The hottest teen hangout in town, has a very heavy goth aesthetic on both the exterior and interior, and is the haven of the Tremere Regent and Primogen, Nina Brigham.

After leaving the Manor she drove to the Wicked Sorceress to meet up with none others than the Tremere Primogen to have a private conversation. As Nefertiti walked into the place she made sure that these young mortals noticed her. There was something about Nefertiti that made most people to take notice of her Beauty    Or was it the fact that this very young looking heiress dressed in new fashionable clothing. No one knew her age but to morals she looked to be late teens or early twenties.

Her eyes perused to area before she spotted her desire. Walking up to Nina “Good evening Sorceress.

Nina gave an amused chuckle. "No friends? Pity, I was looking forward to showing these youngsters what a real party looks like." Nina looked to be in her mid-to-late teens, but was actually 453. Her look screamed "punk goth" which told anyone who knew what to look for that she was a Scene Queen. She stood at 5 foot 8, had her hair in a black spiky bun with the tips died purple, wore black leather pants and combat boots, ripped up fingerless fishnet gloves then went up to just below the shoulder, a band-tee of The Cure, black nail polish, all black makeup, three small silver hoops in the right ear, a small golden hoop on the left side of her nose, tattoos plastering her arms, and a chain belt.

She then crooked her finger and started walking towards the black spiral staircase that led to the upper level, which was reserved for staff only. "C'mon, where the kiddos won't hear us."

Nefertari smiled at first but quickly faded after the gathering at the Manor. She wasn’t looking for any repeat shows. “Not this time. After you hear about what transpired. You’ll understand why I came alone she smiled. As she then followed Nina to a more secluded area to speak.

Once they were there Nefertiti took the liberty of tell all that happened, as the gathering was surely a diversion for a more treacherous plan.  Three powerful members have been killed and now the city is without a Prince.

Nefertari looked to Nina with a wicked smile “Is it time for the Tremere to rule over Shadowhold?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Fri 26 Nov 2021.

In reply to Nefertari Panthea (msg # 4):

Once Nina and Nefertari were in the secrecy of the employees' lounge, the older Blood Witch's smile widened. "Let's see what the cards say." She then pulled out a deck of cards, sat them on the table, shuffled them, drew five, placed them in a star-like position, and then flipped each one. Death in the upright position, 10 of Wands in the upright position, 9 of Cups in the upright position, 7 of Swords in the upright position, and 6 of Pentacles in the inverted position. "The answer appears to be, 'Yes, but at a cost'. As for today's little shitshow, I had a vision of a wolf attacking a czarina a few months back. I did warn Sasha, but, well... I'm sure you're familiar with the tale of Cassandra."

Nefertari was about to witness one of Nina's famous readings.  There was always a high price for her to do such a blessing but to know that it was happening right before her and to know the outcome was also a huge boon.

Standing on the opposite side of the table her eyes never left the cards, as the first card revealed was Death in the upright position. Yes someone will die, if only it was in a different position.

The plot thickens when she hears that Nina was so kind to warn Sasha but it seems that the Ventrue's pride was her downfall. "I could sense that Luna and Sasha was a swirling pool of pandemonium.  Luna was surely going to usurp the Prince one day in the near future. she smirked. "Well I guess that little wolf put a stop to that and poor Christopher existence.

"I'm sure Richard is now speaking to the Ventrue Primogen. she paused for a moment as she now thought that the Reverend had no local Primogen to keep him safe.  Tapping her nails on the table "I'm sure you know of Rook.  This is going fatten his pockets, he sways no hold to either Sects.  But a very good reliable associate he is.

Batting her eyes "There has been so many Cassandra within my lifetime.  Which one are you speaking of Regent?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Fri 26 Nov 2021.

In reply to Nefertari Panthea (msg # 6):

"The one of Greek legend. The oracle who was killed for her vision that came true afterward." Nina answered, "As for good ole' Dr. Fairrivers, I doubt he's off the clock yet. The world of medicine never sleeps. As for Luna, she was just Sasha's Malkavian counterpart, and Chris just enabled them both."

Nefertari's eyes widen slightly when Nina spoke of the Greek legend, "I will make sure nothing befalls upon you Regent.  Surely your visions have been true of over the last four centuries, plus. no one knew the exact age of Nina.  As none was ever truly sure how old Nefertari was.

