Praxis In New Orleans Part 2

Angie:  ::::It was nothing Stormy expected tonight. Firs Praxis, now the people here, and Vargas! Once inside the creaky door of Cypress Tides, Stormy locked it behind her and knew that they finally had privacy. The first thing she did was grab Vargas and hug her tightly with blood tears streaming down her face.::::: Oh my God! <d>



Vargas: Yep, Kiddo, I made it back from my Grandfathers Anarch holdings in Utah.     Still seems to be an odd idea, Anarch Free State territory, but it works for them <d>



Angie:  ::::Kevin was holding tight to Marie. He whispered to her.::::: I remembered something. I remembered Stormy. I'm so happy. Maybe this is a first step?



Angie:  :::::Stormy was still holding onto her until then and stepped back enough to nod in agreement.::::: Yep but it sure as hell won't work for New Orleans. That's why tonight happened. I have ....... no choice. ::::the last words were said with real sadness.:::: <d



Marie: ::::Marie nods to Kevin in understanding and she reassures him by patting his hand softly::::<d>



Vargas: Hey, don’t be so sad.   :::Vargas grinned big::   You have always been clever and resourceful, and now ::looking at Marie and Kevin::   Good friends. Plus, you know the Nos.<d>



Angie:  :::::Kevin just kept holding onto Marie because he both needed the support and it was his favorite thing to do. He smiled happily at her content to think and try to recall more things like that, such as why was Stormy so memorable?:::::



Angie:  Thank you Vargas. Of course you're right. I'm so happy to have all of you here. ::::She looked around to each one. Then she slapped her forehead!:::: Oh gosh! My manners! Please come on in and have a seat. ::::She walked them into the living room.:::: Who would like a blood wine? The Tremere made it. <d>



Vargas: Tremere made.    Hmmmm Do you think it’s safe?   :::Vargas ponders::;<d>



Angie:  Oh, yes. My ghouls overseen it made. It is their blood. Can you believe it? I, Stormy, have ghouls. :::::She said with a snort. Well she was beginning to act like herself now. Suddenly something in the Network spoke!:::: Why am I the adult?! (Lmao) <d>



Marie: ::::Marie walked inside with Kevin at her side they find the comfortable spot to sit on the sofa::::<d>



Angie:  ::::Kevin helped Marie onto the seat with a flourish once she found it for them.:::: Do you think that this is a good time to ask Stormy about it? Should we wait? ::::He awaited a reply while "ordering himself and Marie a blood wine. ??::::::



Angie:  :::::Stormy made her way to a elegant table/bar that was built and left to her by Toreador. After all this was the former residence of the last two Princes of New Orleans, Wydow and Black Jade. She silently poured all 5 drinks, smiling to Caprice.:::: With a sigh she leaned back against the bar that was far too fancy for her.:::: Does anyone have anything on their minds before I drop the proverbial emergency bomb? ::::She looked around to her friends.::::: <d>



Marie: :::::Marie accepts the blood wine from him and looks to him:::: it won't hurt to ask Stormy. We're here to find the answers we don't understand.  We do need answers.  <d>



Angie:  *"ordering"



Angie:  Okay. ::::Kevin tells Stormy everything and awaits her reply.:::::



Vargas: Answers are always good



Angie:  :::Stormy smiled to Vargas after hearing Kevin out.:::: Indeed they are. I think there are some Giovanni attempting to open up new business around town. Caprice, could you help with that information?



Vargas: :: Vargas looks expectantly:;



Angie:  :::::Caprice stood with her drink and bowed.::: Yes my Prince. <d>



Angie:  It might help if you searched around the shipping docks near my apartment. ::::Stormy said with an afterthought.:::::



Angie:  :::::Caprice bowed again already standing this time.:::: Yes my Prince. How do I find your apartment?



Angie:  ::::Stormy had to stop herself from shuddering. She wouldn't get used to that my Prince stuff.::::: <d>



Angie:  ::::Stormy gave Caprice a small smile.:::: Anyone up for a trip tonight?



<d>



Vargas: :: Vargas smiles::   Sounds good<d>



Angie:  Well, we've got plenty of time in the Grand Floridian anyway :::::as she looks around her uncomfortable Victorian mansion. Oh shit. She would have to do the thing. Oh well. She snapped her fingers for the ..... Nope.:::: Follow me to the stables. <d>



Angie:  This was their destination after she loaded them into her gray Camaro and sped across the New Orleans streets.:::: <d>



Vargas: Nice ride<d>



Angie:  :::::Stormy beamed at Vargas.::: Thanks! It's my baby.



(Caprice's #Mask of 1000 Faces#)



Angie:  ::::So, Stormy got out of the car and led them through the circle drive, through the front door ......



Vargas: :: Vargas scans the area, searching for trouble:: <d>



Angie:  ..... To the stairs because she hated elevators! She led them up to this room.....



...with a pop of the key card in her air tight door.:::: Please come in and be at home! <d>



Vargas: Thank you so much



Vargas: :: Vargas nods her appreciation::<d>



Marie: ::::Marie looks around the room and likes it the way it looks:::: Very comfortable.  <d>



Angie:  ::::She points to an oddity in the wall.:::: If you're still hungry there's blood bags in the hidden refrigerator safe there. :::::She hands Vargas a keycard. <d>



Angie:  :::Stormy smiled brightly at Marie and says sincerely.:::: Thank you!



