Located midway between the wealthy residential areas of Southside and the entertainment capital that is the Loop, Lucre is renowned amongst Chicago's plentiful nightlife as being the best place in town for a cocktail.  Patrons who have what it takes to gain entry have their pick of a fully stocked bar with temptations for even the most jaded of palates, an open dance floor serenaded from above by live music or entertainments that change nightly, or even one of the secluded back booths where catered service is readily available.




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:27, Sat 24 Oct 2020.

Barring Sundays, Lucre is always stiflingly busy. The night is yet young, so for now it is mostly staff, the band and a line of regulars trickling into the home of the best drink in town.
At least, that's what they say.

A table in the farthest alcove is wiped down as soon as you step through the doors, and a few cheers rise up from the bar as a few people recognize the establishment's owner coming in. The cacophony of heartbeats, drunken conversations and stumbling movements are as close to privacy as one can get in a bar of this renown. The haze of yellow light filtering through the ever present cloud of cigarette smoke gives the place a warm, almost ethereal feeling.

Still idly twirling his keys about his finger, Matthias' posture visibly relaxed as he stepped through the doors of Lucre.  That particular sort of ease would be all too familiar to his fellow Kindred, as the languid motions were accompanied by flushed cheeks, a glimmer to the eyes, and the all too mortal lub-dub of a heartbeat kicking back into motion.  "Evening Al, looks like things are in full swing."  The Serpent announced, passing his jacket and cane to the man at the door to be secreted away even as he gestured toward the newest member of the Caterer's little circle.  "Add Mr. Antony here to my list please.  Be sure all the girls know he's to have access to the specialty options."  He instructed, imparting the message with wink that served to reinforce the little lies all his staff believed wholeheartedly.

Taking a couple steps farther in Matthias acknowledged his welcome with a jaunty little bow that quickly transitioned into a crooked finger to call over one of the servers.  "Hello sweets, we'll need everything from the Northern special menu when Alec has a moment and a bottle of my Reserve Red, don't worry about airing it."  He declared, easy grin never wavering as he directed the group toward their new seats.   "Oh and Al, don't worry about Janet for tonight.  She'll be on her best behavior I'm sure."

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Spoiler for OOC: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Spending 1 vitae on the Blush of Life

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"You won't even notice I'm here." Janet adds, smiling. Given the Haunt's propensity for causing trouble while she's not being noticed, it's not the most comforting of statements. Still, this would be absolutely the wrong place to cause any serious problems. The Caterer isn't fond of internecine strife, after all, except when she is.

Janet remains in the general orbit of the others, though her attention wanders to the club's early patrons and the mix of smells hiding beneath the cigarette smoke.

Fey remains on Lucious' arm as they take the few stairs down to the speakeasy's entrance. Casting a glance at the doorman as they pass, meeting his gaze with a wry bit of smile. Gliding along when they reach the bar. Leading Lucious toward the back table. Whispering the names of the staff as they pass by.

"Matthias is too kind, and provides us with a little spot to while away the evenings. How long have you been in this world? Long enough to get yourself in hock, it would seem?" Fey purrs beneath the chatter and cigarette smoke. A pair of fingers playing with one of Lucious' cufflinks. Letting the attention of the patrons move toward the little clique.

Lucious walked with this Femme fatale on his arm, looking around the room mildly impressed.  As Matthias talked to the head man, Al, he was told to be put on some list.  Interesting, some VIP list of sorts?  Well, he supposed it made sense them working together.  They seemed a friendly, if not dangerous bunch.

Janet spoke about not even noticing them, and smirked.  Yes, she was the trouble maker, clearly.  But he supposed they all were in some way.  He was lead towards a back table, where he waited for Fey to take a seat before sitting down himself.  He looked at her, as she seemed to play with his cufflinks, and shook his head.  Asking allot of questions, this one.

"You mean, in general?  How long have I been on this Earth?  Or are you talking, this... waking cycle?  Here in this city perhaps?"  He asked, curious as to her interest.  Probably the information gatherer of the group.  He moved his hand, and ran a finger over the outside of her hair, feeling how soft it might be.  After all, she was flirting, it was only right he flirted back.

