(9-22-23) Alea Iacta Est

## **Details**:

**Time:** 9-22-2023 8:00 PM - 4:38 AM. Session time: 8 hours and 38 minutes, Play time: X hours and XX minutes.

**Players:** Collin, Austin, Caden, Mairin, Nick, Haden (Storyteller)

**Spectators**:

**Location:** Haden's Kitchen

## **The Session Begins**

8:00 PM: We begin the final level up for our characters until Season 2. Additionally, everyone's Loresheet has reached Level 3.

8:35 PM: The theme song is played and sandwiches are deployed.

8:45 PM: The monologue begins.

8:52 PM: David mourns his love and life.

8:53 PM: Moorhouse wants to meet for one final time.

8:54 PM; Alphonse has been healing the last couple of days. Over the past night he's healed 2 points of aggravated health loss. Giovanni has increasingly felt closer and closer to his cursed sword. He has begun to consider himself as the same as the sword. Alexander and Diavolo have been working on figuring out their assailants. It seems that when Alexander and Diavolo meet they are tracked by Malkavians. Diavolo isn't actively being hunted by the city but he does have to hide from the Camarilla government.

9:00 PM: Gasper has been working on the Book of Nod and who they can sell it to. Alphonse has a new room at the Omni hotel with a line of credit. He feels morally and spiritually decayed. He has never felt a low this low. His Hecata influence drowns out his once vibrant Toreador existence. Alphonse will feed to try and lose 2 hunger.

## Alphonse: Dining in at the Omni

9:07 PM: Alphonse will attempt to seduce someone on the bar-lounge on one of the higher floors. It is full of well-known and successful people. He attempts to seduce and old rich lady. Manipulation+Persuasion = 4/10 with 2 blood die successes. He frenzies. He rolls to resist 7/5 and he holds down his frenzy for 1 turn. He rolls DEX+ATHL to get her to the stairs = 4/4 and he avoids bowling over a waiter loaded up with 18 martins glasses.

9:15 PM: The stair case is empty and he is alone with the old woman. She is starting to get suspicious and is attempting to get away. Composure+Resolve: 2/5. He don't even care about his comrades, and he doesn't give a fuck about an old lady. He blacks out for 5 seconds and nearly kills the old lady. Restoring three hunger. She is comatose and barely alive. They are both covered in blood. Alphonse doesn't know if the old lady screamed during his brutal feed.

9:18 PM: The bar-lounge is the floor under Alphonse, who is going to roll 3/5 to tell that someone is out of his range, and while there is people nearby one guy has left. He is on his floor Alphonse sets his victim down on the stairs to look down the hallway: 2/5. It's hard to say if there's anyone up there. Probably should stealth: 4/5. Alphonse manages to pickup that someone is approaching him, and he manages to tilt the body away from the person so that when they pass it just looks like he and the old lady are making out.

9:26 PM: Alphonse puts on more utilitarian formal wear. He dons his trench coat and fedora. He looks upon the comatose body of the old woman.

## Gasper and Giovanni: Siren's Bar, The Bet

9:32 PM: G and G have moved their shit out of the bat cave and into the Suburban house. They know it's been made by the Duces but it's not known to most kindred. Gasper asks Carl is they can negotiate with the Brujah for the Circus to join the Anarchs. Carl tells him that he has a history with the Primogen, and it's not great but not terrible. Carl is doubtful that the Gangrel Primogen Cecil Collins will change sides. Carl tells them that Cecil secretly has a profound power of Protean. He has a signature form. He also speaks of the were-bears in the park. Carl tells them them that Cecil has a were-bear form as well.

9:36 PM: Gasper decides that he wants to try and bring over the Brujah and the Gurahl. Carl also speaks on the importance of finding a way to kill the Paragon -- an abomination with extreme power. Carl mentions that Cecil may be the best primogen to convert to their side. The Brujah would still take the book but their leader is conflict-phobic.

9:41 PM: They leave The Siren's Bar. Hunger check time. Giovanni rolls: 3/4 and Gasper 1/1. Giovanni gains 3 hunger and he feels powerful through the hunger. He feels strong, powerful, independent, scary. He become megalomaniac and thinks about how much better than he is than Gasper. They discuss a bet on who can kill the most random people in the shortest amount of time.

9:45 PM: Giovanni stealth roll: 3/5. Gasper goes to the nearest alley: 2/4. Giovanni rolls melee with his sword: 4/8. He does eight damage to this random woman who was walking home from work. She is sliced into six equal slices at a level of Celerity. She is now in 10 equal chunks. He has killed one victim in 2 minutes.

