(IC) New Orleans by Night CtL

[JeenLeen]

Kidnapping!
Emma is shocked at the very idea. It's not that it's atrocious from a purely mundane perspective -- bad, but not like killing someone -- but for a changeling to do such. Reggie, how can you? But: reserve judgement. Either he's really fallen or -- and she hopes this is it -- it really is worth it. Wouldn't she kidnap or kill to protect her grandchildren? Even as her soul and mind rebels at the idea, she knows the answer is Yes.

Emma turns to the patrons who overheard, her Mask a friendly and tipsy expression, going well with her ditsy blond persona she's donned.
If they are mortal -- as she hopes -- she lets the power of her Mask and Mantle do their thing. If it includes changelings, she tries her best to maintain her facial expressions on her Mien as she gives the same response: laughing it off, she says, "Sorry about my friend. He gets a bit too excited about his Dungeons & Dragons, y'know, especially after a few drinks?"

Spoiler: roll to lie

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With Ricid Mask, I understand my lies fool mortals. So I'm hoping no roll is needed. But even if one is... well, Manipulation + Subterfuge + Mantle =3+2+2=7? I think?
Sadly, I'm away from my book at the moment, but I think my Mantle 2 power just adds 2 dice to lies, but can't doublecheck right now easily.

[Hemnon]

************************************************** ******************

It takes a few moments for the Changeling to notice Calliope, the hawker seeming to be busy scanning the crowd for potential targets. When she finally does catch Calliope's eye, she holds her grin as a leering smile exposes a mouth filled with needle like teeth. A forked moves across these teeth in a sign of perhaps predatory hunger.

Then Fuxi begins to walk towards Calliope with a graceful sort of hip swaying saunter. She's wearing a green and blue floral sundress, and in one hand holding an over-sized zipped up Louis Vuitton shoulder bag in cappuccino and silver print. "See something you like my dear," she asks, tilting her head to the side and staring directly into Calliope's with all three of her almond colored ones.

Calliope lightly shys away from Fuxi's rather... inappropriate approach. It made her think of Fuxi as some Late Night Harlot and it just gave Calliope some irksome sensations. She wasn't really judgemental of the type of work itself, Calliope used to do sexual favors herself back prior to her time in Arcadia - But she'd kept it strictly business and as part of her songstress image.

"*cough* Well, I am looking for some.... information. I was merely curious if that's something you'd be having your hands on?" Calliope asked, without being TOO specific with the details just yet.

[Bennosuke]

(OOC: No roll is needed; it's fine)

Most of the nearby patrons simply shrug and turn back to their drinks at Emma's words. It was pretty loud in here, despite there being no music playing yet, and it was possible most people hadn't even really heard what Sebastian said. No one nearby seemed too concerned, and Sebastian offered Emma a look that was clearly meant to be apologetic.

However, Emma does notice the dog-faced changeling bartender staring nervously over at the pair, clearly pretending not to be paying attention.

************************************************

The woman's grin widens, and Calliope can see that there are actually rows of needle fangs reaching down Fuxi's gullet. She seems to take no notice of any judgemental tone in the woman's words, and splaying her free hand forward says, "Well... I do have my hands in so many pots, my ear to the ground in so so many places," and gives Calliope a wink with only her third eye. She shrugs and drops the hand down by her side adding flatly, "but
I suppose I can't tell you if I have what you need till I know just what it is you are after." Fuxi looks behind her to the dark alley she had come from and asks, "Would you prefer somewhere more private to chat?"

[Hemnon]

Calliope gave Fuxi a measured nod, with a clear posture of 'deal with me straight, no tricks and nonsense'.
She waited for Fuxi to lead the way and would simply just follow along, leaving that chill aircurrent behind her as her mantle always affected the air around her, just to mention a small effect happening.

[Haval]

Then maybe you could do this somewhere else Max isn't drunk enough yet to say that out loud, but will raise one of the drinks to Creed. 'Many thanks.'

