Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: You're listening to the all night Society, an actual play podcast brought to you by Queens court games.
[00:00:37] Speaker B: Just like that, the four of our Cori members prepare for the day's sleep.
It's been an explosive evening to say the least.
Each of you individually laid a bare in certain ways. Some you will remember, some you won't.
In that I suppose Alex has the best deal.
You've had an experience that will never enter your mind ever again.
The same can't be said for the way that my Lugassi has wrinkled calamity and ivy.
Correct as she may be, I doubt either of them appreciate the tone. And if nothing else, it's very difficult to appear severe and harsh as your eyelids start to droop with the sun's encroaching rays.
We all know there's a meeting tomorrow. We all know where it is.
The prince.
Ostensibly, the prince has given you time enough to appear fed and well rested as much as such a thing as possible.
And I will give you the benefit of the doubt of no matter how angry you are, no matter the strange dreams you may be having, when it comes time for court business, you know better than to put off the needs of the beast.
You are also solitary predators.
So to that end, we will say you depart the Jesse manor one by one, off to your own individual hunting grounds, to your crypto bro bars, to your dojos, to your book clubs, to your public parks, with the common understanding that you will arrive at the succubus club at the appointed time.
Calamity and Alex, your particular feeding method relies the least on. I hesitate to use the word foreplay, but if we strip out the romantic or sexual context, there's no need to chat about the newest occult Tome or to pretend to be interested in the new president of Argentina.
You just need to find someone who's alone in the wrong place.
Thus, we will say Alex Scott and Clem may madden arrive at the Succubus club ahead of the other two members of the coterie. Unlike previous nights, which you have attended this august institution, there is no line.
There is no line because there is no Music, there are no lights.
Even the most happening of party spots isn't open every single day. After all, it appears the succubus club has been reserved for your exclusive use this evening in a way that is ominous more than exciting.
[00:03:32] Speaker C: Well, if nothing else, I get to roll up in the car.
There's the rumble of classic Detroit muscle, and I'll pull in and park and lean myself against the driver's side door. To wait.
[00:03:53] Speaker B: Not only repair it of its damage, but freshly waxed in details. The interior is immaculate.
[00:03:58] Speaker C: There's a stain from, like, 1972 in the backseat that is gone.
[00:04:06] Speaker B: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
[00:04:08] Speaker C: Oh, it's a good thing. I've been fighting with that for three decades.
[00:04:13] Speaker B: Well, then, calamity, with the driver's side window down, looking out towards the club, sees a familiar figure stalking down the street.
There are not many things I know for sure about Alexander Scott, but among them, you're definitely the kind of guy who likes to walk shoulders up, chest out after a good feed, feeling particularly.
[00:04:38] Speaker D: Confident, or maybe even just happy after a good feed from someone who is in their own confident element. It's kind of infectious, even money.
[00:04:49] Speaker B: Who spots who first?
[00:04:53] Speaker C: I'll give a whistle as I get out of the car.
[00:04:57] Speaker D: I want to make sure I'm with an earshot. I'm not just yelling hello across the street. And I get up to calamity. Hey, how's it going?
[00:05:06] Speaker C: Hey, baby.
You feeling all right?
[00:05:12] Speaker B: Feeling pretty good. Yeah.
[00:05:15] Speaker D: It doesn't make sense, but I'm not going to question it. I deserve to feel good, so I'm going to. Easy as that.
[00:05:23] Speaker C: Good.
Can't imagine this is your first encounter with the court.
[00:05:31] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:05:32] Speaker D: In that case, I'm just a little nervous, little hesitant. The last time I was here, I almost got eaten by a woman. Not in a fun way. And almost got killed by a prince. And not in the fun way.
[00:05:43] Speaker B: So I'm a little nervous. I guess.
[00:05:52] Speaker C: It'll be fun. You're picking this up quick, all this nonsense.
[00:06:00] Speaker D: I'm trying to. It's not easy to absorb over 1000 years of insane neo feudal mechanations in a few weeks. Not to mention everyone has their secrets, so I have to learn those, which is two times as hard. But doing what I can.
[00:06:20] Speaker C: You're doing all right.
At least I think so.
Appreciate that's.
Suppose you can see the old girls back together. I'll sort of nudge the car.
[00:06:43] Speaker D: Yeah, she looks great. I mean, you really got the gunfire out of the upholstery. That's really impressive.
[00:06:50] Speaker C: Yeah, no, the burns are gone. And it's nice to have a windshield again.
[00:07:00] Speaker D: I can only imagine.
I took a Stuber over. Relax. I went, like, two blocks down and got out and walked over here. And he was complaining about his squeaky rims. The brake pads on the rims. I can't even imagine having to take a Stuber that's got an entire front window missing.
Windshield.
[00:07:19] Speaker B: That's what they're called.
[00:07:23] Speaker C: Um, depending on how this goes.
[00:07:30] Speaker B: I.
[00:07:31] Speaker C: Might be saying goodbye once we wrap.
[00:07:38] Speaker B: Well, that really sucks, but.
[00:07:42] Speaker D: Like to have you around a bit more. But I get it. You got to do what you got to do.
[00:07:48] Speaker C: Part of the job.
Another city has a lupine problem. That's where I got to go.
[00:07:58] Speaker D: Do me a favor.
Bigger bullets for the lupine. Just bigger bullets. I think. I did my best with these guns here, but I think they're not as big as a 50 caliber round.
[00:08:17] Speaker C: I'll re up before I get into the next fight. Don't you worry. Alex Scott.
But it's been, I hesitate to say nice, because, well, watching somebody I enjoyed fighting with go down into torper was a little nerve wracking. I won't lie to you.
[00:08:44] Speaker D: What I heard.
I think I beat a new world record on torper. I was gone for, like, what, a day?
[00:08:50] Speaker B: Two days?
