Vampire Hunters' Ball

Category:Mystery
Vampire Hunters' Ball is the tenth Mystery in the Saint Mary Vincent Campaign. 
== Set-Up ==
After meeting Marvin Carver and agreeing to assist him in rescuing his beloved Van Zandt Sisters in exchange for help in solving the riddle of the Blue Boy, the hunters call on their allies at Peles Castle to assist in infiltrating the Hunt Ball being thrown by the Brotherhood of Vampire Hunters in Andorra. Jarsten's recent find of a list of ''deceased" creatures being held in protective custody by P.I.E. has confirmed to them that they are on the right track, and that Marvin's suggestion that the Auctioneer is involved seems to be spot on.
Over the course of the next few days, the allies assemble all of the necessary equipment and vehicles and arrange for numerous safehouses that will be easily accessilbe from the location of the mission.
The Hunters and Jarsten are met by Nana Hazard, Hector Paxton and Marmaduke DeMontparnasse at the Hotel Cegado where the hunters outline their plan for the mission and Archambeau Squad undertakes all the necessary arrangements. Nana is proud and excited to see the team she assembled execute their first big undertaking, but she finds working with the known trafficker Marvin Carver extremely distasteful. 
The hunters have decided to divide themselves into unaffiliated groups for the mission, with the majority taking on aliases and false identities, save Hector and Nana ,who might be more easily identifiable, but also have a convincing reason to be there. Additionally, Delia Lovejoy has taken this opportunity to use some of the Youth Potion on herself, making her physical body only 21-years old. 
=== Groups ===
==== The Recovering Siblings ====
A wealthy pair of siblings and their Sobriety Coach
* Penelope Birkenfelder 
* William Bradley Birkenfelder
* Tonya Shandling
==== The Euro-Thruple ====
Looking to spend money and have a good time
* Regina Sessions
* The Duke of McCormack
* Vincent Tuttlebaum
==== The Sibling ====
Looking to join the group that was "so important" to his late brother, with added werewolf value.
* Hector Paxton
* Nana Hazard
== CONCEPT ==
A series of converging interests lead the hunters to infiltrate the Brotherhood of Vampire Hunters’ ‘Hunt Ball’ at their lodge in Turo de l’Aldosa, Andorra.
Will they be able to find and free the notorious Dagwood Dolls, the VanZant “Sisters”?
Will they get to the bottom of the missing monsters and Allison Hopewell’s falsified death reports?
Will they learn how Hugo became involved with this group and what he hoped to accomplish?
Will their carefully chosen allies be a benefit or a liability in their first high-stakes infiltration mission?
== HOOK ==
The Kitsune illegally acquired from Allison Hopewell is to be used as the “fox” in the Brotherhood of Vampire Hunters’ pre-ball hunt. Unfortunately, when The Alchemist was let in to The Auctioneer’s back rooms, she was able to possess him. He is now alive, but she is using her illusions to appear as him, and is being physically projected to be the Kitsune herself. The Alchemist will be sent on the foxhunt in her place while she herself roams around the ball, hopping from person to person.
The Kitsune, who has been in a cage up until now, is startled when she sees the two Foundling Werewolf Cubs and drops her Hoshi-no-tama. In her frenzy to get away from them, she loses it. They take it as a toy.
== COUNTDOWN ==
Day          	The Kitsune introduces herself (in her human form) as Ivy Kon and joins the hunt, going off in her own direction and not following the “hunting dogs”
Shadows 	The Kitsune possesses an attendee and, as them, makes a request of another attendee to attempt to get rid of the wolf cubs (method depends on possessee and attendee)
Sunset 	The Kitsune as Ivy Kon attempts to possess one of the old veterans and he sees through her disguise, attacking her to defend himself; if others are present, she will appear to be the victim.
Dusk 	The Kitsune possesses one of the hunters, or someone in their party, and uses them to kill the old veteran.
Nightfall 	The Kitsune possesses a venerable member of the BVH and uses them to expose the hunters, as well as blaming them for the murder of the old veteran, ordering that they be attacked.
Midnight 	The Kitsune frees the vampires kept in the dungeon, just to cause havoc.
== THREATS ==
=== MONSTERS ===
* Yako Kitsune: Velocity
* Generic Werewolf: Oklahoma, Josephina, Tom, Dick, Harry
* Baby Llops de Plata
=== MINIONS ===
* Kitsune-Tsuki
=== BYSTANDERS ===
* Marvin Carver
* Jarsten Kimblew
JARSTEN KIMBLEW- 23(18), EMPATH 
Type: Witness
Motivation: to reveal information
Description: His first actual mission with Hazard Squad. Still high on the knowledge that Millicent sees him as a competent part of the team (and that she’s warming up to him). He will try to stay out of the actual fray, but his skills could be very useful when meeting the members of the BVH.
