Xaos
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Post by Xaos on Jul 18, 2018 1:05:06 GMT
Continued from this thread.Luz, a little too eager in her approach, jumped with excessive velocity, costing her needed time to secure a handhold. Little was wounded beyond her pride, however, and her second attempt fared much better. Once she had joined Hisato, who had gone over the wall with ease, on the other side, the duo slunk into shadows and began making their way to the Primogen's mansion. Unbeknownst to the Caineites, the guard at the gatehouse had heard the sound of Luz impacting on the ground but, by the time he managed to fish out his binoculars, Luz and Hisato were already out of his sight. Moving around Mayor's Hill was refreshingly easy for Luz and Hisato. While there were some clusters of homes, many of the palatial mansions had a suitably sized estate surrounding them. Eventually, the Keeper and the Fury situated themselves in a small copse of trees a few hundred meters away from the Toreador Primogen's mansion. From their hiding spot they could immediately see the tall, sloping rise on which the manor house was built, the high walls surrounding the top of that rise and the mansion itself. The outer walls were heavily covered in some sort of leafy vines and obscured any view of the mansion's surrounding grounds. A gatehouse, far more impressive than the one at the entrance to Mayor's Hill, and less covered in vines than the walls, was within full view. While this is what was most obvious to the pair from a quick glance, more careful examination was the immediate impulse for both Luz as an accomplished assassin and Hisato as a man of mindfulness. Luz and Hisato roll Str + Atheltics to jump the wall
Luz rolls 3 str
ToziuEJkp_p_p_
Luz fails. Gatehouse guard rolls to notice person failing to climb wall. Perception 2 + Alertness 1, +1 difficulty due to Luz jumping at a distant spot
p_p_p_
One success is enough for the guard to percieve something dimly in the distance, but not enough to cause a response in itself, Luz can roll again p_p_p_
Luz succeeds.
Hisato rolls Str 3 + Athletics 2
p_p_p_p_p_
Luz rolls Dex 2 + Stealth 2 to proceed unnoticed.
p_p_p_p_
Hisato rolls Dex 4 + Stealth 1
p_p_p_p_p_
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Post by Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo on Jul 27, 2018 17:13:20 GMT
"There are all sorts of newfangled technologies these days, as well as magics of old that they may be using to defend the place. Let us stay out of the light and do a close up examination of the wall before we go over. I fear it may be trapped, but it is our best option. The gatehouse seems like a poor place to make our move. Let's see if there is anywhere around the mansion where the rise is less steep. The higher up we are the more likely we are to be seen."
Luz started moving carefully around the manor's walls looking for the easiest place to hop over. She knew that the vines would make climbing easy, but she also found it odd that a Toreador would be as lax as to leave unkempt vines all over the outer walls. The vain fuckers could be obsessive over neatness and outward appearance. Seeming unkempt, especially for a primogen of clan Toreador, was a grave sin in the minds of those vapid butterflies. Luz's gut told her that the vines were hiding some sort of defensive mechanism, and moved forward to inspect the walls.
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Post by Hisato Zaitoichi on Aug 6, 2018 0:59:07 GMT
Hisato snickered a little as Luz lost her footing on her first attempt at a jump over the wall, it appeared her impatient cost her in that regard. Her second attempt faired far better. As soon as Luz started speaking, Hisato had a distinct feeling he knew what was coming.
It was as expected. She warned of new technology and old magic possibly used as traps or an alarm system of sorts...a thought that had crossed the ancient elders mind as well. He preferred it when things were simpler, when he could simply hop a wall or open a door without having to worry about an alarm blurring out or a motion detector. These days hunting had become harder and harder thanks to the advancements made in modern innovation. It both earned his admiration and ire.
When Luz begun moving carefully around the manor walls, looking for an easier way over. A location with no traps or alarms, he kept look out for now. His sharp eyesight would make sure they were undisturbed for now until they were inside where the fun would begin. To hide their Sabbat affiliation and the massacre...Hisato had a few ideas. One being to perhaps make it look like a burglary gone wrong, afterall such a large house was a prime target for crooks. He expressed as such to Luz.
