Grand Theatre - Déambulatoire Monday March 28th 2011

Fred is about to say something but suddenly stops and is completely calm.
The sense of danger suddenly left; perhaps you are correct Mister Duncan.

Once it's pointed out to him that his hat is gone, Fred looks around at the place he was previously speaking with the Sheriff at.
Ah, I believe I must've dropped it earlier, please pardon me a moment.

Fred begins looking around the theatre for his missing beanie, starting with the entrance.

As Chris introduces himself, Duncan listens with a neutral expression, until Fred's warning draws everyone's attention.

Auspex=2, Perception+Empathy>=5:

Duncan nods at Christopher's question.
Yes, M'sieur Orlov.  Miriel and I were there at the church during the attack, speaking with M. Kersten.  That's why Prince Gosuin requires Miriel and I to be here tonight, since I don't think M. Kersten will be in attendance.  I've heard he's off on some business or something... I don't know where.

After answering the question, Duncan turns back to Fred, and his tone becomes warmer (although he's careful not to be patronizing).
That's alright, Fred. Join us when you find your hat.

William follows Fred with his gaze as the man walks around the room and refocused on Chris once he posed his question.
"Yes, the same one. Albeit what I heard of it, it was rather rushed and... Ohh, damn it Anson, completely forgot I was to interrogate the prisoner..."

He sighs for a moment, a brief look of disappointment before his interests were renewed on the newcomer once more with a big smile.
"So Chris, what is it you do while you're not broodingly stare out the hotel window from the top storey other than scare hapless fledge-neonates into a Toreador trauma?"

Girly-clone-Me:

Christopher shows a little flinch at Duncan’s overly polite way at addressing him. He quickly makes a dismissive gesture with his hand as though to wave it all away. “Drop the ‘Monsieur’ and the ‘Orlov’ bullshit will ya? Call me Chris.” Without having been invited for it, the vampire pulls up a nearby empty chair and sits down on it backward, his arms resting on the chair’s backrest. “And no, there Is very little I do beyond what you described. My life’s one boring tale of watching terrified faces from the sidelines”
His expression becomes a bit more serious as he goes over the information he has so far, tying it together with his own knowledge. He did not seem to like the direction his thoughts were going in. As he speaks, the earlier casual and carelessness is gone from his voice. “Yes, I’ve heard it was a rather…messy job. And flashy too at that.” Chris turns his full attention on the Brujah. “Tell me everything.”

OOC, players:

Duncan frowns at Christopher's request for the entire story.
I just told someone the abridged version; and I'm sure I'll be going over the same story shortly, when the Prince has us tell our tale for all of those gathered here.  So I'll just summarize.

We were talking to Kersten at the old St. Eloi church, and a car smashed through the front doors, with some added explosives to breech the door.  A few guys ran inside.  I whacked one with a makeshift club and he went to his knees, while Kersten grabbed a sword from somewhere and decapitated another one.

The third guy pulled a gun and sprayed a few bullets in Kersten's direction.  Miriel grabbed a stake and headed for him.  I left the first one and charged the gunman.  I clubbed him, and he managed to shoot at me a few times.  He only hit me once, though.  While he was doing that, Miriel staked him, and down he went.

The first guy I hit stood up and shot at Kersten, hitting him a few times.  That's when the church's gargoyle, Rufus, dropped down and squashed the guy flat.

That's about it.  The fight didn't last long.  They didn't seem to be expecting anyone, which was weird.  Then again, the whole affair didn't seem to be planned very well.  There were a few other attacks around the city, but those were quashed as well.

The prisoner turned out to be one Frederic Vonzel, a Lasombra.  He's been questioned, although I wasn't present when that happened.  I hear that the prince has already passed sentence, but there will still be a hearing of some kind, so that everyone knows what happened, and why he's being killed.

Seeing Fred being back and seeming to be looking for something, the Sheriff takes out the beanie from his coat's pocket and moves it a little to attract his clanmate's attention, with as much care, politeness and respect as he would have for a dog looking for his ball. He continues his discussion with Mikael without even caring.
(Lambert) That issue of the news, too, was warned..

He clearly understood the news-hint part, and responds accordingly. He gives another curious glance, as if he had picked up something.
(Lambert) I do hope as well, this issue won't be an issue anymore. Travellers always bring issues and their culture tend to be.. tainting ours. Their women usually brings temptation, and then they're all everywhere saying that they're gone missing.. or are the target for hunting.

