Le Grand Théâtre

Lupus is a common Latin word that most people who remember highschool know. Granted.

The Harpy notices the voices and approaches, seemingly not in a hurry, with a slight smile.
(Jean-Pierre) Here I was thinking I would find four pile of bones and ashes. Evening.

He greets by affording some time to give all four kindred a look.
(Jean-Pierre) An interesting guest. To answer your question, if you don't mind, the term kindred generally use is "werewolf" [OOC actual translation for "loup-garou"]. Nowadays, if you say Garou, you may be refering to the Canadian singer.

He takes an instant to word a theory.
(Jean-Pierre) Do you think Primogen Kersten's disappearance is somehow linked? I would like to say I can't imagine him kidnapping a female werewolf for a surprise holiday, yet, the thought crossed my mind, much to my dismay.

William closes his eyes and tilts his head with a small shudder.
"I'll have to rinse my mind's eye now, thanks for the mental image. The idea they they're besties sitting on the beach in honolulu sipping mojitos does hold a certain comedy to it though. Anyhow, since we haven't got a clue, it's pretty much just guessing. Somehow the regent disappeared without a single trace."

If it's not inappropriate to suggest; perhaps a third party of sorts could be involved? Hunters? Setites? Maybe even mean ones?

The young Brujah shakes his head.
Somehow I doubt that Kersten is sitting in the sun, drinking with a werewolf.  If there's a connection at all, it's more likely your Regent has a new test subject, and he's performing secret experiments in a hidden lab.

M. Griffin, could I ask you a question?  It involves your official position, and a matter of etiquette.

Griffin seems to be pleased that they didn't take seriously his idea of a werewolf on holidays with Lyle. He does dismiss a few option given.
(Jean-Pierre) Primogen Kersten isn't stupid enough to mess with a werewolf. Fearless, yes, but even he has some sort of common sense. The Setites are probably smart enough not to annoy the clan, considering our alliances, even if one of them is a known diablerist. I was more enclined to suspect the Sabbat, but in that case we would have found some traces and there would be more chaos. Hunters are more believable, if the werewolf case is linked.

He gives a quick glance at Duncan.
(Jean-Pierre) Certainly.

When Griffin agrees, Duncan poses his question.
It's about Influence. Let's say you find that one of your elders has influence in a certain area, and you ask permission to visit that area. Then you find out another Kindred also has influence there. Is it enough that you already asked permission from someone, or are you supposed to ask permission from everyone who has their fingers in the pie, so that nobody is offended? It seems excessive to have to do that every time you do something.

The Tremere thinks it over an instant. He doesn't seem surprised by the question, or he's good at hiding it.
(Jean-Pierre) Well, proper etiquette and procedures would require you to ask formal permission from every kindred involved. But the truth is it depends on the field and the kindred involved. Asking Theodore Jacob about certain smuggling exchanges will be far easier than asking the Prince about municipal elections. I would not pester you if the Setites found out you talked or fed on one of the prostitutes who happens to work for them indirectly.. Of course "no witnesses" rules apply, if you aren't caught red handed and do not leave evidence, you should be safe.

I suppose it would depend on the situation, as well.  Asking permission of four Kindred who have influence among the police would seem a lot of trouble if all you wanted to do was get a ticket fixed, or make a warrant disappear.  Although, if I had influence in a certain area, I'd be greatly annoyed if I was expected to discuss it in committee every time I sent my own people to do something trivial.

Alright, let's take this out of the realm of the hypothetical.  I asked Franz Derijk if I could check the student databases for Bordeaux 3, to see if I could find links between some of the students that have turned up in the river.  The media is stirring up public interest, and it's becoming a Masquerade issue.  But I found out you also have influence in the college, and I was told that you might take offense if you discovered I was nosing around.

May I please have your permission to look for clues?  I don't plan to change anything, and I would be willing to inform you of anything I find.  I could try to sneak around and hope you didn't find out, but quite frankly that's too much trouble, and I don't want to be looking over my shoulder for something this minor.

William's player does the worm in a thought bubble hovering above William's head, while the character does nothing in particular, unmoving with emotionless face.

