That sounded acceptable to Hrafen. He had zero problems with supporting causes, and people, when he agreed with them... which he was quickly discovering he did in the case of Michael.

"I would be comfortable with that. Nothing wrong with having myself as an unknown option, when needed." he paused, adding an almost obligatory, "And you could even show me a few of those Hunter techniques, just so I could contribute a bit more when asked." he said, shrugging.

Hrafen, truthfully, felt very little in the ways of sympathy with most of the following stories Michael had, especially the Synths part. Still: he understood the man's point, and that it was quite logical in its own way, so he didn't disagree with him. The thing he partially disagreed with was that it would be the same, for Kindred and the others, no matter who won. Frankly: if the Sabbat won, it would be bloody... very bloody for a short time, and then very clean and free of side casualties. The Sabbat, if they were anything, were brutally efficient. The Camarilla, however, were more sloppy, and more accidental killings of innocents occurred, at least in his mind, under their rule.

"Very clear, thank you. While we don't see eye to eye on everything, I think this can work well for us, as we agree on enough, certainly. Shall we approach Reginald first? I feel, given the nature of Reginald's current political moves, speed may be of the essence." he suggested uncertainly.

Michael nodded. It made sense to contact the aggressor first. “Good. Yes I agree your logic. I think a simple letter delivered to Nef to give to Reginald would be the best way to have our intentions known while keeping identities secret minus my own which I am fine with. We can do something similar with Sal and Victor if you are in agreement with that.”

PM

Pausing, Hrafen shook his head,

"Much easier..." he said, indicating his own wrist, and ensuring that Michael understood and gave him a little space, before he dug into his own wrist, drawing his own Vitae out, and he drew a crude circle, with a large "R" in the center of it.

Once he waited, and assured Michael was understanding what he was doing, he tilted his head towards the circle,

"Speak his name, and speak directly to him." he whispered, staring at the circular bloody symbol, hoping that the theory worked out.

Michael turned and raised an eyebrow at what Hank was doing. His conclusion was that Hank must have consumed some of Reginald’s blood before and had a direct connection to him or that this was some power Hank had to commune with anyone. He would get the facts after the conversation. Michael looked at the circle and spoke. “Reginald. Good evening. I wish to speak to you if I may.”

 There was a pause, then the sensation of being watched. "Interesting. I have not been contacted in this way in nearly 200 years. How may I help you?"

 The voice on the other end was polite and did not seem in the least perturbed about being called by someone who was not a vampire.

Clearing his throat, Hrafen spoke in reply,

"Apologies, Master Reginald. One could call me old-fashioned." he said, explaining. He wasn't certain how familiar his voice would be, but he also didn't want Michael blamed for the ancient ritual, "We had need to contact you, and I knew of such a method. I hope I have not offended." he offered, hoping to start this conversation off on a good note.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Fri 02 Sept 2022.

Michael nodded in agreement. “It is an honor to speak to you. I hope we haven’t disturbed you. My name is Michael, and I represent a group of similarly minded individuals who have an interest in the coming storm amongst the various organizations of vampire society. I hope you can spare some of your valuable time to talk about this with me. I can assure you that you will find it interesting.”

 There was a pause and, when Reginald next spoke, there was a bit of surprise in his voice. "Hank? It's good to hear from you. I apologize for not sending an invitation to my party. I had figured that you wanted to remain out of such things. Have you finally taken an interest in picking a side?"

 He waited a moment for Hank's answer before continuing. "No worries. I always have time to speak with one of Nefertiti's friends. What is it you would like to speak to me about?"

Dipping his head, partially because he was glad that Reginald recognized him, and didn't mind him participating, but also partially because he was now effectively on a precipice that he could easily fall off of.

"I..." he was going to say 'still don't want to pick a side', but deep down, in actuality, he sort of realized he had already chosen a side. He'd preferred Reginald, by far, as a leader to the Camarilla, and he'd been the only faction to actually respect his choice of being involved. He had, in actuality, never truly cared for the Traditions... they seemed pointless, and completely different dependent on which elder you spoke to.

Taking a deep, unnecessary, breath, Hrafen took quite a bit of time to mull this all over in his head, but he eventually responded. After all: being a sort of Right hand man for Reginald wouldn't be terrible, would it? Letting Reginald know his capabilities wouldn't be completely necessary, but when Hrafen started doing work: Reginald would certainly see the bloody results and figure it out rather quickly.

