Vampire: Fresh Crimes and Ancient Sins

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-17 07:43am

Kergan found the building quickly enough. It was a modest building just outside Vancouver's downtown core and entertainment district. Underground parking was provided and the man manning the station gave him a hard look before ushering him inside.

The underground parking lot was only host to a few cars. A handsome young man of East Indian descent, slight and a little shorter than average, exited the elevator. He wore a simple dark suit. "Welcome to the Prince's Court," he said.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2007-01-17 08:31am

LadyTevar wrote: Gweneviere's eyes turn back to Lord DeWitt calmly as she asks softly. "Do I pass your test, Lord DeWitt? Or shall I tell you of all the exits and make-shift weapons within the room?" She was trained to be a bodyguard, a protector of Kindred, a ghoul who had given her first life carrying out those duties. Old habits die very hard.

"Very good," Kyle nodded approvingly. "And I think we can do without going into more details than necessary. Unless something very tragic happens, there is no need for a rushed exit right now." He chuckled slightly. "But 't would be prudent to leave before the Brujah and the little girl start talking to each other. Overlarge ego and Brujah don't mix too well."
His mien sobered a bit. "I had heard some about the missing person when I entered. 't seemed to have happened around here. I think I like to inquire a bit more about this. Always good to be informed. If you wish to join me, you're welcome. Otherwise, contact me under my mobile number to schedule a meeting with the Prince." He handed her his card, which was made of exquisite paper and looked like it cost a fortune.

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-17 01:22pm

Imperial Overlord wrote:Kergan found the building quickly enough. It was a modest building just outside Vancouver's downtown core and entertainment district. Underground parking was provided and the man manning the station gave him a hard look before ushering him inside.

The underground parking lot was only host to a few cars. A handsome young man of East Indian descent, slight and a little shorter than average, exited the elevator. He wore a simple dark suit. "Welcome to the Prince's Court," he said.

Kergan nodded politely to the man, after looking around carefully. "Thank you. I'd like to see the Prince, if I could. Could you direct me to him?"

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2007-01-17 11:12pm

Eris wrote:With a wry smile, Kerstin raised her hand in a gesture of apology. “Forgive me, I have an untoward advantage. Kerstin Meyer, and you if I am not mistaken are Brother Devon?”

"I am indeed, Sister Kerstin." He cocked his head slightly at what he had just said, remembering a song from the eighties.

“You can think also of how you might induce torpor. Driving any old thing through a heart won't do; as far as I can tell, it must be a wood or you just annoy your subject. At the risk of supporting my thesis in a shaky manner, wood differs from most other suitable stake materials in its being dead biomass. Bone doesn't work, which is odd if everything I've said is extrapolated further, but there does seem to be more than just coincidence at work.”

"Yes. Yes," he replied with interest after she had finished. "The heart and the mind, or head, seem to hold us to this world, even as they did in life. The heart as the power for the soul (being connected so closely with the blood) and the mind as its control over the body perhaps? Pierce the heart and fall as if dead, soul trapped in the body. Sever the head and release control entirely. Though as you say, somehow metaphor made biology. Our unbeating heart surely is nothing but useless flesh in any other sense. Not to mention the control the soul now seems to have over the very shape of the physical body. In the case of, most noteably, the Gangrel and Nosferatu at any rate." He brushed the hair from one ear revealing its elongated, tapered state.

Devon had found in his travels that many vampire's held on to their knowledge dearly, like misers to gold. It was refreshing to speak with someone more open, if only to theorize with another curious young soul.

"As to torpor," he continued. "Strange that wood must be used. Stranger still to experience."

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-18 01:10am

"Of course," the man replied to Kergan. "Please follow me." The man lead him to an elevator which then ascended to the second story. The doors opened to reveal a well appointed waiting room and another man in a suit. Kergan's escort lead him through a pair of double doors into a large large suitable for a small crowd to use to observe a private performance, mingle, or dance.

Three men are talking at the center of the room. One is a red head, with several streaks of white in his beard. The second is a beefy man with big hands and the third is tall and broad shouldered. He looks up as the East Indian man approaches. The man whispers something to him and he nods. He departs from the other two and approaches Kergan.

"I am Richard Wright, Prince of this city by ancient law and right of conquest. Within its bounds I have the rights and privileges that tradition accords the eldest. Who are you and what is your business in my city?"

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-18 01:31am

After several moments of silence, Jack spoke up again. "Do you have any idea who might know a bit more?" he asked James. "I figure I'd probably be able to learn a bit from the Nos, seeing as how they hear everything, but it doesn't look like any of them are hanging out here tonight so far."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-18 01:52am

Though his knowledge of the Camarilla was more scholarly than experiential, Kergan replied as formally and honestly as he could.

Folding his right hand over his left fist and bowing, he replied as he rose. "Richard Wright, Prince of Vancouver, I am honored to meet you. My name is Kergan Prasad, of Clan Assamite, and I seek your hospitality, in the respect that I'd like to make my home here."