Vargas: Thanks.     I haven’t settled back into the groove <d>



Vargas: Kevin.    Are you.    Hungry??::Vargas speaks slowly and deliberately;;



<d>



Angie:  You'll feel back at home in no time. ::::She smiled and hugged her friend again. She went over to the window and pulled back the Royal purple curtains. From here you could see almost all of the Warehouse District of New Orleans.:::: Caprice, this is a great lookout for suspicious activity. You may use my computer if you need it. Password: MakeMe. Down there are the loading docks. You might want to keep an eye out there. Of course I'll help. ::::She knocked over a huge file stack, all saying somewhere on them NOPD. She had obviously been researching and taking a lot of notes for some reason besides her normal stuff.::::: <d>



Angie:  :::Kevin gives Vargas a slight nod.::::



Vargas: If you drink up, maybe you will remember something. ::she says encouraging him::



Angie:  Ah, yes! :::::He was really sick wasn't he? He went toward the wall refrigerator safe and figured out how to open it. Was he getting worse?:::: Would anyone like a bag? <d>



Angie:  I would like a bag please <d>



Vargas: Sounds good.  :: Vargas agreed::



Angie:  :::He smiled at his Love and grabbed her and the others one, handing them out. Stormy was deep in thought and sucked hers down without even realizing it. After that she sucked on her finger.::::::



Vargas: Thanks ::smiling and sipping: <d>



Marie: ::::Marie takes her blood bag and starts to drink it she felt better when her thirst dimmed down::::<d>



Angie:  You are very welcome my new friend. :::::Kevin smiled at Vargas.:::::



Angie:  :::::Stormy suddenly said as if in realization...::: For now that's all I can do for you Kevin. Aside from the Giovanni issue.... ::::She sighed and sank down on the top of the desk, bothering the hell out of Caprice! She so didn't want to spill her own problem. But......:::: Damnit the two Princes are missing and I found a note. ]d>



Angie:  *Caprice who was working at the desk on the computer.



::leaning forward;   You use Auspex on the note?   :; Vargas looking hopeful



Vargas: Or is it digital only



Angie:  ::::Stormy slapped her forehead again!:::: No and no.



Angie:  I had to take over!



Vargas: Of course!



Vargas: No other clues??



Angie:  When we return to the Grand Floridian I will do that. I'm a dummy.



Angie:  Ah crap! We travel again so I can retrieve it and read it. Oh! ::::: Remembering something she hands Vargas a police report that has her name on it as the officer.:::::



Vargas: Intriguing



Vargas: ::scans the report::



Angie:  I joined the NOPD after you left. You inspired me. :::::She smiled to Vargas.:::: As you can see Black Jade's bar, The Poison Apple on Canal Street burned almost to the ground. I was first on scene.



Vargas: Damnation!   Arsonists?



Vargas: Lupines maybe?



Vargas: Any clues?   <d>



Angie:  I don't know yet. It's all possible. What I did find we'll need to head back for. ::::She gestured for them to take another ride.::::



Angie:  ::::back to the Camaro:::::


Angie:  Vargas would you please grab my files? ::::Stormy asked nicely::::



Vargas: Alright.    Maybe.    Just maybe.  Kevin might get insight from this.    ::grabs files::   Sure, Boss



Angie:  ::::Stormy laughed. Caprice grunted like Vargas, too, had disturbed her work. On the computer screen Vargas could see what looked like a bunch of camera feeds, but where did the cameras come from?:::::



Vargas: Who does your camera work??::Vargas sounded curious::<d>



Angie:  ::::Stormy gave Caprice another keycard and instructed her to lock up when done, after which they would take another wild ride through the streets of New Orleans and make it safely back to Cypress Tides (The Grand Floridian)



Angie:  She would lead them back to the living room and lock the front door and ask to be excused for a moment. After a few minutes she had sprinted up and down the stairs with a wooden box amazingly not burnt. She held it in front of them for a moment and asked...::: Would anyone like more blood wine ??? <d>



Vargas: I am fine.  :: Vargas smiled:;   Thanks <d>


Marie: Thanks I have enough.  :::::Marie smiles::::<d>



Angie:  ::::Kevin wanted more. She filled another cup for Kevin and handed it to him with a smile.::::: Okay! I found this at the scene. It was the only thing in her office not burnt by the fire. :::::She let them get a good look at it. It was inscribed "Black Jade, Eternal Love - From Wydow"::::::<d>


Angie:  ::::Kevin piped up after finishing the bag...::::: The library! Yes I'll try that. ::::He was nodding.::::<d>



Vargas: What’s inside?  :: Vargas looks very intrigued:: <d>



Angie:  ::::At that moment there was a thump on the roof. A very loud one. Then there was another on the ground at the window.:::::



Vargas: ::looks around alertly::



Vargas: Expecting someone??



Angie:  :::::Dark black wings covered the window for a moment then he appeared. Gangrel.:::::



Vargas: A friend....



Angie:  :::::He lightly tapped on the window with a single claw tip.:::



Angie:  ::::Stormy smiled at him and held up a finger for one moment.:::: Sometimes I still need to show him the door. Goes to drag him around and inside.:::::



Vargas: Nice wings ::Vargas smiled::



Angie:  Yes indeed a friend. ::::Stormy handed Vargas the box to look over.:::: (will have to post that next time)



Marie: :::;;Marie giggles:::: that was so loud. <d>



Vargas: ::handles the box carefully:;



Angie:  ::::Gangrel looked like he grew an additional 6 feet with her words. He was a proud Gargoyle. He bowed to Vargas.:::: Thank you mam.



Angie:  ::::Stormy looked to Marie.::: Oh he always is. The loudest! ::::Stormy snorted.::::



Vargas: ::laughs::   I’m Vargas, an old friend of Prince Stormy.   I’ve been out west for awhile



Vargas: You , uh, know anything about the fire?



Angie:  :::::Gangrel rubbed his chin in thought.:::: A little. I flew over it several times trying to figure it out but I had to get out of there quick because the media almost got a shot of me flying over. It was a close call!



