Gabriella, Ryder, and Connor were able to subdue to the law enforcement officers - one of them in a very brutal manner. While not fatal, that one would be in the hospital for severe bludgeoning damage.
"Weren't there five of us?" Gabriella quipped, making a hand gesture to dismiss the shadow tentacles. Shirazi comes running towards you all. He seems upset. "Antigen! Those bastards. So many priceless artifacts lost."
"What do you mean." Gabi asked.
Shirazi sighed. "I am closely connected with the Museum of London. As a Malkavian, one of my obsessions is collecting ancient artifacts, Kindred artifacts included. We have two main storage facilities - one in Hackney, and this one here, in the Docklands. No doubt Operation Antigen will turn this place upside down. Such a shame. I am happy you all were able to escape." he said, looking around. "Adelino and Mickey were able to buy my escape. I hope they will be ok. Weren't there five of you?" he asks, concerned.
"Yeah. One of us got spooked though. Give me a sec." Connor saw Olivia flee and since she couldn't go too far without getting caught up in the gunfight, he figured that she was hiding. It didn't take him too long to find her huddled behind some trash cans. He squats down so that he can get at eye level and offers a friendly hand. "Hey Olivia," he said in a soft voice, obviously not trying to startle her further. "it's safe now, you can come out, I promise."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Olivia had been hugging her knees close to her chest, shaking violently for seemingly no reason until the beast finally calmed down. She gives Connor a side glance when he offers her a hand up, sighing then taking it after a moment of hesitation. When she gets to her feet, she dusts off her clothing for any dirt or grime that might’ve gotten stuck on her. The Tremere then gives Connor a look. “Thank you, but... Don’t tell anyone about this. Please.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"This place is crawling with these Antigen people - where the **** did you g-" Gabriella asks, seeing Connor and Olivia again, but is interrupted by Shirazi.
"It is very dangerous here. All of you must make haste." he says. "As an artifact collector, if possible in the future, I would love the opportunity to examine the Chalice, or interview each of you to further my ongoing research on the Mithriac Mysteries."
You can all see behind you that London Police are beginning to cordoned off streets and the building. An Ambulance leaves the compound with sirens blazing. It is difficult to see any more details without getting closer, which would be extremely risky at this time. There are a couple of hours before dawn. You need to find a place to sleep. Shirazi tells you all that there is an industrial area in the Docklands, but you will find clusters of hotels not far away around the Airport, the Exhibition Centre, and Beckton Retail Park.
Everyone gains 2 xp for completing the first Chapter.
OPTIONS: - The law enforcement officers you knocked out perfect feeding vessels for those that wish to feed. A non lethal drink will slake up to 2 Hunger. - Those of you who have incurred a Stain can do one of two things: If you don't feel bad about what you did, lose one Humanity. If you feel remorseful and wish to reconcile with your actions, it's time to make a Remorse test. Roll a number of dice equal to the remaining unmarked, unfilled boxes on your Humanity tracker. For example, Humanity is out of 10. If you have 7 Humanity and took a Stain, that means you have 2 boxes left over. You would roll two dice. If any of the dice you roll come up a success, you have suffered enough guilt, shame, or regret to retain your current Humanity. Lose all Stains. If you fail, lose one Humanity - the Beast has won. Lose all Stains.
CHAPTER OPTIONS: - From here, it is highly recommended to introduce yourself to Queen Anne, the current Vampire ruler of London after Mithras, at her party tomorrow. Afterwards, the hunt for the relics can begin and the Chronicle becomes more of a sandbox for you to choose which relic holder you wish to pursue.
"Don't worry about it." Connor says in response to Gabi. As the Coterie goes to sleep (I presume in a hotel), Connor reflects over his actions during the fight, how while he didn't end up killing anyone, he did let the Beast control and went way further than necessary in incapacitating those guards. It fills him with regret and he resolves to not let the Beast take control again.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Gabi gave Connor an annoyed look. "I think I will, thank you. Some of us want to live, you ******* meathead. We're going to end up killed if we do things all our own way. We're a team, remember?"