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-18 02:41am

"My word, and the Traditions, are law here. Keep the silence of the blood, respect the territory of others, defend this city against its enemies, and remember that the rights of destruction and creation belong to me and you are welcome to live here with all the rights and privileges every Kindred is entitled to."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-18 03:31am

Imperial Overlord wrote:"My word, and the Traditions, are law here. Keep the silence of the blood, respect the territory of others, defend this city against its enemies, and remember that the rights of destruction and creation belong to me and you are welcome to live here with all the rights and privileges every Kindred is entitled to."

Kergan looked him in the eyes, and nodded solemnly. "I shall honor all that you ask, as it is my honor to do so to call this city my home." He bowed as elaborately as before, and paused a moment, before continuing with a wry smile. "In the interest of honesty, and perhaps trivia, I am of the Sorceror Caste of my Clan. You need not fear the blood hunger from me, nor any...contractual obligations."

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-18 03:46am

"Any contracts are subject to the law," said Wright. The ghost of a smile touched his lips. "And any Kindred who commits Amaranth for any reason answers to me. In that vein, I warn you that there are diablerists in this city. Even know they are being hunted down, but some measure of caution is wise until they are brought down."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-18 04:01am

Raising an eyebrow at the news, Kergan smirked. "Where I once called home, I left far worse than a few Kindred who don't have self-control. All the same, I shall be cautious. I thank you for the warning."

During the next moment, there was a short, awkward pause. "I am sorry, but I'm not quite as familiar as I'd like yet with certain customs. May I go by your leave, or do you wish to converse more?"

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-18 04:17am

"As you wish," said Wright. "You are free to come and go as you like, except in the territories of others."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-18 04:25am

Kergan smiled at this. "In that case, I thank you again for your hospitality, and wish you a good evening."

Nodding once more respectfully as he left, Kergan paused in mid-stride before he entered the elevator, looking back at the Prince, Richard Wright. "I just realized I should ask - where are the local Elysiums in your city?"

(edit: altered dialogue)

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-19 01:17am

"Besides my court some Kindred go to the Vancouver Art Gallery," Wright answered. "The Vancouver Museum and the Museum of Anthropology are both Elysiums as well."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-19 01:46am

Nodding, Kergan smiled to the Prince, and bowed once more. "Thank you."

With that, he entered the elevator, reached the ground floor, and after getting on his motorcycle, checked his map to find the Vancouver Art Gallery. Finding it, he decided that sooner was rather than later, and arrived there fifteen minutes later, parking his motorcycle toward the back, as most of the other parking spots had been taken, he noticed.

With that, he walked toward the entrance.

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-20 06:36am

Walking up to the doorman, Kergan smiled calmly. "Good evening. Quite a gathering tonight?"

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-20 06:39am

"New in town?" Pyotr asked. "This place is Elysium, protected by the Laws and Traditions of the Camarilla."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-20 06:50am

Imperial Overlord wrote:"New in town?" Pyotr asked. "This place is Elysium, protected by the Laws and Traditions of the Camarilla."

"Indeed I am," Kergan said with a smile. "My name is Kergan, and I have recently met the Prince and presented myself. May I go in?"

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-20 06:50am

"Of course sir," said Pyotr.

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-20 06:52am

"Thank you, and have a good evening," Kergan said to the doorman, nodding as he walked by him, and into the art gallery proper, beginning to look around with care.

Post by **LadyTevar** » 2007-01-20 02:41pm

Dahak wrote:"Very good," Kyle nodded approvingly. "And I think we can do without going into more details than necessary. Unless something very tragic happens, there is no need for a rushed exit right now." He chuckled slightly. "But 't would be prudent to leave before the Brujah and the little girl start talking to each other. Overlarge ego and Brujah don't mix too well."
His mien sobered a bit. "I had heard some about the missing person when I entered. 't seemed to have happened around here. I think I like to inquire a bit more about this. Always good to be informed. If you wish to join me, you're welcome. Otherwise, contact me under my mobile number to schedule a meeting with the Prince." He handed her his card, which was made of exquisite paper and looked like it cost a fortune.

Gweneviere accepted the card with a gracious bow of her head. "Thank you, Lord DeWitt," she said, tucking the card away in a hidden pocket of her suit. Later, she would study the card to find the maker, as such simple matters of taste spoke volumes. The idea of quality in small things reflecting the person was held strongly among many elder Ventrue. Gwen believed in impressive reflections.
"If it is no trouble, I would like to enjoy your company for a while longer," she smiled. "You are correct, if this Bobbie is missing, it may be cause for some concern."

As she spoke, her eyes were again lazily moving around the gallery with the casualness of one trained to watch her surroundings while not advertizing the fact. Thus, she noted the new arrival as he walked inside, and noted as well his dusky skin, so unusual amongst the Kindred. It was, in fact, the hallmark of only one Clan.

