Hello once again to all my readers (and by that I mean hi Lana!). It is time for me to update on the game. Readers of the Dresden books will know right away what happens in this installment. There is also a bit of overlap between the end of last session and the beginning of this one. That being said, it may have been a short session but it was action packed and so much fun. It also turned out very, very bloody.
It was the day after Brandon, Neil, and Skip had met with the Baron and Shade had met with Max. It turned out to be a normal day for all. The only thing to happen of note was a call from Uri to Shade. He told her to give Brandon a call. There was something going on that she could help him with and, if she agreed to help, her favor to him would be considered paid in full. She told Uri she would give Brandon a call later that night.
With the day over, Shade headed out to Legends. She had requested a meeting with Philip and Puck, without Heather. Getting there a bit early, she had a couple of drinks (Dealing with the Fey for ten years had turned Heather into a stressed out mess. Dealing with the Fey for six months had taught Shade the value of a pre-meeting drink). Philip and Puck finally showed up and they moved to a table. Once seated, Shade launched into the reason for them getting together. She explained that she was worried about Heather. Heather was stressed out and really needed time off from the job. Puck was confused. Heather didn't have a job. He paid for everything. All she did was take care of him. Why would she need time off? Logic not working (Shade didn't think it would with Puck but she was hoping that Philip would understand. That was the main reason for him being there), Shade went into total flattery mode...IE: the Fey were awesome and there was no way for humans to keep up and so on. It seemed to get through a bit. However, Philip clinched the deal by stating that he understood and that from now on Shade would have the last day of the month off. Not to be outdone, Puck declared that Heather would have the FIRST day of the month off. The meeting ended with Shade thanking Philip for his help and giving him a chaste kiss, which he managed to turn into something not so chaste (Philip thinks that Shade isn't interested but he is very wrong about that. She is very very tempted. Of course, she is tempted by more then a few different guys).
The boys were having a meeting of their own. They had met at Brandon's shop and were throwing out ideas on how to get Serephina and her entourage out of town. Just asking was not an option. That left bribing or killing. Killing seemed the go to plan. They knew what would kill Red Court Vampires. They just had to figure out how to get most, if not all, of them at once. Neil came up with a brilliant idea. They knew where the vampires were staying. Why not make the building invisible? Brandon thought about it and decided that it could be done but they needed help. He knew just who to ask. While he was getting stuff ready for a spell, Shade called. Skip answered the phone. After Brandon yelled that he was busy, she asked to speak to Neil. Neil picked up the phone and she told him about the phone call from Uri. Neil said that her help would be appreciated but that she would want to wait a bit before coming over. Brandon was in the middle of something. Shade asked if he was setting anything on fire (with Brandon that is always a good guess). Neil said that wasn't it. Shade agreed to wait. Hanging up, Neil turned his attention back to Brandon and the spell he was casting. It was for the coyote. The spell went off just fine and the coyote showed up. Brandon told it that he had a favor to ask of the Trickster. He needed assistance with making a building transparent at high noon on a certain date. The coyote asked why. Brandon answered that it would be fun. The coyote said that he would have to ask his boss and that he would let Brandon know. The coyote loped off.
Meanwhile, Shade, having an hour to kill, called Heather and asked her to come to Legends. When she showed up, Shade told her about the meeting and what had happened. Heather was surprised that Puck and Philip actually agreed to a day off. She suggested that they get it formally written into a contract. Uri would help with that and Heather told Shade she would set up a meeting. That taken care of, Shade left for Brandon's shop, stopping for coffee and sandwiches on the way. After passing out coffee and food, Neil and Brandon filled Shade in on the plan. Shade agreed that it would work. While discussing it some more, the coyote came back. The Trickster would love to help. Of course, that would mean that Brandon would owe the God a favor. All they needed to do was make sure the Avatar was with them. Not a problem. Brandon called Wyatt and arranged for everyone to meet at Legends (Shade should start charging a fee for meeting there. That seems to be the go to place for discussions). Before heading out, one thing of note happened. Neil and Skip engaged in a Soulgaze. Brandon had warned Skip about looking into someone's eyes but he didn't listen. Neil saw Skip standing at all the possible crossroads. Skip saw Neil as the gunslinger he was and that he was a good man.