Griffin nods slightly when Duncan takes out the theory and asks him.
(Jean-Pierre) I see. It also depends on the amount of respect you have towards those who have their fingers in the pie, as you say. You have my permission, as long as you leave no traces. You should be warned that the universities are interconnected, and as such, also under the watch of Nassau's ghoul (and Mr Nassau himself), Primogen Bowens, Mr Colin, and probably Claudia. I also suspect Doctor has some influence as well as Igor. Do not get me wrong, asking so many permissions is nonsense. University borders are not as clear as they once were.

He is refering to the project of merging together the four main universities as just one : the NUB : New Unversity of Bordeaux.
(Jean-Pierre) I have done some researches myself concerning this issue. How should I inform you of my findings?

Duncan bows his head in appreciation as Griffin gives his permission.  He nods at the rest of the information, although he raises an eyebrow when the Tremere mentions his own research into the matter.  The young Brujah takes out a card, and writes an email address ion it, before handing it to Griffin.

Here is an email address where I can be reached.  You can send any data through that.

Thank you, sir.  I will leave no trace... my search is very passive, and shouldn't affect anything.  Please don't tell me which colleges those Kindred have ties to.  I believe my defense will rest on the fact that I'm new to Bordeaux, and don't know all of the areas where people have influence.  What's the old line?  "Easier to beg forgiveness, than to ask permission."

ST:

Griffin takes the card, observes it an instant, then browses his jacket for a wallet and puts it inside. As he does so, he words a few thoughts.
(Jean-Pierre) Ignorance is not an excuse in our world, and mercy and comprehension are not very common in our laws and their executors. I will support any action taken in that direction: Kine must remain safe and ignorant. As far as I can observe from him, your Primogen will defend you: such defense is far more credible than just being new in town.

It's unclear whether he is just stating factual Camarilla and City laws, or he is judging them as being wrong. He does seem to believe things will turn sour, because he used "Jacob will defend you", and not "would". He gives a quick glance at the other three.
(Jean-Pierre) Was there anything else ?

He seems open enough to discussion.. Either that or he doesn't really want to leave.

William raises his eyebrows as he leaned on his cane.
"Sturbridge?"

As Griffin says that ignorance is no excuse, Duncan nods; yet he doesn't seem too concerned.  In fact, he seems slightly amused.

I think I'm covered for now.  Between being an uncouth Brujah, and one of the new soldiers likely to be on the front lines, I think people are willing to grant me a certain slack at the start.  I presented myself to the Prince less than a week ago, after all.  Besides... I wasn't even at the college tomorrow.  I was busy. elsewhere.

The neonate Brujah's cheerful mood evaporates when William blurts out the name "Sturbridge".

Perception+Alertness>4:

Jean-Pierre seems to agree with Duncan on the Brujah part.
(Jean-Pierre) The Prince is generally the understanding type. Maybe even a little too much. Good luck. Sturbridge ?.. English last name. He thinks about it a moment, as if it reminded him something. A fairly common name... In which context ?

Duncan shrugs, as if the name and its significance are unknown to him as well.

That's the name the lupine guy said to the Prince... although he didn't say whether that's who sent the dead Kindred; just that she gave the name before he killed her.  Do you know anyone by that name?

Auspex=4:

Auspex 4:

William frowned,
"I've actually never seen dead kindred whom have passed a certain age. I wonder how it looks," he said as his eyes glided to the stairs that lead up to the Elysium with curiosity.

Griffin frowns. He sounds a bit more cold, distant, and even a little annoyed.
(Jean-Pierre) Yes, I heard the werewolf use that name as well. As for you, he says by giving a glance at William, if you are asking me, it is because you think I may know something. I did hear (or read) this name somewhere, but as a Harpy I come across an incredible amount of names. Multiply this per the amount of Camarilla cities... and the centuries.

He makes a slight tssk tssk, closing his eyes an instant.
(Jean-Pierre) I am certain the Chantry has files with names in them. As well as studies on what deceased kindred look like, it's the sort of things Regent Kersten's sire liked to study. I recall Miss Ansons was studying one of his books on the subject a few nights ago. If you need me, I will be in the library or in my room.

He moves on to leave.

Nyx slipped out from behind Duncan as Griffin went to leave, she followed a few paces before getting his attention.

Umm, I'm really sorry, I know you're busy but I was wondering if I could have a word in private with you at some point...

As she spoke she wrung her hands anxiously.