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Post by Melisse Ghiberti on Jul 31, 2018 2:20:22 GMT
As Melisse and Clyde entered the car, the driver closed the door behind them and made his way back to the steering wheel. "Oh, are you sure?" Melisse asked as the vehicle pulled away from the curb, "The night is still young, I thought we might find something else to do downtown that isn't quite so...wracked with violence?" Melisse offered a pleasant, friendly, playful grin to Clyde but the Malkavian was far too distracted to notice. For Clyde was no longer seeing with earthly eyes, but with a vision shaped and molded by the divine madness of Malkav, and its hallucinations were deceptions that revealed the truth. Refracted through the broken mirror of Lunatic insight, Melisse did not appear as a pretty woman in a mildly outdated dress riding in a car. Instead she appeared as a vampire might after weeks of starvation; her skin dry, tight, gray and corpse-like with protruding fangs and eyes filled with ravenous hunger that were terrifyingly focused on him. Yet this avaricious corpse-monster, with its mouth opened wide to consume the whole world, was clad in renaissance finery and reposed with incongruous grace at the bow of a gondola. Glancing down into the waters the vessel moved through, Clyde could see the souls of the dead, tethered to Melisse's wrists by golden chains. The damned moaned in agony at their enslavement, their cries muffled by the dim waters. Turning his eyes upward again, Clyde saw in the distance past Melisse a great pyramid around which a thick forest grew. Translated from Xaos likes Black Swan waaaaaaay too much for his own good, above: Nature is Rogue, Clan is Giovanni, Sect is Independent Alliance. |
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Post by Clyde Maddick on Jul 31, 2018 3:42:51 GMT
--How was that, buddy?--
"Great, thanks." Clyde said absentmindedly, as the vision of the corpselike figure seemed to fill back up with blood. The chains around her wrists wrapped up around her neck becoming Melisse's normal jewelry. The pyramid in the background started to crumble and turn clear, changing into chunks of ice in the champagne cooler in the limo minibar, the river flowing into the wine bottles being chilled. Before Clyde knew it the vision was over.
Melisse gave Clyde an odd tilt of her head. 'Great, thanks' was not exactly a good answer to her question. Clyde noticed Melisse's confusion and desperately tried to recall what she had just said.
--She wants to do something not involving a bar fight--
Clyde smiled back at Melisse and brushed his hair away from his face, staring directly into her eyes. "If you've got a clock, and can get me home before sun up, then that would just be to Die for."
Sunrise would not start till around 4:30. As long as Clyde was home by 3:00 Daphne wouldn't worry. Clyde was no longer feeling afraid, in fact, he was feeling particularly Inspired.
"You know," Clyde remarked nonchalantly, "You come off as quite terrifying. I saw you talking with that guy who started the fight, you know somebody with connections like Gwen, as tough as it can be to be around her. You summon limousines as if with your mind, and you're offering the strange man covered in paint a night out? Not that I know what it's like, but most people would consider that... Crazy. What piqued your interest in me if I may ask? Perhaps you have a commission for a piece in mind?" Clyde figured that Melisse was hungry, and would be sorely disappointed once she realized that he was not indeed kine. Until that happened, he would be happy to drop subtle hints to the clearly unobservant Giovanni that he would not be dinner. If need be he could jump out of the limousine and heal any wounds after the fact, should this new adventure not go to his liking.
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Post by Melisse Ghiberti on Aug 3, 2018 1:41:27 GMT
Melisse giggled a little at Clyde's thinly veiled hints. Now that they were out of the club's lighting, his Kindred nature was far easier to notice. "I can't imagine who'd be terrified of me, but I'm flattered that you think that...I suppose," she replied pleasantly, "And much as I'd like to claim I can materialize limousines, as well, I just sent my driver a text message while you were helping me outside. And my interest in you is that I'm looking to relax and enjoy myself tonight; you seem like far more engaging company than I would find in many other denizens of Oddhaven's night." I asked Legion if I could do a re-roll of Melisse's Perception 3 + Medicine 1 since Clyde is hinting as his vampiric nature, to which Legion said we can basically do whatever since we're not in Impact anymore.