"I'm sure the little Courtier that was slowly forming can still exist but my worries is not just what happened in the Manor but for the reasoning why we all was summoned there. she paused for a very brief moment.

The Sabbat.

"Ah yes, my more recent vision: rabid jackals stampeding into a wall of shadows." Nina said with a far more serious tone and expression. "I was just on my way to warn my fellow Primogen, as only the three youngest have phones, when I received your text. Don't worry though, I can have the young guns tell 'em." She then whipped out her phone to send them text messages.

If Nefertari were to look over Nina's shoulder as she's texting, she'd see the reply from the Ventrue primogen. Of course, my friend. Your visions only fail when they go unheeded. -Dr. Lysander E. Fairrivers, M.D.

Nefertari's eyes didn't miss the text and she was pleased as to the replying words. "My Friend" did not go unnoticed either.

"It is not in my place to speak, but do you know what the Camarilla will do or who they will place as acting Prince till this is corrected? her words were calmly said but filled with a concern.

"I would suggest upping security around the Chantry and any businesses you possess.  I plan on hiring some extra guards and if you need some please don't hesitate to ask. Nefertari had a vast amount of resource at her beckoning call.

"Oh, I was planning on it. Since the Ventrue clan is the highest of the clans here in Shadowhold, they'll likely put our esteemed doctor in charge until I and my fellow elders appoint a new Prince. He himself is probably the most popular choice, but some favor myself, or Lucretia."

Nefertari nodded her head as her offer wasn't needed but if so the offer was still on the table.  Nina has been very helpful to Nefertari in her times in Shadowhold.

"You know I support you or any one you support.  The city must understand that we have two enemies to deal with and it would be best to take care of the lesser without using up all our resources. she added.  Then she smiled at the thought of Lucretia even being a Prince.  "Has any visions of Lucretia appeared recently to you?

I don't trust that walking backstabbing Bitc.... she stopped before her own Beast rose to the surface.

"Not yet, bu-" Nina then pressed her fingers to her temples, wincing in pain. "A black queen, white king, and white bishop. Standing together." Another vision of the future. "The queen is captured by an ignored white pawn." She then rubbed her temples, "Fuck, those hurt sometimes."

Nefertari stops in her tracks and looked at Nina "That doesn't sound good on my behalf.

If I am the Black Queen, Richard is the White King and this newcomer Reverend is the White Bishop.  Now this White Pawn is what interest me the most. her words were troublesome.

"Does the pain give any indication as to when the visions are to come true?  More pain when closer to the present.

"That was about a 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, so... within a week." Nina answered, before explaining. "You gotta remember that visions aren't always so specific. Each piece could represent a group too."

Two days past and one can find Nefertari at the Wicked Sorceress speaking to the Nina.

Making her way into the area she made sure to be noticed by the Primogen hoping to get another moment of her time.  Seeing that the Ventrue has claimed the seat of Prince for now.  Soon there will be a ruling as to who will become the next Prince of the city.

Nina was behind the concessions stands at the moment and immediately noticed her clan mate. Somehow, over the volume of Rob Zombie's "American Witch", she made herself heard. "Yo Lou, hold down the snack bar, will ya?" Lou, who looked he either just finished high school, or was just about to finish it, gave a nod and took his boss's place as she walked over to Nefertari. "Six of Pentacles is already coming true. Our more rebellious cousins have offered me their support, but only if I fulfill an old promise of Sasha's."

Nefertari looked at Nina with a inquisitive expression. "What promise might that be Primogen? she asked and it seemed that only they were able to continue the conversation beyond the ears of the unwanted.

"You know I support you fully. she smiled "I may be able to get a few others who owe me favors to stand at your side.

It was interesting that the rebellious cousins were able to support her, but can they be trusted.

Leading her trusted associated to the spiral staircase again, she revealed the favor. "A few years back, she promised to ascend the strays to high clan status. Whether or not she actually had any intention of doing so is another matter entirely, but the point is, they seem to think that whoever claims praxis inherits the debts."

Nefertari smiled at the promise.  She knew that she was already a member of the High Clan and if she was to further her advancements in there she could also grant a being that status but would she ever be so kind.