As Job waits in the line for entry to the speakeasy, he reflects on the futility of alcohol consumption and how he actually approves of prohibition.  Doing this takes his mind off of a much more worrying question, namely why he has been summoned to this place by his boss. His true boss, not the Chief of Police.

Eventually he enters.  He gives his fedora to the coat check girl, but decides not to divest himself of his trench coat.  He feels undressed enough as it is, as he is not carrying his Mauser 1911, nor a tommy gun, nor even a service revolver.  If there is trouble here that the bouncers can't handle--very unlikely--Job will have to rely on the natural weapons God gave Gangrels.

Job looks around uneasily, yet still with interest.  It is built solid as a bomb shelter but with chic decor found only in places with money to burn.  The time was when Job's family back in France would have patronised places such as this, but that was so long ago it feels like another life, which of course it was.  Much later, when he left the Ardennes Forest, he was dead broke, and his finances these days are only slightly better.  Job isn't really a high-society vampire.

He shows his ring to the bartender and is directed to the table where, he assumes, other employees of The Caretaker are waiting to brief him on what the devil is going on.  It must be something rather important or clandestine, since its nature could not be entrusted to a letter.

All the better.  Job enjoyed challenges, and the danger of a known adversary.  As he looks at the suave, beautiful entities he may be working with, he wonders which of them can be trusted.

Job decides to wait for the formal introductions rather than make small talk.

Albert nods politely at Al, making small talk with a few of the patrons as he follows the group to their table. He watches all of the cattle around him, pulsating veins filled with a sweet red vintage.
He knows not to be gluttonous in public; and he knows not to make a mess of Matthias' property or generosity, lest he not be invited back.
He makes due with a Jenever Cocktail and the warmth of the room.
He takes a seat at the table, making sure to leave enough space between him and the two cold-blooded lovebirds.

Taking one of the outermost positions on the booth for himself, Matthias watched with unabashed curiosity as the others took their places on either side of the table.  'Wasting no time there.'  He mused idly as he reached for the bottle from his private stocks and began the well-practiced process of tearing away the seal and freeing the cork in a rush of the mingled fragrance of plums and something altogether stranger.  Taking up a glass of his own, the Serpent poured off a carmine portion of lacrima and raised it in a silent toast to his companions.  Rolling the stem of his drink between his fingers to get the sticky fluid within roiling, Matthias lifted it to his lips and drank deeply, savoring the sweetness of the nectar even as it soothed the Beast that coiled and writhed behind his breastbone.

Settling back against the plush upholstery of his seat, Matty watched as their newest addition went through the motions of mortal courtship.  Whatever game Fey meant to play, she was welcome to her spoils in this particular case.  Love might strike at any moment, and far be it from the Beloved of all Kindred to deny such flights of fancy, but at least for now he was content to savor the final few shreds of grief that lingered after his last fling.  Catching sight of a familiar face lingering at the edge of the crowd, Matthias lit up with a welcoming grin as he waved their final member closer.  "Well there you are handsome.  Was wondering when you'd get around to gracing us with your presence."

---

Spoiler for OOC:: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Consuming one Vitae worth of lacrima from my stock, leaving one more point in this bottle.

---

"The city. I haven't got time for you to recount the entire affair, from what little I already know," Fey answered, voice wry. Because, of course, they had all the time in the world. Her dark hair is soft, smooth, clearly carefully tended to on the day she was murdered. She slides further into the booth, making room for the others as they turn up.

As the group assembled, Fey only had more questions. "I have to wonder. My syllabus this evening contained a meeting with a less-than-Heavenly Father. Will I be, perhaps, seeing any of y'all there? Or will I finally be able to confess my sins in private?"

In reply to Matthias Blackwood (msg # 9):

"Hello yerself, Gorgeous.  Been a while since I set foot in here--moonlighting keeps me busy--but it's good to see the place is as elegant and as decadent as ever."

Job has a decent working relationship with Matthias, dating back to Paris.

"Hello to the rest of ya, too."

