens into empty air and a faily large drop onto the weathered rubble beneath. A running jump would just maybe give enougb distance to reach the roof of the bawdy house. When it rains half of the room drips rthymically and in strong winds the whole room seems to rock a little

As the boat rocked rhythmically the sounds of the festival filled the air and Haru smiled despite the burning coals of bitterness and anger in the pit of his stomach. Hi smaile didn't reach his eyes but still he refused to be distracted or brought low because others were happier or better off than himself. Haru tried to find happiness in the smaller things though it had been hard in the last few months. "I know Saku, I know. It is not the fault of the people we see around us. I doubt one in a hundred here will have even heard of our villages let alone our troubles. I certainly hear little of the everyday goings on in Cai Mura back home. It is good to see that not everyone is struggling, good that there is still plenty of joy and laughter in the world."

Haru breathed in the scent of the flower petals and slowly shook his head. Words were just wind and he shared the thoughts and memories his followers likely drew to mind. He felt that their group was somewhat out of place in the festival. A dour group surrounded by celebration. As the boat docked Haru caught one the lays and nodded his head in grattitude before looping it over Saku's neck. "Smile Saku. Life is too short for misery and it is not fair that we sow it here. Let them celebrate, in fact all of you should enjoy the sights and bring back some gifts for your children and your families. Whatever the outcome we will return with heads held high. I will not let those animals have a single victory agaisnt us, even in our own thoughts. I doubt it will be easy to obtain an audience with the daimyo any time soon if at all. Let us see if we can get the lay of the land and perhaps find out why no aid has been given."

Haru stepped off the dock and approached the girl who had thrown the lays and gave a shallow bow."Thank you, pleasse could you direct us to somewhere we might be able to stay whislt we are here? The cheaper the better."

Haru punched Saku lightly on the shoulder. "Good man. Not too much of the sake mind you, celebrating is all good and well but thats not a reaosn to be reckless, espeically in a place like this." He took the notice for Rikaku and scowled as he began reading it slowly, his lips mouthing the words silently as he did so. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt and a little positive attention might even help our cause. If nothing else we can watch how the competitors fight and maybe pick up a few moves we can teach back home. Hopefully they will let me use the scythe, if not you should all get a a good laugh at me swinging a sword like a club!"

Haru smiled at the girl though it was a little strained. She was clearly very excited by the festival and Haru wished they could have visited under better circumstances. "We have travelled a long distance to be here, in truth we didn't even know that there wa sa festival scheduled until we arrived." Haru chuckled and patted Yuki's shoulder, even on four legs he reached midway up Haru's torso. "I doubt any ruffians will be willing to cause trouble for us with my faithful friend here but I thank you for the warning. I am in your debt." Haru bowed once more respectfully to the girl before turnign to the others. "Well then. I guess we have to find some masks before seeking out these competitions." Saku grumbled to himself and Haru was glad he didn not precisely what was said.

The entourage left the docks and at the first opportunaty purchased 4 of the cheapest amks they could find, made of what seemed like glued paper, they would probabaly start melting if it rained though they were vibrant and coolourful if simple in design. With their straw hat, sandals and mino they would stand out in the city regardless. Only Rikako's attire beneath the mino was not threadbare and patched in the group though the journey had stained it with dirt and the wear of travelling. Once the masks were aquired they headed to the section of the docks where the fencing was taking place. Near the entrance Haru spotted small groups queues of men and women lining up and and speaking to some form of attendent at a table. Haru Left Yuki with Saku and headed over, waiting patiently for his turn. "Goood evening, i would like to sign up for the sparring though i am afraid i do not know all the rules." He tapped the cloth wrapped scythe on his back. "Any restrictions on weapons that can be used?"

Haru listened to the snippet of conversation regarding the absent Daimyo with great interest though decided against pressing the matter further with the passerbys. Undoubtled the city would be awash with rumours and it would best to gather as much reliable information as possible.

After passing the soldiers he swallowed a little bitterness and commented with a joviality that was too forced to be genuine. "At least we know that there are more soldiers than the ones that come with the tax collector each year. Maybe we might a few spare ones ourselves."

Haru sighed when the he learned he would have to use a bokken, the closest thing Haru had weilded to a sword was a hoe but doubted it would suffice. He handed his hat, Mino and cloth-wrapped scythe to Goto. "Keep your ears out for any rumours about the Daimyo or those flashing lights in the tower. Looks like you might get to see me make a fool of myself and go for a swim at the same time. And no betting!" Haru set off towards a man handing out bokken and heard familiar muted laughter and turned to see Saku and Goto muttering and shooting him glances. Haru shook his head and continued onwards. He wondered whether either of them would bet on him to win but doubted it.

Once a beaten and battered bokken had been aquired he waited his turn with a group of other contestants. Some of them appeared very drunk but several appeared focused and collected, by the way they held themselves and the way they watched the other competitors Haru summized they actually knew how to use a sword.

Haru found enough space to give a couple of practice swings and grimaced before giving up. He might be better of using it as a club after all and there was no chance that the next few minutes would awaken some kind of mastery with the bokken. Haru decided he would simply have to try and fight smarter if without elegance or skill. The rules said you were out for falling in the water so all he had to do was try and manouever them near the edge and force them to step back. It was easy in theory but Haru decided he wasn't going to risk signifigant injury for a little glory.

A grubby man in a bright mask began calling out names and Haru heard his own. taking a deep breath he stepped forward and moved towards the direction the man was pointing towards. Haru was surprised to find himself a little unnerved by the cheering, booing and laughing crowd. They seemed in good spirits and even the insults seemed to be simply in the spirit of the event wihtout any sign of genuine malice. Haru rolled his shoulders a little and smiled as he stepped forward offering a bow to the other comeptitors before they began. He took a ready position and waited for the match to begin.