Then she looked at Nina and wonder was she a member of the High Clan, that was something she wasn't sure of.

"Do you think that the good Doctor would uphold to such a promise if he was given their support? she had to ask and wonder if he was even interested in granting something like that to them.

"He would. He's too much of a softy not to." Nina said with a snicker. "He believes that honoring promises, however old they may be, is the proper thing to do, and you know how Brits are about being proper. He's a good man, no two ways about it, but good men are not always good leaders."

Nefertari nodded her head in agreement about good men and good leaders.

"I haven't heard anything more about the Sabbat attacking innocents in the streets so maybe that is for the good. she sighed  "But I was looking to go out and find something to do on my lonely nights. she smiled as her eyes gazed at Nina.

"I do have to get in touch with the few that was there at the massacre, but was you serious about meeting them?

In reply to Nefertari Panthea (msg # 23):

"Half-and-half." Nina replied, "If you're bored, I could invite some of my friends over."

Unsurprisingly the Reverend stood out like a sore thumb as he entered the Wicked Sorceress. The regulars were understandably suspicious of the plainly dressed priest in his late twenties showing up to offer handshakes and asking for "Miss Brigham, Nina Brigham?". It seemed that his divine gifts were not enough to bridge the cultural disconnect and shortly after his arrival, rumors of a priest that had arrived to give Nina an intervention had already begun to spread.

After quickly realizing that he was unwelcome in the young rebellious crowd, he simply took a seat and let word of his arrival spread. If Miss Brigham wanted to speak with him, she would. While the night was finite, he was certain that he was on the right path and that whatever happened was all a part of His plan.

Nina cast her gaze towards the monitor bearing images of the goings-on in the hangout. "Looks like someone else is here to see me. Gimme a moment." Stepping out of the employee office and a little ways down the staircase, she called out, "Yo! Here to see me? Up here!" making herself heard over Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows".

Throckett was a fan of a variety of music, after all, music was an expression of God's gift and love. While he wasn't familiar with the artist, he found that it reminded him of the trials of Jesus. How he fought against the corruption that was so self evident. He closed his eyes and, what felt like the first time since the incident; relaxed and let the melancholic tones sooth his faithful mi-

"Yo! Here to see me? Up here!"

Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

The proverbs were burned brightly into his mind. Of course, he should have made more of an effort to find Brigham. His pleasant talk with the doctor had lulled him to complacency. He couldn't rely on the Lord for everything, after all 'Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth'. He opened his eyes and looked out to the person speaking. A frightfully young woman ^{So was He when he started} who appeared clad in the attire of the ruffians of the 80's (or was it 70's). _{Soldiers gambled over the rags He wore} He smiled at the young lady and made his way up the staircase towards the employee office. Though he was quite practiced at being heard, he would not bother the others here. It was their haven after all.

Finally reaching Nina he offered a now tepid hand. Making a mental note to pick up more handwarmers later he introduced himself. "Reverend Throckett. I hope this is a good time?"

"We were just talking about the future. Take it you're here for that, too?"

OOC: Is he now in the office?

"We?" The Reverend peered into the office as he entered and the look of serendipity on his face was palpable. "Ms. Panthea!" He beamed widely. Suddenly realizing himself he turned to Nina, "I hope I'm not interrupting?"

Nefertari looked at the Reverend when he entered into the office, it was a face she wasn't expecting to see.  But it was a face she was going to visit later in the night.  This allowed her some free time to do something else later.

"Greeting Reverend.  What an unexpected visitor in the Wicked Sorceress. she smiled to him. She then patted a seat next to her offering him to join them.

"What brings you here, might I ask?

The priest bashfully took his place next to the radiant Nefertari. It was little wonder that she was one of the chosen; a beauty of this caliber was proof of the divine. Were he not a man of the cloth... "I felt it was in my congregation's best interest to meet our next possible Prince." He nodded towards Nina, "I already met with Doctor Fairrivers and had the most pleasant chat with him, he mentioned your skill in divination."

Nefertari looked to the Reverend then to Nina with a smile "Oh that is interesting.  Would you grant the Primogen your support if its needed? she asked then "Or has it already been given to the good Doctor?