Max considers leaving or at least moving further away in the bar but doesn't see like he should be the one to bother. Maybe Creed would leave first. In the meantime he'll ask Creed about the upcoming election and see if he can get him to open up a bit. Occasionally he'll get Creed another drink.

Spoiler

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Assuming this is appropriate, Manipulation + Socialise to get Creed drunk enough to relax

Manipulation 3 + Socialise 2 + Socialise (Bars) - 4

(2d10)[7][5](12)

I don't think Fast Talking is really relevant here

I assume there's a condition for Max drinking.

I think the earlier IC said it was before the election in October still but I don't remember what month we're in.

[JeenLeen]

Not quite sure how to respond to Sebastian, Emma simply states, "Seems the barkeep is looking at us nervous-like. Should he know enough about this, or he high-rank enough, that we gotta be worried? Any idea when Reggie should be here, or if the k-k... the thing they're trying to do is failing or what?"

[Bennosuke]

Fuxi leads Lily into the alley. It's cooler here, shaded from the afternoon heat that seems to be retained by the Hedge. There's nothing too unique about the alley, a few wicker baskets are slumped against the wall, reeking of overripe goblin fruit husks, an buzzing with flies.

Fuxi finds herself a a place she deems worth stopping and turns to face Callipe. "So," she says, placing her designer bag under one arm, and placing the other on her hip, "what exactly is it you are looking to know?"

************************************************** *************

Spoiler: OOC@Haval

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I would argue Fast talking's first dot of "Always Be Closing" would arguably be applicable here. However, 5-4=1d10, and ABC would only reduce the -4 to -3, meaning the two dice you rolled would be appropriate and would still be 0 successes.

That said, you do have the option of spending a WP for 3 extra dice, or alternatively you could choose to turn the failure into a dramatic failure for a beat of experience if you would like. And lastly, don't feel forced to do either of those. I will try to never let a story or strategy fall apart simply from a bad roll; things won't fall apart if you want to keep the failure. The drinking may take effect depending on what you choose to do here.

Oh, and it is mid-October, just a week or so before the Domino Election, and just a few weeks before Halloween when the Hallow's Eve contract will be renewed.

Creed accepts the drink that Max offers, and listens politely to whatever chatter the man decides to talk about. At first most of his responses are curt and measured, as if Creed can see how Max is trying to work him.

************************************************** ************

Sebastian gives Emma a nervous little chuckle. "That's Skydog," he replies in a whisper, "he's uh, well he's on our side... Well mostly. I guess let's just say he at least knows what's going on, though he's nervous about getting too involved."

[JeenLeen]

Emma breathes a sigh of relief. At least that's good news.

"So... how did you all find out about whatever is going on? Like, what's the evidence it's worth these extremes? You asked me to withhold judgement, so I should know what's on your side."

[Bennosuke]

Sebastian seems to collapse with relief in his seat at Emma's acceptance of everything he has said, and a cheery smile spreads across his face for possibly the first time this night. He replies, "Well you may not believe it... but it kind of fell in our lap, you see. A changeling of the Night Reveler's Freehold exploded through our mirror in the middle of the night, and it was basically through her that got involved. Of course, it was all too soon before that creep Typhon started sniffing around our home looking for her... and well, let's just say the last few weeks have only gotten stranger and stranger."

[Haval]

Max will own up to trying to pry into Creed's business. 'Can't blame me for being curious. Felt like you and me had a problem for some reason. Which just seems weird. It's not like I've even been back long enough to have upset anyone.'

Assuming Creed isn't more forthcoming Max will hang around for a bit longer to drink and fiddle with his phone. At some point, after a few more drinks, he will ask the barman what he knew about Julia's landlord.

Spoiler: ooc

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I can't think what else to do here although once I talk to Emma this might be more illuminating.

Obviously checking phone for any messages from the others.

[JeenLeen]

Emma sighs. It sounds like he's telling the truth, which is good in essence but all the more terrifying.

"So this Reveler knew about the... conspiracy or what all? So where does that leave us right now? Waiting for Reggie to return and see if this... Marv fellow knew something worth questioning him?"