9:50 PM: Gasper spends a minute searching for victims and only finds a cat. Second minute he finds a homeless guy warming his hands over a burning trash can. He decides to soaring leap over to the man and land on him: 3/5. He grabs onto the guy back. The man screams, and bumps into the burning trash can -- knocking it over. Gasper drains him as quick as possible and drains the man in a minute and a half. He has a minute left.

9:53 PM: Gasper an Giovanni roll for victims and Gasper finds an additional victim. Gasper will win the bet. They debate the legitimacy of the bet, both claiming it was unfair. Giovanni is down to one hunger and Gasper is down to zero. Gasper says that Giovanni owes him one. Giovanni reluctantly agrees as his sire texts him saying he needs to talk.

9:55 PM: G and G discuss the plan for meeting the Gangrels and Thomas Osborne. Giovanni's Sire asks if they'll meet at the Suburban house or Thomas' cabin. Giovanni tells him that Gasper and him will meet Thomas at the end of the forest. It's on the down low. They realize they only have a dirt bike and a van. They decide to call an Uber to the Lost Pines.

## Diavolo: Snakes in the Nest

10:02 PM: Diavolo reaches out to the Duke and tells him that he believes that the Sad Saint is potentially undermining the O.V.N. and has killed on of the most important members of the organization. The Duke voices concerns that the other Sabbat could also be the perpetrators of the act. The Duke prods the mind of the Diavolo to see what he knows. The Duke asks for the Sad Saint to be brought to him. The Dukes asks Diavolo to pick up Lumbach on the way.

10:08 PM: The Duke communicates the area that Lumbach. The Duke asks for Alexander to be brought to him separately from the other event. The Duke also speaks of a Banu Haqim named Amari that is affiliated with the Crying Cult.

10:11 PM: Diavolo can feels that David is alive, and blocking Diavolo's presence. Diavolo tells Alexander that they have to go to the Dukes. He'll pick up Lambach on the way over.

## The Forgotten City Radio

10:14 PM: Gasper and Giovanni call Alphonse and tell him to meet at the Sirens Bar in the south side. Alphonse begins driving to them: 4/4 and he drives flawlessly. Cruises up nice and smooth and picks up GG. Diavolo and Amari are in the OVN car. The radio begins to play.

10:16 PM: The Prince tells the city that he is no longer the Prince, but the hunter of all those who wronged him. "By Ancient Laws, you have choosen the role of the hunter. And against my will, I will be your hunter".

## Alphonse, Gasper, Giovanni: Friends to the End?

10:21 PM: Alphonse asks what the Anarchs will do. Gasper tells him they will fight, and they will not go down easy. Alphonse says that there is no true freedom. He is a slave to the beast inside him. Alphonse tells them that it's in everyone's best interest to seek out the most allies they can reasonably trust an rely upon. Whether or not the various reactions are aligned, they are all aligned by the Vauldry.

10:23 PM: Alphonse asks about retrieving the drugs. They realize they have to get the money or get the clans -- they can't do both. Alphonse warns them that if they don't get the money the Hecata will send in new leaders who may be hostile. Alphonse wonders who they could make money from. Gasper tells Alphonse that they have something that might help with the problem, but he needs proof that the Hecata are useful.

10:26 PM: Alphonse says that if he doesn't get SOMETHING to give them he is doomed, and the Hecata will be a problem for everyone. Alphonse says that he will help with the clan recruitment, and the Anarchs will gain the Hecata. Gasper says that they will go to the meeting with Thomas and if it goes well then maybe the Anarchs will see about a trade. If it doesn't go well then Gasper is gone. Gasper thinks Alphonse can't afford the book. Giovanni says that he thinks Alphonse can help. Mommy and Daddy argue and Giovanni is starting to feel more like the sidekick.

10:29 PM: Alphonse says "What does loyalty entail?". Gasper says that they must choose the side of freedom, and away from the Camarilla. Gasper tells Giovanni that he doesn't think its a bad deal but they should talk to Thomas Osborne first. They agree to speak again on it after meeting Thomas.

10:32 PM: Giovanni feels the burden of his past. with an 1/1 he gains even more hunger.

## David wonders why

10:36 PM: At 1:00 AM David approaches the edge of the Lost Pines park after four hour of walking and drinking. He walks into the woods and finds a large rock he sits upon. He takes out a bag full of an apple, cheese, and some bread. He eats and then looks at the photo of the past, of his family. He lays back on the stone and gazes at the stars. We don't see anything happen, but David begins to cry while looking into the void. The photograph of his family is covered by a gun he has placed over his bag.

