[VtR][Mature] Born into Darkness: Preludes and Nocturnes
- Thread starter Graf
- Start date
Graf
Explorer
Archer's Third Night
The car winds it's way through the woods. There isn't a star in the sky; the inky blackness seems to suit your sire's mode.
Archer realizse how phenomenally blessed he is. Celeste sparkles, radiant in a black evening dress. He realizes now that he's never met anyone in your whole life who is as wonderful, as fantastic as she is. He understands now why people write songs about love. She's perfect.
Celeste squirms slightly in the seat beside you. She gives you a forced smile but quickly looks away. She obviously doesn't wish to speak. She hasn't since she got up today and you drank her blood again.
Frank, driving in front, shifts the car down a gear and turns from the small double lane road onto a single lane one out deeper into the forest.
[sblock=The Blood Oath]
After the third drink of her blood you've taken the "Blood Oath" as the Invinctus like to call it. I'll roll in a minute when you get your stuff set up but the odds of getting an exceptional success are low enough that leave the post the way it is for now.
Not that anyone's actually told you about any of this, btw.
You do have a dot of Auspex from your experience last night. So things aren't all bad.[/sblock]
Graf
Explorer
[sblock=OOC to War] Honestly?
Because I thought you'd kill this guy in one or two hits and the prelude would keep going on. See also my post on the discussion thread.
Going forward we'll have you use whirling blades (so he'll be rolling 1 die with the knife to your 6 -- I think that's how the math works out). I just want to let ig post for Beth first.[/sblock]
Because I thought you'd kill this guy in one or two hits and the prelude would keep going on. See also my post on the discussion thread.
Going forward we'll have you use whirling blades (so he'll be rolling 1 die with the knife to your 6 -- I think that's how the math works out). I just want to let ig post for Beth first.[/sblock]
Last edited:
Bloodweaver1
First Post
Cole Braddock
"My lady.” he says with a slow and courteous bow to Giselle. Nice job flirting with the Prince’s girl there buddy… real smooth.
“Right.” He says as he mocks an attempt to straighten out his ragged clothes. “Well I do certainly appreciate your hospitality my Liege. Until we meet again.” He says with polite nod of his head and then follows Reggie out of the room. Once outside he takes a noticeable sigh as he unconsciously runs his hands through his hair. He visibly relaxes and lets his eyes begin to wonder about his surrounding. Following in step behind the Reggie he asks, “So… um… Reggie right? Where does one go in the new millennia to freshen up?”
"My lady.” he says with a slow and courteous bow to Giselle. Nice job flirting with the Prince’s girl there buddy… real smooth.
“Right.” He says as he mocks an attempt to straighten out his ragged clothes. “Well I do certainly appreciate your hospitality my Liege. Until we meet again.” He says with polite nod of his head and then follows Reggie out of the room. Once outside he takes a noticeable sigh as he unconsciously runs his hands through his hair. He visibly relaxes and lets his eyes begin to wonder about his surrounding. Following in step behind the Reggie he asks, “So… um… Reggie right? Where does one go in the new millennia to freshen up?”
industrygothica
Adventurer
Beth looks around and takes in the scene. Surreal was the only word that came to her, not that she was trying for something clever right now. The hot coals called to her. Maybe it'll distract him, at least... let Sword Guy catch a break. The exit called louder. Or let the freaks worry about it themselves and get the hell out of here...
It seemed like minutes of contemplation-too many minutes, but was only seconds. Fractions of seconds, probably. What if Creepy Guy wins. What if he comes back?
In a swift motion she snatches the basin of coals from the ground, not thinking about the heat, and slams it open-end-first into Creepy Guy's head and face.
That's all the help you'll get from me, Sword Guy. Hope it helps, she thought as she stumbled out the door, too scared to scream.
It seemed like minutes of contemplation-too many minutes, but was only seconds. Fractions of seconds, probably. What if Creepy Guy wins. What if he comes back?