Haru leaned his weight forward rocking the pontoon a little and watched as his apponent staggered dangerously towards him before stepping forward and swinging the bokken wildly from side to side, taking advantage of his inebriated aooponents panic. Haru took his time but rocked the pontoon with each heavy step until his opponent had nowhere left to run and fell backwards into the water. Cheers and clapping erupted in equal measure and Haru bowed low once again to his opponent after regaining his balance.

His second opponent approached was ferried out to the pontoon and seemed much steadier on his feet and took up an actual stance with his bokken held confidently. Haru attempted the same tactic as before and began rocking the pontoon. His opponent this time however was unfazed and approached swiftly and unleashed several swift and thoughtful strikes that promptly overwhelmed Haru. Haru reflexively swung back in an arc that likely would have struck a good blow had Haru been using his scythe. The bokken however had much less reach and Haru realized too late he had slid his hand along the wooden sword and was holding it like a staff. With another deft strike Haru was easily disarmed and a good kick to the chest saw him sail backwards into the water. The cheering and appluase was muffled for a few disorientating seconds as he bobbed up and down in the water and swam himself to shore.

Several of the bystanders helped pull Haru on the dockside with several pats on the back and cheers or jeers. Haru wringed out his shirt before putting it back on and retrieved his mask from Saku who looked even more unhappy than before. Goto however was counting some coin with a much improved mood."Well that could have gone better and it certainly couldn't have hurt to meet the daimyo's Hatamoto, she might have been able to give us some answers. No use crying over spoiled seed though i guess." Haru retrieved his scythe before patting Yuki on the head. "So Rikako, you wanted to try your hand at the archery right? I doubt my display will have encouraged anyone to consider me a warrior but maybe we can convince them that you are an archer. Ow! It was a joke, lets see if we can find where you can apply."

Haru sat when beckoned and watched the cards curiously as he listened to her explanantions. The first card was of no suprise to Haru, he had heard of fortune tellers using vague or general forecasts of prophecy. Haru did not show an outward sign but he wondered what the old crone would think if she knew how right she actually was. The second card gave him pause however, it did not seem particularly generalized and he could not think of what could wipe away his past and either consume or destroy him other than death. It seemed strange to Haru that if this were the case she would have said so directly, another common trick he had heard, usually right before offering to change their fate for a moderate price. her tone and genuine surprise felt somehow real to Haru however and she either beleived what she was saying or was an incredibly good actor. Perhaps she was even both.

"Sun devil kings? You mean...anathema? demons you mean? Only know what the scriptures teach and the stories we tell the kids to keep them going out at night. Mosters from the olden days that enslaved the world. Until the dragonblooded rose up and saved us all. Apparently a few still exist in creation but that the dragonblooded hunt them down and protect us whenever they appear. But what do old stories and monsters in the night have to do with fortune telling? How can they have anything to do with my fortune? I mean no insult but if you truly can predict the future and it involves anthema then shouldn't we inform the soldiers?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Sun 12 Sept 2021.

Even as a mortal Emily was considered something of a singular and unique beauty. What was more baffling was the fact she came from a rather homely family of low birth and even poorer prospects.Emily knew that she was pretty growing up for everyone one remarked on it and some even whispered that her parents had stolen her as a babe or that perhaps her mother had not held true to her marital vows.

She learned early on that most were often kinder to her and paid more attention than to her friends. As she grew into womanhood people no loinger called her pretty but beautiful and with it came a subtle change in the people around her. In the eyes of men she often saw predatory or lustful glances when they foolishly believed that she was not paying attention and from her friends what was once good natured jobing had become more barbed and vicious. Emily had begun to grow anxious at the thoughtb of marrying some local boy, her beauty and graces to be drawn out and  wasted in a backwater village. Emily wanted, and very resolutley beleived that she deserved better. Fortunately oppurtunity and perhaps even fate intervened on her behalf and she caught the eye of the local Earls son, Marcus, who happened to be passing through with his entourage. He was maybe a year or two older than the now 17 year old Emily and he was eraptured and besotted only too easily. Almost too easily for Emily liking but she did not question her good fortune and took every effort to make him fall hopelessly in love with him. it was not long before she succeeded.

Emily marrried into the most noble Chalmendelais family against all odds or so it had sseemed to the other villagers. Her parents were perhaps the most surprised of all and were even invited to the wedding though they were one of the very small handful sat on the brides side of the aisle that she actually knew. The res of the spaces were filled with either distant relatives of the Earl and a few local elites who attended hoping to find amusement in the village girl that caused a stir when the Earls heir announced the engagement. Many were struck by her beauty yet would only allow themselves to refer to her as fair or add for a commoner in barely hushed voices.

Living with her knew family had been stressful and trying at first. Her new parents in law of course were originally unhappy with the whole arrangement however she was able to win over her new father with charm and wit. Her new mother was surprisngly attached and protective over Marcus, a trait Emily had thought to be rare amongst the noble families where cold detachment was beleived to be considered the correct way to hold oneself. Emily doubted her new mother would ever learn to approve of her buit Emily held her composure and adapted to her new life.

Only a few short weeks after the wedding tradegy struck whilst Emily and Marcus were sojourning at their family summer home when her beloved husband drowned. They had been rowing around the pond after picnicing when the boat unalcned and capsized suddenly. Emily was fortunate in that the attendants clearing up the picnic had managed to rush to her aid however the prince, an athletic young man had for unknown reaosns failed to surive. the Family physiccan suggested that perhaps he must have been struck unconcious as the boat tipped and it was considered a very sad turn of events. Marcus' mother did not long outlive her son and so stricken with grief took her own life with poison whilst sequestered in her private rooms. Emily was inconsolable in her grief but fortunately she had the support of her father in law who shared in her grief if not suffered under it more.