HECTOR PAXTON- 26, THE MUSCLE
Type: Helper
Motivation: to join the hunt
Description: He might officially be a P.I., but Hector is still a civilian when it comes to creatures of the night. He’ll do his best to stick to the parts of the job concerning human foes, but if that doesn’t work out, he can still throw the average monster across the room if necessary. Will do his best not to be a liability. What would Hugo think if he could see him now?
NANA HAZARD- 25, THE CAPTAIN 
Type: Helper
Motivation: to join the hunt
Description: After the attack that nearly killed her and the losses she’s mourning, Nana should be physically and emotionally devastated, but somehow her ever-present placid smile is giving way to genuine enthusiasm.  She can’t think of anything she’d rather do than execute a super risky, complicated operation with a high chance of obstacles, on the fly, with not only Hector but the amazing team of hunters she helped assemble (but has never actually worked with). Every day is an adventure. 
MARMADUKE DE MONTPARNASSE-??, TSUNDERE TIME TRAVELER 
Type: Victim
Motivation: to put themselves in danger
Description: Maybe he’s been brought on this mission because he knows how hunts and balls work. Or maybe it’s because he’s a magical battery and it’s always good to have some high value goods to tempt your enemies with. Whatever the reason, if he doesn’t soon drop his haughty attitude and become helpful, things aren’t going to go super well for him. 
MATILDA “MILLIE” VANZANDT- 110(18), GRIFTER WITH A HEART OF GOLD 
Type: Victim
Motivation: to put themselves in danger
Description: Believes everything will be okay, even if The Alchemist gets to them. Not going down without a fight. 
MARGARET “MAMIE” VAN ZANDT- 114(22), CONSUMMATE SHOWGIRL
Type: Victim
Motivation: to put themselves in danger
Description: Is ready to go peacefully with The Alchemist, only to serve him a platter of epic betrayal when he least expects it. 
LATIN QUAKERMAIN- 64, BIG GAME HUNTER 
Type: Official
Motivation: to be suspicious
Description: Hasn’t seen this many people want to join the Brotherhood since the summer of 1975, and it smells fishy. Not that he plans on doing anything about it. 
STAN CANNERY- 67, GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER 
Type: Gossip
Motivation: to pass on rumors
Description: Likes anyone who’s willing to listen to him reminisce about his glory days. Talks to all women like they’re children. He’s not speciest though, he once had a summer fling with a Medusa, after all.
DR. SOLOMON VON GELLERT- 58, POLYMATH
Type: Detective
Motivation: to rule out explanations
Description: Highly educated and helpful. Doesn’t really care why the hunters are there. Not a fan of The Auctioneer. Wants to keep everyone alive and safe. Not informed about the Paris Plan.
FULSOME GANDER- 43, BANKROLL ROOKIE, LIGHT EATER
Type: Skeptic
Motivation: to deny supernatural activity
Description: Cattle farmer turned vampire hunter. Believes all non-humans are livestock. 
PALMIRA BURNETTE- 45, ACTION LADY 
Type: Helper
Motivation: to join the hunt
Description: Doesn’t actually hate vampires, but is more than willing to take them out when they’re dangerous. Not emotionally motivated. Creature collector, though she seems particularly kind to her wards. “Keeper” of Josephina. Not informed about the Paris Plan. Melhilm Herzog’s plant. 
TORQUE QUAIG- 27, WORKIN’ OUT AND PUNCHIN’ NOSFERATUS , HEAVY EATER
Type: Victim
Motivation: to put themselves in danger
Description: Typical gym rat. Always eager for a brawl. Constantly trying to put together a party of hunters. Excited to have some more young people join the BVH, as the last young guy that joined was “hella skilled, too bad he got got”. Doesn’t like to see people treating non-vampires poorly. “Bro” of Oklahoma 
MELHILM HERZOG- 487(46), UNEXPECTED PATRON 
Type: Busybody
Motivation: to interfere with other people’s plans
Description: Not present, but sending in a non-vampire associate to make all the big bids. He generally just takes them to Sassnitz after that. If he has to bid on Nana, he will expect immediate reimbursement. 
THE ALCHEMIST- 110(62), WANTS HIS STUFF BACK
Type: Busybody
Motivation: to interfere in other peoples’ plans
Description: Determined to re-collect all the “creations” that were taken from him, though he doesn’t actually have a plan for them. Has been unable to recreate his initial success with the Elixir of Immortality and blames them. May not recognize Marvin, as they haven’t had much face-to-face interaction. Is also looking to take a hit out on Jerry Lansing-Smith, and is looking for any takers. 
