Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

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Venatus Vinco
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Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Loose Ends
As the leaderless Red Vampires flee the warehouse the group is met with three problems: the imprisoned Russians, the missing heart boxes, and a bomb! Turns out Sammy missed it on his initial search (only rolled a 4 and was only looking for the girl) but the whole building is wired to explode and there is a one minute timer counting down! Someone must have initiated it shortly after the fight.
Explosive Exit
Make an Athletics check to get out the the building at before it blows (remembering to account for any Wounds or Fatigue). If you want to assist a Russian gangster in escaping, make the roll at -2. Sammy is already outside with the girl so he can make a straight roll.

Failure means a Wound (or d4 Wounds with a Critical Failure). Wounds may be Soaked as usual. Success means emerging with only Bumps & Bruises, and a raise means escaping unscathed.

This is a classic run out of a building and get sent flying by the blast waves type moment, narrate appropriately.
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Pender Lumkiss
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Pender Lumkiss »

Holy cannoli!

The heavy set buxom Russian prostitute known as Countess to some and Gary with a G to others dives after a Russian still drugged out on vampire spittle. Got something on my sleeve for you pal! Gary’s arm shines like hot fire and he reaches out to the wall like a football star in high heels holding a pigskin made of Russian leather with his forearm extended blasting his way out!
Somethin about crap in your pants that makes you try harder.

[dice:1dylu8bn]51088:0[/dice:1dylu8bn] ace [dice:1dylu8bn]51088:2[/dice:1dylu8bn]wild [dice:1dylu8bn]51088:1[/dice:1dylu8bn]

“ Boom! Breathe easy pal I got you.” Gary gives the Russian a sloppy half heart kiss no tongue and drops him on the ground outside in the dirt as he himself hits the dirt watching the fire works.
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Gregory the Tainted
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory knows it is a risk, but he has to try to save someone...it is the main reason he does not chase after the vampires to try to kill more. The Russians are in no condition to save themselves, and saving the victim is an important part of monster hunting. He will try to do it using his normal human abilities, but if he fails he will draw upon his vampiric blood powers. They are a last resort, but to him that is what they are for, the power to save others.
OOC Comments
Athletics [dice:v2ef0jmj]51132:0[/dice:v2ef0jmj] Wild Athletics [dice:v2ef0jmj]51132:1[/dice:v2ef0jmj]

If Elan is available, spend a bennie for the +2 so I succeed. If not, can I make a "blood" roll to boost my Agility and Athletics without using a bennie?
Gregory grabs one of the Russians and places his arm over Gregory's own shoulder, helping support and direct his own stumbling efforts. He realizes as they get close to the exit that this is taking too long and makes a concentrated effort, dragging the Russian out and then being knocked to the ground by the explosion only a few feet outside the entrance.
Last edited by Gregory the Tainted on Tue Apr 02, 2019 4:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Nyx Eveningstream
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Nyx Eveningstream »

Nyx walks over to the corpse of the vampire's leader to retrieve his currently silvered dagger from its corpse.

'Excellent, Gregory. Straight through the heart.'

Nyx reaches down to retrieve it, wiping the dirtied blade off before sheathing it. Then he turns and gives the room a cursory inspection.

'That was unexpectedly easy. Vampires are usually a little more..'

beep

Nyx blinks and mouths "no."

Beep

The Winter lord panics as he turns about searching for the source of the beeping. The beeping continues seemingly unnoticed by anyone else. Unable to locate the source on the warehouse floor, he pokes his head into the room filled with saliva-addled Russians.

Beep

Nyx glimpses an ominous, red digital timer counting down. With less than then seconds remaining, he decides to assume the worst.

"Bomb!" Nyx shouts, "Everyone out!"

One of the addled Russians reaches his filthy hand out to grab Nyx's leg as he begs for help in broken English, "Help, comrade!"

Nyx snarls disgustedly and kicks him in the face, knocking the Russian back to the ground. Then Nyx turns and bolts towards the exit without a second thought for the Russians.

Athletics 4; +1 Fatigue
Athletics: [dice:2afx2rrj]51176:0[/dice:2afx2rrj] -1=4 (-1 Fatigued)
Wild: [dice:2afx2rrj]51176:1[/dice:2afx2rrj]-1=3
Saving precious seconds by not wasting them on foolish mortals, Nyx clears the main entrance with scant seconds to spare. He spots a junker of a pickup across the street and makes a mad dash for it. Nearly there, he jumps for it and rolls underneath to the passenger side.

The warehouse explodes as Nyx crouches behind the truck and hopes for the best...
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Pace: 5; Parry: 5(1) Toughness: 7(2)
Combat-Relevant Edges & Abilities:
  • Channeling (If a Raise is rolled, reduce the PP cost of the Power by 1)
  • Charismatic (One free Reroll per Persuasion roll)
  • Extra Effort (After the Roll, add +1 or +2 to the Focus total for 1 PP or 3 PP)
  • Strong Willed (+2 when resisting Tests with Smarts or Spirit)
Wounds: 0/3; Fatigue: 2/2; PP: 10/20
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Kriza
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Athletics: Failure
Athletics [dice:156yub5q]51586:0[/dice:156yub5q] (Fatigue from being roughed up by Russians earlier)
Wild [dice:156yub5q]51586:1[/dice:156yub5q]

Free reroll from Acrobat Edge
[dice:156yub5q]51586:2[/dice:156yub5q]
Wild [dice:156yub5q]51586:3[/dice:156yub5q]
Outside the warehouse, Sammy stashes the still lethargic woman in as safe a spot as he can find telling her to ”stay here.”