After a year had passed since her husbands death she was remarried to Earl Chelmendelais, to much scandal amongst his peers. Despite thier protestations he would not be dissuaded and 10 months later their union was blessed with a child whom they named Lazarus. It seemed that she was destined to be a widower however as very soon after the birth of Lazarus her husband had died by a strange twist of fate. In this case he had been out hunting when he had been accidently shot by one of his hunting companions when the gun had been passed to him unsafely by his servant, said servant was convicted and either placed in prison or executed, Emily never cared to aks which.

Emily swore publicly to never marry again and instead devote herself to her son, the Earl Chelmendelais apparent. Emily found the emptiness of the mansion tiresome and was soon famous ofr hosting social events in the manor so as not to feel so lonely and soon it was rarely quiet in the great house as a near constant stream of revellers and guests passed through to help distract her from what many believed was some kind of curse. Earl Cadogan, who had acccidently shot and killed Emily's late husband, especially took great pains to make himself at her disposal.

One night the very same Earl Cadogan brought with him a mysterious foreign delegate who he advised was a very close freind of his family and had requested to meet with Emily. She found herself oddly struck by the fact that he did not look at her as most men and by the end of the night was perplexed if not a little fustrated that he seemed immune to all of her charms whilst she unerringly fell for all of his. This was a new and odd experience for Emily who had never been so skillfully deflected or ignored before. The more desperately she attmepted to seduce the stranger over the coming nights angier she got at his sly and knowing smile and look of mischievous admiration. it was only after she had given up and moved onto other ventures that he visited her in the dead of night and bestowed a kiss that she  would never forget, for indeed it was the last of her mortal life.

Emily remained with her son long enough to see him inherit his fathers title officially and become a fine young man but knew that it was getting harder and harder to explain why she only moved about at night and rumours began spreading regarding her lecherous activities and parties. She had remained hidden thanks in no small part to her Sires lessons and due to the sheer debauchery that could  be excused at her parties. few participants rarely left dissapointed or without some new hidden shame they would rather not be repeated in good society. Opportunaties to feed were plentiful and she was careful to mask each meal in the guise of passion. Emily decided the time was right to leave and find a new place to call her home. Her love for her child was a weaknesses that could be easily exploited and a small part of her feared that she might end up using him as she had almost every man in her life. The question of her youthful appearance could also be laughed of or deflected politely for too long. It would not take long before the compliments and teasing became accusation and fear.

Emily booked passage for the continent in order to facilitate and expansion of the families interests and with a final farewell to her son almost every tie to her mortal life were severed. It had been reported to her son and family that she had caught a bout of pneumonia and had died on the crossing, the body had to be disposed off overboard due to the risk of illness spreading, her marble effigy sitting over an empty grave.

For years she wandered from domain to domain, person to person enjoying herself without much thought of the future, after all she had all the time in the world. She foudn herslef gravitiating to harpys of the Camarilla but preferred to remain independent despite making several friends, the closest of which had in more recent nights seena  meteroic rise in fame and power. Little changed until war began to break out between the sects and Emily sought succour with her good friend Fiorenza Savona whislt the worst of the fighting ravaged through the cities. Shortly after the conclusion of the Sect wars Fior helped Emily through a particular difficult and trying time when her Sire had died as had many of her clan mates.

It was not long before Forenza began to travel in much more powerful and lofty circles yet Emily took it in good grace and they remained on good terms over the years if a little more distant. Fiorenza's last parting gift was one of her retainers Joseph, to serve as a bodyguard for Emily and report on Emilys progress now that she had decided to finally make herself useful to the camarilla. It was a kind gesture and a warning combined Fiorenza had paved had used some of her influence to allow Emily to ingratiate herself witht he Camarilla despite her many years as an independent and she made it clear that joseph would be keeping her up to date to ensure that Emily was not squandering the opportunity and causing unwanted damage to Fiorenza's reputation.

Her first foray into kindred politics however was not without its setbacks. A Nosferatu Anarch had reportedly been causing a great deal of trouble to a nearby Princes domain and had been stealing secrets, sabotaging imporetant meetings with mortals and tricking at least one coterie into a hunters trap. Emily had been informed by Fiorenza that the Prince had been attempting to hire outside help to resolve the matter as tensions with the Anarchs were particularly fragile and he did not wish to risk an all out war and though they were certain this Creber was behind the attacks they simply could not find the evidence required to prove it.

Armed with this information Emily slipped into the life of an anarch and allowed an attachment to grow between the troublesome Creber and herself, despite the difference in appearance Creber was known to prideful and her rebuffs to his intial advances and open interest in other less well respected Anarchs made him more eager to prove his self importance. The rest was only too easy they were soon seen together around the typical Anarch haunts. Emily arranged a rather large and expensive party with the help of the other members of their coterie to celelbrate his 120th year as a kindred. there wa s a strong attendance of Anarchs, indepedents and even one or two more rebellios camarilla fledgings and neonates who could not resist a good party. The location chosen was a designated elysium and it was looking to be a very raucous and enjoyable event.

Creber never arrived however and seemingly seemed to vanish into thin air. With Fiorenza's assistance Emily's information had reached the ears of the Prince and his Sherrif had been aiting for the unfortunate Creber en route to the party. Unbeknownst to Emily, Crebers sire was a prominent Anarch Elder in the neighbouring domain he rightly accused her of treachery though could not prove this to be the case. The witnesses whoa ttende dthe party defended Emily and many found the accusations to be ungrounded. They argued that had she betrayed them then she would never have returned and would have vanished into the protection of the Camarilla. Nathaniel however was incensed and demanded retribution for his lost childe and carried enough influence within the Anarchs that she was no longer safe within the domain and so departed.

