Le Grand Théâtre

Storyteller:

Duncan listens to Catherina describe the sort of help 'Thomas' needs, and he nods.

Moving his stuff to somewhere safe shouldn't be a problem, unless the items are currently in the possession of someone important, which would raise the difficulty level a bit.

Convincing his friends to stop grieving and move on... The Brujah shakes his head. Sounds like a 'group hug' kind of thing, which is not really my forté. Maybe someone a little more charismatic? Duncan gives Miri a sidelong glance with a raised eyebrow; he is obviously asking her opinion on the topic.

Although I suppose I could lay on the charm, and cheer them up a little; especially if they're mortal. It wouldn't last; but it would make them forget their troubles for a while.

The last part though... depending on what kind of 'revenge' he's talking about, I'm reluctant to promise anything until I know more. What kind of revenge, against whom? Duncan sighs.

I suppose we'll have to hear some of this Thomas' story. Was he human, killed by the Sabbat?

The Tremere listens carefully to each and every word spoken by the apprentice before him. The place is too empty and silent for ghouls and servants to pass by, apart from a worker of the Theatre coming to see the Prince (probably a messenger as he left with a letter). Mikael Horsman shows a certain interest when he mentions the persuasion, raising a curious eyebrow. He speaks carefully and very low so it wouldn't be overheard, but he obviously trusts the emptyness of the rooms.
(Mikael) Perfect. I will inform them of the information I gave the Prince. I do hope I went enough into the details so Gosuin didn't understand what I was speaking about. "Persuade", hm ? Claudia is not hard to bend to your will, show her some attention and interest and she will do anything you want. I must say I am surprised to hear she has Brujah contacts, I wasn't informed of that.

He barely gives a look to the phone, with a frown, he mutters a few words showing his displeasure.
(Mikael) This is exactly why Neonates' education should be handled by professional Magister, and that they shouldn't be set free unless they know these basic skills. I needn't to read those files, I remember them.

He gives another look around, before setting cold and direct stare.
(Mikael) Do you have any idea, any conscience of the eggs the clan is walking on ? It's incommensurable.

William gave a mild shrug at the mention of Claudia's contacts, he was after all, quite new to the area and he wasn't entirely up to date on what was new or unusual. He kept silent about the fact that it wasn't just Claudia that made the negotiations annoying, but a certain gargoyle whom forgot his temper, William would get his revenge, not deadly of course, he liked the gargoyle, but revenge none the less. The hand which was holding up the phone gave a small twitch at the comment about his 'lack of training' and he resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Auspex 4:

"I'm quite aware that certain individuals consider my education concerning languages to be lacking, and since I'm only but a mere apprentice, who am I to argue, however what I lack in language skills, I make up for in knowledge and skills in both modern and classic departments. Either way, at the moment Regent Lyle prefers me chasing the artifact."

William's face become emotionless after Mikael had finished.
"I'm young, not stupid. I don't waggle around like a common fledgling, while others of my age were still learning the basics, I was already applying them to find improved ways. Occult Artifacts are one of my specialties, and extracting them will go silent and swiftly with the assistance of Rufus. I'm quite aware of the situations the Bordeaux chantry finds its self in, and trust me when I tell you I wish to resolve it just as much as you do, lest it negatively impact all of us. So Magister Horsman, if you'd be so kind..."
He gave Mikael an expecting look, waiting for the translation.

Mikael lets out a slight bored, disappointed and jaded sigh, before crossing his fingers together.
(Mikael) "Regent Lyle", for the love of.. Never mind. Very well, I am sure you were Chosen carefully. Where to start... Vranken, I guess. She was a powerful Tremere who found the vellum which you just showed me. In the old University files when she took its control, if I recall...

The Tremere pauses an instant as he watches around, he then smiles as he tales the tale, without being too descriptive. It's certain he filters the information, trying to remain as clear and concise as possible.
(Mikael) It describes an artifact of power, a bracelet of some sort. It seems to have been here since the Roman invasions, or maybe from the Visigoth or Franks's take-over the city. It stated it was being hidden in one of Theodore Jacob's streets, yet as the streets change names so often ans the clan is forbidden to be in that domain. Rufus will probably guide you there.

