Los Angeles: Blood Moon - ❌💀🟩ch10-the-outskirts-of-los-angeles

Chapter 10 Location: Woodland Hills & Luca's heaven Players: Joseph Park @Joseph Park Luca Rossi @Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum ST: @!Yr Hyennaes (Tash/Kris/Agnes) Previous scenes: (edited)

@Joseph Park LA seemed loud. Many shining stars of building could not wait to show everything gets on their way. Sire told Josef not to get stuck on the empty territories as they're not empty indeed. Lupines. A lot. All the area outside and even somewhere inside LA was fucking dangerous. There was only one hint - Ventrue Tower in Downtown. Lacroix company. @Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum Luca woke up from a phone call... Number not identified.

Luca sat up and impassively answered the phone. "Rossi speaking."

Luca heard a nice and even a bit too loud men's voice. The type of voice he probably could have heard in old records of autopsy, in anatomy theatres of London when they existed. - Hello, mister Rossi. This is Alister Grout speaking. Hoping you already know who are, am I right? The voice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPNGgjaI1S8

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

Luca heard a nice and even a bit too loud men's voice. The type of voice he probably could have heard in old records of autopsy, in anatomy theatres of London when they existed. - Hello, mister Rossi. This is Alister Grout speaking. Hoping you already know who are, am I right? The voice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPNGgjaI1S8

"No idea whatsoever."

- Oh, That's a big omission, - he almost made a sound of disappointment with his tongue, - I am... hmm... (how would I say this)... your boss under mister LaCroix...

"Ah. The "Primogen", he called it?"

- Yes. Primogen it is. There's a need for me to know the popularity of your little community of the lost souls embraced of the same morbid condition. I have never seen you either so maybe, - he cleared his throat, - I could take a look, if you don't mind. There are not that many of us in the city. When he was speaking a very unpleasant feeling crawled under the skin like someone just watched right into his head.

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

@Joseph Park LA seemed loud. Many shining stars of building could not wait to show everything gets on their way. Sire told Josef not to get stuck on the empty territories as they're not empty indeed. Lupines. A lot. All the area outside and even somewhere inside LA was fucking dangerous. There was only one hint - Ventrue Tower in Downtown. Lacroix company. @Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum Luca woke up from a phone call... Number not identified.

Holding a couple of bags over his shoulders, Joseph decided to go to the tower of this Prince. Local native Americans told stories about mysterious people-wolves. Who would have thought that this would turn out to be true? The road through the suburbs was easy, but something in the woods was alarming.

Luca felt his head twitching under the strange sensation, but otherwise did not react.

- Mister Rossi? Do you hear me?

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

- Mister Rossi? Do you hear me?

"I do..."

- Are you alright? I was wondering if you can come and see me tomorrow?

06:32

Holding a couple of bags over his shoulders, Joseph decided to go to the tower of this Prince. Local native Americans told stories about mysterious people-wolves. Who would have thought that this would turn out to be true? The road through the suburbs was easy, but something in the woods was alarming.

@Joseph Park - jump He walked pretty long way to the city. It seemed that every step he made was followed with one step of the city to get further from Joseph. It was dark if he would turn back and a long howl somewhere there broke the silence.

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- Are you alright? I was wondering if you can come and see me tomorrow?

Luca thwacked the side of his head a couple times, trying to get the crawling feeling to cease. "Yes, I can do that. When and where?"

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

Holding a couple of bags over his shoulders, Joseph decided to go to the tower of this Prince. Local native Americans told stories about mysterious people-wolves. Who would have thought that this would turn out to be true? The road through the suburbs was easy, but something in the woods was alarming.

@Joseph Park - jump He walked pretty long way to the city. It seemed that every step he made was followed with one step of the city to get further from Joseph. It was dark if he would turn back and a long howl somewhere there broke the silence.

Joseph was not afraid of wild animals. We are all part of the cycle of life and death. However, this did not cancel the instinct of self-preservation. A strange feeling inside, which his sire called a Beast, urged Joseph to go faster. The man tried to distract himself from the frightening thoughts about the creepy monsters that lived next to him all this time and think about the monsters, one of which he himself became. Many vampire myths were just myths, but the bits of truth he could get seemed to be valued in the society of the dead. The name Prince reminded him of legends about knights. I wonder what he is like? Probably very old.