The meeting with Wyatt turned out good. After hearing what he was needed for, Wyatt agreed to show up. The rest of evening was spent in research (Brandon and Shade) and skulking (Neil). The next day, the group met up in front of the hotel and set up for the ritual. First, Wyatt checked for a ward. There didn't seem to be any. Neil ran interference between the group and curious on-lookers. Wyatt, unsure on what he had to do, waited in the circle with Shade and Brandon. At noon, Wyatt remarked that he felt weird. That was the Trickster working through him. Both Brandon and Shade channeled the power. As the spell went off, everything connected with the building disappeared. Everyone inside started to freak out. There were screams, not all of them human. The Red Court Vampires exposed to the sunlight burst into flames. Luckily, no one besides the vampires were killed. That would have been bad. After all that, they decided a drink or two was in order and headed out to a nearby bar.
The next couple of weeks were pretty tense. Brandon took out an ad in the local newspaper. It simply read, "Duchess, go home." Neil kept to his usual routine. Shade and Heather had their meeting with Uri and got their contract. Mitch Mitchell from Truthisodes arrived in Vegas to report on the disappearing building and his belief in a cover-up. He also decided to make Vegas his home base. Brandon, Neil, Skip, and Shade heard through the grapevine that the Duchess had not been in the hotel. However, she believed that the attack had been a White Council trick and couldn't get out of town fast enough. The Baron was more than happy to help her pack.
After everything had died down. Shade, Neil, and Brandon received an invitation to dinner at the Baron's house. Showing his usual elegance and refinement, the invites were very ornate. All accepted the invitation. The night of the dinner came. Neil and Christine were the first to arrive. Shade and Max showed up next. Brandon and Skip followed close behind. A butler answered the door and ushered all into a formal sitting room. The Baron poured drinks for everyone and proceeded to thank Neil, Shade, Brandon, and Skip for their help in his delicate matter (Just thinking about the Baron is bringing out the Victorian writer in me). While the Baron was talking, Shade and Brandon felt...something. Both knew it was a spell. Shade knew that it was something unfamiliar and big. The Baron and the other Red Court in the room stopped what they were doing and then just exploded. Their chests burst open, showering everything in the room with blood and tissue. Skip reacted first. He started hysterically screaming. Christine called Uri and told him what happened. Shade calmly poured Christine and herself more wine and waited in the sitting room for Uri. Neil and Max actually checked things out. Brandon pulled the still hysterical Skip outside. After a bit, a very disheveled Uri showed up and asked what happened. Shade told him what she had felt with the magic. He suggested that we should leave and stay somewhere safe until what happened could be figured out. He also pointedly told Max not to talk about what happened. Neil headed out for his bolthole in Brandon's basement. Brandon and Skip opted for a room at the Luxor. Shade refused to be driven from her place and had Max drive her home. He left right right away; he had some calls to make (so much for your "suggestion" Uri). Shade called Philip and told him what happened. Philip decided that this would be a fine time for a vacation in the Nevernever and told Shade to handle it. She was NOT happy with either him or his order.
After some time passed, the expected call from Uri came. Shade told him that Philip was unavailable and she would be dealing with this matter. Uri asked her to call Heather and to see if she could get Puck to head into the Nevernever as well. Shade said she would do what she could. She got a hold of Heather and told her to get Puck and met Shade at Legends. There Shade tried to get Puck to go. However, she couldn't. Heather stepped in at that point and, by using tears and flattery, got Puck to agree to go (Shade made a mental note of that tactic. It will come in handy). Shade and Heather headed to the Luxor. After hearing from Shade and Brandon what happened, the Board members debated what was going on. Finally, not having enough information, Warden Locke suggested that everyone find out what they could and they would meet again the next night.
The game ended there. As I wrote above, readers of the Dresden books will have a pretty good idea what event from the books happened that night. It was great fun and things will be very interesting in Vegas for awhile. Next Sunday we won't be playing Dresden. We will be making characters for an alternative game being run by Jay. The game is called Ashen Stars and it looks fun as hell.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
Dresden Files Las Vegas- It Was Electric
Just like the Dresden books, our games follow a pretty set pattern. One or two sessions to go over downtime and to set up the situation. One or two sessions for action and whatever we do to fix the current situation. Finally one session for conclusion and more down time. The last session was downtime and set up. What we are getting involved in this time has the potential to really be bad. I know I ALWAYS say that but now we are dealing with the outside Red Court. The Red Court of Vegas tends to draw the more civilized members. The outsiders are much...much...much more predatory. However, I am getting ahead of myself.