Throckett gave the Egyptian a puzzled look. "Support? Is there a democratic vote? I'm sorry I find myself quite unaware of our politics. I had heard of the possibility of more...  violent means, though I'd be relieve to find out otherwise." He said, clearly embarrassed. "I'm simply a man of God; give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God's, after all. Whomever rises to power, my duty is to guide them as best I can and protect my flock."

The puzzled look evolved into one of genuine interest, "And you, Ms. Panthea? Are you here to pledge your loyalty to Ms. Brigham?"

"We were just discussing that." Nina said, "We've already agreed on who we don't want in charge. As for our friendly neighborhood doctor, that's more of a matter of debate. See, there's no room for doubt that he's a good man. Probably as good as one of us can be, but as I've told Nefertari here, good men are not always good leaders." she then gave a chuckle when he mentioned divination. "Clairvoyance is the more accurate term, though I suppose your ignorance in such matters can be forgiven. See, the true are not necessarily the strongest, the smartest, the most benevolent, or even the most talented. They're the people who are willing to make the hard choices and live with the consequence of them, while also bearing the responsibility."

The Reverend chuckled politely with Nina, not quite included in whatever joke he or she had uttered. He felt more than a little awkward badmouthing a man whom had earned his respect not an hour before. Though they had not discussed politics much, Fairrivers had struck him as someone who was competent as he was already aware of and taking care of his predecessor's most recent issue; the Sabbat murders. Perhaps he was mistaken, he was willfully ignorant of Kindred politics after all, preferring instead to focus on his more... earthly ties.

"You believe that Mr. Fairrivers does not have the strength of character to do the right thing." His voice was soft and lacked his usual pastor flair, but it was clear that it was not a question. "Do you feel the same about Ms. Bingley? What are your thoughts on her as a leader?

Nefertari made herself a bit more comfortable in her chair as she was very interested in what Nina answers would be.

In reply to Reverend Throckett (msg # 36):

"What I'm saying is that sometimes one's morals must be set aside to do what must be done. I do not believe our good doctor to be capable of doing this. Now, Lucretia; on the other hand, I do believe to be capable of this, but only because I doubt she has morals to begin with. A good leader possesses ethics, but also the ability to overlook one's own ethics when they interfere with their duty. Whether or not I fall under this category, I like to think so, but it's up to my fellow elders to decide that."

The Reverend's polite smile was still plastered on his rather fetching face. "I understand." He said, steepling his hands and resting his chin on them in thought. He doubted that he and Nina would ever eye to eye on whatever "must be done" and it seemed that it would be doubly more so with Ms. Bingley. He did, however, somewhat agree with what Nina said about morals. Personal ties had a way of causing someone to stray from the true path. 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions' is a popular saying for a reason. There is only one set of morals that hold any weight and only He can be the arbiter of 'what must be done'. Throckett kept his thoughts to himself. He was a guest after all, and was simply here for to meet and greet his potential new leader. No reason to ruin any potential goodwill now on differences of faith.

He blinked and his eyes, now filled with worry, flitted about the room before focusing back on Nina. He chuckled and slapped his forehead playfully. "How rude of me, I must apologize. Your words seem to have caused me to lose myself in thought. I hope I wasn't gone long." He returned to a more relaxed and open stance. "Should the elders choose you, is there anything you'll be requi-" The Reverend paused. He shook his head with a sigh, "To be blunt, I am trying to see how life would change under your rule, for both my flock and me. The recognized Prince will have no issues securing my loyalty, but I need to see if any arrangements need to be made for my people's safety."

Nefertari looked at the good Reverend and smiled as he believed that his "flock" belonged to him.  They were living in the city where a Prince ruled and if Nina becomes the new Prince.  Then they would belong to her and by her grace she is allowing the good Reverend some leeway.

"Reverend, would you happen to have some contact information for me.  I seemed to not gathered it at our last meeting. she smiled.

"I was about to reach out and give Rook and Richard a call, for them to join me here.  Do you have some time to wait till they arrive?

The priest seemed to almost jump at Panthea's voice. He had been so engrossed with this prophet that he had all but forgotten about the rather striking woman. He turned to address her. She was smiling, had he amused her in some way? Had Ms. Brigham?

