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Post by Seryna on Mar 15, 2014 1:01:55 GMT -5
You turn and run off in the other direction, away from the partygoers, resisting the sudden urge to leap on them and bite at their throats. You aren’t aware of anything but the sounds and smells of people behind you — which makes the sudden appearance of a man in front of you seem that much more abrupt. He is dressed in black and wears a cell phone holder clipped to his belt. You can see the metal clip is empty and the phone is in his hand. He slips the phone into its holder as he surveys the group. His blue eyes linger on your face, and then he glances over your shoulder at the partygoers behind you. “Don’t be afraid,” he says. “I’m not here to hurt you.”
Despite these words, you feel an urge to run as he takes a step toward you. A primitive and frightened voice somewhere inside identifies this man as a predator among predators. The feeling passes, however, and the man places a hand on your (M.J.'s) shoulder. “My name is Alex Lasiter ,” he whispers, “and I, like you, am Kindred.”
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Post by Ricohard on Mar 15, 2014 19:24:06 GMT -5
M.J. Murphy No fear touched M.J.'s heart (Protean 1: Aspect of the Beast) rather Anger flashed behind her eyes but as her hand moves to her gun something beyond her runs through her like a shock of electricity. (reflexive activation of Sunnikuse Dice Roll meaning he will auto fail his next roll, she will auto succeed.) She frowned at the feeling but discards it to one side for the moment, concentrating on this man who not only invaded her personal space without permission but was also kicking off all her Officer's senses for trouble. "Get. Your. Hand. Off. Me." She speaks calmly though through her teeth. Her right hand settled calmly on the bulge in her Jacket making it a little more obvious while also making it ready. "I don't know what you're talking about but I'm giving you your only warning." Her stance is tensed ready to act but at the same time she is containing herself, just. She doesn't take her eyes off of him but tries her best to keep some of her attention on those behind her to see what they're doing.
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Post by Seryna on Mar 16, 2014 1:04:19 GMT -5
"You're ... warning me." The man took a step back as M.J. asserted her wish not to be touched. The man shifted his head as he glanced to the three Kindred beside M.J., his expression becoming one of anger.
"Tell me, Miss..." He shakes his head. "- who are you to refuse the only help you're likely to get?"
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Post by Ricohard on Mar 16, 2014 3:00:58 GMT -5
M.J. Murphy Murphy didn't move, watching his eyes "Help?" She asks incredulously "Invasions of my personal space, the speaking of gibberish and veiled threats are not traits I normally consider to be helpful. You want to be helpful? you can start by dropping the attitude."
She'd dealt with enough predators on the beat, animal and human, that she knew better to back down or show weakness. And right now part of her wants to simply draw and kill this guy but its warring with the cop in her, the cop who fights only for the defense of others. Besides if this man actually knew something behind the smarm and the gibberish he might be able to lead them back to those who did this to them. The worry of course was that he was one of the mysterious people who had done this and he tried to manipulate them, as her father said 'Always suspect the perfect witness'.
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CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 17, 2014 1:10:38 GMT -5
Kara Ripley: Age 27, Ex-Grifter/Bartender @ a dive barNote to self: Don't touch her... Kara thought. Years of practice made her face a peaceful neutral mask. Only the eyes gave her away. They shined with a hunger only few would now. And Kara wouldn't wish on her worst enemy. Kindred? What's Kindred? Kara glanced at M.J. She sighed, shaking her head, but Kara's expression still didn't give anything away. "Whoa... easy. He didn't threaten us. Veiled or otherwise... Alex Lasiter, is it?" she turned to the man and regarded him for a moment. "Alex, I'm Kara... what's kindred?"{Spoiler:}Kara Ripley rolled 7 dice to "reading the new kindred (body language)" 5,2,7,2,8,5,4 (1 successes) Kara Ripley rolled 7 dice to "reading MJ (body language)" 9,1,3,4,5,5,6 (1 successes) Kara Ripley rolled 7 dice to "hiding emotions" 8,7,8,8,7,6,3 (3 successes)
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2014 1:20:19 GMT -5
"Yes, help." Alex replied flatly, irritation coloring his voice. "I just watched you stare down those people and - wisely - choose to go the other way. I know what you are - what we are- and I was going to take you to some others who could set you up. Assist your transition to ensure that you - and every one around you - would be safe. You -" He points to M.J. with his chin.