YGaBWqT8p_p_p_p_ ··· |
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Post by James Shaw on Aug 5, 2018 19:45:12 GMT
Shaw got out of his car and approached the battered man. His hopes of finding a Cainite, and thus a potential source of vitae, behind the attack were somewhat dashed by the survivor. In his experience vampires tended not to spare anyone or risk leaving witnesses, though there were exceptions from time to time. Shining a flashlight in the man's face, Shaw called out to him, "What happened here?"
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Post by Clyde Maddick on Aug 13, 2018 21:06:39 GMT
"You flatter me now." The artist said, grinning back at the Slaver of the Dead. The 'denizens of Oddhaven's night' comment indicated to Clyde that he had gotten his point across. Ms. Ghiberti knew his nature, so at least there would not be the awkward discovery of his vampiric nature in an attempted feeding to worry about. She would have found out soon anyways, but at least Clyde had the upper hand. He knew of her nature and saw past her classical façade. She was Giovanni, the masters of money and the dead, but she did not know what Clyde was. Brujah, Ravnos, Tremere, were all likely candidates for where Clyde could belong. She most likely thought him Toreador, a miscomprehension that he would be happy to let persist.
"One thing I don't do much anymore, is go to the museum. The hours don't really work with my schedule. Sure I browse the galleries in Greene Village, but they're always trying to sell you something, focusing way too much on novelty than on form or the conveyance of meaning." Clyde leaned back from is forward leaning position and reclined into the comfortable leather seating of the limousine. "If you're open to suggestions, I want to go see what's left of the Oberick Museum. There are some excellent sculptures there--my first love, and my focus--at least I hear. Can your 'terrifying abilities' open these doors, or is that a task for idle hands?"
Clyde got out his phone, and checked his messages. Daphne had texted him, 'Are they satisfied yet?' He responded back, 'Yes. New ideas though. With someone who can get me home. Back before 3.'
Clyde looked up from his phone, "Sorry, don't mean to be rude, Just checking in with those who care. Well, anyways, if you have any ideas for entertainment I'm all ears. A lovely lady such as yourself doesn't seem like the sort for casual breaking and entering."
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Post by Hisato Zaitoichi on Aug 20, 2018 2:13:01 GMT
Noting the bright lights of what was quite obviously a vehicle, Hisato saw the headlamps reflecting off the wall nearby. It drew his curiosity as to just whom was having a look...it would not do for someone to see him with the bodies strawn about, all cut to pieces like it were a butcher shop.
And as such he as stealthily as he could pressed himself against the wall, and listened in as he slowly approached the light of the lamps while trying to to stay directly out of view. He needed to know if this was a threat or not, if it was they were in for a rude awakening.
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Post by Legionnaire on Aug 21, 2018 1:49:52 GMT
Nobody accosted or confronted Abigail as she slipped through the door the odd man had passed through. It lead not into a back room, but into a compact service corridor that terminated in a staircase leading down; a glowing green sign above the staircase read "EMERGENCY EXIT". Abigail just caught sight of two members of the throng of security guards disappearing down it - another one stood at the top of the stairs writing something down, and Abigail recognised him as the one who had tried to card her earlier. He didn't appear to have noticed her yet, but there was no quick way down other than past him. Abigail it seemed now had a choice - she could attempt to pursue the odd, likely-undead man who had taken away the troublemaker, which would require either getting past the already quarrelsome security guard or turning around and finding another quick way out of the club and down to street level where she could maybe catch up with the man. Alternatively, the other two Kindred had only just left - if she were to change her mind, and hurry, she could probably catch up with them before they drove away. Outside in the alleyway, Hisato pressed himself nimbly against the wall and crept towards the car lights. Meanwhile, at the entrance of that alleyway, Captain Shaw shone his flashlight into the vomiting man's face. He staggered back and nearly tripped over, startled, and covered in his own vomit, but landed against the wall and stared at Shaw. His eyes were wide, unfocused and darting from side-to-side - it took a moment for his eyes to settle on Shaw's police badge. The police captain didn't recognise who he was looking at, but he pegged him immediately as a thug, most likely an enforcer of some sort, and didn't expect to get much information from him immediately. He was thus surprised when the thug began to gibber. "Fucking, sword! There's a fucking sword maniac in the fucking alley," he sobbed. "He slaughtered my mates, Jimmy, oh fuck Jimmy, he cut his arm clean off, he was gonna propose soon, oh Jimmy, and then he fucking gutted Lance, oh christ," and that was all he managed to say before he collapsed into a mess of sobbing and blood and vomit. Hisato rolls Dex + Stealth:
rwNQl9WEp_p_p_p_p_
One success.