She did not leave empty handed however for the Prince had given her his blessing and spread the word quietly that Emily was always welcome at his court and had provided him with a great boon. Word eventual travelled and Emily found herself accepted into the Camarila yet it came at the cost of a soured relationship with the Anarchs. The small band she was friends with claimed Emily had been driven to seek refuge with the Camarilla due to Nathaniel's threats and anger. Regardless of her former compnaions pleas word soon spread that she could not be fully trusted by the other Anarchs. Crebers sire nathaniel remains a foe that has dogged her heels through several domains as he stretches his influence and accusations of Emily's alleged treachery far and wide.

Over the years Emily had also picked up a few mortal stalkers that occasioanlly caught on to her trail most were relatively harmless but addicted to her rapturous kiss when feeding. No matter where Emily went she coudl not help but create more of these poor wretches in her wake. A more troubling enemy was that of an old ghoul named Annette whso Emily had spent several years with in a fascimile of a mortal relationship before the Sect wars broke out and Em ily fled to safety with Fiorenza. Emily had not reconnected with Annette who unfortunately had managed to find Emily by happenstance after visiting a branch of Asylum she had once mentioned to Annette years. Annette was incosnolable and seemed incapable of letting go or moving on from their past relationship and had since spent a good deal of effort seeking her out wherever Emily fled. Sometimes for revenge or sometimes to give declarations of love, either could be dangerous. Emily was unsure if it was a combination of her addictive kiss or perhaps the missed feeling of being a ghoul but Annette was truly obessed and to be considered an enemy. Emily bore no ill will and refuses to have Annette killed though this would solve the problem rather efficiently and she is one of the few mortals that Emily feels guilty towards.

Fortunately for Emily, Joseph was very efficient when it came to keeping her more stubborn meals at bay. Currently Emily is seeking the next domain to assist and perhaps climba  rung or two of the Camrillas ladder, hoping to gain more fame, status and perhaps a well deserved position or title should she play her cards right. She Waits for word of a domain in need so that she can prove herself and ensure that Fiorenza has no reason to begin regretting their friendship.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:20, Tue 23 Nov 2021.

Vampire The Masquerade 5th Edition
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Name        :Joseph Genovese
Concept     :Bodyguard retainer working for Fiorenza Savona
---------------------------------------------------------------------
**ATTRIBUTES**
Physical            Social                Mental
Strength     3      Charisma       1      Intelligence   2
Dexterity    3      Manipulation   1      Wits           2
Stamina      4      Composure      1      Resolve        2
---------------------------------------------------------------------
**SKILLS**
Talents             Skills                Knowledges
Athletics    3      Animal Ken     0      Academics      0
Brawl        3      Etiquette      0      Awareness      3
Craft        3      Insight        1      Finance        0
Drive        2      Intimidation   0      Investigation  0
Firearms     4      Leadership     0      Medicine       1
Larceny      0      Performance    0      Occult         0
Melee        4      Persuasion     0      Politics       0
Stealth      2      Streetwise     2      Science        2
Survival     1      Subterfuge     0      Technology     1
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialty
 - Craft (Explosives)
 - Firearms (Pistol)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
BLOOD POTENCY  - [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
HEALTH         - [o][o][o][o][o][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
WILLPOWER      - [o][o][o][o][o][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
HUMANITY       - [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
HUNGER         - [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
BLOOD SURGES   -
MEND AMOUNT    -
POWER BONUS    -
ROUSE REROLL   -
FEEDING PEN    -
BANE SEVERITY  -

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Possessions
 -
 -
 -
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Weapons
 -
 -
 -
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Experience Points  - (0)


        - Purchased : Int oo          [10pts]
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Summoning Contract:Tenrai was allowed to enter the Ryuichi caves to form a contract after passing the required trials and contracted with Akane, a playful yet intelligent giant snake with bright red scales and a single spiralling band of yellow/gold scales that runs from the top of her head to her tail. Akane lack the raw physical strength common with her brothers and sisters but instead is skilled in genjutsu techniques and is able to utilize fire release techiniques. Akane is fond of teasing Tenrai and they have a strong friendship since the contract was formed when Tenrai was a genin. Like the other serpents of Ryuichi cave Akane is fond of eating humans and Tenrai has allowed her to eat many of his targets after confirming their death with the village and on occaion she has acted as storage for corpses that required to be handed over to other villages or kept for study due to her transformation technique that allows her to travel with Tenrai if required. Occasionally he has simply summoned her to delvier the corpses though more often or not she will hide them in the Ryuichi caves for later consumption when returned. Akane would then plead ignorance as to where the bodies are. One of her faverite jokes is asking the officers to enter and search her body and check if they did not beleive her. Unsurprisnly none have taken her up on the offer.

Techniques:
- Ryuichi Clan Art: Shedding Scale Substitution: Akane can use the body replacement technique by rapidly shedding her skin leaving a life like body to take the brunt of attacks whilst she burrows beneath the ground/ water to safety or to attack the opponent unawares

- Ryuichi Clan Art: Shifting Scale Transformation: Akane is capable of several tranformations that allow her to alter her size to much become much smaller, allowing her to take the form of a large snake that can coil around Tenrai's body and peek out from underneath his hood. The strength of Akane's abilities are also reduced along with her size. Akane can also transform and take a humanoid form though her eyes and gold spiral markings do not dissapear even in human form.

- Combination Technique: Boiling Mist: Whilst in body contact Akane and Tenrai combine their fire and water chakra flow you creating a scalding hot version of the hiding in mist technique that clouds their enemies enses whilst also causing severe burns. Prolonged exposure could potenitally lead to death but the technique is not inherently deadly. So long Tenrai remains in physical contact with Akane the msit will not burn him.

- Combination technique: Scorching coils: Akane and Tenrai combine their fire and wind chakra flow allowing Akane to ignite her scales with superheated flames that scorch the area around her. this technique can be used to surround and enemy in her flaming coils to trap them or to protect Tenrai if he is inside her coils.