He gives another look around to be sure, once more, that he isn't heard.
(Mikael) I cannot tell you much more without giving you a proper history, Latin and encryption course, and time is at stake. Lord Tarcisus may answer more precisely your questions as he was Regent at the time and as such, he was watching over Elisabeth Vranken's works, studies and influence. He also the one to whom Theodore Jacob had to answer to after he had disposed of her. Lord Tarcisus wasn't the kind of Regent to confide these sensitive information to younger Apprentices, or to anyone else for that matter. Is there anything else I can help you with ?

William rolled his eyes at the chosen sarcasm, maybe he might have been a bit overly dramatic.
"So the bracelet or whatever it is has been hidden since Roman times? Which would mean it is probably located in a cellar or tomb of sorts, considering the reconstructions, I doubt its on main level since it would long been found by mortals with the reconstructions or modifications of historical buildings. Finding the actual name of the street might be a hindrance."
The neonate frowned as he contemplated the options.
"Then I shall have to consult Lord Tarciscus... or find out which street is considered forbidden... "

Auspex 4:

He glanced around.
"And what is keeping Rufus? I should stick a locating speaker on his head or something."

Taking out his phone, he typed without looking at the screen.

Claudia Vonïgner:

Lyle Kersten:

Fred arrives, still running to the outskirts of the theatre.
If Laure had problems keeping up, he will wait for her to catch up before pointing at the theatre.

Here is the theatre, the prince is surely within, the good regent might remain as well.
Fred then simply waits for Laure to once again take the lead.

Perception + Empathy 3:

Miriel's head tilts as her eyes communicate some understanding to Catherina's predicament. The new incline plays with her hair's center of gravity once more, so she brushes it back and behind her shoulder before crossing her arms, thinking unpleasantly on sentiments the Prince has shared just recently about Catherina and his distaste for her. A faint frown plays on her lips at this as she listens on. She smiles, though she doesn't mean to, at Catherina being bothered by the ghost's persistent but inaudible prodding.

Duncan speaks for the both of them, concerning the tasks, as Miriel's attention seems divided. She takes a few languid glances around, even turning her head to better contemplate certain points within the room while he talks.

storyteller:

She turns in time to catch Duncan's glance, which she meets with a glib smirk, Oh, I'm definitely the touchy-feely type. She also raises a brow to him in turn. A pointed glance? Now whether she was being sarcastic or not...

Duncan asks some good questions, so Miriel will listen with interest for the answers. Still, she gives Catherina a look that expresses a steady interest in her request.

The privacy given by the newly closed up lodge allows both kindred to notice in a clearer way that they are not alone with the Giovanni. Some movement can be seen in the jewels, in the dust moving around, in a few reflections, and in some part of the stones of the walls. Actually.. That looks a little familiar, actually, that feeling of being observed.. It's certainly not the same as the Deambulatoire's earlier.
Catherina stays silent a few seconds, observing one and the other, she then lets go a little tension to her body language, as if she wished to sigh, to relax, as if she even was a little tired.
(Catherina) As far as I know, the belongings he speaks about aren't spreaded around ; it should only take a trip to his appartment. The individuals he speaks about will certainly not need a group hug, if only it was that simple, but that isn't as urgent as the first task is, nor about getting vengeance against the Sabbat. Because yes, he was killed by the Sabbat in these walls, and it is the kind he wishes dead now. He's caught up in the last few months it seems !


Mikael Horsman can't help a smirk as William speaks to him.
(Mikael) Oh it is certainly not hanging around, tied on a door, waiting to be gently picked up. It is not just one street, the entire Domain is forbidden ; the Brujah didn't want to negociate. Now, maybe things have changed without my knowledge, as you now tell me Claudia Vonïgner has contacts with the Rabble...