The Kindred and their secrets

"Yes, our last meeting I was... indisposed. The easiest way to reach me would be to call the main line or Jospehine Dubois' cellular phone; she's our youth pastor and runs the Sunday morning mass in my stead." He said, rattling off each number respectively. "I'll be heading to Staples tomorrow to print a pack of business cards, I was unaware of how common they are in the city."

While Throckett had plans to meet with Bingley sometime soon, he was sure that he would get the chance, in time. Besides, he thought to himself, Ms. Dubois is always saying that you're working too hard and that you need to make friends, now is an excellent opportunity! "Oh it would be a pleasure! I haven't had the time to properly speak with Mr. Navarro and it would be great to finally put a face to Rook's name. Have you met Ms. Chalmendelias? You could say that she's the reason why I'm here at all, if you wouldn't mind I could invite her as well?" He turned to Nina "Could I trouble you for your phone? I didn't see a payphone outside but it's possible that I just walked right past it.

Nefertari gave the Reverend her attention when he took notice of her and began to speak with her.  Her eyebrow arched slightly when he mentioned that he didn't own a phone and the best way to contact him was with a moral.  It almost knocked her out of her seat by the thought of him suggesting that she do such a idiotic thing.  If he knew best, he would get on before a Kindred takes a deeper offend to that and kill his little youth pastor.

Then it even got more interesting when he mentioned Ms. Chalmendelias name.  When did he get to meet that viper. she thought.  "You should be careful with her, she may tell you one thing but taking something greater from you. she calmly said.

"You meet Rook at the fatal meeting.  He was there with Richard and I. she looked at him and wondered was the death of the former Prince that detrimental to him to forget who all was present.

"We can invite her to another meeting elsewhere. she said as she gazed over at Nina not sure if she wanted to have her in here.

Then she pulled out her phone and dial a number "Richard darling, can you meet me at The Wicked Sorceress?

He nodded at Nefertari's wise words about Emily. Regardless of her honesty or motivations, it certainly seemed that the Kindred were not at all on the same page. While she had seemed certain that war was on the horizon, two of the three potential Princes didn't seem to worried about that possibility. Or perhaps they were but choosing not to reveal their trepidation to some no name priest that appeared at their doorstep.

His eyes widened as Ms. Panthea finally connected the face with the name. "I- He had not given his name." He marveled at Nefertari's connections; he would have never expected that the gruff, blunt, man would ever run in circles similar to this mysterious elite. It all made him ever more curious. Was Rook under her employ? How did Mr. Navarro fit into all this? A well connected femme fatale, a gruff disaffected gumshoe, a mysterious aloof elite of great wealth; it all started to sound like one of those rather steamy secret agent books that Ms. Dubois seemed fond of. He just hoped that sharks with laser beams wouldn't involved.

Allowing his mind to drift back to reality, he politely waited for the others to arrive only slightly worried that so many of influence meeting under one roof may seem, to others, as conspiratorial. He was sure that if he explained himself, however, that it would be quickly dismissed as simply harmless gossip and of course the schooling of a kindred new to their ways.

Richard had only responded to Nefertari's call with a simple "Alright" before the hung up. A couple of minutes later he arrived with his Ghoul chauffeur and entered the establishment.

Once he found Nef and the Reverend he greeted them both with a smile. "Good evening!" He didn't say anything else for now, instead waiting for them to explain why he had come down here.

After speaking to Richard she quickly sent a text to Rook.

Meet us at the Wicked Sorceress.

Nefertaris' phone alerts her to his text response.  "Business?"

Reply No

Reply: "What is it?"

Reply: Another time, I see your busy.

After Nefertari send her final text to Rook she placed her phone back in her purse but also turned it off.  There was a look upon her face that showed she was annoyed.

"Rook can be a little difficult sometimes.  But we don't have to wait we can talk and if he decides his time is more important without receiving money once in his life, he may find pleasure in other things. she calmly said.

"Richard and our good Reverend Nina was interested in meeting us all and as we know the city is a bit lost without a Prince.  Then there is that minor problem with the Sabbat and it seems that a mysterious stranger moved into the city asking a lot of questions. she looked over to Nina "Would you like to add anything?

"Ah yes, a recent vision of mine involving chess pieces, which I have already informed Nefertari about."

Nefertari nods her head "Yes, it seems that some of the pieces has already began their moves.  she smiled. "I would give you the honor in sharing that information, Primogen.