[00:08:53] Speaker C: Three, from what I hear.
That's OD, Alex. Did they explain that to you?
[00:09:02] Speaker D: Oh, I want to say it was something condescending, like, I was a good boy, so I got out of death, jail, and good behavior.
[00:09:12] Speaker C: There are implications there that are interesting and also unsurprising, given your personality. And I mean that in a good way.
Means you're probably better off than a lot of us. Monsters in the dark.
[00:09:28] Speaker D: Give it a matter of days, years, time. Either I'll be just like you all, or you all be just like me. I don't know what's worse.
[00:09:38] Speaker C: Try not to change too much.
[00:09:43] Speaker D: I'll do what I can.
But you must be pretty nervous, too. I mean, you probably weren't here with your life on the line, but something's always on the line, I would imagine.
[00:09:56] Speaker C: There's usually something with the court, whether it's under the cam or under the anarchs.
It's politics either way.
[00:10:10] Speaker B: Unfortunately.
[00:10:12] Speaker C: Just.
I don't know. Tell the truth. That's all we can do. Shit. They already know. What? So.
[00:10:21] Speaker D: Don't know if you know this about me, Cal, but I'm a terrible liar. So I'm just going to default to the truth because it makes the most sense.
[00:10:30] Speaker C: I've been told I have a glass face, so in that we are evenly matched. I'll give them a bump with my shoulder.
All my ramble to say, if I skip town after this, I think I'll miss you.
[00:10:51] Speaker D: Well, don't be gone too long. I mean, someone's got to join me in punching things instead of out talking and thinking them.
[00:11:03] Speaker C: I suppose I could always swing back.
[00:11:05] Speaker B: Through that of course, presumes you'll be allowed to return to the city after the proceedings that await for you inside.
[00:11:15] Speaker C: Don't remind me. Storyteller.
[00:11:19] Speaker B: Well, you can spend the next few moments deciding which would be worse, being trapped here or being exiled.
At least you have that option, as our next arrival is stuck here. No matter what she decides would be better for her.
Ivy Larue.
Easy to see who's already arrived. Damn, that car looks good.
I mean, your perspective was a little strained last time, but just like that, the hole in you is gone. The hole in the roof is gone.
Everything's coming back together.
[00:12:00] Speaker A: I don't know a lot about bodywork, admittedly, but this is a little Shelby gt of Theseus, I think.
At what point does it stop being calamity's car? But I'm not going to bring that up.
[00:12:15] Speaker B: I implore that you not. She seems to be having a polite.
[00:12:19] Speaker A: Conversation with Alex, that they are looking comfortable smiling. I don't know why anybody has reason to smile right now, but I pull up, park behind Cal, hop out of the car.
Just waiting on how.
How are you feeling now that you have your car back?
[00:12:52] Speaker C: Relieved more than anything else.
Yeah, I bet she's been through a lot with me.
Would you believe it's not the first time the windshield has been blown out?
[00:13:06] Speaker A: Yes, absolutely. Yes, 100%.
Hopefully a different situation than the last time, but.
[00:13:26] Speaker C: Different pack.
[00:13:32] Speaker A: And I. Mime helicopter.
[00:13:36] Speaker C: No, that was a first. And hopefully the last.
Shit.
[00:13:45] Speaker A: Yeah. Fingers crossed. Anyway.
[00:13:50] Speaker C: Well, as I was telling young Mr. Scott here, depending on how this goes, city might be in my rear view after our little meeting, but I just wanted to thank you again, Abel. I know you didn't have much of a choice, but your efforts were commendable nonetheless.
[00:14:14] Speaker A: Well, wouldn't have made it out of there alive without you.
All right, back at you.
And no offense, but if you're only here to deal with werewolves, I hope I never have to see you again.
[00:14:33] Speaker C: That is entirely fair.
And I don't blame you.
[00:14:39] Speaker B: Bringing us, then, to one final arrival.
Maya, do you notice when the person you've been feeding on has been microdosing Adderall for productivity purposes for a long time?
[00:14:52] Speaker E: I didn't recognize what it was, but it's basically just baby meth.
[00:15:00] Speaker B: A roundabout way of getting back to the. There's perhaps an unusual amount of pep in your step as you approach the succubus club.
[00:15:11] Speaker E: The world always looks a little nicer.
[00:15:13] Speaker B: After a good feeding, especially considering the consequences when Maya's hunger gets too high.
[00:15:22] Speaker E: Well, we've avoided it so far.
[00:15:26] Speaker B: And so the coterie is reunited.
Checking your watch? About 6 minutes ahead of time.
[00:15:35] Speaker E: Hey, kids.
[00:15:37] Speaker A: Maya. Evening. You're looking happier than when I last saw you.
[00:15:47] Speaker C: Peppy, I think, is the word that.
[00:15:48] Speaker A: I want to use. For some reason, I wanted to avoid that word.
[00:15:52] Speaker C: Too late.
[00:15:54] Speaker E: I just had a great meal.
Are you waiting outside for any specific reason, or can you not get into a club when it's not open?
[00:16:04] Speaker A: I mean, maybe we were being polite and waiting for you so we could all go in and face the music together.
[00:16:11] Speaker C: Something united, front.
[00:16:15] Speaker D: Also, I don't think it's wise for us to go barging into this place unannounced. Probably a good idea to wait for security to let us in.
[00:16:24] Speaker B: Curious you should mention that. Although it's not a bouncer who opens a side door.
There's a woman, originally with black hair, but it has been bleached and bleached and bleached into a staggeringly bright golden blonde.
Ivy. You of all people would recognize Alexa Santos first, having crossed her path so many times.
For the others, I believe this is your first encounter. There's no time for introductions, though.
There's no wave or whistle, merely a glare. Pointed eye contact made across the street, and she disappears back into the doorway.
[00:17:07] Speaker C: I think that's our cue.