Turning back toward the warehouse, Sammy runs back in the direction he’d come, determined to help the rest of the team if he can, when he sees @Nyx Eveningstream running out of the building.

Wait, what... he begins to think, right before the building explodes... with him right next to it!
Failure, so Wounded
Ouch.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Loose Ends
The building explodes with a flaming flourish sending dust and debris everywhere. Barely able to make it out our heroes manage to survive, but not without being blow every which way. Fortunately, Sammy's quick thinking spared Aspen the worst if it. Not so much for himself. Thrown clear he lands with a distinct squish and feels a pool of wetness beneath him. Reaching down he finds it to be a pool of blood. Quickly checking himself over he realizes it is not his blood!

The bodies of the Red Court vampires who had fled moments ago lay in the street dead, shot in the stomachs as they fled the scene. Before anyone can react the head of a dazed Russian mobster explodes from the impact of a high velocity bullet! Another shot whizzes off some concrete before everyone figures out what's going on: A sniper!

Dazed, the Russians stumble around trying to find cover. Their slow wits make them great targets and offer a brief moment for the group to act as the sniper keys in on them. Off in the distance sirens can be heard approaching the scene. Explosions get fast response times.
Sniper
Someone is on one of the rooftops is picking off the Russian gangsters. Get them and Aspen clear from the assault before the police arrive or leave them to die and take off the with girl.

Getting Clear: Dramatic Task, 7 success tokens needed using Athletics or Stealth at -2. 3 rounds. First round card: 8S.

Leaving: Make a simple Athletics check at +2 to get away while the Russians get gunned down.
Notice
Also include a Notice check at -4 to gain info about the sniper. Reduce this penalty to -2 if you do not assist with the task or try to escape.
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Gregory the Tainted
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory knows what he has to do, he has to stop the sniper. Why him? Well part of him might ask that, but he knows the answer, because he is the one with the sword of Damocles hanging over his head waiting to fall.

Other people, normal people, might hope for a happy life, but he has no chance of one. The best he can hope for is to take other monster with him and die before becoming one himself. That is what being infected by the Red Court means...there is a monster inside him just waiting for one slip to take over.

He has powers, thanks to that monster, powers that give him a chance to save other. THAT is why this is his job, because he can and because if he gets killed doing it, it may just be better in the long run.

So he pushes the mobster behind cover and looks for clues to figure out where the sniper is and how to get to him...
OOC Comments
Gregory is NOT trying to escape, or to rescue the Russians directly...instead he is out to save everyone by stopping the sniper. First Round task is FINDING the sniper.

Notice [dice:t2kkvu1d]51611:0[/dice:t2kkvu1d] Wild Notice [dice:t2kkvu1d]51611:1[/dice:t2kkvu1d]
Research (to figure out clues from blood spatters and the way the bodies have fallen and such to locate the sniper)
[dice:t2kkvu1d]51611:2[/dice:t2kkvu1d] Wild Research [dice:t2kkvu1d]51611:3[/dice:t2kkvu1d]
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Nyx Eveningstream »

Focus 0 Successes; -2 Bennies
Focus: [dice:2s4s86t7]51617:0[/dice:2s4s86t7] (-2 Scene, -2 Fatigue)
Wild: [dice:2s4s86t7]51617:1[/dice:2s4s86t7]
Reroll
Focus: [dice:2s4s86t7]51617:2[/dice:2s4s86t7] (-2 Scene, -2 Fatigue)
Wild: [dice:2s4s86t7]51617:3[/dice:2s4s86t7]-3=0
Reroll
Focus: [dice:2s4s86t7]51617:4[/dice:2s4s86t7] (-2 Scene, -2 Fatigue)
Wild: [dice:2s4s86t7]51617:5[/dice:2s4s86t7]
Nyx attempts to twist his applied glamours to disorient the enemy and help camouflage himself and his allies. However, between surviving the explosion and suddenly being sniped at, he is not one hundred percent cool. Nyx's control slips, and everyone affected becomes hulking, muscular and nearly naked with glistening muscles and features to put Adonis himself to shame.
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  • Extra Effort (After the Roll, add +1 or +2 to the Focus total for 1 PP or 3 PP)
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Wounds: 0/3; Fatigue: 2/2; PP: 10/20
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

Gary grabs a garbage can lid and starts banging it against a rock making a scene. Bloodied brused and nearly blown up he is not having being shot at. He wipes some blood off his brow yelling uncontrollably, ”Common you sock sucking mother butter duchebag. You back stabbing cannoli eating red vampire sucking dirt bag! What do you want!? You want blood! I’ll give you blood, all I got is blood to give! Common what are you waiting for!” Gary rips off his shirt making it raven easier for the sniper to hit his big overweight obese belly. He keeps on banging his garbage can lid trying to find the bastard and get his friends some extra time to escape. Unfortunately all the blood he thought was his was just the Russians he had help save, but now it was dripping into his eyes making it hard to see.

