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Scene takes place on December 10th, 2022
Daniel Hawthorne:
Another night, another project to be worked on somewhere other than Daniel's office thanks to his sister's insistence to get out and about among people more often. The Kindred technically counted as people, so the Haunt was set up at one of the tables in the lounge area with his laptop in front of him and a tablet in hand, eyes on the screen but glancing up now and again to watch for new arrivals. He was sharply dressed as was his wont, a set of sunglasses a likely curious addition to the ensemble seeing as they were inside.
Vincent Drake:
Vincent was nervous, between the fact he's intro to society was a public spectacle and he's pretty sure he insulted the albino witch before being part of the event that nearly burned the city's favorite waffle house. . .it's been a bad few first days. After running in with the angry/hungry man, he walked into the Bellevue, before never imagining he'd be able to just casually be here but turns out the undead have perks, wonder if Invictus has Bacchanals he idly muses
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel looked up from his tablet at Vincent's arrival, looking the new Kindred over for a moment before giving him a nod. When he spoke he sounded almost British, the Boston Brahman accent coming through loud and clear. "Evening. First time here?"
Vincent Drake:
"Um. . .yeah." he says a tad surprised at the initiation of conversation, "Vincent, the execution kid." he gives a small smile as he sits, "Didn't realize this place was a club house for the undead, but hey, not complaining."
Daniel Hawthorne:
It took a moment for the metaphorical lightbulb to flicker on but when it did a knowing look crossed the Haunt's face and he nodded. "I heard about that. Daniel Hawthorne with the local Academy; good to meet you Vincent."
Vincent Drake:
"Thanks," he says before trying to remember Wrights lessons, "Academy, academy," he mutters, "Order of Dracula?" he hazards a guess
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Ordo Dracul, yes." He took a moment to save what he was working on and set the laptop and tablet aside, looking Vincent over. "You settling in alright? I know an unexpected Embrace can take some getting used to."
Vincent Drake:
"I'm doing fine. . .may have pissed off an elder but otherwise fine," he gives a small shrug, "Looking for a family to join, I don't want all my eggs in the Invictus basket between you and me, I'n grateful to Mr.Wright for everything but I think having others in my corner would be good."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Oh?" Cue a curious arch of the eyebrow. "Which elder?"
"I understand. I was raised in the First Estate myself but joined the Academy not long after I arrived, although I keep some ties with the Unconquered here."
Vincent Drake:
"Um," he blinks, "the hot albino witch, Titania." he gives an involuntary shiver, "Got inbetween a fight between her and a changeling." he then blinks and facepalms after realizing he used the word 'hot' in the description, "Um. . . ignore that bit," he mutters, "Kinda caused a fire at Maddy's."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Said eyebrows shot up to Daniel's hairline at the name, a light wince following soon after. "Ah hah...everyone alright after the fire happened?"
Vincent Drake:
"Well, said witch kinda noped right out of their with a mage and I left with said changeling. . .but all in all everyone's fine. . .pretty sure some people got banned though," he notices the reaction when he mentioned Titania,
"Did I piss off the wrong person?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Noted...will have to check the board next time I go by." He sat back in his seat, rocking his hand in a 'so-so' fashion. "Maybe, maybe not. She's...potent, to say the least, but also has an open mind by my experience. If you're on shaky ground with her you might be able to repair it."
Vincent Drake:
He nods, not wanting to piss of the power players, "Well. . .that's good at least, can I ask you what the Ordo Dracul is about, like if Dracula's a thing I'm surprised he's not more important to everyone. . .he's kinda the most famous after all."
Titania:
At that moment a snow owl drops onto the window sill her head tilting. A shadowy Raven dropping down beside her.
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel looked ready to answer but the pair of avian arrivals caught his attention, a small smirk crossing his features. "Speak of the devil." He hopped up from his seat and opened the window, stepping aside to allow Titania and the raven ingress. "Evening ma'am."
Vincent Drake:
Vincent looked like a deer caught in headlights
Titania:
Titania shifts into her human form as she plops down from the sill, the raven and cat moving onto her shoulders.
"Well, the Devil, ill take that as a compliment. Its is lovely to see you Daniel."
As she says that she pulls a Nintendo Switch from her pocket handing it to Daniel. "Ive grabbed one of my own now, thanks for the loan."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Good to see you as well." He replied with a polite smile, taking the Switch with a nod. "Very welcome. Hope it served you well."
