(Skeleton Keys) Extreme Prejudice

[Josephine Sterling]

With the heft of her new authority as Reeve of Sacramento, and embracing the stewardship she had of the Moore House, Josephine called together her first meeting. If all went well, it would also be the only meeting which she would hold about the Brady Affair. That traitors insidious taint had haunted the city for far too long now, the disorganized attempts of the disparate kindred hunting her having proven entirely inefficient to the task of uprooting her duplicitous resistance. And, were Brady not even a threat, which she most certainly was, Josephine had grown tired of letting this matter fester.

Thus, Josephine had summoned all of the Domain that she thought might be useful, compelling them to come under the auspice of discussing the matter of poaching. A most serious matter, requiring the attention of every capable Kindred in the Domain...Expendable, as well, though that was left out of the summons.

Quietly, in the Moore House, she waited for the others to arrive...

[Konrad Roth]

Equipment: Lockpicks, Athletic Shoes, Multi-tool, Leather Jacket(reinforced), Van

Coming to the call of the new Reeve and his spiritual ally, Konrad arrives by van to the Moore House, recognizing the old funeral home's features from the Midnight Black Mass he attended at the start of Summer. But since he had been summoned by Josephine's newest office, he doubts there will be much time for discussions of faith. Even so, Konrad wears the brass cross at the end of a chain around his neck. He wears a long-sleeved knit shirt and jeans over running shoes. In his jacket pocket is his set of lockpicks and multi-tool, never leave home without 'em.

His entry brings with it the sudden urge for violence, his Beast's rage threatening to overcome his resolve with the presence of other predators lurking within the structure. Whispers in his ear, the devil egging him on to betray his commitments and give in to sin.

"Sister. Reeve." He uses both titles, as if he had started the first by accident. Time to see what sort of flavor she plans on bringing to the Office.

[Alessandra]

Poaching, huh? Ale thought as she drove to the location. Sounded like it could be fun, and would give her something to do. Plus show she was useful.

She parked down the road a bit, having not been to the Moore House, she wasn’t taking any chances. Under a hooded jacket, tucked into the small of her back was a basic hunting knife. The inner pocket of the coat held her brass knuckles. Her guns? They were in her jeep, tucked away. She wore a black tank top under the coat with black jeans and steel toed combat boots. Her long hair was braided.

As she walks in, she feels the press of the Beasts. Her own rises up, but not in fear this time. This time it was in challenge. It wanted her to bear her fangs and claws and show how dominate it was.

Bow her head she greets those present, “Reeve,” she says, then turns to Konrad, “Priscus.” she says respectfully as she lowers her hood.

[Ashley Cohen]

Ashley's chauffer dropped her off out front and drove away. Normally, she couldn't care less about poachers, unless they were poaching what was hers. Still, she knew there were random opportunities that could crop up from it all.

Ashley made her way inside, as she noticed she was not the first one there. That notice, give rise to a fury that wanted her to push the vitae into her muscles and rend them limb from limb. There was a momentary pause from Ashley, as she restrained that urge.

"Good evening. I hope I did not keep you all in waiting." Ashley said apologetically, though she didn't really care. Part of her held ire over being summoned by her pious cousin. Such a station did not command her respect, when she had seen the titles she holds shift hands with such astonishing frequency. Still, Josephine held a token of her respect, as Ashley would have thought her to have been dust in the wind by now.

"Priscus." Ashley said with a slight curtsy, and a tip of her hat. With that formality out of the way, she greeted the other two a bit more casually.

"Konrad." Ashley's fingers moved to the brim of her hat once more, before her eyes shifted to the other person. "And hello, as well..." Ashley's gaze returned to Konrad once more as she gave him a wry smile and a wink.

She hadn't forgotten...

[Josephine Sterling]

"Welcome," Josephine greeted the others as they filed in, brief surges of heat washing over her as they Kindred headed inside, heat like the backwash of air from ovens and bonfires and burning villages from half the world over. Indonesia, Africa, Europe, America, Australia...there was likely no continent save that held by penguins which had not tasted the charred remains of genocide victims. It was not horror that Josephine felt, of course. It was the satisfaction of the arsonist as they watched their victims melt and fall apart...

Of course, such was foolishness, and so the Lord let the sensations pass without comment of action, no matter how motivated she had felt.

"Do settle yourselves in the parlor," she continued, gesturing to the large room across from the chapel. "The others will arrive shortly. If they are wise."

[Konrad Roth]

It becomes apparent that the invitations sent out included more than just the Prisci. With his Whip's arrival, Konrad gives a brief nod. "Whip Antinori," he says, sticking to formalities.

What surprises him though is Ashley's appearance. Absent for nearly a year and suddenly she's drawn into a matter of poaching? Sterling must have faith that her cousin is willing to commit herself to assisting the Domain. The smile and wink sets Konrad's Vitae ablaze with memories of their brief encounter the year prior. He can't help but smirk in return, a knowing look exchanged between them.

"Miss Cohen," he says, not hiding the approval at seeing the fashionable Carthian join them.

As they're invited to the parlor, Konrad takes the lead, stuffing hands in pockets as he idles his way over to where he can relax. A calm before the storm perhaps. He wonders who else has been summoned to attend. But he can't imagine more pleasant company than those he considers allies.

He takes a seat on a lone chair, crossing his legs in a 4-figure as he sinks into the backrest. "So, have you ladies met? Ale, this is Ashley Cohen. Ashley, Alessandra Antinori," he says, giving quick introductions with lazy fingers going back and forth in simple gestures. "Welcome back to town, by the way, Ashley."

[Garrick Marlon]

Poaching huh, what sort of idiot would do that. Hopefully it's not Rosenberg. That'd be a great way to start Priscushood. Garrick moves his backpack to his left hand. Unloaded pistol along with a couple clips, a knife, their respective sheathes, and some duct tape are inside. "Time to be useful." The white eyed Nosferatu mutters to himself as the sunglasses come off. A moments thought and the sunglasses get placed into a safe place in the backpack. Blue jeans, gym shoes, and jacket all have small motes of dust across them.

Entering the funeral home Garrick freezes as the presence of greater monsters rolls across him. A death grip holds onto the backpack as the monster inside demands to run and flee. Not tonight you bastard, tonight is for hunting. They're all familiar though...in an uncomfortable way. Motion returns as Garrick approaches the other Kindred.

Garrick bows his head as he speaks. "Reeve" The kindred willing to die for her beliefs. "Priscus, Whip." White eyes look past the terrifying women from Court. "I don't believe we've met Ma'am."

[Alessandra]

The stronger Beast invoked fear within her own, and she felt it stir and urge her to run. But the wink and smile she made towards Konrad wasn’t lost on her. There must be an interesting story there, she thinks, but also knows it’s none of her business.

She follows her Priscus into the parlor, finding a seat and removing her jacket. With her tattoos on display, she felt more comfortable. As Konrad made the introductions, she offers a nod and smile to the fashionable Ashley,

“No, we haven’t, pleased to meet you Ashley.” Replied the Italian.

And then another Beast appeared, but this time it wasn’t fear hers felt, it was anger. Anger at a weaker Beast being in its presence, it wanted the weaker ones blood, splattered everywhere.

A nod was offered to Garrick.

Finally, no Beast was felt as David came in. Oh how she wished more Kindred could mask their Beasts, it would make nights more enjoyable.

Then came Katya, and again her Beast growled in anger. Even though she was Family, her Beast didn’t care.

A smile and bow of her head was offered, one fitting Katyas station was offered.

“Good evening Seneschal Harding.”