At least it seems they understand each other in the matters of foreign people and women. His look did darken a lot when Tarcisus was mentionned. He doesn't let it shine through his voice, but it seems he dislikes the Tremere Lord.
(Lambert) I don't know him more than you do, but here, he and his actions and wishes aren't really welcome. Know you place in our city as well. Such fate is reserved to "ex-princes".

The Malkavian Sheriff can't help a smirk.
(Lambert) I thought his orders wouldn't reach Bordeaux, anymore, or such it was explained by Kersten in 45.. Something along the lines of "chain of command to be respected".

"It's a shame really, I would have loved to study the Lasombra Affliction of not appearing in the mirror."
William added once Duncan was done.

Fred soon picks up on the fact that the Sheriff has his beanie, he hesitates a little a first due to the presence of Mikael but approaches slowly and bows as he receives his beanie.

Thank you kindly, sorry to have bothered you.

That said Fred backs away quickly to avoid disturbing Lambert anymore than he has.
Once more reunited with his precious beanie, he heads back to the table and seats himself.
Terribly sorry to have run off with not so much as a word; I'll attempt to avoid such in the future.

Having said this, he begins pondering on something unmentioned.

Perception + Empathy 4:

Auspex 2:

Duncan nods, agreeing with what William said.
Or cameras. They're not supposed to show up in cameras either.

When Fred returns to the table and sits down, Duncan smiles at him to welcome him back.
You found your hat. Good.

"Imagine how the curse could be a blessing in this modern age. The Assamites would love such a, albeit temporary, ability. Heck, imagine the misschief one could cause without getting caught if modern security systems are all that stand between you and your goal."
William had a sly grin on his face, as if he already had something in mind when he mentioned misschief.

Mikael remained with his smile as Lambert spoke of the news and of the foreign women bringing "temptation", but made no comment.

Mikael barely looks into Fred's direction as the neonate comes to grab his beanie, continuing to focus on Lambert

Mikael looks a bit confused with Lambert's questioning. It came unexpected, or so it seemed.
Hmm? Lord Tarcisus is the lord of Maastricht and only has official authority of the regents under him. I am Lord Tarcisus personal steward and take his orders directly. In our brief visit here, Lord Tarcisus gave me the mission to help with the investigation, no doubt to help heal the slightly strained relationships between the clan and the court, and Regent Kersten asked me to keep the clan together before disappearing. As soon as these two missions are over I'll return to Maastricht in a flying broom. Forgive me, I thought this was common knowledge, considering Bordeaux love of gossiping.

Perception + Subterfuge =7:

The way it was answered sounded rather blunt, like Mikael was answering something he thought to be already known.
He shifted his body langugue as he was about to leave

That's all I have to say Monsieur, I'll bother you no longer. Thank you for your time, we'll be in touch. God be with you.

Wheater he finished the topic he wanted to explore or Lambert's questioning made Mikael go "What an idiot, I'm outta here" it is not clear.

Perception + Subterfuge =7:

Chris does not appear to be entirely pleased with only being offered a shortened version of the events that had taken place. He refrains from pushing the issue however, and merely listens intently. His face betrays very little of his opinions as Duncan speaks. The Lasombra remains quiet for several minutes after Duncan finishes his brief explanation. His only movement during those moments was a single shift in his pose. From casually resting on the back of the chair, his right arm had come up to let the elbow rest on the table with his hand hovering over his lower face in thought. Beyond that, he was completely motionless. His gaze, though still in the direction of the Brujah, seems to be cast inward at the moment as he goes over everything he’s heard.

He breaks his silence with a sigh, and Chris shakes his head briefly in annoyance. “It doesn’t add up.” Christopher doesn’t explain why he feels like that, his attention instead turning back to Duncan. “Do you know if this Vonzel gave any reasons for his behavior?” Whether or not he heard William is unknown. Whichever it is, Chris is not responding to the idle banter about the Lasombra clan flaw.

When Chris ignores William's attempts to discuss the usefulness of the Lasombra clan flaw, Duncan smiles, although the reason is not immediately evident.  He does respond to Chris' question, though.

I wasn't present at his interrogation, but I heard they didn't find out he was Lasombra until then... the Prince said he presented himself as Ventrue, originally.  That was some years ago, in the 60's.  You might find out who he associated with in Bordeaux, and ask them; but I'm not sure they'd know anything useful.  After all, he lied to them, too.

At any rate, I'm certain more information will be revealed tonight at the hearing, or trial, or whatever you want to call it.  I wouldn't really call it a trial-- not if the sentence has already been passed.  More of an inquest, I suppose... an inquiry into the facts surrounding an incident.

