[7thsea] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

DiegoValdez says, "<ahem>"

StoryTeller says, "<ahem>"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "What about a vamp who sucks another vamp?"

Oswald adjusts the shoulders of his ill-fitting tweed suit and straightens his bowtie.

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Puts that vamp one step closer to being bloodbound."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Ah, so that's not just ghouls who get bound."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Yep."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "And if they drink yours?"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Er, after you're bound to them, I mean?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Mutual bonding."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Mutual adoration societies?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Nifty."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Sounds like the makings of a vampire wedding ceremony."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Yeah. That's how Vampire 'weddings' supposedly happen ... except that people don't realise exactly how much the bond is supposed to mess with your mind."

StoryTeller pokes Trevor.

Oswald strides imperiously up to the front entrace of the theatre. "Die Fledermaus? We'll see."

Trevor looks around. "Huh? Hm."

StoryTeller says, "Opening night. Hooray for Strauss, what a neat guy he was."

StoryTeller says, "It's New Year's Eve."

Oswald slips his watch from a side pocket, flicking it open -- an oft-practiced gesture.

StoryTeller says, "You have arrived at the Theatre early (good for you). You know there's a 'special' VIP lounge reserved for your kind."

Trevor strolls off directly and slowly to the lounge as soon as he arrives and checks his watch.

StoryTeller says, "It'll be about two hours before the curtain is supposed to go up. For now, it's mingle mingle mingle ... except there's just the two of you right now."

Trevor takes a seat in the corner.

Oswald looks appraisingly at Trevor. The appraisal does not appear high.

Trevor takes a Mendelssohn CD from his case, puts it in the player, and puts on the headphones.

Oswald asks, "So who are you?"

StoryTeller says, "...when the door to the lounge bursts open and a frantic-looking young woman pops in. You can tell by the way the vein in her forehead is throbbing that she's not a vampire (vampires don't exactly have veins to throb anymore) and that she's under considerable stress."

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 7 dice: 3 7 7 5 5 2 9

Oswald asks, "What seems to be the problem, young lady?"

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "(by the way, Trevor's pulling the mind-reading act on you ... he's entitled to the three bits of info most on your mind right now)"

Oswald . o O ( What is this woman's problem? )

(From StoryTeller) Judith says, "Oh. Sorry ... I'm looking for the manager. Have you seen him? No, of course you haven't. Have you seen the Conductor? What am I saying?

Oswald . o O ( Why am I here alone with this hippie? High society isn't what it used to be. )

Oswald . o O ( Aha. I knew it. This show is going to tank. )

Oswald asks (of Judith), "Please, calm down. What has happened?"

(From StoryTeller) Judith runs her hands through her hair. A pencil falls off of one ear.

Oswald stoops to retrieve the pencil. "I think you dropped this."

(From StoryTeller) Judith says, "Herr Keselmann is missing ... no conductor means no show. Oh! I shouldn't be telling you this! Uh ... I have to go now....

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "IC, do I know that I was just mind-read?"

(From StoryTeller) Judith takes the pencil absent-mindedly and runs off.

Trevor lifts the headset off one ear, then puts it back as it was when Judith leaves.

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "Unlikely. Trevor's a bit better at this than you are."

Oswald sighs. "Theatre people. Most of them couldn't find themselves if given a mirror, much less keep track of each other."

Oswald goes out into the hallway, to see what's going on.

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "some things do resonate through the earphones ... like 'no conductor means no show'."

Trevor hums softly with the track.

StoryTeller says, "In the hallway, people are running about. Judith is stopping just about everyone in her path, asking them if they've seen the conductor. Most of them have apparently already answered this question several times."

Trevor stops humming to watch the commotion outside.

Oswald stops a passing stagehand. "Young man, could you direct me to Herr Kesselmann's dressing room?"

StoryTeller says, "It's beginning to seem quite evident that it's a real concern ... the conductor should have been here much earlier today, but he hasn't been seen. At all. Someone mentions that his car is in the parking lot, so he must be somewhere about."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Does a conductor have a dressing room, per se?"

(From StoryTeller) Stagehand says, "Yeah, up those stairs, second door on the right."

Oswald says, "Thank you."

Oswald heads up those stairs.

StoryTeller says, "Meanwhile, in the VIP lounge, the Tremere Primogen is making an entrance. She's a tiny little grey-haired woman with enough strength of will to make Hitler curl up and whimper."

StoryTeller says, "Up the stairs are the dressing rooms. Keselmann's name is, indeed, on the second door on the right."

Oswald knocks on the door, to be polite.

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "no answer."

Trevor mumbles quietly. "hm. might be no show, what do I do then tonight?..."

Oswald tries the handle.

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "it turns."

Oswald looks inside.

Trevor suddenly scribbles a word on his notepad, in the corner.