[Bennosuke]

After loosening up with another drink Creed begins to talk more freely. He hesitantly admits that the politics of the of The Night Revelers has left him frustrated and less optimistic about the future. He was already clearly a little drunk when he came in, but it appears that the Domino's guard is dropping quickly. But as the conversation goes on, it becomes clear that what is really distressing him is that the election is so close to Halloween. He doesn't go much further, but it is clear that Creed is very nervous about whatever is happening on Halloween, and perhaps angry about the fact that he might lose his position and that this might somehow jeopardize Halloween.

But the Domino stops, seeming to recover some sense of responsibility and quickly tries to change the subject. "Don't mean to put you on the spot man," Creed says in his low monotone, "but you're a musician, right? You up for putting on a show? I was going to hold a shindig for some of the the more senior Revelers, and it would probably... benefit me to highlight some of the Freehold's up and coming talents."

This request comes as quiet a surprise to Max. As far as he could tell, the Domino had little interest in young Max, and if anything, maybe a little bit of disdain. But of course, this was quiet an honor, and an opportunity that might not come around again so easily. Creed watches Max's reaction from behind hard hooded lids.

************************************************** ************

Sebastian shakes his head in the affirmative, but the expression on his face is one of complete anxiety and dread. "Well yes," Sebastian replies hesitantly, but when he continues his words are rushed and drenched with concern, "but to be honest, I think the three of them should have been back by now... or maybe like, an hour ago. Oh, I don't know, but what could be taking them so long???" Sebastian stops himself, taking a deep breath in and out as if trying to control his anxieties with a moment's meditation. Then he leans forward, his eyes darting over to Skydog the bartender before whispering, "Look, I promised I would stay here with Skydog... and make sure nothing happens to him while the others are out on their mission." He rolls his eyes and with self-deprication adds, "Yes I know, I'm not exactly the bodyguard type. Anyways, I can't exactly leave... but how would you feel about going to check in on them. I'm nervous something very bad has happened. Marv is supposed to be... very strong." An expression of absolute dread passes over Sebastian's face for a moment, and it's like Emma can see him imagining his companions all murdered or captured or worse.

[JeenLeen]

Emma shudders at the idea of fighting another changeling, but her head also nods in the affirmative, mirroring Sebastian's disconnect in body language.

"I'm willing to go see what's happened. What can you tell me of Marv? Like, what he is, where this was supposed to go down, any idea of his Contracts? I'm not a fighter either, but I have a couple tricks to at least try to escape or stay alive, if things get grim." She pauses, "Speaking of which, if I offer you some insignificant promise or debt, accept it. Part of a Loophole that could give us a second chance if I think we're about to wind up dead."

Spoiler: OOC

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Willing to do the "moving to Marv's restaurant", at whatever pace seems fitting. Emma gives a polite and friendly nod towards Skydog as she leaves.

[Bennosuke]

Sebastian leans forward, excitedly clasping Emma's hand in his. "Thank you, oh thank you," he says with relief, his whisper threatening now to go above a subtle volume. He stops, and after composing himself for a second releases Emma's hand. "Marv is a chef at Galatoire's; you know, the fancy French restaurant on Bourbon. It's only a few blocks from here. I've only seen him once or twice, but he's an Ogre. Short and stocky and bald... and well if you look the right way," Sebastian says with an eyebrow raise that says Emma should know what he means, "you'll see he's got horns and tusks and mottled green skin." The description sounds familiar, and though Emma was not terribly social with those in the Night Revelers, she was pretty certain she knew exactly who he meant.

Sebastian leans forward, absolute concern in his eyes, "He's a Night Reveler, but he's dangerous. He's the Domino's right hand, and well, I've heard he's basically the enforcer for the Freehold. The group's plan was to trick him into the bathroom, and then throw him through a mirror where they would be free to tie him up and interrogate him." This last bit comes out with a fair bit of British discomfort, as if the entire topic was unsavory.

