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Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 28 Dec 2017, 22:39
by Gideon Barnes (DELETED 8781)
"Should have brought in the RV freshener." Gideon commented icily when his brother was by his side, picking up all too well on what he was implying. "Shame Christmas is being overshadowed by death and rotting flesh." He shook his head, eyes glancing around. There were two people he was interested in meeting tonight. One was the mayor himself, which Gideon didn't see at the moment. He was a busy man, and the host, so it was likely Gideon missed him. The other, was someone he didn't come here looking for or even knowing. But, thanks to the vampires he strolled past, Gideon was -very- interested in the woman who had a scene tossed at her feet.
"Keep your eyes open for the Mayor. Let me know if you see him." He said quietly, before his eyes fell on Tierney. She wasn't as open to things as Esli and Gideon were, so he just made eye contact with her, then kept his set of two rolling. "And that woman there. Don't let her leave without grabbing her name and a way to contact her." He said as he followed her to the picture booth. What on earth was she doing mingling with the walking, blood sucking leeches? Did she know what she was surrounding herself with. "The tall vampire over there seemed uneasy with her presence." He commented, before patting his brother on the shoulder. "No physical violence tonight, brother. Too many innocents." Eyes fell on the singing kids and other people Gideon could pin point as humans. "Let's be merry and make some friends." He smirked, then nodded to the photo area. "First Christmas together in a while. Maybe we should capture the moment." It was a distraction, and he was sure his brother would know it, but a distraction that hopefully worked in their favor.
[against_peace][/against_peace]
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 29 Dec 2017, 12:31
by Game Master
MORI, ayuka ◦ Hebigumo Foundation Representative ◦ #804080
[for_peace][/for_peace]
The line for the photo area was dwindling rapidly even by the time she arrived. And what an arrival it was, with the feeling of tension in the air. She could practically feel it like walls pressing in against her shoulders, though it ironically didn’t even register that she might have been the cause. There was this fleeting thought that perhaps her new friends had witnessed the display put on for her, a box of darkness given as a gift, but that notion was like the still burning ash floating above a fire. It dissipated the moment her fingers slid to lay on Amalea’s shoulders. The redhead’s earlier disappearance had not gone unnoticed, though Ayuka had been distracted for a moment, and hadn’t been able to ask about it. “You seem tense.” She explained, careful at first not to ruin the way the woman’s hair lay. Her fingers then drew back, palms rubbing together to create friction and therefor more warmth before she brushed those strands of flame out of the way to massage that acquired heat into the other woman’s muscles, as if intent on relieving a bit of that previously mentioned stress.
Only then did she glance in the direction of the men with the appearance that might have been considered unkempt. She knew instinctively that they were not undead, and they seemed to be the source of the problem. She didn’t know anything beyond that - though she probably could have made some fair estimations based on her past experiences with these situations.
Hunters had been around for centuries. They were nearly as old as vampires.
She could practically sense the presence of the demifae which watched over the Ball, an invisible presence of such power that it made violence an impossibility. Perhaps they were there on a mission for community outreach. Or maybe they were trying to become more familiar with the faces of the undead in a safe environment. Of course, the security at the party was fairly lax, and it was entirely possible the intention on the outset had been to cause damage. Incite panic.
Honestly. As long as they did nothing to bring harm directly, or indirectly, to the mortals enjoying their festivities, she bore them no ill will. Relations with vampires were, as illustrated by the behemoth, rocky. Further evidence of this could be found in the way the Hebigumo Foundation had been driven from the Labyrinth. She still needed to meet with the press to discuss the recent setbacks in research into the undead. Thus far, a lot of work had been expended on trying to downplay events. Ultimately for the best for both vampires and the Foundation that people not know the nitty gritty of what had happened there.
She was happy to play nice, but until proven otherwise, she had to make the assumption that most vampires were going to fight any attempt to stabilize and diminish the Rift. The very reason she had come to Harper Rock. Because it posed a present and clear threat. Only a few years into existing, and it had already displayed numerous signs of extreme instability. Sirens were long-lived creatures, so they tended to think in those terms. How long until they lived on an empty pebble of a world?
She could only hope it wasn’t too late.
But such thoughts were grim, and dark. And it was Christmas eve.
“Friends of yours?” She asked, in regards to the men, a hushed whisper for the four or so people who had gathered around Amalea to take pictures.
