Episode 7 - Downtime

[00:00:01] Speaker A: You're listening to the All Night Society, an actual play podcast brought to you by Queens Court Games. [00:00:38] Speaker B: It feels strange to say that you can finally enjoy some downtime before the Prince instructed you all to meet Damien, your whole life was essentially downtime. It belonged to you, maybe a little bit. In Ivy's case, it belonged to the Chantry. Maybe in Schmender's case, it belonged to the internet. In Joshua's case, it belonged to his burning desire to solve the great mysteries of his life. But even with those inconveniences and occupations, you were in charge, if anything, the last week. Running errands, handling Elysium, chasing down Malinkov, manipulating the outcome of this historic election, that's abnormal. That's the weird part. That's the outlier. And yet, when the prince said, I'll see you in five days, take care of yourselves for a while, there was a palpable relief in every single one of you. As if just that little taste of what honest to God, full time kindred business is about had erased years of memories of owning your own time, independent of the Prince's ambitions. Setting aside your own involvement in those things. Every kindred has their own plans. Things they want, things they need. It's inevitable. The beast wants, the ego wants. So with those desires in mind now having the opportunity to return to as so many of you longed for a, quote, normal life, I'm interested to know how you spend that time. Five days is nothing measured against the length of vampiric existence. But after last week, oh, man. These five days might feel like an eternity of respite. So what do you get up to? [00:02:45] Speaker C: There has been a lot of excitement and upset in these nights. I haven't had the time, really, to sate the beast thirst the way it really wants to be sated. There were a couple little snacks here and there when I could find the time, but now that I'm free, I do need to follow up on that. [00:03:12] Speaker B: Truly, of all the myriad things that tug on Akindra's attention, the beast toggs the hardest and is the most dangerous to ignore. So if Joshua decides that now is the time to slate the hunger, that's. [00:03:28] Speaker A: Never a bad decision. [00:03:30] Speaker B: Now, Josh is no ventru when it comes to the particularities of his taste. But you've already told us before that. [00:03:37] Speaker A: There'S a right way to feed and. [00:03:39] Speaker B: Then there's a really right way to feed. What's that? Really right way? [00:03:46] Speaker C: It's funny you mentioned the venturu. The venturu taste is high class, sophisticated. My taste is almost exactly the opposite. My taste lies with the inhuman, the monstrous mortal and immortal alike. But seeing as sading, the immortal thirst isn't exactly acceptable. Given the influence I hope to wield and society as a whole, I'll have to go with a for lack of a better term, more pedestrian. Sort of monstrous. [00:04:28] Speaker B: Is there someone you've had your eye on? [00:04:31] Speaker C: Indeed. He goes by the name Justin. [00:04:34] Speaker B: Kenfer. [00:04:35] Speaker C: I've had my eye on him for a while and, in fact, was preparing to make my move when well, when the you know what hit the fan. But now, back at home, looking at the board of pictures of string of newspaper clippings, well, it's just me and Kenfer. Mr. Kenfor figured that now that the bodies of his kids were buried, the grass grown tall over them, he was in the clear. His alibi was watertight, mostly because he had heavily bribed the people who corroborated. And no one suspected that a more or less well to do businessman would do something like that to his own kids. Even his wife doesn't know. But I do. I know all too well. So I figure it's not a difficult thing to meander out into the night, make my way to the upper middle class neighborhood that Kenford calls home, and using my experience in finding and stopping those who wouldn't fade a home for nefarious purposes to my own benefit. From there, it's not difficult. Kenfor's marriage is unlikely to survive the unfortunate deaths of his children, even with the rather hefty insurance payouts. Kenfer's been sleeping on the couch. With any luck, no one will be around fast enough to see what happens. [00:06:09] Speaker B: This man may be a monster, but so are you. And at least your particular vintage comes with a flurry of different powers and abilities that will let you make short work of an unsuspecting mortal. [00:06:25] Speaker C: Indeed, it's not difficult. It doesn't take a long time. And as much as it would be nice to give this person the ultimate punishment, the one he really deserves, I know better than to leave a dried out corpse on a couch. So at the end of it all, I take what I need, and I. [00:06:48] Speaker B: Go and see that's the conundrum that I always think of when I imagine Josh going around to feed is ultimately your personal code, to say nothing of your clan's compulsion for justice. Demand that this person suffer more for what he's done, but at the same time, you are more than willing, I think after recent events, eager even to demonstrate restraint and adherence to a code of conduct that, I mean, to be honest, up until recently, wasn't really at the forefront of your mind. And I can never tell if those two things are intention. Are you balancing them, or is one slowly subsuming the other? [00:07:37] Speaker C: I certainly like to think that it's pragmatism making the right choice in the right moment, but at the end of the night, nobody really has an accurate self image of the person they are, right? [00:07:54] Speaker B: No, that is an excellent point. Of all the people kindred lied to over the course of their existence, they. [00:08:00] Speaker A: Lied themselves the most. [00:08:03] Speaker B: Well, you said it yourself. As an apex unnatural predator, there's nothing this man could do to stop you from entering his home and from stealing the life out of his veins. You'll show your own restraint. That's lucky for him. But there's still going to be that moment of bliss as you bear your fangs, lean over him, pierce the flesh, and drink deep of this guilty, vile, wretched man's inner life. I don't know what you were expecting. It's known among vampires that if a human is in an exaggerated emotional state, that can affect the flavor, you drink from someone feeling lethargic. And it's just a different hint, like differences in vintages of wine between someone who is angry or happy or pensive. And when that first crimson drop hits your tongue, I would think you're too in the moment of indulging in this victory to notice. But as you slide past vengeance and into hunger and you're indulging in the meal, it's that teeniest hint of sentimentality. The blood is lighter on your palate. It's not weighed down in the way that guilt might. It's not roiling in the way that anger tastes. This is nostalgia. It's looking back. It's remembering the good things. Of course, there's no capacity in any vampire power to identify the memories that are driving these kind of things. You can't reach into his mind and understand why he feels this way, but it's enough to make you wonder, what exactly is he nostalgic for? Where does that sentiment come from? And it would be my sincere hope, for Joshua's sake, that he pushes that thought aside before he considers that this man might feel guilty for what he did. [00:10:20] Speaker C: Sentimentality over what? Don't know. Maybe he's having a nice dream about time he spent with his children. Maybe he's having a dream about a distant memory. Guilt will not bring those kids back. Guilt is ultimately meaningless unless you have hmm. [00:10:48] Speaker B: That's the Joshua Crozier that I know. Then the intensely logical mind will always find a way to reach the conclusion that it needs to. And you're right. Feeling bad after the fact doesn't undo any of the damage or take away any of the hurt. And your judgment must be cast in either case. In that sense, Joshua leaves the scene satisfied in two ways. First, having tamed the beast for now, provided it with the vita that will go on to fuel further acts of vampiric power, and also his conscience. Sure, you can't kill the man, but you've taken from him. [00:11:31] Speaker A: He's marked. [00:11:33] Speaker B: I guess that'll have to do. Elsewhere in the city, there are still vampires with needs to tend to. I doubt many of them are driven in the same way that Joshua's is, at least not by the same emotions. [00:11:48] Speaker A: But, schmendric, you were also on a. [00:11:50] Speaker B: Quest of sorts when last we checked in, right? [00:11:55] Speaker D: That's right. I had just touched base with Edith Bobian at the Elysium, and I was eager to make good on her offer to come over to the Painted Lady and discuss my potential training. So one evening, I decided to pay the shop a visit and see if she is available to talk about what I could possibly gain from a partnership with her, so to speak. [00:12:24] Speaker B: Of course, the Painted Lady is located in an older part of town, one of the few neighborhoods near the urban core of Chicago that has retained its old timey character. The Painted Lady as a tattoo parlor sits adjacent, the kind of Eastern European knickknack shops and boutique cupcake bakeries that populate these kind of places in all manner of cities. It's hard enough to get an invitation to the Painted Lady. It's harder still to get invited beyond the tattoo parlor, into the rooms beyond. But there's no greater passport to that word than Edith having invited you. It's a simple matter of passing the right phrase to the right people, letting a ghoul escort you past the tattoo chairs, down old, old stairs, through a basement, past closed doors, and into Edith's own private parlor. Lugul knocks on the door. He walks away. This has all been planned. Edith knows you were coming. A familiar voice beckons you inside that raspy throaty, twisted, nosferatu sound. Yes, darling, come on in. [00:13:45] Speaker D: Given the little pep talk she gave me at Elysium, I'm going to attempt to hold my head a little higher, and without much hesitation, I'm just going to saunter right in and go, edith. Hello. [00:13:58] Speaker B: She's smiling wide as you enter into the room. So far, as tattoo parlors go, it is opulent dressed up in a vaguely Japanese tradition, following from the particular brand of tattoo art that Edith practices locked away in her own private quarters. There's no reason for Edith to maintain her mask. And judging by the voice that came out, the last thing you would expect is to see that chastely, blushing Southern belle with beckoning hazel eyes and just tumbling waves of thick black hair. She remains just long enough for the sight to register before your brain feels that little wave of confusion and second guessing that comes with obfuscation and the visage melts away. She's still smiling, of course, the twisted maw of nosferatu, tainted teeth taking the place of an otherwise charming grin. You can't help but feel like she's just being a little smug. [00:15:08] Speaker D: Hey, if you have abilities like that, it's totally okay to flaunt them, I suppose. Goodness knows I would be nice to be able to walk around a mall again and just do things. But she is in her private quarters. I assume this is just for her own amusement. [00:15:27] Speaker B: That's a vibe that Schmendrick can identify with, right? [00:15:31] Speaker D: Definitely. [00:15:33] Speaker B: So