She pauses, "Speaking of which, if I offer you some insignificant promise or debt, accept it. Part of a Loophole that could give us a second chance if I think we're about to wind up dead."

Sebastian shrugs and says, "Sure, I guess." The statement seems to make the changeling a little uncomfortable, and he wasn't that adept at hiding it.

(OOC: Happy to move things on to Galatoire's then if you are ready... though perhaps Emma wants to call in her Motley to help out???)

[Hemnon]

Fuxi leads Lily into the alley. It's cooler here, shaded from the afternoon heat that seems to be retained by the Hedge. There's nothing too unique about the alley, a few wicker baskets are slumped against the wall, reeking of overripe goblin fruit husks, an buzzing with flies.

Fuxi finds herself a a place she deems worth stopping and turns to face Callipe. "So," she says, placing her designer bag under one arm, and placing the other on her hip, "what exactly is it you are looking to know?"

"I am looking for some information on two people - firstly I seek some information about a male changeling named Reggie. And any information about his motley would help to. I'll makem mention of the other person I seek info on, if needed. For now - Information about this fella named Reggie."

[Bennosuke]

The woman's three eyes narrow for just a moment, the grin fading from her face. But this change is only momentarily, and within an instant the slimy leer has returned to her face. "And you are willing to pay..." she lets the question linger, waiting for Lilly to fill in the blank.

[Hemnon]

The woman's three eyes narrow for just a moment, the grin fading from her face. But this change is only momentarily, and within an instant the slimy leer has returned to her face. "And you are willing to pay..." she lets the question linger, waiting for Lilly to fill in the blank.

Calliope pursed her lips a little before responding, clearly thinking things over before responding.
"Well... it depends on how much information, the validity of it and how valueable it is to me. I very much can't put a price on something I yet don't know the value of. It'd be rather foolish of me to pay beyond comfort, and then find out the information is not worth it. It'd be like buying a chair, paying for it and finding out you got a pair of legs, no seat or upholstring - you technically got a chair but not knowing exactly what you were buying tends to bite the buyer in the rear. I am however serious here, and willing to pay if the price makes the information worthwhile. I could go to a goblin for this, after all... but, a fellow changeling might be less persnickity about squeezing fellow changelings for whatever worths they may carry. Or am I being foolish on that point?" She asked with a lop-sided smirk before her expression went more passive and awaiting Fuxie's response.

[Haval]

Max is confused about how Creed losing his position would matter that much to everyone else. 'Don't pay that much attention to politics. Do you even have rivals? Either way you just got to get out there and campaign.'

The offer of a possible gig made him cough on his beer. 'Seriously? Haven't had the chance to play for an actual audience lately. I'd need to practice. How much time would I have?'

Spoiler: ooc

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Back home so I should be able to get back into posting normally

[JeenLeen]

Emma starts to walk in the direction of Marv's, pondering about hailing a cab. Riding in them, even if faster, seems to help her stop and think more than walking down the street. But she decides first to duck into an alley and try calling her motley to get their status. Of course, probably won't work if Lily is currently at the Market... and, well, probably better to talk to Max in-person and catch him up on things.

But maybe they could talk on the way to Marv's and do some recon there, see if Reggie is... gulp... alive.

Spoiler: timing and call

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I'll let Bennosuke decide how the timing of this call lines up with y'all's posts. Real life stuff will probably have me busy until Tuesday, so I'm fine if I'm paused a touch while you do some stuff.

If she gets an answer, she says, "Hey. I think we should talk. Want to meet at <some place relatively close to Marv's, but still a few blocks away>?"

[Bennosuke]

Fuxi clearly becomes impatient as Calliope talks, fidgeting and even tapping a foot on the packed dirt. When Lilly is finished, she rolls all three eyes says, "Sure sure sure. I get that the amount you want to pay is based on the quality of the product; fine. But what do you want to pay in?" She lets the last two words stretch out, as if the way she says it would make it more clear, "in dollars, in goblin fruit, in stolen handbags?"

