(1301) The Regency Debates

[AlphaStrike]

Zach watched the proceedings with interest. Miss Star seemed very much like Erich Passions, throwing sharp words at those in the domain higher than her. Zach had once spoken with Wooding before, although Zach probably didn't leave a proper impression in that encounter. And Hienz was a mystery, but Zach knew so little about what the Dragons actually did that it was expected. He made a mental note to learn more about the nightly going's on at.....wherever the hell they met. The Invictus had the Judex's theater. The Ordo Dracul had to have something similar.

Zach has too keep from going "AWWWW SHIIIIIITT" when the Prince stands in defense of Hienz's service to him. Pretty much clinched the debate right there. And dammit if the Prince didn't do that with class, too. Zach was continually impressed with His Royal Highness. Things happened exactly the way He wanted them to.

The debate rages on, and Zach continues to take note. Speaking wasn't his strong suit, but he could watch and learn....

[West]

Max Heinz Mykel is up...

[Max Heinz]

Max smiles slightly at Velma's questions. When your opponent had to revert to personal attacks, it was a clear sign they were losing on the issues of substance.

The first was easy to answer, and he had already anticipated the second. Perhaps he hadn't been clear enough in his opening remarks; he had simply meant Covanent politics and not that of the city at large. He supposed he could have been more clear on that point, but he had been known to have a problem thinking people understood him clearly in the past.

And he had assumed one of the night's competitor's would bring up his time as Reeve if he didn't first. There had been so little public explanation to the sudden changing of the guard, he had counted on someone trying to portray it as a sign of weakness on his part.

The truth was he had made the decision to quit voluntarily, and had simply been waiting for a candidate that he felt could do a better job of Reeve than he could. And when Conner Greyson showed the capacity, and perhaps more importantly an unnerving amount of desire, for the job, Max was more than happy to step aside.

The fact of the matter is that a position like that wears a person down, little by little. Each night, Max woke up just a little less of the man he had been when he first accepted the Prince's offer. And then, one night, he realized he wasn't the same man anymore; that he was beginning down the same path that had doomed Anton Flores. And so he had to decide whether he wanted to keep his title and authority, or keep what was left of soul.

For a man that was planning on living forever, it was really no choice at all...

As Max began to decide how to best voice his retort, he's surprised to see the Prince stand up and speak. He bows his head respectfully as Asa gives them permission to continue the debate; but inside he was conflicted. Max was grateful that the Prince was willing to stand up in his defence, but Max wasn't usually one to back down from an attack. Still, when the Prince of the Domain stands up and declares a matter closed to public discussion, it usually isn't in one's best interest to then turn around and open it back up.

In the end, Max decides the best thing he can do is ignore Velma completely and let Asa's words serve as his rebuttal. He then turns to Chris, listening to his fellow Shadow's words. He can't help but crack a smile as Wooding embraces his Library remark and sends it right back, Max shaking his head softly.

"To be honest, Priscus Wooding, with His Grace's reputation for preparedness and forethought, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't already have an occult library that would put both of our Covenant's to shame.

And I do recall that evening at Ballo Della Notte." A little reminder to his Priscus that he hadn't saved the Archon's theater single-handedly. "I'm afraid my grasp of the popular vernacular of the Kine is somewhat lacking. Is that what they mean by "Making it rain at the club?"

Max is foregoing an attack and is Throwing Up The Walls this turn.

[Tracy Burns]

Tracy continued to listen to the debates, paying close attention now that things were down to three contestants. A smirk grew on her the corner of her lips as Max clearly took the first round in the social sparring, and it was clear that the petite Gangrel thoroughly enjoyed how he ripped Velma to pieces with his words. Take that, you stupid bitch, she thought to herself, the smirk on her lips widening slightly. While the Priscus of Shadows made some interesting points with his idea for an esoteric library, it was fairly clear that the Grand Wyrm had impressed the Court more with his own speech.

However, when the rebuttals began, the redheaded Deputy could feel her Beast's hackles rise as the Succubitch spoke. With each insult that was thrown in Max's way, the little Gangrel got closer to the verge of losing control, her fingers twitching slightly as her vicious claws threatening to come out at any moment. There was a fire in her emerald green eyes, which were fixated upon Velma's neck as the Ravager continued with her ruthless assault of her lover's reputation. The animal inside begging to be let out, and urging her to charge the bitch and snap her neck in half.