He stands, ready to leave.

William's phone:

The Toreador follow Fred, from behind but she does keep up well, showing she had a good physical condition in her living days, which was reinforced by her undead state.
(Laure) Yes, let's enter, we'll see...

she chooses to follow.

Fred enters the theatre and heads straight to where he last met the prince in hopes of finding him there.

If the prince is present Fred will approach, and unless it would for some reason seem horrendously inappropriate to do so, very rapidly tell the story to the point of it all being non-intellectual mumble.

If someone else is present instead of the prince, Fred will greet said person formally and ask for the whereabouts of the Prince, adding that he has something of importance to speak to him about.

ST:

William looks at his cellphone and stands up in a hurry right before Mikael rises.
"Bloodyhell, be right back!"
Not wanting to miss the Lord and having to travel around the city to Caine knows where, he dashes as fast as possible for the exit of the Elysium, in the hallways he Passes Fred, noticing it's a kindred.
"Hi, bye!"
And darts through the open door whim was still closing from Fred's passing. He felt his phone vibrate to let him know he received a new message. Entering the main hallway leading to the exit he danced around clumsily between whomever there might still be present.
"Sorry, sorry, excuse me, pardon, sorry, 's-cuse me..."

Outside, he took a swift turn around the corner and halted, looking around for Lord Tarcisus.

Are present in the Dembaulatoire, : Prince Gosuin with an unknown semi formal man (a courrier, certainly, who leaves) (in his room, which is open), Mikael Horsman, William (who leaves), Laure Nolveaux and Fred (who both arrive).
The Tremere raises en eyebrow as the neonate leaves, but he doesn't take it personnally, after all they were to leave. He stays in the Deambulatoire as the young kindred told him he'd be back.

Laure moves aside as she sees William move out, she observes him an instant and nods as they cross paths. Gregory openly ignored the Tremere, but he did take his date's arm to move her aside gently.

Gosuin lift his eyes as he sees Fred and Laure enter as the courrier leaves. He looks intrigued by their state and their behavior, but lets them explain themselves before asking questions. The Elysium Keeper follow Fred, and smiles as Fred tells his story to the Prince. She nods to confirm the main ideas when Gosuin interrogates her through his eyes, as if he wasn't truly trusting the Malkavian's view on things. He's still quite polite about it.
(Gosuin) Are we certain it is Sabbat caused, and not just another Toreador rivalry ?

The Keeper freezes and her eyebrow twitches an instant, but she keeps her ego to herself.
(Laure) I cannot think of a member of our clan who would use such ways. We did not had the opportunity to go back and investigate, as we would need the Sheriff to conduct such investigations.
(Gosuin) You did well. I have just found out the Sheriff has found a nest, in Talence, which is why he was busy. You can for him here. I must say I have yet to see the pattern, if any. Do you have any guesses ?

The Toreador lets Fred gives his ideas first, as she isn't fully acknowledged with everything that happened.

When William passes, Fred returns the greeting (and farewell) with a small wave and a "Good evening!" before he proceeds to the prince.

When asked for guesses about the Sabbat pattern he ponders then suddenly stops and stands still.

Perception 3 + Alertness 3:

Empathy 3:

Auspex 2:

ST:

Auspex 2, Perception + Alertness >5:

Auspex 4:

Duncan listens as Catherina explains a bit further about Thomas' requirements. He frowns, as if troubled by some thought, but it doesn't seem to be connected to the Giovanni.

I assume this Thomas has given you an address already, where we can find his property. One or both of us can check it out later. Any information about the Sabbat will certainly be acted upon, if not by us then by the Sheriff or the Prince's men. I see no problem with promising that.

However, before we go into too much detail, I think our unseen watcher needs to tell us why he's here. Rufus? Is that you?

Rufus immediately emerges from the wall and approaches Duncan, the expression on his disfigured face very difficult to read - though those who know him well would recognize it as a look of shame. The massive Gargoyle shifts around uneasily as he speaks.