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "Seems fairly generic, as far as dressing rooms go. There seems to be a suit of some sort hanging over the back of a chair."

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "The Tremere Primogen is right now instructing a student (probably some young vamp fresh from the Embrace) about the finer points of bossing people around."

Oswald inspects the suit.

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "Does Tremere Primogen mean something I know about?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Something to do with fear, I think..."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Fear the Ancient/Firstborn?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Sort of ... it's another Discipline, not you're particularly fond of. So crude."

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "another Clan?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Yes. Clan Tremere."

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "It appears to be a formal dinner outfit, with some fur trim and huge sheets of fabric attached to the sleeves. It looks ... yes, it looks like a bat costume."

Oswald hmms.

[7thsea] StoryTeller asks (of Trevor), "what's that you're scribbling, by the way?"

Oswald checks to see if there's anything in the costume.

[7thsea] Trevor says, "'Keselmann'"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "actually, 'Kesselman'"

[7thsea] StoryTeller asks (of Trevor), "aha. Er, you're just sticking around in the lounge, or...?"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "yeah"

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "Nothing much. Hm, there are a few safety pins in one of the pockets."

[7thsea] Trevor wonders if the Primogen is aware of this business with a missing conductor.

Trevor wonders if the Primogen is aware of this business with a missing conductor.

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "what kind of roll for that?"

Oswald steps out into the hallway, grabs a passing nobody, and asks, "Who's supposed to be in charge of the costumes?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "Same roll as before, if you're trying to pull the mind-reading schtick."

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 7 dice: 8 8 7 3 4 7 5

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "You get 'kids these days, feh, why in my day....' and 'wait, who's this...?'"

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "Also, the Primogen turns her gaze towards you and you suddenly feel the extraordinary urge to Get Out Of The Room."

Trevor collects his notepad and player, and wanders out.

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "The passing nobody says, "eh? Costume department, down that way....""

Oswald goes back into the dressing room to inspect the costume again.

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "Behind you, you hear the Primogen going on, 'see? All you have to do is concentrate....'"

Trevor looks around, and having nowhere else to go, heads the way that other curious fellow went.

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 7 dice: 10 10 5 8 3 6 8

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "Concentrating on the costume ... hm ... it's been lying in the dressing room since last night ... you get a vague impression of the man who is supposed to wear it, but that's not the man who left it in the dressing room. There's also a third man, someone else who occasionally wears it."

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "You're out in the hallway now. People rushing around."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Would I recognize these people if I saw them?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Yes"

Oswald pockets one of the safety pins.

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Would it be at all worthwhile to try that on the pins, or would that have been dealt with with the costume?"

Trevor looks in the second door on the right. "Oh."

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "if you want...."

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 7 dice: 6 5 10 1 9 9 6

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "Also, it looks like Mr Discman has decided to join you."

Oswald asks (of Trevor), "You?"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Mr Sony Discman?"

Trevor asks, "You doing a little investigation here?"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Can we call him Sonny, instead?"

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "The pins have been used to adjust the costume. One man puts them in, and then another man takes them out. There's a sense of exasperation from the man taking the pins out."

Oswald says, "Yes.If you have anything useful to add, feel free."

Trevor says, "Beats me. Either he shows up on time, or he doesn't."

Oswald harrumphs.

[7thsea] Trevor says, "afk..."

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "The pins have been used to adjust the costume. One man puts them in, and then another man takes them out. There's a sense of exasperation from the man taking the pins out."

[7thsea] Trevor says, "back"

[7thsea] Oswald says (to ST), "Yes, so I hear."

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "The pins have been used to adjust the costume. One man puts them in, and then another man takes them out. There's a sense of exasperation from the man taking the pins out."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "You don't say?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller asks, "What the...?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "lemme try that again...."

StoryTeller says, "A figure appears in the doorway ... mid-30s, bristling moustache, slight slouch. "Oh. Excuse me....", he says."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "I have no idea why that thing got replaced...."

Oswald looks up, waiting for the figure to introduce himself.

Trevor says, "oops. uh, sorry."

StoryTeller says, "He's dressed in the uniform of a prison warden, and he's carrying what appears to be a bottle of Slivovitz. A rather nasty plum brandy."

Oswald asks, "Mr. Clark, I presume?"

StoryTeller says, "'Er, are you friends of Helmut's?'"

StoryTeller says, "He grins. 'No, name's Bailey. Dermot Bailey.'"

Trevor says, "That's right. He was going to meet us here, but he seems to be a bit late."

Oswald says, "I am Oswald Carmichael, critic. I was hoping to see a show tonight, if there is to be a show."

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Clark's probably in the workshop getting sawdust all over his costume."

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Pleased to meet you. Yeah, I'm looking for Helmut too. Er ... you haven't seen him?"

[Crows-Nest] Trevor says, "bah. the truth's no fun."

Trevor says, "From what I've heard, no one has."