"- have rudely chosen not to introduce yourself when I have done so - and are currently in the process of threatening me with a weapon."
"You grabbed her." Tina snarled, sounding rather irritated. You can now ascertain that Tina is 20, and is a striking, athletic young woman. She possesses a certain feline charisma to her. She stands about 5’6’’ and keeps her brown hair cut chin-length. Tina crossed her arms under her breasts and widened her stance, staring at the man from beside M.J. She looked strong and impressive. Tina was an attractive, athletic girl. She looked as though she had M.J.'s back.
"You walked up to us on a street and put your hands on her. How is that okay? Just 'cause we're women doesn't mean we need a man to put an arm around us and guide us to wherever you want us to go."
"You got that I wanted to go someplace?" Alex nodded. "Fine, I do. I do not want to have this conversation out here in the open."
"There's no need for the hands on."
Alex raised his hands in surrender.
"Okay. I understand that you don't want to be touched. My apologies, ladies. Do you want to explain the 'gibberish' and 'veiled threats' so I can explain myself? I want to move forward with you."
As Kara speaks, Alex relaxes slightly. His hands fall to his sides.
"Thank you. I wasn't trying to threaten you, miss."
At Kara's question, he frowns, looking around the street. You are the only five people on it, but he seems reluctant.
"Its what we are." He speaks quietly. "I can sense the Beast in you. I'm sensing that you are confused. I am what is called a 'Deputy'. I assist in keeping the peace among Kindred. This - this violence that has been done to you is a crime. I'm very interested in hearing more about it from you."
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CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 17, 2014 1:38:09 GMT -5
Kara Ripley: Age 27, Ex-Grifter/Bartender @ a dive bar"Easy, Tina... Easy." Kara cautions. "It's okay. Alex has agreed not to touch and everyone needs to calm down. If that's even possible. We're all scared, we all tired, and we're all hungry. And I personally want to know about this..." Kara flashed fangs that were slowly retracting. "So I could stand to hear a little more. Can't do that when we're standing outside, exposed. Anyone can come up on us."She turned to Alex and nodded. "That's the thing, we don't know what or who did this to us. We don't know what this is... so - and I can only speak for myself - I can stand to here a bit more. So I'll follow you if it means figuring this out."{Spoiler:} Kara Ripley rolled 7 dice to "spotting lies" 5,6,7,4,7,2,8 (1 successes)
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2014 1:56:06 GMT -5
"Okay..." Tina said after a minute of silence. "I just don't want to be taken advantage of, here."
"I agree with you, Kara." Michael stated slowly. "I don't know what just happened to me. I had this terrible urge to -" He shuddered visibly, his strong shoulders quaking. "- to do something terrible. And I'm not that guy," Michael turned to M.J.
"-M.J., the man seems to know whats going on. I would like to hear it. "
"I'm glad to hear that." Alex nodded. "I can't answer all of your questions out here. You can follow me- my friend has a club around the corner. We can use a back room there and there will be people around."
Scene change: Club Rhapsody
Alex led the group towards the sounds of music. The feeling of thirst intensifies as you glimpse a line of people waiting to enter a club. Alex takes you up a dark, deserted alley. He raps his knuckles on the back door. A blonde woman opens the door and looks you over. You are very aware of the jugular vein throbbing in her throat, but she waves you inside. You hear the faint sound of music pulsing inside the club but she leads you through an empty hall way.
She pauses at a comfortably appointed lounge that is empty. Three arm chairs flank a dark wood coffee table. A large and comfortable leather couch faces the chairs. There is no T.V., but an impressive stereo system is strumming in classical music. You can not hear the sounds of the club.
"I'll tell her that you're here." The woman says to Alex. "Can you ask her to wait a few moments?" Alex requests. "I want to go over a few things." "No promises." The blonde strides down the hall way.
Alex gestures for you to follow him into the lounge. He takes a seat at the end of the couch.
"Make yourselves comfortable." Alex invites. "About what you were saying earlier. You have no idea what happened?" Alex shakes his head and closes his blue eyes in distress. After a moment, he seems to have decided what to say.
"That's unfortunate. I'm going to tell you every thing you want to know. You have all become vampires, cursed by God to never know daylight and to drink only the blood of mortals. How this came to pass is one of God’s great mysteries, but be certain that some other vampire — we call each other “Kindred” — took notice of you and passed his curse along."