Notice -2+2 from alertness: [dice:1dfs8ga8]51711:0[/dice:1dfs8ga8] wild [dice:1dfs8ga8]51711:1[/dice:1dfs8ga8]
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Athletics 8, 2 Successes
Athletics [dice:mpbnzzkq]51718:0[/dice:mpbnzzkq] + [dice:mpbnzzkq]51718:2[/dice:mpbnzzkq]
Wild [dice:mpbnzzkq]51718:1[/dice:mpbnzzkq]
Notice 3
Notice [dice:mpbnzzkq]51718:3[/dice:mpbnzzkq]
Wild [dice:mpbnzzkq]51718:4[/dice:mpbnzzkq]
Crack! The shot goes off, and Sammy has spent enough time around firearms to recognize the situation immediately. He gets low, and stumbles over his own feet, still dazed from the explosion. He’s vaguely aware of one of the Russians going down in a spray of blood, but between the ringing in his head, the ache in his chest (Is that a broken rib?), and his general state of disrepair, he doesn’t give it a second thought.

Just get clear!

Even at less than his best, Sammy is still Sammy, and he makes a run for it, almost unconsciously leaping over and around debris without slowing down.

When he hears @Gary with a G start to make a racket, he yells back, ”No, you idiot! Get clear! Get clear!”
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Fish in a Barrel
As the sniper opens fire on the group Nyx, Gregory, and Gary fight the natural and sane inclination to run. Their distraction gives Sammy lots of time to get Aspen out of the line of fire and the sniper lots to shoot at. The sniper obliges them and continues to fire unfortunately the darkness and the shooter's stealthiness prevent the brave folks from spotting his position...in the end the last of the Russians go down and the sniper sets his sites on the very noisy Gary...

Before he can open fire the roar of a motorboat and flashing lights come along the dockside. A sweeping searchlight floods the area and the sudden brightness causes the sniper to miss Gary, likely saving his life. Behind them the old warehouse continues to burn.

A voice comes over a megaphone from the police patrol boat.

"Baltimore Police. Do you require first aid?"
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Venatus Vinco wrote: Wed Apr 17, 2019 4:17 pm
A voice comes over a megaphone from the police patrol boat.

"Baltimore Police. Do you require first aid?"
Sammy holds one finger up to his lips, letting Aspen know the best course is to keep quiet.

Took the cops long enough, but they had to show up eventually, I guess.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

For the love of Canoli

Gary whom may or may not be looking like a buxom russian prostitute foams at the mouth yellin’ at the police, ” Sniper you twit! These russian’s didn’t kill themselves because they were bored.” He tumbles into a garbage can blinded by the lights and finds his big ass stuck like a plug in one can filled with fish guts and yesteryears gut rot. Perfect, it’ll go well with my dried katchup musk.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Nyx Eveningstream »

Seeing Sammy and the girl run off, Nyx grins and darts from his cover to the nearest alley.

'Excellent. Now I can escape this festering pit of mortal filth and head back into the city'

Nyx turns a corner and pauses to text Sammy, "I assume the package isn't broken. Let's meet up. I know of a place with great coffee."
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Combat-Relevant Edges & Abilities:
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  • Extra Effort (After the Roll, add +1 or +2 to the Focus total for 1 PP or 3 PP)
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Scramble
As the police patrol boat shines its light ashore Gary shouts out a warning about the sniper. The patrol cop swings his search light to the tops of the buildings catching the sniper in its glow. Gary and Gregory manage to catch a glimpse of the shooter a tall human wearing black fatigues. The search light shows he has an athletic build and the looks of a super model. With ridiculous grace he back flips out of the spot lights beam and drops into a shooting crouch and shoots the light out bathing the area in darkness. This quick moment give Gary a quick moment to view the shooter with his wizard's sight (roll detect arcana).

The shot makes the police on the boat hit the deck (literally cause they're on a boat) and then come up shooting toward the sniper. The new gunfight allows the group an opportunity to slip away into the darkness.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

While this particular sniper seems likely not to be entirely human, getting in the middle of a firefight seems to be rather less than a safe thing to do. So Gregory opts to protect any surviving humans, including the Russians. He will assist them in escaping the scene and regroup with the others to discuss our next action.

He will say to the others, "All right, so we still have problems with missing hearts and the escaped vampires. Having dealt with the elder means that the Red Court will probably be in disorder while the lesser vampires struggle to take control, though possibly a higher member of the court from out of town will move in to take the territory. Either way, it will take time, the hearts are the important thing. Now I was thinking, the red cross, while it is currently used as a symbol for medical support, originally came from the Knights of the Hospital in the Crusades, who were a group of knights in support positions who treated the hurt. Their symbol of the red cross is also the source of the name of a gnostic group called the Rosicrucians which claims to have some sort of supernatural power. I do not know whether there is any truth to their claims. Still, does anyone have any other leads?"
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Kriza
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Once the danger is passed, Sammy and Aspen meet up with the crew.
Gregory the Tainted wrote: Fri May 03, 2019 8:48 am While this particular sniper seems likely not to be entirely human, getting in the middle of a firefight seems to be rather less than a safe thing to do. So Gregory opts to protect any surviving humans, including the Russians. He will assist them in escaping the scene and regroup with the others to discuss our next action.