It was the middle of June and the city was in full tourist mode. Not that Shade, Neil, or Brandon really noticed. They all had things going on. Brandon spent most of his downtime training his new apprentice on magic and the city's supernatural structure. Skip readily learned everything. He turned out to be pretty good at research. Of course, Skip did complain about not being able to use technology. Brandon found that amusing. Neil grunged out and made a play for the World Championship Poker title. His natural skill enabled him to get a seat but he did not win. He wasn't the first knocked out, however. In personal matters, he and Christine were still unofficially dating. Their relationship had finally been consummated, much to Christine's (and Uri's, I bet) relief. Shade put the finishing touches on the whole Freemont Experience deal. She set up an interview between Philip, Puck, and a reporter from 24/7- the hottest city magazine. The goal was to get the word out about the renaissance of the Freemont area and to bring people in. It was a success. Ungodly amounts of money should start rolling in for the Fey (Plan number one crossed off her list and onto number two).
The game proper started with a call made to Shade. It was Philip asking if she would meet him at Legends. Of course she said yes. Getting there, Philip informed her that there was going to be a christening that Saturday and a party afterwards. Apparently Angelica was adopting a baby boy. They would not be going to the church but they would attend the party. Philip went on to inform Shade that her Saturday would not be spent working but would rather be spent getting properly ready for said event. Since he was paying for it, Shade agreed (Though she did give a fairly epic eye roll to his statement. Shade dresses in classic, vintage, retro styles and always looks good).
Brandon received a call about the christening and the party from Angelica. He told her he would be happy to attend. After hanging up, he told Skip what was going on. Skip became very excited about the whole thing. This would be his first event with all the major players being around. Brandon made sure to give Skip a few warnings- chiefly about vampires and how they were to be avoided at all costs. Then came the shopping. Both men went out and bought new suits for the happy event.
Neil got his call from Christine. She asked if he would be available for an event Saturday. Neil said he would be. She told him it would be a christening and party. Neil being Neil went out and bought the most annoying toy he could find. He, unlike Brandon and Skip did not have to go shopping (that man has more suits then a clothing store and has one for any occasion).
Saturday came and Helena picked Shade up for her day of pampering. She got the full treatment- hair, nails, makeup, new dress, new shoes. It took all day but the end result was that Shade looked stunningly beautiful. Brandon, Skip, Neil, and Christine showed up at the church and went in to sit down. Skip kept asking questions and rubbernecking. Uri was not there but most of the other major players were. The christening went off without a problem. The godparents were Drusilla Malvora and Warden Locke (Just think about all that. The half Fey baby fathered by Brandon was adopted by the Scion of Heaven, Angelica, and now has a vampire and a Warden as godparents. That kid is going to be a psychologist's wet dream in about eighteen years).
Evening came and it was time for the party. People started to filter into the ballroom. Brandon was there with Skip. Shade, not slipping in quietly as she would usually do, made an entrance on Philip's arm (She is actually gaining quite a bit of confidence in herself and her abilities. Not to mention that she knows she looks damn fine). Neil and Christine arrived shortly afterwards. The usual cast of characters showed up as well. Skavis looked his usual scuzzy self. Locke looked his usual tacky self in an electric baby blue suit. Uri managed to make a white suit look good. One notable entrance was made by Baron Drake and his entourage. Instead of the usual five or six, he came in with about twenty members. However, there seemed to be tension between the Baron's usual minions and the new members. Of special note was a lady wearing a sexy, slut red dress. Drake and the lady, named Countess Serephina, separated as soon as they entered. There was one other thing noticed about the newest Red Court vampires. They seemed extremely predatory, like they were culling the weak.