Auspex 2, Manipulation+Subterfuge>5:

Auspex 4:

Fred seemingly wakes up from his pondering and reacts to the topic.
Ah, the first night of my return Miss. Vanderstree asked me to find a man by the name of Vonzel I do believe; claiming he had betrayed her and told me to go to the old chantry, which I did.

I had shamefully forgotten without completing the task, should I make amends?
Fred stops speaking to the group and seemingly speaks more to himself.

But she is one of them..
Fred looks obviously troubled now, but he does silence and debate to himself mentally.

Christopher nods slowly as Duncan explains he wasn't there during the interrogation. A slight frown of displeasure furrows his brow as the Brujah continues and Chris fixes a hard glare in his direction. And then he sighs as though he is really tired of something. "You know, it's awfully rude to withhold information from someone who is joining in on a little investigation. Or is at least showing mild interest to add his own opinions on the matter." Like he has any right to call another rude.

Perception + subterfuge > 5:

A brief and rather sadistic smirk plays over his lips. "I do believe the words you are looking for are 'public execution'. A little show of force to proof to those who might've started to forget who holds the power in this city. This is more a political move than it is one of justice." His eyes begin to narrow as he says that, as though his mind begins to put several pieces together. "And I'm beginning to think this whole mess reeks more of politics than Jyhad."

Unlike his previous reaction to Fred, the man now has Christopher's full attention when he speaks up. The mumbling that follows his brief moment of apparent bravery or coherency seems to be quite frustrating to the Lasombra. "Well that doesn't tell us anything...."His voice trails off for a moment, before he lets out another sigh. "Argh. To many pieces that are bloody missing, to many variables and theories." Straining himself to speak in a calm, pleasant voice, Chris turns to Fred who apparently responds best to being handled with great care to whatever mental stability he has. "The first night of your return you say? I'm assuming then you were out of town for a while? Or perhaps underground, out of public eye? Torpor?" His voice gets a little urgency in it as he continues. Wherever he is going with this inquiry, Chris considers it important. "Please, Fred. I do believe your name was Fred right? My apologies if I got it wrong. This is important so tell me. Tell me why you left."

Fred continues to rock back and forward for a little while, anyone who looks at his facial expression can see he is processing something in his mind.

After a minor delay he sits properly and faces the coterie (and Chris, silly outsider).

Ah, after the terrible attack by the mean ones in December I had fled as most are aware.
About two or three nights ago, a night before I met Mister Duncan and the wolf..
Fred gestures at Duncan and Miriel.
.. I went to the Fabrik after leaving my haven for the first time in several months in search of Mister De Fonscolombe.
He was not present and instead I was met by Miss Vanderstree who asked me to find someone she knew who had supposedly betrayed her and directed me to the old chantry were an attack had taken place.

Once there I met with Primogen Kersten and the wolf who, once inside, began the interrogation; what occurred is the reason I fear her. Shortly after I was directed to meet with Mrs. Nolveaux and began the investigation for "Annabelle Victome, childe of Jerome Lehin" and forgot about the previous task until now.

Fred turns his gaze away and begins mumbling once more.
Surely that too means she is also one of them..

Fred goes back to his previous position and mumbling.

Perception 2 + Empathy 2:

Auspex 1/Perception 4:

Fred begins peering around at the various people and the general area, evidently lost in his own thoughts.
He does not reply further on questions his coterie (and Chriss the silly outsider) might have for now.

Christopher listens as Fred speaks, his expression alternating between a blank slate, displeased, and mildly annoyed, before returning to neutral. As they are brought up, his attention briefly goes to Duncan and...'the wolf'.

Perception + Empathy > 5:

Rather unusual for the Lasombra, Chris continues to be silent after Fred finishes his brief summary of his activities and the order in which they had transpired. During that silence he keeps his sharp, observant eyes fixed upon the Malkavian, as though he's trying to peer straight into the madman's mind and see the truth.

Suddenly standing, Chris turns his chair a 180 degrees in one fluid motion and sits back down again, this time using the chair as it was intended to be upon creation. He leans back a little against the backrest, elbows resting on the armrests and his fingers casually interlaced in front of him. The vampire sends a mild smile in Fred's direction that, while sincere enough, lacks real warmth and compassion. "Thank you for answering, Fred. Ah, pardon me, but I don't believe I introduced myself to you? Christopher Orlov. Chris to friends.
Anyway, you have already managed to proof one theory I was thinking over false. So congratulations. You were not the target of that attack in the church." He speaks lighthearted and casually, as though the fact he'd been mulling over a possible assassination attempt on Fred's life was perfectly natural.