[Crows-Nest] StoryTeller says, "heh"

[Crows-Nest] Oswald says, "Well, it's not like Oswald knows who you are... for all he knows, you could be a rather strange friend of Helmut's."

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Oh. That is a problem." He looks down at the bottle, which you see now is empty.

[Crows-Nest] Trevor says, "'us'"

Oswald asks, "When was the last time you happened to see him?"

[Crows-Nest] Trevor says, "'us' could mean something else, yeah."

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Ah, last night ... we were, ah, partaking of a little good cheer...."

Trevor stops his Discman.

Oswald asks, "This was at a local proprietor of spirits?"

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Er, no. That was here. Um, he said he was going out to get a replacement."

Oswald asks, "You weren't at least vaguely concerned when he never came back?"

Oswald frowns judgementally.

Trevor . o O ( What's the guy doing, making this up? )

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, sheepishly, "I was kinda out of it by then."

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 7 dice: 6 5 8 8 9 6 6

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "He's nervous. The Slivovitz is supposed to be a prop from Act III, and apparently the crazy stage manager insists on using a real bottle of slivovitz ... Dermot's right now more anxious about Helmut coming back with a replacement for the bottle they emptied last night."

Oswald asks, "Well, did he take his car with him?"

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Sure, I suppose. How else would he get there?"

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Oh yeah, I suppose he shouldn't have, right?"

Oswald asks, "But you wouldn't know, of course. You weren't in the parking lot. You were...?"

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "unconscious?"

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "look, don't tell anyone, okay? Wouldn't look good."

Oswald frowns. "I mean, *where* were you?"

Oswald nods, "Fine, fine."

(From StoryTeller) Dermot says, "Oh, that. I was in my dressing room ... well, the one I share with half the chorus.

Oswald says, "Thank you."

Oswald moves to exit to the hall, to locate the dressing rooms.

StoryTeller says, "Dermot nods, puts the empty bottle on the dressing table and scoots out. 'And if you see Helmut, tell him I was looking for him...'"

Trevor smiles, steps out, and shuts the door.

StoryTeller says, "You see Dermot toddling across to his own dressing room ... it's at the other end of the hall."

Trevor tags along with Oswald at least until Dermot is out of sight.

Oswald surveys the hall -- in particular, where one would be walking to travel from Dermot's dressing room to the parking lot that the conductor's car would be in.

StoryTeller says, "From Dermot's dressing room, you would walk past all the other dressing rooms, down the stairs, and presumably out the back door."

[Crows-Nest] Oswald asks, "Trevor and I both know that the other is a vampire, right? By virtue of being sent to the lounge?"

[Crows-Nest] StoryTeller says, "oh yeah."

[Crows-Nest] Oswald says, "Ilac#7th"

Oswald follows that path, looking for any signs of a kidnapping along the way.

Trevor says, "ah, so."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Any perception/Auspex useful?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Nothing to sense that you couldn't sense normally."

Oswald makes idle conversation with his apparent companion. "What did you think of him?"

[7thsea] Oswald is still getting the hang of when it makes sense to use that.

StoryTeller says, "No signs ... you get to the back door ... there's a door off to one side, and you can hear all sorts of hammering and woodworking noises going on behind it."

Trevor says, "that guy? Seems harmless."

Trevor says, "I'm still wondering why you're putting all this effort into a search."

Trevor says, "Actually, I don't think we were introduced."

Trevor says, "I'm Trevor Armstrong, and I critique musical productions."

Oswald says, "Oswald Carmichael. A respecter of the theatre, however mismanaged."

Trevor says, "Isn't that --- oh. oh, yes."

Oswald says, "Critic for the Evening Times."

Oswald says, "I came here to see a performance of Die Fledermaus. I intend to see one, however inept the participants. Without a conductor, this is unlikely to happen."

Trevor says, "well, okay."

Trevor says, "and I, I have nothing else to do at the moment."

Oswald chuckles.

Oswald opens up the door to the workshop.

StoryTeller says, "Woodworking sounds get louder."

[7thsea] (from Oswald) StoryTeller says, "Behind it is a smaller wooden door, hastily constructed. It is closed."

StoryTeller says, "Deep basso voice booming out above the machinery, 'I tell you, there ain't no such thing....'"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "hee"

Oswald enters, looking around.

Trevor strolls in confidently.

StoryTeller says, "There's more machinery in here than the theatre probably needs. Carpenters and stagehands are all over the place."

Trevor stares at the set constructions and machines.

Oswald looks for the bass voice.

StoryTeller says, "The basso voice belongs to a big, bearded guy who's discussing stuff with a lot of stage hands."

StoryTeller says, "He's in his shirtsleeves, but even so he seems a little too well-dressed for the environment. Add to that the makeup...."

(From StoryTeller) Stagehand says, "Well, how else do you explain it? It's got to be the Opera Ghost."