In a swift motion she snatches the basin of coals from the ground, not thinking about the heat, and slams it open-end-first into Creepy Guy's head and face.
That's all the help you'll get from me, Sword Guy. Hope it helps, she thought as she stumbled out the door, too scared to scream.
Graf
Explorer
Cole's Prelude
Reggie smiles amenably, "Well I think we can arrange for a tailor tomorrow; this evening perhaps you could borrow something of mine. I beleive there are also spare apartments next to mine as well"
The Indian man guides Cole down the corridor.
Reggie smiles amenably, "Well I think we can arrange for a tailor tomorrow; this evening perhaps you could borrow something of mine. I beleive there are also spare apartments next to mine as well"
The Indian man guides Cole down the corridor.
End of First Part of Cole's Prelude
Festy_Dog
First Post
It felt somewhat strange. Admittedly, more than a little strange. Archer should have been angry. He had good reason to be angry. Archer had originally thought he was angry, but in the space of a few days he had only been feeling more and more strongly about Celeste. Love was perhaps an apt term. Perhaps in hindsight, his reason for anger lost importance. Shrunk of its own accord. Was he obsessed? He couldn't rightly tell. Maybe his attraction to her has grown to dwarf his anger into obscurity.
He wanted to know what it was that caused the change. It seemed somewhat of a stupid idea, considering his circumstances, but talking to Celeste seemed one of his most prominent options. Archer had the feeling she was stressed over something, so a talk could help them both. Where would he start though? Celeste didn't even look like she wanted to talk, but perhaps Judas could work a little of his charm.
"Something troubles you," Archer smiled understandingly, "Something to do with me?"
He put a hand to the bandages around his neck, curious to see if they had soaked through. Archer had the idea not long after he got up, and thought that if they were taking a trip out it would make the ideal first test. He didn't know anything about medicine, but concealing an injury was a simple enough task.
He wanted to know what it was that caused the change. It seemed somewhat of a stupid idea, considering his circumstances, but talking to Celeste seemed one of his most prominent options. Archer had the feeling she was stressed over something, so a talk could help them both. Where would he start though? Celeste didn't even look like she wanted to talk, but perhaps Judas could work a little of his charm.
"Something troubles you," Archer smiled understandingly, "Something to do with me?"
He put a hand to the bandages around his neck, curious to see if they had soaked through. Archer had the idea not long after he got up, and thought that if they were taking a trip out it would make the ideal first test. He didn't know anything about medicine, but concealing an injury was a simple enough task.
Graf
Explorer
Biggs' Prelude
Beth grabs hold of hot braiser. She smells burning meat but doesn't feel any pain.
With a silent grunt she wrenches it into the air at the creepy guy. She's running before it hits the ground.
The ghoul manages to get out of the way of the cascade of hot coals. He spins, hissing.
Biggs slashes him accross the back with the katana. The ghoul whirls again.
Running madly Beth slams into the door. As the girl bursts into the night air a loud alarm rings out.
The ghoul seems to gain a measure of sense; a nasty look comes across his face. Ducking away from one of Biggs' swings it locks eyes with the former soldier. STAY it commands.
Biggs tries to step forward, but his feet seem rooted to the ground. He slashes out but the freak is just out of range. The ghoul sneers, spits on the ground and bolts off into the mall.
Biggs stands in the darkness white smoke curling around him as the security alarm blares.
[sblock=Combat]
So I used the white wolf roller. Even spending a willpower to get 5 dice Beth didn't manage any successes. But I couldn't link to the result (what's the point of an online die roller that doesn't show you the roll you got?)
Got irriated went back to IC and it's up again.
Biggs tags the ghoul for one more.
WJ gets a command off on Biggs holding him for long enough to get away.
For the record I took descriptive liberities with some actions. Beth should have acted and moved before Biggs swung (but that didn't make so much sense). So I pushed her move action (and the alarm it triggered) back a bit.