THE AUCTIONEER- 35, ABOVE ALL ELSE, A BUSINESSMAN 
Type: Victim
Motivation: to put themselves in danger
Description: amoral capitalist. Will acquire anything that is requested for the right price. The “Donation of Goods” is a far better payment than cash, and is required for certain high price “Items”. It will require two high-value items to “get past the blue boy” and he will only allow them to do so when the time is right. 
SOPHIE CANNERY-15, JUST LIKE GRANDDAD 
Type: Skeptic
Motivation: to deny supernatural activity
Description: This is not how she wanted to spend her summer vacation. Falls in love with every man under 30 she meets. Fantasizes about hunting vampires, or falling in love with one, either would be fine. Does not believe in the supernatural. 
NOREEN QUAKEAKE- 29, CHARMING GUEST , EATER
Type: Gossip
Motivation: to pass on rumors
Description: A charming and flirtatious beauty who appears kind to everyone. Participated with Hugo in him in the Martinescu Raid. Generally friendly and helpful, though she may not know all the secrets of the BVH. Happily tells the group that she is a werewolf Breeder. Will pass on her card, in case the hunters want to get their wolves “serviced”, and offer a generous split. “Owner” of Tom, Dick and Harry 
WEREWOLVES: JOSEPHINA, OKLAHOMA, TOM, DICK & HARRY
Type: helper/busybody
Motivation: to join the hunt/to interfere with other people’s plans
Description: Different types of werewolves with disparate motivations and varied relationships to the humans they are travelling with. (pet, bro, breeding stock…). The werewolves will form a quick but tenuous bond after participating in the hunt together. How they treat the hunters will be determined, to some extent, to the way the hunters relate to their human companion. Use Monster: Generic Werewolf 
PUPPIES-2-years-old
Type: Victim
Motivation: to put themselves in danger
Description: Two Silver werewolf pups up for auction. They took the Kitsune’s Star Ball when they unintentionally frightened her and she dropped it while running away. They are too young to be of much help, and they won’t reveal that they have the ball unless they trust the hunters, and will keep it absolutely hidden if they don’t think they have a chance of being rescued. If the hunters try to leave without rescuing them, there will be pushback from Jarsten, Nana, or both. 
“By the age of 2, your toddler is talking, walking, climbing, jumping, running and bustling with energy. Your child now has a growing vocabulary and acquires new words on a regular basis. She/he can sort shapes and colors and may even show an interest in potty training.” Use Monster: Baby Generic Werewolf 
IVY KON-800 (25), KITSUNE 
Type: Busybody
Motivation: to interfere in other people’s plans
Description: Ivy is the Kitsune’s initial presentation to the party, and she will revert to this form when she is not possessing a victim. She strongly dislikes the werewolves, but manages not to run from them if they are in human form. She will not remain in the presence of any wolfy wolf, though, and if startled by one will revert to fox form and run away. 
== LOCATIONS ==
GREAT TANGLEY MANOR HUNTING LODGE, L’ALDOSA, ANDORRA
Type: Crossroads
Motivation: to bring people, and things, together
Description: A very English style hunting lodge in the middle of the Pyrenees. A museum and shrine to the Brothers who have gone before, and a place of education and training for those to come. If there were any. To be honest, there aren’t a whole lot of young adventurers clambering to be vampire hunters these days. In fact, that’s why those that are left are stuck with the shady dealings of The Auctioneer.
Surrounded by a stagnant moat that can be turned into running water by releasing the dam of the small nearby pond (hand turned wheel)
All in all, the lodge is a safe space, although there is vampire slaying paraphernalia all around, so it’s best to be careful.
Entry will require a search for weapons conducted by an Eater who can sniff out vampires (won’t work on Taffy). 
HUNTING GROUNDS
Type: Wilds
Motivation: to contain hidden things
Description: Lovely bucolic countryside with just a trace of the psychic damage left from hunting things that very much know they’re being hunted purely for sport and carnage. There are no nature spirits here, though there are plenty of ghosts. 
VAMPIRE DUNGEON
Type: Prison
Motivation: to constrain and prevent exit
Description: A long, narrow tunnel dug under the forest shelter on the lodge property. A tunnel leads there from within the lodge. The door, hidden behind the Blue Boy painting (the real one, stolen from a vampire with an excellent collection). Requires two keys to open: one belonging to only senior members of the BVH, and the other belonging to The Auctioneer.