Oswald waits for an appropriate moment to interject, and then asks, "Mr. Clark, I'm looking for Herr Keselman. Would you happen to have seen him around at any point?"

(From StoryTeller) Clark says, "What? No. I haven't seen him. Why?"

Trevor looks at a bandsaw as though he has never seen anything like it. Perhaps he hasn't.

Oswald says, "He seems to be a very difficult person to find today."

(From StoryTeller) Clark says, "Well I don't have time for him. He'll show up sooner or later, anyway, the bloody primadonna."

(From StoryTeller) Stagehand says, "...bet you anything it was the opera ghost at work...."

Oswald raises an eyebrow. "You've had creative differences with him?"

(From StoryTeller) Clark says (to Stagehand), "Enough with the opera ghost already!" (to Oswald), "This whole production is one huge 'creative difference'. I come here to get away from it."

Oswald says, "Mmm. Perhaps you could just tell me which car is his, then. I'll let you get back to your... 'work'."

(From StoryTeller) Clark says, "It's the blue Morris Mini, you can't miss it. There's that nasty scratch job on the side that Jane did when they broke up."

Oswald nods, and turns away. He takes a look around the area before leaving, to see if there are any alternate exits or sensible hiding places, before proceding to the back door.

StoryTeller says, "There's another door on the other side, substantially larger. Probably the loading dock."

Oswald, once back in the hallway, makes a few notes about Clark and Bailey, particularly in regard to proessionalism and their attitudes regarding the show.

[7thsea] (from Oswald) Trevor, meanwhile, is still intently pondering a handsaw. "Woah..."

Trevor follows. "Got some good theories yet?"

Trevor says, "Too bad an operahouse doesn't have a butler."

Oswald says, "Well, neither one of them is likely the one who left the costume in Keselman's dressing room."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Closest thing to a butler tonight is Kelly Sullivan, who plays Adele the chambermaid in tonight's performance."

Oswald says, "Why it was put there, I don't know."

Trevor says, "huh? Oh, right."

Oswald continues, as he goes out the back door. "If my guess is right, Heselman never made it to his car last night."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Er, Keselman. Pretend I'm typing it right :)"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "+n, even."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Sounds good."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "You can never have too many letters."

StoryTeller says, "The employee parking lot occupies occupies all the area on this side of the opera house ... only exits are out onto the street and back into the opera house. Oh, and there's a back alley heading back behind the opera house, presumably to the workshop's loading dock."

Oswald looks for Keselmann's car.

StoryTeller says, "Keselmann's car is parked just across."

Trevor asks, "What did he say the car ... is it this one with the scratch?"

Oswald says, "Yes, it looks like it."

StoryTeller says, "Yeah, one side is all scratched. Talk about resentful exes."

Trevor looks at the driver-side door and seat.

Oswald says, "I wonder if the woman who did this is involved in Keselman's disappearance."

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 7 dice: 2 10 2 5 8 10 8

Oswald says, "It's a common cliche."

[7thsea] Trevor says, "And tries for info from them"

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 7 dice: 7 8 7 6 4 3 2

Trevor says, "sure, good."

StoryTeller says, "Right. Last time this car was touched was last night ... someone parking it, getting out, shutting the door ... space of maybe ten minutes, same guy again, but very briefly, then nothing."

StoryTeller says, "In the passenger seat is a nice, new, full bottle of slivovitz."

Trevor says, "I think you were wrong."

Oswald asks, "Oh?"

StoryTeller says, "On the driver side is ... a key ring with the car keys on it."

Trevor says, "He made it to the car, obviously. Even got the bottle."

Oswald says, "Hmm."

StoryTeller says, "The doors are locked, but there's a wire coat-hanger, all twisted, lying on the ground."

Oswald says, "So he got the bottle, came back here with it, and then left it in the car. Too drunk to remember his to take his keys with him, driving aside."

Oswald says, "Then he comes back for the bottle, tries to get into the car, but is surprised by someone."

Trevor stares at the coat-hanger.

Trevor asks, "surprised? Where do you get that?"

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "oh, it is the same roll for objects as for people? Or no?"

Oswald asks, "Why else would he have stopped trying to get into the vehicle?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "for objects is perception + empathy"

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 6 dice: 4 6 5 7 6 3

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "yeah, someone came back to the car, but evidently didn't stick around very long."

Trevor says, "Gave up, probably. Could have fallen asleep somewhere, and now he's out looking for a professional locksmith."

Oswald asks, "Gave up that quickly?"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "Actually, I wanted to know if the guy who used the coat-hanger was the same as the guy who was in/at the car."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "Oh, yeah. Right, yes it was."

Trevor says, "Sure. He was drunk."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Also, the coat hanger was dropped in a moment of extreme shock...."

Trevor says, "Or, hmm."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Hmm. The costume wouldn't have given any impression of the person's reason for putting it there, right?"