Suddenly the Luca's phone vibrated, signalling him about the SMS

Hi, it's Vincent. Remember me? Sheriff needs us 4 help. Dunno the dits. See you there

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07:39

@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

- Are you alright? I was wondering if you can come and see me tomorrow?

Luca moves his head away from the phone (not the phone away from his head), and reads the message. "Apparently, the 'Sheriff' needs my help for something. When and where should I meet you, Mr. Grout?"

@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum - I have a laboratory office close to downtown. Best meet me neat the Tower and I'll pick you up. @Joseph Park The city opened slowly in front of Jo's eyes. Suburbs provided a nice cacophony of shooting, arguing and screaming. Closer to Downtown he could see all the variety of hobos of the light LA begging for food and money in all different manners.

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@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum - I have a laboratory office close to downtown. Best meet me neat the Tower and I'll pick you up. @Joseph Park The city opened slowly in front of Jo's eyes. Suburbs provided a nice cacophony of shooting, arguing and screaming. Closer to Downtown he could see all the variety of hobos of the light LA begging for food and money in all different manners.

Luca nodded to the phone, then frowned. Why did he nod to the phone... "I'll be there."

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum - I have a laboratory office close to downtown. Best meet me neat the Tower and I'll pick you up. @Joseph Park The city opened slowly in front of Jo's eyes. Suburbs provided a nice cacophony of shooting, arguing and screaming. Closer to Downtown he could see all the variety of hobos of the light LA begging for food and money in all different manners.

"The struggle for survival. What's in the Topanga forest, what's in the concrete jungle. The principles are the same," - thought Joseph. It was worth looking for someone who knows the way. Maybe even one of the vampires. Imagining the image of a pale man with a predatory look, Joseph decided to look around. (edited)

@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum Grout disconnected letting Luca go meet his fate. And that is when the new voice appeared again. "You. Alone close to the Prince's p[ace and this message about Sheriff? No clues about something bad is about to happen?"

"Perhaps." he responded, locking his door behind him. "At the moment, nothing else to do but go and find out. Step quietly, keep my eyes open. A lesson you could stand to learn, Vinni." He ignored a look he got from a neighbor as he chastised Vinni out loud. "Besides, if anything is going to happen with the Prince, who's fault might that be?"

@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum - Of course yours, - Vinny chuckled, - you can kill us both, - sounded more like an irony.

"Right, I forget we don't change faces when you choose to behave like an angry child."

@Joseph Park Moving closer to the Tower he suddenly heard the kind of a talk of a guy to himself. Definitely heard the word "Prince"...

Turning to the voice, the man looked at the stranger. It was worth being careful. Sire talked about the importance of such a thing as a Masquerade. Going to the meeting, Joseph said what he thought could be the beginning of a conversation. - Good night. You mentioned the Prince. Are you from... um, what did he say? A kinsman? - despite his wild appearance, he tried to look friendly.

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The man seemed neither bothered nor impressed with Joseph's appearance. Infact, his eyes had a certain 'dead fish' quality to them. "I did." A quick look over the man with his Auspex aided senses. The smell of death, no heartbeat that he could hear... "I think the word they- we use is 'Kindred'. And I suppose that makes you one as well."

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- Oh yeah. Exactly. Kindred. I'm only new to this...condition. I'm Joseph, Joseph Park. Originally from Woodland Hills. The Sire said that I need to introduce myself to the chief among Kindred, the Prince, - Joseph's words were simple and sounded a little uncertain.

"Luca Rossi. Pleasure." He took a moment to look around. "You Sire isn't here with you?"

- No. He said: "Gangrel can get to the Prince himself," - Joseph replied with a sense of pride. (edited)

"Curious. When I met the Prince, my Sire had vanished. Prince LaCroix told me if my Sire didn't present me to him personally, we'd both be hunted. Ah well, doesn't matter to me. I can show you inside, but I personally am here to see someone called The Sheriff."

"The sheriff? The prince? It feels like these vampires wrote their traditions from Robin Hood," -he thought. - So we're on our way! Where are you from? - Joseph supported the conversation.

