(2601) Eternal Court

[Alessandra]

Eternal Court

The Nox Populi is an upscale experience that will take Sacramento nightlife to a whole new level.

In the heart of downtown Sacramento there is a place of intrigue, excitement and entertainment. The modern flare of this venue is host to exclusive parties. The seduction of this establishment may take you away as you drink, dance and socialize. There are private services available upon request. The best DJ’s in town are in line to play a wide variety of music. Some of you may dine…as long as you have your VIP pass.

However the Kindred arrive they are discreetly met and led to the back of the club. The space downstairs is decorated in dark, rich woods and expensive furniture. There's a coat room that will also hold one's 'unmentionables'; namely, weapons, at the foot of the stairs. There are also private areas, dark, and furnished with soft couches, as well as meeting rooms with conference tables and chairs, and an area with several televisions. The Court area is decorated with long black and brown silken drapes cascading from floor to ceiling. Draped in elegant bunches and gathered into valances across door frames and between supporting pillars; the lighting is intentionally low, but without the pulse of the music from above, the place has the feel of a sepulchre.

The common area circles the Court proper, and it becomes apparent that this is not decorated for a single evening. Small symbols note areas for Kindred only that branch off of the Commons, which will be necessary once those Kine privileged enough to see behind the Masquerade filter in: ghouls, herd members, or even devotees. The furniture setting is familiar now: a set of elegant chairs, all dark wood and red leather, arranged in a circle. The baroque lighting leaves the corners of the Elysium commons in deep shadow.

Another evening; another Danse. For some it will their first, for some it shall be their last. After all, this is the Prince's Elysium, and subject to the Laws of the Domain.

Eternal Court is open once more...

Please remember that Predator's Taint is in effect and role-play is expected, or rolls will be asked for!

This is a great place to get Acknowledged

Eternal Court is not a singular event. Always open and in constant motion, a compression of the comings and goings of Kindred within Elysium throughout the nights. As such, Eternal Court is also never truly empty; this can include 'faceless masses' of Kindred beneath notice, ghouls, herd members, devotees, or even officials in their offices.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

The Seneschal enters Court with confident strides. Her ghoul, Liam, walks two steps behind her. The Kindred who encounter her tonight would note that she was no longer obfuscating her Beast, it swept out to meet others. The Nosferatu was dressed in a more revealing green dress filled with embroidery. The Seneschal made a stop at the coat check to check her long, thin item in a linen sheath and to remove a thick green wrap that hid her neck and shoulder while she was outside among the Kine. As she handed over the pin case and stepped into Elysium, she entered as she was. Her neck and part of one shoulder had flesh bitten out of it, as though from a misshapen maw.

"The first Kindred of note." Jennifer states. “This is not even the first time that this has happened. Are Kindred busy fulfilling their obligations, which is desired.
Or are they simply not caring to make an appearance? The socializing with one another provides the Man practice. Which keeps Kindred on a well-balanced keel."
Liam wisely knew to stay silent. “Let us continue research.” Jennifer decides. The Nosferatu took a seat at the table alone and brought out a handwritten journal. She concentrated as the night ages.

[Kylar Stern]

Kylar walked into the Nox Populi taking off his hood as he walked in. Being led to the private area, he noticed that only the Seneschal and her ghoul were present. Either way he made his way in and up to the Seneschal offering the proper bow before saying, "Good evening Seneschal."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Carthians are ultimately undecided regarding the creation and function of ghouls. The regnant - thrall bond is a controversial issue in regards to the Movement. The debate has been raging across time... The pen moved across the paper as Jennifer made her observations into the leatherbound notebook. In point of fact, some Carthians rebuke the inclusion of Ghouls in the Movement The pen paused as Jennifer looked up. Her Beast snarled at the approach of an unfamiliar Beast.

Jennifer gave Azoth a nod appropriate to one of the Mekhet's standing. Jennifer was very careful to give the appropriate respect to every Kindred. Giving respect in order to earn respect was a tenant of the Invictus Covenant that Jennifer strongly agreed with. The Mekhet had been present for a few of the gatherings now and Jennifer could no longer mentally categorize Mr. Azoth as a newcomer to the Domain. Jennifer set the fine, expensively constructed pen onto the table and closed the leatherbound book. This was a way of showing appropriate respect, he was not a member of the faceless mass whose desire for private conversation would be disregarded.

"Good evening." Jennifer greeted the Mekhet. "I imagine it might be unusual to be the lone Mekhet Clan member of note in the Domain."
The Cursed voice observed. It was a floating topic, as she was curious how Azoth responded to casual conversation. Her initial conversation with this member of the Domain had raised a few questions. Perhaps tonight there would be time to gain some answers.

"I recall that you had offered your assistance on matters at the end of the last gathering. Is there anyone who has taken you up on your offer?"

[Kylar Stern]

Kylar was taken aback a bit by the casual question. "Honestly, Seneschal, between moving here and getting settled into the city, I haven’t had the chance to reflect on how strange it is to be the only member of my clan. Now that you mention it, though, how long has it been since a Mekhet Clan member last made their presence known in the city?" The Seneschal had him now wondering.

Kylar contemplated the question about offering assistance, "Yes, I am still willing to offer my assistance here. Is there anything that you have in mind?"