She was a bit upset at Rook but he will contact her soon.  Even he will need help in dealing with the King, Queen or Bishop.

In reply to Nefertari Panthea (msg # 52):

"A black queen, white king, and white bishop. Standing together. The queen is captured by an ignored white pawn." Nina said, "Unfortunately, visions are often frustratingly vague, so there's no way of knowing who or what each piece represents. We do have our theories though. Given how painful that vision was, though, it'll come true within the next five days, given how I had it two days ago." another smirk formed across her youthful face, "Wouldn't it be something if the black queen was the Sabbat?"

Throcket mused over the potential meaning of the vision but there were already so many variables left unsaid. What were Nina's visions normally like? How deep or important do the symbols go? Are they from her perspective, or from God's? There also came the question of how useful the vision was; Dr. Fairrivers mentioned that they always came to pass, so there seemed to be little that they could do to prevent the occurrence. Only to prepare for the aftermath.

Still, it didn't hurt to delve into the mystery of it all. The priest wracked his memory of the chess game. Four pieces, only one of which is an "enemy" piece. The King appears to be in danger but because both the bishop and the queen are adjacent he's quite safe. It's also white's turn hence why the queen was taken.

An enemy is beset on all sides by three pieces and is eventually taken, blindsided by the underestimated piece.

Honestly Ms. Brigham probably wasn't too far off. If she wasn't so sure that it was a prophetic vision, he would have concluded that it was a vision of that terrible night, with Ms. Dolzaev being the queen.

"The bishop is an interesting piece." He mumbled, almost to himself. He looked up and asked Nina, "I haven't met with the other church in any capacity. We don't think they're involved in any way do we?"

Nefertari looked to Richard after hearing Nina speak of her vision.  She wondered if he was getting any ideas of the meaning but as the Reverend spoke up she looked over to him now that he got her attention.

"If the Black Queen is the Sabbat, then surely the White King is the Camarilla and the White Bishop the Anarchs. she smiled and looked at Nina for a moment then to the other two "We would surely be the pawns.


Turning to the Reverend "There are many other churches in Shadowhold, that don't fall under what you would consider a Church.

Religion, Faith or Spiritual Enlightenment.

I'm sure that they don't have anything to do with it, unless they are Kindreds.

"Us?" The pastor marked incredulously. To Throckett, it was quite surprising that anyone in his company, or those mentioned (namely the absent Rook and Ms. Chalmendelais) were of the kind of caliber to be ignored or underestimated. Was it possible that these Kindred were actually quite small fish in the lake that is Shadowhold? To the priest, he would have kept at least one eye on every individual at the assassination, including himself.

Instead of voicing this or otherwise challenging the Egyptian's hypothesis, the religious leader felt it best not to speak out of turn and simply apologized for his outburst. "I must defer to your expertise." He nodded solemnly to Ms. Panthea. He was surprised that his fellow kindred seemed to discount the unsaved. He was painfully aware of the dangerous unpredictability of man.

The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

Throckett turned to address Nina and his eyes widened in surprise. "Mr. Navarro!" He called out; his typical warmth oozing out of his words. When had he arrived? The pastor did not remember his arrival and was worried that he had appeared rude. "What were your thoughts on Ms. Brigham's vision?" Then, addressing the room as a whole. "Furthermore, what should we do with this vision?"

Richard contemplated what to say before he gave the Reverend an answer to his question. "It sounds very poetic... The only thing I think we can do is what we always do, hope for the best but prepare for the worst." Mr Navarro crossed his arms, clearly deep in thought.

"Ah, but is fore-knowledge not fore-arming?"

Nefertari only smiled at Nina's comment toward Richard "I'm a bit upset that Rook didn't take the liberty of joining us.  I'm sure he could of added a few insights that would of been useful. she calmly said as she then looked to Nina and wondered if she had anything else to discuss before this meeting ended for the night.

"Well, we can learn this 'Rook' individual's opinion later. I'm sure you all have other matters to attend to."

Nefertari looked to Nina and then to Richard and the good Reverend.

"I would like to thank you both for coming, and now we have something to think about.  If either of you need to contact me you have my number. she said as she then was ready to leave this place and head out to see if she can locate a certain being.