This being Skip's introductory affair, Brandon took him around the room and introduced him to everyone. In true douche bag fashion, Brandon made it clear to some that screwing with Skip a bit would be okay. Shade took great delight in discombobulating Skip a bit (It was the pushed up breasts that did it). Neil milled about saying his hellos and keeping an eye on the unknown Red Court members. He noticed that they were never alone and also noticed that they all avoided the major players, especially the slutty looking woman. After a bit, Shade mingled as well. She even managed a civil conversation with Locke (She doesn't quite know what the problem is between them. She happens to like him very much. Maybe she needs to tease him a bit more).
After making his rounds, Neil was approached by Serephina. They made polite, and not so polite, conversation. Well, it was all polite but the undertones to most of it was not. Social combat ensued between them. Finally, having had enough, Neil ended the conversation by introducing her to Locke. She was not happy about it. However, Neil seemed pleased.
Brandon and Skip were eating when they were approached by a plain-ish woman in business attire. She introduced herself as Rita Wilson and asked if she was speaking to Brandon. Brandon answered yes. The Accountant pulled out a stack of paperwork for Brandon and Skip to fill out. Apparently, taking on an apprentice had put Brandon into the score book. Brandon tried to get out of it but Rita called over Skavis to set Brandon straight. Skavis was amused by Brandon's lack of understanding about the point system and didn't hesitate to announce that to the room.
Right after that bit of fun, Shade and Neil noticed that Penny was being harassed by a new Red Court vampire. Not hesitating one bit, Shade headed straight towards the two. Neil took a more roundabout path. Getting close, Shade started talking to Penny about how good it was to see her and that they really needed to catch up on all the news. The vampire, not liking the interruption, snarled at Shade to leave and mind her own business. He followed that up with a push. Off balance a bit, Shade grabbed Penny's hand and pulled her closer. Neil, noticing things were getting out of hand, made his way over and suggested that the vampire stop bothering Penny and Shade. Penny, just wanting to get away, let out an ear piercing scream which brought the room to a standstill. The vampire was not happy and was even less happy when he tried to push Neil away and ended up face planted into a cake. The vampire's night got even worse when he straightened back up. Shade stepped forward and held the sickle to his throat (Yes, Shade hates violence and really doesn't want to use it but, after what happened to Tess, she will not let another friend be hurt). Baron Drake bustled over, talking about the insult being done to the vampire. His eyes told another story though. Serephina was not pleased with what happened either. Drusilla absolutely exploded over the whole thing (Penny is her daughter). The words 'blood feud' were mentioned. The Warden stepped in and told Serephina and the other Red Court Vampires they would have to leave. They did so. The rest of the night was fairly peaceful.
The next day was uneventful for everyone. Shade did take the afternoon off to get a new tattoo on her left shoulder. It was of a Celtic inspired apple with a sickle making up the side curve. The sickle had various runes faintly etched into it. That evening Brandon received a call from the Baron, asking for a meeting. He agreed. After hanging up, Brandon called Neil and told him about Drake's call. He wanted to know if Neil would skulk around the area a bit and attend the meeting with him and Skip. Neil said he would. The area for the meeting was mainly office buildings and was not in Drake's usual territory. It didn't seem to be a trap or anything like that. After a quick trip to the shop, Brandon and Skip met up with Neil and waited for the Baron to show. Drake and his people finally arrived and they all went inside. The Baron first wanted to extend his apologies for the behavior of his brethren. They were unable to follow the rules of Vegas. He then explained that he really wanted Serephina and her crew to leave but she outranked him. Therefore, he couldn't just ask her to go. That was where Brandon, Skip, and Neil came in. He wanted them to get his unwelcome visitors out of Vegas and he didn't care how they did it. They could bribe,scare, or kill them. They just had to go. Brandon and Neil said they would help him with his problem. The Baron seemed relieved.
Shade, not being at the meeting, was having a fairly quiet night. She had come to the decision that enough was enough and invited Max for dinner...in her apartment. Halfway through the meal, she bluntly asked him when things were going to get a bit more sexual between them. A bit taken aback, he asked her what she wanted from the relationship. Shade answered that she wasn't planning on sending out save the date cards if they had sex. However, there came a time in a relationship where it either stayed as friendship or led to something more lasting (a full blown relationship)and more physical. She wanted to know if he was open to exploring that option. He said he was, with caveats. The date ended happily and with a bit more action (when I first wrote this, I couldn't see how they could work out but as the game progressed, it became a possibility and then a definite. Still not sure if it's going to lead to an actual wedding but I hope so.)