CHAPTER TWO - SUNSET OF FLAMES PRELUDE: INVITATION ONLY
Looking at the letter, one of the items of Mithriac importance was a clay seal, once used by Mithras to mark official documents. Anne Bowesley had it. Better known as Queen Anne of London, the current vampiric ruler of London. According to Shirazi, Queen Anne is hosting a lavish party at the top of the newly opened Shard building, to which all Camarilla vampires in London are invited to. Gabriella called the number on the business card and spoke with a Kindred named Lady Scarlett - and got us invitations. By calling the number, it indicated to Lady Scarlett that we were high ranking Kindred with friends in the Camarilla - a lie, but they didn't need to know that. All we needed to do was get into that party.
And we did. Now it was time to play dress up. Literally. Then, we had to find a gift to bring. We couldn't show up to a party empty handed.
DRESSING FANCY: This part would be easy.
FINDING A GIFT: The second order of business was finding a gift, or perhaps deciding not to bring one at all. If you do want to bring a gift, the question is, what should it be? The invitation and conversation with Lady Scarlett provided no clues. Gold? Jewels? We don't have much money, so we'd have to rob a high end store or a poor victim. Perhaps a new car? Anything over ten grand would certainly be very impressive.
Connor lowers himself slightly, so that he can get at the right level to look Gabi right in the ******* eyes. "First thing: I don't know where you get off acting like a ***** to everyone, but we're a team. You're not any better than us. Act ******* civil. Second thing: I know what the mission is. I'm not going to run off and do something that'll get us all killed, so show some trust. Do I make myself clear?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
"I'm only concerned about one thing, our JOB. I earned my place here, through violence and results - in case you forgot. I don't take any shit. Yeah, i'm a *****. So ******* what? I didn't go running off, did I? Oh, and just so you know, It's BECAUSE I trust you that I let you even SPEAK to me in this way. But hey. Lets let bygones be bygones. Shake on it?"
Ryder looks between the two and rolls his eyes. "You're all acting childish. But at least you're going to TRY to be civil. Now... The gift? It would be rude and improper to appear in front of one of Royality without a proper thank you gift. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Gabi successfully resisted the urge to give Connor a very personal preview of what a touch of oblivion would feel like - watching his hand and arm weaken and wither as the Abyss literally atrophied the limb away - seeing the look on his face knowing it took a least a week to heal. The thought made her smile, and the discomfort of the handshake simply made her shadow behind warp slightly, appearing to beg Gabi to do what she really wanted. She pulled away roughly, glaring at him, as she walked away.
“I ran off because I lost control over myself, for your information,” Olivia deadpans, arms crossed in front of her chest. “Not everyone is here because we’re killing machines, Gabriella. Some of us use our brains as weapons, but it’s clear you don’t use yours enough to see that.“
The doctor simply shakes her head and moves on. “The only ‘gifts’ I’ve given are ones that include an organ or two so... I think anything else is better than that idea.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Connor wasn't satisfied at his failure to get Gabi to change her behavior, but at least he sent the message that he wouldn't idly stand by and let her treat everyone like shit. Which in his mind, counted as a small victory.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
"Mithras did not choose me to be on this team because i'm smart." she counters to Olivia. "That's your job." She does her best to not accent the "your" part. "I was simply stating my displeasure because you did lose control back there. None of us can afford to be a liability. However..." she forced herself to say, clearly. "I suppose what happened to you back there can happen to the best of us."
“Yeah, clearly,” Olivia scoffs in regards to Gabriella retort. “But I’m glad to see you were able to admit that, yes, it can happen to any one of us,” She says almost mockingly to the other. “Be displeased all you want, but when it happens to you, I won’t be making any snarky side comments about it because that’s something we all should know can happen, unless stated otherwise. Try to remember it better next time.”
After saying her final piece, she turns to face the others. “Nilrem’s idea is probably the best we have as of right now without committing a crime of some sort. Any other ideas or are we running with that?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Gabriella's shadow would be barely seen imitating you and your facial expressions, but the Lasombra said nothing, simply playing with the tip of her dagger as you spoke.
Gabriella, Ryder, and Connor were able to subdue to the law enforcement officers - one of them in a very brutal manner. While not fatal, that one would be in the hospital for severe bludgeoning damage.
