Conversation and contemplation

[Alessandra]

Originally written by Orianna

An appreciative nod, “That is true. But I have other pianos that are designed to be played and to be heard. I would prefer to let them be heard, let their rich notes reach the audience.” Well, if she decided to play for an audience again. “Praise is only spoken when it is earned, and you have earned it.” Jenn didn’t just throw it around. “Once I take a look at my schedule, I will reach out to you to set the time and place.” The Savage knew not many liked meeting with her, it was one of those things she had learned to accept.
“I certainly hope so, I might display it in my restaurant, but we’ll see. The value has me unsure, might be best to have it housed in a secured location and loan it to galleries.” Might get more value that way, build more status in the community.
“I tend to play more classical pieces, as I’m classically trained, it’s what I’m comfortable with, it’s what I know. But I do intend to branch out and try pieces I’m not so comfortable with.” Because, why not.
“Oh, please discuss it here if you like. Don’t worry about me, if I have something to add on the topic I will.” A smile offered to Jenn. "I enjoy hearing what others have to say on such matters."

[Otto Schneider]

Originally written by Damocles

Otto blinked, quickly processing the request before nodding at Jennifer. "Saturday is fine, yes." Her follow-up question about Ghoul families provoked a shrug, however.

"I know little about the subject, just broad strokes. My understanding is that they occur when Ghouls breed true. How or why it happens is beyond me." Otto's interest was purely academic, he assumed that truly determined Kindred would create breeding programs, not unlike owners of prize-winning animals. Of course, Kindred that would go that far were thoroughly detached from lingering sentiments of Humanity.

"Certainly, I would be happy to discuss this further." The Priest said with a quick glance towards the Prince. "Perhaps your findings would be of some assistance to me as well." He made a mental note to check on the tangled rose bush at Moore House. By this point, the Vitae had either killed it and rendered the bush into a withered husk or there was a very hungry Mandrake to attend to.

The Priscus offered a slight smile at Alessandra's insistence that he take the compliment. For a member of the Invictus, she didn't seem too inclined to stand on ceremony. It was something of a relief, really. "Naturally, my schedule will always be open for a meeting with the Prince." Internally, he hoped that she didn't end up scheduling matters on a major holiday, but there was no sense worrying about that at moment. Besides, they were still many months away from the Gran Ballo.

He was surprised to hear that the Prince wasn't merely a collector, but also a pianist. After a moment's hesitation, he decided to risk a little more small talk. "I hope to have the opportunity to hear you play some night, Your Grace." Another slight pause. "I was raised by a family that encouraged an appreciation for music. While I never had any talent, I respect those that do." It was a little awkward to reflect on his mortal life, but it was the truth. A very selective framing of things perhaps, but true.

[Alessandra]

Originally written by Orianna
Breeding Ghouls? No thank you. If she had need of more than her current Ghouls, she would simply go out and find herself another. Cain did technically come from a Breeder, but that wasn’t her line of work, nor something she wanted to get involved in. She’d prefer to just call him and put in a request if she desired another.
“I, personally, would just go out and find myself another Ghoul should my ranks need another. There is something,” pausing, “exciting, about the hunt for the perfect one. Same can be said if I desired another like Cain. Maybe I’m just old fashioned that way.” The art of talking to the cattle and finding one with the right skill set. “There is an art form in my opinion to it, finding the right one.” A light shrug.
“Gabrial will be in contact then and we’ll make sure our schedules match up then.” She didn’t demand meetings, at least, not often. If the mood stuck her, she would. Or if she was just not in the mood to deal with bullshit. “A fan of classical music Priscus Schneider?” asks the Italian. “I don’t typically play for an audience, at least, I haven’t in many years. It’s been on the table as a possibility, and should it happen, I’ll let you know.” The Savage tended to be private about her hobbies, but had been dancing around the idea of actually playing for the Domain. A nod, “My mother was the one who not so gently encouraged me to play, finding having live music at charity events looked good for her, especially when it was her own daughter.” And she had just happened to be good at it.