In spite of this fabulous tale, Kara has the feeling that Alex is not lying.[/font]
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Post by Ricohard on Mar 17, 2014 4:14:47 GMT -5
M.J. Murphy M.J. was not happy, she didn't like this Alex, she'd met officers like him just a little too slick and a little too quick to treat the victim as a route to a conviction. That said she didn't really have a reason for this other than her gut instinct and that was hardly enough to convict a man. She listened to the others conversation, she didn''t put forward that her reaction was less about being a woman as it was not giving an advantage to a potential agressor, but she let the others talk for a short while.
When Alex suggests going to the club she is initially dismissive, yes lets go to somewhere enclosed and contained with an unknown man after they'd been assualted. However the rest of the group seem more willing to trust him, or at least to go along for now. She drops back drawing her phone and quickly notes down the name of this man and the club they are going to into a text message, positioning her finger over the send button to send the information to one of her friends on the force, might not be enough to save her but at least they could take the bastard down latter if he tries anything.
Entering the room she considers the room, n oting the doors. For all his claims that there would be others they quickly find themselves alone. She stays standing for the moment. She listens to his words and unintended her hand touches the silverchain around her neck and pauses for a moment before shaking her head "And you expect us to believe this?" she asks "I've heard more believable stories from the drunks on the full moon."
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2014 4:19:34 GMT -5
"I didn't expect to force you to believe it." Alex admits to M.J. "It'd be easier to believe if you'd bitten one of those people, but it'd be a terrible burden on you. One night. Possibly two... and you'll have to Drink." He places a great importance on this word.
"You're all starving right now, aren't you? You have a thirst that is ripping you up... tearing at you?"
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CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 17, 2014 4:30:38 GMT -5
Kara Ripley: Age 27, Ex-Grifter/Bartender @ a dive bar
Kara had walked into a lion's den before. This didn't feel the same. Besides it would be the first time Kara got herself out of an impossible situation. It wouldn't be the last. Though, she would prefer not to have paid the same price she did the last time around.
She looked around and made herself as comfortable as she could get in a strange place. Instinct put her back at a wall so no one could sneak up on her. But habit had her turned to Alex to ask him the first of many questions. "Do you have a cigarette?"
Sitting in silence, Kara nodded at Alex's question. She was hungry. So unbelievably hungry. And she didn't doubt for a second she wanted to and would have ate those people. Because "once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth."
"You have to have felt it on the beach, right?" Kara asked M.J. "I would have ripped their throats out... I dunno, maybe it's crazy, but he believes it and after everything that's happened (fangs and gnawing hunger included)I'm willing to bite... er... no pun intended."
Kara turned to Alex. "I'm assuming that what happened to us doesn't happen often, does it?"
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Post by Ricohard on Mar 17, 2014 6:01:18 GMT -5
M.J. Murphy "Plenty of drugs can make you feel wierd when you're coming off them." M.j. responds to Kara "certainly easy enough to fake such a thing. Crossing hunger impulses with wierd things ain't difficult" but even to her the arguement seemed thin, based on stretches of thought that barely held together.
That said she still wasn't ready to accept... vampires? certainly not only on this man's say so. Watching Kara she adds with a shrug "Also just 'cause he believes it doesn't mean he isn't certifiable." she adds. "Besides for all we know he's the one who did this, what ever it is to us in the first place."
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2014 13:07:54 GMT -5
Alex gave Kara a shocked look. "A- no. No. We are in the establishment of a Mekhet. She will not tolerate any flame."
"No. There's no way in hell I could have done this." Alex said flatly to M.J. "Creating progeny takes from you deeply. I've known lords and ladies who have recovered for twenty years before they would consider Embracing another childe. Four at once - sired by one individual - is lunacy. Whatever happened to you, I would bet that it was accomplished by four different Kindred.
Therin lies the most important question... for in Embracing you, these Kindred, these criminals-" True anger colors his voice now, darkens his sky blue eyes. "- have defied the Prince's Law, left you with no knowledge and very damn well could have caused a Breach on that beach tonight."
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Post by Ricohard on Mar 17, 2014 13:25:39 GMT -5
M.J. Murphy Mekhet, the word was strange and conveyed nothing about the owner, except that she apparently avoided flame. She filed it away along with the other
"Just because you didn't act alone is not the same as not acting." She says flatly "In both legal and criminal enterprises a group can do more than a sole person.". The anger at least was genuine, which was heartening somewhat. It was certainly better than the smarm of earlier. She considered the words for a long moment before picking out the two that most stuck out to her "Prince's Law?" she queries him. "pretty sure California was still a democracy last I looked."