he leans back on the stool that serves as her perch when laying ink to canvas. I have to say, I'm surprised you're still here to take advantage of my offer after last night, the vote going the way that it did, people knowing that you had a hand in it. If it were me, I'd be keeping my head down. [00:15:54] Speaker D: You know, in my unlife, I've noticed I'm very bad at keeping my head down despite all efforts. So let's just say I couldn't wait to come visit. [00:16:07] Speaker B: Well, I'm glad that you're still in one piece and able to do so. And doubly glad that you've decided to keep our appointment. [00:16:15] Speaker D: Of course, this is something that's extremely important to me, so I hope that I'm able to learn this from you. [00:16:24] Speaker B: Well, I'll tell you that every one of us of our clan has the capacity to perform these kind of tricks can't be helped. We descend from a common progenitor, and the same shadows and need to hide that twisted through that mortal form now lay dormant in our blood, no matter how distantly related we are. I'm going to be upfront with you. I can't teach you how to do these things any more than you can teach a baby to walk. It's not about giving knowledge to someone that they didn't have, but just helping them learn how to use the muscles and nerves they already have. [00:17:16] Speaker D: Well, I'm willing to put the effort in, and that little bit of information will hopefully be enough. [00:17:25] Speaker B: If it were that easy. Indulge me this. Please. Come have a seat. And she gestures to the large dentist style reclining chair where her clients sit for appointments. [00:17:39] Speaker D: There's something about a tattoo chair or a dentist chair that makes you feel uncomfortable. Perhaps it's the vulnerability associated with it. But without hesitation, I actually will take a seat and kind of lean back into the less than comfortable chair. [00:18:00] Speaker B: Almost immediately, quietly, and without permission, she reaches for your hand, turning it palm up and then palm down. Her eyes and her fingertips walking up the skin of your arm, making little unconscious meticulous measurements. She asks, do you have any tattoos? [00:18:25] Speaker D: Sadly, it wasn't something I got before the embrace, so just my piercings, I'm afraid. [00:18:33] Speaker B: Always for the better. You'd hate to see what a tattoo suffers when the nosferatu body changes underneath it. It's hardly recognizable, but that's strange. You strike me as the kind of person who would lean closer towards making. [00:18:49] Speaker A: Their body a canvas. [00:18:51] Speaker D: While I can agree I was a basement dweller before I was a basement. [00:18:55] Speaker B: Dweller, well, clients come in all shapes and sizes. Schmendrick, would you mind turning over, please? [00:19:03] Speaker D: I'm more curious at this point than anything else, so I will do as she asks. [00:19:09] Speaker B: Rolling over onto your stomach, then again, taking great liberty with your personal space. Feel clawed fingers at the waistband of whatever pants schmendric decided to wear today. Pulling them down just enough to see the small of your back. You feel her forming bladed hands and measuring out space. Moving up for a moment, you have the distinct feeling of what a block of marble must experience. For a moment, you have a distinct feeling of what it must be like to be a block of marble while the sculptor stares, holding his chisel. I suppose we should start at the beginning. Then how have you been able to manifest your powers so far? [00:20:00] Speaker D: In a couple of ways, I can remain relatively unseen unless I decide to start yelling while doing it. Things like videotape don't take well to my visage. It's usually quite blurred, just those sorts of things. [00:20:22] Speaker B: More than basic, but definitely lacking advanced technique. Have you ever tried something more sophisticated? [00:20:30] Speaker D: A couple of times back when I was in New York. I was told about the ability to alter your face to appear more welcome in society, let's put it that way. But I was never able to make much success with it, and there was no one there that could do it. So I didn't have an example to really go off of. [00:20:56] Speaker B: All right, at this point, her fingers have made their way to the base of your spine and she stretches them out pinky to thumb measuring in little six inch pieces from your spine to your shoulder blade, from your shoulder blade to your upper arm. You can hear her humming, clicking, thinking to herself, all right, roll back over, please. [00:21:24] Speaker D: Curiosity getting the better of me. I just roll back over and ask, what do you have planned? Do you plan on doing a tattoo on me? [00:21:34] Speaker A: Oh, heavens, no. [00:21:38] Speaker B: To put ink on skin is something precious. It has to be done with great intent. And that would be the case if you were wandering into any one of the thousand of ink slinging parlors in this city. The art form that I practice is more severe. We'll say the amount of beauty that results can only be had with, well, tremendous amounts of pain. Anyone wishing to endure that kind of thing needs to have an especially clear picture of the finished product. No, I just like to look at different canvas. Her hands retreat, she folds them over in her lap and she says, you can learn how to take on the visage of another. But the first step before that is to learn how to take on the visage of no one at all. Look at me here now and imagine the kind of person you think should sit in this chair. The most innocuous, generic version of a client. [00:22:55] Speaker D: I do just that. I'm looking at her and I start to imagine just a woman that you might see on the street every day ordering a late. You see her for that five second span, and then she is gone, off into the streets, and you'll never, ever think of her again. [00:23:14] Speaker A: Now take that picture. [00:23:17] Speaker B: Imagine it as a physical thing in your mind. Take it into your fingers and move it from the place where you imagine into that part of you where invisibility lies. Introduce them as if they were friends who you wanted to put together for a date, or coworkers who need to network. Understand that, like with any meeting, the first one will always be awkward. But the first step into new power is to letting these things get to know one another. And when you feel those pieces start to blur into one, grab hold of the vita in your veins. [00:24:01] Speaker A: You'll know what to do next. [00:24:03] Speaker D: As she is explaining this, I am visualizing it in my mind's eye, and I've even got, like, hand motions to go with it. Not that they're needed, but it is a way to kind of focus. I attempt to do as she says as best as I can. [00:24:23] Speaker A: Okay. [00:24:24] Speaker B: Will you make a wits and obfuscate role for me? [00:24:27] Speaker D: For successes? [00:24:29] Speaker B: I don't know if in the past you've ever managed to find success in manifesting these new abilities. Maybe it's just that you've practiced before, or maybe it really is Edith's guiding you through the experience. But with your eyes closed, imagining this woman going through the motions, you open your eyes and you see her smiling, and she's locked to your gaze, and she follows it down to your fingertips. And where you would normally see fingers stretched, covered in gray, twisted, gnarled, nosferatu skin and thick, uneven yellowed nails, maybe just from the last knuckle out there's, the peak of cream colored skin and perfectly manicured French tip nails. Of course, like all illusions, the second that you recognize it occurring, it breaks. You barely have enough time to recognize the success you'd accomplished before the moment has disappeared. But that is new. And judging by Edith's grin, she's thrilled to see what you've already managed. That's it, schmendrick that's the trick. In the future, when you practice, follow that instinct. Guide your intent to the place where your vampiric power lives. It'll be easier than you think. [00:26:04] Speaker D: My eyes are still wide at this point. For that split second, I saw human fingertips, not nosferatu fingertips, and I am just elated. I smile back at Edith. Wow. Yeah. I'll keep practicing. [00:26:23] Speaker B: Please do. How would I pencil you in for a week from now? [00:26:27] Speaker A: You can come back, show me what. [00:26:29] Speaker B: You'Ve learned, and bring me some ideas for a tattoo. [00:26:34] Speaker D: Sure. Thank you so much for this. This means so much to me. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need help with anything. [00:26:50] Speaker B: I appreciate the offers. [00:26:51] Speaker D: Mendrick I think if I was still alive, my heart would be racing. [00:26:57] Speaker B: And maybe you still feel that, even. [00:26:59] Speaker D: If it's not real, that little flutter of mm hmm. [00:27:07] Speaker B: Of course, Edith gives you enough time to indulge in that, but in time, she'll remind you that there are further appointments to make, and you certainly have your own business to attend to. [00:27:18] Speaker D: As she is a busy lady, I will be sure not to tie up her evening any longer. But because of her, this is a step towards something huge for me. [00:27:30] Speaker B: Ivy is it strange watching schmendric interact with humanity the way that she does? [00:27:38] Speaker E: Oh, absolutely. I spent so long in the Las Vegas chantry, and the first experience I have coming out of it is being chased down by the second inquisition. My views on humanity are much different. [00:27:52] Speaker A: Than Schpendrick's, of course. [00:27:55] Speaker B: I wouldn't go so far as to say it's unjustified. After all, humanity has a let's call it hostile outlook on you as well. There are two kinds of emotions that people have about these kind of things. There are the surface level justifications that we carry forward moment to moment. And then there are the deep seated moral beliefs, the actual ideal truths that live inside our hearts or where our hearts should be. For all Ivy's forward facing dismissing of the value of individual humans, she's not monstrous in that way. There are vampires in this world who consider humans to be literal cattle, not metaphorical. The sabat, of course, revels in this kind of behavior, but sufficiently old vampires can be found all over camerola cities who have similar attitudes. It's one thing to feel free to consume blood from your book club, but that situation is controlled. There's a relationship that's developed. It borders on exploitative, but it is not at all the same as rounding up cattle to walk them into the slaughterhouse. All of that is to say, Ivy treats her book club very differently than she treated those people in the glory pit. And I wonder if it is your sincere belief that her behavior in that moment is excusable in those terms. When you feed from your guests, that's a dainty sip compared to the gory and gluttonous indulgence of a hunger frenzy. [00:29:38] Speaker E: A lot of the attitude that I project about humanity, it's a defense mechanism. There's a lot of deep seated resentment towards humans. But no, that hunger frenzy is. [00:29:56] Speaker D: To. [00:29:56] Speaker E: Be surrounded by so much blood and so much carnage. It just the beast is an interesting creature. And to know that sometimes it doesn't matter how you feel about a situation, it can be too much sometimes. And what Malinkov did to those