And then.
"Dr. Nilson." She began. "We met just earlier. I wouldn't want to be a bother during the Holidays, but..." She pulled away from Lea for a moment, pulling her clutch from where she'd tucked it between her arm and her body so she could slip her fingers inside, retrieve a card, and hand it off to the man. "If you'd ever like to speak with me about your campaign, you can always reach me via that number."
Her clutch was clicked shut, just in time for an elf to pass by. She discretely grabbed his arm to pull him closer so she could whisper something into his ear. He made an about face and began in the direction of one of the rooms on the opposite side of the ballroom.
"Oh look! We're next."
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 29 Dec 2017, 15:01
by Zodiac
They walked away.
Her eyebrows raised in surprise. Usually stepping up to a paladin got some kind of reaction, but not this. Suddenly the ambition melted out of her as a small confusion of emotions and memories boiled inside of her mind. ”I never was very good at this,” she sighed inwardly. Very seldom did terms like intimidating and fierce get associated with the raven haired gypsy. Only when she was in her element did she get those reactions, which was usually when she was perched on her ‘throne’ in the Purple Parlor plucking secrets and details from someone’s (living or otherwise) life with the cards. THEN she could see the signs they were becoming unnerved. But in a situation like this? “Awww, ain’t she cute? Being all ‘rarw!’ and stuff.” The notion occurred to her she had never had a paladin be her guest for a reading, but if the paladin was a real paladin, then they would want no part of such a thing.
The servants of the Lord were probably having a good laugh about now.
Her thoughts were broken when Tia kissed her. ”My new friend? After Mordie spoke to her, I am not so sure that is the case, but she went in there.” she pointed to the room the pictures were being taken. ”No clue if she is still in there or not, but if you got the stones, doll, you can go show her your ring.” It was possible that might work, but any ambition she had to getting answers or clues was gone now. She had too much to process now to consider such a thing.
Besides…
She turned to look at Mordechai and wrapped her hand around his. ”Brother? The winds of Fate are against us now. Can’t you feel it? I am not talking about what the ritual has generated, but the general mood and mindset here. We are in the minority now, and even if we could act, it would be us against practically everyone here. We both love challenges, but…” she spoke to both him and Tia.
After the display a few moments ago, she doubted anyone would let Mordie close to her again. Like they could stop him, but then again there was the ‘Will’ to contend with. Bulling your way through a crowd was not an act of aggression. He might reach her but the best he could use was harsh language, and no one ever dropped dead from that.
”Your best option is to try and catch her once she moves beyond the range of the Will. I think I am going to amuse myself by visiting this ‘winter wonderland’ they have set up outside. Should give me a view of a couple exit points. If I see anything, I will let you know. I just need to be alone for a bit.”
She had not returned her cloak when she came back inside, so she turned and drifted out into the winter garden. Her feet making the motions of walking. She smiled and waved to those skating and began to search for a more quiet spot. Zodiac wove her way around a couple of trees and found a bench offset from the rest of the grounds. She dusted off the snow and took a seat. As she settled down and adjusted her cloak to keep her warm ”A vampire that still feels cold.” she snorted in self contempt she checked her view. She could see the place she entered the garden from and had a view of the back of the place. The front was not so clear, but if a limo or a VIP type car pulled up she would see it arriving.
Why was she even doing this, she wondered. Because it was expected of her? As much as the others refused to listen to her about the possible dangers of the Siren, she doubted anyone on the other side of the debate would listen to her saying “Not yet! This is a Esoteric chance of the ages to learn.” She lit a cigarette and leaned into her hand as her eyes flitted back and forth to the three points. The entire evening was a fiasco, but she learned a lot. Oh yes. There would be a large shifting of the lists later. Who to trust and not trust anymore. Her thoughts shifted into a low gear as she continued her watch. She sat in silence for several minutes before something nudged against her cheek. She turned in surprise as she saw one of the reindeers standing next to the bench.
”Well, thank you for the Christmas kiss.” she laughed softly. Animals were not afraid of her. Another point of being a vampire she failed miserably at. She kept her thoughts low and soft as she reached out and began to scratch behind one of the animal’s ears. She found the sweet spot quickly as the reindeer leaned into her hand and began making noises of contentment. ”Working hard or hardly working? That’s right. You just want some appreciation is all.” She had not seen a crowd where they were available for rides, so she imagined the animal just wandered off out of sheer boredom. She felt better now as her eyes continued to shift to 4 points. From the back, to the party, to the front, to her unusual company, and back again to the start.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 29 Dec 2017, 18:45
by Esli Barnes
[against_peace][/against_peace]
“I would have done just that if Oliver had not fed it to the garbage disposal.”