Trevor says, "Something shocked him. Interesting."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "No...."

[Crows-Nest] Trevor says, "darn static electricity"

Oswald asks, "Surprised him, you might say?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Other than 'yeah, i'll come back for it later'"

Trevor says, "Yes."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Ah. That is different from, 'Hrm, this should point them right to so-and-so', at least."

Oswald looks around the loading dock and the street entrance, for signs of either a struggle or someone beign dragged.

StoryTeller says, "Er, the loading dock is way down the alley ... the alley itself goes between the theatre and an abandoned building that stands beside it."

StoryTeller says, "But yeah, interestingly enough, off to one corner at the entrance to the alley is an expensive camera."

StoryTeller says, "All the add-ons and doodads that Groc talks about."

Oswald picks it up, looks it over.

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 7 dice: 7 8 9 10 4 10 5

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 6 dice: 1 3 3 2 6 7

StoryTeller says, "Oo, violence."

[Crows-Nest] Trevor says, "(yeah, I don't need to so much)"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Violence over the camera, or just violence by the person carrying it?"

StoryTeller says, "Whoever was carrying it was surprised by someone ... there was a struggle ... you get the impression of shouting ... and the camera being flung aside in the process."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Was the person carrying it the same as the person who was at the car?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "no"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Mmm. And neither one was connected to the costume, I imagine?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "oh yeah ... the person at the car was the same person who left the costume in the dressing room."

Trevor asks, "hum. Whose is that, then?"

Oswald hands it to Trevor.

Oswald says, "I'm not sure. Someone who was attacked, but it doesn't seem to be Keselman, assuming it was Keselman who was trying to get into the car."

Oswald says, "Perhaps someone inside might recognize it."

Trevor says, "hmm."

Trevor looks over the various gizmos and attachments.

Oswald walks over to the loading dock.

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Or at least, into the alley, in that general direction."

StoryTeller says, "It's dark and spooky. Then again, you're a spook too, kind of."

Trevor pushes a button that looks like the flash discharge.

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "it's all delicate equipment ... much of it has been damaged."

StoryTeller asks (of Oswald), "how far into the alley do you go?"

Trevor is following while playing with the camera.

Oswald goes into the alley until he finds something interesting. Or until he gets to the loading dock, whichever comes first.

Trevor looks for a picture count, and checks whether the film door is broken open.

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "film door is closed and mostly intact. There have been a couple of shots taken."

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "okay ... you get to the loading dock ... er, roll perception + alertness."

Trevor says, "It's been used. Too bad we don't have an hour to get it developed someplace."

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "me too?"

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 6 dice: 9 5 10 3 1 2

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "you're busy with the camera."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Actually, that's jsut '9 5 10 3 1'"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "(Not that I expect the 2 made a difference)"

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "You get the impression that you might be watched ... but maybe that's just your nerves."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Was that a normal perception?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "If so, I'll try Auspex."

Oswald puts up a hand to stop Trevor.

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Official rules are that 1s cancel out successes (or, at least, the highest dice), so that's 9 5 3."

Trevor nearly bumps into Oswald, but stops.

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Um. OK...?"

[7thsea] Oswald isn't sure what that means, but assumes you know what's going on. :)

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "pulling up Level One ... you're not alone in the alley ... there's someone else (aside from Trevor) lurking somewhere around."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Would level two help identify the person, and/or their intent?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "If you saw him."

Oswald says under his breath, "There's someone here."

Trevor tries to take a discreet look around.

Oswald says, in normal voice, "There doesn't seem to be anything back here."

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "Alertness or something?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "perception + alertness, yes"

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 5 dice: 5 9 1 2 6

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "Now that Oswald has mentioned it ... well, you can't be absolutely sure, but it's possible..."

Oswald says, in normal voice, "We should go back inside."

Trevor says, "mmhmm."

Oswald goes back to the parking lot.

StoryTeller says, "Okay ... you're back in the parking lot. Nothing has changed."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "BTW, did the other end of the alley appear to go anywhere, or did it deadend?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "dead end."

Trevor strolls to the door.

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Did the loading dock have any normal door as part of it, or just the huge and conspicuous one?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Yeah, a normal door on one side, and the big conspicuous garage-door type next to it."

Oswald also goes to the back door again.

Oswald goes in, even.

StoryTeller says, "The sound of the machinery has stopped ... in its place seems to be a lot of voices upstairs."

Oswald listens.

StoryTeller says, "<sounds of a crowd milling around whispering to each other>"

StoryTeller says, "rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb"

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "Can I level 2 the crowd or someone in it?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "The crowd is upstairs ... you're just hearing the noises echoing down."

Oswald glances in the workroom.

[7thsea] Trevor says, "have to see them, right"

StoryTeller says, "the workshop is mostly empty."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "All the significant-looking people gone?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "yeah"

Oswald follows the voices, then.