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2014 13:36:41 GMT -5
"Another reason why I wouldn't do this- in 'finding' you, I present myself to the Court's investigators. This establishment is run by the Sheriff and she would not think twice to have someone taste my Blood - and then yours- to determine if we are direct Family. Not to mention that she supported my appointment to Deputy. I mentioned it briefly before- but a Deputy assists the Sheriff of ensuring that Kine do not learn of the existence of Kindred through Breaches." Alex explained, seeming to love this topic. His eyes are moving from face to face as he speaks and he lingers longest on Kara and M.J.
"You know that I would never do this, don't you?"
[Please roll 1 roll, no re - rolls If your character is actively concealing her emotions or motives, make a contested roll versus the person's Wits + Subterfuge + equipment.) ]
"The Laws of Kine barely affect us, now. Just enough to avoid being in lock up come sun up." Alex responds to M.J.
"The Kindred follow the edicts of a Prince of a City. The one individual with enough strength, political power and finesse to keep Kindred in line."
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CuteLikeMurder
Staff Member
Gamemaker (HG Mod)
As if killing the bard impresses us.
Posts: 2,268
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Post by CuteLikeMurder on Mar 17, 2014 15:29:13 GMT -5
Kara Ripley: Age 27, Ex-Grifter/Bartender @ a dive barKara's face didn't convey her annoyance. Alex wasn't being in hospitable at the moment. But she really wanted a cigarette. "Really? That's a shame..." She listened to Alex's story again her face neutral. The fancy words pushed aside, Kara absorbed the facts. At least four had done this to them. And whatever it was, it went against some law. She glanced at M.J. and smirked. Cop. She had to be a cop. Democracy was just some fancy word for people like Kara. The world she was trying to get out of wasn't a democracy. "I don't know anything about you yet, Alex. We aren't trusted friends but we ain't enemies either. That being said... I'm willing to take the blue pill and see how deep the rabbit hole goes. Walk us through it, Alex, when the investigation begins, what is going to happen to us?" She asked, pulling out her wallet and I.D. She began to fiddle with it as she spoke. "I know a little something about tricks," Kara said. "And I know a little something about stuff - all sorts of stuff disappear." And with a flick of her wrist, the I.D. vanished. "And I know a little something about criminals. Alex isn't a criminal. He's a cop."{Kara's Rolls}Kara Ripley rolled 8 dice to "misdirection" 10,7,9,6,7,10,5,4,8,7 (4 successes) Kara Ripley rolled 8 dice to "slight of hand (simple magic trick)" 5,5,8,8,7,9,7,10,6 (4 successes) Kara Ripley rolled 7 dice to "hiding emotions" 8,9,2,5,5,1,6 (2 successes) [This is the only roll that matters, the other two were just for show.]
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2014 16:59:12 GMT -5
Alex considers Kara's question for a moment in silence. As he does so, you can hear two women's voices in the hallway. Alex continues speaking, glancing towards the hall. "That must be our hostess and her staff." He explains. "The first thing that will happen is already underway. I am introducing you to Reeve Micha Chappelle, the Sherrif of San Diego. She will gather some information from you in order to track down who has done this to you. "He lowers his voice. "Be respectful to her. She has a soft spot in her cold heart for orphans and she'll likely be the best shot you have in this town." Alex raises his voice to normal level. "The second thing that will happen is that you will be presented to the Prince. " "Not tonight." A female's voice speaks from the doorway. Alex leaps to his feet, ducking his head in a nod of respect to the woman in the doorway. She is Caucasian, with brown eyes and long brown hair. The woman wears a night on the town dress, but to your eyes it is dated - at least five years out of style. It is red and hits at her knees. She wears black flats - not very stylish but look like she could run in them. Her gaze is cool and calculating as she looks over the group. "He is a cop." She replies to Kara, approval in her voice. "May I present Reeve Micha Chappelle." Alex introduced. {Spoiler:}Micha's Beast is veiled and she has no Predators Taint
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Post by Ricohard on Mar 17, 2014 17:09:58 GMT -5
M.J. Murphy She looks him over for a long moment considering the conversation, and opting not to mention that cop and criminal were not always as far apart as people wanted to believe. Nor did she speak out on her beliefs on private laws.