"I was just learning about the recent incident at Maddy's. You're doing alright, I hope?"
Vincent Drake:
Vincent raises an eyebrow at the sight of the switch. . .this is a elder right, but he stood up and gave a slight bow, "I apologize for my behavior the other night."
Titania:
Titania tilts her eyes to Vincent before sitting down on one of the couches.
She then nods to Daniel. "Oh, it was an experience. A childe decided to judge my actions towards one of the Lost. That Lost then got angry and a Mage decided to start a fire at my throat."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel glanced between the pair as Vincent's apology went seemingly unnoticed, offering a small nod as he retook his seat at the table and put the Switch into the laptop bag for safe-keeping. "I thought that was pretty firmly against the rules there. Rather surprised someone would pull that kind of stunt."
Vincent Drake:
Vincent sits back down, "I. . .may have been the cause of everything," he mutters, "Friend of mine didn't like that I was being, how they viewed at least, threatened, and . . . " he once again nods to Titania, "I'm sorry, you need a job or anything done, I'll do it no strings." he offers, trying to think of some olive branch, but from her attitude doubt she'll take it
Titania:
"Oh I can in fact confirm you were the cause of everything."
She says bluntly before continuing.
"Apparently you felt the need to judge my social actions. You may be young but I advise, learning, your, place."
Vincent Drake:
"Yes.. .um. ." he tries to think of a title, Wright informed him how vampires seem to have a thing for titles and in Invictus it's important, maybe it's the same for the other Covenants, "your. .Grand Witch?" he says before mentally yelling at himself for most likely once again insulting her
Titania:
Titania smiles a little with a hint of a chuckle.
"Well, at least your trying. Very. Trying. I dont have a thing for titles like everyone else does. At least your trying."
Vincent Drake:
"Thanks," he lets himself smile, "I'm still inexperienced and while Mr.Wright has been a generous adopted sire. . .adopted is that the word for it, anyway I'd be grateful for any knowledge an elder with such wisdom and beauty as yours can impart."
Titania:
"Heres a start. Dont try to tell Kindred who are clearly your Elder how to act."
The same smile crosses her face from last night.
"Daniel, any early advice? Its been a while."
Vincent Drake:
"I was just asking him about the Ordo Dracul." Vincent chimes in, hoping Daniel could inform him about the group
Titania:
"Oh, no no. I was meaning advice around being a Childe." She says with a smile.
"Its been too long."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Best I can think of off-hand is remembering that he is still learning and is willing to learn, which isn't a trait every neonate has. Lord knows I've seen a few barrel straight for their Final Death by not caring about how their actions are perceived."
Guy Dagenham:
A real rip roarer of a motorcycle can be heard outside, which Daniel recognizes. It’s owner enters the building and makes his way to the special area, sporting his usually goth bike punk look. He glances around the room as he makes his way in, not quite swaggering but instead prowling on steps that look just heavier than air.
Vincent Drake:
Vincent turns at the shift in the air, Ok," he thinks,hollywood you win this round* he thinks, Wonder if the nightclub in Blade is real his mind wanders
Titania:
Titania shakes her head.
"I suppose that makes sense. I just only have so much patience."
Turning her head to the sound she smiles to Guy "Good evening Guy."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel turned towards the entrance at the sound of the motorcycle's approach, giving his fellow Dragon a respectful nod when he eventually entered. "Evening. You met the new face yet?" He asked, motioning to Vincent.
Guy Dagenham:
“No,” he says to Daniel, nodding to him and Titania before looking over the newcomer to the city.
“Guy Dagenham. I hear you’ve made quite the splash. And please, Blade? I always thought it was more Bill Paxton in “Near Dark”.”
Vincent Drake:
"How did you know I thought that?" he asks with some worry, if people could read his mind he's finished in this town, "Um. . . I've always been a Van Helsing fan myself. . .which is now the ultimate irony," he sighs though, "Yeah, the execution was a splash wasn't it?"
Titania:
Titania raises an eyebrow looking between Vincent and Guy.
Happy to observe for now.
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel smirked a touch at Guy's comment, sitting back in his seat to observe as well for the moment.