He will say to the others, "All right, so we still have problems with missing hearts and the escaped vampires. Having dealt with the elder means that the Red Court will probably be in disorder while the lesser vampires struggle to take control, though possibly a higher member of the court from out of town will move in to take the territory. Either way, it will take time, the hearts are the important thing. Now I was thinking, the red cross, while it is currently used as a symbol for medical support, originally came from the Knights of the Hospital in the Crusades, who were a group of knights in support positions who treated the hurt. Their symbol of the red cross is also the source of the name of a gnostic group called the Rosicrucians which claims to have some sort of supernatural power. I do not know whether there is any truth to their claims. Still, does anyone have any other leads?"
Sammy tries to nod sagely like he has any idea what Gregory is talking about, but sometimes just can't keep it in.

"Don't know about all of that, man. Maybe it's just a red cross symbol? It's easier to move organs if it looks legitimate, and everyone recognizes the red cross symbol. Lets you blend in without really having to hide. It's sort of how thieves love to get their hands on UPS uniforms and coats, you know?"
Sammy's Contributions
He's impulsive, a thief, and has only a d4 in Occult. This is about as helpful to this conversation as it gets for him. :lol:
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

Kill one Russian shame on you. Kill two Russians shame on you. Kill three... Well I’ll fuck you up harder than the detective Mallory Malone kicks me in the nuts.

Gary quickly mumbles some mumbo jumbo about newt eyes and crab cakes. He grabs his head in pain, ” Fuckin curse... Hang on guys I ughhh. I SEE SOMETHING!”

If given half a chance, whether looking like a overweight hooker clad in too much leather, or his gut popping dried katschup stained heafty self, he waggles his brown pants going after the sniper with all the vengeance of someone who had lost everything while soiling themselves. Let’s face it, when the Russians went down all bets were off. I got something for you snippy and it’s going to feel like my rectum.

Arcana for the curse [dice:4kktpmad]53213:0[/dice:4kktpmad] wild [dice:4kktpmad]53213:1[/dice:4kktpmad] ace [dice:4kktpmad]53213:2[/dice:4kktpmad]
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Narrow Escape
Using the gunfight between the sniper and the police patrol boat as convenient the group manages to slink away into the darkness. Unfortunately, there are no Russian gangsters left alive to save. However, not all is lost as the young Fae, Aspen, is still with Sammy.

Before bolting, Gary takes a risk and looks at the sniper with his wizard's sight. The shape changes from human to a dark demonic form, giving the distinct impression of a predator and hunter. Yet, there is also something strangely attractive about it
Occult
Gary can share the information or not but a successful Occult roll will reveal the type of creature Gary saw. This might be a good place for a cooperative roll. Roll together in support and role play it as an information exchange.
Red Cross
These are organ donor boxes. Gary may recall that according to Dr. Ralston two were stolen from John's Hopkins hospital.[/occ]
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

With shot leaking down his brown pant leg Gary gasps with the force of an asthmatic. ” What the fuck... Did you dolls see that?” While running from the scene and barreling into trash cans and shit piles that could not occomidate his girth Gary points over in the direction of the sniper. ” It fucking changed. Some kind of shape shifting demon. A sweet beautiful apex predator that could kick me in my nuts anytime. What was that thing?”

The dirty grime covered poop smelling private investigator slapped his face hard! ”I know I have seen that thing before. Common Gary you don’t have a fracking ghost skull to help you figure these things out. Just your big overweight brain.”

Occult [dice:2q2qx9yx]53245:0[/dice:2q2qx9yx] ace [dice:2q2qx9yx]53245:2[/dice:2q2qx9yx]wild [dice:2q2qx9yx]53245:1[/dice:2q2qx9yx]
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory hears Gary and says, "An attractive but predatory appearing demonic being? Any specific details, like horns, wings, barbed tail, odd skin color, cloven hooves, only two toes on feet, or even gender? Anything you can think of that can help identify it...there are demons in nearly all mythologies, but each has different strengths and weaknesses. If we can identify it, we might have an easier time defeating it."