"Weren't there five of us?" Gabriella quipped, making a hand gesture to dismiss the shadow tentacles. Shirazi comes running towards you all. He seems upset. "Antigen! Those bastards. So many priceless artifacts lost."
"What do you mean." Gabi asked.
Shirazi sighed. "I am closely connected with the Museum of London. As a Malkavian, one of my obsessions is collecting ancient artifacts, Kindred artifacts included. We have two main storage facilities - one in Hackney, and this one here, in the Docklands. No doubt Operation Antigen will turn this place upside down. Such a shame. I am happy you all were able to escape." he said, looking around. "Adelino and Mickey were able to buy my escape. I hope they will be ok. Weren't there five of you?" he asks, concerned.
"Yeah. One of us got spooked though. Give me a sec." Connor saw Olivia flee and since she couldn't go too far without getting caught up in the gunfight, he figured that she was hiding. It didn't take him too long to find her huddled behind some trash cans. He squats down so that he can get at eye level and offers a friendly hand. "Hey Olivia," he said in a soft voice, obviously not trying to startle her further. "it's safe now, you can come out, I promise."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Olivia had been hugging her knees close to her chest, shaking violently for seemingly no reason until the beast finally calmed down. She gives Connor a side glance when he offers her a hand up, sighing then taking it after a moment of hesitation. When she gets to her feet, she dusts off her clothing for any dirt or grime that might’ve gotten stuck on her. The Tremere then gives Connor a look. “Thank you, but... Don’t tell anyone about this. Please.”
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Connor mimes zipping his lips shut and gives her a thumbs up before leading her back to the others.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"This place is crawling with these Antigen people - where the **** did you g-" Gabriella asks, seeing Connor and Olivia again, but is interrupted by Shirazi.
"It is very dangerous here. All of you must make haste." he says. "As an artifact collector, if possible in the future, I would love the opportunity to examine the Chalice, or interview each of you to further my ongoing research on the Mithriac Mysteries."
You can all see behind you that London Police are beginning to cordoned off streets and the building. An Ambulance leaves the compound with sirens blazing. It is difficult to see any more details without getting closer, which would be extremely risky at this time. There are a couple of hours before dawn. You need to find a place to sleep. Shirazi tells you all that there is an industrial area in the Docklands, but you will find clusters of hotels not far away around the Airport, the Exhibition Centre, and Beckton Retail Park.
Everyone gains 2 xp for completing the first Chapter.
OPTIONS:
- The law enforcement officers you knocked out perfect feeding vessels for those that wish to feed. A non lethal drink will slake up to 2 Hunger.
- Those of you who have incurred a Stain can do one of two things: If you don't feel bad about what you did, lose one Humanity. If you feel remorseful and wish to reconcile with your actions, it's time to make a Remorse test. Roll a number of dice equal to the remaining unmarked, unfilled boxes on your Humanity tracker. For example, Humanity is out of 10. If you have 7 Humanity and took a Stain, that means you have 2 boxes left over. You would roll two dice. If any of the dice you roll come up a success, you have suffered enough guilt, shame, or regret to retain your current Humanity. Lose all Stains. If you fail, lose one Humanity - the Beast has won. Lose all Stains.
CHAPTER OPTIONS:
- From here, it is highly recommended to introduce yourself to Queen Anne, the current Vampire ruler of London after Mithras, at her party tomorrow. Afterwards, the hunt for the relics can begin and the Chronicle becomes more of a sandbox for you to choose which relic holder you wish to pursue.
"Don't worry about it." Connor says in response to Gabi. As the Coterie goes to sleep (I presume in a hotel), Connor reflects over his actions during the fight, how while he didn't end up killing anyone, he did let the Beast control and went way further than necessary in incapacitating those guards. It fills him with regret and he resolves to not let the Beast take control again.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Gabi gave Connor an annoyed look. "I think I will, thank you. Some of us want to live, you ******* meathead. We're going to end up killed if we do things all our own way. We're a team, remember?"
