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Post by thevoiceofgod on Mar 12, 2016 1:16:12 GMT -5
After your successful escape from Laughing Jack and Laughing Jill, there was much rejoicing of the sexual variety. The rest of the partygoers stir from their hypnotized state with no memory of the intrusion from the Snatchers, and indeed no memory of being hypnotized. The Sausage King sees no reason to inform anyone of the event; better to just kick back and enjoy the rest of the Halloween party. After all, tomorrow night you'll be back for a war council...
You return the next evening, no longer in costume (with the notable exception of Johann, who is still wearing his pipe-cleaner halo). The mansion's ballroom is the centerpiece of the event once again - but there is no band or buffet to be found. A rug has been rolled out on the dance floor and a long table set upon it, bearing a map of Chicago. True to form, Solomon has broken out a Risk game and is using the little plastic soldiers to represent friends and enemies throughout the city, pushing them around with a plastic croupier's rake. Ligeia is in her usual place at the right hand of the King, stylus in one hand and tablet in the other; it appears she's listing off dispositions of forces and Solomon is placing them on the board. The Sheriff and the Hounds are not in attendance, but you can surmise by the bluetooth earpiece in Ligeia's ear that they can be reached at a moment's notice. No doubt they, being the muscle of Solomon's Court, are out patrolling the streets. Only a few of the Primogen are here; the Brujah leader Rosita Lascano and Gangrel leader Silas Leonard are currently hovering over the riverside portion of the map, occasionally pointing at items on the board as they talk. The Toreador leader Nwabudike Morgan is taking a phone call while running some figures on an accounting calculator. The Usuri leader, Mina Almasi, is currently alone, looking at the board deep in thought. The Magnificent Mile Freehold has sent only two members, and only Emissaries of the Courts at that; Sandler of Autumn and Winslow of Summer, the latter of which is conversing with a very severe looking man that Al knows as Zeke, head of the local Sword Division. Gloria is also in attendance, being head of the Trumpet Division - they serve as the Agency's presence today. Three of the five Pentacle cabals are represented. The Adamantine Arrow's Chicago Warden, a woman who goes only by 'Ash', and the Mysterium's Maester Agustus Chatham are deep in conversation. The Free Council is represented by Grandfather, of course, and he's currently speaking with two familiar faces (at least to one of you):   Helena and Ysolda break off from a conversation they were having off to the side with Simon (who promptly vanishes with a small puff of smoke and a whiff of ozone). Helena, who looks to be thinking very fast about a great many things, starts circling the table. Ysolda approaches Grandfather's guests and begins speaking. When she notices Jude has entered, she beckons you over. The other two look quite excited to see you. ( You are free to speak to whoever you like - with all the new faces I'll post pics if/when you approach them. )
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jude
Junior Member
This is my life now
Posts: 92 
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Post by jude on Mar 12, 2016 2:07:38 GMT -5
Jude walked back in to the sprawling mansion and looked around. It was a huge contrast from the party that happened just the night before. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of what was to come. Jude was going to be part of an honest to goodness war...go figure.
She looked around, not knowing several of the faces in attendance. Though, she had a feeling that would change quickly as the meeting was held. It was good to know who your allies are. Speaking of; Jude grinned brightly at Ysolda before spotting the two extremely familiar faces. She wasn't expecting her parents at all.
Jude walked over quickly, still smiling and hugs her parents. "I wasn't expecting you here!" she kissed her mom's cheek and then her dad's. "Oh! Before business happens, I want to introduce you to my friends!" she said excitedly as she gestured to the group. "That's Crux, and Cinnamon, Vic, Al, Johann, and Cassidy. Cass is my boyfriend also. Also, surprise? I dumped all the others, and Cassidy is a Sin-Eater." she giggled. "Everyone, this is my mom and dad, Cora and Styxx."
After she introduced everyone she looked at Grandfather, trying not to be too obvious that she was checking to see how okay he was. "How are you feeling today, Grandfather?" she asked pleasantly with a smile. Jude was still pretty miffed she hadn't been able to take out what had done that to him. She also wasn't about to try and go back and find it. Nope.
After not being at all obvious with politely worrying over Grandfather, she turned to Ysolda and opened her arms for a hug. "Ysolda!" she waited expectantly for the crushing embrace of her mentor. As they hugged, she whispered in Ysolda's ear. "please tell me mom and dad weren't telling embarrassing stories about me..."
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Post by thevoiceofgod on Mar 12, 2016 10:10:14 GMT -5
Grandfather looks no worse for wear. "Oh, I'm well. Ready to get out there and do what needs to be done."