Even the humorous truth in his words did little to distract him. There was no way to avoid the signs spreading over his skin, up the back of his neck and into his scalp. The fine hair on his arms, his back and legs tingle in all the ways that would have most heading for the hills. He was a six foot and then some blood source floating around in a room full of blood thirsty sharks. His eyes found random meetings with those he passed and the bitter taste in his mouth increased. The corners of his jaws tightened with a slow boiling resentment for what he saw beyond the festive decorations dripping in excess from the walls and ceilings. He hated them all. The stench, the sin they represented, the evil that had been able to sink into the world. They took his son. Each and every one of them. He was fully prepared to settle that score and so much more.
“If I find him I will be sure to get a nice secure grip on him, Brother.” Esli could see where things were covered up. So much more to the scene than what met his eyes. Their mother once said you couldn’t sugar coat a turd and tell her it was a Tootsie Roll. “Grab the mayor, get a number.” Esli's eyes gravitated over to the tall vampire his brother was speaking of. “I wouldn’t even know where to start with that one.” His eyes traveled upward taking in the massive size of the blood sucker compared to his obvious pack of fang bearers mingling about him. “I won’t start anything but I will be sure to finish it.”
Esli stepped slowly through the crowd following the path that formed briefly behind Gideon. Photos for the holidays. It had been a long time since he could say he sat with Gids and grinned to capture the moment. But regardless of the presence of the dead surrounding them he wouldn’t ignore the overdue need.
A brush of a cool breeze went over him as he found himself eye to eye with what could be considered beauty but all he saw was the devil’s work in the dripping jewels, blue eyes and cascading hair. His face soured as he made his way around the woman. The shiver up his spine had him swallowing down the bile that tried to surface. This was truly a test of his strength on all fronts.
“I would rather burn the place down than sit and smile for a camera.” He made no effort to lower his voice. Just let someone take issue with his statements if they were overheard. He continued to catch up with his brother's lead. “But for you anything.”
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 30 Dec 2017, 01:31
by Mordechai
The killer slowly shook his head, first the fools out themselves to the humans, and now it seemed even more wanted to crawl in bed with the fae like sirens… It seemed you couldn't teach any dogs, old or young. Heterochromatic orbs stayed locked onto the latest arrivals as he listened to Zodiac’s words whispering through his mind. Nodding he replied, “You are right, my sister, you are right. I will meet you out there, I have one more order of business to attend to…” Watching over her as she made her way towards the doors, The massive killer plotted a parallel course that would bring him near the newest party goers, without running into them. A shark like grin spread over his countenance as the people parted before him, letting him draw ever closer to the pair that had caught his eye. They spoke quietly amongst themselves, but he knew them, he had seen them in action at longslade. These two, these two were enemies for sure. As the distance narrowed Mordechai carefully cleared his mind. No thoughts of violence, no thoughts of vengeance.
Faster than a human eye could follow, one arm shot out, grabbing the one he had heard called Esli by the shirt, and lifting him up to stare him eye to eye, his feet dangling a good two feet in the air. “Remember me, boy?” His smile widened though it never reached the cold eyes, “You got a purdy mouth, boy” His other hand easily palmed Esli’s head yanking it forward as he plastered a kiss on paladin’s mouth. “MMmmmmm I bet you taste delicious, boy….” Leaning forward he gave a conspiratol wink, “A bit of advice, boy. If you hear banjos, paddle faster…. It means they are coming for you boy” Lowering the tattooed freak to his feet, Mordechai patted his head “Merry Christmas”. Turning his back on the pair, the killer aimed his almost eight foot tall frame towards the exit moving out into the snow covered yards, eyes searching till they found his sister spirit. Zodiac located, Mordechai moved into a covering position, allowing her time with her thoughts, within the safety of his eyes.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 30 Dec 2017, 17:17
by Esli Barnes
[against_peace][/against_peace]
In a million years there would never come a day or night that Esli Barnes would be free from the reaction that moved over him as soon as he was plucked from the ground he was standing on and forced to look into the eyes of a vampire. The tall, imposing figure of death was a sharp reminder of the battles that had him left with only half the world visible to him as a result. A cure had been gained but the losses, all of them, would remain.