"I do apologize, Mr. Oliver, however it was urgent that I speak with you as soon as possible, but I did not wish to be rude and interrupt as it seems you do have pressing concerns. Please forgive my..."

The hulking shape seems to be searching for a word here, as though trying to translate an archaic concept to a modern language.

"Crassness, I suppose."

Kara:

The Prince and Laure observe Fred freeze for a few awkward silent seconds. The Prince finally gives a look to Laure.
(Gosuin) I will take it as a no. What about you ?
(Laure) Your Majesty, I have not been informed exactly of yesterday's happenings. May I ?

The Prince signs her to come closer, as he unfolds a map marked and written on. She obeys, approaches, and observes the map for a few moments. She denies.
(Laure) I see nothing, my Prince. I must say I am no specialist in these matters. Primogen's Jacob's places do not look like places of interest in particular, but they are in his domain so it was like attacking him directly. My workshop is only important to me... And the Church could have been attacked by anyone, due to its sulphurous history and current situation.
(Gosuin) Indeed. Primogen Kersten, Theodore and myself are deploying our skills to cover for the Masquerade.

The Toreador nods and backs away to Fred with a slight smile. As soon as she did that, Lambert entered the Deambulatoire and walked directly to Gosuin's room. He looks a little worked out, his clothing seem to have been worn a few nights straight in the streets, and he's not what one would call presentable (without being too much). The Sheriff enters, gives a slight bow to the Prince, before sharing eye contact with both Laure, then Fred. He moves towards the Prince to stand next to him.
(Sheriff) Please excuse my absence, I've solved a problem. What happened ?

The Prince marks another spot on the map, Laure's workshop, but he signs it differently than the others as it seems he's not sure whether they're connected.
(Gosuin) Mrs. Nolveaux's place was bombed earlier tonight, while she was supposed to be inside. It may be the Sabbat but we are not sure. And it may be connected to the fact that our list of living kindred isn't updated.
(Sheriff) Updated ?
(Gosuin) Fred was declared deceased but isn't (the Tremere confirmed). It seems others as well are in this situation, or in the exact opposite ; declared living but are actually dead.

Laure nods to the Prince's words, adding to his worry. Maybe someone is using Obfuscate to pass as a Camarilla known kindred...

Fred:

As she was to respond to Duncan's question about the Sabbat, probably by giving out a few details Thomas told her, Catherina moves back with surprise and fear when she sees the massive Gargoyle walk out of the stone of the walls. She seemed surprised when Duncan told about an unseen watcher. She obviously didn't notice, and she draws out the gun she had on her, and takes an aim to the Gargoyle. Her finger isn't on the trigger, showing that she won't shoot just yet.
(Catherina) The Hell ?

firearms 1:

Miriel seems satisfied when Duncan stirs slightly, having also noticed the gargoyle's presence. She's never truly ready when Rufus makes an appearance, though, as she flinches visibly before stepping aside and coolly running a hand through her hair as it politely addresses the Brujah, apologizing for intrusion.

She gives Catherina a wry smile as she draws, That got magic bullets in it?

Her tone of voice communicates there is no need or use in drawing a firearm on the gargoyle- It's here on business. Not treating it as a threat may be in everyone's best interests, holed up here in this out of the way place. She starts by introducing it to the Giovanni, This is Rufus, Gargoyle and defender of clan Tremere, here in the city.

He... she smiles, correcting herself, "It," helped Duncan and I in controlling last night's fiasco at St. Eloi. She spares a glance and a warm smile for the gargoyle, but cannot bring herself to look on its twisted visage for very long. She steps slowly away, inviting Catherina to splinter from the group with her, Tell me more about Thomas, we'll give Duncan and Rufus some space to talk.

Duncan merely nods in acknowledgment as Rufus apologizes for lurking in the walls; the Brujah doesn't brush it off as nothing, but he doesn't make a big deal about it either. However, Duncan does smile a little at Catherina's reaction to the gargoyle's appearance, and at Miriel's 'magic bullet' comment.