He wracks his brains for specific suggestions...
OOC Comments
Occult [dice:zcpe3m3z]53326:0[/dice:zcpe3m3z] Wild Occult [dice:zcpe3m3z]53326:1[/dice:zcpe3m3z] WO Ace [dice:zcpe3m3z]53326:4[/dice:zcpe3m3z] to try to identify creature
Research [dice:zcpe3m3z]53326:2[/dice:zcpe3m3z] Wild Research [dice:zcpe3m3z]53326:3[/dice:zcpe3m3z] to try to extract identifying information
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Kriza
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Common Knowledge 5 w/Streetwise
Common Knowledge [dice:2t90o74u]53378:0[/dice:2t90o74u] includes Streetwise
Wild [dice:2t90o74u]53378:1[/dice:2t90o74u]
Sammy listens as intently as he can, but a lot of this demonic stuff is outside his wheelhouse. Weird snipers, though... that, he might know something about. He might not have details, but he’s heard lots of guys’ reputations.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Court Jesters
Beaten, soiled, and nearly arrested the group manages to catch a breather and compare notes about their would-be assassin. Gary's vision, while horrific, gives startling insight to the case: the shooter was a White Court Vampire!

White Court vampires appear human and prey on human emotions and energies. Their vampiric state is genetic and highly hereditary, rather than induced like the other two major Courts. Their demon feeds upon specific emotions, which largely depends upon which family you come from. No one in the group knows which family operates in Baltimore. Regardless of the group the White Court is known for shadowy political maneuvers and oneupmanship. Outward acts of aggression are seen as low brow and obtuse. They are also enemies of the Red Court. If this heart theft is truly a White Court operation then pinning it on the Reds and the Russians is a classic MO.

Sammy knows little about the Occult but he knows a lot about the streets. Even some rumors about a crime family that keeps such a low profile that they are practically urban legend: House Lagios. Rumor has it they have been running in Virginia since before the Revolutionary War starting with the slave trade and now into the sex trade and many other vices. This is the kind of criminal enterprise that could easily hire Russians to do their dirty work while operating silently in the shadows well beyond the reach of the law.

With the death of the Russians and Red Court Aspen, the recovered half-fae girl, is the only person with any direct connection to the case. Surely she is a loose end that will need to be tied. For the moment she is too groggy to answer questions but will recover soon.

This revelation leads to some new trains of thought: Were the Red Court vamps just dupes in a White court ploy?, Was the warehouse explosion and assassination an attempt to tie up loose ends?, If it was is the White Court now gunning for you?. Regardless, tracking down this new enemy before they use the hearts is still paramount.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory takes a few moments to come up with White Court Vampires, he generally does not think of Vampires as Demonic, but they do fall into the general category.

He thinks over what he knows of the breed, "White Court vampires are not affected by normal vampire weaknesses like sunlight or holy stuff, however they are also more physically vulnerable...a normal weapon can hurt most of them...only a few are powerful enough to resist most form of physical harm. They can use energy to boost their physical abilities and to heal themselves, and to induce the emotion they feed upon. Generally they need to touch someone to feed upon them. Because they feed on emotion, their weakness is an opposed emotion...but which emotion varies in both cases. That is about all I know about them."
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Gary with a G
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

Gary punches the closest thing to him at the realization that white court vampires were 63.5% responsible. He mutters under his breath, ” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” He grabs and sips out of a discarded cofee cup then looks over at some random broad walking by giving him the potty eye. He shrugs and whispers to her, ” Ten day old coffee what is not to like.” The woman could have been bothered by the fact he was still wearing the clothes from the last couple days. Still with his crapped pants.

He pulls out his journal, an old school paper and pencil detective jounral he bought at the dollar store. It seems like something a child would use pretending to be a detective. Ok... Gary put it together. Someone steals a heart hiring the russians, turns out it was the red court vampires... They need a second heart too. But a white court vampire was sniping anyone outside. Did not want any one to leave alive. What did they know...” He looks at the analog clock tick tocking up above the barista. The strain of the puzzle was wearing on Gary’s mental facility and combined with his imminent death in a few hours was giving him a headache. He slamms the table showing the journal to any of his companions who could still stand the sight of him, ”Thanks for the run down Greg. My life is about to end... What am I missing, how the fuck are we going to find some kind of shadow organization of emo vampires?”
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory responds, "That is fairly easy, if they were involved in Slavery and the sex trade,they likely still are. We look for brothels, especially those that cater to the BDSM crowd, or white slave sales. Any place where sex is sold without any affection might do, but the worse the trade the more likely the vampires are to be involved."

Vampires think of humans as cattle, or less than that, so bad treatment of humans in their service is common.
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Kriza
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Sammy speaks up. "Um. I might know how to find some of that stuff. But, ah, I'm going to need you guys to agree not to ask me any questions about how, okay? And anything, and I mean anything that I tell you about this stays strictly confidential. Everyone good with that?"

Sammy will wait for affirmative responses before saying anything else on the matter. He likes the team, and nothing brings people together like surviving un-survivable danger, but he's still got other obligations.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory replies, "While knowing how might be useful for future investigations, I can understand the notion of confidential sources. I will agree not to ask and to keep secret what you do reveal."

He can certainly understand that some things are better off kept secret.
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Kriza
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Sammy nods at @Gregory the Tainted; it’s good to have his word. @Gary with a G is a PI, and the word “private” is literally in the job description, so Sammy is confident Gary knows how to keep a secret. And @Nyx Eveningstream, well, Nyx is a fae secret-keeper by trade and by nature. If he can get Nyx to agree to shut his mouth, Sammy knows he can trust it.