[00:17:12] Speaker A: Well, best not to keep that one waiting at the best of. So.
[00:17:20] Speaker E: Of course, ladies first. And I will step in front of Ivy.
[00:17:25] Speaker C: Pretty sure you could hear my eye roll back in Baltimore.
[00:17:32] Speaker B: The interior of the club is dark, casting a very different visage than the last time you arrived. There's no constantly shifting spiral of lights from above. There's no steady thump of bass from two large speakers.
There's no sheriff come musician wailing away on stage.
In fact, were it not for the small candle burning at the center of one of the front line tables, there'd be no light at all.
The flickering illumination, though, is enough to reveal three figures waiting.
The first, I imagine Ivy, could spot from space a light skinned black man with a close cropped, textured beard, eyes of two different colors staring off into knows what and even were it not for his figure, the cane polished oak with a silver cap that has come to represent his symbol of office, Abraham du Sable is hard to miss.
The next Maya, perhaps the most familiar, with a petite woman with a volume of black hair atop her head, golden skin wrapped in a black dress, and rounding out the pair, someone you would never expect to see in public. Matt for the present company, an elderly man, white, bald, round glasses perched precariously atop his nose, the seneshal Alan Sovereign.
As the heavy metal door shuts beside you, the sound echoes through the room. Alexa. Nowhere to be seen but three pairs of eyes cutting across an empty dance floor. Nevertheless, Mr. Sovereign rises and beckons you forward with a single hand.
Please join us.
Gesturing to the correct number of empty.
[00:19:37] Speaker A: Chairs, I take a seat in the center of the four chairs.
I don't want to put Alex in a position to have to take the brunt of this because he's so new and either calamity or Maya can take the one next to me.
[00:19:54] Speaker B: But all things being equal, I would expect Maya to sit next to her primigy. I would expect Ivy to leave as much space as possible between her and the tremere regent.
[00:20:05] Speaker E: I would prefer to stand if I could, but if I look to be invited to sit near Sierra, I might as well take that power instead.
[00:20:18] Speaker B: Invited, I don't think is the correct verb, considering the level of command in Mr. Sovereign's voice.
[00:20:28] Speaker E: Leave me this comfort at least.
[00:20:35] Speaker B: And so, as you take your seats, so does the seneshaw.
He's smiling.
Far be it from me to presume, but given our business this evening and other things that remain requiring my attention, you will understand if I dispense with the small talk. Yes.
[00:20:59] Speaker A: Of course.
[00:21:02] Speaker B: I take it everyone seated here currently understands why we've gathered the business that needs tended to?
[00:21:10] Speaker C: Yes, sir.
[00:21:16] Speaker B: Mr. Du Sable, you've been invited, as this involves one of yours. Likewise, Primagent van Burris.
Mr. Scott, you'll understand, given your relationship with the prince, Critius does not yet feel comfortable claiming you as one of your own.
As the prince's representative, I shall serve as yours in these proceedings.
[00:21:40] Speaker D: Okay, I say, feeling my thumb go up. For whatever reason.
[00:21:49] Speaker A: I just reach over and put my hand on his thumb and pull it down so his hands are neatly in his lap.
[00:21:59] Speaker B: You stand accused of the murder of Jason Newberry. There's no need to go over the details, fresh as they are in your mind. And while you are of course free to deny them, the fact that we know so quickly and you have been summoned here suggests it would not be wise to do so.
[00:22:17] Speaker E: Well, do you want us to fight you?
[00:22:18] Speaker B: Then the choice is yours. Miss Lugasi, I am here but an agent of the prince's justice.
[00:22:27] Speaker E: You've laid the charges before us, and then you've told us not to deny you. So it seems we have nothing to do but take it.
[00:22:40] Speaker B: Not a question of presumed guilt, a question of expediency. That said, I don't hear anyone desiring to enter a plea of not guilty. Is that correct?
And his eyes traverse the four of you?
[00:22:53] Speaker A: That is correct.
[00:22:56] Speaker B: Ms. Madden.
[00:22:59] Speaker C: My daddy always taught me the truth will out, so I will not refute these charges.
[00:23:06] Speaker B: Mr. Scott.
[00:23:15] Speaker D: Can I plead the fifth? Can we do that in vampire court?
[00:23:21] Speaker B: Mr. Scott, this isn't a court like any you have ever understood before.
I'm sure we would all understand. And the exchanges? A glance between disable and Sierra. If you wish to plead ignorance.
[00:23:43] Speaker D: I will.
Yes, I would like to give a plea of ignorance at this time. Your honor. Sir.
[00:23:53] Speaker B: And Miss Lugasi.
[00:23:58] Speaker E: I cast a look at Sierra briefly.
[00:24:02] Speaker B: She is stone.
Whatever is lurking behind those eyes, she has no intention of sharing with you.
[00:24:10] Speaker E: All right then.
Guilty.
[00:24:17] Speaker B: Regent Primigen, anything to interject on your clan's behalf?
Dusable only now choosing to make eye contact with anyone looks to sovereign.
No, seneshal.
Sierra merely shakes her head.
Excellent. His hands clap together. Alan. Sovereign now leaning forward on his elbows. Then we can dispense with any trial and move directly to our judgment.
By admission or by ignorance. You accept responsibility for the destruction of a kindred under the prince's care and security?
Before we weigh the punishment required by such an act, we shall, of course, be open to hearing of any extenuating circumstances.
Do you care to explain why you saw fit to undermine the prince's authority in this city? To take justice into your own hands?
[00:25:29] Speaker A: I'm going to look to Maya.
[00:25:33] Speaker C: So, Maya.
[00:25:40] Speaker E: All right.
We had evidence that Newberry's influence extended beyond his corporeal form.
Even in turpr, he was dangerous.
[00:25:51] Speaker B: There's a long, pregnant pause.
Sovereign still smiling.