10:38 PM: He looks back down to see the photo and finds it missing. Something stole the photo. He raises up suddenly to find a dog with the photo in his mouth. David points his gun at the dog and shakily threatens the dog for the photo. David stands up and begins to run after the dog. In a weak voice he cries out to he dog that he needs the photo. He runs into the woods after the dog.

## Diavolo: Alexander, Lumbach, and then the Duke

10:41 PM: Diavolo asks Alexander to meet him at the Dukes. Diavolo with a blood surge he rolls a 3/6 and does not completely destroy the car. Previously rolled a 1/4.

10:51 PM: The group meets the Keeper in the sewers and he is unhappy with Diavolo because he has still stayed as a door keeper. The group continues into the flesh cathedral. We find Alexander talking to the Duke. Diavolo announces his presence and finds them speaking of the recent attacks. The Duke likes to be in his new form, and has added new bookshelves away from the pond in the middle.

10:54 PM: Diavolo rolls 2/5 and Amari rolls 2/7. They see these olds tomes and know they are ancient and powerful.

10:56 PM: Alexander speaks on the Banu Haqim, and that Alexander may attack the current Banu Haqim Primogen. Alexander has found the location of one of the Malkavian attackers and that Kassandra Kahn thinks she is going to meet the assassin. They speak on the possibility to replace Kahn, and to replace Alexander covertly. The Duke stresses that he NEEDS to meet Lambach and The Saint tonight. The chaos of the night needs both as soon as possible.

11:01 PM: The group parts and Alexander speaks to Diavolo about the Keeper and the Banu Haqim with them. They joke about the situation and laugh at the absurdity of the cathedral and the life they live.

## Alphonse, Gasper, Giovanni: Lost Pines State Park

11:11 PM: Giovanni messages Thomas that they're bringing one more. Alphonse drives 3/4. Bumpy ride but no damage. They begin stealth roles to reach the Cabin: Alphonse: 2/5, Giovanni: 5/5, Gasper: 3/3. Now for WITS+AWR: Alphonse: 2/5, Giovanni: 2/4, Gasper 3/4.

11:15 PM: Alphonse and Gasper are spotted, and Giovanni is still hidden. Everyone thinks there's wolves and shit out here because they feel yellow eyes on their back.

11:17 PM: They make it to the cabin. Giovanni makes it to the cabin unseen. Giovanni drops the stealth and knocks on the door. WITS+AWR: 2/4. Damn bruh they really got animals in the woods. Wild. Thomas awkwardly opens the many chains on his door. Despite the 6 locks, the door is only an inch thick. Thomas Osborn asks Giovanni if he wants a snack down at the basement.

11:20 PM: They eat at the Basement. There are 10-15 crying, sobbing, or moaning victims lying in the human feces, gore, and blood in the dim darkness of the basement. Deformed mutilated humans are piled atop each other in one pile.

11:22 PM: Thomas drops a rope into the basement and figures grab the rope. One of the emaciated figures falls down and breaks its skin and bones. Three bodies grab the rope and he kicks two of them off the rope and they back into the pit. He takes his victim and drains them entirely before throwing them back into the pit.

11:26 PM: Giovanni will feed and the fights down a few of the humans. Giovanni pulls up one of the bottom creatures. He gets 2 hunger back while killing the poor human. They go back to Thomas' cabin. He tells them that Cecil and Ramone are out hunting and protecting the park. Thomas asks how the Anarchs plan to handle the clan. Giovanni tells him that the plan is to talk about how to get rid of Cecil. Thomas tells them that Cecil sent him to the Anarchs, but now is certainly anti-Anarch.

11:30 PM: Thomas warns that Cecil has honor and a legacy. It feels wrong to risk their lives for the death of a good kindred. Giovanni says that they might have a deal, something to sway him with. Thomas says that he'll just take it. Giovanni tells him that they have people protecting it. Thomas is smart and says he doesn't want to learn more. Thomas asks if they've heard Cecil refereed to as the Golden One. Thomas tells them that Cecil's signature protean form is that of a great 100ft wingspan Drake/Dragon.

11:33 PM: Thomas says that they must ally or kill Cecil before he can turn on them. The group speaks about the possible options to get an alliance out of Lost Pines State Park.

