Blood Bank CH1

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<<nobr>> <<set $DFriendship to 40>> <<set $DRomance to 0>> <<set $JFriendship to 40>> <<set $JRomance to 0>> <<set $AFriendship to 30>> <<set $ARomance to 0>> <<set $EFriendship to 30>> <<set $ERomance to 0>> <<set $WFriendship to 30>> <<set $WRomance to 0>> <<set $CFriendship to 30>> <<set $CRomance to 0>> <<set $SFriendship to 30>> <<set $SRomance to 10>> <<set $LamiaRelationship to 10>> <<set $LamiaDesire to 0>> <<set $deception to 10>> <<set $wits to 10>> <<set $charismaIntimidation to 50>> <<set $lawfulLawless to 50>> <<set $recklessCareful to 50>> <<set $introvertExtrovert to 50>> <<set $strength to 10>> <<set $dexterity to 10>> <<set $agility to 10>> <<set $weapons to 10>> <<set $combat to 10>> <<set $family to 70>> <<set $public to 40>> <<set $lombardi to 70>> <<set $seth to 70>> <<set $deMevius to 60>> <<set $sundale to 30>> <<set $vatura to 30>> <h2>Prologue</h2> <</nobr>> Birdsong and rays of sun filtered through your curtains are what gently pull you from sleep the morning of your twenty-fifth birthday. Soft lips and warm breath ghost along your neck, as a quiet "Good morning" comes from beside you. You roll over and smile at your <<nobr>> <<cycle "$Kgender" autoselect>> <<option "boyfriend">> <<option "girlfriend">> <</cycle>> of the last five years. <</nobr>>The two of you share a languid kiss that both wakes you up and makes you want to stay in bed all day. Checking the clock on your nightstand, you see it’s only eight a.m. Plenty of time before you have to meet your parents this afternoon. "Happy birthday, <<nobr>> <<cycle "$title" autoselect>> <<option "Mr.">> <<option "Ms.">> <<option "Mx.">> <</cycle>> Owner of Blood Bank. Should I start calling you Boss now, or wait until the party?"<</nobr>> [[Next |reluctance choice]]

For as long as you can remember, your parents have been preparing you to take over the family business, starting with their nightclub, Blood Bank.<<nobr>> <<if $reluctance is 0>> You've been looking forward to today. What's cooler than being able to say you run the most popular nightclub in Ves Arcanus? You even got your bachelor's degree in business management and used it to help your parents with their smaller businesses. Even with how prepared you are, you’re eternally grateful to have Kiernan by your side for additional support. <<elseif $reluctance is 10>> It definitely wasn't your first choice of career, but who else was going to do it? Your cousins Alix and Aren were happy to follow in your aunt and uncle's footsteps taking over other aspects of the family business, and you don't have any siblings. That leaves you as the only suitable person to become the next head of the Florentia Family. Despite your feelings on officially joining the family business, you’re eternally grateful to have Kiernan by your side. <<elseif $reluctance is 15>> You've never been opposed to a career in organized crime, but being the heir of such an infamous family is a lot of responsibility. You've been dreading today because even with years of preparation, one wrong move could drastically affect the Florentia's position in the Arcanus Six. However, you take comfort in knowing Kiernan’s experience at the club will make the transition easier. <<else>> You never wanted to run Blood Bank, let alone be the next head of the Florentia Family, and you've pushed back every step of the way. Other heirs in the Arcanus Six have abdicated their titles in the past, but your parents have been adamant that you won’t be one of them. If they think handing you the club will make you change your mind, they've got another thing coming. At least having Kiernan there with you will make it less excruciating. <</if>> <</nobr>> The two of you met six years ago at Blood Bank, a few months after Kiernan started performing as a burlesque dancer. You don't really believe in love at first sight, but you can't deny that you felt //something// when you saw Kiernan onstage. That feeling only grew when you found $Khimher after the performance and invited $Khimher to a private room of the club to talk. The two of you didn't do as much talking as you'd planned, but later that night you got a text from Kiernan asking you on a date. Tired hazel eyes shine in the morning sunlight as Kiernan takes your hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. "Now, to commemorate your special day I splurged a little to get you something nice." Before you can respond, Kiernan raises a finger to your lips, then rolls over to reach under the bed. The bold black lines of the tattoo covering $Khisher back— a naked woman on a cross— stand out against the caramel-colored skin beneath; and the tips Kiernan’s curly red hair cover the top of the tattoo just below $Khisher shoulders. From under the bed Kiernan pulls a small box haphazardly wrapped in burgundy paper and plops it on your stomach. Inside the box, surrounded by soft velvet, is your birthstone in the shape of a droplet with your initials suspended in the center. [[Feminine names |fem names]] [[Masculine names |masc names]] [[Gender neutral names |unisex names]] [[Type your own name |type]]