Shaw rolls Perception + Alertness:
p_p_p_p_p_
Yup, that's a success. I'm gonna give Hisato the benefit of the doubt and assume he is concealing his sword behind his back as he goes to investigate. After hundreds of years, Hisato had become adept at moving silently and quietly - but in all those years, he'd learned that almost nothing could elude the watch of a Captain of the Guard - and what was a police chief but the modern equivalent? Shaw's finely-trained senses went to high alert with the thug's story and he immediately scanned the area intently, peeking around the corner to check the alleyway. His eyes flitted past bins, up to fire exits, checked the rooftops, walls - he snapped his attention back to one of the walls, as something had just moved. The police chief was savvy enough to not immediately shine his light on it and give the detection away - instead he let his eyes adjust and picked out features. The figure slowly edging its way along the wall was a tall, lean man, perhaps in his mid-30s, with icy blue eyes and a round face, very little stubble. He couldn't make out his hair colour, but he looked Caucasian, and his pale skin contrasted sharply with the well-fitted black suit he wore. Shaw couldn't see a weapon, but he couldn't see both of the man's hands either. ········· |
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Post by James Shaw on Aug 21, 2018 4:25:02 GMT
If I may, I'd like to roll to see if Shaw can identify Hisato as a vampire. Earlier in the thread, this was done with Perception + Medicine at difficulty 7, so if I may be so bold, I'll roll that as well. If you'd like to adjust for darkness or anything, let me know and I can edit my post. ZjvdHBGmp_p_p_
Shaw's been having some good luck.
He may not have been able to see a sword, but it couldn't have been a coincidence that this stranger appeared in the same alley so soon after the attack this man was panicking about, and he was reasonably certain her had it on him. The stranger also gave him the eerie sense of dread that all Kindred seemed to generate, as if a single man taking out several thugs singlehandedly- with an archaic weapon like a sword no less- wasn't confirmation enough. Fortunately, the Kindred seemed to be observing him rather than reacting with outright hostility or fleeing the scene, which meant there was a chance he could make a new contact.
Looking at the thug, he spoke in as calming a manner as he could, "It's alright now, the police are here. Calm down, I'm just going to ask you a few questions. It's going to be alright." Once the thug looked up, Shaw locked eyes and began speaking in a new tone, drawing out his words like a hypnotist.
"What are you talking about? There was no swordsman. There wasn't anyone but your little gang. You left the club after Jimmy took too many hard drugs and became erratic. You headed out into the alley to bring him home to sleep it off. Once out, Lance made a rude comment about Jimmy's fiancé, Jimmy snapped, and they brawled in the street. Jimmy really mutilated Lance, you lost your cool, and you booked it. It happens to the best of us. You can't be sure, but based on the way they were at each other's throats, you'd bet they both killed each other in the alley. Anyone else there tried to break it up, and might be dead as well. You don't know. You're going to head home, calm down a little, and think of a way to explain what happened to your boss without you seeming like a coward. And the police were never here. You headed straight home without incidence. Alright?"
Shaw will be using the Dominate 3 power "The Forgetful Mind" here. I'd also like to spend a willpower on the roll, if that's alright. [/p] ·· |
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Post by Melisse Ghiberti on Aug 22, 2018 2:22:50 GMT
"A little sneaking in where aren't supposed to be might be fun," Melisse replied to Clyde with a grin, "But I think I'll need a new outfit for that. Give me a minute to make some calls, I'll get a shop opened for us in Hanover Downs."