It felt inevitable to him, almost as if fate or destiny had forced them together,

"You have always been fair to me, Reginald, always direct. I have already chosen a side, I simply do not have a good answer for as why it has taken me so long to admit such." he said gravely, recognizing that he now was a player in this huge game.

Truthfully, this was a revelation to himself as much as the others. He hadn't been touched by Reginald's blood, nor had he been forced. For the first time in war, he'd been given a choice by one of the leaders, and as such: he chose to help him.

Turning towards Michael, he thought now would be a perfect time to bring up the desire to prevent side casualties for the Hunter, as Hrafen committing to Reginald would certainly earn huge amounts of favor for the Hunter's requests.

Michael looked at Hank at first with some confusion then realization. He nodded to Hank.“I respect your decision, Hank. I know you do what you think is right for the long term based on what you’ve told me.”

The priest turned back to the circle. “I wish to formally request that I and any others who wish to remain neutral in the coming conflict to be left out of it. Furthermore, I will announce my intentions to defend those same people from the horrors of war. I do not claim to assist one side or the other as well as try to steer those who would become side casualties from the area of battle. However, should anyone from any faction directly harm or attempt to harm myself or those individuals then they will be eliminated with extreme prejudice. I will be making the same request and declaration to Victor as well. This is an internal matter of vampire society as far as I am concerned. There is no reason I should be directly involved. If others wish to do so, then that is their choice.”

 There was a slight pause and a smile could be heard in Reginald's voice. "You're a good, honest man, Hank. I would be delighted to have you stand with me. If that's your wish, I'd like to keep you on as liaison with this group you've stumbled into. It would help tremendously to have someone who knows the Old Ways to keep misunderstandings to a minimum."

 There was another pause as the voice turned its attention to Michael. "I have little desire to involve in conflict those that do not wish to be. In fact, I would much prefer it if this could all be resolved peacefully. You see, the Camarilla are the invaders here. New York was originally Sabbat territory but the fight drug on until my men were too weary to continue. They eventually broke and accepted Camarilla rule after a long, bloody conflict. However, they have now come to realize that life under a boot is no life at all. I'm certain that Hank can attest to that.

 The synthetics I cannot agree to though. I despise that such beneficial creatures cannot be spared but there are things that can only be found through great sacrifice. It's not something I should speak about here but, should you wish to learn more, I would be happy to arrange a secure meeting.

 Finally, I would like to offer my apologies to your dragon friend and his invisible mistress. They can rest assured that neither they nor anyone they openly associate with will be targeted any more. In return, I would like to ask that further hostilities cease."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:44, Sun 04 Sept 2022.

Michael was curious as to why Reginald had to target the Synths when they have shown no indication of violence other than self defense. Then came the flashbacks of the piles of Synths writhing dismembered in a mass just wanting to be repaired. There had to be more to it. It was worth the risk. “I will say that I do appreciate your choice in liaison. Despite not knowing Hank long, I can tell he does not really care for lies and deceit. Caution maybe but still honesty. Many would argue that Synths are not ‘alive’, but Hunters could say the same about vampires in their justification for killing them. I have not seen any open hostilities from their kind, so I am concerned about the apparent genocide of their species currently in process. I would agree that a more secure meeting to discuss the backstory of this view is necessary. If you need time to decide on a time and place then just have Hank contact me when you are ready. I would like to preface this that I am cautious by nature and would like to inspect the meeting area and make my own preparations before we meet face to face.”

 There was another pause. "This connection is one-way. I am not able to contact Hank in the same way he is able to contact me. It is a blood mark I taught to the Anarchs centuries ago for when they needed to air grievances. Have him contact me just after sunset in two nights and I will have a place prepared. I appreciate your caution but remember that I am cautious as well. I am aware of the Hunter's practice of dampening supernatural powers. I will ask that no action be taken to inhibit my ability to leave or defend myself. Agreed?"

Michael nodded. “Agreed. I have no intentions other than to talk. I will make my own preparations for the site upon arrival only as a barrier to prevent actions taken against me. As for your generous offer to the Dragon and Archmage, I will convey it to them. I doubt they will accept, but that will be their choice. I do feel as though the situation of the Synths will play a factor in that decision. I hope your reasoning is enough to convince them.”

Michael looked over to Fate. “Do you wish to accompany me to this meeting, or are you staying out of this one?”