While he waits for their responses, he turns to Aspen. ”What do you think? What can you tell us about all this?”
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Secret Fellowship
As the group prepares to enter the dark hole of depravity known as the White Court Sammy wants to make sure they are all on the same page. Gregory and Gary seem on board and eventually Nyx relents forgoing the normal fae obfuscation in order to get at the real prize. The White Court Vampires are signatories of the accords, using fae hearts and dark magic pretty much make this move an act of war. If he gets the good to the Winter Queen first he will be highly favoured. For now these mortals continue to serve his purpose and thus earn his confidence.

With everyone agreed the group takes some time to get out of sight, change their undershorts, and question the girl they just recused from a brood of vampires, Russian gangsters, and an explosion all in one night. After catching her up on the situation Sammy tries to get her take,
Sam wrote:"What do you think? What can you tell us about all this?”


Image

"Look man," she replies with a lot of attitude that may or not be bravado, "I don't know who you are but we are in some deep trouble here. I was researching some bad hoodoo for some people with a lot of money. It's best we just get gone before they take another shot at us. Give me cash to get a cab up outta here. Wherever here is."

Uncooperative
Aspen is currently uncooperative per the SWADE reaction table (page 33). Persuasion with a success can make her neutral a raise cooperative. You could also try intimidating the information form her or greasing the wheels with something valuable, she obviously needs cash.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

Finally with a pair of fresh brown pants and his favorite leather jacket on Baltimore’s fatest wizard dick was ready to get some work done. Time was ticking on his life and he did not have time to play nice any more. His eyes locked up tight with the broads, ” Not that I don’t mind a good kick in the nuts, its time we have a heart to heart. Why you? Why were you so special? What are you hiding?”

Soul Gaze edge. On the flip side she learns a ton about how big of a looser Gary is. All his posturing and slobesque fronts are the real deal. He really is the worst dick in the world. Mostly though that just is to cover up his lack of being a great wizard. You see there is this awesome wizard, Dresden, Gary always wanted to be just like him... But, it just wasn’t in the cards. No hockey stick, no wand, no magic skull, and no life if he did not find the source of who took the faes heart.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory, despite his history of hunting "monsters", does not know what Gary is doing. He may not be the most persuasive, but it will not hurt to give it a try.

Gregory states, "We already know quite a lot about what is going on, if we had not learned we would never have found you. Believe me when I say, we probably can not get deeper into trouble, so telling us everything is the best chance you have of surviving and getting out. Leave us in the dark you you really feel like dying within the next two days...because that is the deadline we know for things to go down."
OOC Comments
Persuade [dice:14du9myc]54008:0[/dice:14du9myc], Wild Persuade [dice:14du9myc]54008:1[/dice:14du9myc] To try to change her mind
Notice [dice:14du9myc]54008:2[/dice:14du9myc], Wild Notice [dice:14du9myc]54008:3[/dice:14du9myc] To observe her reactions
Research [dice:14du9myc]54008:4[/dice:14du9myc], Wild Research [dice:14du9myc]54008:5[/dice:14du9myc] To get information from her if she decides to help
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Kriza
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Persuasion 21, plus any bonus for cash
Persuasion [dice:2bpmbhx6]54170:0[/dice:2bpmbhx6] + [dice:2bpmbhx6]54170:2[/dice:2bpmbhx6] + [dice:2bpmbhx6]54170:3[/dice:2bpmbhx6] + [dice:2bpmbhx6]54170:4[/dice:2bpmbhx6]
+ bonus from cash
[dice:2bpmbhx6]54170:1[/dice:2bpmbhx6] + bonus from cash
Sammy slides her $100, which represents the amount he stole from the bad guy’s apartment in our first live session.
After @Gary with a G finishes... whatever that was, and @Gregory the Tainted makes his pitch, Sammy chimes in.

”Listen, I know this is all pretty intense, but trust me, we don’t want to drag you into anything you’re not already in. We just need some information, and we’ll help you get wherever you need to go.”

He slips her a hundred and continues, ”We aren’t going to hurt you. Heck, if you get into a mess again, we’ll probably end up helping you again. That seems to kind of be our thing, of late. And if you do need help,” he taps the bill, where he’s written his number, “or if you’re free, say, next weekend, after all this is over” he flashes her a little smile, ”just call.”

Jealousy meets Impulsive
He may be jealous of Dianne’s paramours, but he’s not blind.
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Venatus Vinco
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Soulgaze
Guilt. Fear. Insecurity.

For Gary, gazing into Aspen's soul is like looking into his own. The same deep seated feelings of angst, but for entirely different reasons. He sees Aspen holding two beating hearts in her hands. A pair of figures are perched on her shoulder one enticing her with money and power to give up the hearts, the other trying to talk her out of it. Eventually she relents to the lure of power. As soon as she does a great tidal wave erupts washing over her. Gary can feel it as a literal wave of guilt.

Whatever he stony exterior this woman feels guilty about something.
Breathless from the soulgaze Aspen is caught with her defences down as the others press their line of questioning. Gregory, without the benefit of a Soul Gaze, stumbles upon her guilty conscience and forces her to consider it. While Sammy earns a look somewhere between bitch please and call me later.