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"The previous Mekhet Priscus was Albert Baker.
He became Priscus by being the only Mekhet of note in the Domain. He tended to enter a room and then watch silently, without participation. It is difficult to pin down when he stopped being present entirely." Jennifer states.

It would be easier to ask someone who paid more attention to the former Priscus. Jennifer had written him off from being a help to the Domain.

"There is always some mystery in the Domain.

I had expected Priscus Schneider to say something after your offer.
Perhaps he is preparing to approach you in the proper way. The Ventrue Priscus and the Daeva Priscus have been lead in investigators in the Domain.

I know that one investigation had been brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Yet I know that there's a difficult investigation ongoing."

[Otto Schneider]

Otto wondered, not for the first time, if the cadaverous vessels of Kindred were capable of showing signs of fatigue and stress, would he have deep bags under his eyes? What an indulgent thought. He mentally chided himself as he strolled through the depth of the Nox Populi, shedding his outer coat and even leaving his wristwatch with the staff attending the coat check. Dressed in his undershirt, dress pants and shoes, and suspenders, he realized that none would see his usual breast-pocket pin. If anyone doesn't know I'm the only clergyman in the Domain by now, they've been in Torpor too long.

As he strode into Court, expecting the usual gamut of emotions to flood him as his Beast clambered to find its natural place in the hierarchy of Kindred, something felt... off. Ah. It didn't take too long to realize the difference once he started to think on it. The supernatural id that shared his soul was growing dangerously more confident, provoking far fewer fear responses than he had grown accustomed to. His Vitae had thickened again.

Savoring a handful of more hurried bows from lesser Kindred, the Priest made his way towards the two more noteworthy Vampires in the room. "Good evening, Seneschal Hazelton." He gave the appropriate bow, battling mentally to remind his Beast that she was still his social superior before turning to Azoth and providing a nod of Acknowledgment. "And good evening to you, sir." Again, he reigned in the pounding roar in his ears.

He idly rolled his left wrist, pretending to get out a kink that wasn't truly there. "Mr. Azoth, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner." He bowed his head a few inches deeper in contrition. "You graciously extended your services, yet I allowed other matters to distract me. If you are willing, I'd still be grateful for the assistance." He paused a moment, glancing at Jennifer briefly and casting a look about for her Ghoul before turning back. "Have you heard much about the recent neighborhood watches?"

[Kylar Stern]

Kylar listens as Seneschal Jennifer describes his predecessor. "Ah he seems to have similarities to my sire. If you asked him, he would say that I unfortunately never learned that trait. I actual despise that trait within my clan. As I have said, just because we thrive in the shadows it doesn't mean we have to remain there. And if I may be a bit casual, my pre-embrace family had an old saying, all things that hide in the shadows are eventually brought to light."

Kylar agreed, "That is true that there is always mystery, and there are many things that people would prefer remain so. And I am of the notion that if the mystery does not hurt anyone then the mystery can remain."

Kylar had to mentally calm his beast as the Priscus Schneider came in. Meeting his bow with a bow of proper respect of his own, "Good evening to you Priscus. Azoth is fine, you can drop the Mr. if it suits you." Kylar then continued, "I have time now if you want to fill me in on the details. And to answer your final question, no I have not been made aware of a neighborhood watch."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer kept her face impassive. Her eyes rested on Priscus Schneider for a long moment before the Nosferatu chose to speak. There was a very impactful change. Jennifer personally spent time focusing on matters of the Blood. Strength of the Blood and how Blood Gifts were exercised were of an interest to Jennifer. Her own challenge had been attained a few months ago, although only one would be aware of such a thing.
“Priscus Schneider.”

The Curse asserted itself as Jennifer’s voice sounds like a serpent slithering over dying autumn leaves. Jennifer greets with a respectful, deeper nod for one of his position. A Priscus was worthy of respect and the Ventrue had been proving himself.
Jennifer’s head turned slightly, her eyes finding where Liam stood by the wall. The Ghoul was responsive and at the prearranged signal, the Ghoul stepped closer to the group of three. The Ghoul wore a custom-tailored suit in dark grey, with a light blue dress shirt. Anyone with an eye for it would note that Liam’s suit had reinforced tailored panels.
Dark brown eyes look at Azoth. She heard and digested what he said, yet she listened. She surveyed the Mekhet for a moment and her gaze swung towards the Priscus. Jennifer’s expression was thoughtful.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto glanced at Jennifer again, noting her comparatively passive stance towards the conversation all of a sudden. Her Clan's Curse made it difficult to parse whether she was being terse to prove a point or simply didn't want to involve herself further. Actually, he wasn't even sure if either of those were accurate conclusions either. For all he knew, the short hiss could have been one of joy, though he doubted it. Thank God there aren't any who worship the Tollison Creed around here... they'd be far too enamored with the Seneschal's means of speaking.

"Azoth, then." He said, fixing his attention on the Shadow. "To be blunt, I won't share the sensitive details in open Court, but I can at least make sure you know the general situation. Recently there have been organized efforts by mortals to patrol the streets at night. They claimed it was in response to rumors about kidnapping and human trafficking, but after watching a bit closer, that's not the full truth. There is good reason to think they're hunting Kindred. I may have an 'in' with some of the organizers, but I'd appreciate any support I can get." The Reverend reached into his pocket and retrieved his phone. "If you are still interested, give me a reliable phone number and I will contact you more privately with more."