It has taken me awhile to get this posted. I actually had most of it written within a day or two of the game. I was just trying to come up with a song that worked for the session. I'm still not a 100% sure about the one I chose but it fits most of the events of the evening. It could also be a foreshadow to some future events, depending on how everything plays out (I just realized that this is the third song by Nine Inch Nails that I have used).
What a night! Political wrangling, back alley deals, and upheavals at the top were all in play. What took place could lead to so many opportunities, surprises, conflicts, and problems. What will the future hold?
The day dawned bright and hot (it is Las Vegas, bright and hot is always a good bet). Brandon was at work having a normal day when a letter came for him. The message was simple and to the point. Mason requested his presence at his house that night.
Neil started his day in the usual manner. Up early, exercise, coffee, and then out to hit the streets. Through his contacts, he found the streets abuzz with gossip. There was talk of power changes higher up. The feeling on the street was one of tension and apprehension. No one knew for sure what was going on and everyone seemed to be waiting to see how everything played out. After talking to his contacts, Neil started on his next project- researching real estate. He had his eye on the Baron's house. A few calls later, he had the information he needed to get the ball rolling on that (will Neil be getting a house?).
Shade's day started off normal but soon took a nosedive (to be fair, Shade doesn't know about two of the incidents concerning her but, all in all, the day takes a nosedive). She was tattooing a customer (okay, he was a junkie but, since he wasn't high just then, she agreed to do the ink). Deciding to give her idea one last shot, she asked the guy a few questions about who was supplying him and such. It took a bit of work but she did get a name- Jimmy the Hand. Even though he was a drug dealer, he fit at least two of her criteria. He was a human who worked closely with the Supernatural and he would probably have connections. Hopefully, he would be able to steer her towards a suitable candidate for the Board. With nothing to lose, she went in search for him. After searching awhile, she did find Jimmy. They engaged in social combat with Shade eventually winning. However, she wasn't able to get anything from him. Deciding enough was enough, Shade went back to work.
With night falling, Brandon headed out for his meeting with Mason. He figured that he would be dealing with more Spade business. He had not figured on the first person he saw at the house. It was Lucinda Wraith. After a polite (snicker) hello, he took a seat on the far side of the room. Eventually Mason entered the room. Not indulging in small talk, he got right to the point. He told Brandon that his main concern was corruption at the highest levels, meaning the Board members. He didn't trust any of them. He felt that most, if not all, had forgotten the reason for the Board being formed. Add to that the fact that someone was taking the Spades out and he was sure that Brandon could understand his concern. Brandon could. Then Brandon voiced a concern of his own. He wanted Mason's assurances that this was a straight deal. If a problem came up; it would be dealt with. No bullshit. Mason assured him that was the case. Brandon was satisfied. Then Mason told him why Lucinda was there. Every person who joined the Spades underwent a Soulgaze with another member. It would be Brandon's job (as a wizard) to do that but, he couldn't Soulgaze himself. Brandon wasn't happy with the whole idea but agreed to it (a soulgaze is just that. The people involved literally see the other's soul, see what kind of person they are. It also allows the other to see if a person is under a spell or is corrupted). Once that was done, Lucinda excused herself. Brandon and Mason talked for a bit longer. Asked about whether Neil would accept the job, Brandon said that he didn't know. Mason hoped that he would. A human could go places that the Supernatural couldn't. Then Mason asked about Shade again, if she could be trusted. He wanted to know if Brandon had noticed any changes in her lately. Brandon said he hadn't. Mason asked if Brandon would spend some time with her and get to know her better (would it kill the guys if they stood up for Shade? They may not be besties but she does stick up for them and she is keeping Wyatt a secret). Brandon said he would and they parted soon after.
Real estate deals being finished, Neil made a call to Max. He had a business proposal for him. Max agreed to a meeting. At the diner, Neil launched into his proposal. With the recent change up in the power structure, there were certain advantages coming available. One of which being the open seat on the Board. What about Max trying for that seat? Playing it cool, Max asked how that would be handled. Neil said that he knew of a possibility and wanted to know if Max would be willing to meet with said individual. Max said yes. Not wasting any time, Neil placed a call to Skavis (yes, that sound you heard was Shade yelling...definitely something very, very impolite). Neil explained the situation to him and Skavis told them to come right over to the Crucible. They did so.
Walking into the bar, they were greeted with some heckling. They really didn't fit in with the regular clientele. In the back they found Skavis. After sitting down, Neil told him about his proposal. Skavis seemed interested and told Neil to go on. Of course, Skavis being Skavis couldn't seem to eager and had to throw a few insults Max's way. With effort, Max held onto his temper. He also wisely kept his mouth shut and let Neil continue to do the talking. Neil pointed out the fact that it wouldn't hurt to have a friend, so to speak, on the Board. After a bit of contemplation, Skavis said okay but that Max would have to agree to do as he said for a year- work with him, vote as he voted, and so on. Neil then stressed the point that this alliance couldn't be flaunted openly. It wouldn't help either one if it was known that Max was beholden to him. There was some more back and forth but terms were agreed upon. Skavis would suggest Max as a candidate for the seat and Max would work with him. Max said that would be okay unless it conflicted with his interests. Business concluded, Neil and Max left.