“When we get inside, I have a few ideas to hide our presence and maybe cover our tracks. We could perhaps make this look like a burglary gone wrong...afterall a large house like this is likely to attract the wrong kind of attention. It would be a suitable cover should we chose it.”
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Post by Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo on Aug 7, 2018 4:53:09 GMT
"Un bueno idea, Hisato. Pero, Do we wish to go against the will of 'Spanish'--Ay dios mio-- Mike? He wishes for us to make it look like a hunter did it, en el nombre de Jesus Christo!" Luz mocked making a small cross with her fingers. She laughed to herself softly and continued. "Besides, we are not worried what the mortals think, we are worried that the Camarilla will assume that the Sword is involved. As much as I would love to start the war against the Camarilla, now is not the time. As much as I hate to say it, Mike has the right idea, Hisato."
Luz continued her stealthy advance towards the ivy covered wall. "Besides you think too far ahead. Primera, climb the wall, Segunda, kill the Ivory tower. Oh casi me olvido, acuerdas localizar Mehmed. So don't kill everyone right off the bat. This is also a rescue after all."
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Xaos
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Posts: 351
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Post by Xaos on Aug 9, 2018 1:59:24 GMT
A closer examination of what lay beneath the outward leaves of the vines confirmed Luz's suspicions. Firstly, the vines' stems were covered in both dense, wicked thorns and a fuzz of tiny needles, making the the prospect of grabbing them to climb amount to a trap for the unobservant. Underneath the vines, the wall itself had curving, sharp-edged, metal inlays on its surface, which were even less advisable to hold on to than were the vines. Finding safe handholds would be a difficult task. Luz rolls Perception 2 + Investigation 2 to examine the manor wall
3LyoulOwp_p_p_p_
As a side note, while the rule Legion and I decided on for determining starting Blood Pools is now roll a d10 and add Herd, because I started you guys out on this before that ruling I'm just going to give you both full blood, as I'm sure had you started with less than max you would've hunted before going on the infiltration.
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Post by Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo on Aug 14, 2018 7:46:28 GMT
There didn't seem to be any occult markings on the wall, but touching it looked like a good way to lose a bunch of unnecessary blood. She thought for just a moment before a stupidly bemused grin split across her face. Luz looked over at Hisato, "No problema," She muttered assuredly, "No tengas miedo, mi amigo. This won't hurt a bit." Luz rolls to activate arms of the Abyss, Manipulation + Occult. GtTewEDqp_p_p_p_p_p_p_ two successes. two tendrils manifest. Luz smiled wryly as she pulled unnatural darkness from the shadows around her. She gesticulated as if pulling the shadows by puppet strings. Eventually, two writhing arms of darkness appeared at the base of the wall. The tendril reached over to her, grabbed her around the waist and prepared to hoist her over the wall. She hung in midair, her hand triumphantly placed on her hips, looking down with pride at Hisato. She quite liked her solution to their predicament. "Vamanos, Hisato!" Luz said beckoning him over, pointing him to the other tendril. "This is problem solving, you need to think fast in more than just a fight." Luz strongly believed that strength existed in more than just physical or violent might. She found often that strength laid within quick wit, and creative problem solving. Hisato had seen Luz kill many men with these dark tendrils, but he had never before seen them used to scale a wall. This was a perfect opportunity for Luz to lead by example. Even though most problems could be solved with brute force, sometimes a lighter hand was necessary to overcome an obstacle. ······
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Post by Hisato Zaitoichi on Aug 20, 2018 1:41:02 GMT
Hisato noted the thorns and razor sharp metal, it was most troublesome....however it appeared Luz never seized to amaze, as she attempted a rather unusual use of her vampiric abilities. And yet he was a little frustrated, not with what she did but rather with how she spoke to him. He didn't like it when someone he thought was a trusted ally spoke to him like he were a newly sired childer. Treating him like he were dumb and didn't know better. He let out a audible sigh.
Hisato knew well the art of problem solving, of improvisation. Of thinking on your feet. As a ancient vampire, a samurai no less he was well versed in such things. He thought Luz would at least show him some more respect and not act like this. He decided that although perhaps not the best time, he would solve the issue now rather than have it be a problem later.