She pauses as the woman enters sizing her up. She certainly had less of the annoying smarm than he did, though uncalled for anger rolled through her mind but with nothing to hang onto it rolled back as quickly as it had come. She still wasn't sure about any of this, nor of the fact that there was now a 'prince' as a thing outside of storybooks. That said she was rapidly running out of viable alternative theories, and she didn't know what was worse that Vampires might be real and she among them or that at some point she was going to admit that Alex had been right.
Reaching up she pushed her auburn hair behind her ears, a nervous habit that kept her hands busy and honestly away from her gun. She didn't bow or show subserviance in anyway but met Micha's gaze firmly.
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Post by Seryna on Mar 17, 2014 22:58:15 GMT -5
Micha politely asked questions around the room, beginning with M.J. "M.J.," Micha states. "Can I ask you some questions? I'd like to know where you live. You can write down the address if you'd like to keep it secret." Micha places a note book on the table. It has a leather cover and a custom pen fitted into the sleeve. M.J. can see that the note pads have been replaced recently. Micha then questions Tina. You learn that her full name is Tina Baker and she is twenty years old. She is a student at a local community college and that she lives in an apartment in the university district. Micha pointedly asks about the security at the apartment and Tina begrudgingly admits that its not good. Her door has two locks on it and there was a break in across the hall last week. Micha looks concerned at this, but moves onto Michael. Michael is twenty two years old and is in his final semester of college at the state university. Micha recognizes his name and asks after his family. "My family has been influential in this town awhile." Michael admits. "How long have you gone without contact with them in the past?" Micha questions. "About two days." Michael states. "My mom is very involved with my education. " Micha frowns and Michael shifts uneasily in his seat. "Is that a problem?""Yes." Micha answers simply. "Why? Its not outrageous for a guy to be involved with his-""No. You having a healthy relationship was not a problem in the past." Micha states clearly. "Yet things have changed now. I assume that your family has a key to your apartment." "Yeah...""You need to move." The Reeve stated firmly. "You do not need uninvited guests dropping in on you in the day time." Her gaze moves around the room. "This goes for all of you. The most important thing about your haven is that it is secure in the day time. No maids or landlords need to poke about when you look like a corpse."Micha turns to Kara. "What about you, Kara? What do you do for a living? Is your home secure?" Micha poses a question to the room: "Where have you been today? I'm going to retrace your steps to see when you could have attracted attention."{Spoiler:} To allow each of you to answer without waiting, Micha's questions to both of you are here. I will edit for clarity and turns later. You do know that M.J. bought drinks at Ember, Rico
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Post by Ricohard on Mar 18, 2014 3:55:51 GMT -5
M.J. Murphy Murphy frowned listening to Micha's questions and watching her body language. The straight forwardness reminded her of more than a few Captains she'd worked under, even if the actual words she was saying were still frightening. Either this was all part of the scam, but Micha didn't strike her as the scamming sort, or she was going to have to start accepting what had been said.
She considered her options for a long moment before picking up the notepad. She wondered about giving these people her address, further worried when Micha mentions corpses. After a long few minutes of thought she notes down the address of her office rather than her own apartment, she wasn't paranoid just careful.
"The name is Mary Jane Murphy." She says with a thin smile. "My home's as secure as you can hope for I suppose. In terms of today I've been around a lot, most of the last day I was in pursuit of a couple of targets. Last thing I can remember I was heading to Ember to try and get some evidence."
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Post by Seryna on Mar 23, 2014 13:07:54 GMT -5
"All right." Micha stood. "Thank you for answering so honestly," She speaks to most of the room. "I will start our end of the investigation. You have six hours until the sun rises. I would suggest fortifying your haven, feeding - but I am sure that you want to begin your own investigation. I will not stop you." She gives a small smile.
"One thing you need to remember - Court is two nights from now. It is a black tie affair and no weapons are allowed. It is fortunate you were Embraced tonight, for you have three days to present yourself to the Prince. His Grace wants you to step forward during Court when new Presentations are called for." She pauses. "Its a good way to begin to question the Kindred. Every one must attend Court. We haven't gone over many things you need to know - Families, Gifts of the Blood, Covenants... but you've had a lot to digest tonight. I will be in my office at Elysium tomorrow between ten and eleven if you would like to stop by and learn more about these things. Good night to you." Micha gives a nod of the head to each of you and rises to depart. "Good night." Alex states. "If I don't see you before then, see you at Court."
The two depart, leaving you to your own devices.
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