(IC) New Orleans by Night CtL

[Ladorak]

Reggy plainly saw the look in Sebastian's eyes, knew he didn't want to be left behind and understood why. And then, as only good friends or the monstrously rude can, Reggy pretended he didn't see it and steamrollered over his less-socially-confident friend 'Good on you Seb. I want a pop at this... kidnapper.' He spat the world, loading it with disgusted extra meanings.
Galatoire's Strange name, it reeked of fake Old-World sensibilities and fashion as so much of the city did, the French Quarter was full of Francophiles who had never set foot on French soil and spoke the language like a German with his mouth full. It would have bothered Reggy if he had let it, but this was New Orleans, if he let cultural re-imagining and re-inventing bother him he'd have left long ago. Instead he had stayed, and made this strange wonderful terrible beautiful ugly city his home. His home! He thought, suddenly angry. This place of flux, of joy and terror, of dizzying heights and lethal lows, didn't this place have enough problems? Did it really need the supernatural preying off the defenseless? And then a thought he had never thought before came close on the heels of that; Would the city be better off if there were no Changlings at all?

[Erulasto]

"Indeed." Tom rumbled, looking with no small measure of admiration at Sebastian. "It is a worthy sacrifice you make today. We will ensure that it does not go in vain."

[Bennosuke]

Sebastian swallows hard when he sees no one is going to intervene on his behalf. "Very well then," he says half-heartedly, "I shall stay to help Skydog and catalog anything that may happen."

Skydog's canine lips curl up in a naive boyish smile and he says, "Well thank you Sebastian. Your help will be much appreciated." Skydog's bushy tail even wags just a little bit with delight. He turns to the others and says, "Well I guess you three should be on your way then."

(OOC: So where to now. Also, five points towards nothing if you can tell me who Skydog is based off of... hint, it is way more obvious than some of my other easter eggs.)

[Ohiska]

"Call us if anything goes wrong, yeah? We won't let anything happen to you." Songbird offered Seb a thumb's up, before turning to address Skydog. "Yeah, I guess it's 'bout time we got going. Goodbye, man. You're the right sort."

Songbird made his way out of the bar, giving a wave to Seb and Skydog on the way out. He sighed a little once he was outside of their range, wondering if he'd done the right thing by dragging the bartender into all of it, though he supposed that it was already a matter that concerned all the city's changelings. He started focusing on the next step. Galatoire's-... He knew the place. He could vaguely recall dining there, back when he was rich and famous, before the Durance. It was a nice place, though it didn't exactly fit with his usual style.

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I googled Galatoire's and figured Songbird being a formerly wealthy New Orleans native would have probably been there at some point before he was taken.

I also googled 'Skydog', which might be cheating if the guitarist that resulted is the basis you were going for.

[Bennosuke]

Sebastian watches sullenly while the others in his motley leave him behind. Skydog gives the group a half hearted smile and a short wave, escorting everyone out of his Hollow first, then his bar.

Standing outside, Songbird quickly describes his experiences at Galatoire's to the group. The question still stood where the three would go next.

Spoiler: OOC

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Ya, it wouldn't be surprising if most everyone who has been in NOLA long enough has been to Galatoire's so that makes sense.

And yes, you are correct, though that is cheating For what it's worth I there are several characters in this game that are based on famous Rock musicians, and I encourage the players to look for my Easter Eggs.

[Ladorak]

Reggy had demanded they stop to change before they went on to the restaurant, he playfully insisted he simply wanted to look the part but he was tired and the facade was thin.

Properly dressed he stood outside Galatoire's and bent dreams and imagination into reality. It was a quiet contract, one that could be invoked in public without fear of discovery, but one that nonetheless had a profound effect on a select few.

Spoiler

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Mask of Superiority. Loopholed as Reggy is dressed for the part.
Presence + Subterfuge + Wyrd
4+1+2
(7d10)[9][5][5][7][6][1][6](39)
10 again
(7d10)[9][1][4][8][3][9][3](37)

Success means people perceive Reggy as a member of staff with Status 4

[Bennosuke]

It would take a good amount of time to get back down to the St. Charles Street car, and ride back to the Motley's home in the CBD. But it was still early in the afternoon, with a few hours before Galatoire's was even open, which meant everyone had time to go back and change.