people, they didn't deserve that. [00:30:21] Speaker B: And not to kick someone while they're down, but Ivy is a creature of control. It's not just that you betrayed your ideals about human life in that moment, but you left your own moral code behind when you fell to the floor. [00:30:39] Speaker E: I did. It's top of my list. I even told Rebecca, we don't lose control. Gotta practice what I preach or at least try harder. Wow. [00:30:56] Speaker B: I ask these questions because your fundamental relationship with humanity defines a great many things about a vampire's existence. The closer you are to your mortal life, the easier it is for you to fake the basic mechanisms of life, to keep your skin warm, to make sure your breath fogs in cold weather. The longer you've been away from that living, breathing, walking self, the further you drift towards waxy pallor, forgetting to retract your fangs, and thinking less and less and less about the living souls you walk among. That question of humanity is central to not only the story that we're telling, but to what Ivy looks like, literally and figuratively moving forward. And it sounds to me like you agree that this moment in the glory pit has left you with a stain on your conscience. [00:31:54] Speaker E: Absolutely. It's one of the few things that could actually cause that for me, and it's the number one thing on my list. It's not like it was an afterthought. It's the one thing that I live by. [00:32:09] Speaker B: Well, that is a tension that needs resolved. Maybe Ivy will look at this moment and feel that she's done enough to walk herself back from the edge. Or maybe this will be the thing that convinces her it's really not worth trying that hard. But the cost of adhering to these strictures isn't worth it. So what I would like for you to do is make a remorse roll for me. [00:32:35] Speaker E: Fuck. Zero successes. [00:32:41] Speaker B: I guess that answers that question. [00:32:44] Speaker E: It was too big. [00:32:46] Speaker B: Was it that the transgression was too big or that your commitment was too small? [00:32:54] Speaker E: I'd like to say the transgression was too big, that it had nothing to do with my commitment. Again, it's the one thing that I really, really strongly focus on in my day to day. And it failed me. I failed me. [00:33:15] Speaker B: That's one way of looking at it. Anytime someone's worldview is shaken like this, whether by fact, from inside or from outside, there's always a reconciliation. You have to find a way to make sense of these new circumstances and to incorporate the new truth into what you already believe. It is not the case that Ivy is going to abandon her quest for control. Control is crucial to thalmaturgy. Control is the cement that builds the pyramid. But as you slide down, as you degenerate in this moment, you're not retreating from that personal commandment. You're saying people don't count. I'll control myself around kindred. [00:34:04] Speaker A: Sure. [00:34:04] Speaker B: I'll control myself when I'm studying rituals. I'll control myself when it comes to scaling the pyramid. But that's a respect that vampires get. And humans, you know, shit happens. [00:34:19] Speaker E: Maybe Malinkov was onto something with that cattle, huh? [00:34:23] Speaker B: I mean, looking back, maybe your agreement wasn't as sarcastic as you think. I suspect that Ivy's going to need a little bit to digest that change, to spend some time alone with her thoughts, reevaluating her position in the cosmic hierarchy as the other kindred busy themselves with their own errands. Time marches on until five days after witnessing Malinkov being rendered unto. Ash, it's time for you to meet at the prince's office. Prince Kevin Jackson holds formal administrative events at a Northside mansion. It's unclear whether it's actually his haven. It likely isn't, but it certainly puts forth a more imposing image than a back corner of the Succubus Club. As one would expect. You arrive are greeted by a ghoul in the guise of a butler. He asks you to wait in the parlour for as long as is necessary, depending on when you arrived before finally gathering the group, taking them upstairs and into the wing of the house, where Prince Jackson gets down to business. The prince is a man with a very tight schedule. There's no need for formalities or waiting outside the door when it's your turn. Come on inside. Unlike your last meeting, the prince invites you to take a seat. Any one of the four overstuffed leather chairs sitting in front of that dark mahogany behemoth that he calls a desk. Well, hey, again, thank you for everything you've done so far. Sorry I had to wait this long to get back together. As you can imagine, the city's decision has left me with plenty of fires to put out. But I didn't want to think that I'd forgotten about any of you. So here we are. Your prince is grateful. What is it I can do to repay your effort? Now, I'm not here to play favorites, but mr. Crozier. Miss LaRue. Your democracy idea. Secret ballot. Perfect. How about I start with you? [00:36:31] Speaker E: Why, thank you, Prince Jackson. We were just doing what was best for Camarilla society. But to that point, I actually only have one thing in mind. I've grown quite fond of Chicago, and I hope to be a part of the Camarilla political scene for quite some time. So all I need from you, Prince Jackson, is to remember that I'm a Tramier. Yes, but I'm more than that. I would like the Camarilla to remember that I have helped beyond what my clan is capable of, and that though I'm a tramir, I'm also Ivy LaRue. [00:37:13] Speaker B: Prince Kevin Jackson immediate, in agreement, hand slat on his desk. Done. I'll make sure the city knows that Ivy LaRue is a true friend of the Camarilla, well beyond the expectations we normally keep for those of her clan. [00:37:27] Speaker E: Thank you. [00:37:29] Speaker B: And, Mr. Crozier, pardon me for being presumptuous, but I think I can already tell where your particular interests are headed. [00:37:38] Speaker C: It's apparent that I need to work on my subtlety a bit, but, yes, I would like to pursue a position as a hound. [00:37:50] Speaker B: Well, I've guessed correctly, then. I can't think of many of the reasons that you would have taken Genjis off the balcony like that. Love to see it. Please show more discretion. But yes, I've already checked with Alexa and Damien about it. They would both be happy to have you as a colleague. When you leave, I'll have one of my staff give you Damien's contact information, and you can make more direct arrangements with him. Pending the completion of that conversation, I designate you one of my hounds. [00:38:22] Speaker C: Thank you for this opportunity, Prince Jackson. [00:38:26] Speaker B: Hey. Keep the job for a few months, and then tell me if it's something that you want to thank me for. Now, my nosferatu friend schmendric, what is it Prince Jackson can do for you to show his gratitude? [00:38:39] Speaker D: I'm actually after something a little. More monetary, but not for me. And with that, I will take out a business card and put it on his desk for Big Bob's Big Storage. I would like some of his units to be purchased. [00:38:55] Speaker B: I see. I think I understand what you're asking. Is this a gentleman who, let's say, you wish, had more free time to help his friends? [00:39:06] Speaker D: That's exactly it. [00:39:09] Speaker B: Of course, there are arrangements like that all around the city. I am obligated in my position as prince. Also considering and he gestures at you. Is this the kind of man who'll become a risk to our little stage play if the relationship goes on? [00:39:28] Speaker D: If I can help it, no. I've known him for a while now, and not to hurt Bob's sensibilities, but he doesn't exactly seem to be the brightest tool in the so I will. [00:39:44] Speaker B: No offense to present company, but idiot employees make the best employees. [00:39:50] Speaker D: Yeah, I don't think he's going to question much beyond what he already has, which is next to nothing. He just basically puts up with me. But freeing up his manpower would be actually really beneficial. [00:40:02] Speaker B: Can you have my blessing? I'll have one of our venture enterprises make a considerable purchase in he reads the card big Bob's Big Storage. And hopefully that allows your own relationships to flourish. I will warn you, though, as I've warned Mr. Crozier, if it turns out that Mr. Bob becomes a risk to the Camarilla, you will be the first one called upon to solve that problem. [00:40:31] Speaker D: I understand. [00:40:33] Speaker B: Very well. And lastly, but certainly not beastly, miss Rebecca Mitchell. What is it the prince can do for you and those incredible claws? [00:40:45] Speaker D: I came to Chicago for one reason to drive out the garo. And I would seek to continue my hunt here. This isn't some fool venture. I would be doing so with a committee of sorts. Rosa Hernandez and Anita Wainwright have both expressed their interest, but it would require your blessing before we truly got to work. [00:41:08] Speaker B: Ah, yes. I can understand why someone who is not politically inclined would require that kind of permission. It is a difficult subject, of course, considering the treaty and territory at large. But I'll make this promise to you. Let me find a werewolf problem in this city that needs solving, and as soon as I've managed that, I will allow you your hunt with whatever company you choose to keep. [00:41:42] Speaker D: Of course, I can agree to those terms. [00:41:46] Speaker B: Now, with that business settled, it's my understanding that this whole malinkov issue has been put to bed. Is there anything else I need to know? [00:41:59] Speaker E: Josh, did you bring the letter? [00:42:03] Speaker C: Tonight, without a word, I pull the letter out of my pocket and hand it to him. [00:42:10] Speaker B: Not to say the prince had a large amount of joy on his face before this moment, but any positive emotions are very slowly evaporating as you push that across the ah, well, Miss Leroux you already know how I feel about reading letters. Do you want to tell me what's in that? Is it the kind of thing that's going to make me angry? [00:42:32] Speaker E: Yeah. Oh, God, yes. The long and the short of it is that Tally was in town and saw the sacrifice. And at the end, he does say that he won't be able to stay in Chicago because apparently there has been a hunt called for. You know, some of the Lasambra can join the Camarilla, but, yes, Tally was in the city. [00:43:12] Speaker B: I see. You know, that is the kind of thing you expect with the Lasambra. Honestly, I had my people on the lookout, but fucking Tally? What can you do? All right, it's bad news, but not the worst news. But where goes Tally? Where goes Vital? And in that moment, Prince Jackson catches himself thinking out loud. Do you see that microsecond flash of realization that he's mentioning things he might not want to bring you in on? [00:43:48] Speaker E: Yeah, definitely making a mental note of that. [00:43:53] Speaker B: Well, I appreciate your honesty. At the very least, this was something that we hoped we wouldn't see but expected we might. Unfortunately, it puts all of you in a tricky position if Tally thinks that you're responsible for what happened. Yeah, that's not good. [00:44:12] Speaker E: I mean, insofar as Tally's opinion of what happened, he does seem to understand that some things had to have occurred. He doesn't seem too upset about Malankov's