((tag me when you're good to go further I'll let you chat lol)) (edited)

!Yr Hyennaes (Tash/Kris/Agnes)

((tag me when you're good to go further I'll let you chat lol)) (edited)

(I can at least now, but I think it will be a funny dialogue.)

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"Came here from Boston. Yourself?"

16:36

(Yeh, ready whenever)

- And I've lived in Los Angeles all my life. How did you manage to become one of the Kindred?

"My Sire attacked me in one of the local parks here. I'm not sure why he didn't just kill me, but I suppose I shouldn't complain. Yourself?"

1

- Oh, this is an extremely unusual story. I was camping. Suddenly in the middle of the night I hear a noise. I'm walking, and there's a wild lynx on the verge of death. Well, I tried to save her. It didn't work out. And then the sire appeared. He was testing me. He asked questions, and then bite. I woke up already up to my ears in deer blood. That's the way things are. (edited)

"I don't recall what happened to me after the Embrace, though... nevermind." He shook his head, a strange dream of blood and violence flashing in front of his mind. He opened the door, letting Joseph inside and the pair walked up to Officer Chunk.

He was there - perpetual brave guard... of the banner "LaCroix" behind his back. - Good evening gentlemen, - he greeted both. He recognised Luca and his sight stopped on the new face.

- Good evening. I am Joseph Park, - he held out his hand to the guard, - How's work? - he decided to ask to make friends with a new person.

- Oh good, good, pretty nice and quiet, frankly speaking. Good evening mister Rossi, - he also greeted the malkavian.

Joseph has always appreciated honest work and simple workers. - By the way, what is the name of the boss? I was told here that I need to talk to him, - he asked the guard. (edited)

He chickled: - Are you kidding me? - He showed a laaaaarge lighting banner "LaCroix" behind him. - Sebastian LaCroix it is, sir.

The man looked at the banner. "What a strange name." - I thought it was the name of the company. Is LaCroix a foreigner?

- Eh-h, I guess so, Sounds like a French name, but you never can be sure, - he shook his shoulders, - you came to see mister LaCroix?

- Yes, - Joseph replied more confidently.

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Luca folded his arms and nodded. He was eager to meet the Prince lucidly this time.

- Okay. You go together? I don't see the name of mister park in my lists but I guess it's all good. You can come up. I'll get the elevator for ya. He called the thing indeed and soon the vampires made their way to the penthouse and a big nice wooden door.

@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum@Joseph Park

Luca held up his hand, gesturing towards the elevator. "After you."

Officer Chunk

- Okay. You go together? I don't see the name of mister park in my lists but I guess it's all good. You can come up. I'll get the elevator for ya. He called the thing indeed and soon the vampires made their way to the penthouse and a big nice wooden door.

Without a second thought, Joseph walked into the elevator. - It looks like this La Croix is a rich guy, - he said, - living in the penthouse of a huge building. Probably still owns a lot of things. How to behave with the Prince? Finally Joseph decided to knock on the door. (edited)

"A general sense of politeness and deferens, I think. He seems to take his title of Prince almost literally. I imagine he's quite old as well."

No one answered at the knocking.

"Odd." Or was it? This was only the ~~third~~ second time Luca had been to this floor. He looked around for some sign of life around here.

No life in all senses was detected. Nevertheless this is vampire's place anyway. Last time the door was just open.

Luca tried the door handle, giving it a turn.

- Are you sure he's even here? - Joseph asked.

2

"No." he said, pushing the door if it would open.

2

ST: The door opened and Luca could see the same picture as before. A young blondish man in expensive outfit was standing close to a huge window. The marvellous sight of LA opened from there. The room was all in white and gold with the big paintings.

The man turned to the guests. Then his eyes froze on Luca. - Good evening mister Rossi. And who is it with you? He doesn't look like your Sire though.

- Good evening, Mr. La Croix. I'm Joseph Park. Gangrel from Woodland Hills. My sire said I should introduce myself to the Prince. So...Do you need a hunter? I understand something about this.

Luca gave the Prince a little bow. "Pleasure to see you again, Prince LaCroix. It was brought to my attention that the Sheriff needed to see me. I met this one outside the tower."