Yet, as the Prince of the Domain interjected, Tracy took that opportunity to soothe her Beast, pushing the animal back into its cage before it was too late. She was slightly surprised by the fact that Asa had risen to put the matter of Max's tenure as his Reeve to a close. However, she was glad that he basically told the Succubitch to shut the hell up, in the way only a Ventrue Invictus knew how. Bet that one stings, she thought to herself, letting out an internal chuckle as she exchanged a quick look with Roxie Hart . After all, the Regent of South Sac was the closest person to her.

Note to self: find Velma in a dark alley one of these days...

  I'm as cool as a cucumber...I swear!

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2013-02-07 09:04:26		[03] Tracy Burns rolls 5 to Resolve+Composure to resist angery frenzy (10 Again)		10, 6, 7, 7, 1, 7		1 success
2013-02-07 09:04:26		[02] Tracy Burns rolls 5 to Resolve+Composure to resist angery frenzy (10 Again)		7, 4, 5, 6, 9		1 success
2013-02-07 09:04:26		[01] Tracy Burns rolls 5 to Resolve+Composure to resist angery frenzy (10 Again)		3, 7, 6, 4, 10, 6		1 success

[Chase Ankers]

Chase did not envy the positions of either Miss Star or Mr. Wooding. Max was in fine form tonight to the point that it was entertaining to listen to him. Still, Chase understood why it appeared this way. It was Max's confidence and unwavering from his initial statements that gave him an air of impenetrability. The others were forced to take an offensive stance because their uncertainty in their own proposals. The weakness in Max's proposal was clear, but to Max it wasn't a weakness at all and in fact used it as the sole strength of his argument. The benefit of his appointment to Regent would go primarily to the Ordo Dracul.

Chase could only smile at this, unable to suppress his internal delight. Still, the decision would always remain with the Prince, despite anything that was said this evening. Chase risked a glance His way, curious of His reaction to the most recent statements. But any such analysis revealed nothing to the young Lord of the inner workings of His Majesty's mind.

A glance to Tracy revealed quite the opposite. She seemed on the verge of some emotion. Perhaps it was just his imagination...but that smile seemed maniacal.

[Erika Brady]

After accounting for Guile, Velma is left with 3 Successes, winning the Turn.
Max Heinz loses 3 Nerve
Velma Star regains 3 Nerve

Erika watched Max, making a mental note that his studies must have never included Sun Tzu.

Stepping forward, she addressed the audience.

"Will there be any questions for our finalists?"

[Chase Ankers]

Chase stands from his seat, raising a hand to indicate he would like to address the finalists with a question. When Erika gives him leave to speak he does so.

"Thank you, I do have a request for all three finalists. There has been much focus on the policies of Feeding Rights proposed by the finalists. To quote you, Grand Wyrm Heinz, 'A Regent is expected to keep order within their territory, and see that the Prince's Laws are kept and His Will is enforced.' If the other contestants acknowledge this as their responsibility as well, I would like to hear more on what methods you each hope to employ towards maintain this order." He nods to Erika once again, indicating that was all he had to say before taking his seat once more.

In essence he was accrediting Max's earlier statement while also drawing attention away from the matter of Feeding Rights, perhaps it would allow Max a chance to recover from the pressure his opponents had been placing on him.

[AlphaStrike]

Zach stands, indicating his having a question.

When called on, Zach thanks the moderator and asks "While each of you have elaborated on what you wish to do with the domain once it is yours, what do the three of you have in mind for Kindred who wish to open up business and derive profit within your potential Regency? What taxation would you impose, what limits would you place on the various types of business, and would you allow activity that may violate the laws of the Kine? Thank you."

Zach nods respect to the contestants and the moderator, and takes his seat once more.

[Roxie Hart]

The Leggalicious Gangrel had to wipe her mouth and look at her phone to keep from laughing a moment. There was something to be said for Asa interjecting about his court in that respect.

Roxie was starting to get bored. The mudslinging was certainly ridiculous and childish. Yup, fighting this out physically is way more fun to watch. It was too bad there wasn’t a ‘Suggestion Box’ in the Elysia, the leggy Regent would definitely submit that.

The Gangrel caught the look of Tracy Burns , and instantly recalled how much she enjoyed her sparing for Tenancy. She raised a brow a tick to Spitfire and tried not to roll her eyes, but the look back to the front was slow enough for an indication of what she meant.

And now the questions themselves were interesting. How the candidates would handle them would be crucial, or so she thought. What the fuck taxation? Roxie tried not to scoff. It’s called a Boon twits. As much as the Regent wanted to jump up and mention it she didn’t. Cause heaven forbid there’s a smart Gangrel around. People make get skeered. At least we have Senior Stupid to make sure that wouldn’t come to fruition. The Regent wondered if someone missed the boat on the Laws.

Smart and claws, probably not a great combination. For this, Roxie internally laughed.