How many goodly creatures are there here! :: GAME OPENER

[synergismus]

Welcome to Baedal.

These are the first words newcomers hear when the door opens and they are invited into their new world. Some fuss, some fight, some need time before they have the courage to step outside. Others, shell-shocked or jaded, go quietly along with the proceedings.

They are given brief instructions; a repeat of what's described in the pamphlet and a door key.

Please stay in your room. There will be dinner soon.

It's been almost a day for some. For others, only an hour's wait. The latest newcomer is lead straight from the arrival room to the dining hall where candles and lanterns have been set out to compensate for failing electricity. (Those who have been here longer explain about rolling blackouts.) The food, however, is warm, varied and plentiful. Seating is open, and less conventional chair are available to those who need them.

There are many strange faces around the table, the majority of these recent arrivals. The proprietor of the Valhalla Inn is here, as is some of her staff. The Sheriff of Mog Hill is introduced, his function detailed. The reason for the dinner is explained:

It's a celebration. A new cohort has finally been officiated; CeidaryBlue523. Your cohort. Please. Introduce yourself. Mingle. Get to know your fellows, they will be your brothers and sisters for as long as you live in this city.


((OOC post for discussion and coordination.))

Comments

[primogen_vampirate]

Mina was feeling a bit overwhelmed, but in light of recent events, she was beginning to become accustomed to such a feeling. She bore it well as she dressed herself for the night. Thank God she had arrived wearing her favorite suit, the black pin stripped one with the purple tie and button down shirt. She arranged herself properly, tucking her hair up under her fedora and her necklace behind her tie. Last, she put on her rings, each on the proper finger. Looking at her blurry reflection in the mirror, she was satisfied.

And now, to the task of finding other Kindred. So far, Mina had not had good luck sensing anyone else with a predator's taint, but she was somewhat optimistic. After all, this was a big city, it seemed. Kindred liked the city. Well, except for some Gangrel, but that was another matter.

She made her way through the Inn, finding the courtyard quickly. It was refreshing to be outside. Her stuffy, basement room, while necessary, was not as ostentatious as she was accustomed to. Mina turned her face up to the sky. She immediately regretted that. As an old sailor, she was used to navigating by the stars. She didn't recognize a single one up there.

"Damn."

[bhishani.livejournal.com]

"Don't care for the view?"

The question comes from a young woman perched on the edge of a planter. She had been very quiet until that moment, perhaps unnaturally so, watching Mina with a careful eye. Sita isn't anyone's Kindred, and neither is Mina exactly what she expects – the scent is wrong, her kin smell of snake venom and dust – but something about Mina puts her on edge nonetheless. She's run into a few non-humans already, but this is different. Subtler.

Curious.

Though she doesn't move, she is on her guard.

[primogen_vampirate]

Mina glanced around at the voice. She politely lifted a finger to the brim of her fedora, tipping it like a gentleman would. "I don't recognize any of the stars," she replied cautiously. So much time living among Kindred had taught her to be guarded, but what could she possibly have revealed in that, other than homesickness. And everyone must have been feeling that.

"And you are?"

At least this would be interesting.

[bhishani.livejournal.com]

"Neither do I," she muses, like there's the slightest inside joke in that admission. But the subject seems to relax her a little. (Not completely, but a little.)

"Alisa." She hops off the planter and offers a handshake. Her own is warm, a completely human temperature, but if Mina has a sense for blood types, it's clear Sita's is anything but normal. "Did you just arrive?"

[primogen_vampirate]

Mina took her hand, shaking it firmly. Mina's hand was cold. Dead. But she did feel something unusual about the girl. It wasn't exactly predator's taint, but it felt close. She squeezed just a little bit harder, trying to feel for a pulse. "Dr. Mina Barrett," she said, "and yes, I did just arrive. The last thing I remember, I was on a train to Waukegan. This isn't Waukegan."

It was actually nicer.

"And you? Are you newly arrived as well? Or are you part of the hazing committee?" She smiled slightly. "I do like to be prepared."