death. I mean, he is, but at the same time, he understands that sacrifices must be made. The situation called for it. [00:44:33] Speaker B: I've never had the pleasure of meeting the man myself, but from what I understand, he has an even handed reputation. Harsh, but not prone to leaps of passion or irrationality. That might be what buys us a few weeks. In any case, if any one of you detects something a little off, I need you to let us know, because if Tally's going to make a move, that means the Lasambra are making the move. That is something I need to know about. [00:45:09] Speaker E: I have no intention of letting the La Sombra do anything if I can help it, anything that they shouldn't be doing. [00:45:16] Speaker B: Of course. I appreciate your gusto, Miss LERU, and I understand your confidence after Malinkov is at an all time high, but for both our sakes, you as the person who I presume wants to be alive next century, and me as the person who ought to deal with the consequences, do not underestimate Tally, all right? [00:45:40] Speaker E: Oh, no, sir. I would not dream of it. [00:45:46] Speaker B: We're all clear on this, right, Josh? Crystal, Schmendrick. [00:45:54] Speaker D: Perfectly clear. [00:45:56] Speaker B: Excellent. I know at this point you figured out you are officially my four favorite neonates in the city. No offense. Rebecca, I would very much like to continue the relationship that we have. We can build this city together. My vision, your talents, and plausible deniability. But for that, you need to stay alive, so to speak. [00:46:21] Speaker E: I chuckle a little bit. [00:46:24] Speaker B: All right. Nothing more to say on that issue. And it is my sincere hope that there are no more concerns to raise. [00:46:34] Speaker C: Nothing from me. [00:46:37] Speaker E: No, sir. [00:46:39] Speaker D: None here. No. [00:46:41] Speaker B: I'm just happy to be here. Wonderful. Well, Joshua, you can expect to hear from Damien soon. Schmendrick big Bob will be getting a big offer for his big storage. Feel free to take advantage of that gratitude, Miss LaRue. It'll be nice to see you at Elysium in the future, Miss Mitchell. Hopefully you'll have a target passed your way within a week now. Plenty of gratitude, not enough time. There's nothing else. Feel free to go about the rest of your business. I will let you know if I need to see you again. [00:47:18] Speaker E: Thank you for your time this evening, prince Jackson. [00:47:21] Speaker B: Always a pleasure. [00:47:23] Speaker E: I'll spin around on my heels and leave. [00:47:26] Speaker D: I'll also follow Ivy and take my leave of the prince. I'm actually quite happy that he came out of this the way he did and look forward to having Big Bob officially. My gopher. [00:47:43] Speaker B: I mean, the prince did seem perfectly happy to acquiesce to all your requests. [00:47:49] Speaker E: Thing about favors is you start small, right? Build up to the big ones later. I don't plan on making this the only favor that I ever get from Prince Jackson. [00:48:00] Speaker A: I would expect not. [00:48:02] Speaker B: The prince is a nice friend to have, but favors need to be earned. And, oh, God, when you want something big in return, it's hard to imagine the kind of things you might be asked to do. But, hey, what do we say in the all night society? Those are tomorrow night problems. For now, at least. [00:48:23] Speaker E: As we come out of the meeting, I obviously left first, followed by Schmendrick, so Josh is somewhere behind. But I'd give Josh a look as he walks out of the prince's office. And as we're walking down the hall, just kind of shove an elbow into his side and just be like, hound. Interesting. I mean, you never really struck me as the hound type, but a judge has to do what a judge has to do, I guess. [00:48:56] Speaker C: Well, until the other night, I wasn't a hound type, but here we are. [00:49:04] Speaker E: Yeah, this doesn't really strike me as the kind of thing that you just wake up one day and decide that you want. Seems like this is probably something you've at least been sitting on for a little bit. [00:49:16] Speaker C: Not really. Once all this started, once I started getting to the thick of it, I guess I kind of realized that I like it and that I think I'm good at it, and I've been afraid of it for far too long. [00:49:35] Speaker E: Honest question. And I mean, very little disrespect, sure. [00:49:41] Speaker C: Little disrespect from a Tremere. I'll believe that. [00:49:48] Speaker E: How many hobbies have you picked up and abandoned throughout your life? And on life? [00:49:55] Speaker C: I don't know, I think that's kind of an innumerable question, right? When does a hobby truly get dropped? [00:50:06] Speaker E: I mean, are you the kind of guy who decided you were going to learn how to play the bass guitar one weekend and you went out and bought all the equipment, and then two months later, you never picked it up again? I'm just wondering how long we can expect your houndship to last. [00:50:24] Speaker C: Well, Ivy LaRue, if all goes to plan, my houndship will last until I can discover higher ventures. But we'll talk about that when we get to it, right? [00:50:42] Speaker E: Yeah, I guess we'll see. [00:50:46] Speaker B: It doesn't actually take long for the question of higher ventures to be raised, because as the coterie moves in single file and pairs. However, as your little cluster moves to depart the prince's mansion, the doorman holds a handout for Joshua. Mr. Crozier, a moment of your time, please. There's one more thing the prince would like to discuss in private. [00:51:12] Speaker C: Yes, of course. [00:51:15] Speaker B: Thank you. As for the rest of you, have a pleasant evening. [00:51:20] Speaker E: Oh, okay. Bye, Josh. Good luck. [00:51:28] Speaker D: Leia. I'm curious, but I'm sure he'll tell us later. Maybe. [00:51:34] Speaker E: I mean, it probably has to do with his hound status now that he's an officer of the court. [00:51:42] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:51:43] Speaker E: Hound, joshua it's a big ask. Speaking of asks, who's Big Bob to you? Is he your big friend? [00:51:55] Speaker D: Trying to figure out what you mean by big. Uh, Bob is technically my landlord. Maybe. [00:52:03] Speaker E: Yeah, but, like, is it one of the things where he's your landlord, or like, he's your landlord where you don't have the money to pay for rent this month? There's got to be some other way you can pay him. [00:52:18] Speaker D: No, not at all. There's that whole barrier, first of all, of me being a Nosferatu and him being a human. An ungooled human. Pretty sure if he saw me without my mask on, he'd be terrified. [00:52:35] Speaker E: Why haven't you ghouled that yet? [00:52:38] Speaker D: I don't believe in it. Controversial opinion, but I'd rather not ghoul unless I had to. [00:52:48] Speaker E: I mean, that's fair. Lord knows I don't have a ghoul. [00:52:52] Speaker B: In fairness, that's because you would never be able to get permission. [00:52:56] Speaker E: Not going to let anybody in the coterie know that I need disabled's permission to have a ghoul. [00:53:04] Speaker A: Okay, that's fair. [00:53:05] Speaker D: Also, isn't it technically against the masquerade to ghoul anyone? Technically, nobody follows it. [00:53:12] Speaker B: It's a very interesting part of Camarilla law. Literally taken. Yeah. The traditions say you cannot reveal your existence to people who are not of the blood and ghouling someone certainly counts. But on the other hand, you just met the prince's ghouls. Obviously, it's okay. So, like, is it always okay? Is it sometimes okay? Are there other rules? It's one of those real blurry things where if someone wanted to make a big deal about it, they could, but on the whole, it's accepted as a general part of vampire life. [00:53:48] Speaker D: I imagine if someone wanted to get back at you for something, but had literally no other dirt. They could try to pursue the ghoul angle, but it may not be successful. [00:53:59] Speaker B: And part of it is what Prince Jackson brought up is that it's an acceptable risk to have a ghoul. Part of it is cost benefit analysis. Vampires understand they need to interact with the mortal world, and having a ghoul who's, like, in on it under your control, but can go around mortal society very easily, is less risky to the masquerade than having vampires doing all of their own business all the time. So you're allowed ghouls insofar as it helps maintain the masquerade and lowers the overall risk of exposure. But if your ghoul is the reason the masquerade is being broken, they will come down doubly hard on you. [00:54:42] Speaker D: So, with that in mind, I look to Ivy and I say, if I had a romantic bone in my body, I still don't think, you know, interested in Big Bob. He's lovable, though, just not the romantic. Hmm. [00:54:59] Speaker E: Well, in fairness, I don't think Josh is romantic lovable. And somehow he has a wife and a so. Well, had a wife and a child. Had a wife, still has a child, I think. [00:55:13] Speaker B: Yikes. [00:55:15] Speaker E: Just does anybody have a shovel? I would like to keep digging this hole a little bit deeper, quicker. Thank you. [00:55:22] Speaker B: Classic Ivy. [00:55:26] Speaker D: He may be prickly now, he may have been prickly then, but maybe he was less prickly. [00:55:34] Speaker B: I mean, has Ivy ever considered that it's not that he doesn't like people, it's that he doesn't like her? [00:55:41] Speaker E: Literally. Never. [00:55:43] Speaker B: I should have seen that coming. [00:55:46] Speaker E: You really should have. [00:55:49] Speaker B: Yeah, no, that checks out. [00:55:51] Speaker D: I'm going to say I appreciate the why haven't you ghouled that yet? In the same kind of tone as why haven't you put a ring on that yet? [00:55:59] Speaker E: It was supposed to be more like, why haven't you hit that? [00:56:02] Speaker B: So that's how I took it. Like, why haven't you tapped that yet? [00:56:07] Speaker E: Oh, geez. Exactly. [00:56:11] Speaker B: Well, I don't know. Schmendrick. Has Ivy made your relationship with Bob sufficiently awkward to extricate yourself from this moment? Or are you going to suffer it a little bit longer? [00:56:20] Speaker D: I imagine it starts to become funny. So if she wants to continue to talk about it, I'll be happy to tell her about Bob. [00:56:27] Speaker E: Ivy, I mean, we gotta walk, right? And it'd be weird to just walk in silence, so if she wants to talk, it's less time that I have to talk about anything involving me. [00:56:37] Speaker B: So sure you do have that option, spendric if Ivy's opened the door into prying about people's personal business. [00:56:45] Speaker D: In that case, I actually start to thumb through my phone until I find a picture of this probably beyond middle aged, rather chubby looking, large man with a grayish beard. He looks like a trucker, met a biker and they became one, which is kind of the same vein, but when you merge them together, it's its own unique creature. He looks grumpy. Probably the picture was taken without his knowledge. And I just say to her, that's. [00:57:16] Speaker B: Bob. [00:57:20] Speaker E: You know, I'm very happy that you have better taste in people than. [00:57:29] Speaker D: Quite. He's fun in his own way, like he's a stick in the mud. But he brings entertainment to my life that enriches it beyond what it would be otherwise. [00:57:41] Speaker E: Well, so long as you're happy, schmendric. [00:57:44] Speaker