Responding to Reginald after his words, Hrafen slipped in the middle of the Hunter and the Vampire Lord,

"Camarilla rule has been extremely restrictive, and never fair, or balanced." he said flatly, as if simply stating facts, "I remember well Sabbat rule... your rule. It was fair, balanced, and the best I have seen in my many years." he said in a straighforward manner, "I am honored to be invited to such a meeting with you, and will look forward to it, after such a long time." he said truthfully.

He paused, hearing the Hunter and Reginald discussing dampening of powers and such, and Hrafen needed to stop himself from saying 'I operate fine without magic, and can defend you both... relax,' but he had to recognize that Reginald knew far more than he did about Hunters... possibly to the point that the man had already thoroughly researched every single one in the city, and was just playing dumb. No: Hrafen needed to remember he was a man amongst giants here, and that he preferred it that way. If he kept his abilities hidden, and then they were needed, it would lend him far more capability to effect change when necessary.

 "Then I will see you two nights from now after sunset. Good evening, gentlemen."

 And, with that, the blood mark that Hank had drawn burned to ash, signaling the end of the conversation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:23, Sun 04 Sept 2022.

Turning towards Michael after the mark turned to ash, Hrafen paused momentarily, but eventually found his voice,

"I feel that went as well as could be expected." he started, thinking carefully through his words before continuing, "I know that you have no reason to trust Reginald, more than any other, but he is fair, and I will be glad to accompany you to the meeting, to put your mind at ease about his intentions." he said, offering what he can.

"I have no connection to Reginald, at least not through blood or force. My only connection to him is pure respect. The man has been a fair, and balanced, leader for centuries that I have witnessed with my own eyes, and comparing him to the Camarilla would not be a fair comparison." he said, sighing at that truth.

Pausing, his brow wrinkling in furrowed thought, Hrafen finally asked,

"How can I help you in your endeavors now, Michael? Fate? I know that your goals are you have Reginald step away from casualties outside of the Kindred, but given the unlikely result of exactly that, what could I possibly do to aid you in your pursuit?" he asked, wanting to know if there would be anything he could do to 'make it better' even if Reginald didn't agree for a valid reason. For Hrafen had no doubt in his mind that Reginald had a valid reason, so he wanted to show good faith to the Hunter in the meantime.

Michael considered Reginald as something other than this soul stealing monster he initially thought he was. “The only thing I can ask right now is that you take care of Nef since I will no longer be in a position to. As for the casualties, it seems he is only making an exception for the Synths which he claims to have a good reason. Depending on that reason, I may have to exclude them from protection.”

Nodding his head after a moment of thought, Hrafen agreed,

"I feel that Nefertiti may have irritated the others, but may also be privy to more information than anybody else, which may explain her words and actions." he said, figuring as much,

"Do you have any way of contacting her directly? I do not." he said flatly, leaving it at that, hoping the Hunter had a way.

Michael nodded. “I know where to find here. She used to have a slate I could contact her on, but it seems she discarded it at some point. No doubt to keep from getting tracked. Reginald is hosting her, so he will know where she is as well.”

Nodding, Hrafen was lost in thought for a moment, before he responded,

"I am, admittedly, not one for all of these magics, but I will find her." he said, leaving it at that. No reason to discuss his methods, especially since they boiled down to "walk around town with his eyes open".

Approaching, Hrafen felt the business side of the conversation had concluded, so he extended his arm for another full forearm shake, sealing the deal. It seemed that he and the Hunter were like-minded, and partners in this ordeal, and he felt comfortable with the arrangement. The man was a good one, and Hrafen had always known to align himself with those he thought similar to.

Michael smiled and gave a strong forearm handshake back. “How about I save you the trouble and take you to her place? With you being officially aligned with Reginald, it does not seem inappropriate. You would find out from your master eventually anyways. Come with me unless you have other pressing matters?”He turns down a different trail and starts walking toward Nef’s abode.

The priest looked over at Fate and considered. “If you wish to come along as well, Fate, I can escort you. I will only ask that you swear to not tell anyone where she lives. Especially Noah, Mistral, and Sal.”

Nodding his head, Hrafen was prepared to accept Michael's aid,

"That would be most beneficial, thank you." he said.

Pausing, he realized suddenly that he had aligned himself with Reginald officially, but as he thought about it, he realized that he'd been internally allied with Reginald's mindset from the get-go. Reginald knew the old ways... honor, honesty, direct action.

Turning towards Fate, he awaited the lady's response patiently.

"I will come along as well. I am fine swearing to keep her place a secret. It is her business anyways. And I will come to the meeting as well. I feel that is best."