Similar for the ghoul (i.e. in game terms it just did 'command' and moved it's speed.)
Some of biggs jabs and slashes also weren't actually attacks, more just reflect his being in melee.[/sblock]
Beth grabs hold of hot braiser. She smells burning meat but doesn't feel any pain.
With a silent grunt she wrenches it into the air at the creepy guy. She's running before it hits the ground.
The ghoul manages to get out of the way of the cascade of hot coals. He spins, hissing.
Biggs slashes him accross the back with the katana. The ghoul whirls again.
Running madly Beth slams into the door. As the girl bursts into the night air a loud alarm rings out.
The ghoul seems to gain a measure of sense; a nasty look comes across his face. Ducking away from one of Biggs' swings it locks eyes with the former soldier. STAY it commands.
Biggs tries to step forward, but his feet seem rooted to the ground. He slashes out but the freak is just out of range. The ghoul sneers, spits on the ground and bolts off into the mall.
Biggs stands in the darkness white smoke curling around him as the security alarm blares.
[sblock=Combat]
So I used the white wolf roller. Even spending a willpower to get 5 dice Beth didn't manage any successes. But I couldn't link to the result (what's the point of an online die roller that doesn't show you the roll you got?)
Got irriated went back to IC and it's up again.
Biggs tags the ghoul for one more.
WJ gets a command off on Biggs holding him for long enough to get away.
For the record I took descriptive liberities with some actions. Beth should have acted and moved before Biggs swung (but that didn't make so much sense). So I pushed her move action (and the alarm it triggered) back a bit.
Similar for the ghoul (i.e. in game terms it just did 'command' and moved it's speed.)
Some of biggs jabs and slashes also weren't actually attacks, more just reflect his being in melee.[/sblock]
Graf
Explorer
Cole's Prelude
The next few months pass quickly for Cole, spring turns to summer as he works to adapt to his new environment. For the first week or two he's encouraged (forced) to stay on the private floor of LB's building. In the spare room next to Raghunandan (as "Reggie" is properly named).
The City is quite different than Egypt. The prince apparently a member of the Invictus but has few guests and doesn't seem to have a regular Elysium. Giselle makes occasional appearances, always accompanied by a squad of short demented looking dark-skinned Asians.
Another one of LB's childer, also a young female (in appearance), is apparently the Sheriff Blackcoat (or "Blackie" as LB calls her) is barely five feet tall, wears black combat boots and a long black coat and is missing most of one of her ears (it looks like it was bitten off). She's frequently accompanied by a bald man with a red scarf over his face.
The "don't leave this floor requirement" is relaxed when LB catches Cole going into the elevator (mostly out of sheer boredom -- the elevator doesn't go anywhere without a key). Once Cole demonstrates he can, in fact operate an elevator; LB goes into what seems to be an interpretation of an old british person who can't operate the elevator.
(It's quite tricky to tell, LB's faux british accent is almost incomphrensible)
In return for agreeably suffering through the experience LB announces next sundown that "Hell! Scarman's got ghouls that can't run an elevator. Far as ah'm concerned the gentleman is "caught up"!"
[sblock=LB's rules]
No embracing
No ghouling
All blood bonds are reported, an' that means promptly.
No shenanigans.
There does not seem to be any sort of formal definition of shenanigans.
[/sblock]
The next week Charity comes to pick up you up. She lives up to LB's nickname for her ("Beanpole"), as she's easily a head taller than a tall man. Initially Cole thinks that she hates him, but it rapidily becomes apparent she's like that with everyone. She's surrounded by a handful of mute staff who seem to be so dominated as to barely be able to speak. She takes you to LB's reserve and tersely explains the rules. With extreme reluctance she give you a card with a number and tells you that you're "Never to call me. Never!"