[Otto Schneider]

Originally posted by Damocles

Jennifer seemed to be taking her time in replying, so the Ventrue turned to Alessandra, not wanting to make the Prince wait overlong for an answer. He nodded in agreement with her about hunting for an ideal Ghoul. "True. Were I to ever decide to... procure the services of a Ghoul, I'd prefer to handpick one." Sure, having a generational supply of servants could be useful, but it seemed more like the kind of thing an Elder Kindred who had withdrawn from the rest of society would want. Otto, for all his contempt for kine as a whole, was still invested in their lives. "Ghoul Families do raise interesting questions about Vitae, however." He reiterated. "Both spiritually and scientifically, the fact that a condition tied to the Blood can be passed on genetically is intriguing." The Priest was generally wary of the Dragons, but he suspected that their lore on the subject might actually be of interest to him. Now, if only there was one of them I had leverage with...
Otto nodded to acknowledge her statement about being contacted by a servant before tilting his head slightly at the follow-up question. "I'm not sure I could say that I am a 'fan', in that I can't honestly tell the works of individual composers by ear. But I do enjoy the classics, they tend to evoke... pleasant memories." He wasn't sure if he wanted to elaborate, but to his surprise, the Prince mentioned a fact about her mortal life that caught his attention. "My own mother was a concert pianist, at least before coming to America. It sounds as though she was far less forceful, but she I still remember the joy on her face whenever she had the chance to display her skills." Otto looked away briefly, trying to compose himself. It was rare for him to share any details of his mortal life, much less admit to harboring fond feelings for them. He had a more neutral expression when he turned back. "I look forward to hearing you, should the opportunity arise." He concluded.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"I have some interest in Ghoul Families.' Jennifer prefaced ger statement.
"My mentor was the originator of a ghoul bloodline. She created this ghoul family for a specific duty.

I recall that the original proof was very difficult. The ghoul nature does not lend itself to procreation.

In the idea of hand-picking a ghoul, this creation is taking this a step further." She states to the Priscus.
"A regnant chooses the two parents and teaches the relevant Blood Gifts to these two. The child is born.
The child is educated in the manner that the Regnant wishes, learning the information and education that one wishes.
It's a significant resource and time requirement.
I have been fascinated with how one could teach different Blood gifts, the time requirement and restrictions.'

[Alessandra]

Originally posted by Orianna

A nod of agreement, “Being able to,” pausing, thinking, “interview, for lack of a better term, a protentional Ghoul has its benefits. I put it off for many years until the right one came along, and there was an overwhelming need for one. “I won’t lie; science isn’t my particular field of study. Especially the science behind Kindred Blood, if there is a science. There is something, that cannot be disputed, but what it is, I cannot say.” She just dealt with what she could see and what she could kill if she needed to. “But I support everyone’s belief to explore whatever they believe.” Hence all Covenants being welcome. “Well, so long as they follow the Laws off course.” Otherwise, it was a problem.
Chuckling, “Oh, I would never ask someone to identify the differences in the pieces by Beethoven and Mozart, that would be cruel." entertaining, but cruel, "I find classical music to be soothing, a simpler time, less complicated.” When she didn’t have a Domain and Kindred to protect. “Ah, I never played for an audience as large as a concert. Though there was a time when I could have, most classically trained pianists are expected to go on to play for such audiences. I refused, much to her dismay.” Even as a child, Ale was never one to be told what to do.
Seemed Jenn had gathered her thoughts.
“I suppose if that is how one wants to spend their time and resources, it’s a choice.” Not one she would pick. She’s rather invest in things that would pay off in the long run. “I’ve always seen Ghouls as investments, but investments that run their course and have to replaced overtime. Now it does sounds like a fascinating concept, one that I can understand why it appeals to some.” Just not to her personally.

[Otto Schneider]

Originally posted by Damocles

"Intriguing..." Otto said under his breath, absorbing Jennifer's description of the process. "I hadn't realized that the gifts from a Kindred could affect their offspring like that..." It seemed almost obvious in retrospect. Still, it was fascinating to consider. Perhaps Vigor and Celerity resulted in Ghouls that were naturally agile and strong. It made sense why a determined Kindred would be inclined to make such an investment. Manipulating Vitae to mould future generations of servants was... Tempting. [/COLOR]And a touch inhumane.