It was the middle of June and the city was in full tourist mode. Not that Shade, Neil, or Brandon really noticed. They all had things going on. Brandon spent most of his downtime training his new apprentice on magic and the city's supernatural structure. Skip readily learned everything. He turned out to be pretty good at research. Of course, Skip did complain about not being able to use technology. Brandon found that amusing. Neil grunged out and made a play for the World Championship Poker title. His natural skill enabled him to get a seat but he did not win. He wasn't the first knocked out, however. In personal matters, he and Christine were still unofficially dating. Their relationship had finally been consummated, much to Christine's (and Uri's, I bet) relief. Shade put the finishing touches on the whole Freemont Experience deal. She set up an interview between Philip, Puck, and a reporter from 24/7- the hottest city magazine. The goal was to get the word out about the renaissance of the Freemont area and to bring people in. It was a success. Ungodly amounts of money should start rolling in for the Fey (Plan number one crossed off her list and onto number two).
The game proper started with a call made to Shade. It was Philip asking if she would meet him at Legends. Of course she said yes. Getting there, Philip informed her that there was going to be a christening that Saturday and a party afterwards. Apparently Angelica was adopting a baby boy. They would not be going to the church but they would attend the party. Philip went on to inform Shade that her Saturday would not be spent working but would rather be spent getting properly ready for said event. Since he was paying for it, Shade agreed (Though she did give a fairly epic eye roll to his statement. Shade dresses in classic, vintage, retro styles and always looks good).
Brandon received a call about the christening and the party from Angelica. He told her he would be happy to attend. After hanging up, he told Skip what was going on. Skip became very excited about the whole thing. This would be his first event with all the major players being around. Brandon made sure to give Skip a few warnings- chiefly about vampires and how they were to be avoided at all costs. Then came the shopping. Both men went out and bought new suits for the happy event.
Neil got his call from Christine. She asked if he would be available for an event Saturday. Neil said he would be. She told him it would be a christening and party. Neil being Neil went out and bought the most annoying toy he could find. He, unlike Brandon and Skip did not have to go shopping (that man has more suits then a clothing store and has one for any occasion).
Saturday came and Helena picked Shade up for her day of pampering. She got the full treatment- hair, nails, makeup, new dress, new shoes. It took all day but the end result was that Shade looked stunningly beautiful. Brandon, Skip, Neil, and Christine showed up at the church and went in to sit down. Skip kept asking questions and rubbernecking. Uri was not there but most of the other major players were. The christening went off without a problem. The godparents were Drusilla Malvora and Warden Locke (Just think about all that. The half Fey baby fathered by Brandon was adopted by the Scion of Heaven, Angelica, and now has a vampire and a Warden as godparents. That kid is going to be a psychologist's wet dream in about eighteen years).
Evening came and it was time for the party. People started to filter into the ballroom. Brandon was there with Skip. Shade, not slipping in quietly as she would usually do, made an entrance on Philip's arm (She is actually gaining quite a bit of confidence in herself and her abilities. Not to mention that she knows she looks damn fine). Neil and Christine arrived shortly afterwards. The usual cast of characters showed up as well. Skavis looked his usual scuzzy self. Locke looked his usual tacky self in an electric baby blue suit. Uri managed to make a white suit look good. One notable entrance was made by Baron Drake and his entourage. Instead of the usual five or six, he came in with about twenty members. However, there seemed to be tension between the Baron's usual minions and the new members. Of special note was a lady wearing a sexy, slut red dress. Drake and the lady, named Countess Serephina, separated as soon as they entered. There was one other thing noticed about the newest Red Court vampires. They seemed extremely predatory, like they were culling the weak.
This being Skip's introductory affair, Brandon took him around the room and introduced him to everyone. In true douche bag fashion, Brandon made it clear to some that screwing with Skip a bit would be okay. Shade took great delight in discombobulating Skip a bit (It was the pushed up breasts that did it). Neil milled about saying his hellos and keeping an eye on the unknown Red Court members. He noticed that they were never alone and also noticed that they all avoided the major players, especially the slutty looking woman. After a bit, Shade mingled as well. She even managed a civil conversation with Locke (She doesn't quite know what the problem is between them. She happens to like him very much. Maybe she needs to tease him a bit more).
