moarhair

I'm very sorry to hear that, as this was shaping up to be a pretty compelling setup and game from my perspective. I second Jubal's suggestion. If you're willing to let us help resolve the setting issues, I'm up to lending a hand. However, I'll understand if you'd rather call it quits.

I posted in my hidden thread as well, just waiting for your answers

Emil Fischer Emil nods at Kevin. "Will do." He looks around at the assembled Kindred. "Well, sounds like we've covered all we can tonight. It sounds like we're all curious about the mystery that is Heidelberg, so let's keep in touch, shall we?" His eyes land on Elsa. "I look forward to seeing what you've compiled for us. If there's nothing else, I propose that we call an end to this introductory meeting."  

Emil is also interested in unraveling the mystery of the Kindred population's disappearance. For now, though, we don't really know where to go. Unless I missed it, we weren't given the location of the warehouse yet. Checking out the Prince's place isn't a bad idea, except that we have no idea where that is either. Kindred don't usually advertise where they sleep. We have to see what info Elsa sends us before deciding on our next move. Not sure if Anja's player is still with us. They haven't been online for two weeks according to their profile. Imho, adjourning for that night is what makes the most sense for the IC at the moment.

Emil Fischer "As you've all surmised from my card, I'm Emil. I hail from the Stuttgart Artistes," Emil says as he looks around at the assembled Kindred. His gaze finally settles on Chloe. "I wouldn't say I collect paintings, I merely help them on their way. Art shouldn't be hidden away. It should be shared. Art is only art when it is experienced. Maybe you can bring one of your works at our next meeting." Emil turns back to the others. "I'm willing to take on the responsibility of finding a place for our next Elysium. I'll let you all know once I've found a suitable location. In the meantime, please let me know if you need any special accommodation."  

Emil Fischer Emil smiles at Chloe, surprised by her concern over the hypothetical works of art. "And some message that would be. However..." He looks up at Kevin. "I, too, would prefer if the paintings remain intact. If you do find any, I'd be happy to take them off your hands. You have my number." Emil gives Elsa his business card. "I have no further questions for now. I'll be in touch if that changes." He then offers a card to each of the other Kindred present. Emil's business card Once every other neonate has either accepted or refused a card, Emil puts his card case away in his pocket. "The gentleman," he says with a nod at David, "wisely suggested we take this conversation elsewhere. Perhaps a place where we don't have to shout to be heard. Does anyone have a suggestion?"  

Emil Fischer Emil listens to Elsa's answers with mild interest. When she finishes her spiel, he clears his throat. "I have a few follow-up questions. How did you look thoroughly for ash if you lost contact with both teams? Was a third team sent in? If so, could you elaborate on what kind of people you sent and what they found." "You said 'Will they honor their word?' So, the... people... behind these disappearances have been in contact. How did they get in touch, what exactly did they say, and how can you be sure that these are the right people?"  

Emil Fischer Emil retracts his hand as the others join them. He listens to the lady's prepared speech and the questions and comments that follow. Chloe's words confirm his intuition about her clan. Who but the Clan of the Moon would embrace a child? He nods at Lily's wise words about getting organized. "I agree. At the very least, we should do a round of introductions and exchange contact information. I would also suggest we meet regularly to discuss relevant Domain matters and settle disagreements."  

Emil Fischer Emil bristles slightly at the man's rudeness, but it wasn't anything he wasn't used to. He makes a note of the people he points to: the child, the flirting Scot, the two bookworms. Emil then turns his attention to the woman and smiles. "I think you did a commendable job. Unless you two are joined at the hip, I see no reason why the gentleman needs to stay. I'd be delighted to keep you company in his stead. After all, I am now a local, and I would be bereft in my responsibilities if I did not show hospitality to the representatives of our neighbors." He offers his hand to the woman. "I'm Emil, though I suspect you know this already. Would you care to join me as I make my introductions to the others?"  

Emil Fischer Emil chuckles at Kevin's manager comment. "I suppose I could have made a good candidate for them as well." His eyebrow twitches when Kevin hints at his field. Interesting. Emil shakes his head at the last question. "No, you're my first acquaintance. Which reminds me, we should probably mingle a bit more." He stands from his stool, then fishes a small metal case out of his pocket and pops it open, retrieving a business card. He hands it to Kevin. "Give me a call so I have your number. A lot of artists work long hours and sometimes have a need for pharmaceuticals. We may have mutual interests to explore. I'm going to try and find some of the other guests, you're welcome to join me if you'd like." Emil looks around to find other potential Kindred. The two asocial bookworms had found each other. If they had planned to meet, surely they wouldn't have spent so long apart? They could be fellow guests. A woman sitting at the bar had brought her daughter in with her. An unusual choice. A Kindred and her ghoul or just an irresponsible parent? Given the coincidence, the former seemed more likely. A man was chatting up some tourists, perhaps looking for connections, but he could also just be a kine trying to find a companion for the night. Finally, there was the odd couple at a table. They were the most obvious candidates, so Emil makes his way through the crowd towards them. As he approaches the table, he nods to the pink-suited man and the older woman. "Good evening. I was invited for a small networking event and am trying to find the other guests. Would you happen to be here for the same purpose?"  