As Cora and Styxx offer greetings all around Ysolda gives Jude exactly the crushing bear-hug that was expected. She whispers, "Of course they were telling embarrassing stories. They're your parents. Don't worry, I won't share - I'll let them mortify you if they want." After Ysolda lets go - dropping Jude at least an inch or so back down to the floor - she speaks more openly, a hand on Jude's shoulder. "I was just telling your folks about your excellent use of partial animal shape-shifting against the phane, and your command of insect swarms to boot." No doubt Helena filled her in on some details. Jude's mom and dad look as happy as can be. "So far we've only really had time for some pointers, mostly in the train, and a couple of... practical demonstrations." Ysolda only somewhat successfully suppresses a smirk; one of those 'practical demonstrations' was the street fight in which Jude stabbed a man with a knife while crying loudly. "I'm looking forward to sitting down and doing some real instruction." (Being back in the real world, we'll get more 'downtime actions' soon, at least a few of which can be devoted to mentor-apprentice instruction which brings benefits such as cheaper xp cost for rotes.)
Cora cannot restrain herself and sweeps her daughter up in a hug that rivals Ysolda's. "Look at our little girl, using magic in combat! It's wonderful to see you following in our footsteps!"
Styxx has to brush a tear from his eye. "I'm just so damn proud!"
"You know we love you no matter what but I won't pretend it's not a dream come true that we have this in common now." Cora releases Jude, beaming, and looks to Cassidy. "And you're dating a Sin-Eater!" All a-flutter, she leans in close to her daughter. Still clearly audible to everyone, she asks, "So, is it getting serious? Should we be making plans or saving dates?"
Styxx gives Cass a firm handshake. "Good to meet you, Cassidy, and your compatriot there," He nods to something just over Cass's shoulder - you know, of course, that the phantom representation of the Chief is currently hovering in that location. You can safely surmise that Jude's father has skill in Death magics. "Congratulations on making the cut."
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Post by crux on Mar 12, 2016 11:07:56 GMT -5
 When Crux arrived, having had slept in the building somewhere but also just having come back from catching dinner, she was in full form- 80's esque makeup, and adorned in jewelry of spikes, razor blades, and empty bullet shells.   Unlike her usual coordinated outfits of "whatever, it matches", everything here seems deliberate to show aggression. Even karen has smudges of paint under her beady eyes. It seems like war is on the short list of things Crux can manage being serious about. Her demeanor though, absolutely normal. As she was introduced, the Fool waved with a fangy grin and joined her friends. It was clear, though, that her nosy nature had her almost discreetly monitoring every conversation as well as she could. "Hellooooo, everyone! Got, eh, a good day's sleep?" She checked in with her cobweb army (nat20) to see when her soldiers from around the country would be around. "Busy, busy evening ahead," she mumbled to Karen before offering a handshake to Jude's adorable parents. "This is Karen. " |
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jude
Junior Member
This is my life now
Posts: 92
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Post by jude on Mar 13, 2016 15:24:03 GMT -5
Jude nodded at Grandfather. She was feeling much the same way; ready to do what needed to be done. How things have changed. She smiled at the man and nodded, "Good to hear." her tone was sincere.
Jude gave a happy squeak as she was lifted and hugged. She clung to the other woman. "Oh, goodie.." she whispered sarcastically, though not really upset about it. Though, she was curious about the stories being told. Once she was back on the ground she smoothed out her clothes. She blushed a bit at the praise. She looked up at Ysolda, "I really look forward to that!" her tone was eager and excited.
"Mom!" she yelped, startled as she was swept into another hug. The life mage laughed and returned the hug, "Not quite, I am still primarily a healer. But these things keep hurting my friends and that just...I will not allow that." she looked between her parents. Jude gave a wry smile to them, "Still not taking on the family business." she teased. "An No!" her face heated up, "We just started dating." she put her hands on her cheeks. Oh gods, this just took a turn.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2016 18:43:51 GMT -5
Al had somehow gotten rid of all the glitter he had found himself covered in last night and was dressed in a thin fitted white t-shirt, jeans, and a leather jacket that looked like it could double as body armor. He kept his hands in his pockets, shoulders shrugged up near his ears, more used to taking orders than really discussing battle tactics. He fiddled around with a toothpick in his mouth, which he had traded out for his usual cigarette. He casually wandered near Solomon to watch him place his plastic armies and started to familiarize himself with the map before sliding near enough to Gloria and Zeke to speak.
"What are we in for, boss?" He glanced at Gloria for the question, but kept an eye on Zeke's body language.
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Post by cassidy on Mar 13, 2016 19:55:16 GMT -5
Cassidy looked around the room. He noticed that the Sin Eaters hadn't arrived yet. He was sure they were caught up. Maybe stuck at a red light. It had happened to Cass more often than not the last few weeks. Maybe it was just a Sin Eater thing. Yeah, that was it. Not that he was a bad driver, or that a sentient force outside his realm of understanding was controlling his every move.