Akane

Land: Ryuichi Caves

Affinity: Fire

Jutsus:

1 A-Rank

Fire Release: Scalding Venom Cloud:
Akane sprays a large burning vapour cloud of venom from her mouth that poisons organic material through inhalation or contact with flesh, bark etc. The vapour is highly toxic, boiling hot and highly flammable so can be ignited by other fire techiniques, explosion tags or potnetial lightning techniques if used before the technique begins to dissipate in the air. The poison lingers in the air for a short while after the vapour  cools but risks friendly fire. Akane is immune to the venom and Tenrai is highly resistant to it. if the vapour is ingited then the poisoning effect if burned away by the flames.

2 B-Rank

Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet
Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes

4 C-Rank

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique
Binding Snake Glare Spell
Snake Clone Technique

D-Rank

Temporary Paralysis Technique
Body Flicker
Fire Release: Ash Cloud
Fire Release: Crimson Snake:
Crimson spider but with a snake instead.
Fire Release: Erupting Flame:
Heat builds up in the ground in an area near Akane and flame bursts upwards after several seconds.
Great Wild Snake:
Akane rapidly slithers in a circle-like fashion, brushing off any incoming targets. The strength and speed of this technique is great enough to leave sparks on the surrounding terrain.

E-Rank

Body Replacement Technique
Clone Technique
Transformation Technique


Other

Ryuichi Clan Techniques:

- Ryuichi Clan Art: Shedding Scale Substitution: Akane can use the body replacement technique by rapidly shedding her skin leaving a life like body to take the brunt of attacks whilst she burrows beneath the ground/ water to safety or to attack the opponent unawares

- Ryuichi Clan Art: Shifting Scale Transformation: Akane is capable of several tranformations that allow her to alter her size to much become much smaller, allowing her to take the form of a large snake that can coil around Tenrai's body and peek out from underneath his hood. The strength of Akane's abilities are also reduced along with her size. Akane can also transform and take a humanoid form though her eyes and gold spiral markings do not dissapear even in human form.

Akane & Tenrai Combination Techniques:

- Combination Technique: Boiling Mist: Whilst in body contact Akane and Tenrai combine their fire and water chakra flow creating a scalding hot version of the hiding in mist technique that clouds their enemies senses whilst also causing severe burns. Prolonged exposure could potentially lead to death but the technique is not inherently deadly. So long as Tenrai remains in physical contact with Akane the mist will not burn him and she can see through the mist.

- Combination technique: Scorching coils: Akane and Tenrai combine their fire and wind chakra flow allowing Akane to ignite her scales with superheated flames that scorch the area around her. This technique can be used to surround and enemy in her flaming coils to trap them or to protect Tenrai if he is inside her coils. Tenrai is not harmed by the flames providing he is in contact with Akane.

Updated Genin with some tweaks to summon and history and jutsus

Name:Hebi Tenrai, Crimson Snake of the Hidden Mist


Age :24


Gender:Male


Kekkei Genkai: Blood of the Ryuichi
The Hebi clan were once human attendants that served and worshiped the snakes of Ryuchi caves as dietys. Several even became snake sages and eventually the bloodline manifested small portions of the sages natural affinity with snakes, becomign a bloodline of its own.

The Hebi clan's devotion to Ryuichi caves is still strong and present and they emulate the hunting tactics, fighting styles and abilities of serpents in order to bring themselves closer to them. Some members of the Hebi clan have gained a tremor sense or vibrational sight, being able to track prey in absolute darknesses from their vibrations and sounds their bodies give of providing they are within 100ft of the user.

The Hebi clan is secretive and nomadic, preferring to travel as mercenaries with branch families sometimes settling in villages. The location of Ryuichi cave is a heavily guarded secret by the clan elders and it is considered a sacred site for the Hebi clan. The Hebi Clan are reknowned poison masters and have a strong natural resitance to poisons.

The Hebi clan also create and coat their weapons in a special non-harmful venom extract that when mixed with blood gives of a distinct and trackable odour that Hebi clan ninja can track through a combination of smelling and tasting the air. Each persons blood reacts to create unique scents which can be differentiated by the Hebi clan. Creatures with exceptionally strong senses of smell such as dogs can also pick up on the scents though without training it would be harder to identify.


Personality: Tenrai is a ruthless individual that enjoys hunting down his targets methodically and the thrill of the hunt. He isn't particularly unkind or cruel in general and in fact has a cheerful disposition most of the time however is a viscious killer that has a high bloodlust in battle. He is very patient and holds the skills and secrets of his clan closely, including their devotion to serpents and snakes. His clan specialties made them naturally suited to the role of hunter-nin and scouts and Tenrai is no exception. Though he appears carefree he tends to take note of his surroundings at all times and has difficulty making lasting or strong bonds with people outside of his clan. His lack of strong bonds is more due to his role within ninja society than any dislike of people. He is on good terms with many people but retains the knowledge that he could one day recieve orders to remove them so avoids making lasting connections where possible.

He has a fairly sound strategic mind but often prefers to finish off his targets up close and personal, usually using a combination of bujutsu and wind release techniques to eviscerate his opponentes and ensure their death. When not on missions he is often either training or hanging around the village and watching strangers or visitors to Kirigakure for signs of danger or erratic behaviour. When outside of his village he tends to try and blend in with the local populace.


Brief history:
Tenrai was born in Kirigakure to one of the many branch families of the Hebi clan and showed strong signs of his clan bloodline from an early age. His unusually strong bloodline abilities were noted early on and he was sent away from the village to live with and be taught directly by the former clan head, Amaya of the Thousand Fangs, a renknowned poison master attributed to many unconfirmed assasinations. Hebi Amaya is more famous within the the world of Anbu or medical nin than many of the masters commonly discussed or recognised in the ninja villages and he tends to be respected and reviled in equal measure.