Vargas: Any sign of Lupines?  Or human pyros?    Or,   Kindred?    I once knew heard tales of Kindred pyromaniacs



Vargas: Odd as it may seem



Vargas: :;looks up at the Gargoyle:; <d>



Angie:  ::::Stormy swirled around to Vargas in a fit of laughter.:::: I swear I didn't do it!



Vargas: Not your style!   I know!   But, there could be others.    Marie, have you sensed any possible hidden kindred activity?  ::looks over to the Toreador:: <d>


Angie:  :::::Gangrel looking hopeful this would help.:::: One Kindred that I didn't recognize.



Vargas: Really



Vargas: Any wild guess on clan?



Angie:  Gangrel: Like I said the media and I had a close call. She ran out of the back of the bar. Dressed like a Toreador would. <d>



Marie: :::::Marie muses and goes into a deep thought::: I think I may have sensed a few out there with hidden talents.  I can't remember where. But it was sure close by. <d>



Vargas: ::nods::



Angie:  ::::Stormy and Kevin nod.::::



Angie:  Gangrel: I think y'all should visit House Tremere New Orleans.



Angie:  I also think Marie could check the credentials of her Clan. Maybe someone might slip up.



Vargas: Maybe someone who slipped under the radar.



Vargas: Might give clues to Kevin’s problems



Angie:  ::::Gangrel nodded.::::: No one disappears from the face of the earth, right?



Vargas: Rarely



Vargas: Usually there is some trace



Angie:  ::::Gangrel bowed his head at that sad mention. So much there to feel for Clan Gargoyle.:::::



Angie:  :::Stormy wasn't scared of the big lug even if everyone else was. She walked up to him and put her arms all the way around him and stayed there.::: <d>



Angie:  Well Vargas, I don't want to be any trouble but I need a right hand. Would you do me the honors? ::::Stormy said, clearing her throat. She forgot she was latched onto a Gargoyle.::::<d>



Angie:  :::Suddenly there was a loud moan from a resident spirit. Just sayin.::::


Vargas: Of course



Vargas: Hey!   What was that???



Angie:  ::::Stormy grinned from ear to ear. Next she did the Bill and Ted thing.:::: Excellent! ::::Air guitar ??::::::



Angie:  Stormy: Oh it was a ghost.


Vargas: ::still looks a little stressed:;    I think.    Hmmmm Giovanni might talk to spirits.   But, I am not certain



Angie:  ::::Kevin looked up.:::: I can try. Do you want me to? ::::He looked around the room taking a vote.:::


Vargas: Please do


Marie: ::::::Marie yawned and she sits down waiting for them::::<d>



Angie:  ::::Kevin got up and closed his eyes.::: Are there any spirits that want to talk? :::::Before they answered his eyes shot open and he ducked to the floor arms around himself like Marie first found him in St. Louis #1.:::::<d>



Vargas: Hey.  It’s okay <d>



Angie:  ::::Gangrel yelled and pointed at Kevin.::: Y'all that's not a normal ghost! Yes New Orleans is haunted everywhere you go and so is this old Antebellum Plantation but that's not normal! <d>



Marie: :::::Marie kneeled beside Kevin and places her arms around him to give him support:::Hun...you okay? <d>



Marie: :watch s;;




Angie:  (Need both of your Stats - Strength + Perception)



Vargas: (8 I think.  Will look for sheet later lol



Angie:  (Vargas 4 succ)



Angie:  ::narrows her eyes and looks intent::;


Angie:  :::::Stormy let go of Gangrel and had finally settled her nerves enough to sit down beside Vargas if she was sitting?::::: I'm not sure if the missing Princes is malicious or not. Somethings not right. <d<



Vargas: Definitely not right



Angie:  ::::She nodded her head to the box for Vargas to open it up.:::: It's odd. Look. <d>



Vargas: ::opens it slowly and carefully::



Angie:  ::::Inside the box was the note Stormy told them about on the very top.:::: (I forgot the exact #Auspex# level this is.) She was only looking at the note very intensely. #Perception ÷ Alertness#



Vargas: (4dice)



Angie:  ::::Inside the box under the note were more notes from Jade to Wydow and vice versa. Love notes the likes of may have never been read before. There were also elaborate inscriptions to Jade from Wydow.::::



Vargas: ::softly:: sweet



Angie:  (4 succ for Vargas, 3 for Stormy)



Marie: :::::Marie watches them with the box wondering what's inside::::::<d>


Angie:  (Vargas can see a lot more than Stormy this time. She sees the colors of love, longing, and depression in equal measure. There was more to these emotions than a mortal would feel. It was strange. There was also a slight note of chaos.....::::::



Angie:  :::::Stormy saw what she feared. It was very intense and interesting. The colors merged in her view in a very strange way. She blinked and looked at Vargas.::::



Vargas: Strange.   Beautiful



Vargas: Bizarre but beautiful



Angie:  Stormy: Yes but it merged to form something else. I've never seen this before.



Vargas: Me neither.    Never heard of anything like it



Angie:  Gangrel: I also saw Jade and Wydow enter the bar on an earlier fly-by.



Angie:  :::Stormy shook her head.:::: These two Princes were friends of mine. ::::She held up an amulet she had worn since she could remember. It was Wydow's first act as Prince.:::: This is blood magic from Wydow. It stops bullets.



In the heart of nature, the supernatural runs free. -Clanbook Gangrel



Angie:  (I need Marie's stats on the combat #Perception +  Awareness#)


Marie: (Perception 3 Awareness 3)


Angie:  (Lori the roll is a failure, Janet from last time 4 succ)



Marie: (Ok)



Angie:  (I'm rr on that)



Angie:  (Lori you now have 1 succ)



Vargas: What the Hell?  :; Vargas looks around alertly::



Vargas: What is going on, Marie?    Any ideas?   <d>



Angie:  ::::Kevin was scrounging down on the old wooden floors trying with all of his might to communicate with the ghost attacking him. Vargas jumped in and the apparition stopped screaming and it had weakened a good deal. Marie was on her heels and knocked it another blow and it faded in and out. Headway was made. Kevin thought that he might have broken through the veil a little and understood one piece of information.::::: Who is Augustus Giovanni? <d>



Vargas: I.    don’t know.     I knew some Giovanni in D C,   But not Augustus.    Is this a new local?