StoryTeller says, "There's a fair crowd gathered outside one of the dressing rooms."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Which one?"

StoryTeller says, "Not one of the private ones though .... one of medium-sized shared dressing rooms."

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "Okay, now level 2. What roll?"

StoryTeller says, "You remember the names on this door: Benjamin Van Helsing, Devon Clark and Creedence Farrow."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "perception + empathy"

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 6 dice: 6 5 1 5 6 9

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "most significant is the pale aura surrounding the tall blond man who looks like he should be in plate armour ... Georg Ritter, the Brujah primogen. The others appear to be mostly concerned or afraid."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "(vampires have pale auras. That's generally the most reliable way of spotting another vampire."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Primogen is a title, then?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Oh, wait, yeah."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Sorry. I'm on track now."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "ok"

Oswald asks (of Someone), "WHat seems to be going on here?"

StoryTeller says, "You do catch whispers of 'opera ghost' running around."

(From StoryTeller) Someone says, "It's Van Helsing ... someone found him unconscious in one of the private boxes."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Can we see into the room from here?"

StoryTeller says, "the Brujah primogen snorts disdainfully and strides away. A tall, skinny fellow wearing black robes and a lawyer's wig walks after him."

StoryTeller says, "you can sort of glimpse what's going on ... but you can't get a very good view."

[7thsea] Trevor says, "(falling asleep on keyboard)"

[7thsea] StoryTeller asks, "what, no caffeine?"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "I took some."

Oswald tries to insinuate himself into the room.

Trevor hangs back and listens to some of the nearby comments. Kind of boring, actually.

StoryTeller says, "Benjamin Van Helsing is an athletic fellow, about 30 years old. He's regained consciousness, but still looks rather shaken."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "He is the usual wearer?"

StoryTeller says, "Various cast members are standing nearby."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Of the bat costume? Yes. He's also the fellow he takes the safety pins off the costume."

Oswald listens to what Van Helsing has to say.

Oswald The other wearer is the pin-inserted?

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "crowd whispering ... 'opera ghost, just like in the book ...' ... '...Vivienne says it's vampires....' ... '...what about all those dowels that Devon Clark lost this morning?' ... '...diaries...'"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "The other wearer is the pin-inserted?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "yes"

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing says, "I'm alright ... no, really, thanks. It was the oddest thing. I was sitting up there meditating as usual ... and ... my mind must be playing tricks on me, it seemed as though a giant bat ... nahhh...."

Oswald asks, "How long were you out?"

(From StoryTeller) Someone says (to Trevor), "Oh, I say, where'd you find that camera?"

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing says, "couldn't have been too long. About five, ten minutes, I suppose."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "If I want to kinda blend in with the other people hanging around chattering when I ask him that, do I roll anything for it? (I.e. not stand out as some stranger insinuating himself into the room)"

Trevor says (to Someone), "Oh. Out in the parking lot. Strange place for an expensive camera."

Trevor asks (of Someone), "Why, any idea whose it is? Or was?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "Heh. No ... your clan isn't exactly fond of blending in with the crowd."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Heh."

(From StoryTeller) Someone says (to Trevor), "yes, it looks an awful lot like mine ... I've been looking for it, couldn't imagine where it had disappeared to."

Oswald tries to make his way back out, to return to where he last saw the bat costume.

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "(looking more closely at this fellow ... yes, it's the same person you sensed was surprised in the struggle in the alley, the one who was carrying the camera."

[7thsea] Trevor says, "Um, I take it this isn't whoever dropped/tossed the camera... oh, okay."

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "perception + alertness"

StoryTeller says, "Wait, sorry"

StoryTeller says, "That was for Oswald"

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 5 dice: 7 5 2 5 2

Trevor says, "Well, here you go. How come it was just thrown around like that? Not so good for it, I don't think."

(From StoryTeller) Someone says (to Trevor), "the name's Robert, by the way. Robert Vane. Photography's a little hobby of mine.

Trevor hands over the camera.

[7thsea] Trevor says, "Time to read his mind."

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 7 dice: 7 10 5 2 4 5 3

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "there's something suspicious, but you can't quite put your finger on it. At any rate, your back out now with Trevor and Mr Vane."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "I'd like to try the aura thing on Vane, because I have no idea what the aura does."

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "He's a little puzzled. Probing into memory-zone, he's aware of having been outside the theatre at an ungodly hour last night ... then blank. Quite an unnatural blank in the memory."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "The aura thing is perception + empathy. The difficulty is 8, so you need rolls of 8 or higher."

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 7 dice: 7 5 2 2 2 6 5

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Oh well."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "well, you know he's human, anyway."

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "what's the difficulty for vamp/human discernment?"

Oswald moves on towards to Herr K's dressing room.

(From StoryTeller) Robert says, "Oh dear. It does seem rather battered around."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "same thing."

