(1304) Heaven & Hell Court

[Vampire ST]

On rare occasion, Avalon closes for a night or two in preparation for a themed party. Tonight was one such night -- but it wasn't closed to everyone.

Carefully screened, the Domain's Kindred enter the foyer and are presented with the foyer, simply decorated. The main entry to the club is closed, and alternating crimson and white drapes cover the doors -- indicating that they're not merely waiting to be opened. The two stairwells are similarly decorated: the one on the right, in pristine white fabrics over the railing and down the steps with golden accents; on the left, the crimson fabrics and black accents.

As per the theme of the night, Kindred are now posed with a choice of stairs to enter Court.

Both lead to the upper gallery, and around to steps down into the main area of the club. The downward stairs are similarly decorated. The upper gallery continues the "heaven" theme, in bright, shining whites, while the lower portion of the club is lit with red lights splashing on crimson fabrics.

This is considered an "official" Court, and the Laws pertaining to Etiquette apply.
This is also an Elysium.
Please also note which entrance is used in your opening narrative.

Currently Playing

[AlphaStrike]

Zach made sure to arrive early, and was wearing something he had never worn in his almost 100 years of life and unlife: a white tuxedo, with black shirt and white tie, and small black pocket square coming out of the small front pocket on the suit. It was cut athletically, and the white and silver athletic shoes gave the impression that this suit was for more than just looking good. A set of silver rings adorned each hand, each a plain band, although thicker than seemed strictly necessary. Zach's hair was under the strictest of orders not to move from it's well combed part, as well. It was probably the best dressed that Zach had been in over a decade, but the ensemble spoke of a man who wanted to look good moving.

Zach takes the white stairs. He may not have an angelic face, but he can certainly dress the part.

[Mike]

Erich arrives in high spirits and high fashion. His black tux is accented with a red and gold tie, and red pocket square. On his lapel he wears a boutonniere of Bamboo blossoms around a single Tiger Lily, his wrist adorned with a gold watch. The Shark grins as he eyes the two entrances, preferring the darker of the two stairs.

The lawyer smirks, he's aware of his reputation, of the quiet murmurs in the domain. He's not everyone's favorite Daeva, a fact that he's going to revel in for the evening. Sometimes being naughty is far more fun than being nice. Moving into the lower level he gazes around, looking for familiar faces.

[Chase Ankers]

There was no question which theme Chase was going to apply to his visage tonight. As much as Chase played the sheep, he wasn't one to be dishonest with himself. He was a predator, as they all were, and he didn't mind dressing up as such for all to see. Naughty was the flavor of the evening. Though he often enjoyed a chance at costumes, Chase kept it simple. Red shirt, red tie, and a couple adornments to his brow, for show.

He descends the stairs, the entrance to the naughty-pit, though he was sure he would breach heaven's gate at some point in the evening. The red light cast his whole figure in the crimson colors. It was as if a haze of blood had soaked the walls and floors. It made him hungry. He snapped his fingers playfully to the eighties tune playing above, swaying side to side to the synthesized wail of the keyboard.

Seeing that he was not the only Kindred to descend into the depths, Chase greeted Erich with a smile and wave. He could feel the Daeva's Beast present, while his own reared up, eager for the challenge, snarling and clawing to take control. "Mr. Passions. It's been some time. Still discovering interesting fashions during your shopping excursions, are we?" he remarked, appraising the tux and floral accessory the Incubus wore.

[Vampire ST]

Erich Passions , we've asked/reminded you to role-play the Predator's Taint on multiple occasions.

Please roll for Frenzy.

You may apply the +1 Elysium bonus, with a Target of 2 Successes.

[Mike]

At the sight of Mr. Ankers entering Hell, the Shark tries to challenge the other man. Erich feels the pull of his beast to tear the other kindred to shreds with row upon row of gnashing teeth. The lawyer can't help but smirk at his pathetic beast's attempts, easily crushing the desire with his own will.

  2 sux to resist frenzy

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2013-04-10 08:51:21		Erich rolls 7 to Resist Frenzy (Comp+Res) (10 Again, WillPower)		9, 8, 5, 6, 6, 9, 10, 10, 1		5 successes

He smiled at the man as Mr. Ankers approached.
"Indeed Mr. Ankers it has been sometime. Each night should be a discovery of something new. Otherwise our longevity would become terribly boring." He appraises the man's outfit. "You represent Hell well tonight, we're a couple of handsome devils down here."

[Vampire ST]

Erich barely resists flying into a Frenzy; willpower dice are removed due to failure to update scene info.

[Swift]

Dr. Swift shows up, perhaps for once, early in the evening for tonight's court. The announcement had made him curious what exactly was planned for the evening, but it had definitely indicated a choice. He had considered for some time how to present himself, uncertain if the evening was meant for a full costume party or simply a suggestion of attire. Still, the Avalon was a classy place, so he went with class for the evening. Still, his choice of dress isn't that far removed from his standard. He still wears his black duster and fedora with his silver-topped wolf's head cane for walking and a satchel over black slacks and black leather shoes. Tonight the shoes have obviously had a black and polish routine, however. And in place of his normal simple button down, he wears a shirt of black silk and a red tie.