Songbird had never been to their Victorian Mansion nestled in a side neighborhood between the French Quarter and the Garden District. Though the sun was in the sky, the disheveled and stooped building appeared to have a gathering of dark clouds hanging just above its roof. The building looked like the quintessential child's idea of a haunted house. Violet paint was just starting to peel off of the front porch columns. Fortunately the wrought iron fence was left open so that no Changeling would have to touch the anathema metal.

Reggie goes about changing into proper attire. Does anyone else make any other preparations before heading to Galatoire's? It is understood by the entire group that a sports coat is required to patron the restaurant.

(OOC: Reggie's roll will obviously hold when we get there)

[Erulasto]

Tom had followed his Motley in quiet contemplation, though it was very likely it had appeared more sullen and brooding - especially after Reggy had insisted they allow him to change clothes before they made their way to Galatoire's. If nothing else, it had given Tom a chance to stretch his considerably muscles as he waited for his companions. The Ogre ran through several martial maneuvers, twisting and lunging in the livingroom as if fighting off some imaginary foe with his Hedgespun sword. He used this meditative exercise to sharpen his senses, and allow them to flow out through the ambient Glamour of the world around him.

Spoiler: OOC

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Tom will activate the Summer Court contract Vigilance of Ares. It makes him immune to surprise, and grants + Mantle to Initiative. Normally it costs 1 glamour, but the loophole is to perform a weapon drill.

Ultimately, Tom still wore a fitted black wool turtleneck and black slacks underneath a fuzzy grey hoodie and his heavy, military-surplus faded green jacket. After seeing how...dapper...Reggy looked, Tom took a moment to grab some paper towel and wipe some of the day-to-day dirt from his thick-soled workboots.

Pleased with the minimal effort, he cracked a small smile and brushed the shaggy mop of hair out of his face with a finger.

[Ohiska]

Songbird spent the walk home thinking to himself about how he might prepare, but ultimately couldn't think of much to do aside from search the Hollow for something to wear that would fit the restaurant. He wasn't happy about having to wear closed in shoes, but he was willing to put this small comfort aside for the sake of friendship and liberty. He idly wondered to himself whether it was really a good idea to go through the front door, or whether it might be wiser to use his Mirror Walking Contract to pass through the restaurant's bathroom mirror. He wondered if he even could.

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Can we assume there's some formal-wear that would fit Songbird? If not, he might have some for himself, for the purposes of performance, though it's likely to lack closed-in shoes.

Mirror-Walking applies to mirrors that the user has touched in the past. Does this include mirrors that they touched before gaining the Contract or even becoming a Changeling? Would Songbird be able to Contract his way into Galatoire's?

[Bennosuke]

The group take Songbird to Sebastian's closet, the Wizened being the Changeling with the closest figure to Songbird's. They are able to find him an overly modern styled navy blazer. Compared to the fashions of the sixties, this thing is incredibly short in the length of the jacket, with skinny lapels and not enough fabric in the arms so that lifting his arms makes it feel like Songbird is going to bust a seem. But, it was the best they could do.

Is anyone going to make Tom change, or are we going as is?

[Ladorak]

Reggy coughed politely 'You really should dress the part Tom, a knight doesn't go into battle without his armour.' Privately he was imagining how Tom's frame would rip apart any of his own beautiful suits, and not relishing the idea of offering a loan.

[Erulasto]

Tom froze at Reggy’s comment. It was true….but the Ogre didn’t think he had anything nicer to wear. He glanced over at his companion with a small frown.

”I…do not have anything that would fit…the part, as you say.”

[Ladorak]

Reggy grinned in spite of himself; Tom's friendship, with all the innocence and menace that came attached to it, was surely worth a single jacket 'No need for worry Tom. I have plenty of things that fit the part, even if none of them will fit. I'm sure I have a suit that will suit.' He'd spilled some wine on the brown moleskin not long ago and he'd never get it out without ruining the fabric, besides it had always been a touch too big for him anyway. 'I should have got you a suit while we at the Spider's anyway so take it as an apology for forgetting.'