From then on Cole is picked up a few times a week and taken to the princes private reserve. A network of clubs, and hotel bars located in the northern suburbs. The atmosphere is posh and restrained. Up and comers from all industries, as well as the wealthy and attractive congregate there.
Certain bar staff (denoted by a small green badge) discretely flag young people (entirely female) with simple coded signals. The targets all young and healthy are invariably quite willing to slip off to a quiet dark booth with anyone identified as a "friend of the establishment".
[sblock=LB's Private Reserve]
In game terms anyone hunting on LB's reserve with his permission has Herd *****; it's almost impossible to not feed successfully or to encounter any problems.[/sblock]
The next few months pass quickly for Cole, spring turns to summer as he works to adapt to his new environment. For the first week or two he's encouraged (forced) to stay on the private floor of LB's building. In the spare room next to Raghunandan (as "Reggie" is properly named).
The City is quite different than Egypt. The prince apparently a member of the Invictus but has few guests and doesn't seem to have a regular Elysium. Giselle makes occasional appearances, always accompanied by a squad of short demented looking dark-skinned Asians.
Another one of LB's childer, also a young female (in appearance), is apparently the Sheriff Blackcoat (or "Blackie" as LB calls her) is barely five feet tall, wears black combat boots and a long black coat and is missing most of one of her ears (it looks like it was bitten off). She's frequently accompanied by a bald man with a red scarf over his face.
The "don't leave this floor requirement" is relaxed when LB catches Cole going into the elevator (mostly out of sheer boredom -- the elevator doesn't go anywhere without a key). Once Cole demonstrates he can, in fact operate an elevator; LB goes into what seems to be an interpretation of an old british person who can't operate the elevator.
(It's quite tricky to tell, LB's faux british accent is almost incomphrensible)
In return for agreeably suffering through the experience LB announces next sundown that "Hell! Scarman's got ghouls that can't run an elevator. Far as ah'm concerned the gentleman is "caught up"!"
[sblock=LB's rules]
No embracing
No ghouling
All blood bonds are reported, an' that means promptly.
No shenanigans.
There does not seem to be any sort of formal definition of shenanigans.
[/sblock]
The next week Charity comes to pick up you up. She lives up to LB's nickname for her ("Beanpole"), as she's easily a head taller than a tall man. Initially Cole thinks that she hates him, but it rapidily becomes apparent she's like that with everyone. She's surrounded by a handful of mute staff who seem to be so dominated as to barely be able to speak. She takes you to LB's reserve and tersely explains the rules. With extreme reluctance she give you a card with a number and tells you that you're "Never to call me. Never!"
From then on Cole is picked up a few times a week and taken to the princes private reserve. A network of clubs, and hotel bars located in the northern suburbs. The atmosphere is posh and restrained. Up and comers from all industries, as well as the wealthy and attractive congregate there.
Certain bar staff (denoted by a small green badge) discretely flag young people (entirely female) with simple coded signals. The targets all young and healthy are invariably quite willing to slip off to a quiet dark booth with anyone identified as a "friend of the establishment".
[sblock=LB's Private Reserve]
In game terms anyone hunting on LB's reserve with his permission has Herd *****; it's almost impossible to not feed successfully or to encounter any problems.[/sblock]
Last edited:
Graf
Explorer
Archer's Prelude
[sblock=Missing]Going to drop off for a bit, but wanted to have some forward momentum so I thought I'd put this up. I'll try to colorize it later.[/sblock]
Archer tries to reach out to Celeste but she mutely shakes her head and looks out the window.
The car drives on for some minutes before pulling up at a roundabout in front of what can only be described as a castle. "Don't speak unless your spoken to. Not a word." Celeste departs from the car, serene and regal. She leads you up the steps and through the open doors in to a massive foyer that looks like it's something out of a movie. Massive winding staircases make their way up to the second level. A gargantuan crystal chandeler, with hundreds of candles, sheds light over the whole room.