Job looks Lucious over skeptically.  He doesn't know this one.  He introduces himself.

"Buddy, the name's Job Miles and I'm glad to make yer acquaintance.  Let me know if you need my help in any way.  A friend of a friend is a friend, after all."

He broods, then asks a question to nobody in particular:

"Wonder which of the Boss' minions will show the face tonight, or do you think she'll put in an appearance herself, and give us all our marching orders personally?"

After throwing out that question, he returns to his silence and turns his attention to watching the patrons at large.  One can never be too careful.

Lucious watches as the others get into place, moving to the side abit after a slight push by Fey.  Right, people don't always like being next to each other.  He gave them more space, and watched.  When she answered his question, he simply said.  "52 years.  Just got out of some big war, the 'Civil' War.. as if War is ever civilized."  He bemused, looking on over at the newcomer as he spoke to Matthias like lovers.  Interesting, he thought such things were... disfavored in this day and age, but hell, what did they care?

As the man introduced himself, he gave a slight nod.  "Lucious Antony, and the feeling is mutual.  The church is always willing to help those in need."  He watched the man a moment, as Fey asked the question, and he snapped.  "RIght, I was supposed to return back to get my orders, once I was equated to the 'situation' here."  He then bemused a moment.  "Question myself... any of you ever seen a lycanthrope?  Whats the name..... Werewolf?"

"And of course your efforts to ensure I have the space to keep it that way is as ever, fully appreciated."  The Beloved opined, grinning as Job joined them.  Gesturing toward the many drinks on offer in silent welcome, he raised his own glass once again and let another wash of plum-ey lacrima soothe the ever present hunger that gnawed at his innards.  "Well Job, most of us didn't have your lovely little escape clause, so we've mostly had the unspeakable pleasure of receiving our orders directly."  Matthias answered dryly, his tone held so carefully even that it couldn't be entirely natural. Flicking his hand in a little encompassing gesture that included all those at the table, he shrugged as he delivered an answer in lieu of any deliverables. "Given that Angelica didn't give us anything to hand on I suspect it's business as usual for you."

Glancing up at Lucious' commentary about the church, the Beloved quickly washed any trace of a response from his lips with another sip of his drink.  It was a Sanctified city despite the nature of their work, and the Bishop's influence was indisputably felt, even amongst the heathens and idolaters Matthias counted as his contemporaries.  "You're looking for the wolves?  Dangerous company, but I've glimpsed them a time or two when the Circle gathers."  The Acolyte explained, setting his empty glass on the table before folding his hands in his lap.  "We don't mess with their affairs and they in turn leave us to our rites.  It's a very…polite arrangement really."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Tue 10 Nov 2020.

In reply to Lucious Antony (msg # 12):

The mention of werewolves puts Job on high alert.  He replies:

"Mr. Lucious, I had a run-in recently with a couple of scofflaws, Fast Eddy and Big Pete.  If ya can believe it, Eddy shot me a couple of times with SILVER BULLETS.  As if he were expecting a run-in with a werewolf.  So I made it look like da two of dem were killed by one.  If ya happen to know something I should also, please sing."

Job tries to keep his keen interest out of his voice but he doubts that any at the table who know him will fail to notice.

A polite, near silent cough sounded behind Matthias and a server dressed in full flapper finery stood stock still with a charming smile and wide eyes.

"Pardon me, Mr. Blackwood, but there's a gentleman at the bar requesting a moment of your time. He's on your list, Mr. Vasa?"

The gentleman in question leans easily against the bar, his body loose and languid while he scans the growing crowd beneath hooded eyes. Like all who belong in Lucre, he is dressed in richly coloured finery and a glass of what could probably be wine.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Tue 10 Nov 2020.

Turning as the server moved to address him, Matthias cocked his head just for a moment as he listened before following the woman's gesture and nodding quickly.  "Hmm…Oh, I see."  The proprietor mused, sitting up straighter in his seat and glancing from the familiar features of the man waiting at the bar and back to his associates before making his decision.  "Please show Mr. Vasa up to my office.  I will be along in just a moment."  He added easily, letting just a touch of the urgency he felt show through as he scooched his way to the edge of the seat and prepared to rise.