Reggy returned shortly holding up an over sized brown sports jacket that had seen better days 'Best thing about this armour is you can put it on your own, and then get on your horse without a crane.'

[Ohiska]

"Ya'll have an impressive wardrobe." Songbird said as he pulled on his jacket, watching with amusement as he watched the two other changelings figure out Tom's ensemble. "Heh, that one might suit you, Tom-... Assuming it fits you."

"By the way-... I've been thinkin' it over. I could try taking us in through Galatoire's bathroom mirror, if you think that would be easier than the front door. Saves us waiting in line, at least." He leaned against a nearby wall. "The Contract works on any mirror I've touched, so it should work-... But, well, it's been a good few decades since I last touched that particular mirror. It's a little-... Risky."

[Erulasto]

Tom eyed the brown moleskin jacket with a measure of distrust, as if he was looking at something dangerous. The Ogre shrugged his own military-surplus jacket off and laid it carefully over the back of a chair before taking the jacket Reggy offered and slipping it over his shoulders.

The fit was tight, and Tom was sure if he flexed too hard – or moved in the wrong way – it would split down the seams.

”Thank you.” He grumbled. ”Perhaps we can visit Annie again and have one made when times are less troubled.”

”As for entering through the mirror….that is not a bad idea. Though I have some concerns as to whether or not our sudden appearance would be viewed with more hostility for such a…blatant circumvention.”

[Ladorak]

'Agreed. I'm confident I can get us through the door, but mirror walking is an excellent ace to have in the hole if we need to get out of there fast.' Reggy reached out to smooth his friend's sleeves, ignoring the bulges threatening to tear the jacket apart 'Looking good Tom, but try not to flex too much unless we need you to.'

[Bennosuke]

The motley depart their home and make their way back up into the French Quarter. Traffic wearily passes them by. The air reaches a comfortable, unobtrusive humidity that allows the Changelings to enjoy both the heat of the afternoon and the light breeze.

Towering corporate building sprawl gives way to tightly packed traditional brick and wood Creole town houses; all three story structures with long columns of lacy iron and brightly painted facades.

The outside of Galatoire's is simple enough; white stone with long green storm shuttered windows and striped green and white three stories of balconies. Though it is early in the evening, the bustle of patrons can be appreciated even from outside the restaurant. The three are greeted at the door by a uniformed host in a black evening vest and white tie. He immediately seems to recognize Reggie, grinning warmly at the Changeling. If the others look closely, they can see his eyes are misted over and glassy, clearly enchanted with Glamour. "Good to see you this evening," he says to Reggie, offering a white gloved hand to shake, "what are you doing coming back this evening on your night off?" His words are warm, as is his handshake.

He chances a concerned eye at Tom and Songbird, the two Changelings clearly not presenting a pleasing ensemble to the older uniformed host.

[Erulasto]

The jacket was uncomfortably tight, but Tom put on a brave face anyhow. Though, to be fair, Tom’s usual expression was stoic and grim at the best of times. He certainly felt out of place in front of this more upscale establishment.

The Ogre took up the rear, looming behind Reggy and Songbird as they approached the host, dark eyes furtively glancing to and fro as if expecting trouble at any moment.

[Ladorak]

Reggy was careful shaking the proffered hand, his habit was to deliver a bone crushing handshake. Better the host think his handshake was unusually weak then strong, that attracted less notice. He offered an easy smile 'You know I can't stay away.' He waved his free hand toward the rest of the Motley 'These are... friends of a friend, from out of town. They told me Galatoire's was top of their list of things to see while they're here.'

[Bennosuke]

"I see," the host says warily, before throwing his concern behind a practiced smile and, "well welcome to Galatoire's. I am sure we can find you table, give me just a moment." The host leads the three inside.

The decoration and patrons of Galatoires make up everything that Reggie and the Cayoodle Krewe were fighting against; regal excess and wealth that was blind to the struggles of the average New Orleans resident. Men in expensive suits sit across from women in designer dresses, feasting on rich French Creole cuisine. The room is filled with the aroma of rich wood smoke, melted butter and garlic, and the perfume of flowers in bloom. Waiters in "white coat" attire rush too and fro as they busily attend on the patrons who barely notice their scurrying nimble work. This was a home for a member of the Lagniappe Tribunal Freehold, though it was perhaps hard to imagine Sebastian being comfortable here.