You are greeted by a young man, british by the accent, rushing from the side door. "Madam Celeste, most unexpected. It's customary to sent a letter in advance, yes?" He slides to a stop in front of you, managing to adriotly bow while blocking further passage.
"I'm in a hurry. To see Marquise Scarman."
"A phone call madam. At the very least perhaps a phone call." the servant manages the near impossible feat of sounding both obsquisous and firm.
"I haven't--" Celeste is interrupted by loud sound of a door cracking off of it's hindges.
A forceful masculine voice echoes from the second story. "VISTORS MEN! STAND FAST! LEESON! COVER THEM FROM THE WEST WING. TOTTER! FROM THE EAST!"
A trim black hair man bounds into view. His hairline is receeding, and he has sharp, cruel features. In his right hand he carries a spear, capped with an ornate silver spearhead.
As his gaze drops to Celeste's party Archer feels something inexplicable, something bad happening. He realizes he is suddenly very very afraid of this man. most remain calm, must remain calm; for Celeste with a tremendous act of will he manages to quell the urge to escape from this man.
The man lets out a muted snarl revealing fangs. Composing himself he walks down the stairway. "Madam Celeste?"
Celeste bows humbly, tugging on Archer's hand to follow "Most Rightous Marquise Scarman, I humblely beg a few moments of your time this evening."
From his bowing postion Archer notes the man's utilitarian.clothing seems to be dated.
"I may be able to spare a few minutes right after I attend to a matter."
"A matter sir?"
"Yes. It seems that some vagabond has wandered into my haven unannounced."
Celeste's hand tightens, she's driving her fingernails into Archer's skin.
"I might have thought that you would have assumed he was with me." Celeste seems to be uncharacteristically struggling to find the proper words.
"Perhaps you assumed I knew him?"
"No."
"But you know him."
"Yes."
"But you do not think I know him."
"No." Celeste's teeth make a small grinding noise. She stops bowing and stands up.
"And he's come here with you."
"He has." Celeste's face is taunt.
"Ahh," Scarman is slowly pacing the hall. "Perhaps you forgot to introduce me."
"I did not. I--"
Scarman makes a irritated hrumphing sound. Celeste bites off her sentence.
"It seems so unusual, for someone who calls herself the Harpy of the city, to forget such a common curdousy as how to make a proper introduction."
"I DID NOT!" Celeste seems to be on the verge of exploding in anger.
"Oh?" Scarman's body position shifts slightly.
I. DID. NOT." Celeste forces herself into a modicum of calm "call myself Harpy."
"Oh?"
"No."
"But I have heard you called Harpy."
"The Prince has never named a Harpy."
"I beleive you are right about the Prince. And yet, I hear other's calling you Harpy. You have not heard such things?"
"I... may have."
"Ahh. But you never felt the need to correct them?"
"Perhaps I didn't think it was the appropriate thing to do at the time."
"I see. It can be so dreadfully tiring correcting little people of their misunderstandings."
Celeste puts on a warm smile and turns to Scarman, "It is so good to have the opportunity to visit you again."
Scarman stops and also puts on a large smile. "Yes. And to see new faces in the city. Since the prince seems to be allowing people in now it may be even possible to finally see our ranks swell again."
"Yes, well. I'd like you to meet my Childe, Judas Archer."
Scarman looks surprised. "I had no idea you'd embraced my dear. That must have been what, the fifties?"
"No. Not exactly."
Scarman raises one of his thin eyebrows expectantly.
"Why, I embraced Archer just the other day."
The plesant expression drops from Scarmans face completely and the room is very very still.
Festy_Dog said:
[sblock=Missing]Going to drop off for a bit, but wanted to have some forward momentum so I thought I'd put this up. I'll try to colorize it later.[/sblock]
Archer tries to reach out to Celeste but she mutely shakes her head and looks out the window.