The darkness swirling in the eyes fixed on him, the rancid clouds of air expelled in his face as he stared the vampire in the face had his hands attempting and failing to connect to what held him up. Something prevented him from reacting. Like an unwilling doll in the hands of something much larger he dangled in the air having little choice to get free. Words were nothing to him. Each spoken were empty and without intent or else he would feel the sting of a bite, the invasion of the threat the beast posed if carried out. Instead he experienced far worse. His mouth covered in the connection of the cursed spawn of the devil.
The overwhelming nausea, the gut crushing twist that grabbed hold of his insides and yanked all went to work against the paladin instantly. Nothing could mask the effects. No ritual, no power, no exceptions. In the time it took for him to be released to land on his feet his previously ingested Tofu surprise and wheatgrass juice went upward. Burning a path up the back of his throat and setting fire to the inside of his soiled lips. The experience was so vile that it pushed everything through. As soon as his feet cemented to the floor all of the contents shot out.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 31 Dec 2017, 01:18
by Gideon Barnes (DELETED 8781)
[against_peace][/against_peace]
In his early nights in harper Rock, Gideon looked very much like his brother. Long hair, rugged facial features, but since he had the triplets, his hair had been trimmed and there wasn't much facial hair anymore. It got annoying to get his hair pulled out day after day. he knew it was their age, but if they were pulling it out, he might as well cut it. That was his thought, when he cut a good foot or so off the back of his head. Still, there was no denying that there was some form of kinship between the two men. They walked the same, they stayed close to the other, and if people heard them talk, the dialect and opinions were much the same on the things that mattered. Clear proof they grew up together, for anyone that had the privilege in hearing them talk, and really scrutinizing the two men.
So, when Gideon saw the tall monster bypass him, all he did was narrow his eyes at the guy and allow it. Not with children around. He kept repeating that in his mind, over and over, until the fourth time, when the thought was cut short. The disgusting blood sucking creature stopped in front of his brother, and man. Gideon could only smirk. Who made that numbnuts into a vampire? Was the only thing he could think as he heard the guy talk in some country twang, redneck spiel. "Ahh, intimidation." Gideon said with a roll of his eyes, when he mentioned banjos and running. As if Esli would run from a vampire-even if he had two and a half to three feet on him.
And then, the unthinkable happened. His head started moving towards Esli, and Gideon thought he was just going to mutter some more threats to his brother, the kind that actually counted. The kind people didn't want others to hear. Instead, Gideon found himself staring at his brother being 'made out' with, by a gay, hicksville vampire. Gideon's face made a look that could only be described as disgust, the smell of the vampire being enough to make him sick, but thinking about dead flesh anywhere near his brother was enough to make the guy back up and raise a hand in disgust, before saying "Ewww."
Not with kids around. Not with kids around. Not with kids around.
"Be seeing you soon, vampire." Gideon said with a nod of his head as his brother blew chunks all over the Mayor's floor, and the back of the vampire's boots as he walked away. "Let's get you a strong drink. Very strong. I'm thinking something close to communion wine." Most communion wine was around 10-12 percent alcohol, which meant that it didn't allow germs to be passed when people sipped on the chalice offered by a priest. "His nights are numbered, brother." He muttered, as a hand went to his brother's shoulder to steady him.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 31 Dec 2017, 15:00
by Esli Barnes
[against_peace][/against_peace]
"Of course they are."
Esli agreed as his hand wiped at the clumps of broken down tofu clinging to his face. The slow brush managed to pull the moist bits free from the hair around his lips. His eyes tracked the monster exiting the party. Every detail about the hat that floated over the rest of the party was catalogued. They crossed paths before. They would again and the saint Esli never would be entertained the thoughts of cutting off the pieces of that evil that managed to connect to him. Ignoring who was around him and witness to what he could never forget he stepped to the small wet bar. Eyes could be on him or not and smirks could be had or hidden. No care to be given there either. Keeping an eye on his brother's back he still managed to locate the antiseptic bottle predictably around for such public gatherings to promote sanitary service. Too bad it wasn't potent enough to ward off the piece of waste leaving the interior walls.