Sighing she finally chooses to cooperate.

"Listen, I didn't know I was getting mixed up with vampires. Some slick, clued-in, city councillor said he wanted to make a run at mayor and wanted a little magical mojo to help him increase his influence at city hall...bring all the opposing sides under his banner. I did a little research and found out about the Beating Hearts spell. It takes the hearts from the two courts makes then beat as one. Anyone inside the spell radius is aligned with the caster. Turns out he was making a circle large enough to encompass city hall." She sighs heavily, "I didn't think some two-bit politicians had the stones or the connections to get his hands on fae hearts...then word on the street is two end up dead with their hearts cut out and I try to bolt. End up getting nabbed by the Russian mob and fed to some vamps, until you all show up. Guess they didn't want any loose ends."
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Venatus Vinco wrote: Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:41 pm Sighing she finally chooses to cooperate.

"Listen, I didn't know I was getting mixed up with vampires. Some slick, clued-in, city councillor said he wanted to make a run at mayor and wanted a little magical mojo to help him increase his influence at city hall...bring all the opposing sides under his banner. I did a little research and found out about the Beating Hearts spell. It takes the hearts from the two courts makes then beat as one. Anyone inside the spell radius is aligned with the caster. Turns out he was making a circle large enough to encompass city hall." She sighs heavily, "I didn't think some two-bit politicians had the stones or the connections to get his hands on fae hearts...then word on the street is two end up dead with their hearts cut out and I try to bolt. End up getting nabbed by the Russian mob and fed to some vamps, until you all show up. Guess they didn't want any loose ends."
Sammy listens with rapt attention... until she reveals this is all some weirdly minor power play by a local politician.

”Wait, really? Some suit at city hall wants an easier time getting kickbacks, or something? That’s what all this is for? Which guy?”
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

Venatus Vinco wrote: Mon Jun 03, 2019 4:41 pm
Soulgaze
Guilt. Fear. Insecurity.

For Gary, gazing into Aspen's soul is like looking into his own. The same deep seated feelings of angst, but for entirely different reasons. He sees Aspen holding two beating hearts in her hands. A pair of figures are perched on her shoulder one enticing her with money and power to give up the hearts, the other trying to talk her out of it. Eventually she relents to the lure of power. As soon as she does a great tidal wave erupts washing over her. Gary can feel it as a literal wave of guilt.

Whatever he stony exterior this woman feels guilty about something.
Breathless from the soulgaze Aspen is caught with her defences down as the others press their line of questioning. Gregory, without the benefit of a Soul Gaze, stumbles upon her guilty conscience and forces her to consider it. While Sammy earns a look somewhere between bitch please and call me later.

Sighing she finally chooses to cooperate.

"Listen, I didn't know I was getting mixed up with vampires. Some slick, clued-in, city councillor said he wanted to make a run at mayor and wanted a little magical mojo to help him increase his influence at city hall...bring all the opposing sides under his banner. I did a little research and found out about the Beating Hearts spell. It takes the hearts from the two courts makes then beat as one. Anyone inside the spell radius is aligned with the caster. Turns out he was making a circle large enough to encompass city hall." She sighs heavily, "I didn't think some two-bit politicians had the stones or the connections to get his hands on fae hearts...then word on the street is two end up dead with their hearts cut out and I try to bolt. End up getting nabbed by the Russian mob and fed to some vamps, until you all show up. Guess they didn't want any loose ends."

What the fuck... Its like looking at me... Ooogggghhh the cannoli is coming up... Rule 1 Dresden used to tell Gary was never Soul Gaze after eating. Gary did not like what he saw, it was like a mirror exposing every dark depraved flaw he had in him, and he was never short on them. But coming to face with them laid bare so starkly there was no place to hide, no place to run away from them. Rule 2 Dresden used to say, only use Soul Gaze if you had accepted who you were. Gary broke it, and broke it bad. He spat on the ground soaked with vomit and cannoli bits, ”Fuck you Dresden... Ugghhh Fucking wizard...” His left hand drew his gun... ” What the fuck did you do to me... I...” He points the gun not at the woman, but at his own head... Who am I really? A sack of sad shit about to die anyway. Tears rolled down the blubber face of Gary with a G as he tried to understand who he was. ”F...Fuck you... Fuck you Dresden... What am I?”
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Seeing @Gary with a G first wave the gun around and then turn it on himself, Sammy does what comes naturally. He's on his feet faster than the eye can track and sliding over the table, knocking drinks around in the process. He gets his hand on Gary's and pushes the barrel of the pistol up and then gives it a simple twist, putting pressure on the bigger man's thumb and wresting it out of his grip.

He keeps the slide going and rolls with the gun, coming up in a kneeling position with the weapon held upside down in his hand, business end pointed at the floor.

"Holy crap, man!" Sammy exclaims. "What was that?!"

Impulsive Acrobat
He goes with his gut, which is to just get the gun away from his companion. And he does it with style, because he's an acrobat and that's his thing.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory has little experience with real wizards, more with fakes and some monsters, but he assumes that Gary throwing up is not a good sign...nor is his half hearted attempt to turn the gun on himself.