11:41 PM: Gasper thinks that it'll be best to ally with Cecil. Thomas Osborn tells them that if it's necessary to recruit the were-bears, then the rumors that the Gangrel and the bears are mortal enemies is a complete lie. Thomas tells them that the Guralhl outnumber the Gangrel, there are dozens, and each one could kill 3-4 Gangrel. It only works because each group's elder has come to an agreement. Thomas tells them that they cannot reveal this. These two groups are diametrically opposed across the world. Cecil doesn't know about this because his memory has been wiped of it. He believes he has been the primogen for 40 years, but it's actually been the same forty years five times since the start of the Gangrel settlement here.

11:51 PM: Thomas tells them more about the potential secrets of the park. That there are absolute secrets. Something has sprouted out of a Object of Outer Power. The group decide that they will talk with Cecil first.

12:00 AM: The decide to head to Moorhouse first. Alphonse asks about the item that has been alluded to. Alphonse remembers that in five and a half hours the business with Danny will conclude. He will have just enough time to go to Danny. It'll probably be the last thing he does this session. Gasper attempts to lie about the reward. They both rolled three. Alphonse blood surges, fails the roll and gains 1 hunger. Gasper blood surges, succeeds, and doesn't get hungrier.

12:06 AM: Gasper says that it is a priceless necklace. Alphonse isn't sure that the necklace is worth $1,500,000. They begin to drive to Moorhouse. Giovanni gets four successes to drive Alphonse's car.

## David: The Woods

12:10 PM: David chases the dog through the woods for a minute or so. David finds a small campsite with a recently extinguished fire. David feels a psychic tinge, and turns around to find Ramone the Gangrel, who makes a small joke at Davids expense. David turns to find Cecil Collins. Surprisingly, Cecil recognizes David to some degree. They discuss and learn that David is from Diavolo's. Cecil offers David a meal.

12:13 PM: They are all sitting around a restarted camp fire. David has roasted a rabbit and has just eaten it. Cecil and Ramone share a glance while David is eating. There is a bout of silence before David finishes the rabbit. David asks where to throw the bones. Cecil says to not feed the dog. David puts the bones in his pocket. David asks for the dogs name. Cecil says he doesn't know, the dog is just a loyal soldier. The dog eats some of the carcass.

12:15 PM: Cecil is having a decent time actually. He opens up to David and says that he doesn't care what David was doing in these woods but he hopes that David isn't using these woods for foolishness. That these woods are meant for living. "Do you see what I'm saying there?". Alluding to the attempted suicide. Cecil asks what Ramon is doing this evening. Ramon will go to the city, and Cecil says he will stay behind at one of these cabins. He asks David how he plans to get back. Ramon offers to take David back to the city. The group continues to socialize until the fires die out. David says he will walk home, he still needs to think some things through. He tells Cecil he'll make it through though.

## Moorhouse: Madness makes its Appearance

12:18 PM: Moorhouse has trashed the entire Bat Cave. There are no more attendants. No more workers. No one guarding it. Moorhouse is sitting at the table, borderline catatonic. Diavolo finds it undestroyed, but he notices that someone has been here. Diavolo and Alphonse exchange greetings, where Diavolo lightly interrogates Alphonse about his status and path in the world.

12:20 PM: Amari looks on in moderate horror at the scene.

12:26 PM: Moorhouse asks who he is, and Diavolo tells him that he is James Moorhouse, and is in the bat cave -- his favorite place. He talks about the wreckage of his life and surroundings. Diavolo introduces himself, and Moorhouse fondly remembers. Giovanni introduces himself and Moorhouse recognizes the sword. He surmises he knows the rest of them.

12:28 PM: Moorhouse tells them that they are being blood hunted by the Prince, no longer just the sheriff. Moorhouse has negotiated peace for tonight, but come next evening the blood hunt will begin. Moorhouse tells them that they have thrown aside their greatness for petty and base desires. He feels a disappointment he has never since felt. A team that has simply become a group of individuals. Moorhouse even comments how Gasper and Giovanni have even grown somewhat more apart.

12:30 PM: Moorhouse tells Diavolo that he is most disappointment in him, since they have known each other for so long. Moorhouse has set up a meeting for him, and after this they will part ways forever. Moorhouse says that the family is over, and the point in the future is mute. He tells that he has fought Buckston for so long, and lost for so long, that it was better to join.

12:33 PM: Giovanni apologies for what he's done, and Moorhouse says he's sorry that he hasn't helped them enough. Moorhouse walks across the puddles, and back into his chambers. The darkness envelopes him, and he disappears into the bowels of the Bat Cave. "There goes the greatest Kindred you or I will ever know" - Diavolo. We remember our first meeting with Moorhouse fondly, and the pleasant memories fade. Giovanni thinks about how Moorhouse is scared of the Prince if the Prince is scared of Moorhouse.