Regardless this was all impressive. When he heard that his Royal Sausageness had a war room he was expecting something more outta Doctor Strangelove. This was... Well. More real? Whatever it was cool!
He walked with Jude up to Ysolda and... Jude's parents? Not what he expected... Then again, what was he expecting. After a few double takes though, he could see it. He just smiled as everyone talked He didn't have room to speak unless he was... Yep there it was... Jude introduced him and her dad held out his hand. Cassidy griped it tight. Cassidy's father had always told him to give the firmest handshake he could.
(Rolled Strength+Social for the handshake. 29 total.)
Cass opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off when Styx addressing the Chief. Cassidy smiled. It was a small thing, but it made him happy to know that Chief was seen. After all, the geist was as much a part of the Sin Eater in front of Styx as Cassidy was. He shifts his hockey mask from around his belt loop to the top of his head. He was among friends now so having the mask more out in the open wouldn't seem so strange. As Cass moves his mask he hears the remark about making the cut... That kinda took him off guard, but hey whatever.
"Thank you sir. It's wonderful to meet you as well. Jude's told me a bit about you. It's wonderful to finally put faces to the people so to speak. Wish I could have met you all under better circumstances. Then again, not so great circumstances is what brought me and Jude together so I can't complain too much. I'm just glad to be part of the roster... I'm sorry that might have sounded weird. My mom was a semi pro hockey player. I hear 'make the cut' and think of getting on the team."
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Post by thevoiceofgod on Mar 14, 2016 2:04:24 GMT -5
Jude's embarrassment was precisely her mother's goal. Parents; what can you do? "Well don't keep us waiting, now. We're not going to live forever. Well, I mean, probably." Cora winks at Jude and turns to Crux with one of those fixed 'I think you're crazy but I'm being nice' smiles. "Good to meet you both." She gingerly shakes both Crux's hand and Karen's 'paw'. Styxx chuckles at Cass's enthusiasm. "Easy, there. I'm a Mage, not a Promethean." You can actually feel some of your strength being sapped from you so you don't crush his hand. Leaning in, he says, "You don't have to impress me, son. It's her you got to worry about." Father nods in daughter's direction. "She knows what she wants, and she's not easy to please... but I'm sure you can handle it. Anyway," He lets go, and your strength returns. "You're joining us for the war, then? Sin-Eaters aren't exactly hippie-types." Over by the the map, Zeke spares Al the barest of glances to acknowledge his presence - Destroyers aren't known for being personable.  Gloria does the talking for the moment. "The Agency's seen worse, but it's gonna be rough. The Sabbat shipped in resources via O'Hare and moved into the Elk Grove industrial park. From there they moved down to Bensenville and have been using what trains they can to deploy to targets in the area. Ligeia's got the most recent data, but Zeke here expects a lot of rapid-response type stuff until we can put out some of these hotspots and bottle them back up in the Grove. That about sum it up?" Gloria looks to her fellow Division head, who responds to her synopsis with a sharp nod, and turns back to Al. "Thoughts?"
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Post by crux on Mar 14, 2016 10:20:20 GMT -5
Crux left with a little nod once introductions were done. Seeing Cass stumble over himself was giving Karen secondhand embarrassment so it was better to get out now.
Yeesh.
They were cute, though, the whole Jude family paired with Cass.
Crux sighed in relief as Karen reminded her that Cassidy's fate there wouldn't be hers, on account of her boyfriend being a fallen angel and all.
At the sound of business going on near Al and the table, the Malkavian made her way thataways, though she wasn't hovering near the demons, just the table.
A grin and little wave was offered to everyone she already knew, and she glanced over to Solomon and then Gloria.
Crux could feel excitement building in her at the idea of seeing her allies all together, ripping apart badder guys.
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jude
Junior Member
This is my life now
Posts: 92
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Post by jude on Mar 14, 2016 15:45:22 GMT -5
Jude gave her mother a droll stare, "A couple of thousand at the very least. So I have time." she smirked and then turned to her dad. She took Cassidy's arm in hers and leaned against him. "I'm really not that difficult." She pouted, but it didn't last long. She looked up at Cassidy, "He's just trying to scare you...I think." she shrugged. She squinted at her father. "Anyway, what's the news here." She gestured to the room. Pleasantries were nice, but business was important. "I mean..." she looked around. "have we missed anything. Though by the looks of it, things haven't really started...."
The life mage held onto her boyfriend a little tighter, feeling out of sorts. The realisation of what was to come was overwhelming. She didn't know what to do, or where to begin.