Marie, you are tuned into local society— any rumors??



:Marie: ::eyes on p



Vargas: Marie and Kevin.  <d?>



Angie:  (Kevin #Perception+Willpower# (diff 7))



Angie:  ((6 succ)



Angie:  :::Kevin straightened up and dusted off his clothes. He wanted nothing short of immaculate and perfection.::::: It seems that I was attacked by an "old soul but I did make some progress. ::::::He said smiling.:::::::


Marie: :::::Marie looks to them::::: odd. It's possible it may be a local.<d>



Vargas: Any new businesses in town?   Ones that have a hint of kindred ? <d>



Angie:  ::::Those two awesome women had knocked out the ghost before Stormy, on their heels, had realized what was going on and got into the atrium.:::::: Marie I really need you to snoop around that Clan of your's and dig up some Intel on the Toreador in town due to the missing Princes. Also it looks like Kevin has made enough progress for you to help him gain more knowledge. Didn't he say something about a library before this attack? I think his condition has improved since he's gained more knowledge. <d>



Vargas: ::looks at Kevin expectantly::  Insight.  Coming back to you? <d>



Angie:  Yes, I think so. ::::He grins at Vargas.:::::



Angie:  ::::Stormy sighs and moves back into the living room. She sat down in a chair facing the couch.:::::



Vargas: ::looks concerned;; Do you think the Spirits have influenced you, or , perhaps Some Kindred?    What does it .... feel like? <d>



Angie:  ::::Kevin nods to Vargas and leads Marie to the sofa.::::



Vargas: And.    I do not wish to be rude, Kevin, but..,,,,,What clan do you feel.   Is your s?



Vargas: :: Vargas tried not to look Toooo Curious::

Note From The Poison Apple

The bar on Canal Street that had belonged to former Prince Black Jade was named such for a good reason. Jade herself had a deep love for Disney Villains. Unfortunately all of her original Disney artwork burned up with the bar of its name sake.

The letter was addressed to Stormy Rain Malkin:

Dearest Stormy, 

First, I want to thank you for your service to both myself and the Camarilla. You have went above and beyond. Be proud of yourself. If you have trouble, stand in front of a mirror and read the book of affirmations that I wrote for you!

If you are finding this box then I must bequeath to you my home, Cypress Tides and ask that you take over the City as Prince yourself. I cannot explain this yet but since this is in your hands something may have happened to me and Wydow. You may also have the bar, The Poison Apple if you desire it. You may do as you please with these things. The paperwork is already set up and you will find it in the safe in my bedroom at your new home Cypress Tides.

Be well and know that I have every faith and confidence in you!

With Love, 

Black Jade

New Orleans Police Department Incident Report

New Orleans Police Department Incident Report

Name of Complainant (First, Middle, Last): Black Jade

Age: 25 Sex: F Race: Caucasian Weight 120 lbs. HT: 5’7

Address: Incident: The Poison Apple - 1000 Block Canal St.

Home: 3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70090

Phone Numer: (504) 208-6925

Badge# 55555 Time: 22:00 Suspect (Y/N): No

Description of Incident:

I arrived at the scene and immediately spotted roaring flames at The Poison Apple, a nightclub owned by Black Jade beginning in the early 1990's. Firefighters battled the blaze until almost dawn.

History of Location/Suspect:

This Poison Apple has been a booming success in the heart of New Orleans since it opened in 1995. There are no incidents reported here until tonight. It's history is one described as "clean and quiet:.

Psychological: Anything In this field, send case to Stormy (#5555)

Black Jade is known as a born leader and leading artist in New Orleans.

Evidence: Nothing spectacular.

Gotham City Address From The New Prince In Praxis

It was a crisp and clear February night in New Orleans. Stormy had picked Jazzland Six Flags because of her history there but mostly it's what her heart told her to do. It wasn't often that she let that undead thing out but rebuilding the park would make her happy and it would be a good mark for her Clan. She had only seen what she was currently doing - not building the Park, but declaring Praxis in a City - once and that was in the Camarilla Stronghold of Chicago. After all, named after her Clan, Stormy Rain Malkin was doing what she thought right in this circumstance to spite the hateful rumors about her Clan Malkavian.

This wasn't like Stormy to do such a thing. She never thought that she would. She had timidly wrote a note to the first Prince she had presented herself to, the shy type. It was true, to spite her shyness, that she had earned the nickname Pack Killer but she didn't own it for herself - but who knew? Maybe she did.

Stormy was never happy, ever. Yet tonight she was happy on two counts and one of those was standing right beside of her: Vargas! She was still holding back the blood tears of joy from the major surprise of her friend returning to New Orleans. She was also trying with all of her might to hold down the floods of fear and apprehension going through her. No one would notice, though. She had never balked from duty and tonight was the same. But how would she react when she got home? 

This was an emergency.

...................................................

Stormy was doing great! She stood proud and tall at the podium in Gotham City. She held tightly to the podium, being careful not to shatter it, and begun her speech.

"Good Evening, fellow Kindred. I am Stormy Rain Malkin and am a native of New Orleans. I come here tonight because it is my duty to do so. I'm declaring Praxis and I hope for your support. The simple fact is New Orleans needs a Prince and I'm prepared to fill the gap so that my beloved City doesn't fall into evil hands. Thank you."