12:38 PM: Diavolo finds (MEETING WITH THE TOYMAKER)

## Alphonse, Gasper, Giovanni: Back to Lost Pine State Park

1:23 AM: The lads head back into the woods to find Cecil, and see him from far off. Thomas calls out to Cecil, who turns and removes his mask. Cecil is surprised to find three wanted fugitives with him. Thomas promises that it's far more above board than Cecil thinks. Thomas lies and says that he is here to tell Cecil that the were-bears are plotting something.... bad? Giovanni steps in and says that they want to negotiate with the Gurahl. Giovanni talks about how they need freedom. Giovanni says "they" have been messing with Cecil's mind. Thomas looks visibly shaken about the mention of a secret. Giovanni says that they need help to free us. Giovanni talks about how they want to align with the Gurahl. Cecil says that he fights then every night, why would he align with them? Thomas talks about how he just wants to live, and this is the only solution that saves them.

1:29 AM: Gasper says they their common interest with the Gurahl is protecting the State Park. Cecil speaks more about his 40yr war with the Gurahl. Giovanni asks him if he wants that war to end. Cecil says that its a complicated issue, and the Anarchs and Gurahl are different matters. He speaks on a couple of Gurahl diplomatic interactions such as the birth of Gurahl young.

1:31 AM: Cecil speaks of a den or holy place from the center of the forests. He talks about how the Gangrel protect the secrets of the forest no matter the problems going on. Cecil says that if they can get a peace and understanding with the Heart of the Forest then they can maybe convince Cecil to stay out of the Forgotten City war. Cecil tells them that if this goes badly it will be disastrous, and he will expel Giovanni from the Gangrel and the rest will be killed with his bare hands.

1:34 AM: As the group venture into the forest they roll to detect stuff: Alphonse detects a pair of yellow eyes following you guys through the forest, and Cecil occasionally glances at the eyes. They make their way towards the heart of the forest.

1:40 AM: Alphonse mentions the yellow eyes following them. Cecil says he has seen them too, and that they might want to interact with them. Alphonse notices that there are in fact two sets of eyes. A fully transformed were-bear standing next to Ramon. Alphonse looks back at the two of them and hears Ramon compliment the were-bear on it's strength "Babe, it's so hot you're so strong right now" - Ramon.

1:51 AM: Alphonse tells them that a Kindred fucking a were-bear is following them. They are all in disbelief. Giovanni starts to feel hungrier, both for blood and drugs. As they go deeper into the forest they find a jungle like clearing full of wooden structures full of the same peering eyes.

1:54 AM: They hear noise behind them. Cecil draws his sword and demands the figure appear. He insists they are peaceful. Out of the woods appears a large 6'6" Native American man in fairly tattered clothing. He tells them that they are not supposed to be here, especially not Cecil. There are agreements and long standing treaties. Giovanni proposes a partnership. The figure looks at Cecil multiple times, before he says in a faltering voice: "An agreement is already had, what you are doing is disturbing what has long stood." Cecil demands to know the truth, he's detected that he's not been told the truth. The leader of the Gurahl tells them that his name is Jack and his is an authority in the forest. Jack tells that that whatever deal they make cannot be with Cecil. By treaty he cannot come here. Not by their decree either, but mutual agreement.

1:58 AM: Cecil demands to know what con is being run on him. Cecil tells them that he doesn't trust them, but for some reason he trusts Jack. Jack begins to tell them that they do not want the current status quo to change. Alphonse cuts in and says that their agendas might align more than they think. He tells Jack that he is well aware the were-bears are fond of nature. Jack tells them they they must maintain the balance. They must be in conflict for the forest to stay in balance. Conflict with Cecil.

2:02 AM: Alphonse tells him does he not feel the pressure of the outside forces coming down upon the forest: 5/9 to persuade. Jack acknowledges that Alphonse speaks the truth. Modernism is ever encroaching. Jack speaks of growing break downs of Nature because of Humanity. Isolation and future desolation.

2:04 AM: Alphonse mentions that humanity is destroying the balance, and that nature is about change. Freedom is like nature, change is necessary. He speaks of a culling of modern humanity. He agrees that they need to leave the forest and cull the herd of humans. Werebears motherfucking love culling. Jack says that there must be more done to mend the wound between the two clans of the forest. He asks them to go to the true heart of the forest, something not done since his forefathers.