The car drives on for some minutes before pulling up at a roundabout in front of what can only be described as a castle. "Don't speak unless your spoken to. Not a word." Celeste departs from the car, serene and regal. She leads you up the steps and through the open doors in to a massive foyer that looks like it's something out of a movie. Massive winding staircases make their way up to the second level. A gargantuan crystal chandeler, with hundreds of candles, sheds light over the whole room.
You are greeted by a young man, british by the accent, rushing from the side door. "Madam Celeste, most unexpected. It's customary to sent a letter in advance, yes?" He slides to a stop in front of you, managing to adriotly bow while blocking further passage.
"I'm in a hurry. To see Marquise Scarman."
"A phone call madam. At the very least perhaps a phone call." the servant manages the near impossible feat of sounding both obsquisous and firm.
"I haven't--" Celeste is interrupted by loud sound of a door cracking off of it's hindges.
A forceful masculine voice echoes from the second story. "VISTORS MEN! STAND FAST! LEESON! COVER THEM FROM THE WEST WING. TOTTER! FROM THE EAST!"
A trim black hair man bounds into view. His hairline is receeding, and he has sharp, cruel features. In his right hand he carries a spear, capped with an ornate silver spearhead.
As his gaze drops to Celeste's party Archer feels something inexplicable, something bad happening. He realizes he is suddenly very very afraid of this man. most remain calm, must remain calm; for Celeste with a tremendous act of will he manages to quell the urge to escape from this man.
The man lets out a muted snarl revealing fangs. Composing himself he walks down the stairway. "Madam Celeste?"
Celeste bows humbly, tugging on Archer's hand to follow "Most Rightous Marquise Scarman, I humblely beg a few moments of your time this evening."
From his bowing postion Archer notes the man's utilitarian.clothing seems to be dated.
"I may be able to spare a few minutes right after I attend to a matter."
"A matter sir?"
"Yes. It seems that some vagabond has wandered into my haven unannounced."
Celeste's hand tightens, she's driving her fingernails into Archer's skin.
"I might have thought that you would have assumed he was with me." Celeste seems to be uncharacteristically struggling to find the proper words.
"Perhaps you assumed I knew him?"
"No."
"But you know him."
"Yes."
"But you do not think I know him."
"No." Celeste's teeth make a small grinding noise. She stops bowing and stands up.
"And he's come here with you."
"He has." Celeste's face is taunt.
"Ahh," Scarman is slowly pacing the hall. "Perhaps you forgot to introduce me."
"I did not. I--"
Scarman makes a irritated hrumphing sound. Celeste bites off her sentence.
"It seems so unusual, for someone who calls herself the Harpy of the city, to forget such a common curdousy as how to make a proper introduction."
"I DID NOT!" Celeste seems to be on the verge of exploding in anger.
"Oh?" Scarman's body position shifts slightly.
I. DID. NOT." Celeste forces herself into a modicum of calm "call myself Harpy."
"Oh?"
"No."
"But I have heard you called Harpy."
"The Prince has never named a Harpy."
"I beleive you are right about the Prince. And yet, I hear other's calling you Harpy. You have not heard such things?"
"I... may have."
"Ahh. But you never felt the need to correct them?"
"Perhaps I didn't think it was the appropriate thing to do at the time."
"I see. It can be so dreadfully tiring correcting little people of their misunderstandings."
Celeste puts on a warm smile and turns to Scarman, "It is so good to have the opportunity to visit you again."
Scarman stops and also puts on a large smile. "Yes. And to see new faces in the city. Since the prince seems to be allowing people in now it may be even possible to finally see our ranks swell again."
"Yes, well. I'd like you to meet my Childe, Judas Archer."
Scarman looks surprised. "I had no idea you'd embraced my dear. That must have been what, the fifties?"
"No. Not exactly."
Scarman raises one of his thin eyebrows expectantly.
"Why, I embraced Archer just the other day."
The plesant expression drops from Scarmans face completely and the room is very very still.
Last edited:
Similar Threads