After leaving Mason's, Brandon figured he was due a nice relaxing evening. Heading to the MGM, he had a few drinks and bought a ticket for the boxing match slated for that evening. He even placed a bet. Unfortunately, he picked the wrong guy. Still, he enjoyed himself.
After work, Shade caught up on her second job. She called Marissa, the changeling who was in charge of the Freemont Experience expansion. Things were going splendidly. More people were moving in and the area was well on it's way to being the hip place to live and work. In August, an art fair/block party was being planned. Satisfied, Shade hung up and left for the Board meeting.
At the Luxor, the Board members were mingling about before starting. Shade went to talk with Puck and Heather. Soon after, Skavis showed up and came over to join their group. He was his usual charming self (in other words, he came over and promptly tried/said something blatantly sexual). Shade and Skavis talked about the upcoming meeting. He asked her what she thought would happen. Shade told him that she figured people would throw out a few names. Then Locke would name his candidate and then everyone would vote that person in. Skavis then wanted to know if Shade would vote for herself or is she would just be a Locke ass kisser. Shade laughed at that and said that being on Locke's good side really wasn't a problem. Locke loathed her. Shade asked if he had anyone in mind. Skavis said that he did. He planned on nominating Max Torelli.
Finally, everyone headed in and after Locke showed up, the meeting started. The first order of business was what to do with the humans addicted to the Red Court saliva and the dead Baron's territory. After some discussion, the care of the humans and the territory was given to the Wraiths. They had the means to control the addicts. It was also agreed to revisit that decision in a years time.
Next on the agenda was what to do with the empty Board seat. That started a lively discussion. Angelica brought up Shade's idea about giving it to a human. Shade spoke up and admitted that she hadn't been able to find a good candidate. Skavis stood up then and nominated a drug dealer he knew. No one took him seriously. Locke asked again if there was anyone. And again, Skavis stood up. Sounding impatient, Locke asked if he had someone in mind. Skavis then nominated Torelli. Shade seconded it. The debate started. Skavis said that new blood was needed and that Max would bring business opportunities to Vegas. Uri said that they had spent too long getting the Mob out of Vegas to let them back in. Shade countered that the Mob was still in Vegas and that it made more sense to have the Mob representative on the board where they could keep an eye on him and control him if necessary. Unfortunately, the vote did not go in Max's favor.
Then Locke proposed that a seat on the Board be eliminated by combining two into one. He suggested that either Uri or Angelica lose their seat. That did not go over well. Uri was pissed as hell. It was brought up that it set a bad precedent. What would stop other seats from being eliminated? After all, the Vampires could be consolidated, as could the two Fey courts. Emotions were running high. Everything from indifference to worry to anger was swirling about. Since no one really liked that idea, Locke said he would be fine with taking a long vacation (he kept muttering something about Tahiti and Tawney in a bikini) and letting someone else be the Chairman. Uri nominated himself. Shade seconded it. Angelica about ruptured a blood vessel disagreeing. She said that Uri's very nature made that a mistake. Shade pointed out that Uri's nature as half demon fit in perfectly with Vegas. After all, wasn't Vegas the breeding ground for the seven deadly sins? Why not have their earthly representative head the Board? A vote was taken and Uri was named as the new Chairman- with the decision to be revisited in a year.
Right after the meeting, Shade left, bought some candy, and went to the Nevernever. Even though she hated to disturb him, she needed to tell Philip what happened at the meeting. Getting there, she gave the candy to the pixies, who were very happy to eat it. They took her to see Philip. She told him what happened. They also talked about Freemont and Philip seemed pleased that it was going so well. Before leaving, Shade did bring up what had happened to her and that she hoped that Philip wouldn't start experimenting with it. However, if he did, she really didn't want to know. The term she used was plausible deniability.
That pretty much ended the gaming session. There will be two month time span between the end of this arc and the beginning of the next. In that time, Neil was able to get a hold of a shit load of money and buy the Baron's house...and all the furnishings (told you Neil was getting the house). He also bought a fleet of motorcycles and accepted Mason's job offer. Brandon spent his time getting to know his Fey sword better and getting a scabbard made for it. He also started taking fencing lessons. The art/street fair went off without a hitch, which made Shade happy. She also started to spend some time individually with the Changelings. She just talked with them about choosing to be human or Fey and how they feel about it. By doing so, she hoped to get a few to become full Fey and to impress Philip even more (at least she's good at doing Fey stuff).
See what I mean about the possibilities? I cannot wait for the next session to see just what will happen with all the changes taking place. Will the White Council make an appearance? Will Angelica be proved right or wrong? Just who is killing the Spades and just what action will Mason take with what happened to the Board? Will Locke get jailed in Tahiti for sexual harassment? Okay, that last was just for fun.
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