We agree.
Yes, it seems inadvertently.
And the way he says that word, abdicating himself of responsibility. You know by looking in his eyes that he has.
You have done the court a service.
Now, of course, the extrajudicial murder of kindred, that violates the traditions that this court, and he makes a very pointed look at Sierra, takes very seriously.
It's for this reason that the prince has instructed me and through me, our regent and our primigian, to allow this matter to pass quietly and away from the public eye.
Your silence seems to indicate a lack of understanding. I shall be more plain.
You've done exactly what you were supposed to do.
Whatever waits for Newberry in a hundred years would still be as dangerous. And this city needs to move on.
We, of course, couldn't endorse your witch hunt. The prince couldn't have been seen to dispense justice that plagiad the Malkavians and more rebellious elements in the city? No, of course not. But we all wanted Newberry dead.
You've done us that favor, and on top of it, another.
Those of us in this room appreciate what you have done. The same could not be said for the rest of Chicago's citizens. And I hope it's understood that unless you continue to dispense with the prince's justice to serve those interests given to you by your betters, well, that would be a piece of information we'd be happy to share publicly.
It would be a terrible thing for the Lasambra in such a precarious position, to have one of their own acting uncontrolled against the wishes of their primigen, a bruja, given the privilege of not attending critius's academy, the purpose of which is to prevent incidents like these.
An interloper from a foreign court invited to solve a problem in causing another, to say nothing of.
Well, we'd be happy to turn your fate over to the pyramid, but thankfully, none of those things are going to happen, because the four of you will continue to cooperate, at least, I presume.
[00:28:36] Speaker A: Yes, sir, of course.
[00:28:41] Speaker E: And should we leave Chicago?
[00:28:48] Speaker B: Oh, quite the contrary, Miss Madden. Your circumstances are unique. But for the other three of you, you will remain in Chicago until Chicago is done with you.
There is a project afoot. The prince has made this clear.
Congratulations. You now find yourself in an official starring role.
Think of all the problems the prince cannot solve himself, but of a coterie of rogue kindred, especially ones that acted silently, didn't leave any evidence.
Well, sometimes bad things happen to bad people.
Make no mistake. This isn't an ultimatum without reward.
There are benefits. After all, in serving the prince.
[00:29:38] Speaker D: I'm going to slowly raise my hand, looking around the room just to make sure, if anyone knows better than me, to put it down. But I'm going to slowly and sheepishly say, this does sound like a great honor, but also a great danger. I'm sure the benefits are worth the effort, but if there's anything I've learned in the past two weeks is that we also need protections.
Understanding that doing this for the prince would be a really great gift and opportunity, but also a huge risk to our ability to continue doing it.
Will we have any political.
[00:30:23] Speaker C: Sanctions?
[00:30:23] Speaker D: That's not the word security. In doing this, act graciously, of course, for the prince.
[00:30:30] Speaker B: Well, that depends, Mr. Scott. Any given action can have, of course, one of two outcomes. If you do so, in a way, that allows the prince to cover for you, then, yes, if you do so in a way that attracts unwanted attention or contravenes our public.
[00:30:50] Speaker D: So, uh, don't fuck around. Don't find out. I can do that.
[00:30:54] Speaker B: Yeah, okay.
In the parlance, I suppose.
But I do not intend to let Mr. Scott speak for all of you. This is an offer extended individually.
Miss Lugassi, do we have another option.
[00:31:17] Speaker E: Or is this really a one sided deal?
[00:31:23] Speaker B: There are always options, Miss Lugassi.
They're not always equally pleasant.
[00:31:32] Speaker E: Then sure sounds peachy.
[00:31:37] Speaker B: And Miss Larue.
[00:31:41] Speaker A: Where is du Sable looking?
[00:31:46] Speaker B: Dusable has been avoiding eye contact with you the entire time.
Save for exchanging a few glances with Alan Sovereign. He seems content to look at no one.
[00:31:59] Speaker A: I think Maya and I are in agreement here about our understanding of exactly what this situation, so, yes.
[00:32:16] Speaker B: Very well, Miss Madden. Unfortunately, I cannot offer you this decision.
The prince's authority does not extend to Baltimore.
At first convenience, we will be dispatching a courier.
You will be allowed to resolve this incident in your own court.
[00:32:42] Speaker C: It's not my court, but sure.
[00:32:49] Speaker B: Then all things being said, this meeting is adjourned. I will report back to the prince.
We'll be in touch, Alan. Sovereign rises seconds after the regent and the primigen.
Ivy. Whatever internal thoughts you are having are interrupted by the thump of a cane against the floor. And for the first time, du Sable turns to face you.
He gestures away towards tables reserved for vips too important to be bothered by business on the dance floor.
A moment of your time, neonate?
[00:33:34] Speaker A: I nod, rising from my seat and head towards the tables.
[00:33:42] Speaker B: As Ivy makes her move.
Maya. You feel a hand on your shoulder.
I give you spatial awareness enough to realize who it belongs to.
Let's go have a chat, shall we?
[00:34:00] Speaker E: Of course. Sierra.
[00:34:03] Speaker B: Sovereign adjusts his tie as regent, primagen and coterie mates depart. He looks to Alex. Mr. Scott, thank you for your evening. You are dismissed. Miss Madden. And sovereign reaches into the pocket of a disgustingly expensive suit to withdraw an envelope.
Even in the low light, you can tell the paper it's thick and expensive, sealed with wax.
He places it on the table and slides it in your direction.
This is for you.
[00:34:41] Speaker C: Thank you, sir.
[00:34:44] Speaker B: Enjoy the rest of your evening.
[00:34:48] Speaker C: You as well.
[00:34:51] Speaker D: So you just got a letter.
[00:34:54] Speaker B: You just got a letter.
[00:34:57] Speaker D: You just got a letter.
