Four of a Kine (OPEN)

[Konrad Roth]

Capitol Casino - N. 16th Street

-1 Vitae for Blush of Life

Capitol Casino on 16th Street is a quaint comparison to what Konrad is used to. But it still holds all the familiar aspects of a gambling joint, the press of Kine bodies and the stink of shame. All it is lacking is the haze of cigar smoke since Californians were adament about the removal of tobacco from their institutions. It'll never be like the old days, Konrad laments to himself. If he were still mortal maybe he would have been concerned with issues of health for his aging body. Or maybe he'd be happy just enjoying the draw on the cancer-stick. These nights Konrad is just thankful for the absence of lighters, zippos, and the crackle of fire.

The dim lights hang over a mixture of tables throughout the large room. Crap tables, roulette, poker, all the staples of a casino. There's no big money to be won here, just simple games with small winnings. A few electric game machines run in the back room with their flashing lights and exciting chirp noises provide an additional ambience.

Konrad isn't here just to play, he's scoping out the joint. There may be a few marks here for feeding. And what's more, the winners that leave that evening may find themselves with his fangs in their neck and their pockets emptied. Have to make an unliving somehow, and he wasn't going to get far in the black market without some cash lining his pockets.

Currently Konrad sits at a poker table waiting for another hand to be dealt. Many of the regulars know each other, so Konrad sits alone with the dealer waiting for a few more players to join him.

[Konrad Roth]

Konrad's Beast raises up on its haunches, snarling, and then whimpering as it cringes at the superior predator whose presence pressed down on them both. Konrad's hand grips the chair arm until his freshly blushed knuckles go white. There is something familiar about the man, though Konrad can not place it. No doubt he had seen him at the Court gathering in Elysium some nights ago. The Savage does his best to calm his Beast. There is no way this stranger would make a scene here without some consequence. Yet even Konrad is not confident about that.

"And a good evening to you, mister," replies Konrad, turning in his chair to greet the man, and make sure his flank is not exposed. "No, don't think we have. Don't see how we could have since I've only just arrived in Sacramento a little while ago."

Konrad reluctantly reaches out a hand over the chair between them, a handshake gesture to mask his fear of the stranger. "Konrad Roth, entrepreneur."

[Chris Wooding]

As a once-student and young guy with dreams of making it rain money, Chris has had his fair share of poker. Back in the old living days. Now in the nights of their Requiem, vampires have to use vitae to not have a poker face. It's quite sad. Especially since there are no faces to be seen these days. Just fat or pale cheeks under those fashionably immense sunglasses, with a cap or hoodie on top. Yeah right.

Man, this would be the worst place to feed. He thinks to himself. With a smile. He has already had his midnight snack.

No, the Mekhet is just randomly strolling through town. It seems like many Kindred have made Sacramento their home while Chris was gone, who knows where they like to hang out? And if no one interesting is here, he can be on the streets again, quite fast.

But hey, Kindred are present. Not just any Kindred, Juan! What a happy coincidence. Chris slowly approaches the table with Konrad and Juan, giving them a minute to greet each other. The shadow is ready to blend in with the crowd, wearing a simple shirt and a hooded sweatshirt, complete with the deadly serious expression.

[Konrad Roth]

A light smirk is all that the Gangrel offers to match Juan's generous grin but his handshake is firm enough to be thought of as friendly. "An artist? What sort of art do you work on?"

Before Juan can share the details of his craft, another joins their group, an unfamiliar face to Konrad at least for now. The Savage seems at a disadvantage since the two gentlemen seem to know each other. The lack of Beast from Mr. Wooding leaves only Juan's powerful predator on the prowl while Konrad concentrates to reign in his own fears. "Nice to meet you, Wooding. I was just waiting for some more players to start up a game. I'd be happy if you'd join me." I'd be just as happy to sprint out those doors too, but I'm not about to show my back to either of you.

Fears aside, it is a lucky coincidence to meet the city's Kindred populous in the Communal Hunting Grounds. Konrad is eager to probe the men for information as well as test his skill of chance against them. There is only so much that can be said among the Kine however, so Konrad decides to keep it light.

[Chris Wooding]

The Mekhet's serious expression breaks with a friendly smile when he feels the enthusiasm coming off from Juan. 'Mister Garreta de Cordoba, yes, it's good to see you!'

'Mister Roth,' he turns to the man with the same kind smile, a grin, a showing of teeth. No. The Beast is Tranquil, there would be no violence tonight. 'Nice to meet you.'

An entrepreneur, just that?

'Ah how nice, although I haven't played in a while, I'm looking forward to it.' So he sits down.

[Konrad Roth]

"Sensitive merchandise," answers Konrad being purposefully vague. Even if it isn't a subject that breaches the Masquerade, trading in black market goods isn't something you just come out and say to someone in a public place. For now that would be all the answer he gives Juan.

"Painting, huh? You must be pretty skilled with a brush if that's how you make a living. I hear it's a tough business." A denizen of the night probably had a lot of time to refine a talent like that, Konrad assumes. "You hang anything in local galleries?" he asks with polite interest.

Konrad doesn't begin ignoring Chris either. "Well I hope you're not rusty, cause I won't be going easy on either of you." The statement is meant as playful, accompanied by the wry twist of his mouth. "I suppose I wouldn't mind waiting a little longer for more players. The more the merrier, and the bigger the pot."

With Kindred, the stakes were always big.

[Chris Wooding]

Sensitive merchandise? Interesting... Suddenly, he wonders about the man's clan and covenant.

'Not yet,' Chris says with a grin to Juan, as he answers the gallery question to Konrad. Revealing that the two have plans together. Right? 'Unless something's changed?'

He shrugs, playfully, 'Well, if things go South, I may just start cheating.'

With Auspex, the possibilities are endless. He'll pierce right through your pokerface, or just look in your hand, or... well, endless.

'Sure. Are you expecting anyone?'