Every corner is covered in wards against vampires, garlic, crucifixes, silver, UV lamps, magical barriers, etc. Any vampire entering the Dungeon takes an automatic -1 to strength while inside, and an additional -1 every additional hour they are there. The vampires inside currently are at -2 strength, starving, weary, unable to fight, and all slightly mad from captivity.
The dungeon contains a mixture of benign and dangerous vampires, and it’s extremely hard to tell who’s who when all of their energy is depleted. It would be irresponsible to release them all, but it would also be unjust to imprison the entire group. The hunters will have to decide what they think is best.
If the vampires are able to free themselves, they will begin attacking the human residents of the lodge, and an epic battle will ensue, with significant losses on both sides. 
== OTHER ==
==== STRATEGY MEETING ====
* Vehicles
* Safe houses
* Are we all going in together, or as separate individuals/groups?
*            Do we know each other?
* Are we all officially going in?
* What’s our story/stories?
*            Made up?
* Truth?
* Healthy Blend?
*            Almost Truth?
* What’s the plan for the actual hunt?
*            Participate Normally?
*            Pick and Choose?
*            Track certain individuals?
*            Covert operations during hunt?
* What’s the plan for the ball?
*            Participate Normally?
*            Pick and Choose?
*            Track certain individuals?
*            Covert operations during ball?
* What’s the plan for the auction?
*            Trade in Raudskinna?
*            Bid of VanZandt Sisters, or negotiate for them?
*            What if the book isn’t enough to get past the Blue Boy?
*            How will we arm ourselves if we/our luggage is searched?
* If it all goes tits up, what’s the plan?
* If we get separated, what’s the plan?
CARS
1990 Ford F250 Extended Cab
Good: Rugged Bad: Exhaust Problems
1986 Chevrolet G20 Beachcomber
Good: Spacious Bad: Slow
2010 Jeep Wrangler
Good: Off-Road Capabilities Bad: Rough Ride
2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class
Good: Extremely Fast Bad: Coupe
SUPPLIES
* 3 full riot gear
* 2 sniper rifles
* 2 hunting rifles
* 3 revolvers
* 3 9mm handguns
* 2 clothes changes
* 2 suitcases with false identities
* 6 woolen blankets
* 4 first aid kits
* 2 swords
* 1 bow and arrows
* 4 bowie knives
* 1 cooler of fresh food
* 1 stash of MREs (10 people, 10 days)
* 1 emergency camping kit, minimum necessities
* 1 bottle of whisky
* 1 bottle of St. Germain
* 1 bottle of gin
* 6 pack of Schlitts
==== Silver Wolves (Hereditary) ====
Known As: llop de plata, loup-garou d'argent
Location Origin: Pyrenees Mountain Range
Lycanthropy Source & Onset: Born as wolf, transformation is to human form. Natural genetics; first full transformation approximately coincides with walking state 11-13 months-old)
Progenitor: unknown
Reputation: civilized, reserved, dignified, ravenous, calm, communal and loyal
Hereditary: Dominant, exclusive
Transformation: Involuntary (Lunar)/Learned Voluntary; human
Known Examples: The Silver Wolves serve the Shreemieice vampire clan.
Unique Strengths & Weaknesses: can think and communicate in wolf form; low magic resistance in general, bad sense of direction 
=== Death List ===
* H471962 Blemmyes- complications of chirrhosis of liver (preexisting)
* D782971 Basilisk- old age
* S829689 Scylla-environmental factors
* M639003 Kitsune- old age
* M776986 Minotaur-succumbed to injuries suffered prior to capture
* A729967 Harpy-eaten by chupacabra
* I573909 Jorogumo-death by misadventure
* H739001 Troll-complications of pneumonia
* S777939 Hydra-succumbed to injuries during escape attempt
* S903457 Mermaid-complications of childbirth
* M778778 Goblin-death by misadventure
* M883929 Chupacabra-asphyxiation (choked on harpy)
* F778978 Changeling-suicide
* H471963 Selkie- complications of chirrhosis of liver (preexisting)
* D782972 Wendigo- old age
* S829690 Werecoyote-environmental factors
* M639004 Alaraune- old age
* M776987 Centaur-succumbed to injuries suffered prior to capture
* A729968 Christmas Donkey-eaten by chupacabra
* I573910 Thunderbird-death by misadventure
* H739002 Aka Manto-complications of pneumonia
* S777940 Robochimp-succumbed to injuries during escape attempt
* S903458 Void Creature-complications of childbirth
* M778779 Demon Possessed Squirrel-death by misadventure
* M883930 Jakalope-asphyxiation (choked on harpy)
* F778979 Naga-suicide
Category:Mysteries