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Post by cassidy on Mar 14, 2016 21:00:00 GMT -5
Cass frowned a bit once he realized what was going on. He quickly recovered back into a quick smile.
"Sorry bout that, eh? Haven't really done this since I been dead an all."
Cass shakes his hand in a way someone who grabs a hot pot would have. Maybe he'll fan the magic off.
"Though to be fair, I've been hit by mages they can hit just as hard if not harder than any Promethean."
Cass falls back into a more genuine smile. It only grows wider when he looks over at Jude.
"I'm happy to hear you say that sir. Though I will admit I am nervous about that. Jude's an amazingly impressive woman. Might be difficult of me to measure up. Though I'm nothing if not stubborn and I do enjoy a good challenge. I'm honored to just get a chance."
The conversation continued on and switched from pleasantries into the matter of war. Cassidy's expression became more stern at the change, but back to a more thoughtful tone when he mentioned sine eaters and hippies.
"Weeeeel haha I did meet a Sin Eater once named Shane who's geist was called 'The Flower Child'. He showed me how to use the gravedirt key. Good thing too. It's gotten me outta a lot of trouble these past few months... I'm just glad I was able to convince the sin eaters to join us. We're mostly concerned about the twilight, but... We're pretty damn good at fighting vampires so I figured we could be of use."
Jude moved closer to Cass and he wrapped his arm around her in response. He couldn't help but smile at her touch. It was such a dopey smile. He listened closely to his magical girl. He knew things were going to go to hell soon. Best to hold on to these small beautiful moments while he could.
"No, you're not magical girl. You're just... Special, and I feel like your dad is nothing but friendly!"
The smile once again sagged down, not to a frown or even neutral. It was just a less big smile. He was still close to Jude after all. There was still plenty of reason to smile. Still there was a lot to worry about. Cassidy's eyes darted around the room. Things did seem to be in their early stages. That was good. It gave them a chance to get some kind of bearings on the situation. After the pleasantries of course. War was no excuse for rudeness.
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Post by thevoiceofgod on Mar 15, 2016 3:34:21 GMT -5
"Plenty of news, but not much movement. We're still waiting on a few arrivals - your people, for one." Styxx answers, nodding in Cassidy's direction. Something catches his eye in the direction of the ballroom door. "Matter of fact, I believe they are here... yes, those are definitely geists I see." About a minute later, the doors swing open and a number of people enter. To everyone but Cassidy (and apparently Styxx) they're normal humans, but he can see the half-formed shapes of geists hovering nearby. These people are definitely geared for battle, having cobbled together protection from sports gear, kevlar, sheets of metal... anything and everything; looks quite effective, really. Some samples below:    Most of them approach Ligeia and Solomon; checking in, as it were. The fellow with the mining helmet breaks off and approaches Cassidy. "You Donovan, I take it?"
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jude
Junior Member
This is my life now
Posts: 92
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Post by jude on Mar 15, 2016 4:39:25 GMT -5
"What news?" she asked curiously. "Anything that we don't already know?"
As Cassidy put his arm around her, she slipped her arm around his waist. It was comforting. She then looked at the doors as her father mentioned others arriving. Of course he would see the geists with no problem. Jude did not have that luxury. She raised her eyebrow at just the look of the other sin eaters as they joined. It looked like something out of a video game. The armor and weapons were probably effective, but it just looked so...post-apocalyptic-couture.
Jude then looked confused as the smaller man. Everything looked so big on him, like a child playing pretend and wearing pots and pans as armor rather than the actual thing. She glanced up at Cassidy and mouthed 'Donovan?'. She didn't know the etiquette here and wasn't about to speak up and correct the strange sin eater. She didn't want to ruin this for everyone, but really....what?
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Post by cassidy on Mar 15, 2016 12:45:38 GMT -5
Cas mouthed "Last name? Weird." back to Jude. He gave her a quick squeeze with the arm he had around her. He let go of the half embrace of his girlfriend to offer a handshake to his fellow Sin Eater.
"Cassidy Donavan, that's me. Please call me Cass. Everyone has since the angel incident haha. Anyway, thank you all for coming. We need all the help we can get."
Cass was instantly put at ease by the appearance of the man. The equipment he wore reminded him of the gear his father wore. He was eager to get to know the rest of Team Geist.
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Post by thevoiceofgod on Mar 15, 2016 16:31:10 GMT -5
The Sin-Eater shakes hands; fast shake, no contest of grip strength or anything like that. "Cass it is. Name's Terry. Angel incident? Dare I ask?" Shrug. "Well, ya know. We weren't gonna, but you made a convincing case. Plus, ya know, been weird stuff going on. More than just bloodsucker business goin' on lately; weird magic stuff too. Ya know."
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