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Post by Clyde Maddick on Aug 23, 2018 8:04:29 GMT
"Well, if you can't open a museum at the wave of your hand, at least you can open a store." Clyde was only half joking earlier when he asked if Melisse could get a run down old museum open. The notion that mortals would wake up and come serve them because Melisse called was absolutely baffling
--rich bitch--hehe that rhymes--
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Post by Melisse Ghiberti on Aug 24, 2018 23:08:20 GMT
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Post by Hisato Zaitoichi on Sept 2, 2018 5:45:03 GMT
As the ancient vampiric samurai observed, he noted a strange scene unfold before him. One that made him suspicious of the cop...there was most certainly no doubt in his mind, that there was more to this apparent mortal than met the eye. In fact from what he was gathering from listening in, it appeared the cop was actually assisting him.
Which made the elder vampire even more wary. Why would he help him? For what reason was he doing it? Clearly he wanted something in return, to find the truth to appeared he would need to talk and find out. If he was a threat at the very least it would be one soon to be ended and if a potential ally or contact that might be to the Sabbat's use he would soon see.
The truth would be revealed in a moment, but yet he wondered during this why was a Chief of Police doing out here....it was most unorthodox. It all presented more questions than answers, and the only way he was gonna get an answer was to approach the mortal man. Although the display he saw made him think, perhaps he wasn't so mortal afterall.
He allowed the cop to continue, hoping to ensure the thug followed through on the hypnotic suggestion. Only after his was gone would he reveal himself, in the meantime the sword remained hidden behind his back in one hand, ready to strike if needed.
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Post by Legionnaire on Sept 2, 2018 5:58:05 GMT
I'm going to exercise GM fiat here; as this is an extremely minor and inconsequential NPC Shaw's Dominate attempt will succeed regardless. I am going to roll in case he botches, but in the event of a botch I'll retroactively apply the Willpower point; if he doesn't botch the Willpower point will not be spent.
krHfrKrbp_p_p_p_
Low numbers, but no botches. Shaw succeeds and keeps his Willpower point. "Huuh, whas...I...how..." The thug stared into Shaw's eyes, transfixed. The ghoulish police chief had no trouble exerting his power over the terrified thug's feeble mind, and as his story continued the thug began to mumble along and nod in agreement. When Shaw had finished, the thug, glassy eyed, stood up. He looked at Shaw like he was noticing him for the first time, but his expression was vacant, unseeing. "Outta the way," he mumbled, and pushed past him. "I gotta get home." He shuffled off into the night, leaving Hisato and Shaw the only figures in the area. In the cold night air the faint thumps of the club were still audible, but otherwise the two seemed to be the only signs of life for quite some distance. Ironic, really. ··· |
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Post by James Shaw on Sept 2, 2018 13:28:28 GMT
With the thug gone, Shaw pulled out a cigarette and lit it. "No need to be shy," he said to the general darkness around him, his eyes were fixed on the smoke. "I don't bite. Not like you folks, anyhow." Taking a deep inhale, he pulled out another cigarette and held it out in Hisato's general direction. "You smoke? Nasty habit, I'd normally agree, but not for us." |
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Post by Hisato Zaitoichi on Sept 10, 2018 23:03:58 GMT
Upon seeing the strange cop's actions, Hisato put his sword away, cleaning it on the wall before he did so of blood. He would sharpen it again once he was at haven. Cautiously he stepped out of the shadows, taking a gamble...albeit a potentially risky one, that whoever he was bore him no ill will.
Hisato shook his head, declining the invitation to a smoke.
"Sorry I don't smoke, I never did it in life, I have kept to that conviction in undeath. I find it a most deplorable vice of the mortals. Perhaps in a way I should be thanking you for sending that thug home like that. I am surprised you are not attempting to arrest after what has happened and what you saw.
Which begs the question, why do that for me? I'm sorry where are my manners."
Hisato gave a bow, at all times keeping his eyes upon the man, even as he spoke. As he had been taught centuries ago.
"I am Hisato Zaitoichi, formally a samurai in life. I shall not mention from which clan I am from for my own safety and privacy, I'm sure you understand. So who might you be and why did you decide to help me? What's in it for you...if it's vitae I'm afraid mine is not on offer. I am aware nothing is ever free however, so let us discuss, what is the cost of your silence regarding myself and the now very dead thugs behind me."
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