Grand Theatre - Déambulatoire Monday March 28th 2011

Neb nods to Theodore and Duncan.

I would never underestimate anyone if I can avoid it. I just prefer my entertainment to be less, artsy. One must be careful with humans, they are a useful tool, but one that hurt the wielder as well.

Neb pauses and takes a drink from a passing servant, then sips it.

As for being part of Villon's crew, I think not. I am far too, down to earth, to fit in with that crowd. I am serious at times, but I have been known to cut loose a time or two. Ahh, the days in Egypt. I need to find a crowd like that again here. Please remember though that even though I am still newly embraced, it has been a long time since I was part of the human crowd.

Neb takes another drink then set's his glass down.

It is mostly frustration talking. I don't really know anyone here and I find myself the odd man out. A very unusual situation for me.

Gosuin's room:

Theodore pulls a face when Neb mentions Villon, but mostly out of disgust for the man himself rather than what Neb says about it.
(Theodore) I don't care much for art either, but "insipid kine production", that was odd. As far as I know only the Sabbat use that kind of terms to talk about mortals.

The grin on the Brujah's face indicate he's pushing Neb around. He adds in, a bit more serious.
(Theodore) I know nothing about Egypt and else apart from the news, but here, you're in Catholic, white, camarilla land. A couple of years ago you wouldn't have had any civic rights, and many of us haven't forgotten that. You come off a little pretentious. I adapt pretty well and I'm not easily offended but I won't say the same about others. Even those much younger than me. Even if you had "the honor of" being a ghoul before. That's like, your opinion. Ghouls are fine and stuff, but they know shit. Except the mercenary type, those who change masters and stuff. Now if you get your ass spanked by, say, Franz, I won't take action against him : I warned you.

It's like he's aiming at someone in particular when mentioning ghouls.
(Theodore) I trust the Toreador clan to groom their kind anyway, eventually he'll become useful, at worse he'll just have his life and nobody will notice him again.

Again, he has someone in mind. So, if Vonzel is Lasombra, and Christopher is his clan mate, Christopher is.. Lasombra. Brujah neurons make the connection.
(Theodore) Clan mate, uh.. Yeah I'd keep an eye on him if I were you guys too. I think I'll have a conversation with Gosuin too.




Laure nods with a polite gratitude, and stands.
(Laure) Thank you.

She's not really thankful but she is polite and educate about it. She leaves both Tremere without giving them a look. Jean-Pierre follows her with his eyes a moment, and wonders once she is far away enough..
(Jean-Pierre) I wonder why she did not ask Claudia.

Obviously he thinks it's odd that Laure did not ask her former coterie member ; they're known to be good friends after all.



Igor chuckles and Jerome gasps when Felix asks for books. The Toreador even gives "the look" to his childe.
(Igor) That was fresh ! Uh, I don't really have clocks... But yes, I have tons of books. I might lend them or let you visit.. Maybe. But you speak Latin? Old Anglican ? Antique German? I don't mind teaching, but I need favors in exchange.

Neb nods.

Of course M. I shall do my best to guard my tongue. I was the type who switched masters as I rose in ranks. My embrace was my reward for a particular service, and even that was not by the master I had at the time. Plus I hang out with the university crowd. They are nothing if not pretentious. I'm am afraid however that I am at a basic level when it comes to fighting, it probably wouldn't take much to get my ass handed to me. I'll take your advice, it seems sound. I just hope I can apply it.

Ah.  It sounded like you meant the mortal audience was bland and boring, rather than the opera.  I'm not an opera fan, myself.  I can appreciate the talent of the performers, but unless it's in a language I understand, I'd lose interest quickly.

Villon's people... I didn't associate with them, during my stay in Paris.  Of course, I didn't really like to associate with most Brujah there, either.  Most of the younger ones spend all of their time trashing Toreador interests, just on general principle, and I thought it was pointless.  Well, they like annoying any of Villon's crew really; but most of his toadies are Toreador, like him.  So the Toreador dislike all Brujah.  Plus, it really wasn't a good idea for me to get chummy with Villon's men.  My situation there was rather... complicated.