2:07 AM: Piss break

2:21 AM: They make it to the heart of the forest: A stone building made of basic stone and mortar. It' stands amongst a vibrant jungle-like backdrop. Jack asks them to go first, he must prepare Cecil for what he is about to see. There is a debate to go first, and Gasper decides to go first. Gasper loves the woods and really wants to see whats up. Gasper finds a massive fish - reptilian - deep sea mother fucker floating in the air and controlled by technology and clamps. Gasper rolls for humanity: 4/4 successes. Gasper realizes he has to warn the others. Gasper warns them that there is a fucked up fish in there.

2:25 AM: They roll WITS+AWR to be confused as hell. Giovanni 2/5 and Alphonse 6/5 for Humanity. Giovanni is greatly bothered that something so epic and magical has been tortured for so long. It is obviously in pain. Cecil is in total shock at the creature. Cecil accuses the Gurahl of imprisoning this noble creature. Figures step out of the Gurahl: other Gangrel such as Ramon and Eva. Cecil becomes angry at this apparent betrayl. Giovanni is shocked that Ramon knew. Ramon insists that it wasn't them. That all of this has been for Cecil. Including the imprisonment.

2:29 AM: Ramon starts and old reel film of Cecil Collins in his second or fourth 40yr term. We see a video of Cecil talking to the camera. He names the creature a Star Whale. He says what they have done to it breaks their heart. When they came to the forgotten city they were alone. They had nothing after the initial war. Their own allies wouldn't shelter them. The skies lit up with the sun, and the Gangrel screamed as the sun torn them apart. Cecil knew that their people would be met with an aweful end while others survive. Then it came. Like a miracle. They say the early star whales guided travelers to the new world. There were thousands. It came just in time and the forest grew around it in an instant. The forest kept growing until it fit the Gangrel and the Gutharhl. It came to the Gangrel of it's own free will but they have enslaved it.

2:33 AM: Past Cecil begs his future self to press the first button if he wants to continue with the suffering, and press the second button to kill the Star Whale. The first button says forget and the second button says Abdicate. If the Whale is released it will float into the sky and the Gangrel will dissipate into nothing. Giovanni realizes that if he is a Gangrel he has seen this before, and previously chosen to forget.

2:36 AM: Ava and Cecil talk about her protecting him the truth, and that was wrong. Cecil's Aura glows red as he says that he deserves to know. Cecil says that he doesn't want a word out of Thomas but he needs help Cecil. Giovanni:0/6 , Alphonse: 2/6, Gasper: 1/3. They know absolutely nothing, and can't even guess at what Cecil is doing. Giovanni is stun locked after realizing that he's seen this before and chosen to forget. They decide to let it play out.

2:42 AM: The were-bears look really damn solemn. They know that either way is a terrible act. The will trust Jack and Cecil to make the right decision. Thomas asks what they are doing. Cecil says he is doing the worst thing he will ever do. He asks Thomas to send a powerful electrical charge through the brain of the Star Whale, in an effort to lobotomize the creature. The forest will grow, but the Whale will be completely unaware.

2:44 AM: Cecils says that after mentally killing this thing he will not be the primogen again. When Thomas says that there must be another way. Cecil roars that "None of you will say anything!. Giovanni: 1/6, Alphonse, 3/6, Gasper, 2/3 on WITS+AWR. Alphonse is the only one who realizes that the Star Whale is not angry, but it's in great pain. Alphonse rolls again: (2/6) (4/6) (3/6) = (3/6) Average.

2:47 AM: Alphonse has a psychic flash of an impossibly ancient presence, even more powerful than Moorhouse. Alphonse feels that the sum of his entire reality is not even a drop in the ocean of the memory and experience of this sentience.

2:49 AM: It wants to be heard. It has not spoken to anyone in over 200 years. It wants to be known, to be recognized. If no one is around to hear it's and acknowledged it's existence, does it even exist? Alphonse asks for its name and it gives Alphonse a flash back to when a million or so Star Whales began circling the Earth and observing humanity from a far. Being mistook for various Gods throughout cultures. Alphonse sees this Whale float over North America, watching fire and war spread across the continent. The Whale watches with hopefulness and curiosity, as all the other Whales die or leave for more interesting lands. This whale is transfixed by a group of Kindred dying in the aftermath of the war. The Whale felt sad, and unbearable drawn to help these people. It couldn't bear to watch their children cry. Alphonse knows that this wasn't fate or some miracle, but that it volunteered. Alphonse feels greatly for the Whale, and admonishes it's life. The Whale finally feels seen. It is glad that If it was to die is such an awful place it was at least not alone. The Whale wishes it could have saved everyone. It is not angry with those who will lobotomize it. It just wishes it could help.