After making his rounds, Neil was approached by Serephina. They made polite, and not so polite, conversation. Well, it was all polite but the undertones to most of it was not. Social combat ensued between them. Finally, having had enough, Neil ended the conversation by introducing her to Locke. She was not happy about it. However, Neil seemed pleased.
Brandon and Skip were eating when they were approached by a plain-ish woman in business attire. She introduced herself as Rita Wilson and asked if she was speaking to Brandon. Brandon answered yes. The Accountant pulled out a stack of paperwork for Brandon and Skip to fill out. Apparently, taking on an apprentice had put Brandon into the score book. Brandon tried to get out of it but Rita called over Skavis to set Brandon straight. Skavis was amused by Brandon's lack of understanding about the point system and didn't hesitate to announce that to the room.
Right after that bit of fun, Shade and Neil noticed that Penny was being harassed by a new Red Court vampire. Not hesitating one bit, Shade headed straight towards the two. Neil took a more roundabout path. Getting close, Shade started talking to Penny about how good it was to see her and that they really needed to catch up on all the news. The vampire, not liking the interruption, snarled at Shade to leave and mind her own business. He followed that up with a push. Off balance a bit, Shade grabbed Penny's hand and pulled her closer. Neil, noticing things were getting out of hand, made his way over and suggested that the vampire stop bothering Penny and Shade. Penny, just wanting to get away, let out an ear piercing scream which brought the room to a standstill. The vampire was not happy and was even less happy when he tried to push Neil away and ended up face planted into a cake. The vampire's night got even worse when he straightened back up. Shade stepped forward and held the sickle to his throat (Yes, Shade hates violence and really doesn't want to use it but, after what happened to Tess, she will not let another friend be hurt). Baron Drake bustled over, talking about the insult being done to the vampire. His eyes told another story though. Serephina was not pleased with what happened either. Drusilla absolutely exploded over the whole thing (Penny is her daughter). The words 'blood feud' were mentioned. The Warden stepped in and told Serephina and the other Red Court Vampires they would have to leave. They did so. The rest of the night was fairly peaceful.
The next day was uneventful for everyone. Shade did take the afternoon off to get a new tattoo on her left shoulder. It was of a Celtic inspired apple with a sickle making up the side curve. The sickle had various runes faintly etched into it. That evening Brandon received a call from the Baron, asking for a meeting. He agreed. After hanging up, Brandon called Neil and told him about Drake's call. He wanted to know if Neil would skulk around the area a bit and attend the meeting with him and Skip. Neil said he would. The area for the meeting was mainly office buildings and was not in Drake's usual territory. It didn't seem to be a trap or anything like that. After a quick trip to the shop, Brandon and Skip met up with Neil and waited for the Baron to show. Drake and his people finally arrived and they all went inside. The Baron first wanted to extend his apologies for the behavior of his brethren. They were unable to follow the rules of Vegas. He then explained that he really wanted Serephina and her crew to leave but she outranked him. Therefore, he couldn't just ask her to go. That was where Brandon, Skip, and Neil came in. He wanted them to get his unwelcome visitors out of Vegas and he didn't care how they did it. They could bribe,scare, or kill them. They just had to go. Brandon and Neil said they would help him with his problem. The Baron seemed relieved.
Shade, not being at the meeting, was having a fairly quiet night. She had come to the decision that enough was enough and invited Max for dinner...in her apartment. Halfway through the meal, she bluntly asked him when things were going to get a bit more sexual between them. A bit taken aback, he asked her what she wanted from the relationship. Shade answered that she wasn't planning on sending out save the date cards if they had sex. However, there came a time in a relationship where it either stayed as friendship or led to something more lasting (a full blown relationship)and more physical. She wanted to know if he was open to exploring that option. He said he was, with caveats. The date ended happily and with a bit more action (when I first wrote this, I couldn't see how they could work out but as the game progressed, it became a possibility and then a definite. Still not sure if it's going to lead to an actual wedding but I hope so.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)