[00:34:58] Speaker B: What's up with it?
[00:35:01] Speaker C: Well, we're not dead again.
[00:35:06] Speaker D: I'll take that as a win.
[00:35:08] Speaker C: You want to get the fuck out of here?
[00:35:11] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:35:12] Speaker D: Immediately. Right now.
[00:35:14] Speaker C: Let's go.
[00:35:15] Speaker B: Let's go do that.
[00:35:17] Speaker C: Yeah.
As we're walking, I'll sort of trail behind the pup, take a look at the seal, and give a very reflexive, wholly unnecessary sigh.
[00:35:38] Speaker B: You recognize those initials?
[00:35:41] Speaker C: Yep.
Absolute nasty motherfuckers. Swear God, Kev.
[00:35:49] Speaker B: Alex. A few steps ahead of calamity, the door pushes open.
Alexa Santos gives you a glaring, violent grin.
Have a nice night. Be seeing you soon.
[00:36:05] Speaker C: Good night.
Shit.
[00:36:13] Speaker B: So, what's up?
[00:36:16] Speaker C: Um, as much as I would enjoy another night in your company, Alex Scott, I have personal business to attend to.
Going to leave you to your own devices. You're going to be all right.
[00:36:33] Speaker D: I think I'm going to be okay, so long as I don't touch anything. So I'm going to go wait somewhere, and I guess I'll leave you to your own devices.
[00:36:45] Speaker C: Keep your hands in your pockets.
[00:36:48] Speaker D: You know, it's funny. Growing up, my mother told me never to do that. But I think at this point, as an adult, it's best to keep my.
[00:36:54] Speaker B: Hands in my pockets now.
[00:36:56] Speaker C: Yeah, I would usually tell you to listen to your mama, but in this case, I think we could make the exception.
[00:37:02] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:37:04] Speaker D: Oh, my God. I just had the epiphany. She's going to die, and I'm going to still be looking 30. Oh, that's dark, honey.
[00:37:10] Speaker C: Oh, baby.
[00:37:11] Speaker D: I'm going to go deal with this little crisis on my own. You got one of your own, it looks like, with that fancy pants letter. So I'm just going to let you have that.
[00:37:19] Speaker C: I will chuckle, and then I will lean in and give Alex Scott a peck on the cheek.
I'll see you see.
[00:37:37] Speaker B: I'll see you next time. All right. Bye bye.
[00:37:45] Speaker C: Back to the car I go.
God damn it, Kev.
[00:37:56] Speaker B: Inside.
Well, well, Miss Larue.
What an interesting set of circumstances you seem to have embroiled yourself in.
[00:38:06] Speaker A: Yes, regent, indeed.
[00:38:11] Speaker B: Oh, come now. There's no need to be sullen.
You are a tremere. There is no greater honor than to do that which you have been instructed to do.
[00:38:21] Speaker A: Yes, of course.
[00:38:25] Speaker B: Ublosata spoke highly of your conduct.
The only one who managed to keep their head on their shoulders.
[00:38:32] Speaker A: It is what I'm best at.
[00:38:37] Speaker B: Indeed.
And exemplary performance deserves exemplary rewards.
How have you been enjoying the Duchesski manor so far?
[00:38:50] Speaker A: I like it very much.
The ample room in the basement to practice rituals. The ducheski are there to tend to anything that I might need. The library is wonderful indeed.
[00:39:06] Speaker B: Although, no doubt you have lamented being unable to enjoy the full fruits of its labors. As I recall, you've also managed to follow instructions about staying out of certain cabinets, staying away from certain books.
[00:39:20] Speaker A: Well, of course, I may be the one in charge of the manor, but I know who the Duchesski ultimately report to. I wouldn't dare step beyond my bounds.
[00:39:32] Speaker B: And that is what makes you worthy of our clan. I've spoken to the lord of North America.
I have received their assent, of course, keeping details private as they need to be.
And you've been given the blessing of House Tramir to pursue the fullness of the Ducheski manor's possibilities.
This with the understanding you will use them to continue to pursue the goals of this court.
But you also wouldn't be a good tramir were you not engaging in a little bit of side research for your own benefit, now, would you?
[00:40:10] Speaker A: Of course, regent. House before sect.
[00:40:14] Speaker B: Of course.
The pyramid is in a precarious order, Miss Le Roux. You understand that better than most.
In the decades to follow, we will need strong and talented minds to fill those ranks.
I understand you've interpreted our relationship as adversarial.
And it is now, perhaps, that I can inform you of why.
Did your sire explain to you what was waiting in Chicago?
[00:40:48] Speaker A: No, sir, she did not.
[00:40:52] Speaker B: I will leave the details to the correspondence you no doubt will engage in. But this is a test. Neonate rising in the pyramid requires people who can make decisions, who can make decisions carefully, and who can enact those plans without attracting the attention of those who do not need to know.
In this, I'll be happy to report you have succeeded.
If I am harsh on you, Miss Leroux, it is because the finest steel can only be forged in the hottest of fires.
This city will continue to be your forge.
[00:41:36] Speaker A: I don't know what to say, regent.
Thank you.
[00:41:45] Speaker B: The thanks does not belong to me. It belongs to the council, to the lords, to the pyramid.
[00:41:54] Speaker A: Steal. To be wielded by house and clan Tremere, no doubt.
[00:42:01] Speaker B: No doubt, indeed.
Well, if you'll excuse me, Miss le Roux, I have a gargoyle that requires some amount of repairs. Please pass my congratulations to Mr. Scott.
I expect if I make you wait any longer before being allowed to dive into forgotten tomes, you will become undignified.
[00:42:28] Speaker A: Indeed.
[00:42:30] Speaker B: Enjoy your evening, Miss Leroux.
[00:42:33] Speaker A: I shall, regent. Thank you.