2:55 AM: The Star Whale grew the forest, and has cultivated Earth. Silently, it will die. With only Alphonse to know it's story. The shock will make the Whale brain dead. It's very likely it's the last Star Whale in the Milky Way Galaxy. It hopes that Alphonse can free it, but it knows that if it is to die in such a horrible place it will be glad to not die alone.

3:02 AM: Alphonse tells the group that "This thing has communicated to me. It has uh, told me how it came to this place. That it had a particular fascination with these people. I don't think if you free it, it will necessarily flee." Alphonse relates that the Star Whale volunteered, maybe it will again if freed? Cecil tells them that he appreciates their help, and he will help in kind, but he must ensure his people's survival and the lessening of this things pain. He cant take a maybe. He doesn't know what he will do next. Thomas tells them that it is all prepared. He steps away and says that there is only one button on the screen.

3:05 AM: Giovanni says that Alphonse spoke to the creature, and maybe it shouldn't be contained, and he believes Alphonse that the Whale will stay. Cecil says that he has made the same decision over and over again. He feel shame that he's let the best suffer for this long. Cecil asks Thomas if he was in his shoes what would he do. Thomas says he doesn't want to be in Cecil's shoes. Cecil doesn't find that comforting. Cecil looks at the group "To the End." he cancels out of the program. He tells Thomas to release the Star Whale. The chains are removed from Anchors in it's flesh. The electrostatic shock pads are removed. The clamps pulled off. The building shakes are the fish creature lifts itself up into the air. Effortlessly it breaks through the ceiling of the building.

3:09: DEX+ATHL to doge building rubble: Giovanni: 2/4, Alphonse 3/4, Gasper: 4/5. Giovanni rolls IT+AWR: 0/5. The Gurahl is attempting to escape the rubble. Cecil and Jack look up in abject horror at the Whale going away. Giovanni's mind bounces off the Star Whale and the Whale escapes. Gasper avoids all rubble. Alphonse takes 1 superficial. Giovanni takes 2 superficial. Gasper want to send good vibes to the Whale but it is too far away now.

3:12 AM: The Star Whale bursts through the ceiling as literal tons of Star Whale breaks the building. It begins floating through the sky at Lost Pines State Park. At first it seems like it ill leave into the atmosphere. It emits a Northern Lights style effect of greens and yellows across the forest. Giovanni's beard suddenly grows. Gasper and Alphonse grow facial hair. Gasper for the very first time. Alphonse feels more human and the drugs are purged through his veins by the powers of the Whale.

3:15 AM: They see the Whale disappear back into the trees far from where they are. Jack and Cecil emerge from the ruins. The group all move towards the clearing. Cecil opens his large cabin to the group. They sit down in Cecil's living room. Giovanni says that the forest seems to be fine. Cecil says that it's even better, and that the Star Whale has stayed in the forest. Cecil commends them on their actions. Cecil speaks on how they could've killed every Gangrel in the city with this action. Giovanni feels the Star Whale from a distance. He realizes he could've killed the Star Whale and he didn't. He doesn't feel the negativeness of the action because the alternative was potentially killing the Whale. "If we could have both, that's what I choose" - Giovanni. "I know, and I could've killed it, but you saved it, how did you know?." Thomas says that he knew how it was going to end. He's seen it before. The Star Whale is very old, and very kind, and that the Star Whale and Cecil shares these traits.

3:20 AM: Thomas tells Cecil that he has to decide between loyalty to the Camarilla or to the people. Thomas reminds Cecil that he's led the same 40yrs old for 200 years. Cecil isn't 200 years old, he's 450 years old. Cecil lifts up his mask and looks at it. He tells them they gave him that when he became permission. Thomas point's out how that bronze is 200 years old, yet perfectly sculpted to Cecil's face. Cecil is very tired. He asks the group to visit tomorrow about this Anarch business. He says that he will never fight the savers of the Star Whale, at the very least. Giovanni asks for a safe place for them to stay from the blood hunt. Cecil says he can only shield Giovanni.

3:23 AM: He asks Giovanni if he will stay with the Gangrel tonight. Giovanni says that he wants one last night with his friends. Thomas will stay to keep up the Anarch idea. They have a guarantee that they will not fight Cecil, and they have the allegiance of the Gurahl.