CHAPTER TWO - SUNSET OF FLAMES
PRELUDE: INVITATION ONLY
Looking at the letter, one of the items of Mithriac importance was a clay seal, once used by Mithras to mark official documents. Anne Bowesley had it. Better known as Queen Anne of London, the current vampiric ruler of London. According to Shirazi, Queen Anne is hosting a lavish party at the top of the newly opened Shard building, to which all Camarilla vampires in London are invited to. Gabriella called the number on the business card and spoke with a Kindred named Lady Scarlett - and got us invitations. By calling the number, it indicated to Lady Scarlett that we were high ranking Kindred with friends in the Camarilla - a lie, but they didn't need to know that. All we needed to do was get into that party.
And we did. Now it was time to play dress up. Literally. Then, we had to find a gift to bring. We couldn't show up to a party empty handed.
DRESSING FANCY: This part would be easy.
FINDING A GIFT: The second order of business was finding a gift, or perhaps deciding not to bring one at all. If you do want to bring a gift, the question is, what should it be? The invitation and conversation with Lady Scarlett provided no clues. Gold? Jewels? We don't have much money, so we'd have to rob a high end store or a poor victim. Perhaps a new car? Anything over ten grand would certainly be very impressive.
Connor lowers himself slightly, so that he can get at the right level to look Gabi right in the ******* eyes. "First thing: I don't know where you get off acting like a ***** to everyone, but we're a team. You're not any better than us. Act ******* civil. Second thing: I know what the mission is. I'm not going to run off and do something that'll get us all killed, so show some trust. Do I make myself clear?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"I'm only concerned about one thing, our JOB. I earned my place here, through violence and results - in case you forgot. I don't take any shit. Yeah, i'm a *****. So ******* what? I didn't go running off, did I? Oh, and just so you know, It's BECAUSE I trust you that I let you even SPEAK to me in this way. But hey. Lets let bygones be bygones. Shake on it?"
She held out her hand.
Connor takes Gabi's hand and shakes it, but he applies some pressure on her hand, just enough to make it uncomfortable.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Ryder looks between the two and rolls his eyes. "You're all acting childish. But at least you're going to TRY to be civil. Now... The gift? It would be rude and improper to appear in front of one of Royality without a proper thank you gift. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
Gabi successfully resisted the urge to give Connor a very personal preview of what a touch of oblivion would feel like - watching his hand and arm weaken and wither as the Abyss literally atrophied the limb away - seeing the look on his face knowing it took a least a week to heal. The thought made her smile, and the discomfort of the handshake simply made her shadow behind warp slightly, appearing to beg Gabi to do what she really wanted. She pulled away roughly, glaring at him, as she walked away.
“I ran off because I lost control over myself, for your information,” Olivia deadpans, arms crossed in front of her chest. “Not everyone is here because we’re killing machines, Gabriella. Some of us use our brains as weapons, but it’s clear you don’t use yours enough to see that.“
The doctor simply shakes her head and moves on. “The only ‘gifts’ I’ve given are ones that include an organ or two so... I think anything else is better than that idea.”
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"Oh! Gifts, what about the most interesting gift of all!" Nilrem laughs, "The Future~"
Connor wasn't satisfied at his failure to get Gabi to change her behavior, but at least he sent the message that he wouldn't idly stand by and let her treat everyone like shit. Which in his mind, counted as a small victory.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"Mithras did not choose me to be on this team because i'm smart." she counters to Olivia. "That's your job." She does her best to not accent the "your" part. "I was simply stating my displeasure because you did lose control back there. None of us can afford to be a liability. However..." she forced herself to say, clearly. "I suppose what happened to you back there can happen to the best of us."
“Yeah, clearly,” Olivia scoffs in regards to Gabriella retort. “But I’m glad to see you were able to admit that, yes, it can happen to any one of us,” She says almost mockingly to the other. “Be displeased all you want, but when it happens to you, I won’t be making any snarky side comments about it because that’s something we all should know can happen, unless stated otherwise. Try to remember it better next time.”
After saying her final piece, she turns to face the others. “Nilrem’s idea is probably the best we have as of right now without committing a crime of some sort. Any other ideas or are we running with that?”
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Gabriella's shadow would be barely seen imitating you and your facial expressions, but the Lasombra said nothing, simply playing with the tip of her dagger as you spoke.
"Nilrem's probably got the best idea for a gift, since we don't have the cash to buy anything fit for the Queen."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"I'm going to get something to wear. We can't show up looking like this." Gabi said, walking out.