Stormy's Musings: Night 1 ~ Re-entry Into The City That Care Forgot

Stormy hadn’t known what to think ever since she had gotten back home to the City. She had not wanted to be away from her home, New Orleans, but duty and respect called her away to Chicago and New York for a while. She was Sheriff there in both cities because she had to be. She didn’t know why she had to be, she just knew that she did. So many things had went down under her watch that she was overly glad when she crossed I-10 in that gray 1993 Camero that she had poured so much love into and over. There it was, her exit, her way home. 

Things would get easier now, or so she had hoped. There was only one way to tell and that was to get into the city and make things happen again – good things! Her engine revved a bit and roared to a stop, the sight here was always welcome.

So, she hung around here a bit, got out and looked around to settle her mind into the fact that she was really and truly home. When she had renewed her senses of the sweet succor of the city again, her city, she got back in the Camero and roared off to her haven in the Warehouse District of New Orleans just a jump from the Superdome.  

The outside circular driveway cradled a high-rise hotel (in subtle appearances) that glowed in neon pink at night, sometimes changing to purple when the mood hit it. It stood out in the distance as a statement unto itself. The huge sign said “Hotel Modern” and that name fit its purposes, too. This funky, modern hotel was fixin’ ta get a Malkavian makeover! (As if it didn’t already look it – and it did!)

With a few nods and hellos Stormy had slung that damned brown backpack of hers – a little worn at the edges! - over her shoulder like a trillion times before and headed toward the staircase to go to her long-awaited room. Her room. Her personal room. Her “Purple Palace” that Princes Jade and Wydow had given her when she first came to meet them in New Orleans. They had been new to the city that she already called home. It was an interesting story, to say the least, that she would tell another time. For now she just wanted seclusion. She needed time to think, to write out her thoughts before her head exploded. The sight that greeted her at the staircase was once more welcoming, beckoning her home.

She reached the room and stuck the card in the door, then pushed something that no one could see and the door came open with an air-sealed “pop”. That sound had felt so good she sighed when she walked through the door and quickly closed it behind her. Suddenly all of her tensions dropped from her like magic beans. Alone. She could cry if she wanted to, she didn’t but still she technically could. She could do anything. “The world is waiting for you, Stormy!” The Network kept screaming into her head. She didn’t know what they meant her to do. What would she do with the world if she found it anyway? These were tough questions for her to consider.

All of this pressure! First the Satanic Panic, name dubbed by Stormy herself, among the kindred of New Orleans when they swore that Gehenna was upon them and they were seeing crazy shit. Then it spread to New York City where smells of incense and antediluvians filled the air and she had tried to banish them with the songs “That Smell” and “Things Goin’ On In Your Nose”. Undoubtedly it had worked no matter how crazy it sounded. She was home, wasn’t she? Yes! The song bit was most likely inspired by the two Toreador that helped raise her up to be the Pack Killer that she is today (FAME 4).  

Thing was, when she was done with her meditating and writing her notes she would need to head out of the District to a little place called “Cypress Tides” where both Princes resided to announce her newest arrival back into the city. She couldn’t wait!

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Praxis New Orleans Part 1

Tonight we pick up where we left off what seems eons ago in the City of New Orleans.

Chapter 1, Scene 2:  Praxis New Orleans

     The Coterie made it out of the most confusing Nosferatu Warrens that they had probably ever seen. They make it back to their havens and another dawn passes with quiet ease while their undead bodies are hard and useless until the next nightfall. They arise, Marie with Kevin in their personal haven in the French Quarter, Gangrel in his tower sanctuary in St. Louis Cathedral, Lord Alex from hers at House Tremere New Orleans, and who knew where Caprice came from! They were all given a note to meet at the World Famous Cat's Meow. The beat of the karaoke bar beat into the sidewalk with what felt like electric pulses much like a live beating heart. It was hell on any vampire ears, but more so for Toreador which would be Marie.

Angie: ::::Kevin had his arm protectively around Marie. It was an instinct now that they were inseparable.:::: Are you going to be okay in here? <d>

Marie: :::Marie looks around and nods to Kevin enjoying the beats of the music:::: Yes dear. I am okay in here. <d>

Angie: ::::Kevin grins at her, lightly kissing her on the lips, then pulling the door open for her leading her in.:::: Are you going to sing tonight? You do have a beautiful voice. ::::Still grinning.:::: <d>

Marie: ::::they both walked inside she lightly kissed him back::: Thank you dear. I will sing if there's no one using the spot. :::Marie giggles:::<d>

Angie:  Good! I hope there's no one there. :::When Kevin led her inside they spotted Caprice alone at a large table in a non conspicuous place in the bar. She was doing the gaggin thing with her finger down her throat at the sight of the two lovie-dovies and the noise she was making was pretty loud, too.::::: I guess we gather there? ::::He asked Marie :::: <d>

(If Marie checked the karaoke spot was open)

Marie: :::::Marie looked at the spot and sees three teenage girls singing on the stage, Marie giggles:: I can wait. Let's sit with them for now.  <d>

Angie:  :::Kevin nods to Marie but when they were closer to Caprice he gave Caprice a look of derision and disgust to which she replied in kind with her middle finger and hee-hawed. Kevin held out Marie's chair with a short and a decision to ignore unworthy behavior. After all the Giovanni was from a respectable family unlike Caprice he would guess.:::: <d>

Marie: ::::Marie tisked at Caprice's behavior, she moved to sit down on the chair lead by Kevin::::Thank you dear  <d>

Angie:  Always, Love. ::::Caprice gave up and took a seat across from Marie. Kevin sat beside of her. At this moment a thump could be heard on the roof to ears that could hear but if you looked out there was nothing there unless you were astute enough to notice the tiny new statue of a gargoyle that had moving eyes?:::: <d>