[7thsea] Trevor is confused.

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "well, not really ... there are lots of little clues that you've been trained to spot without resorting to Auspex"

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "that's just down the hall. If you're looking for the bat costume, it's not there."

Trevor pauses, then walks away following Oswald.

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "before you walk away, let's do perception + alertness"

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 5 dice: 3 7 5 9 3

Oswald keeps his hand on the doorknob after looking in the room, wondering who else has opened the door recently.

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 7 dice: 6 4 1 5 5 7 8

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "Hm. Robert looks a little pale ... sort of like someone's been drinking from him recently."

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "The other fellow ... the one who needs the safety pins to put the costume on ... you're beginning to get a better image of this guy each time you come across his tracks, and he's beginning to seem almost familiar."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Was he anyone near the dressing room?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "no"

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "How do vampires usually keep victims from remembering anything? Would that explain the memory blank?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "some vampires would do that, yes, and that would explain the memory blank. That's a Discipline called 'Dominate' which is usually used by the Tremere, Malkavian and/or Ventrue."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Others would set up some kind of foreplay such the the victim either doesn't notice, or thinks that he/she is being given a hickey."

[7thsea] (from Oswald) Toreador says (to Victim), "It's performance art, dearie -- just go with it..."

[7thsea] Trevor says, "yeah, so anyway, I noticed that and walked away."

StoryTeller says, "So you're standing outside Keselmann's dressing room...."

Oswald says (to Trevor), "The costume is gone."

Trevor asks, "Is it?"

Trevor says, "hm."

Trevor says, "Explains the giant bat attack, I suppose."

Oswald says, "And I'm not sure that I trust Van Helsing completely, either."

Trevor says, "really, oh."

Oswald says, "Whoever took the costume has taken it before. And Van Helsing knows that this person has worn the costume before."

Oswald says, "It might just be an understudy. Or it might not. I don't know."

Oswald raises his finger as though he'd just made an important point.

Trevor says, "On, and you met Robert Vane, the camera's owner."

StoryTeller says, "the crowd is beginning to disperse. People are heading back to their dressing rooms or wherever they're supposed to be."

Oswald asks, "Is that who that was? Did he say who attacked him?"

Trevor says, "seems he can't remember what happened to it. Looked a bit ill, maybe that's it."

Oswald says, "Mmm."

Oswald continues on down the hall, looking for anyone else who looks like an actor or other important person to pester.

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "pick any person on the cast list."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Clarence Martindale."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Who apparently plays Sir Not Appearing In This Film."

StoryTeller says, "Clarence Martindale is still in Van Helsing's dressing room. The others appear to refer to him as the local medical authority."

StoryTeller says, "He's dressed as a butler."

[7thsea] Trevor exclaims, "Dun-dun-dun!"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "(supposed to be a valet, but hey, close enough)"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Mmm. I'll come back to him then, when he and Van Helsing are separated..."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Vivienne sounds like a female name, but Orlofsky sounds like a male character... which is it?"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "female. 'alto'"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "The character is male, but he is usually played by a woman."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "And she's playing a prince?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Oh, I see."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Let's find Vivian, then."

[7thsea] StoryTeller asks, "Vivian or Vivienne?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Gabriel."

StoryTeller says, "Vivian is in his dressing room."

StoryTeller says, "Snarling at his tie which refuses to fit straight."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Which dressing rooms are shared by whom, exactly?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Jane, Vivian, Kelly, Robert and Vivienne have private rooms. And the conductor also, of course."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Benjamin, Devon and Creedence share a medium-sized dressing room, just the three of them."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Dermot, Magda and Clarence share a large dressing room with the rest of the Chorus."

Oswald looks inter Vivian's dressing room.

(From StoryTeller) Vivian says, "What??"

Oswald asks, "We were just looking for Herr Keselman. Do you know where's he's gotten to?"

StoryTeller says, "The room is pretty spartan, but the mirror is cracked and some of the lightbulbs are gone."

(From StoryTeller) Vivian says, "No. Why?"

Oswald asks, "No one knows where he is. When was the last time you saw him?"

(From StoryTeller) Vivian says, "yesterday afternoon. He seemed fine then."

Oswald nods, "Mmm."

Oswald asks, "A lot of strange things going on tonight, it seems. Did you hear about Van Helsing?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "While we're here, might as well try the aura."

(From StoryTeller) Vivian says, "hmf. At least he's man enough to shoulder on. Some of the other pansies would have folded and called for their understudies."

[7thsea] Oswald rolls 7 dice: 10 6 1 8 8 1 8

Oswald nods, "Yes... who is his understudy, anyway?"

StoryTeller says (to Oswald), "This is a man with a violent temper. He's also one of those people who are honest simply because they can't be bothered to lie."

(From StoryTeller) Vivian says, "I dunno, some anonymous Chorus member. Van Helsing never calls in sick."