When he chose the clothing he wasn't certain if that was "naught or nice", but a quick glance around shows him where he'll fit in a bit better. He checks his hat, coat, and cane at the door as he typically does and makes certain that his normal facade of aggression is lowered before taking the stairs down. He braces himself for the onslaught. More than anything, this lack of confidence is why he hates attending official courts. He was used to the beast straining against its chain, urging him to take the throat of any who dare come into his presence. Fear was something the doctor did not like, though. And without his Aspect, the beast tried to run away. It was understandable. If someone was going to frenzy due to the Taint in the presence of the Prince or one of his duly appointed officers, it was much better it be to run away than attack, but the doctor still hated it. In either case it was a loss of control to frenzy, but at least anger had the facade of choice. At least if he finished this case well for Dillon, for Reeve Connery, remember, Court, he might have the chance of being one of those officers. Then he'd be allowed his security blanket -- and it would be arguably necessary for the proper execution of his duties.

As he makes his way down into the "naughty" section - something he was sure would have unpleasant social consequences in the immediate future -- he is caught off guard. Instead of the fear he braced himself for, the beast stands and does it's normal attempt to surge forward against his will. It's so completely the opposite of what the Doctor is expecting he has to pause for a moment on the stairs just to reign it in. He manages not to snarl or bear fangs, but still he takes a look around and tries to determine what just happened. He checks himself, but the Aspect has been lowered. He notes the two other Kindred already present. Mr. Ankers he has been introduced to before and Mr. Passions he had seen at the previous official court. Both were causing his beast's hackles to rise in anger. Interesting. It seems I too can benefit from occasionally dropping my Aspect. They are no stronger than myself. And Mr. Passions seems to be having some difficulty controlling his passions...

A quick glance upwards reveals Mr. Griffiths. His beast was also familiar and he was family. Dr. Swift gives the other Gangrel a nod before finishing his descent. They weren't very well acquainted but he was family. Dr. Swift would prefer to chose discretion and familiarity over possibly provoking a strange beast on the edge, but the conversation below has already started, so he approaches the small group. Waiting for an appropriate pause he nods to both of the Kindred below. "Mr. Ankers, a pleasure to see you again. I trust the nights are treating you well? I do not believe I had the chance to extend my congratulations. The Grand Wyrm's victory last court is certainly a boon to all of the Order." Sure, it was a bit of rubbing salt in the wound to the other Kindred, but he hadn't exactly made a sterling impression last time. And hey, how often did the reclusive Gangrel get an opening quite this ripe, and in Court to boot?

[AlphaStrike]

Zach stood at the edge of Heaven. An angel watching the devils play. Zach wondered if the Heaven and Hell that the decor were based on we're as similar as tonight's heaven and hell would become. Still the only angel, Zach had to grab the edge of the wall with whitening knuckles, keeping his beast in check. Having been appointed Ranger, and cleared to come to court discreetly armed and armored, Zach stood resisting the urge to leap over the boundary between heaven and hell and teach the devils not to sin.

And then something happened. Zach had a deep thought. That never happened. But as Zach stood there, he wondered: how many angels had come before him, and looked out across hell and had to resist the urge to cross that line, the demarcation between sinner and saint. As Zach stood there, he felt something peaceful come over him. His own inner demon urged him to rage and destroy, but the man inside, someone that Zach hadn't heard from in a long time, told him to stay in heaven. Not because of the terrible consequences of a fury rage in Court, or the most likely result of Final Death, but because he was an angel, even if only for one night. He was a guardian of those who couldn't protect themselves, a servant of a greater, more divine power than just himself. The thought of Court as palace of holiness, where violence was unwelcome, struck Zach like holy lightning. How pious. I haven't thought about religion in some time.

Zach continues his heavenly vigil, enjoying the small, shallow reprieve from his beast's constant raging, and keeps an eye on the Kindred below, as a silent angel above.

[Claire Edmonton]

Ms. Claire Tunt

Never one accused of being too humble, Claire takes the opportunity to present herself in the most overtly attention grabbing manner that wouldn't be entirely uncalled for. Borrowing from the more fantastical displays of Fashion Week, she acquires black lingerie and fabulous wings, accompanying them with a pseudo-Hellenistic, diaphanous dress cut to provide a slight increase in propriety, but whether it was modest was debatable. Her figure is on full display, décolletage and shapely legs both emphasized. Not that the wings springing from her shoulders weren't fabulous in and of themselves, but the whole ensemble in black, white, and silver catches the light, and likely the eyes, of the area. She, of course, proceeds through the gates of heaven in her approach to the main area - she was the Goddess' greatest gift to this Domain, after all.

Pictures

The wings:

Her... visage:

I was sadly unsatisfied with the images of dresses available. I leave the remaining details to your imaginations.

Strolling into a room full of predators, she was aware that it wasn't the mere gawking of covetous, lustful folk and felt the tension roll through her body. Run or rip, run or rip... The call was disregarded, and through her mental focus, lightly laughing it off to herself, she flashes the room only the sincerest of smiles.

Deigning to simply look amazing until something more interesting than basking in her own presence presents itself, she simply admires the decor as she casually strolls the room, perhaps with just a slightly exaggerated strut.