**************************************************

Creed seems rather nonplussed by Max's encouraging words, not even bothering to reply. But a grin spreads across his face when Max spits out his drink. In reply to Max's question, Creed says, "Well, the party is on Tuesday, so you'd have about three days I guess. I don't know if you have solo stuff, or you'd want to get a band together. I'd be happy to introduce you to some other musicians if you are interested." As he speaks, Creed maintains a flat, almost paced cant to his speech, but the grin spreads as he watches Max's face grow more eager and excited.

************************************************** *

Spoiler: OOC@ALL

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I'll let Bennosuke decide how the timing of this call lines up with y'all's posts. Real life stuff will probably have me busy until Tuesday, so I'm fine if I'm paused a touch while you do some stuff.

Honestly, everyone's timelines are pretty matched up at this point, with the only real complication that Lilly is in The Hedge so cellphone communication may not be reliable.

If JL is going to be completely MIA till Tuesday though, I say we let the other two players continue till Tuesday, and then Emma's call can come in. Please reply with Yay or nay to this idea in the OOC thread.

[Hemnon]

Fuxi clearly becomes impatient as Calliope talks, fidgeting and even tapping a foot on the packed dirt. When Lilly is finished, she rolls all three eyes says, "Sure sure sure. I get that the amount you want to pay is based on the quality of the product; fine. But what do you want to pay in?" She lets the last two words stretch out, as if the way she says it would make it more clear, "in dollars, in goblin fruit, in stolen handbags?"

Calliope took a calming breath. She might be too used in dealing with goblins lately... you had to be overspecific on such stuff with those little hedge-buggers.
"I do have access to a goblinfruit or two. So if the information is useful, I couldn't mind parting with one or two of them. Money is also possible. Not so much stolen handbags."

[Haval]

Max is going to try to take advantage of this opportunity even if he's not quite sure what was motivating Creed to offer it. Was this just Creed campaigning for the election? 'Three days isn't a lot of time. I wouldn't want to suck in public too badly. But I'm interested otherwise. Feel free to pass on my number.'

[Bennosuke]

"There we go," Fuxi says with a grin, patting a hand covered in soft waxy scales on Lilly's shoulder, "apologies for the confusion. Very well. My price then will be a piece of goblin fruit for every question you want answered. I will need about an hour and you will need to leave me alone. I will have your answers, but you cannot ask me how I got them, nor shall you doubt their validity. Do we have a deal?" The scaled fingers leave Calliope's shoulder dropping down to offer a handshake of agreement. Fuxi's forked pink tongue flicks in and out of her fang filled mouth as her three eyes watch Calliope hungrily.

************************************************** **************

Creed grins at Max, a half smile on the man's stony face. "I'm the one throwing the party man," he replies, "you just gotta talk to me." He pulls out a pen and writes down a phone number and an address on a white bar napkin and passes it over to Max. "I'm going to put you down as performing Max, you just be ready. The party is at this is address, be there by 8 PM."

[Hemnon]

"There we go," Fuxi says with a grin, patting a hand covered in soft waxy scales on Lilly's shoulder, "apologies for the confusion. Very well. My price then will be a piece of goblin fruit for every question you want answered. I will need about an hour and you will need to leave me alone. I will have your answers, but you cannot ask me how I got them, nor shall you doubt their validity. Do we have a deal?" The scaled fingers leave Calliope's shoulder dropping down to offer a handshake of agreement. Fuxi's forked pink tongue flicks in and out of her fang filled mouth as her three eyes watch Calliope hungrily.

Calliope squinted her eyes a little at Fuxi, her own pixie-like wings fluttering a little from the sudden physical contact, although Calliope did shake that hand.
"Then I shall prepare my questions accordingly... what would the monetary price be, if I wish to ask more questions than I am willing to part with of Goblinfruits? You mentioned money was a valid payment method as well, after all. (Oh and GM, please tell me what kind of Resource purchase rating it'd have... so I know if it's even affordable in that format)" She said and had already a mind of calling Emma, if those dang hand-phone thingies would work here, they should since this place seems more like a bleedthrough area of the Hedge, rather than an active transportation between the Hedge and the mortal world.
Overall it'd be a good idea to get the specific questions at hand from the person needing them answered... and Goblin Fruits seemed willing to grow from her own gentle ministrations... So it's not very strange to be more willing to part with them. They are regular Goblin Fruits after all... at least to her.