The restaurant was absolutely packed, every table covered with fine white linen was occupied. The host was busy at a small computerized screen at the host's podium, but he looks up to say, "Ah, I have a table ready for you now if you would like to be seated."

[Erulasto]

Tom was distinctly aware of how much he likely stood out here, but he figured if everyone was too nervous to approach a man of his size it wouldn't be an issue. So he narrowed his brow a bit, and cast a quick glance about the upscale establishment.

If nothing else, the Ogre appreciated the wood smoke scents more than the perfumes as he followed the rest of the Motley to their table from the rear, trying to keep a careful watch out for trouble before it found his companions.

"Thank you." He rumbles to the host.

[Ohiska]

Songbird remained quiet as Reggy worked things out with the host, then followed him in. He looks around at his surroundings, feeling vaguely out-of-place and yet so familiar. Sometimes, it felt like New Orleans was an entirely different city from when he was first taken, it felt strange seeing how the places he knew had changed. It felt stranger seeing how they remained the same, even as he had changed so very much.

"Oh, thanks. Merci." The avian changeling smiled as the host mentioned he had found them a table, putting on a slightly more northern accent so as to better fit with Reggy's lie. "I'm eager. I've heard Galatoire's is the best place to get a taste of the Big Easy. Is there anything you would recommend?"

[Bennosuke]

The host leads the group through the restaurant, passing past rows of filled tables; patrons sipping their wine and slurping their soups. His leather heels clack down the black and white checkered marble, the noise rising above the din of the patrons. He seats the three at a table in the back, somehow reserved and protected from the tightly packed rows of tables. Waiters seem to materialize out of nowhere to pull back chairs for their guests.

Once the three are seated, the host politely answers Songbird's question, "Well, we are known for our turtle soup, and our shrimp remoulade."

[Erulasto]

It wasn’t that Tom had a lot of disposable income. In fact, it was likely that the price range for the food here was well outside his meager budget. As he settled into his chair, the wood groaned under his bulk.

”Water. Please.”

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry for the delay. We got another confirmed COVID 19 case at work and now we’re all in full isolation gear. I’m trying to get posts out in between patients. This is seriously out of control.

[Bennosuke]

Just as Tom begins to make his request, a waiter appears again out of nowhere with a tray of tall glasses with ice water and begins laying them out before the three. He disappears for a moment and a new one appears to hand out menus bound in dark red leather.

[Ladorak]

'Thank you' said Reggy as he delicately took the menu, he had no intention of opening it but that wasn't the point. He tried to look the part, magnanimously watching the others look over the menu and taking enormous pride in his surroundings. That gave him plenty of time to look around and see if any other Changlings were in attendance.

[Bennosuke]

"Of course," the waiter replies politely before offering a curt bow and fading back into the din of the restaurant.

(OOC: Reggie has two options here. He can use a perception roll Wits + Composure to see if he can recognize any Changelings by their Mein, at a -1 penalty for the crowded restaurant. Alternatively, Reggie can attempt a Kenning. He spends 1 WP, and rolls d10 equal to unfilled Clarity boxes (3d10) with each success immediately pointing out any supernatural creature. This will be modified by a +3 dice pool.)

[Ladorak]

Perception

Spoiler

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Wits + Composure-1
2+2-1
(3d10)[3][9][9](21)
10again
(3d10)[4][3][7](14)

[Ohiska]

"Merci beaucoup." Songbird smiled as he accepted the water, then carefully took a sip. He looked around while he waited for the menu, but when it arrived started mock reading it, while focusing the bulk of his attention on his surroundings.

Spoiler

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I think I'll try a kenning of my own, seeing as Reggy's going with more mundane perception.

[roll0]
10-Again:[roll1]

[Ohiska]

Spoiler

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That roll didn't seem to work? Was it because I hit 'preview post'?

(4d10)[23]
10-Again:(4d10)[16]