D: I guess I am. [00:57:46] Speaker E: Happy as we can be. [00:57:48] Speaker D: Exactly. And hopefully, with the Prince's gift, I can make Bob a little happier. I don't think he's all that happy right now. Regardless, I will not bore you with his personal problems. [00:58:02] Speaker E: Thank you. [00:58:04] Speaker B: That's not to say she couldn't. Schmendrick knows all about Big Bob's big lady problems. [00:58:13] Speaker E: No, I really appreciate how much of a friend Schmendrick is being by not telling Ivy about Big Bob and his relationship problems. Very, very grateful for that. [00:58:26] Speaker B: Well, there's only so much Chicago sidewalk to go. And eventually, you do have other things to tend to. Ivy has schemes of her own to put into motion, and there has to be a reason why Schmendick decided to bring Big Bob into her big family. So, as our two remaining ladies part ways, are there any final words? [00:58:48] Speaker E: Take care of yourself, Schmendrick. [00:58:50] Speaker D: You too. And I think I gave you my phone number, so feel free to contact me if you need anything at all. Your tramire. Though I'm pretty sure you have everything you need. [00:59:00] Speaker E: Not everything, but working on it. And I just kind of give a sly little smile. [00:59:06] Speaker D: Good luck to you on that. Then I'll give Ivy a little wave before heading to my car. [00:59:14] Speaker B: So our two kindred go about their respective business. [00:59:18] Speaker A: Ivy's returning to the Chantry then, I take it? [00:59:22] Speaker E: Yeah, I have a few things I have to pick up before I continue the rest of my evening. [00:59:27] Speaker A: Well, in that case, I have excellent news for you. Your things, such as they are, are located in the front room of the Chantry, packed neatly, of course, guarded at the moment by Portia. [00:59:43] Speaker E: Excuse me, what? [00:59:46] Speaker A: You walk into the front door of the Chantry, coming off that treelined boulevard into the old style house. Portia is sitting in the foyer with several boxes out of the open tops of which poke many of your belongings. And Ivy, being of a logical mind, would rightfully presume that the rest of the boxes, the part she can't see, are full of the remainder of her. [01:00:12] Speaker E: Um what is going on? [01:00:16] Speaker A: Oh, the Regent didn't tell you? [01:00:20] Speaker E: No. Tell me what? [01:00:23] Speaker A: I mean, well, he told me, but if he didn't tell you, I'm not going to be the one who crosses that. I thought you knew. Like, why would he have told me to do this unless you knew? [01:00:33] Speaker E: That's a very good question. And odly, enough. The exact same one that I'm asking. [01:00:39] Speaker A: A voice interrupts your train of thought from the hallway? Yes. And thankfully, I'm on hand to answer it. Portia. Thank you. You're dismissed. [01:00:50] Speaker E: Evening, Regent. I'm sorry. I'm very surprised by this. What's happening right now. [01:01:01] Speaker A: I must say, Miss Le Roux, a lack of fluency is not becoming on you. And it would behoove you to collect your thoughts before you speak. But that said, as a regent, I have decided to make some changes in the management of the Chantry. There's an opening in our organization that requires filling, and at the moment, you are the best candidate for it. As such, you will be taking up new residence on the north side of Chicago to oversee one of our revenant families. [01:01:29] Speaker E: Oh. [01:01:31] Speaker A: Are you familiar with the Ducheskis, Miss le Roux? [01:01:34] Speaker E: Only in name, sir. [01:01:37] Speaker A: Then I won't waste any of our time explaining it further. Save to say that there are four of them who live in this home, and you are to see that their work proceeds without interruption. Manage the home, ensure their continued compliance with the wishes of the Chantry. See to their personal needs and those. [01:01:55] Speaker E: Of the sorry, um this isn't a punishment. [01:02:02] Speaker A: Why would you believe you're being punished, Miss Le Roux? Have you done something that would require my administrative action? [01:02:10] Speaker E: Well, no, of course not. [01:02:12] Speaker A: Just if you can't imagine something that would require me to punish you, I fail to see how logically you would reach the conclusion that you're being punished. [01:02:23] Speaker E: No, sir, of course not. Anything personally? Just the result of the malinkov vote. Obviously, I have not been judged these last few days by the kindred of this city. On my own actions alone, I'm seen as part of this coterie. And I would hate for you to think that the actions of the coterie overshadow my own actions. [01:02:47] Speaker A: I must say, Miss Leroux, this line of inquiry gives me second thoughts about your introduction into our clan and your sire's pedagogical decisions. If it is your sincere belief that in matters internal to clan tremir a regent would pass judgment upon a coterie, then it is clear you are in need of remedial education. For now, I will assume it is merely surprise clouding your thoughts. [01:03:16] Speaker E: Setting my shock aside for the moment, I'm absolutely honored that you would put me in charge of the Ducheski mansion, sir. And this is as sincere as I can possibly be at this moment. My smile is as warm as du Sable has ever seen. [01:03:33] Speaker A: Oh, it doesn't appear like du Sable is willing to give you credit for that. Please, Miss Leroux, don't mistake this as a reward. Yes, of course there's a certain status that comes with being given dominion over a duchesski revenant family, but this is an obligation. There are additional responsibilities that will fall upon your shoulders now. And as a true of all things in the pyramid, greater responsibilities only escalate the possibility of failure. It would also benefit your ego to remember that being the best choice does not necessarily mean being a singularly qualified choice. [01:04:14] Speaker E: There. It is, of course, whether or not du Sable can tell that my smile changes from being as warm as it is to being slightly forced. At this point, it matters very little. I simply nod and say, of course, sir. I understand. [01:04:36] Speaker A: Excellent. You'll find the home at 1547 North Dearborn Parkway. You'll understand if we don't have the manpower available to help you move. The family is already aware of your assignment and will be expecting you before sunrise. [01:04:52] Speaker E: I guess I'll take a couple boxes and come collect my things once I'm settled in over there. [01:04:59] Speaker A: If it's all the same to you, Miss LaRue, I would prefer not to have the front of my home occupied by your wardrobe. Now, if you'll excuse me, the Chantry isn't going to run itself. [01:05:12] Speaker E: As he walks away, I roll my eyes at the thought of him running the Chantry at all. And I turn back to face Portia. When did he tell you about this? [01:05:21] Speaker A: Oh, it was three or 4 hours ago. You'd left to do something, I'm guessing more La Sombra business. He found me in the lab. [01:05:31] Speaker E: I do kind of wish I'd been given any sort of heads up. Why did he give it to me over you? [01:05:39] Speaker A: Portia shrugs. I don't hmm. [01:05:43] Speaker E: I can never tell which way that man is going. [01:05:47] Speaker A: Wait, why? You think I deserve it more? [01:05:50] Speaker E: I don't know. He just said I'm the most capable Tramier to handle it. Which is funny, considering he barely thinks of me as a Tramier. [01:06:01] Speaker A: Look, I'm just saying, if you think that there's a better candidate and you think it's me, we can probably go talk to him and see it all changed. If you'd rather stay in the Chantry. [01:06:08] Speaker E: Under disabled no, I'm actually very much looking forward to getting out from underneath his thumb. This has very much taken me by surprise. [01:06:18] Speaker A: Well, you know they say about mouths, gift horses? Something like that. Well, I would love to help you move. Except I definitely would not love to help you move. So I'm going to go back downstairs. [01:06:36] Speaker E: Oh, yeah, no, sweetie, there's a reason I didn't ask. I just don't know where I'm going to find a bunch of night laborers to move my boxes. [01:06:48] Speaker A: Oh, boy. Wow. It looks like we're talking about Ivy problems and not like tramire problems or Porsche problems, so oh, my God, look at the time. I am sure I left a kettle on or a cauldron or something. [01:07:08] Speaker E: Sure. Yeah. Always a pleasure, Portia. [01:07:14] Speaker A: Hey, chin up. Congratulations. [01:07:17] Speaker E: Thanks. [01:07:18] Speaker A: So, Portia excuses herself, leaving you in the foyer with the sum total of your personal belongings. [01:07:25] Speaker E: There's not a whole bunch of night, and I have a whole bunch of boxes to move and a lot of situating to get done on the north side of Chicago. So I'm going to order the biggest SUV rideshare car that I can, and shove as many boxes in there so I can take as few trips as possible, maybe give the guy some extra money if he helps me load the damn boxes, too, and then make our way up to the Ducheski mansion. [01:07:51] Speaker A: I'm certain there's a dollar amount that would convince your driver to help you move some boxes. I'm certain that dollar amount is more than you think it should be. But, hey, moving can't ask your vampire friends to do in exchange for beer and pizza, right? [01:08:08] Speaker E: No? Well, schmendrick, maybe. [01:08:14] Speaker A: However, you manage to tackle the arduous problem of hauling 60 identical black outfits out of the Chantry across town. I would like to think your mood lightens when you see the home that you have been placed in charge of. Dearborn street is solidly within Chicago's Gold Coast. Home to old money and old mansions, this home among the oldest in both mansion and money terms. You are greeted immediately by a stunning limestone frontage defined by ornate wrought iron and beveled glass accents. Ivy would recognize it immediately as an original Adler, a home designed by one of Chicago's most famous architects, and boasting features that speak to the city's own unique architectural traditions. From the curb, it occupies a double lot against a broad treelined street, you would guess four floors, three above, and a basement. The windows are drawn tight with thick drapery. If there are lights on inside, none of that is managing to penetrate this coverage. But on the whole, it's a home that speaks to everything Clan Tremere holds dear. It is old, it is proud, it is stately, and it is capable of holding many, many secrets. [01:09:41] Speaker E: My favorite type of building. You are correct, though. Seeing this building just if I still drew breath, this would take my breath away. I'm so excited to get inside and meet the Revenant family and figure out exactly what I have to do to make sure that they're cared for. But I can't wait to explore this place. [01:10:04] Speaker A: So with the first box in hand, you approach the entryway. The door is heavy, thick, a solid slab of dense hardwood. Opening it, you might feel your elation wane. The exterior of the home is incredibly well kept, but the interior, it borders somewhere between unkempt and dilapidated. Whether the Jeskies themselves are responsible for maintenance or the Trumir who previously held this post, neither of them have seen fit to keep it in its most optimum condition. Still, if you're a fan of original interior work, original