[00:42:38] Speaker B: Across the succubus club, Maya, I have to say, I just nominate an enemy out of thin air, and you, like a beautiful arrow of violence, just chased them down.
[00:42:58] Speaker E: I really wish you wouldn't use the term arrow, but.
[00:43:04] Speaker B: Oh, don't be sad. Don't be solemn. This is a cause for celebration.
Think of all you've done for Clan la Sombra. Think of all you've done for yourself.
[00:43:16] Speaker E: I'm thrilled that the la sombra are safe.
Not so much that it seems like I have to find permanent residence here in Chicago.
[00:43:32] Speaker B: Oh, I don't know that you'll need to find it. It's been arranged for you. But I don't want to spoil the surprise yet. Come on, we're still celebrating.
[00:43:41] Speaker E: You know I hate surprises, Sierra.
[00:43:46] Speaker B: First of all, primagen, let us not forget that. Second of all, keeper.
And that is a word that will echo around in your brain.
There are many, many la sambra, the most capable of which find themselves inducted or forced their way into the society known as the amici noctus. The secret hand that guided the Sabbat, that now guides the lasambra, that intends to guide the Camarilla.
You have suspected Sierra being a member of such. In fact, twice now, senior members of your clan have whispered about it. But Keeper is a word that refers to someone's senior in that organization.
And if Sierra is instructing you to refer to her as your keeper, well, that can only mean one thing.
[00:44:58] Speaker E: It's hard not to smile a little.
[00:45:03] Speaker D: Please.
[00:45:03] Speaker B: Please. Gloat. You've earned it.
Suffice it to say, your actions have been observed. Tally of all people, but word makes its way around.
I understand you have a certain affection for local radio.
[00:45:22] Speaker E: What can I say? I'm nostalgic.
[00:45:26] Speaker B: Our clan thrives by allowing our most talented members to apply their excellence in the arenas that they have the most affection for.
That is why the kings and queens of shadow have extended their invitation.
The Amici are a society broad, of course, but inside there are factions, each of which apply their gifts to certain areas. The kings and queens of shadow, though, find their bread and butter amongst mortal institutions. To exert influence, to gather resources, and, in general, to steer the mortal population in directions they find beneficial.
[00:46:05] Speaker E: Well, hopefully, we can prove that this is a good investment.
[00:46:12] Speaker B: Hopefully? Indeed. If it proves to be an unwise.
It, uh. It's only fit to call that from the portfolio, if you understand.
[00:46:23] Speaker E: Absolutely.
[00:46:27] Speaker B: Don't embarrass us, Maya.
Don't embarrass me.
[00:46:32] Speaker E: I wouldn't dream of it.
[00:46:36] Speaker B: It's a shame.
Were we still amongst the black hand, this would have been the part where I make you drink my blood. But alas, the camarilla.
[00:46:45] Speaker E: I think I've had enough of that for a while.
[00:46:52] Speaker B: Well, then I'm sorry. There's no membership pin. There's no badge. There's no certificate. Secret societies being what they are, I.
[00:47:00] Speaker E: Think I can remember. Without a shiny new trinket to go.
[00:47:05] Speaker B: With me, you can remember. And everyone who needs to know will already know.
[00:47:13] Speaker E: If I may be a little forward about something, please.
Do you know how complete the story of what happened is?
[00:47:25] Speaker B: I know what I've been told by the prince and his representatives.
[00:47:29] Speaker E: May I know what that was?
[00:47:32] Speaker B: Maya, I'm a primogen of the court of Chicago. You're asking me to betray the prince's confidence.
[00:47:38] Speaker E: No. Absolutely.
My concern is that if we are asked to leave Chicago, it would be convenient if the limited people who knew could understand that not all of us were to blame.
[00:47:59] Speaker B: Her eyes narrow just the slightest bit, and you realize you might have information she doesn't.
But more important, she realizes you may have information she doesn't.
We're all entitled to our secrets, Miss Lagassi. But if there's something that threatens Chicago, or more importantly, clan la Sombra, it would behoove you to share.
[00:48:28] Speaker E: Oh, never.
Nothing like that. Just that some of the people involved in our incident were not under our prince.
And should things go sideways, I was just trying to understand how complete the record was.
[00:48:50] Speaker B: Allow me to state it thus, Maya, if this is a problem you think you can control, then by all means, keep your secret, solve your problems, and reap your rewards.
But if this is a problem you can't control, and it becomes a problem that I have to control.
In a world where I was not forewarned, that would not be becoming of an amici.
[00:49:21] Speaker C: Absolutely.
[00:49:22] Speaker E: And I am perfectly in control.
[00:49:25] Speaker B: Then I'll pretend this conversation has been about your new living arrangements. Can you hand me my purse?
[00:49:32] Speaker E: Absolutely.
[00:49:35] Speaker B: Sierra opens it. There's a surprising amount inside, but she knows exactly what to reach for.
Her fingers grip a leather tag attached to a very ornate key kind of thing someone plucks off the wall in a hotel. In a Stephen King novel.
You recognize the logo stamped into the leather.
Recent events have given us reason to renovate the 45th floor. More spacious, I imagine, than you're used to.
But plenty of room for that which you will soon find yourself getting up to.
[00:50:12] Speaker E: For once, I think I'm speechless. Storyteller.
[00:50:16] Speaker B: Well, then that will be Sierra's reward.
We did what we could to move your things. I'm certain you have decoration to attend to, furniture to buy. It looks awfully empty.
[00:50:31] Speaker E: Well, I guess I'll have to get started then.
[00:50:35] Speaker B: Excellent.
[00:50:39] Speaker E: I never got around to replacing my assistant.
[00:50:43] Speaker B: Is this a statement or a request.
[00:50:47] Speaker E: If you have any resumes you'd like to pass along, I'll take a look.
[00:50:52] Speaker B: I'm sure such a thing can be arranged.