Tenrai learned to fully control his skills under Amaya's strict mentoring as well as the application and use of poison in combat. At the age of 10 he was returned to the village and enrolled into the ninja academy and demonstrated an apitude and skill set several years ahead of his class. Upon graduation he was tested rigourously and inducted into the ranks of the hunter-nin, at first working in teams before being allowed to work on solo scouting missions.

Tenrai's bingo book is filled with names of missing nin that he has assisted in capturing or killing. Tenrai has worked with several of the other villages in joint operations with other anbu teams tracking down groups of missing nin after the war. Though his records as a hunter-nin are extensive he holds no real fame outside of Anbu circles in other ninja villages. All missions as a hunter-nin are strictly classified and so for all intents and puposes he has very few completed missions recorded officially under his own name. Tenrai had no interest in promotion or ranks and often spent periods of time with his master Amaya. Though his experience and age are higher than average he still remains a genin and the village has decided it was time for him to join a team and officially progress through the ranks. Tenrai was wary to agree until his master Amaya commanded him to obey the order.


Appearance: Tenrai is fairly tall at 6"2 and has slightly tanned skin with medium length blonde hair and  blue  eyes. He is athletically muscular but appears slim at a glance considering his height.

He wears his forehead protector around his neck. He often wears a baggy red hoody-like jacket that is left open at the front displaying the large tattoo that covers his upper chest and arms. He wears baggy grey trousers with the customary striped grey camo leg warmers that are popular in Kirigakure. On his waist he wears a belt covered in pouches that holds his ninja tools and a series of small holsters on the back to hold his claws and special kunai.

His main weapon of choice are a pair of chakra enhanced triple bladed claws and he also favours the curved knife-like kunai favored by the hunter-nin of the hidden mist.


Land of Water


Affinity: Water
          Wind




Jutsus:


3 B-Rank:
Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere
Shadow Clone Technique
Water Release: Water Snake Bullet Technique ( water shark bullet but a snake instead)

4-6 C-Rank:
Wind Release: Gale Palm
Water Release: Water Prison Technique
Summoning Technique
Binding Snake Glare Spell
Hidden Shadow Snake Hands
Snake Clone Technique (crow clone technique with snakes)



D-Rank:
Hiding in Mist Technique
Mist Servant Technique
Temporary Paralysis Technique
Silent Killing technique
Wind Release: Decaptitating airwaves
Body Flicker Technique


E-Rank:
substitution jutsu,
clone jutsu,
transformation jutsu


Other:Mirage Step: Able to utilize an incomplete body flicker to leave faint trailing after-images as he moves to disorientate the opponent whilst he engages them in close combat.

Chakra Flow
:Able to use his chakra to infuse his weapons with water or wind chakra nature to use techniques such as vacuum blade and rotating shuriken techniques.

Summoning Contract:Tenrai was allowed to enter the Ryuichi caves to form a contract after passing the required trials and contracted with Akane, a playful yet intelligent giant snake with bright red scales and a single spiralling band of yellow/gold scales that runs from the top of her head to her tail. Akane lacks the raw physical strength common with her brothers and sisters but instead is skilled in fire release techniques. Akane is fond of teasing Tenrai and they have a strong friendship since the contract was formed shortly after Tenrai became a Genin. Like the other serpents of Ryuichi cave Akane is fond of eating humans and Tenrai has allowed her to eat enemies on occaion though thier contract prohibits her from eating humans without his permission when summoned. she has acted as storage for corpses and items when required though she is not particularly fond of doing so and it will often cost Tenrai a favour. Due to her transformation technique that allows her to travel with Tenrai in her smaller form or in a humanoid form the ability to store items can be very useful. theoretically she could transport living creatures for a short period of time but anyone other than Tenrai would risk being 'accidently digested'. Occasionally he has simply summoned her to deliver enemy corpses when required for proof though more often or not she will hide them in the Ryuichi caves for later consumption when returned. Akane would then plead ignorance as to where the bodies are. One of her faverite jokes is asking the officers to enter and search her body and check if they did not beleive her. Unsurprisnly none have taken her up on the offer.

Tenrai has trained with Akane for years and has learned many of his snake based techniques from her directly though they tend to be less impressive than her own versions. Due perhaps to their proximity in learning the techniques or perhaps because of the contract, every snake technique Tenrai uses has the snakes appear a deep red matching Akane's hue.

Akane

Land: Ryuichi Caves

Affinity: Fire

Jutsus:


2 B-Rank

Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet
Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes

4 C-Rank

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique
Fire Release: Flame Bullet
Binding Snake Glare Spell
Hidden Shadow Wild Snake Hands
Snake Clone Technique
Scattering Thousand Snakes Technique
Same as thousand scattwering crows but with snakes instead
D-Rank

Temporary Paralysis Technique
Body Flicker
Fire Release: Ash Cloud
Fire Release: Crimson Snake:
Crimson spider but with a snake instead.
Fire Release: Erupting Flame:
Heat builds up in the ground in an area near Akane and flame bursts upwards after several seconds.
Great Wild Snake:
Akane rapidly slithers in a circle-like fashion, brushing off any incoming targets. The strength and speed of this technique is great enough to leave sparks on the surrounding terrain.

E-Rank

Body Replacement Technique
Clone Technique
Transformation Technique


Other

Ryuichi Clan Techniques:


Techniques:
- Ryuichi Clan Art: Shedding Scale Substitution: Akane can use the body replacement technique by rapidly shedding her skin leaving a life like body to take the brunt of attacks whilst she burrows beneath the ground/ water to safety or to attack the opponent unawares. the technique has a maximum of 2 uses per day wihtout risking injury to Akane.