3:26 AM: Giovanni says that he's feeling invigorated, and that he wants to go steal those drugs. Alphonse asks about the book he is owed. Gasper and Giovanni converse quietly about whether or not they should tell Alphonse. They agree to tell him about an old vampiric necklace that can kill the paragon.

3:34 AM: Gaper gets Alphonse to promise to make sure that Alphonse doesn't fuck it up for Alphonse, who promises and thanks them for the object. Alphonse also gives them a ride back to the Suburban house. Alphonse goes back to the Omni and calls Danny. Eventually Danny picks up. Danny is really fucking scared that it's all gonna go to shit. They'll have to throw in with the Corpsefuckers. Alphonse tells Danny that he has found quite the treasure. Danny says to come to him immediately because shits going down right now.

## Diavolo: **Alea Iacta Est**

3:38 AM: Diavolo finds David back at the O.V.N. He finds weird puddles of water throughout the facility. He finds David in his old room with Aaron. No idea where Quinn is. Assume he is in the building. Diavolo grabs David's Whiskey off of David's table. He heads to Aaron's former room, where David is currently.

3:40 AM: Diavolo fully realizes that they slept in the same bed, and they are legitimately together. They actually cared together. David is sitting at the table. Diavolo pulls up a table and set the bottle down. He says that David has been on quite an adventure. David is haunted, and says that he had to go on a walk. He doesn't look at Diavolo and asks "If it were to come to it, would you fight for me?" - "Of course, have I not?" - "Then lets get to work" - "Say and it shall be done". The Duke contacts Diavolo psychically and tells Diavolo to forget everything and come here immediately. They drive there and Diavolo feels the idea of something coming being screamed through the ether.

3:46 AM: Diavolo activates Horrid Form and slips through the fastest path to it. Diavolo turns into a writhing mass of sinewy snakes, bound together by sinew and bone. He makes his way into the inner chamber of the Duke.

(DIAVOLO FIGHTING THE DUKE)

(5/3) (2/3) (3/3) (2/3) (1/3) to survive the corrosive blood.

4:02 AM: Diavolo becomes aware that he has fed for several minutes, and the Duke is lifeless. Diavolo becomes vaguely aware of a presence approaching. He begins to eat at the flesh and continues to consume the flesh. He becomes unaware if the Duke killed Diavolo or if the Duke killed Diavolo. He is vaguely aware that the Keeper is near. Diavolo minds begins to meld with the Duke. Who is who? Diavolo feels the life of the Keeper snuffed out trough the blood of the Duke. He can't see the aura of the thing coming at him, the aura is far too big.

4:04 AM: The Prince finds Diavolo standing over the Duke in the inner chamber. The Prince says that he owes Diavolo a debt by ridding this menace. If he meets Diavolo on the field of battle they will be enemies. (WIP BECAUSE LATE AT NIGHT AND MY SCENES)

## Alphonse: Danny throws in with the Milliners

4:21 AM: Alphonse finds Danny in the Omni. Danny speaks about their various options to keep their skins. Alphonse says he has something pretty close to 1 million. Alphonse tells that its a vampiric artifact that can be used to kill the Paragon. Danny tells him they he has received mixed news from the Swiss Corpsefuckers. They seem to have an abomination already. A black sheep of their Corpsefucker family. If they sell themselves to the Swiss then maybe they can have their abomination fight the Paragon. Alphonse says they should play multiple sides. Set up the deal with the Swiss while trading the necklace to the Milliners.

4:26 AM: Alphonse holds out the necklace. Danny reaches for it and Alphonse lets him have it. Danny looks at it and says that it looks nice and is pretty damn old. He puts it on and the necklace attempts to choke him out. It almost crushes his neck. Danny says that the Duncern will stay if they get invited. That'll make a very crowded forgotten city. Siding with the Swiss means against the Milliners. A three way split isn't gonna be enough. Alphonse would prefer the milliners because of the connection to Carl via Gasper. Danny is surprised by the connection to the leader of the Anarchs.

4:30 AM: Alphonse tells about the alliance with Gurahl, Gangrel, Anarchs, and potentially more. Alphonse tells him that they may have 24 or so Gurahls. Danny is excited by this prospect. Danny realizes that they may even be able to get the Tribes, maybe even more locals. They have a real army forming. Alphonse says that they can make even more friends. Danny says they have a choice to make. Serious choices and serious people. Danny re-confirms with Alphonse that they're throwing in with the Milliners. "Then we're in this together brother, we'll get it done" - Danny, who then apologizes for killing Alphonse's almost GF. They hangout for the rest of the night.