When the Toreador suggests to Catherina that they move their discussion to the side, Duncan nods once more and speaks to Miriel.

That's a good idea. During your talk, please see if can get Thomas' former address from Signorina Giovanni. Maybe I can visit the place while you are at your power meeting. Barring more pressing matters, of course. I suppose it depends on the 'urgent' matter Rufus wants to discuss.

The Brujah then turns to Rufus, and one corner of his mouth lifts in a sardonic smile. Well, M'sieur Rocher*, what can I do for you?

* (rock, boulder)

The Giovanni hesitates, not letting her eyes off the big entity. Once the explanations given, and with a little delay, she draws down the gun, and puts it back to its place. She moves aside with Miriel.
(Catherina) So it IS real.. I thought it was just a rumor or a joke.. Well yes. Yes. There is no much to tell about him, he was a law specialist, a consultant in international relations. I do have his address as well as a way to enter.

She draws out of her pocket a piece of paper, and hands it to Miri. It indeed contains an address but the name of the street doesn't ring anything just yet (it will once either will have access to a public map, or to Internet).
(Catherina) He wishes it to be closed, the spare key retrieved and left to a person of trust. He wants a few personal items to be taken out, mostly for secrecy purposes, and given to that same person. As for the Sabbat... It seems they made a break-in in some of the armories my clan had ownership, before. They now belong to Mr. Guicciardini. There is a probability they've established headquarters or base of operations in some of these places. Thomas saw them in one of those armories, l'arquebusier, behind the cemetery. Maybe you can find clues there.


Laure seems intrigued by Fred's reaction, but she doesn't dig in. Somehow, the next thing he notices, is Laure stepping back towards him. It's like time has passed by without him knowing about it. The Toreador takes his arm and draws him out slowly, to the Deambulatoire, leaving Gosuin and the Sheriff alone. The latter closes the doors behind them. It's finally silent once the door is closed.
(Laure).. Fred ?

Entering through the entrance, he studied the hall for a moment to see if Celine was still guarding the entrance then regarded Estela.
"I'm supposed to meet Rufus in the ambulantory, he's supposed to find some Bru-"
He glanced around.
"One of those idealist clanmembers whom might be able to help us with our task. It beats asking the clanleader by a mile."

Choose your own Story!:

Fred is led out of the Princes' chamber with ease.
Once out he finally calms and removes his hands from his head.
She finally silenced. Everything is good now.
Ah! I'm terribly sorry, I failed to offer to appropriate attention at the Prince's court! What did they conclude? Him and the Sheriff?

Perception + Empathy 2:

Miriel smiles at the mention of Rufus existing only as a rumor to some, but adds nothing, listening with interest to what Catherina has to say about Thomas' previous life and current tasks instead.

She accepts the piece of paper handed to her and looks on it as the Giovanni continues. She only glances up when Catherina mentions the armories, which brings an odd sort of knowing smile to Miri's lips, Of course. I'll have to check a map to find his street, but I'm sure we can get some of his tasks done quickly enough.

She tucks the piece of paper into her pocket to refer to at another time, But the armory will have to wait just a bit, until I can find some help. Primogen Theodore has heard rumors which may confirm break-ins, which he talked about just the other night, but I'm unwilling to test whether these places also serve as a base of operations alone.

Rufus pauses uncomfortably as the room reacts to his entrance. Despite the grotesque stone visage that is his face, the Gargoyle seems genuinely ashamed of his appearance, though that expression only lingers for a mere moment. He is not unaware of what all is said about him, and even chuckles a bit at Miri's "magic bullet" jest, but promptly draws in nearer to Duncan to have a private word with the Brujah.

"Again, I do apologize for my entrance. Rude, I know. But I do come on a matter of some urgency and I need your assistance. I'm here to ask you a favor."

He seems uncomfortable with all the eyes and ears about, and with every word spoken seems to move closer and closer to Duncan.

"I'd like to speak with you alone, if that is okay."