Marie: ::::Marie looks around at the teenagers and adults mingling around having a great time, then she notices a strange person coming up to the table, she thinks how odd he looked, she gently squeezed Kevin's hand::::<d>

Vargas: ::Vargas walked into the bar, dressed as usual in a skin tight black shirt , dark pants, black running shoes, and a black leather jacket; in a low voice, with a decided New York/New Jersey accent:;    Greetings from Utah. I have just come back from a visit to the Free State. I am hoping to meet kindred spirits,:; she gives a slight bow, eyes never completely lowered::

Angie:  :::Kevin stands, the gentleman that he is and offers his hand to her with a bow.::: A pleasure. I'm Kevin from right here in New Orleans and this is Marie. ::::Then he reluctantly pointed at the obscene Nosferatu.:::: and this is Caprice. <d>

Vargas: It is my honor to make all of your acquaintances.   ::she gives his hand a firm shake:: Nice to meet you Kevin, Marie, Caprice

Angie:  :::In unison Kevin, and Caprice say..::: Likewise and move out of the way for Marie.::::

Vargas: I am hoping that I am not interrupting anything.     important.   :;; she makes another bow to Marie, and extends a hand:;

(Vargas was in a great position to hear the slight thump on the roof when she walked through the door)

Vargas: :: Vargas backs slightly, and looks up quizzically:;   Any cause for alarm?

Marie: ::::she takes her hand and shakes it gently::: Pleased to meet you. We all are curious about why we are here. <d>

(If she checks outside she will see a tiny statue on the roof - a gargoyle - with what appear to be moving eyes.)

Vargas: One moment.    ::;she slides  back outside, and using heightened senses, looks up at the roof, and gives a slight nod to the creature there:

Angie:  ::::Slowly things change on his body but Gangrel keeps the Masquerade. Vargas and any other Kindred listening hears a sliding down the bricks of the building and suddenly the Gargoyle, looking human, speaks.::: Good evening. <d>

Marie: ::::Marie looks to Kevin then to them seeing all are gathered::::<d>

Vargas: ::Vargas nods slightly, and softly says::   To you as well ::she goes back into the bar:: Intriguing decorations on this establishment ::she looks quizzical:;   A friend’s design?   Or a friend’s invitation?

Angie:  :::Gangrel follows them in and joins them at the table. Now the Corterie was complete once again. Snotty nosed Caprice speaks first.:::: I really hope you don't follow me back to my Warrens. I wouldn't handle it well. <d>

Angie:  :::Kevin looks to Vargas.::: Someone left a note for us to meet here tonight. <d>

Vargas: Not my style to invade someone’s private space.    But I am new to this berg, and I don’t know where to go.      Or, where not to go:::smile with some humor in her hazel eyes:: I see.    So , Kevin, is someone in charge in this town who might know?    The organization of this area was unclear in my information ::she looks around at all of them::    Are you most of those.       Here?  Are there more?

Marie: :::Marie looks around of all gathered together::: I suppose we wait till the host shows up? <d>

Angie:  :::Kevin looks in thought for a moment. He cocks his head to the side.::: I hear rumors of a Malkavian. <d>

Vargas: Hmmmm. That could be...,,interesting. I haven’t been in town for some time. There was a Stormy here before.   Some years back

Angie:  ::::Caprice looks at her with interest.:::  There's Malkavian activity at the old Jazzland Six Flags. <d>

Vargas: :: Vargas gives a short laugh::   That makes sense.

Angie:  :::Kevin had lost a lot of his memory and was trying to recover it, so he simply listened for now. Caprice, however, knew something that she wasn't telling.::::<D>

Vargas: Quite a few of them?   <d>

Angie:  ::::Caprice didn't like what she was going to say but it was the truth.::: I don't know. I do know that we'll know soon. I am your host by the way. I have doubts about the Tremere we went to see down by the bayou with the Lupines.

Vargas: :: Vargas leans forward:;;   A lot of Lupines here now?

Angie:  Again I don't know. We encountered one who was held from attack by Tremere magic last night. We're trying to help Kevin with this note he has and whatever is on him. We're trying to find out from who or what. He's in danger. <d>

Vargas: :::slow release of breath::   Sounds like it could be a mess.    A pot waiting to boil over

Marie: ::::Marie parks up and is interested on how to restore Kevin's memory:::: I am listening now. <d>

Vargas: Any injury Kevin ?    Or—- Some mental manipulation?

Angie:  Yes. :::Kevin finally spoke.:::: It is. Marie here saved my life. ::::He laughs as he knows how Marie loves to dream up the fashion of the day and lightly kisses her hand.:::: You see, I woke up in this grave and when I dug myself out, I was attacked by an awfully strong Spectre. Then I found this note but it wasn't legible. We took it to a weird Tremere and she did something and found it only said "House Giovanni".

(It is a pot waiting to boil)

Angie:  there anything other than "weird" Tremere? ::::Caprice snorted.:::

Vargas: Giovanni.     I don’t recall meeting members of that family when I was last here.    I know they have strongholds in D C and Chicago.    However, I am not too surprised they are here <d>

Angie:  ::::Kevin might have recalled something, maybe.:::: (I need to roll on this)

Vargas: I believe they have     Different.   Magics.     But I don’t know much :; her words are slow and deliberate::; And.  They are , I believe, actual family<d>

Angie:  (Kevin - #Intelligence ÷ Perception# Dif. 5)

(7,8,6,2,8) succ = 4)

Marie: ::::Marie smiles and let's Kevin kisses her hand, she is glad to save his life.::: I hope to find the answer for Kevin's mystery time and find the story behind it. <d>

Angie:  Stormy! :::He laughs a bit.:::: I've heard of her! ::::He listens closely to Vargas's words and looks at her.:::: you're onto something right. Marie is my main help so far. <d>

Vargas: That would be not just good for him, but, perhaps, a clue to other oddities.    You all do seem to have some situations.