millwork brass hardware, marble fireplaces still feels pretty good. [01:10:50] Speaker E: I am I definitely am a little upset about the upkeep, but that's something that we can fix. It'd be a shame if all of the original work was gone. So at the very least, giving it all a little bit of a facelift not a hard ask. [01:11:07] Speaker A: Well, there are generally three kinds of gold coast mansions in Chicago. You have new construction, which is rare, hideously expensive, but built to at least resemble the neighborhoods that it occupies. You have old buildings that have been ripped down to the studs and made entirely modern indoors. And then you have original construction where the appliances might have been updated. They've modernized the wiring, but everything else is as original as can be. The Ducheski house appears to be in a fourth category. [01:11:43] Speaker B: Which is? Nothing has changed since the house was. [01:11:46] Speaker A: Built, unless it was required to keep the house from falling down. [01:11:51] Speaker E: Okay, great. That bodes well for some things and less well for others. [01:11:58] Speaker A: I mean, it's not like Ivy needs a Viking gas range, right? You're not going to cook anything? [01:12:03] Speaker E: No, of course not. Maybe some updated know would be nice. Fixing up the walls, refreshing the lacquer on the wood. [01:12:14] Speaker A: I mean, it's got an elevator. [01:12:16] Speaker E: Elevator is cool. Does it work? [01:12:19] Speaker A: Maybe. And if it doesn't work, it's not. [01:12:25] Speaker B: Like it's going to kill you if. [01:12:26] Speaker A: The cable snaps and it falls to the bottom of the shaft. [01:12:29] Speaker E: I mean, that's one positive spin on this, but it would kill the Ducheski if it snaps when they're in it. [01:12:37] Speaker B: Ghouls have significantly sturdier bodies than your average mortal. [01:12:42] Speaker A: And I'm sure that a generous donation of your own Vita would be able to cure whatever ills have befallen the mangled heap at the bottom of this hypothetical elevator wreck. [01:12:52] Speaker E: Something to keep in mind, I suppose. [01:12:55] Speaker A: Strangely, though, it actually currently might be the case that all the Ducheski are twisted heaps at the bottom of the elevator shaft. Because you haven't seen one of them. [01:13:04] Speaker E: Oh, that's curious. I mean, there's four. It's a large mansion. Surely they're just off working. [01:13:13] Speaker A: Maybe there are nine bedrooms, plenty of places for someone to hide. [01:13:19] Speaker E: When I get all of my stuff into the foyer, I would absolutely call out for them. [01:13:25] Speaker A: Random question for me. How much money did you offer the driver? [01:13:29] Speaker E: I gave him $50, aside from whatever rideshare app tip I gave him. [01:13:35] Speaker A: Okay. I mean, I would have gone for 100, but I understand. [01:13:39] Speaker E: Well, you got to split it up, right? Like, I only had so much cash. [01:13:43] Speaker A: I mean, don't defend yourself to me. Defend yourself to the working class. [01:13:47] Speaker E: It was an SUV. He got a very generous tip based on the cost of his services, plus $50 to get some boxes in a car. [01:13:57] Speaker A: Whatever you say, Ivy. [01:13:59] Speaker E: That is whatever. Who asked you? [01:14:03] Speaker A: You were looking for your roommates? [01:14:05] Speaker E: Yes. [01:14:06] Speaker A: I'm sure you'll get a loan. The jusky don'tip well, either. [01:14:10] Speaker E: That's a good that was additional on top of a tip in the app. It was just additional. [01:14:19] Speaker A: Okay. [01:14:21] Speaker E: Once I get all of my stuff, at least to the top of the steps, if not into the foyer itself, I would definitely call out for the Ducheski, any of them. At least make my presence known. Du. Sable did say that they knew that I would be coming in to expect me, so I'm a little surprised that there wasn't at least somebody waiting. It kind of rubs me the wrong way, almost like obviously not going to be super pissy about it, but I definitely was expecting a little bit more of a hello. [01:14:55] Speaker A: The Ducheski aren't known for many things and hospitality and sociability are definitely not on that list. If you would like to have some occult knowledge researched or a particular device tinkered with great, wouldn't ask them to host a dinner party. So you've begun to circumnavigate the first floor of the building. The wide, formal dining room with generously high ceilings into the back, where a small smoking parlor sits lined with ancient books. A quite neglected kitchen. Although the granite countertops are nice and the island is very spacious, you've managed to make one full circuit of the ground floor. Hands on the railing, ready to go upstairs when a voice snaps from behind. You welcome, miss. And as you spin round, your eyes behold a gaunt, skeletal figure. A hair under 6ft tall, almost entirely bald, save for the wisps of thin blonde hair still clinging to his scalp. His clothing is old, thread bare, and he stares up at you with dark beady eyes sitting inside deeply hollowed sockets. This man would be old by mortal standards, yes. And beyond that, he's been kept alive by the ghouling process for far, far? [01:16:27] Speaker E: A. That is a description all right. I smile at him and extend my hand, introducing myself. Hi, I'm Ivy. [01:16:38] Speaker A: He looks down at your hand and back at you unmoving. No handshake offered in return. I am Grigoro Ducheski, master of this family. I am told by Mr. Du Sable that you are to be our new keeper. [01:16:52] Speaker E: I slowly hold my hand back. Yes, that is correct. [01:16:58] Speaker A: Very well. I am entered to service then, as your retainer. If there is anything you require of me, you need only ask. [01:17:06] Speaker E: Thank you. I'll be sure to let you know. Where are the rest of your family members? [01:17:14] Speaker A: Mihail is currently out of the home, securing, reagents and conducting her errands for the family, andra likely is in the laboratory. She is ceaseless in her commitment to that Olympic. [01:17:26] Speaker B: And Rosalia is upstairs. She prefers to read at these hours. [01:17:30] Speaker E: Great. Seems like everybody has their chores for the evening. [01:17:35] Speaker A: Yes. You will find in most regards, the home is capable of running itself without any outside interference. Nevertheless, we do appreciate having someone who can see to more specific needs. [01:17:47] Speaker E: Of course. And I'm happy to oblige. Admittedly, this is my first duchesski family that I've ever had the pleasure of taking care of. So I'm very new to all of this. [01:18:04] Speaker A: I understand. For as timeless as your kind are, the Ducheski are also quite an old bloodline. But you will find us incredibly cooperative in the needs of the Chantry. And your own research, it is my hope that we can arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement. [01:18:24] Speaker E: I look forward to working with you. [01:18:26] Speaker A: We shall see. In the meantime, if you would prefer, I can show you to what are typically the master's quarters. [01:18:34] Speaker E: Yes, please. I would love to get my stuff in there and start getting situated. [01:18:40] Speaker A: Grigor takes you on a abridged tour of the home. He ignores the elevator for now, complaining that it is entirely too modern for his liking. And that the noise he finds deeply unsettling. Moving to the second floor, you find the eight different bedrooms that once housed a much larger Duchess key fraternity, as well as the mansion's library. Cherry paneled, ornate in styling, and home to your tour guide, alleges 3000 rare tomes on the occult and its mysteries. The third floor, then, is home to. [01:19:17] Speaker B: A building wide penthouse of sorts the master's quarters. Your quarters. [01:19:23] Speaker A: True to the rest of the building, it is originally furnished. No one has dared bothered to remodel this place, and if the Duchesskis have been neglectful in maintaining the rest of the home, you can only imagine how little they've cared about this part. You don't have to worry about bedbucks or anything like that. There's no exposed wiring, but I suspect it would fall well short of what Ivy calls passable living quarters. [01:19:49] Speaker E: Oh, well, that's going to have to change. I think that might be one of the first things that gets done around this place. There's a certain look that I like to have for my day to day space. This doesn't sound like it. [01:20:05] Speaker A: Oh, and abandoned haunted house doesn't fit that theme. [01:20:11] Speaker E: I'm not schmendrick. [01:20:13] Speaker A: First of all, schmendric's house has Christmas lights up. It has beanbag chairs and cute posters on the wall, so how dare you? [01:20:22] Speaker E: You don't think she would put all of that inside a creepy haunted house? [01:20:26] Speaker A: Not all nosferatu are the same, Ivy, and those kind of stereotypes are harmful. [01:20:31] Speaker E: But no, to your point generally, haunted house vibes, I mean, I get it. I'm a little bit goth. I'm a lot of bit goth. I've got a little bit of style, taste things that I like in my house. I need my things. I want my comfy chair and my little reading nook. And if I'm going to be taking care of this place, I need it to feel like home. That's all I'm saying. [01:21:01] Speaker A: That'll be a conversation you have to have with Gregor, who at the moment is standing, hands folded like a fig leaf in front of himself. I hope everything is to your liking. If you have no further needs of me, there is other business I would prefer to be attending to. [01:21:17] Speaker E: We will have to have a discussion about the general upkeep of the mansion, including my quarters. But I'm going to go ahead and get situated, and then once I'm all settled, there is actually something that I need your help with. [01:21:34] Speaker A: As you'd like the Duchesski, are here to serve. Find me when you are requiring my assistance, and I will do everything in my power. Well, that leaves Ivy with some boxes to lug around, some furniture to dust off. Are you going to use the elevator? [01:21:52] Speaker E: I think I'm going to do a test run of the elevator. With, like, an empty box? That doesn't matter. I'm assuming it works based on Grigor's comment about not liking this sound. I'm just a little wary about it. [01:22:08] Speaker A: Hey, better safe than sorry. [01:22:10] Speaker E: Exactly. [01:22:13] Speaker A: Well, as fate would have it, if that elevator does need some work, schmendrick. [01:22:18] Speaker B: Knows a guy who seems pretty. [01:22:19] Speaker A: Huh. And as I understand it, she's recently taken steps to make sure he has plenty of availability. [01:22:26] Speaker B: So in a few days, Bob's gonna get a letter in the mail. A letter and a pretty big check. What happens after that? [01:22:34] Speaker D: Well, I make sure he's got the money first before I sidle up to his little office, knock on the glass. Of course, I'm wearing a full mask, so he can't he's never actually seen what I look like, but he knows me by voice or by the stance I take. But I knock on the glass. And so, uh, you get a nice windfall there, Bob. [01:22:59] Speaker B: This barrel of a man looks up for what has got to be one of the messiest desks in the city of Chicago, if not the entire United States. In fact, looking at it, the idea that he can actually identify the new mail and the check you're talking