"My apologies everyone, but I will have to leave you to your own devices for just a bit."  The Beloved offered, smiling easily as he straightened his vest and tugged his cuffs into perfect alignment.  There were many possible reasons for Izabel's envoy to seek him out, but none he could think of would do well to be left waiting.  "Enjoy your drinks, and please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything Lucre can do to make you more comfortable."

Lucious turned and listened as Matthias talked about seeing some when the circle gahters, and they left them alone, as he left the wolves alone.  Lucious was about to speak, when the detective spoke about a peculiar altercation.

Lucious looked at the man as he was asked to sing, and laughed.  "Sorry, I am more a dancer then singer I'm afraid.  But, no.  The question was pure curiosity.  Something I used to do in the past.  Nothing more thrilling then hunting a creature capable of bringing you the final death... the struggle, the stratagy... the blood..."  He said, licking his lips some.

"But, it is good to know.  I doubt I am in the condition to take one on by myself, at the moment... but future endeavors.  Bonding experience perhaps, go as a group for 'trust' exercises."

That was when Matthias excused himself, having other business to attend, and he nodded lightly, before looking at the others. "So, anything else about this coterie I should know about?  Things I need brought up to speed on, as our Benefactor suggested?  Or should I head back to learn my role in all of this?"

"Oh, don't worry, sweetheart. Your role will reveal itself soon enough. Just... Read carefully. Oh, and if you were at one particular execution? I wouldn't go into it," Fey jokes, her eyes turning down to her nails. Checking over them as she gives that little piece of faux-advice to the older Kindred.

"I myself have a few parties to attend. Such a chore, such a chore. But we all do what we can and must. As they say, we have only each other."

In reply to Fey Deveraux (msg # 18):

Job frowns at the mention of parties.  "I'll leave da party duty to ya.  For me, da best part of going to a party is busting it up and arresting da uppity patrons.  I'm not really a party animal."  But he smiles as the word 'animal' passes his lips.

"By da way, is dere anyone here who is familiar with da underground party scene in Indianapolis?  One of my investigations might take me dere in da near future and I like to be prepared."

"Indianapolis? Nope. Barely gotten outside the city since the Lady relocated. Keep plenty busy here." Janet says.

She turns to Lucious. "I mostly get rid of the leftovers from everybody else's work. Cleaning up suits me. Never thought it's what I'd end up doing forever when I ran off from Madeira, but hopefully got a good bit of forever left."

"I don't know much of Indianapolis either, but I do have some contracts, if you are interested in helping Job?"
He closes his eyes and breaths deeply the scent of the living. "I'm goin on a hunt. Think over my offer through the day, Job." He says as he stands up from the table and buttons his jacket, leaving the Lucre.

Lucious listened to Fey as she spoke about being present at one particular execution, and he gave her a look.  "I been present at plenty, not too much different one from another." He said, smiling a wry smile, before listening to Janet.

"Well, then I know who to call should things get.. messy.  I am sure I will appreciate your hard work."

He saw the other get up, and move, and he also got up, bowing to the table.  "Well, I best return to our Employer.  Find out what she needs me for.  Thank you for the information, and showing me where I need go to get some festive rest." 

He then headed on out, to go back to the office.

In reply to Lucious Antony (msg # 22):

After the visitor from the past has left, Job comments to the table, "He seemed pretty civil, and pretty friendly.  I take it dat meeting him was da main reason we all had to attend.  If nobody has any jobs dat might be easier with me as backup, I think I'll get back to work.  I'm breaking in a new partner, and ya know how demanding dat can be."  He smiles without showing his teeth and shakes his head.

After a few more seconds, Job stands, straightens, and gives a crisp salute.  "Brudders and sisters, good evening to ya all.  Ya know how to reach me if anything big is going down."

He picks up his fedora and his pistol without flirting with the pretty coat check girl, jams his hands into the pockets of his trenchcoat, nods to the doorman, and slips quietly out the door.  One might almost think he had something on his mind.