Bordeaux is a much better environment for younger Kindred.  The Prince and the Primogen seem more concerned with insuring the safety of their city, rather than demanding everyone follow the proper protocol.  I have yet to hear of Gosuin issuing any proclamations demanding support for a popular play, or trendy cause.
Duncan shakes his head and frowns, seemingly caught up in thoughts of his time in Paris.  The younger Brujah eyes Neb's drink with interest, although he doesn't get one himself.

Yes, I like Bordeaux better, even though I've only been here a few weeks.  I think the only thing I'll miss is the Paris Metro.  Switching between trams and buses to get around will get old fast, I fear.  I guess a subway is impractical for this town.

*Neb looks to Duncan.*

I hope I can find a way to fit in here. I'm afraid my newness is showing something awful tonight.

As he listens to Neb, Duncan comes out of his brief reverie and waves off Neb's concern over his 'newness'.

Don't worry about it.  You are new.  It's expected.

In a lower tone of voice, Duncan adds:

Table, active Auspex 1:

Duncan turns to watch Corinna as she exits the Prince's audience chamber, and rejoins her fellow Tremere.

Hm.  Has she been there all of this time?  She was in there before I left to go outside.  Must've been important.

The old Brujah nods with all seriousness, even closing his eyes and crossing his arms to press the serious and the agree. He does give an odd look to Neb when he mentionned having had different masters, but information about the Setites is always good to take so he doesn't name it.
(Theodore) Nowadays there are subtitles in most operas. I heard Darvault rant about the loss of traditions for a while.

It's true, but going to the Opera is still perceived as a high society act in France. Except during Heritage days.
(Theodore) Being new is okay, but coming out as pretentious because of your precedent status, especially being a foreigner. Which is why I think you had a fairly bad time in Paris, uh ? He adds for Duncan with a smirk. I stayed in Paris for a few months like, long ago. I hated the damn city. Seems not much has changed. The great advantage here is that stakes are less important, so negotiations are easier. That and Gosuin is fairly down to earth, we rose hell and ran wild together with Lambert.

He leans a little closer as if to tell a secret, gives a glance at Gosuin's room as if to make sure the Prince wouldn't hear.
(Theodore) He never really finished his Ventrue initiation anyway. You know, the mandatory stick..

He doesn't need to word the idea to be understood of what he means.
(Theodore) Basically we tend to rule together more than him and us as Primogen. Consensus and vote. We did so for a while after Helen got killed, until Villon sent in Madeleine. Now he has the title, but honestly, things didn't change much.

He leans back again.
(Theodore) I don't understand the metro thing. I know it was wanted one for some reason, but the Nosferatu lobbied heavily against it as well as Gregory. Eventually some of the public works were buried and the tramway path was decided with some people's interests in mind. I tend to walk everywhere, even with the new hassle of pedestrian zones, hasn't changed my habits much.

He shrugs, uncaring about the whole issue anyway.
(Theodore) Seems she was there that long. Protocol maybe. She looks tense. And off she goes to report..

He seems fairly amused at the direct action taken by Corinna to go and talk to her elders directly.
(Theodore) Fred, Miriel what you thinking kids ?

He gives a look at the first then the second with interest. Fred, Miri ?



Jean-Pierre observes Corinna when she approaches him and Mikael, with that trademark stare. He gives a glance at Mikael, but doesn't speak : clan affairs aren't his mojo and it's common knowledge.

Fred has been paying attention the entire time, turning his gaze towards whoever happens to speak.
Terribly sorry, Primogen Theodore, but I fear I have nothing of value to add to the conversation as of yet.
Kindly don't mind me.
Fred removes his beanie.

When Theodore mentions that Duncan had a bad time in Paris, Duncan shrugs, suddenly evasive for some reason.

You know why I couldn't get chummy with Villon's crew.

I think the stakes are actually higher here-- that's why everyone decided to band together, rather than waste their time on unimportant stuff that only feeds their ego.  I like that.

Duncan watches with interest as Theodore asks for Fred's and Miri's opinions.  When Fred gives his usual "Oh don't mind me, I'll just sit here quietly" speech, Duncan purses his lips as if biting back a comment; but he says nothing.

The sound of the gasp surprised Felix. The new Toreador seemed confused, but instantly knew he had said something wrong again. His body tensed as his gaze moved to his lap, looking now quite uncomfortable.