Guy Dagenham:
Guy shrugs. “There’s only so many good vampire movies, makes it easier to catch up.” He leans a little closer, as if inspecting Vincent for a moment. “Execution? I meant the blow over at Maddy’s.”
Vincent Drake:
"Oh. . ." Vinny blinks, "Yeah the fire was. . ." he looks at Titania, still trying to smooth things over, "something, it was something," he chuckles, "I thought you meant my debut as it where, turns out embracing me without permission or my consent was not the best mistake for the my sire to make."
Titania:
That smile spreads across her face and there is a slight chuckle.
"Im fairly sure the fire part should be the least of your concerns."
Then she shakes her head. "Guy, do you have tips for the new Childe? Apparently he needs tips without a sire and all that."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"My sire made a similar error, for what that's worth." Daniel offered, looking Vincent over. "May take a little bit to get your feet under you, but I can affirm it's doable."
Vincent Drake:
he nods, "Considering the circumstances and what I've learned, I think she was 'out of her element' per say and couldn't control the beast, seem's meeting me just. ..snapped something." he shrugs, learning about the Bane of his Bloodline
Guy Dagenham:
“New Kindred tips?”
He thinks for a moment. “If you’ve never killed anyone, don’t start. Even if you can invite someone into an alley easily, don’t, play a longer game than that. Learn to sharpen your senses. Don’t go offering your blood willy-nilly. If someone tells you not to feed on their friend, just don’t.”
He pauses. “Those are some basics, at least.”
Titania:
"See, the things I forget. Yeah the not killing is important. It can become, ah, addicting and lead to a large change in personality."
She says her smile fading for a moment as she looks past Vincent to Guy.
Vincent Drake:
"I haven't killed anyone, and I don't plan to anytime soon," he nods, "Why would I offer someone my blood?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"It has power over people." Daniel answered quietly, his thumb lightly rubbing the side of his finger in an almost absent fashion. "It can chain them to you, and they can become addicted to it after only one taste."
Guy Dagenham:
Guy looks to Titania, acknowledging her look with a nod.
“It’s also something that understandably upsets the other supernatural groups. We can get pretty unpopular if people are irresponsible with it.”
Titania:
"Psuedo mind control would be the best way to explain it."
She says before stopping.
"Actually, you probably felt your bond to your sire snap during her execution."
Vincent Drake:
"I mean. . .ya know what, when she was kicking I was between how much a bitch she was and how amazing she looked in that dress. . .then it was just fuck that bitch," he comments, "Like that?" he chuckles, "Now I can't get this damn song out of my head." he mutters
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Most likely." Daniel nodded, his eyebrow quirking upwards as Vincent continued. "What sort of song?"
Vincent Drake:
"You can't hear it?" he asks, he looks like he's trying to put something into words, "Like. . .the chatter of the crowds, the footsteps people are taking from point A to point B, the low hum of the lights both in the streets and skyscrapers, the cheers you can hear from Citizen's Bank and Lincoln mixed with the melody of the cars jammed on Schuylkill," he pauses and seems. . .enamoured for a second, "It's like. . . the most soothing lullaby you ever heard all around you. . .you can't hear it?"
Titania:
"Is it actually a song or is it more simply you can hear what you couldnt before?"
She tilts her head back looking up.
"Like you suddenly have deeper senses. Like you can hear a heartbeat as it walks up the stairs."
Guy Dagenham:
“Hmm. Maybe it’s a deeper manifestation of his blood. The way I can feel members of my blood move around me.”
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Possibly." He nodded in agreement with Vincent. "Something we can look into, maybe. Been doing some research on that front myself as of late."
Vincent Drake:
"Mr.Wright already explained it to me," he sighs, "It's why he was so adamant I join the Estate, if I joined any else. . .well then leaving Philly would be dangerous."
Titania:
Titania nods as she looks over the room.
"I think it may be time for me to head out for the evening. I wish you all a good night."
She stands and heads over to the window dropping out as a bird to streak off into the night. A raven flying beside her with a Cat in its claws.
Guy Dagenham:
Guy nods to Titania as she departs.
“Why would joining the Invictus change how dangerous leaving Philly is?” he says to Vincent, tilting his head a little in confusion.
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Have a good night, Titania." Daniel gave the departing elder a polite nod before turning back to Guy and Vincent, curious to the latter's reply to the question
Vincent Drake:
"Honestly. . .I don't think so," he says, "But enough about me, do you think she's still pissed?"