It is one Level One ritual (page 177).

Emil Fischer Emil smiles and clasps the biker's hand firmly and briefly. "Pleased to meet you, Kevin," he answers warmly. "I'm Emil, of the Artistes." He takes his drink from the bartender, handing him a few euros in return, before taking a seat on the stool next to his new acquaintance. Emil pretends to take a sip and scans the room while listening to Kevin's thoughts on their new city of residence. If his eyes meets anyone else's, he smiles and nods to show he's open to being approached. His sweep finished, he turns back to his companion. "Heidelberg does seem to be rather well-to-do. Lots of opportunities for growth." He eyes Kevin appraisingly. "If it's not indiscreet, what business are you you in?"  

Emil Fischer For his introduction to Heidelberg's new Kindred community, Emil is wearing a tight-fitting Gucci t-shirt, a cashmere knit cardigan by Neiman Marcus, pleated Brunello Cucinelli trousers, and JM Weston loafers. His glasses are by Versace. Though undeniably luxurious to the trained eye, the outfit gives him a somewhat professorial look.  He walks into the Sonderbar a few minutes before 11 pm. He scans the bar's eclectic assembly. A handful do stand out, despite the diversity of the crowd: The odd couple and the biker, first and foremost. If anyone meets his gaze, he flashes them a smile and a curt nod, before looking away. Emil makes his way to the bar and orders a Vodka tonic. As he waits for his drink, he leans towards the biker. "Excuse me. I'm new to the city and have been invited to meet fellow new arrivals. Would you happen to be here for the same purpose?"  

It looks like a blank post to me

Adjusted my sheet: Lowered Streetwise by 1. Fixed the languages. Put a second point in retainer as suggested to make Valentina exceptional. Thanks!

Yeah, I could see that as well. Especially since Chloe is an aspiring artist and Emil operates in that milieu. There's definitely some drama potential there. Setites tend to be universally reviled. If someone discovers his secret, they'd have a pretty big piece of leverage to use against him.

Questions

Kaleb looked at the office's door with increasing anxiety. He could hear the hum of conversation from the other side, punctuated by the occasional sound of glasses coming into contact with each other. He could picture the crowd in his mind, dressed in their trendy clothes, looking around with condescension in their eyes. Looking to pounce at the first sign of weakness. He turned and walked back to the desk. He leaned against it and took long, deep breaths, trying to steady his thundering heart. He jumped when the door opened, a squeal escaping his lips as he wheeled around. It was Emil, the gallery owner. Kaleb swallowed nervously. "Ah. I take it we're not quite ready for your big debut?" Emil asked with a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry... I just... I didn't so many people would come," Kaleb stammered. He started pulling at the string of his hoodie. Emil made his way across the room and leaned on the desk next to Kaleb. "You don't have to be nervous. You've already laid yourself bare in your pieces and they loved them. They'll love you too. Trust me, I've been doing this for a long time. I know a winner when I see one." Kaleb knew Emil was trying to reassure him, but... laid yourself bare... the words echoed in his mind. They've seen you, they know you're trash, that you don't deserve any attention. They only stayed to laugh at you. He heard Emil sigh. You're letting him down, after all he's done for you... "Kaleb, look at me." With titanic effort, the artist managed to comply. "A lot of creatives struggle like this. And it's your first show, no less. Don't worry, I have just the thing for this." Emil had retrieved a small case from his pocket. He flicked it open with his thumb, revealing a handful a small, white, round pills. "Take one." Memories flashed in Kaleb's mind. His mother, lying on the couch, a smoking pipe fallen on the ground burning a hole in the carpet... His father hurling slurred insults at a neighbor who hurried into their apartment... "I... don't do drugs..." Emil chuckled. "This isn't some street shit. They're prescription anti-anxiety meds. A friend gives me his extras for when this," he crowed with a tilt of his head towards the door, "gets to be too much. They'll just give you a bit of that extrovert magic." Kaleb bit his lip, his eyes went to the door, then back to the tin. Emil laughed again. It was warm and kind, not like the mocking Kaleb was used to. The gallerist reached inside the case and took one of the pills, he popped it into his mouth and swallowed it. "See? Nothing to worry about." A peal of laughter drew Kaleb's attention to the door again. He looked back down at the tin. One pill couldn't hurt, right?