He lowers his voice a little. Whether this is to humor the others as they seem to enjoy their whispers, or to make sure he himself is not heard easily is unsure.

people at the table, Auspex 1, people spying nearby in Obfuscate, etc.:

auspex 2:

When Fred doesn't respond to Chris' question, Duncan shakes his head.
He's out of it for a while.  But it doesn't sound like he has any real proof that... the one who sent him to the church is "one of them."  Just a hunch-- which, given his clan, may or may not mean anything.

As for the church... I thought Kersten was the target at first, because Miriel and I hadn't planned to go there until earlier that evening.  Yet this Vonzel didn't know anyone would be there... which was stupid, because anyone not new to Bordeaux seems to have heard about the gargoyle who lives in the St. Eloi clock tower.  I didn't know either, until that evening; but I've only been in this city for a few weeks.

And no, M. Orlov, I have not told you everything I know about the attack, and the details surrounding it, because I just met you.  Call that rudeness if you like; I prefer the term 'prudence.'  If Prince Gosuin tells me to brief you fully, then I will.  Otherwise, you will have to live with the version you will hear later this evening.

Now that Fred has stopped talking, and the probability of going outside to discuss matters has become less likely, Duncan resumes typing at his laptop computer.  However, he still listens to the conversation at the table.

He lowers his gaze, seeming thoroughly embarrassed and convinced that he had made yet another faux pas. Even so, he thought about the question for a moment before her spoke.

"I know of my increased strength and senses, I also discovered last night that I can move faster than before."

He looked to Claudia, his gaze still not meeting Jerome fully.

"Nothing else beyond that. Do we have other sorts of powers?" He asked, obviously a bit interested, maybe even a little bit scared by the idea of it.

(Claudia) Aw..

Between pity and disappointment (mostly pity) Claudia lets out a sigh, then gives a glance at Jerome.
(Claudia) I understand you're not very good with the theories behind it. She gives a smile at Felix, trying to reassure. It's OK. The word is "discipline" and they're basically our specific powers. Each clan has their own, but some disciplines are shared between clans. It's... some sort of predisposition of the blood, if you like. Your clan and mine share a common discipline, which concerns our senses and our perception.
(Jerome) It's very useful to notice.. "details". For precision work it's very useful. He clearly hints at clock-work.
(Claudia) It's also great to read emotions. Anything you heard about mind-reading, psychics and else.. comes from this power. Moving faster is something my clan can't do. It's a shared feature you have with the Brujah. Laure is good at it, she might show you, but I noticed it usually induces Hunger. And the last one you share also with the Brujah and the Ventrue.
(Jerome) "Presence". I told you about it. It enhances your charisma in a way to charm people into pleasing you.
(Claudia) It's a very scary one. Once, the precedent Prince used it to make sure people were listening to her. I think I saw some people drooling, and even those who didn't agree with her speech, they had to listen in awe.. I think charisma is the good word for it. To give you other examples, there are specific disciplines for most common "vampiric" powers folklore speak about. Theodore is good with his strength, he can flip a car just like that. Brainwashing people so they follow your orders, willingly or not, is something Regent Kersten does very well too, it's something the Tremere share with the Ventrue. Hm, I also know the Gangrel are the ones behind the legends of being shapeshifters, turning into wolves. There is also a discipline which only deals about the animal kingdom, controling or talking to them. Ah, and many Nosferatu can trick those around them, looking different from what they actually look like. If they wish to have my voice and looks, they can.

Jerome seems fairly disgusted at the idea but he seems to appreciate the basic course given. He seems to generally agree with what the Tremere explains. She pauses a moment.
(Claudia) There are also things all kindred can do regardless of clan.. Pushing off certain physical limits, for instance. I can flip a car as well, but it will require far much effort for me than it will for those who have learned "Potence". And effort means generally that you'll have to feed either before or after. You can also fake breathing, blushing, shivers, warmth of the skin.. If you're wounded you can also heal easily. It usually leaves no scars.

Felix:

Lambert listens Mikael's explanation on the Tremere hierarchy, interested. He picks his ear while the Tremere speaks, then scratches his head.
(Lambert) Very informative, Mr Horsman. No, I was too busy to be able to listen to gossip. I did try to reach Kersten to investigate in the Church, but I heard he was "missing". I'll rely on police reports. If I need entering, I will make an inquiry to your Chantry so I'm let in.

He believes the Regent left willingly, or planned it all, and unless given the order there's no reason to look for him. At least he doesn't plan on investigating the old Church without asking for permission first, it's clear he still considers it's private domain. That, or the existence of Rufus makes Lambert be precautious. He answers the prayer without a doubt as they part ways.
(Lambert) With you too.