- Ryuichi Clan Art: Shifting Scale Transformation: Akane is capable of several tranformations that allow her to alter her size to much become much smaller, allowing her to take the form of a large snake that can coil around Tenrai's body and peek out from underneath his hood. The strength of Akane's abilities are also reduced along with her size. Akane can also transform and take a humanoid form though her eyes and gold spiral markings do not dissapear even in human form.

- Combination Technique: Boiling Mist: Whilst in body contact Akane and Tenrai combine their fire and water chakra flow you creating a scalding hot version of the hiding in mist technique that clouds their enemies senses and can burn the skin. Prolonged exposure could potentially lead to severe injury but the technique is not inherently deadly. So long as Tenrai remains in physical contact with Akane the mist will not burn him.

- Combination technique: Scorching coils: Akane and Tenrai combine their fire and wind chakra flow allowing Akane to ignite her scales with hot flames that scorch the area around her. This technique can be used to surround an enemy in her flaming coils to trap them or to protect Tenrai if he is inside her coils.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Wed 15 June 2022.

The Fisherman was uncertain how much time had passed since he had fled from the creature that was in part had been his father. It felt like days had passed but The Fisherman knew only a few hours had gone by judging by how low the sun sat in the sky and the first crimson streaks announcing the setting of the sun. The Fisherman sat in the steeple of the small village church, the only building in the village that was comparable to a fort or defensive fortification. Flashes of memory flitted through his mind. Rowing for the shore, his empty home. Running through the town with a fishing spear in one hand and a dagger in the other. the first few creatures he killed didnt look remotely human and had been easy to kill. it got harder when a he recognised a few of the people they had been.

His reverie was interupted by a series screeching wail and he dragged his fingers through his beard and he spotted a small flock of what may ave originally been seagulls that appeared to have been inflated so looked little more than fleshy spheres with tiny beaks and wings broken wings that shoudln't have allowed flight. He made his way down the ladder, stopping to secure the trapdoor before heading down to the main room where a dozen or so surivors sat huddled in little groups. The Fisherman had found three of them on his way through the village but the rest had made their own way, all of them drawn to the ringing bells of the church.

The Fisherman approached the elderly priest who had been tending to any wounded and delegating tasks to the adults to keep them busy. "Steeple doors locked tight, if you don't mind I would like to play something, maybe distract them a little." The old priest smiled wearily and patted The Fisherman on the shoulder. "Something cheerful i think and try to smile my boy, its when we give in to despair that we truly lose. Lift their spirits whenever you can and provide a sympathetic ear if needed. The gods know we need to support each other more than ever but since I have exhausted all of the spells at my disposal I am going to get some well earned rest." The Fishmerman nodded as a wide and pearly smile appeared from beneath his ragged beard. "I will do my best father Benalt"
"I know you will"

The Fisherman checked on each group and sat towards the cetnre of the church and drew out his coral coloured ocarina from the wahleskin punch on his belt. His fingers moved easily and familiary over the instrument and his smile tunred bitter for a moment before he raised the instrument to his lips and began to play a soft melody. He began with a simple tune and soft waves appeared to emanate from him crisp and clear as they broke and reformed in time with the music. A few of the others looked up to watch and the bakers wife ushered the four surviving children forward with a grim smile and a nod.

What began as a soft fishing song slowly transistioned into a soft funeral song with several upbeat notes thrown in. The Fisherman glanced around at the other survivors and soon spectral humanoid figures appeared seated or standing around the Fisherman, the figures ranged from old to young and eachs figure and face became sharper and more defined for a few moments before shifitng into another lost or missing villager. The only thing that each figure had in common was their smiles. they were bright, wise, doting, joyous, playful and all at peace.

Some of the onlookers smiled whilst many cried. Some turned their faces or walked away altogether. After some time the tune changed yet again and the area was filled with, dolphins leaping through the air amd a cavalcade of dancing colours and fastival scenes from jousting knights to swooping dragons. Night drew and and soon many of the other survivors succummbed to exhaustion and sleep with several standing guard. The Fisherman let the last song end and witht he last notes 3 figures stood before him, very briefly appearing as his family before they too faded and the Fisherman allowed himself to sleep.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:40, Mon 27 June 2022.

Alex stood close to the bar and assorted snacks as he took pictures on his camera as dancing kindred and kine whizzed by with varying degrees of skill and grace but he found the entire scene fascinating. Some of the kindred spotted the camera and moved away whisdlt other actively moved into the frame with a swift pose before moving on. Alex was happy with most of the pictures so far and even for those kindred that did not want their faces captured it was easy to dismiss as motion sway or blurred backgrounds for the crowds. Alex paused to smile at Koral as she passed by flashing him a joy-filled grin as she was pulled around the dance floor. Alex had known Koral for nearly two years and she was the most dependable member of his herd, though he preffered to use the word 'friend' or 'companion'. Alex did not believe that the short, freckled redhead was actually named Koral but she was entitled to her history and he certainly had not been entirely open about his past either.

he glanced again at his camera, shuffling through the pictures takenand glancing around at the crowd and smiling at kindred he knew. the ball itself reminded him of the TST that the Carthians used as their base of operations and so comforted him in a small way despite being in a den of vipers. He spotted Amelia from across the room and gave a little wave to catch her attention before gesturing at his camera and miming takng pictures with his hands in the air. It had been a while since he had attended a social gathering and he could not deny that the artist in him was loathe to pass up an opportunity to capture even pale imitations of her beauty. It was of course polite to ask first though he could not remember the last time she protested over having her picture taken. He glanced around, attempting to spot Koral and failing as a tiny pang of guilt tugged at him. She did not always enjoy sharing Alex's attention but then she was young and a decade might pass like a month for Alex. For his part he was glad he still felt the pang of guilt, evidence he was not entirely a monster.