Gregory looks at Gary and says, "What you are is what we all are, someone who is standing between this city and the monsters most people do not know are really there. Pull yourself together and remember this is not about YOU...it is about the millions of people out there who will die or worse if we do not get our act together."

He turns to Aspen and says, "While we need to find out where the hearts WENT, knowing where they came from and who was involved will help. Please, tell us what you know."

He is backing up Sam's play, though persuasion is not his forte.
OOC Comments
Persuasion [dice:2rmjl1sv]54286:0[/dice:2rmjl1sv] Wild Persuasion [dice:2rmjl1sv]54286:1[/dice:2rmjl1sv] Persuade Ace [dice:2rmjl1sv]54286:4[/dice:2rmjl1sv] To convince her to talk
Research [dice:2rmjl1sv]54286:2[/dice:2rmjl1sv], Wild Notice [dice:2rmjl1sv]54286:3[/dice:2rmjl1sv] To ask pertinent questions and help Aspen recall details
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Venatus Vinco
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Venatus Vinco »

Heart Attack
Aspen seems somewhat immune to the group's attempt to get her to cooperate. She is about to jet when she gets caught in Gary's soul gaze. Sudden things get very intense very quickly.

As the gaze breaks Aspen shudders, her eyes watering on the verge of tears, barely maintaining her tough as nails demeanour. Meanwhile, overcome with despair, Gary pulls his gun. Fortunately, Sammy and Gregory talk him down. Recovering her attitude as the scene plays out Aspen offers some help, although she remains keen to stay out of it.

"Look the politician is a nobody named Nate Fischer. Your typical seedy landlord type who got into city politics to help get good zoning laws for his slum apartments. I honestly didn't think he even had what it took to get the ingredients for the ritual, and her certainly ain't clued in enough to pull it off." She pauses for a moment, "But the White Court can. Knowing them Nate is a front man or a stooge for something else. But he fits their profile, the White Vampires feed on despair. And despair is definitely Nate's lingua franca."
Common Knowledge
Success - Nate Fisher is a barely noteworthy politician but he owns some rental properties in Baltimore's notorious Sandtown-Winchester neighbourhood. Referred to colloquially as "Sandtown"
Raise - Fisher likes to hang out at "Sandy's" a bar in Sandtown with a bad reputation.
Not interested in sticking around Aspen gets ready to book it, but not before leaving Sammy her number.

"It's a burner. I might not answer." She gives him a sly wink, "But then again, I might."
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Kriza »

Venatus Vinco wrote: Sun Jun 16, 2019 4:21 pm
Not interested in sticking around Aspen gets ready to book it, but not before leaving Sammy her number.

"It's a burner. I might not answer." She gives him a sly wink, "But then again, I might."
Sammy grins back at Aspen. "I like my odds."

Common Knowledge 8
Common Knowledge [dice:yoj0ilhy]54676:0[/dice:yoj0ilhy] (included Streetwise because that seems like the kind of thing that would apply to knowing about a seedy bar)
Wild [dice:yoj0ilhy]54676:1[/dice:yoj0ilhy]

Benny to reroll: [dice:yoj0ilhy]54676:2[/dice:yoj0ilhy]
Wild [dice:yoj0ilhy]54676:3[/dice:yoj0ilhy]

Come on, now! One more. [dice:yoj0ilhy]54676:4[/dice:yoj0ilhy]
Wild [dice:yoj0ilhy]54676:5[/dice:yoj0ilhy]
After he finishes watching Aspen leave, Sammy turns to the rest of the group. "Listen, I've heard of this Fisher guy. He's essentially a nobody, but he owns property over in Sandtown and he likes to hang out at a bar over there called Sandy's. It's a dive if ever you saw one, and it attracts a bit of a ... rough crowd. Tap specials are decent, though."
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gregory the Tainted »

Gregory says, "That is a place to start. If he does not have the means to have plotted this and made it happen, then someone is using him as a front. We need to find him and interrogate him to find out who."

He notes, "I am not certain of this, as magic rituals are not my Forte, but shouldn't there be a specific place that the ritual needs to be done to have most effect? Not that I would know where that is, but that always seems to be the way it is in stories."

Gregory looks over at Gary, thinking, Gary is the one who, presumably, would know these things. He is a Wizard after all.
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Re: Chapter Two: Heart Trouble

Post by Gary with a G »

Gary wipes his mouth and spits out the last of his regurgitated throw up. Why is Gregory fucking looking at me? Sammy... he's alright in my book. Gary doesn't even ask for his gun back. "Thanks Sammy for keeping my brain intact. Lets track down this fucker and find out what he knows. If we have to we'll use his heart to placate the faeries."

Gary looked at Gregory looking at him. " You imagining me as a fat hairy prostitute eh Gregory? hehe, you had a good thought let me think about someplace near city hall that could be used for something like that."

Kn arcana: [dice:1ro66v40]54804:0[/dice:1ro66v40] ace [dice:1ro66v40]54804:2[/dice:1ro66v40][dice:1ro66v40]54804:1[/dice:1ro66v40]
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