Guy Dagenham:
“We’re Kindred. Grudges are water under the bridge or forever. You’ll find out for sure in a decade or so,” he says with a shrug. “Elders tend to be patient, so it’s more likely things will be fine, but far worse if they aren’t.”
Daniel Hawthorne:
"I wouldn't worry too much. Just be polite and you should be fine."
Vincent Drake:
"Ok, but as I was trying to ask earliar, what is the Ordo Dracul anyway," he asks, "All Mr.Wright said was it's some occult research society?"
Guy Dagenham:
“That’s a way of looking at it. Is the Invictus a vampire capitalist conglomerate?”
Vincent Drake:
"I thought it was the Illuminati?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Depends on who you ask."
Guy Dagenham:
“As far as I’m aware, that is what the Illuminati is, so….”
Vincent Drake:
"I'm just disappointed I'm not on the invite list for some wild parties, thought Illuminati meant all the hookers and blow you could ask." he gives a lighthearted chuckle
Daniel Hawthorne:
"That also depends on who you talk to and get to know." Daniel said with a small smirk, glancing over to Guy. "How in-depth should we get, you think?"
Guy Dagenham:
“Mmm. Depends. I don’t want to be accused of poaching,” he says with a little grin to Daniel.
To Vincent, “Everyone has wild parties. Usually the kinky stuff is for power plays, try hards, and political manipulation. Or like, people genuinely supporting the kink community among Kindred. It’s complicated. Just go to one of the hotter clubs in town and you’ll find blow and people who might sleep with you without a business deal, as well as another member of the supernatural community, in all likelihood.”
Vincent Drake:
if Vinny had the blush of life he'd be a beet red at the idea, "Well. . .that does sound like a blast," he mutters, "But back to my question, the Ordo Dracul, what is it?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Heaven forbid we let that happen." Daniel replied with a chuckle, then looked back to Vincent. "What has you interested in it, out of curiosity? Is the study of the occult something you'd like to pursue?"
Vincent Drake:
"Um. . .so I've made a living scamming folks," he starts, "And one of my mainstays as been the 'faux ghost chaser', people claim their haunted and I come in, make a few good recordings, easy money," he explains, "But I always found the idea of ghosts and the paranormal. . .well it was my hobby, I love watching Ghost Adventures, but now that all this shit is real. . .yeah, I'm interested in learning about what the real shit is." he nods, knowledge is power after all, "Like, if it's just a study thing, maybe I can moonlight, like Invictus is my political party and Ordo is my hobby?" he says, trying not to insult them
Guy Dagenham:
“I mean, some of us get into ghosts, but it’s more…similar to feng shui than spook hunting, and self-actualizing than magic.”
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Our main body of study is about what makes Kindred Kindred, which can be pretty interesting in itself. Other facets of the occult come into play at times, and some of us have our own specialties on that front."
Vincent Drake:
"What makes Kindred Kindred. . .do we come from Dracula, I'm sorry I'm still confused on what are we anyway."
Guy Dagenham:
Guy glances to Daniel, then back to Vincent. “No, the Ordo comes from Dracula, hence the name. The Clans each have their own origin stories—about a dozen apiece, typically. That’s why the term Kindred is used. It’s not just a reference to Sire, Childe, and Brood, but the fact that the Clans are in some ways disparate lineages of creature entirely. Some have spent eternity trying to collect the lore of the Clans.”
Vincent Drake:
"But. . .we all have the same habits, weakness, Beast, their can't be a diffrent origin between the clans?" he asks, "Their has to be a common root?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Not necessarily, although there are numerous researchers looking into that possibility. I'm in the 'we function similarly enough to count' camp myself; there doesn't have to be one origin to be the 'right' one."
Guy Dagenham:
“I personally go for ‘vampires are the crabs of the supernatural world’ theory. The Kindred and similar beings are just the world making the vampire over and over again in different ways.”
Vincent Drake:
"So no one has any idea what the fuck we are, why we're like this?" he says getting a bit angry, "Is it some cruel joke?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"We have ideas, don't get us wrong there. Deciding if those ideas are the truth or a truth is up to the individual Kindred." He eyed Vincent, catching that note of anger in his tone. "The process takes as much as it gives, but there are benefits to it."
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