"Lord DeWitt," Gweneviere spoke quietly, "I do hope that you have made no dire enemies of late." The sleepy cat had woken, alert and ready for trouble, although her voice remained quietly calm and clearheaded. "Unless I am mistaken, the Kindred who just entered is an Assamite. I doubt he is brazen enough to make his move here in Elysium, however. Were this a contract, the target would never see his arrivial ... unless the contactor wished the target to know his fate, of course..." she murmurred, her mind already covering the possibilities. "It does add an interesting angle to your rumor of disappearances."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2007-01-21 03:34am

LadyTevar wrote:"Lord DeWitt," Gweneviere spoke quietly, "I do hope that you have made no dire enemies of late." The sleepy cat had woken, alert and ready for trouble, although her voice remained quietly calm and clearheaded. "Unless I am mistaken, the Kindred who just entered is an Assamite. I doubt he is brazen enough to make his move here in Elysium, however. Were this a contract, the target would never see his arrivial ... unless the contactor wished the target to know his fate, of course..." she murmurred, her mind already covering the possibilities. "It does add an interesting angle to your rumor of disappearances."

"No," he smiled at her, "'tis no trouble for me. Having a sensible member of one's Clan around is a good thing. And don't forget to tell Sir William about this," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Kyle attention shifted to the door almost as soon as Gweneviere. He, too, saw only Assamite. His mind raced. He didn't know that new one and was aware of no one currently interested in killing him that desperately, but you never could be sure with Kindred. Maybe someone else? He still wasn't sure that his master hadn't been killed by an Assamite. It was one of those possibilities. His temper rose swiftly at the memory of his Sire's death, his nostrils flared, his hands flexed. He held the Assamite with cold eyes and watched every move of him.
"My dear Gweneviere," his voice as cold as ice but still managing basic courtesy, "I hope for him he is not after me, or you. But if he has something to do with the missing person, we will find out sooner or later. Rather sooner than later would be best. Assamites spell trouble wherever they go."

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2007-01-21 11:14am

The word was said at a distance and in hushed tones but it was heard by Devon's sensative ears none the less. Assamite.

Curious, he turned from his conversation first to the two Ventrue and then to the door. Indeed, he had never met one of the feared assassines before, but from what he had learned, this new man that had appeared at the entrance certainly looked to be one. Surely there were things about the blood that only one of that clan would know. Tonight was turning out to be a very interesting night.

"Perhaps we may get a different perspective on our discussion, Sister," he said to Kerstin as his distraction drew her eyes in the same direction as his.

Eris · Post by **Eris** » 2007-01-21 11:55am

It was absolutely remarkable how you could almost literally feel the atmosphere change as the people noticed the entry of the dark man. She couldn't help but feel a jerk of sympathy deep in her gut for the man - she had been at the recieving end of that sort of reception once too often for her not to. Kindred weren't so different across generations as they seemed to like to think; elders and whelps alike were united in their utter disdain for anyone differing from their ideals of themselves.

Even so, she was wary. Sympathy only went so far, and Paris had left its prejudices and beliefs marked indelibly upon her. She was grateful for the lack of unconscious reaction from her body; a racing heart at the sight of an unliked minority left her feeling even guiltier than it would have if it were a voluntary reaction.

She tightened her smile as a means to cover up her intial reaction. "It seems not unlikely." Her words were circumspect, careful. Even so, she had to admit curiosity; who better to have discovered the more mystical secrets of the blood than one who openly embraced it? And her fears were probably unfounded - if the newcomer were on business, why in the world would he be calmly strolling into Elysium? "Although I'm not entirely sure what would come from opening that avenue of discussion. Our physiology gives me headaches enough even without the extra complications."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-22 03:02am

Kergan was not slow to hear and feel the changes in the room as he became noticed. Having to keep up for years with a sire who mumbled had given him sharper senses, and he now heard bits of whispers flitting about, as if butterflies in a breeze: "Assamite"..."disappearances"..."trouble."

Inwardly, he sighed. It seemed he had inadvertantly walked into the city at precisely best time to create a bad impression, when he was simply trying to make it a safe haven for a good few years, if not longer.

The stares, and the swiftly dropping volume of conversation in the room made it clear that his entrance had now escaped nobody present.

For a peaceful warrior, sometimes the only way out is through, he thought.

Though, being a vampire, one does not really need to breathe, apart than to speak, Kergan nonetheless took comfort in a slow, deep breath before he spoke. His words, though not spoken at a very high volume, nonetheless carried throughout the room, mostly due to the silence that preceded it. His tone was calm, and unhurried.

"Good evening, everyone. My name is Kergan Prasad, and yes, I am indeed an Assamite, though I am not of the caste that deals with slaying other Kindred, nor do I have the blood thirst. I am here because I wish to live here rather than where I once lived - though saying why is a long story. If you ask me, I will tell you. To my intentions of peace and to make this place my home, I have already presented myself to the Prince of this city, giving my word of honor to follow all the rules of the Camarilla. My apologies for the interruption, and I hope you enjoy your evening."

With that, he nodded to those gathered and staring with a smile, and began to study the paintings on the walls carefully.