Angie:  That's an understatement. :::Caprice mused.::::

Vargas: Stormy was a wild child.    But, also very intuitive

Angie:  :::Caprice snorted a laugh but tried to keep her secrets.::::

Angie:  :::::There was a very deep baritone sound clearing his throat as Gangrel spoke.:::: Lord Alex is on the good side. <d>

Vargas: That is good news <d>

Angie:  ::::Noticing Gangrel glaring at her, Caprice glared back.::::: If she is then why doesn't the note say squat? :::::Gangrel answered.:::: It does say something. Weren't you listening to Vargas at all???? It says "House Giovanni". Maybe she's right, maybe it's a calling card. <d>

Vargas: Could be that the Family Giovanni is making an announcement, or it could be the first step in a power move <d>

Marie: ::::::Marie mused:::: or we go to the House of Giovanni?

Vargas: Years ago, when I was in DC, they were a powerful force, but very clandestine. It seems they want to be known.    <d>

Angie:  ::::Very unlike himself, Kevin slams his hand down on the table.:::: That's it! It must be a power move .....on me. ::::He does the human move, chewing on a fingernail as he considers what Vargas jus suggested.:::: <d>

Angie:  ::::Caprice yells::: Wench! Bring me a double Jack! <d>

Vargas: :: Vargas holds up a hand::   Certainly they want you to know that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Angie:  Indeed. Perhaps we should pay them a vist. <d>

Vargas: But it might not be a bad idea to discover their numbers, and what they Claim to be their business. Are there many Bluebloods holding business in the city?   The Family Giovanni. Often delves into non kindred business. <d>

Angie:  ::::Caprice groans loudly and puts her hands over her eyes, sliding down onto the table. She didn't like the idea. She mumbled something like don't be a hero....::::: <d>

Angie:  :::Kevin considers the question.:::: I guess we find out. Stormy could help couldn't she? But where do we find her??? <d>

Vargas: :: Vargas laughs::   Stormy was nowhere and everywhere. She also often knew a lot about many things. <d>

Angie:  ::::Kevin looks at Caprice.:::: Be a useful ....err... whatever and put your ears to the ground, please? .... ::::To which Caprice grunted her assent.:::: <d>

(Marie receives a text. See Stormy tomorrow night. Invitations will be given to all.)

Marie:  :::::Marie stands up and grins to them::: Looks like we're going to pay them a visit. They owe it to us to find Kevin's answer to this. Maybe a grand wizard of OZ grant us a wish. <d>

Vargas: Interesting ::laughs.::

Angie:  ::::Caprice snorted again to both Vargas and Marie. She had her secrets.::::

Vargas: I could use something, I guess. Not sure what

Angie:  On me. ::::Caprice offers.:::: Wench! Another round for my friend! <d>

Vargas: Thanks!

Angie:  Anytime

Angie:  Caprice you have something to say? Anything? <d>

Vargas: :;Vargas looks expectantly

Angie:  :::Caprice hand this out.:::: Tootsie you know me first and you know me well. Yes I knew. <d

Marie: ::Marie smiled::: Yup...<d>

Each character receives one of these two things in their snail mail from Stormy: an invitation and a ticket from Stormy.

Stormy walked around the parameter of the area that she had sealed off with velvet ropes and police tape to keep the prying eyes and ears back at the now abandoned Six-Flags Jazzland New Orleans theme park thinking to herself as she paced with her hands together in front of her, fingertips tapping together in the "prayer" position with the rhythm of her steps. Wow. So much had happened to her while she was away from home and now that she was back so much more had happened in the in-between that she didn't know about! How in the hell had this happened she wondered with an exclamation point inside of her head! Answers she would get she had no doubt about that. It was something that she had never failed at. Revenge for her City, revenge and justice for her friends......

 She looked around the huge place saddened by the loneliness that it brought into her. Something died here and that something was big, huge, and important. It was important to get back as well, all of it. Damn so many things and in so any directions. This was where she had gained her fame as a Pack Killer. The Malkavian Antitrbu had made her haven here and only Stormy and Hell knew what was in it. Prince Wydow had sent her after the Sabbat member. Stormy would soon realize that this was only the first of many missions like this and her Brujah Cop Friend Vargas had helped her re-name these from suicide missions to bubble gum missions. With a name like bubble gum missions Stormy couldn't feel like she was expendable to her Prince as much as with the former name. I guess this part is why she was glad that she is Malvavian.

Stormy had news of the new arrivals in New Orleans and damn she was glad that the city was filling up with Camirilla Kindred again. This city needed those just like it needed a change.

Stormy had went down to The Alley to beckon Princes Jade and Wydow's attentions on her second night back in New Orleans. Thing was, they were nowhere to be found. This was going to need looking into. Maybe the new arrivals would have some information. Maybe not. She couldn't guess right off the bat.

Well, she would know soon. Maybe the marvelous place around her would reveal its secrets  as she fixes it up over the next few months. Who knows what this place knew for the past and the future. Stormy would be that the land itself knew things, too, if it could be convinced to give up its secrets, too. Some gentle coaxing might be the thing that convinces both places to do just that.

This was unconventional in the very least, having a preliminary meeting to contest Praxis in an abandoned amusement park or any amusement park at all but this was no conventional amusement park at all. Over the years all of the energy and love and all colors and ranges of emotion that had been poured into it was very valuable, maybe not to the normal eye but Stormy saw it clearly.

 At the gate were what looked to be normal security guards wearing dark blue uniforms, armed, with thick black sunglasses even though dark had fallen over the city. They looked like hand-picked brutes that didn't know when to quit if they had to and that was exactly what they were - parts of Stormy's strong arm. Just the beginning parts of that if they were to be noticed. There was plenty more from where they come from and worse that them. Stormy had what she needed for sure. Nothing like emergencies to put things in perspective.