about is astounding. But he looks up with an age worn skepticism, a little trucker instinct, telling him that something is amiss. You want to tell me you had something to do with this? He's waving the check in front of you. [01:23:26] Speaker D: I sure did. I figured you'd like some of the pressure taken off. [01:23:32] Speaker B: Someone who can barely afford to pay me $300 a month for her little shipping cabinet managed to come up with 123-4567 zeros. [01:23:42] Speaker D: Bob, I'm very popular. I can find money. And in this case, I chose to give that money to you. [01:23:51] Speaker B: Well, shit. No shit, schmendric. Any of us can find money. I can shake my couch out, find money. If I can get my wife off of it long enough, that's $0.07, not seven zeros. What are you getting me into? [01:24:02] Speaker D: Well, nothing, really. Listen, there's a caveat, and it's not much of a caveat, but I would like for you to do some errands for me whenever, you know, time to. [01:24:15] Speaker B: Do that sort of thing. Look, schmendric, I know all I do is run a little storage lot, but I've seen The Godfather. I know what it means when someone comes at you saying, oh, don't worry about it. I'll just ask a favor. I'm not helping you bury no bodies I don't need. [01:24:28] Speaker D: Well, let's put it this way. I do not hurt people in that way. And I definitely do not need help burying bodies. [01:24:34] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, no, of course. My boss never needs oh, I don't hurt people. And then, next thing you know, how. [01:24:40] Speaker D: About this solemn promise if I ever ask you to bury a body, I'll put another zero on the end of that check. [01:24:47] Speaker B: Now, I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to say that I cannot be bought, but, I mean, God, look at you now. There ain't no way you're going to ask me to bury no bodies. All right, so what's the real catch? Got to run favors. What? Ain't like you bring groceries home. So not bodies, not groceries. [01:25:04] Speaker D: Well, there is a couple of things I need done, and I simply don't have the time to do them right now, busy as I am. [01:25:11] Speaker B: Well, shit. According to this check, I got tons of time. [01:25:14] Speaker D: I know, right? [01:25:16] Speaker B: I see what you're getting at. [01:25:18] Speaker D: All right, well, the first thing I need you to look into for me is actually in City Hall. So it's not that you worry about me getting you to do illegal things. I'm not getting you to do that. You're going to City Hall. You're going to find me underground construction maps or, like, any abandoned projects, things having to do with digging. I just want to look into that. [01:25:40] Speaker B: All right? And that's it. [01:25:43] Speaker D: No, there's thing two. [01:25:45] Speaker B: All right? [01:25:47] Speaker D: Thing two requires you picking up a package at the location I give you and keeping it refrigerated. [01:25:55] Speaker B: Okay, so I got to go down to City Hall, pick up a bunch of documents, maps, look for digging, and then pick up your please. No. Shit. I'm the kind of guy look gift horse in the mouth. But I gotta say, Schmendy, it feels like you're overpaying me. [01:26:12] Speaker D: We'll see. [01:26:15] Speaker B: Can't believe it. Come to work one day, banging on your door, looking for rent, and now you are my boss. All right. Guess I'll get to it. [01:26:26] Speaker D: Thank you, Bob. [01:26:28] Speaker B: Oh, no, thank you. [01:26:32] Speaker D: With that engagement settled, I will very happily move on to the next tier of my plan. [01:26:38] Speaker B: Well, I mean, please indulge me. I understand half of what you're doing. I'm assuming the package is a little bit of snacks for Schmendrick. [01:26:46] Speaker D: Yeah, it is. Okay. [01:26:49] Speaker B: We'll make a predator roll. [01:26:51] Speaker D: Two successes. [01:26:53] Speaker B: All right. Doesn't matter to me how you sourced it, but Big Bob will be coming back with a small box, unfortunately with enough whole plasma to slake to hunger at some point in the future. [01:27:06] Speaker D: Well, it's something. [01:27:08] Speaker B: Now the other part. [01:27:09] Speaker A: What are these maps for? [01:27:11] Speaker D: Well, I'm a little tired of living in a storage container. As much as the charm has been there, it's time to move on to something bigger and better. And I'm going to start looking. [01:27:23] Speaker B: Big Bob is helping you find a big haven? [01:27:26] Speaker D: Exactly. And I have very, I want to say unique tastes when it comes to finding a haven. [01:27:34] Speaker A: By all means. [01:27:35] Speaker B: What are you looking for? [01:27:36] Speaker D: It's something that was barely touched on when I lived in New York, but I do have some rather ancient nosferatu blood in my veins, and I can sense ley lines. And it would be a personal dream of mine to be able to build a haven smack dab on top of some ley lines. [01:27:53] Speaker B: Well, I'm not 100% familiar with how ley lines and vampires interact. What's the benefit there for you? [01:28:01] Speaker D: They kind of refuel you in a way. Like, it's not the same as drinking blood, but they keep you energized or in a stasis. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but the benefit is that some mornings, the beast may browse without issue. [01:28:19] Speaker B: A weird, like, mystical geothermal generator for your vampire needs? [01:28:26] Speaker D: You could say it like that. It would help with the situations where I only get a box with two bags of plasma in it. That's the life I've had to lead until now. But if I can cut out that whole delivery thing a little more, that would actually be really beneficial. [01:28:43] Speaker B: Of course, different vampires would probably think it was easier to just order more or order from less reputable sources. But as we've established, this is what separates you from Ivy. [01:28:57] Speaker D: Hey, listen, if you can see them, who wouldn't want to build their haven on top of a bunch of glowing red tendrils? [01:29:03] Speaker B: You're the expert here. I'll take your word for it. So, big Bob's gonna get you the maps. What do the maps do? [01:29:11] Speaker D: The maps are gonna be your basic layout of the city where zoning things are. I will be able to track the recent developments or even old developments. Chicago does, in fact, have an undercity, and I figure it's a good place to start looking for ley lines. [01:29:28] Speaker B: All right, well, this sounds like a project to me. It seems you've already committed your retainer to the cause. Are there any other resources you're going to put forward towards solving this problem? [01:29:42] Speaker D: Actually, yes. I'm going to create a sort of treasure hunt for my online hacking community. Just go onto the forums and say, hey, friends, here's a game. We're going to inspect some topographical maps of Chicago old building layouts, and whoever finds, like, the most interesting feature or whatever I'm looking for, you will get a prize. [01:30:07] Speaker B: You're leveraging the willingness of the legions of internet hacker lords to get on Schmendrick's good side, getting to work alongside the famous hacker. [01:30:17] Speaker D: You know, when properly motivated, nerds can be a powerful workforce. [01:30:22] Speaker B: Don't I know it. All right, so Bob brings you to the maps. The nerds help you parse, digest, scour them. Anything else? [01:30:33] Speaker D: Yes, one last thing, because I want to make sure this succeeds. I'm actually going to be dedicating some of my resources to running a server to kind of analyze this data, put it in proper bullet points and that sort of thing, just so I can in a way calculate the best location where this might be. [01:30:54] Speaker B: That's bordering on technomancy combining magic and technology in these ways. [01:31:01] Speaker D: I suppose it is. And that is really unique in itself. It certainly beats having to walk the streets to find the ley lines, so hopefully this algorithm will bear fruit. [01:31:15] Speaker B: It makes perfect sense to me. I mean, Schmendrick wasn't the lead the basement type to begin with. It doesn't seem to me like she'd start now. [01:31:22] Speaker D: Precisely. [01:31:24] Speaker B: All right, well, you've committed three dots of your various backgrounds to the cause. I'm guessing you're using technology, considering there are hacker, nerds and servers involved. So why don't you roll that dice pool against a difficulty four, and we'll see if this project gets off the ground. [01:31:41] Speaker D: Five successes. That's pretty good. [01:31:44] Speaker B: I went better than you expected. [01:31:45] Speaker E: Gosh. [01:31:46] Speaker D: Yeah. [01:31:47] Speaker B: Now, under normal circumstances, when you're running a project of this length, those resources would be tied up for the entirety of it. But in this case, your technological skill makes up some of that difference. So you're going to end up saving one of those background dots. What is it? Did it cost less money because you didn't run the server so long? Were the nerds especially efficient? Did Bob do a particularly good job? [01:32:12] Speaker D: Well, I still need the server to run, and Bob could do with some work on his downtime, so I want to say the nerds have been very thorough. [01:32:22] Speaker A: Very well. [01:32:23] Speaker B: So schmendric launches the search for a new home. You know what they say, what makes a house a home? Ley lines, apparently. I'm looking forward to seeing how that pans out in the near future. [01:32:35] Speaker D: I am, too. I think it's going to be really exciting. Maybe if it's a nice enough place, I'll invite the Coterie to come live with me. [01:32:44] Speaker B: A housewarming party you have? [01:32:46] Speaker D: Hmm. I like that idea. [01:32:49] Speaker B: Ivy, you have the most etiquette of anyone in the group. What do you bring to a kindred housewarming party? Like, you can't bring flower. You could bring flowers. Can't bring a bottle of wine. [01:33:00] Speaker E: Oh, I have never thought about this. I mean, I would know you bring something to eat, someone to eat. But something tells me Schmendrick well, everything tells me schmendrick would not be okay. [01:33:19] Speaker D: With yeah, just be careful of my dietary restrictions. [01:33:24] Speaker B: I be showing up at Schmendrick's house with a plate full of vampire gluten. So, with that search hardly underway, schmendric scouring the city for a New Haven, Ivy. Then God has some time to figure out a better gift to bring. Is there anything else that Shmendrick's going to try to take care of before the prince inevitably has more work for her to do? [01:33:48] Speaker D: One last thing, because it's going to bother me if I don't look into it. I would like to see where Bronwyn brought those arsonists we gave to her. I did put trackers on them, and I would like to see if she brought them to any safe houses or what routes she used, anything to give me insight into how she kind of runs the Circulatory system. [01:34:12] Speaker B: Very clever, very nosferatu. Well, that comes down to two questions, I suppose. First, were you able to hide them securely? And second, are they constructed well enough to broadcast out from a secured van or out from under several yards of concrete? If it's underground? [01:34:34] Speaker D: It was very impromptu, so I didn't actually have the heavy duty equipment with me. It was just kind of