[Bennosuke]

Fuxi's three brows raise at this question and she chuckles in a hard raspy voice. She replies, "I'm not interested in money," saying the word as if it were synonymous with trash, "that just isn't my type of deal. But if you can't pay for everything you want with Goblin Fruit, I'll take... other things. An object from before your Durance? Just one will pay for.... hmmmm... let's say three questions. But I'll also take a jar of good dung beetles, or an expensive designer handbag." She grins wide again, all her rows of needle teeth showing.

[Hemnon]

Fuxi's three brows raise at this question and she chuckles in a hard raspy voice. She replies, "I'm not interested in money," saying the word as if it were synonymous with trash, "that just isn't my type of deal. But if you can't pay for everything you want with Goblin Fruit, I'll take... other things. An object from before your Durance? Just one will pay for.... hmmmm... let's say three questions. But I'll also take a jar of good dung beetles, or an expensive designer handbag." She grins wide again, all her rows of needle teeth showing.

Calliope shook her head a little, a light chuckle on her lips. "Then please give me a moment to ensure I have the right questions to ask and if what I can pay amounts to what the cost will be. Just a moment." Calliope said and took 3 steps away from Fuxi and pulled out that brought-along handy-phone and began to fiddle with it, trying to get it to call Emma, and then held it up to her ear when it began 'dooting'.

[Bennosuke]

Not waiting for a reply, Creed lifts himself to his feet and stumbles away from the bar. He rummages in the lining of his black leather jacket and retrieves a roll of bills, before callously placing a fifty on the counter top. He gives Max one final grin, not bothering to wait for the boy's reply before turning and stumbling out of the bar.

It's just about this time that Max gets Emma's text:

"Hey. I think we should talk. Want to meet at Jackson Square?"

Jackson Square was a major landmark in the French Quarter. The square consisted of a large manicured garden protected by a tall stone and iron fence. The park overlooks St. Louis' Cathedral, a three towered basilica church in the French Gothic style of architecture. The park was just a block or two off of Bourbon Street, and was less than a fifteen minute walk from where Max was on Frenchman.

************************************************** ****************

Emma had texted Max and Calliope to meet her at Jackson Square (OOC: see above... or just google image it), and was waiting for a reply, when to her surprise, her phone began to buzz with an incoming call from Calliope. There was no time dilation on the call, but when Emma picked up, the line was filled with the loud and relentless clanking of church bells. The two would have to speak up if they wanted to be heard over the cacophony.

[Haval]

Max was distracted for a moment trying to work out if there was a catch here, and whether he should just ask Creed straight out. Still, it was probably a nice house and might have some good booze there for after. Plus it might actually be fun. 'Thanks' he said to Creed as he was leaving.

He'll respond to Emma's text, 'I'm not far. What's up?'

[JeenLeen]

Emma answers, and is at first surprised by the cacophany. However, after the dealings with Tom and Reggie (and a moment of fear after realizing what it meant then), she realizes such is probably the fae influence of the Market on the call. So... hopefully nothing to fear.

She moves into an alley for more privacy, then says: "I heard some interesting stuff today, but we should probably talk in-person. You make any headway, uh, shopping?" With a gulp, she adds, "Need me to confirm anything we can pay?"

She'll read but not respond to the text for now, content to let her motley-mate come in person while she catches up with Lily.

Spoiler: payments

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I'd think we could easily buy a couple expensive handbags.

For questions... urgh, been a really long day. I'll try to think up some tonight.

What happened to Reggie and Marv earlier today? is probably a good one.

[Haval]

While Max would like to stay here and drink a while longer the gig offer means he probably doesn't have the time. Once he finishes his drink he will go looking for Emma at Jackson's Square to find out what she wanted.