To spite the emergency stature of this new situation, Stormy had managed to give this place some class with the small re-vamps she had made within the park She had immediately picked Gotham City Hall Theater as the actual meeting place. She could use the stage to stand on with a makeshift podium set up with a microphone to give her speech to the crowd of new neonates in the city to lay out her plans thus far for the city. plus the cool thing about this place was not only did it have plenty of standing room but it was also located right at a famous tag-line from her brothers and sisters with spray-paint. The tag read "You're close". Stormy thought that it was a lost and found sign that would come in handy with the neonate should trouble arise. The other cool thing about it was that a very colorful helipad was nearby. Stormy had a thing for helipads!

When they arrived at the gate after gawking at the security guards and having their ticket and invitations looked over to make sure that Stormy really did invite them and not leaving any stragglers to roam over the park while she was speaking to them they were told to go over to the re-vamped photo booth just beyond the gate and push a button upon which action brought another ticket out of the machine that looked like this:

It had instructions on it. These three things, of course, were souvenirs of the city and of this night. Rarely do Kindred have the luxury and pleasures of getting them and Stormy thought it would be a nice, warm welcoming thing to do for the new neonates.

Angie:  :::Stormy stood at the gate to Gotham City as promised awaiting the Kindred's arrival. Her fingers were still in a small prayer position, hoping that she had one to save her friends and the City. She wore a black sleek pantsuit with a top hat.:::: <d>

Vargas: :: Vargas broke into a huge grin::   My old friend

Marie: :::::Marie looks to Kevin seeing he is thinking again::::<d>

Angie:  ::::Stormy's eyes darted up at the familiar voice and was those tears of joy? She choked them down knowing only Vargas could see them. Too dangerous. She wanted to hug her so bad! Again too dangerous.:::: I missed you, Vargas. More than you know. :::She looks to the others of the small coterie.:::: Welcome to Jazzland! This way please.... <d>

Vargas: :;Vargas watches Stormy’sface,and reaches out a hand to shake. <d>

Angie:  ::::She enthusiastically shook Vargas's hand and turned to lead them inside Gotham City. While they were walking she stayed beside Vargas. They would talk in private but she had to get through tonight with all Kindred in one piece. She said to Vargas but where all others could hear....:::: Please excuse the mess...... ::::with a twinkle and a wink.:::: <d>

Marie: :::::Marie follows Stormy with Kevin besides her:::: It's good to see you.  <d>

Angie:  It's good to see you, too, Marie! ::::As always Stormy was sincere.:::::

Vargas: ::Vargas nods ::   Actually, I like the atmosphere. It has a certain dilapidated charm.   Old fashioned

Angie:  ::::Stormy laughed with her heart in her voice.::: Thanks! I decorated it myself. ::::grinning:::

Vargas: Damn!    Very fine job!   ::Vargas laughs as well:;

Angie:  ::::She led them to the standing area at the stage with the podium. She would give a speech and greet the new to the City (will post it later in the blog for time's sake) then turn her attentions back to the coterie.::::: <d>

Vargas: ::Vargas looks expectantly, deceptively somewhat relaxed, yet every fiber alert:; <d>

Angie:  Do you guys support me as Prince? :::She did her best to look neutral as she looked at her friends.:::: (sorry forgot that part) <d>

Marie: :::Marie nods politely::::Yes I accept you as Prince.  <d>

Vargas: Yes.   Absolutely. ::Vargas looks sincere:;;   But I have been gone a long time. <d>

Angie:  :::Stormy reached for Marie's hand to shake it.:::: Thank you so much, Marie. :::She then turned to her oldest and dearest friend Vargas, the words that she just heard her say was the sweetest music to her ears! She also reached to shake her hand.::: Thank you, my friend! ::::said with a grin.::::

Angie:  :: Vargas reaches an arm around to give a quick hug:: <d>

Angie:  ::::The others: Kevin, Gangrel, and Caprice acquiesced in the same manner, Caprice cheerleading.::: <d>

Angie:  ::::Stormy didn't want to let go and Vargas could feel that!:::: Vargas, please stay with me ? <d>

Vargas: :: Vargas stands with her , carefully observing the entire area:;<d>

Angie:  ::::Stormy was so excited that she had forgotten she could do this.....:::::

(Vargas hears Stormy's voice in her head as if she had spoken aloud: "Squeeze my hand if you will.") <d>

Vargas: :: Vargas squeezes her hand firmly, still scanning the crowd, ready to pull a gun if needed::   <d>

(The coast is clear for now. Stormy's goons took out 2 human trespassers but no biggie.)

Angie:  ::::Stormy smiles.:::: So do you guys want to retire elsewhere privately? Maybe for a sip? ::::The new Prince winked at them.:::::

Vargas: Sounds good to me ::Vargas breaks into a big grin:;:

Angie:  ::::After all neonates had sworn their alliance, kissed the proverbial ring, etc., of course.::::

Angie:  :::Stormy blinks back those tears again. Dang it she was so happy!:::: Follow me guys. ::::She leads them not to her apartment but to the residence she must now take as Prince of New Orleans, a place called Cypress Tides.:::::

Vargas: :: Vargas keeps her eyes open as they travel:: I like your new place, Stormy

Angie:  ::::When they arrive the old place was just as Stormy remembered it. The ghouls had fixed it up again for her.:::: Welcome home Vargas and welcome to my "pad" the rest of you. ::::The humidity had swollen the old door as always and was a familiar creak to Stormy but to other ears it was ominous.:::: Please, this way into the living room. <d

Marie: ::::Marie holding Kevin's hand she follows them guiding::::<d>

To be continued .......