like a spur of the moment. I have this here. I'm going to attach it to these guys. I would have made them swallow it if I thought they would actually do that for me, but I hope they're well enough hidden on their clothing. [01:34:54] Speaker B: Well, so let's do two things. I'll make a search role of sorts to see if the people who in processed these arsonists did a thorough enough search to find your objects. And if you would, could you make a wits and technology rule for me? But at a negative two penalty, considering you were scraping things together at the last minute outside of your workshop under very tense circumstances, of course I can. [01:35:20] Speaker D: Do that for you. Oh, what is that? Seven successes? That's another critical. [01:35:28] Speaker B: Very well done. schmendric. I have more good news. Whoever was responsible for taking the arsonists and making them part of Bronwyn's collection did not apparently do their due diligence. So those trackers remained in place for quite a long time. Long enough for you to track the route from the parking garage to what appears to be a small holding facility. According to the tags, they were only there for a couple hours. You can follow their transit from that location to a second one, where they stayed a couple nights, and then they transit across the city once more into an older industrial part of Chicago. In the old days, coal barges, mining ships, they would have docked there and unloaded their goods so they could be shuffled off to the factories into the city. Now, those parts of town have been redeveloped, some of them into know artist lofts, things like that. But your two friends, or at least the trackers, have been sitting there ever since. If you compare those GPS locations to some Google maps or some street view, you can identify a series of abandoned looking buildings or what you would consider obvious fronts, with the final destination being an old sewing factory. But, you know, there hasn't been an operational sewing manufacturer in Chicago since the mid 18 hundreds. [01:36:54] Speaker D: This is actually way better than I could have hoped for. It's almost too easy. Like, I'm getting a little suspicious at this point, but at the same time, if this is legit holy heck. I may have found where they operate from. Chicago. [01:37:09] Speaker B: Got a little bit of Joshua rubbing off you on the first part, huh? [01:37:13] Speaker D: A little bit, yeah. [01:37:15] Speaker B: Well, it is wonderful news. If this is indeed the beginnings of Bronwyn's in City Network, then you know exactly where to strike. On the other hand, that means you have to figure out how to strike. [01:37:30] Speaker D: Still working on the how for that? [01:37:33] Speaker B: Well, you got some time. [01:37:35] Speaker D: If I play my cards right, I have a heck of a lot of time. [01:37:40] Speaker B: That's right. You're immortal. And I don't think Bronwyn's going out of business of her own volition anytime soon. So schmendric has set a stellar example so far, but she's not the only kindred in the coterie who has projects and plans to execute. Ivy, if I recall, you wanted to schedule a meeting with someone rather important. [01:38:02] Speaker E: I do. The meeting hinged completely on how my meeting with Prince Jackson went, knowing that I've got a name for myself now, and that people know that I'm more than just a Tramier. It's going to help me get to her. [01:38:18] Speaker B: What do you have in mind? [01:38:21] Speaker E: I would like to meet with Annabelle. [01:38:24] Speaker B: Now, what possible business could you have with a Toriodor Primogen? [01:38:29] Speaker E: Isn't that a good question? The tramire in Chicago haven't had a Primogen on the council for decades. Now. Part of that is because there aren't very many of us admittedly. Part of it is because Du Sable has been completely snubbed by the council. Annabelle is a really important voice on the Primaging council, and I would love to see her a little more amenable to allowing a Tremere to hold that position again. If it's disabled, cool. If it's not disabled also mm hmm. [01:39:06] Speaker B: It wouldn't be the case that you have somebody else in mind for the job, would it, Ivy? [01:39:11] Speaker E: I mean, there are so few of us. It's a short. [01:39:16] Speaker B: Mm hmm. Very well. So you're initiating a project to win over some very important political support. [01:39:26] Speaker E: I am? Yes. [01:39:29] Speaker B: You've already stated you intend to leverage your newfound cameral status as the stake for this project. [01:39:35] Speaker A: Yes. [01:39:36] Speaker E: Yes, that is correct. [01:39:39] Speaker B: All right, so you'll be rolling one plus your persuasion, probably. [01:39:47] Speaker E: Absolutely. I want Annabelle to see that this could be good for me, but also it could be good for her. [01:39:56] Speaker B: Well, do two things for me, then. First of all, I'd like you to make your pitch, and then when you finished, let the role decide if it worked. [01:40:05] Speaker E: Well, Annabelle owns the Succubus Club, and I promised Portia at one point that I'd show up a little bit more often. So I'd probably just go and try and meet Annabelle at the Succubus Club. And then if I get seen, I have an excuse. [01:40:20] Speaker B: Two birds, 1 st. That's efficiency. [01:40:23] Speaker E: I'm nothing if not efficient. [01:40:26] Speaker B: Well, Annabelle would never say she holds court at the Succubus Club because that's a very specific phrase reserved for very specific people. It's known if you have business potential business even, just interesting gossip, annabelle will always find time in her managerial schedule to sit somewhere quietly and hear you out. So after paying your way into the club, negotiating with bouncers, letting little messengers run back and forth, getting everything smoothed out, eventually, yes, you'll be invited up into that preciously, elite third level of the club, where the beautiful and poised Annabelle sits, waiting for your proposition. [01:41:08] Speaker E: As I enter the room, I smile and say, annabelle, thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me this evening. [01:41:15] Speaker B: Oh, of course. You know, I try to make myself available to all of the city's younger kindred, but when a Tramier comes asking for my attention, well, that's rare enough that I couldn't possibly say no. [01:41:28] Speaker E: I'm glad you felt the same way about the situation as I did. I thought my coming to you might pique your interest. [01:41:35] Speaker B: Well, let's not waste any time, then. Please don't keep a girl waiting. [01:41:39] Speaker E: Never. Annabelle, you have been a part of Chicago's history for so long, and you've managed to avoid being staked or bloodhunted or even creating terrible enemies from the Chicago kindred. As a premier, my friends anywhere are automatically few. But learning how to handle things from a political mastermind such as yourself would put me in a much better situation to handle the coming nights here, especially with all the new eyes on me, given the recent situation, and having a tramir on your side could definitely be good for you as well. [01:42:27] Speaker B: Well, I do see the crux of your offer. It does lead me to, if you will allow a few clarifying questions. [01:42:36] Speaker E: Of course. [01:42:38] Speaker B: First, am I to understand you're looking for instruction in the political arts, or is this a different sort of political service you're hoping to leverage? [01:42:50] Speaker E: No, absolutely. I'm 100% looking for somebody to learn from. You know, how to play all of these games, and you do it with such poise. And I would love to learn those skills for myself. [01:43:05] Speaker B: Well, how can I say no to someone who's so prone to flattery? Well, second, then, what is it you imagine you can do for me that another kindred, or perhaps another Tremere might not already? [01:43:22] Speaker E: As far as I know, I'm the only tramir in the city who's taken down a Lasambra. And somebody in your position with the Succubus Club leading the Toriador, surely there are going to be more Lasambra coming. It would be very handy to have somebody on your side who could see the light through the shadows. [01:43:43] Speaker B: I have to say, you don't look like a security consultant to me. They normally come around with shaved heads and jaws that are entirely too large for their faces, but okay, I tell you what. Let's consider this a probationary offer. If you can improve the ability of my establishment or staff to detect or interrupt La Sambra flavored mischief, then I will look favorably upon your request. [01:44:12] Speaker E: It would be my pleasure. [01:44:14] Speaker B: How delightful. Well, if you don't mind me saying so, I do hope you succeed. Be such an interesting thing to have a Tremere brain around to teach and pick at. [01:44:26] Speaker E: I'm very happy to hear that you think so. I for 01:00 a.m. Very much looking forward to our partnership. [01:44:33] Speaker B: Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. I know we could sit here flattering each other all night. And as much as I would love to indulge, you no doubt want to get started on your work. And I can't be seen playing favorites. [01:44:46] Speaker E: Of course, Annabelle. I'll keep you posted. [01:44:50] Speaker B: Please do. I'm looking forward to your report, Miss Le Roux. So Annabelle has dismissed you on the face. It seems like the meeting went very well. But it's also the case that if Annabelle were going to reject you, would she do it right there? That would risk a scene. So the question isn't whether or not you got the meeting and if the meeting went well. The question was whether you get your phone calls returned after the fact. Right? [01:45:18] Speaker E: That's always how it goes. [01:45:21] Speaker B: Well, in that case, why don't you roll your persuasion, add a bonus for your status and we'll see if you can beat a difficulty of three. It's three successes, a ties, a win. Thank God her reply comes by way of a hand delivered message. Opening it, you can read Annabelle's beautifully scrolling, flowing handwriting. She informs you that she's made arrangements with the security staff of the Succubus Club, and they know that you'll be looking around the joint in the near future. That seems indication clear enough to me that she's accepted your help. [01:46:00] Speaker E: Oh, I can't wait. I am so excited. Oh, I think I need to go study some rituals. [01:46:06] Speaker B: As if you needn't an excuse. Well, while everybody has work to do, schmendrick is breaking up a smuggling conspiracy, rebecca has a hunt to plan, and Joshua is up to something so secret that he's not inclined to let the three of you on board. That is room aplenty for things to go right, but also for things to go wildly wrong. And as much as you would like to think that this is the moment where you can return to your own individual existences, we all know that's just not the case, is it? There are going to be consequences, good or bad. But as they say, that's a story for another night. [01:46:55] Speaker A: You've been listening to the All Night Society, an actual play podcast brought to. [01:47:00] Speaker B: You by Queens Court Games. If you enjoyed your stay, be sure. [01:47:05] Speaker A: To subscribe on your favorite podcast app for more content, including exclusive art and audio, follow us on Facebook or Instagram at Queenscorp games or on Twitter at Queenscorp. RPG.