"A excellent use of improvisation, however please I would ask you not to treat me like a young childer and with a little more respect. I am not stupid or a fool. I am very aware what problem solving is and how thinking fast in more than just a fight can be of benefit. You forget that I am both a elder, and a samurai sometimes I think. My abilities extend beyond simply brute force, my long life like yourself has given me valuable insights into different tactics and ways to approach a situation. That said I hope we can move on from this little hiccup with a bit more understanding and respect for one another and our abilities.
We have other worries to concern ourselves with and I would rather we not start off this mission one bad footing" On that notion Hisato, hope she would listen even as he gripped a tendril or rather more aptly let it grip him and hoist him up over the wall. He became more vigilant, there was no knowing what else lay beyond. He suspected malt likely more traps to be wary of as they moved around.
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Post by Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo on Aug 21, 2018 0:14:54 GMT
"For one who offers wisdom so freely to the rest of his packmates, your arrogance in this regard is puzzling, mi hermano. The wisdom and honor that you preach I have learned well from, and followed in example numerous times. And now I relish in sharing my knowledge and my power with you, and you think I chide you?" Luz glared at Hisato as they both were suspended in midair. "You think you have nothing to learn? You think you know all? Sometimes a lesson must be taught more than once. It seems you do need education. A lesson in humility is in order, Hisato."
The tendrils dropped the two over the wall. Before they moved further Luz whispered to Hisato, "We will discuss this at the haven once the job is done. I do not forget your skill or your wits, I depend on them, hermano. I ask though, who is it that got us over that wall? Hmmm?" She asked rhetorically to her priest,"And who is it who will be invaluable in killing a cabal of Camarilla dogs?" Luz pointed at Hisato. "We all have our strengths, and we all must learn from them, and share them, if the sword of Caine is to fall swiftly upon this world. You think I am so petty as to disrespect you? Your understanding of my words and actions are thoroughly lacking, Fury."
"It is my job to push you," Luz snarled in a hushed tone, "so that you can become the best you can be, because I expect no less! Don't push back." Luz spoke clearly and in English so that Hisato was sure to understand every word. She knew that her tendency to lead through example and pedantics, and his inclination towards solo work, and measured, solitary self betterment, often did not mix. However, it would he a cold day in hell before Luz took lip from someone she was kind enough to help.
With that Luz began to examine the grounds, and the estate before them.
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Xaos
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Post by Xaos on Aug 22, 2018 2:48:43 GMT
Over the wall, the pair were deposited by the tenebrous mandibles into a a breathtakingly exquisite garden which covered the grounds bounded by the treacherous wall. Above the trees, hedges, flowers and bushes loomed the manor itself, stately and resplendent. Apart from the mansion there was a bulky, two floor, windowless building built to vaguely resemble a picturesque barn with very large doors and what appeared to be an industrial elevator on the side. There was another, smaller building more distant but it could be easily seen through its windows that it was a larger than average toolshed. No movement or signs of others present in the gardens was immediately obvious.
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Post by Hisato Zaitoichi on Aug 28, 2018 6:55:29 GMT
Hisato was somewhat taken aback by Luz rebuttal, it was only after the fact he realized his error. It appeared the frustration of the week and being alone for so long had affected him more than he knew. He had made a mistake and for that he would make ammends...such was his way. His honour demanded it. In the same hushed tones Hisato offered a apologetic reply.
"Forgive me my Ductus, I did not mean to offend you. If you were not chiding and I was mistaken I am deeply sorry....it appears I have spent too long alone, this and the weeks frustrations seem to have affected me. I mistook your sharing of knowledge for one of chiding when it was other. It will not happen again."
With that he fell silent, as the two found themselves in a beautiful garden. Albeit one where they were in the heart of enemy territory. Looking about he observed the surroundings. First he noted the bulky, two floor, windowless building. a large barn by the looks of it, with all the trimmings and some very large doors with what appeared, he observed to be an industrial elevator.
That was most likely used as a goods delivery elevator up to the mansion proper, at least it looked to be that way by appearances. So far as he could tell by the height of the building and where it was located. A way in perhaps where they were less likely to cause a stir. Looking further he saw the smaller building.