"What is the name of the line your sire created, if I may ask?"
"I'm not much of a scientist myself, either." The Priest said with a thin smile. "And admittedly, the supernatural qualities of Vitae make grounded, concrete studies... Complicated." He found himself tapping his foot in thought before continuing. "Nonetheless, I think there is value in questioning 'why' the Blood works the way it does at times. And I don't necessarily mean in the grand sense of, 'why do Kindred exist' kind of way, that's a separate discussion." He might have been a clergyman, but Otto was not so intellectually incurious as to just hand-wave all questions related to the Danse.He politely chuckled at the Prince's statement about refusing to perform. It somehow didn't surprise him to learn that she had always possessed a strong will. "Well, should you ever favor an audience, Your Grace, I would be honored to hear it as well."
Simpler times... Much simpler.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"Following the laws is important ', Jennifer smiled at the Prince's statement.
I have found classical music to be soothing for the Man. My mentor in the First Estate was an accomplished student of the violin.
Yes, it's quite the resource sink.' Jennifer nods to Alessandra.
"Yes, Priscus Schneider, the creation of the ghoul line begins with choosing suitable parents. Not choosing wisely could create subpar children, or the endeavor fails and no children are able to be created."

[Alessandra]

Originally posted by Orianna

A brief nod, “I’ve just been more of a person that works best with my hands and what I can,” pausing, “physically handle. Don’t get me wrong, I respect science, and what it has done for the world we live in.” she did well in school, and ran a successful business, many of them. “I like seeing results, if someone can bring me results, I’m typically happy. The previous Ventrue Priscus was excellent at getting me results with the occult when needed. It seemed to be something he enjoyed studying, and I was more than happy to allow him the space to do such studies so long as I got the answers I needed and it didn’t put the Domain or the Danse in danger.” Jacque had been quite a boon to not only the Domain, but the Invictus as well.
A touch of a smile, “The refusal was more to irk my mother, using me as a tool to impress her friends. I don’t mind playing at all, I find it quite relaxing actually.” She wasn’t a tool when she was alive, and she wasn’t a toll now. As much as some had tried to use the Savage as one. “And I’ll keep that in mind.”
Nodding her head to Jenn, “It is, though it has been quite a few years since we’ve had someone break them.” And that had been nice.
Attention was given to what the Haunt says, a nod here and there. “I will admit, this is the first I’ve heard of such a thing. I know it’s done with Hell Hounds; I got Cain from such a breeder, he was a gift. But I wasn’t aware that Kindred did it with Kine. In a way, it makes sense.” Still wasn’t something she would invest into.

[Otto Schneider]

Originally posted by Damocles

Not for the first time, Otto noticed that the Seneschal glazed over a question relating to her Sire. And again, he recognized that there was little value in pushing her on an answer, so the Priest let the matter of her Sire's Ghoul Family alone, content to absorb what little information he could. He wasn't particularly surprised to hear that the Invictus had a somewhat consistent leaning towards classical instruments. The Priest nodded at Jennifer's response, absorbing what information that he could. "Are there any hard limits on what Ghouls may serve as progenitors of a Family? Minimum muscle mass, height, intelligence quotient...?" He didn't necessarily expect any specific answers, but he was curious about any hard data that could be gleaned. Otto wouldn't be creating his own Ghoul Family any time soon, but it never hurt to have more information.

The Priest grew quiet as the Prince mentioned the habits of his predecessor. Otto wasn't perturbed by the comparison, he was actually thankful. Still, without knowing much about the prior Ventrue Priscus on a personal level, he didn't know how best to fill Jacque's shoes. "I will endeavor to provide a comparable perspective on the occult, Your Grace. Though I may not have the same background as my predecessor, I wouldn't want to deprive you of my Clan's resources on the supernatural." Otto was still unsure of how to fill the void created by his predecessor's absence, but he was sincere in wanting to provide similar aid to the Domain.

Otto bowed his head slightly and spread his hands a little in supplication to the Prince. "I look forward to the opportunity to hear you play, Your Grace." The conversation around Ghoul Families drew a shrug. "I can certainly see the value in cultivating a lineage of servants, but I do not feel that it is something that I would invest in either." A faint smile pulled at his lips. "Perhaps in a few decades I might feel differently."