Alex sat pensively as his de facto comrades in arms discussed how best to tackle the mission at hand. He churned through the large amount of new information and tried to sort it methodically in his mind. Personal Alex liked to imagine a filing cabinet which he could slot and store thoughts into and hopefully allow him to recall them with some accuracy later on. For now he sifted and tried to focus on two types of information. Firstly, the information important for the success of the mission and secondly information that could benefit the Carthians in Philly and perhaps even the Firebrands based in Camden. Alex pondered on the potential opportunities and tried to weigh them against the damage that might be caused.

He snapped back into focus when Annika spoke again and almost managed to suppress a look of distaste when the enthralled human passed by. He had been part of the night long enough to know such things were common and the herd on display at least seemed to be treated well by some kindred standards yet he still could not agree with the practice. Alex was aware of hypocrisy when he himself had a small herd he fed from but he at least took some pride in the fact he did not treat them like pets or as objects to be shown off and flaunted. As the thought occurred he felt a wave of shame at the realisation that in many ways he had done just that by bringing Koral to the party, regardless of how he chose to dress up the truth.

Alex felt a thirst rise as others around him fed, the scent of blood in the air stirring the beast. Alex decided to move in the hope of dispersing some of the disturbing thoughts his mind was conjuring and refocus on the matter at hand. He moved towards Violetta and smiled a little half heartedly. "I don't think I had a good opportunity to thank you for talking with my friend. She has read through your books enough times to wear the pages and I am sure she will treasure the signed copy you gave her. He leaned in closer and whispered his requisition requests, pausing to glance around in what appeared to be a little resigned embarrassment.


With his list provided quietly to Violetta he returned to his seat and waited for an appropriate moment to speak up again. "Walking around Camden would be less risky for some of us, I doubt they have ever even heard of me or know what I looked like if they even had. The more pressing issue is that we do not yet have any idea where to begin looking, or as Mr Phillips pointed out, have any proof that he was even taken there. I have heard recently of bodies washing up on the river not far from a community of homeless kine. it might be worth instigating a more thorough investigation of the area using the kine the first estate has influence over. If a body does turn up it might be a convenient way of disposing of it, especially if it washes up on our side of the river. I can ask Luciana if she has any well uh, more moderate Carthian contacts who may be willing to assist me. If nothing else they might know some of the usual haunts and maybe a few of the entrances to the necropolis Camden side. If we are very lucky they might know something and be prepared to share, they have little reverence for Prince Bartholomew from what I understand. "

Alex pulled out his phone from his pocket, it was surprisingly modern though had several large cracks on the screen and the back seemed to be more camera than case which is likely the only reason he chose it. " I am happy to give out my number for those that want it but agree that perhaps disposable phones would be safer on the actual night. I second Rayna's proposal, her home is a suitable place to convene and plan." Alex addressed Prince Annika. "Would it be too presumptuous to request the items I requested be delivered to Rayna's home Prince Lee? Providing Rayna is happy to receive them of course."

Alex moved towards Ciara and nodded politely to Sara as he approached and paused just long enough in case Sara or Ciara chose to make some signal for him to back away. "Miss Dunn if i am not mistaken? My name is Alexander Haddix but feel free to call me Alex, I don't believe we have ever been formally introduced but I do try to make an effort to learn the names of new members of our Stygian gatherings. " He proffered his hand. "What kind of magic were you considering?

In contrast to Ciara's firm grip, his grip was if anything overly gentle as though to lead her to a dance. Alex smiled when she responded and eagerly provided his number and added her to his phone as well as Violetta when she joined. if Ciara cared much to look at his phone she would notice that nearly all the contact names used emojis after the names. Next to hers was now a little red pentagram and a wolf head whereas violetta was given a capital I and a rose symbol. Clearly he liked to organise his contacts by convenant and clan. "Thank you very much. As to whether sorcery as been implemented already in the search? I am afraid you are asking the wrong person I am afraid. I was not even aware of the citys perdicament until thisa very night. I am a member of the Carthian Movement if my little speech earlier didn't make that clear and you will find we are usually paid little mind in Philly. Your best bet would be to discuss the matter with some of the Invictus members. In fact it wouldn't surprise me to found out I was chosen as a token representative, harmless and disposable."

Despite the dour turn in topic his tone remained bright and optimistic, seemingly unaware that what he said might be considered a negative. "We all do what we can do to get by in the night however." He gestured to Violetta with his hand. " Miss Petrova here...or do you prefer Miss Wolfe? Ah regardless, she has her delightful, critcially acclaimed and rather provacative books, Amelia has the attention of her peers, Mary has her fortune and her work and I have my photography." He glanced at Sara before deciding to press on.

"My advise Miss Dunn is to find something that brings you peace and enjoyment and make time for it. I found it makes the long nights a little less monstrous and helps me remmeber what I was before. Oh and please do not take any unneccesary risks on our account. Your unlife is just beggining and it is always sad to see young kindred destroy themselves before their time" Alex patted her on the shoulder and his smile was warm and fatherly as clearly he failed to consider the momentary contact would not be welcome. He seemed to catch himself and a look of profound sadness pased over his face before being immediately replaced with a forced smile. "So sorry, got a little carried away in the moment. I certainly intended to cause no offence Miss Dunn"

Alex did his best to ignore the feeding spectacle being provided by Amelia. It was mostly in an attempt to not rile up the beast. The sounds and scent of seet blood was bad enough without having to view the crimson nectar directly.He lisntedn to the comments but had little more to add. " A tracker would certainly be useful. I will ask if any of ours has a familiar they might be willing to let us borrow but i can make no promises. unless you have a way to influence one of the FBI kine. I am certain they having tracking dogs and though distasteful it would not be diffcult to encourage them to assist us or help them to forget once we are done." With the Prince gone Alex felt free to grimace as his own suggesstion appeared to taste bad as he spoke them
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Wed 24 May 2023.