Oswald asks, "The understudies never come in to do dress rehearsals, then?"

(From StoryTeller) Vivian says, "Sure they do. They're in the Chorus, or did I not make myself clear?"

Oswald says, "I mean, to rehearse the character they might need to play, in the event of the unspeakable."

(From StoryTeller) Vivian says, "You think I'm their nursemaid? I don't keep track of who is understudying whom. Hell, I barely even know who my understudy is."

Oswald chuckles.

Oswald says, "Well, thank you. I see you're busy. Break a leg."

(From StoryTeller) Vivian grunts.

Oswald moves back towards Van Helsing's and Vivienne's, to see if either is alone now.

Trevor says, "You'd think they could replace a mirror."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Speaking of, do we reflect?"

Trevor says, "Unless all the mirrors are cracked, perhaps."

StoryTeller says, "Vivienne's door is closed. Van Helsing is alone, yes."

Oswald says, "Mmm."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "Yes, you do reflect."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "Ah, so that whole mirror thing is just a vicious superstition."

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "(er, are you saying that to Oswald or to Vivian?)"

Trevor says, "(in hall, to Oswald. or to no one)"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "There is one clan which doesn't reflect. It's not one of the Camarilla clans, though."

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "(ah)"

Oswald says (to Van Helsing), "Ah, you're looking well. Gave everyone a bit of concern there."

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing looks up, "my apologies. I'll be alright."

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "Is he pale, drained too?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "A little, yeah."

Oswald asks, "I do wonder what happened up there, though. Someone who looked like a giant bat?"

Oswald asks, "Is there anyone else who wears the bat costume besides yourself -- an understudy?"

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing shrugs. "That's what it looked like. Might be my mind playing tricks on me ..."

[7thsea] Trevor tries mindreading with that question/answer.

[7thsea] Trevor rolls 7 dice: 3 7 2 8 2 10 6

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing shrugs. "The bat costume from Act III? Well ... generally, I'm the only one who wears it. I suspect someone else has been trying it on, though."

Oswald asks, "Oh?"

StoryTeller says (to Trevor), "He is perplexed. He's thinking about the safety pins and wondering what idiot keeps putting them into his costume."

[7thsea] Oswald finds that inordinately amusing.

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing says, "Well, it keeps getting moved around. I sometimes wonder if the wardrobe department isn't trying to play some sort of prank on me."

Oswald asks, "Where does it get moved to?"

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing says, "Every time I go to put it on, it seems as though someone's pinned it back to a smaller size."

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing says, "Oh, around. I generally leave it at the back of the rack, with the other costumes for Act III. Then the next day I'll come in and it'll be in the front of the rack, on top of the Act I costumes.

Oswald nods.

Oswald says, "Most peculiar."

Oswald says, "Well, thank you for your time. I'm glad you're able to go on tonight."

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing says, "People are talking about it being the work of some opera ghost. Superstitious nonsense, of course, like werewolves and vampires and fairies.

Oswald chuckles, "Yes, some people believe in fairies, but we know better."

Oswald waves, and moves on.

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Is Trevor falling asleep?"

(From StoryTeller) Van Helsing chuckles, waves.

[7thsea] Trevor says, "sort of."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Should we consider setting it aside for the evening?"

[7thsea] StoryTeller asks, "Um. When would we continue?"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Good question. Tomorrow night, normal time?"

Trevor says, "Sounded like Vivienne had a different opinion of those superstitions."

[7thsea] StoryTeller asks, "Is normal 7th Sea happening?"

Oswald asks, "Oh?"

Trevor says, "Might be amusing to hear her ideas."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "I don't think so, no."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "I think Ghogg's taking the week off."

StoryTeller says, "You can hear drawers opening and closing in Vivienne's dressing room."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "hm."

Trevor says, "Well, something I heard earlier. Maybe not accurate."

Oswald nods.

Oswald says, "Be my guest."

[7thsea] Trevor says, "I think that would be good."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "OK. Alternatively, we could do earlier-than-regular time tomorrow, if all three of us can handle it."

[7thsea] Trevor says, "yes here"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "I can handle it."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "AFternoon? Maybe fourish?"

[7thsea] Alex says (to Oswald), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that afternoon is that bit between two mornings. Also, when most US mudders wake up. Also, a dense, serious hypertext novel. Also, by Michael Joyce. Also, has the word 'octopi' in it."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "(Eastern time)"

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "sure"

[7thsea] Trevor asks, "what about supper?"

[7thsea] Oswald says, "You'll have to provide your own."

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "Is four too early for you?"

[7thsea] Oswald asks, "If so, how about six?"

[7thsea] Trevor says, "think I'd rather start after supper. Yeah, that's fine."

[7thsea] Oswald says, "OK, see you both then."

[7thsea] StoryTeller says, "okay"