[00:50:55] Speaker E: Thank you for that.
[00:50:58] Speaker B: Well, then, off with you to the catalogs.
And so Maya Lugazi departs, an amount of time will pass. Alex and Maya and Ivy, left to their own celebrations. The giddy little dance you'll do once you're out of eyesight, once you're sequestered away from the seneshals and the primigen and your coterie members.
But there is one more thing that requires attending to. Eventually, Cal, you will have to open the envelope.
[00:51:33] Speaker C: Are you sure?
[00:51:35] Speaker B: I've said it once before. Tonight. There are always options.
[00:51:43] Speaker C: Son of a bitch.
We'll pop the wax seal.
Open the goddamn envelope.
[00:51:55] Speaker B: The text is handwritten in a familiar scroll.
[00:51:59] Speaker C: Fucking course it is.
[00:52:02] Speaker B: We need to talk. You know the place.
[00:52:07] Speaker C: There's another long, reflexive, wholly unnecessary sigh.
Do I technically have to call him prince if there's no one else around to hear?
[00:52:21] Speaker B: I don't think the rules have a role for brass balls, but that's a decision you can make in about 15 minutes.
[00:52:33] Speaker C: He's been putting up with me for 20 od years. At this point, he knows what to expect.
[00:52:40] Speaker B: Well, calamity, it's all fun and games until you get a message from the prince.
Not just any prince. The prince of the crown jewel of the North American Camarilla. And it's Kevin Jackson's neighborhood as you cross the bridge from Goose island to the sprawling few blocks of Cabrini Green.
A lot has changed since the last time you were in this part of town.
A lot about the vampire who waits for you on that bench. A lot about the skyline that surrounds him.
What's going through your mind?
[00:53:29] Speaker C: It feels a bit like getting called into the principal's office, like I'm expecting a scolding for my attitude.
Which is ridiculous, considering I remember when Prince Kevin Jackson was just. Kevin Jackson.
[00:53:52] Speaker B: Was a long time ago.
[00:53:54] Speaker C: I think, pushing 30 years at this point.
[00:53:57] Speaker B: You haven't changed much in 30 years, storyteller.
[00:54:02] Speaker C: We don't change.
[00:54:05] Speaker B: Tell that to the prince.
[00:54:08] Speaker C: It's.
It's odd, considering the first summons that I got. The summons to come here and take care of that little lupine problem also came from Primagen Rosa Hernandez. But that had the Paladin's handwriting all over it, too.
[00:54:31] Speaker B: I'm sure if you asked him, the answer would say, well, yes, everything in Chicago has my handprints on it.
[00:54:41] Speaker C: At this point, I'm just dragging my feet to be obstinate about it. Wouldn't do to keep the prince waiting.
[00:54:49] Speaker B: No, I imagine not.
Well, thankfully, that'll be an easy trip, just a few short yards from where the car has delivered you, to the bench where the prince waits.
You've had a long trip to think about how you're going to introduce yourself in this moment. Not literally, he knows who you are, but that balance between calamity, quippiness, and proper kindred servitude.
When you take your seat at that bench, are you sitting next to the Prince of Chicago or are you sitting next to an old friend?
[00:55:35] Speaker C: Friend is a strong word when it comes to kindred. But I will sprawl myself down in the way that I'm used to taking up space, even though everyone tells me I shouldn't.
I'll take a slightly crushed pack of Marlboro reds out of my pocket, pull one out, light it, and hold the pack over to the Prince of Chicago.
[00:56:03] Speaker F: I look at the crushed pack, the smallest hint of a familiar smile, but it goes away quickly as I take one of the cigarettes.
Looking at it.
You have to find a way to put these in better condition if you're going to offer them to people.
[00:56:27] Speaker C: What?
It's my last pack.
You got a problem? You know what? Do you want the cigarette or not?
[00:56:38] Speaker F: I'll take it.
[00:56:39] Speaker C: Fine.
I will reach over and light it for him.
It's been a long time since we've been out here.
What happened to our fucking building?
30 block.
It's right there.
[00:57:01] Speaker F: The 90s daily realized you couldn't just hide all the poverty in a few square blocks on the north side. So it's all mixed development. Privatization, block grants, now anything but schools and jobs.
[00:57:21] Speaker C: You call me all the way up here for a sociology seminar? If I wanted that, Kevin, I would have started taking that classes back in the.
[00:57:35] Speaker F: You're right. You are.
You're right.
I didn't come here to teach.
Not today.
Answer your travel plans.
You're needed here.
[00:57:55] Speaker C: Mmm.
Storyteller.
I think there's a part of me that was expecting this, if I'm being perfectly honest.
[00:58:10] Speaker B: Just the other day you were talking about how comfortable it was to have found a coterie, how nice it was to hang out with Alex, how tolerable it was to hang out with ivy.
And now you're complaining to me that you have to stay.
[00:58:25] Speaker C: That was before the order had been given.
It's nice to think about when the option to leave is still on the table. By this reckoning, that option has been rescinded.
[00:58:42] Speaker B: So it seems.
[00:58:47] Speaker C: I'll blow a plume of smoke out into the night, put my elbows on my knees, and hang my head.
Tell me, is this an order from the paladin, the Prince of Chicago?
Or is this a favor for Kevin?
[00:59:09] Speaker F: There's a moment of silence. Think it might be consideration, like I'm trying to find the right words, but it's quickly replaced by a Quick drag, a full blowout of smoke.
Both.
[00:59:31] Speaker C: Shit.
[00:59:34] Speaker F: The sis.
They're poking their heads around here. They have it in their heads that the are the biggest players in our little world, expecting to find Dracula, nosferatu, or Vincent Price or some shit. They've been Drac and Ivy since their little run in, and they followed them all the way here.
Long story short, if the IsI get in and get her, they will pull her apart bit by bit, until she gives up every kindred in this city and then some. And that is something I cannot afford.