A twist of the top of the bottle had the pump pulled off and the part discarded from his hand. A curious elf with a tray of empty flutes in her hand paused to see what was taking place at her station. The paladin ignored her and went about the pouring and palm bathing ritual of cleansing his face, his noticeable beard and even slicked back his hair with what was left. A slow massage of his hand to the back of his neck with extra pressure applied at the fingertips had his skin cool and cleansed for the moment. Hours of hot water would not erase the lingering effects of being violated by the sinful cool flesh. A reach for the olive selections had his fingers popping a couple into his mouth as he stepped away heading in Gideon's direction to rejoin him.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 31 Dec 2017, 16:36
by Zodiac
[for_peace][/for_peace][against_sirens][/against_sirens]
For a moment, she thought she heard the sound of someone throwing up. Her hearing had always been sharper than most, but considering all the various noises she was picking up on she was probably mistaken. Who could let their guard down long enough in this powder keg to get drunk enough to puke? Probably some oblivious fool mortal was her best guess.
She returned her focus to her new friend (her eyes still flitting back and forth). He (she? She had no desire to check what sex the animal was) was sucking up the attentions she was giving it. Her other hand was gently exploring the shape of the antlers. Nature never stopped amazing her in it’s simplicity and functionality. The velvety covering was almost gone now to reveal a prime set of weapons atop the animal’s head.
”Ready to butt some heads soon,” her smile had not broken since the reindeer’s arrival. ”They suit you. You look better wearing horns than I do.” She continued whispering softly to the animal’s mind. She never deluded herself that they understood her word for word, but the calming effect of hearing a voice worked be it audio or mental. She had experienced a few unique reactions to her telepathy among some animals. (A trip she made to a aquarium a couple years back especially came to mind.)
Her eyes flashed as the reindeer suddenly froze and went into alert mode. Behind her violet lips her fangs emerged as she let her senses sweep out around them to see what had caused the animal’s clam to suddenly evaporate. When she found the source, she relaxed. ”Is okay, dear one. He won’t hurt you, and if he does I will put his nose out the back of his skull.” The reindeer was caught between running and staying. It trusted her but not what it’s own senses were telling it was close by. ”Is fine. Is fine. Go play with your friends now.” she encouraged the animal with her words and a pat on it’s rump. A final look, then the animal took off through the trees and back to the riding area. She watched it go, then began to look about until she saw a hint of her brother among the shadows. She leaned over, smiled and waved, then motioned for him to come join her. She brushed the snow off the other side of the bench as the Brobdingnabian approached and took a seat.
Zodiac could swear her side of the bench lifted a bit as Mordie’s bulk settled into place. Once he was down, she leaned against his side and made herself comfortable.
”So, who threw up in there?” she asked. She hoped it was the Doctor. Playing his part so well and forgetting as he ate a crab cake or something. She would have loved to seen that. Would serve his arrogance so right. A bit of sound escaped her lips as she laughed. Her mood turned serious again as her eyes continued to sweep the area looking for a hint of the siren leaving the party.
”Brother? Have you given any thought to the matter if this so called ‘Cure’ is real or not?” It was time to change the subject and she trusted his opinion on such things.
Re: Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]
Posted: 31 Dec 2017, 17:22
by Noelle
Flabbergasted. That was a good word for what she was feeling at the moment. Ripper’s phone was going off with god knows how many messages and he was looking frazzled and confused. The next moment he’s shouting and running towards the house. Stop the rides? The reindeer rides? What? However, now was not the time for questions. She learned long ago that it is best to do as told and THEN ask the questions...at least when it came to Ripper. While nearly impossible to figure out, and almost always off the wall ideas, Ripper had good reasoning for why he said and did things. He wanted the rides shut down...shut down they’d be!
But how the hell did one go about stopping reindeer rides? Well, one couldn’t ride a reindeer if there were no reindeer to ride, right? A bullet through their brains would definitely end the rides. Maybe there was a more peaceful way to do this? Pushing past the reindeer attendant, Noelle hiked up her dress and climbed onto one of the reindeer. She grabbed the other by the reigns and tried to spur the creature in its haunches. Elle owned horses so knew how to ride them...however reindeer, this was a first. It couldn’t be too different could it? With the bit of knowledge she had and a little luck, she and the reindeer would be over the fence and on their way off the grounds quickly.