More distant, perhaps a large toolshed. He noted might prove useful later either to hide in if need be should they need to to or to hide some bodies. Looking about he saw no movement or signs of others present in the gardens, which made him extra cautious.
Just because there was no-one to see did not mean the area was unprotected. The wall had already proven that much.
Whispering to Luz in more wished tones, not wanting to draw attention, he spoke up.
"I think the barn is our best shot to get inside. Looks like it might be a service elevator leading upstairs, worth investigation at least. That other building could be useful further along...big enough to hide bodies. I don't like this though, too quiet around here and no-one around. It makes me wary. Regardless let's proceed shall we."
With no further words, Hisato set to work. Having a brief look about, hoping no-one saw him, moving shadow to shadow, the ancient samurai made his way towards the large barn with the elevator and hide behind the doors. There he drew his katana, just in case as he motioned over to Luz to follow his lead to the building. Once she was over he would press the button and see who came out or what would be more accurate a description.
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Post by Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo on Sept 2, 2018 3:16:07 GMT
Luz followed her priest as stealthily as possible. She was happy that he had realized his error and apologized. She would still need to come up with some form of repentance for him later. This was not a pressing matter for her, however. The rescue of their ally and the destruction of the Toreador Primogen was at hand and demanded her utmost attention.
She looked about the barn, searching for any other possible entrances. She whispered to Hisato, "We should seek another way in the barn. That elevator looks loud, and giving away our position is unwise. We'll use it as a last resort. This is a good place to start." Luz slowly started making her way around the windowless structure. It seemed to be a good place for a vampire to sleep out the day away from the sun. They might find the bedroom, or perhaps where the herd was kept. Either way, surely something of importance resided within. They had to be careful and assume that there were guards within, otherwise their blunder may have cost them their unlives.
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Xaos
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Post by Xaos on Sept 3, 2018 0:56:55 GMT
Now closer up, the pair were able to examine their possible points of entrance better. While the elevator only had doors pointing inwards to the barn, suggesting it was for moving things from one floor of the barn to the other, it would be easy to crawl through the metal frame to get on the lift. The problem, however, was that there were no controls that either Cainite could see, meaning it was activated from inside. The main barn doors seemed to have no handles and didn't budge from light to moderate pressing, likely designed to be opened by remote control. Thus far there was no sign of guards nor any sounds coming from inside the barn.
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Post by Hisato Zaitoichi on Sept 9, 2018 0:30:51 GMT
Cursing his luck that searching the barn had yielded no results, Hisato proceeded to whisper to Luz, all the while cursing some more the advance of technology. If it had been the old days he would have easily gotten inside and not have to worry about a remotely controlled door blocking the way. As it happened now they were in a predicament due to that very fact.
It left few options, the only other option the ancient vampire could see for the moment was to now search the overly large toolshed, with any luck there might be someone inside with the remote to the elevator. He expressed as such to Luz in a whisper.
"Curse our rotten luck and modern technology, looks like it's remote controlled and can't be opened from here. Seeing as this is a bust for now...our only other option is the toolshed over there. Perhaps we might have better luck there, if anything maybe we might even find someone to persuade to open the elevator for us there. Let's go have a look shall we?"
Hisato didn't hang about, he quickly yet silently attempted to make his way over to the toolshed. Sliding next to one of the doors, he waited before again making a motion that Luz should join him. As ever he was cautious and wary even as he decided to peer slightly inside, peeking around the corner once he was sure Luz was with him.
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Xaos
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Post by Xaos on Sept 9, 2018 1:21:04 GMT
As Hisato threw up his hands at the daunting sight of modern technology, Luz had a revelation that practically made her slap herself across the face for forgetting the dark gifts she'd been given. The Arms of the Abyss could search out and activate the door controls for either the entrance or the elevator is she summoned them into the barn. Luz rolls Wits 3 at difficulty 5 to realize something
JsyqZxCbp_p_p_
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Post by Luz Elicia Apaganza Bastilo on Sept 14, 2018 21:37:31 GMT
"Hold, Hisato. Un momento…" Luz reached her influence into the shadows in the barn, making various tendrils appear along the walls, reaching about blindly to grasp the controls for the lift gate.
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