LaCroix was looking at the Gangrel. Then at malkavian. Then gangrel again. - Are you both from the same asylum? - He even raised his high voice a little and the French accent started to get more obvious, - I don't need any hunters unless you want to bring me the needed heads. Well is your sire? What's his name? Do you even know about camarilla Traditions? The last question was asked to the both. For Luca for the second time. - Have you found your sire?

Luca tilted his head. Oh no. "Was I... not here with him last night?"

1

- I'm... sorry... sir...Mr. La Croix...Prince, I do not know the name of the one who called himself my sire, but he told me about the traditions and of course I am obligated to observe the most important of them, the Masquerade tradition, - Joseph replied with a guilty look, - about the heads, um, it depends on who we're talking about. Do you mean werewolves? (edited)

- He-he... Aha-ha-ha-ha! Werewolves... - He seemed really laughing, - if you bring me at least one werewolf head, I bet I'll owe you a good boon for it. But good luck with that. Then He looked at Luca. - That's the problem. And don't try my patience. It is not that big. Where is your Sire? Do you have any news about him?

@Joseph Park@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum

Vinni, you insufferable nitwit, what have you done? "I... met him, yes. And then we ce here. To meet you. Here. We did... Not?"

2

2

2

Prince LaCroix

- He-he... Aha-ha-ha-ha! Werewolves... - He seemed really laughing, - if you bring me at least one werewolf head, I bet I'll owe you a good boon for it. But good luck with that. Then He looked at Luca. - That's the problem. And don't try my patience. It is not that big. Where is your Sire? Do you have any news about him?

- Hmm, so the head of a werewolf? Got it! - with sincere naivety, Joseph said, - perhaps you have another job in my profile?

@Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum - So where is your Sire?

"Iiiii.... Don't know...."

- You can definitely start with a Werewolf, - still holding hic chuckle LaCroix replied. - Mister Rossi did you have a chance to meet your Primogen?

"Met with, no, but I did have a phone call with him earlier this very night. He's asked to meet, however, an acquaintance informed me the Sheriff required my presence."

- Good. You both are free to go. Mister Park, leave your number to the secretary, she will will let you know the rest of the details about the domain. Are there any questions you wanted to ask? If no, - he kind of sent him out already, - you can go.

- No. I have no questions, - Joseph replied and headed towards the exit in search of a secretary. - I wonder if silver works on werewolves or that's also a myth? - Joseph whispered to himself.

@Joseph Park - Ask that our Sheriffs, they know it for sure, - he looked the way Joseph is wasting his precious time.

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

@Joseph Park - Ask that our Sheriffs, they know it for sure, - he looked the way Joseph is wasting his precious time.

Yes, of course, Mr. La Croix. By the way, where to look for him?

- Them. Ask the secretary as well, She'll give the contacts. Now. you two. Out please.

Los Аngeles StoryTeller

- Them. Ask the secretary as well, She'll give the contacts. Now. you two. Out please.

Joseph made a determined face and walk at the secretary. If they have a Sheriff, then he must know about hunting werewolves and other such things. We need to find these Sheriffs. (edited)

Luca gave a small nod of his head, turned and left with Joseph. After they were outside the office, Luca commented, "You know, the way he laughed at the notion of hunting werewolves, I get the impression they might be a bit above our paygrade."

2

Luca Rossi/Robert Meechum

Luca gave a small nod of his head, turned and left with Joseph. After they were outside the office, Luca commented, "You know, the way he laughed at the notion of hunting werewolves, I get the impression they might be a bit above our paygrade."

- You think? Bears are also dangerous, but the price for a bear skin is usually high. I think werewolves are about the same. You need to find out their weaknesses, where they live and set traps. Animals are animals.

Maybe in this was the same the second voice told or Luca's own, but there was definitely a thought that werewolves are definitely not 'just' animals.

"Hm. I suppose you'll find out." The pair approached the secretary. "Excuse me, we're looking for the Sheriff's office?"

((we can end here and send you right to the next scene))

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Recap: Joseph Park arrived to Prince and met Luca Rossi close to the Ventrue tower. Joseph introduced to LaCroix. Luca reported he's called by Primogen Alister Grout and that Sheriffs wasted to talk to him. Getting the info about Sheriffs numbers and domains to feed, both vamps left the Tower.