"P-perhaps." He said softly, "Maybe some other night. I cannot be certain of what my schedule will be in the coming nights."

His gaze did not rise, his expression showing confusion and fear, unsure of what exactly had transpired.

Mikael turns to Griffin as he shares his suspicion on Laure's request

I thought that too. Any hunches as to why?


Corinna quickly arrives and reports what happened on Gosuin's room. As she is speaking, Mikael's face turns more serious and cold.

Linguistics - Latin:

Perception + Empathy >= 7:

Stading up, Mikael makes a straight line to Gosuin's room.

Theodore raises both hands as if "not caring" and detaching himself from the subject of Paris, only adding a couple of words.
(Theodore) I know Roland's approach enough to have an idea.

He shrugs it off, no big deal,
(Theodore) I dunno if stakes are really higher, I think there's not much to gain from the city ; at least things people usually want ; power, prestige, money.. But we're a rampart, the first after the front line. In that mindset, yes, stakes are far higher. I don't think we all really realize it to the full extent of what it means, but we're generally trying to play nice, to be useful, or at least not to hinder. Gosuin really makes a difference, since he became Primogen and now that he's Prince. It's really why since then, I've accepted being in the game.

The elder Brujah adds with a slight shrug.
(Theodore) Roland was too involved to stay which is why I took the job after him.



Jean-Pierre gives a slight shrug with a "Hm" at Mikael's question ; he probably doesn't know. He makes the exact same gesture to Corinna when she asks him. He makes a point to answer in French.
(Jean-Pierre) The Regent's guest, he says, indicating Christopher, tried to find some information on the Thursday attacks, over to the others, he indicates the "neonate table". He then indicates Mikael and adds with a slight smirk. Whatever bit him is anyone's guess.

Obviously the sudden change of mood of Mikael's and his bluntness seemed to attract the Harpy's attention. He doesn't seem to push it further than that one sentence.



Gosuin glances when he sees someone approaching, and once the proper polite greetings are done, he indicates Mikael can come in and talk to him.




Jerome eventually gives "the look" to Igor as well. The Nosferatu seems either not to notice, or nor to care, and openly laughs at Felix's obvious embarrassment.
(Igor) Oh sure, sure. Don't worry, you'll adjust to this whole thing. I tend to be.. a bit too enthusiastic and a bit pushy on others. I like meeting new people, new things...

He smiles widely, showing all uneven, pointy teeth.
(Igor) We're all nice people ! Really. If you need anything, call Mr Pierre. We then ask back for a favor of equal valor.

He hands out a card he took out of nowhere under his papers. "In need of a friend ? Call Pierre" followed by a fixed-in line phone number.
(Jerome) Before he calls for Nosferatu services, he will certainly call me first. We'd rather use your services as a last resort, of course...

Even as the Toreador says so, he indicates Felix can take the card.

After entering the room, with his body languague Mikael points to the door.

Would you mind?

He is making clear he would rather speak with the doors closed.

Duncan nods at Theodore's speech.  However, when he sees the blank expressions on the faces of Miriel, Fred and Neb, Duncan gives a brief explanation.

Roland is a mutual acquaintance in Paris; M. Jacob's sire.  He suggested that I might be happier in Bordeaux.

Auspex 2:

Duncan turns back to Theo, and adds a comment.
I'd rather be on the ramparts than bored to death, I suppose.  It's not boring here; I'll say that.

The young Brujah turns his gaze to the room, seeing all of the people here.
There are a few people I didn't meet the other night, when I presented myself.  I'll have to correct that tonight.

Fred raises his eyebrows as Duncan explains.
Ah! Was he correct in his assertion, by chance?

Fred smiles slightly and has a hopeful look, he's put the beanie back on by now too by the by.

Duncan thinks about Fred's question for a moment, and then nods.

Yes, he was.  My situation has improved.  In fact, there is potential for further improvement.  We'll have to wait and see how things turn out.

Fred's smile broadens.
I'm happy to hear that, I'd be delighted to further increase your comfort in the city if able.

Fred falls silent again, but his smile remains and takes quite a while to lessen, presuming no one cares to party crash it within the next ten or so minutes.