[01:00:28] Speaker C: I.
If I know any better. It sounded like you were putting me on babysitting duty.
Is that white?
Is that why you need me to stay?
So I can babysit some spoiled little white girl?
[01:00:46] Speaker F: We have been cleaning up white people's message for what, 200 years? Was 200 more.
[01:00:58] Speaker C: I certainly did not swear an oath to some ghoulish, Prince Philip looking motherfucker in his castle.
[01:01:08] Speaker F: Another long drag of the cigarette stands up.
It's my castle now.
And unlike some of us, I can't run away from my obligations.
[01:01:24] Speaker C: You're a real some bitch, you know that?
[01:01:28] Speaker F: Son of a bitch who's a leader now. Been a leader for a very long time, you notice. Had to watch many people's back, my family's back from all kinds of shit.
Without the people in my life, I'm a leader with nothing. Can't be a leader who leads nothing.
Got to have someone to watch my back always. And I'll watch theirs. Always.
You leaned on shell for how long?
Now he's gone.
No one watching your back.
How much longer do you think you can do that before it catches up with you?
[01:02:09] Speaker C: I don't say anything. It's another drag on the cigarette, though.
[01:02:17] Speaker F: The city needs people who are strong, like us. People like me.
People like you.
No one knows what it's like to be hunted like us. Understands the struggle, like us.
With the best line of defense. For something like this, we know what to look for, who to look for.
Have our heads always on a swivel, and I need yours on a swivel.
I will have yours on a swivel. To ensure that this city stays safe.
People in the ivory tower don't get it, Ivy Loden. They don't understand the severity like we do.
[01:03:11] Speaker C: No, they wouldn't, would they?
They're not going to understand what it's like to survive in a place that wants you dead no matter what.
Take another drag of the cigarette, throw it to the concrete, stamp it out with the toe of my boot.
I just have a question for you, Kev.
[01:03:40] Speaker F: What is a cow?
[01:03:47] Speaker C: You sent Rosa to fetch me.
It was her that brought me in. Take care of the lupines outside of O'Hare.
You have my direct line, bud.
Hell, you send the primogen to do your work for you.
[01:04:05] Speaker F: I can't do like I used to do.
My station's a little bit too high nowadays.
[01:04:13] Speaker B: Oh.
[01:04:14] Speaker C: Must dirty your hands.
[01:04:17] Speaker F: Never found it as enjoyable as you do.
[01:04:25] Speaker C: You always had the temperament for leadership.
Fuck.
What are we up against?
[01:04:40] Speaker F: Take one last drag.
Drop it. Stamp it out.
What we've been up against since. Cross on one of those goddamn boats.
Whole damn federal government.
I hand over the file, stare at.
[01:05:02] Speaker B: It.
[01:05:02] Speaker F: Don't act like I'm dragging you to the mud here.
Nothing you can't handle.
[01:05:12] Speaker C: God damn it. Son of bitch. Going to open the goddamn folder.
[01:05:19] Speaker B: Going to open the folder and wish you hadn't. A lot of the information won't make sense. You've never really been trained in how to read an operation. Order.
The acronyms, the code words.
But you know the FBI seal when you see it.
You know the special Activities division seal when you see it.
You had enough of a conversation with Rosa.
Hell, you had enough of a conversation with flyboy to know what it means.
The weight of that paper in your hand explaining how there's an infestation of radical terrorists in the city of Chicago.
A financial crime, rings of murder, a threat to the american people unlike anything seen in the war on terror.
And a signature from the highest levels of government, commanding all its great machinery to find that infestation and burn it out.
[01:06:33] Speaker C: God almighty.
[01:06:37] Speaker F: I wouldn't have given you this assignment if I didn't think you could handle it.
[01:06:42] Speaker C: I know that's supposed to be flattering, but given the circumstances, you'll excuse me for not jumping for joy.
[01:06:55] Speaker F: I didn't order it, so you don't.
[01:06:56] Speaker B: Have to do it.
[01:06:58] Speaker C: Shit.
It was so much simpler back in those days.
[01:07:08] Speaker F: Simple wasn't good enough.
[01:07:12] Speaker C: At least not for you.
[01:07:14] Speaker F: No. Not for me.
[01:07:21] Speaker C: I will let out a completely unnecessary sigh. It's remarkable what the body will remember even after all this time being dead, push my hand through my hair and come to stand, clap the prince of Chicago on the shoulder.
Is there anything else that I need to know?
[01:07:46] Speaker F: No.
I trust you, calamity.
Now get to work.
[01:07:54] Speaker B: And so calamity departs.
It's funny how the city has changed. It's funny how the city has changed people, everything just familiar enough for you to understand how far it's gone.
So you'll see the neighborhood buildings torn down, looking down at the skyline of Chicago, new buildings put up.
From your perch, you can see the axis on which this entire kindred project spins, weighty enough to make you stick around. But it's the things you can't see that would have given you pause.
You can't see the convoys of black suvs driving in from Gary.
You can't see the military trucks driving up from the south of Illinois.
You can't see the drones, the helicopters.
You can't see the dozens of federal offices here and across the country buzzing with activity in the little basements where the second position hides.
It is only a matter of time, calamity, before the entire structure of Chicago has to face that, from the prince at the top to you at the bottom and everyone in between.
It's going to be ugly. It's going to be violent.
You weren't here in 93, but you were here soon enough after to see all the bodies piled up.
How many more kindred corpses will we have to lay on the pyre before this chapter of the story ends?
We'll find out. But not today, because that's a story for another night.
[01:10:01] Speaker A: You've been listening to the all night society, an actual play podcast brought to you by Queens court games. If you've enjoyed this game, consider supporting us on Patreon for access to exclusive art, audio, and private fan only games. For more content, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok at Queens court games or on Twitter at newsport Rtg.
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