<<textbox "$MCName" "type first name">> [[Continue]]

Lifting the necklace by its gold chain, you watch as soft sunlight dances over the surface casting colorful speckles across the walls. As you look closer at the necklace, you see the words ‘Love Kiernan’ in gold lettering along the chain. "Even though I've been gone for a while, I know today will still be hard for you. But this is a piece of me to keep with you and make it a little easier." The comment confuses you, but also fills you with a deep sorrow and feeling of loss that you can’t place. "What do you mean?" A lump rises in your throat and constricts your words, as tears prick your eyes. "You’re in our bed. Our apartment. You’re safe." But you know that’s not true when you see blood staining the bedsheets and trickling from $Khisher mouth. You yank the covers away, trying to stem the blood from a gunshot wound in $Khisher stomach. The coppery smell is so strong, it makes the tears running into your mouth taste bitter. If Kiernan were human the smell might make you ravenous, but instead you feel sick to your stomach. Blood bubbles from Kiernan’s lips, making $Khimher choke. You squeeze your eyes shut, feeling the blood still gushing through your fingers. When you open your eyes [[you’re alone in bed. |Chapter 1]]

<<set $stats to true>> <<set $status to true>> <<set $relationships to true>> <h1>[[Chapter 1 |after nightmare]]</h1>

[[You have dark circles around your tired blue eyes. |hair length][$eyeColor = "blue"]] [[You have dark circles around your tired green eyes. |hair length][$eyeColor = "green"]] [[You have dark circles around your tired grey eyes. |hair length][$eyeColor = "grey"]] [[You have dark circles around your tired brown eyes. |hair length][$eyeColor = "brown"]] [[You have dark circles around your tired hazel eyes. |hair length][$eyeColor = "hazel"]] [[You have dark circles around your tired dark brown eyes. |hair length][$eyeColor = "dark brown"]]

[[Your buzzcut hair is damp with sweat |hair texture][$hairLength = "buzzcut"]] [[Your short hair is damp with sweat |hair texture][$hairLength = "short"]] [[Your shoulder length hair is damp with sweat |hair texture][$hairLength = "shoulder length"]] [[Your long hair is damp with sweat |hair texture][$hairLength = "long"]] [[Your bald head is damp with sweat |Cust1][$hairLength = "none"]]

[[Your hair is straight |hair color][$hairTexture = "straight"]] [[Your hair is wavy |hair color][$hairTexture = "wavy"]] [[Your hair is curly |hair color][$hairTexture = "curly"]] [[Your hair is kinky |hair color][$hairTexture = "kinky"]] <<if $hairLength is "none">> <<set $hairTexture to "none">> <</if>>

[[Your hair is blonde |Cust1][$hairColor = "blonde"]] [[Your hair is red |Cust1][$hairColor = "red"]] [[Your hair is black |Cust1][$hairColor = "black"]] [[Your hair is dark brown |Cust1][$hairColor = "dark brown"]] [[Your hair is light brown |Cust1][$hairColor = "light brown"]] [[Your hair is dyed |dyed color]]

\<<if hasVisited ("Gender")>> Gender \<<else>> [[Gender]]<</if>> <<if hasVisited ("Body Type")>> Body Type \<<else>> [[Body Type]] <</if>> <<if hasVisited ("Height")>> Height \<<else>> [[Height]] <</if>> [[Next |Story cont]]

<<textbox "$hairColor" "type color">> [[Next |Cust1]]

[[You identify as a cis woman |pronouns][$MCgender = "woman"]] [[You identify as a cis man |pronouns][$MCgender = "man"]] [[You identify as a nonbinary person |pronouns][$MCgender = "person"]] [[You identify as a trans woman |pronouns][$MCgender = "woman"]] [[You identify as a trans man |pronouns][$MCgender = "man"]] <<if $MCgender is "woman">> <<set $chest to "breast">> <<else>> <<set $chest to "chest">> <</if>>

[[You use she/her pronouns |Cust1][$heshe to "she", $himher to "her", $hisher to "her", $hishers to "hers", $himself to "herself"]] [[You use he/him pronouns |Cust1][$heshe to "he", $himher to "him", $hisher to "his", $hishers to "his", $himself to "himself"]] [[You use they/them pronouns |Cust1][$heshe to "they", $himher to "them", $hisher to "their", $hishers to "theirs", $himself to "themself", $pronouns_plural to true]]

<<nobr>> <<if $body is "buff">> <<set $strength += 10>> <<elseif $body is "toned">> <<set $strength += 5>> <</if>> <<if $body is "lithe">> <<set $agility += 10>> <<elseif $body is "lanky">> <<set $agility += 5>> <</if>> You’re about to pick an outfit from your closet when the phone on your desk starts ringing. Knowing the call is most likely from Dion, you hurry to pick it up. <</nobr>> "Good morning, $MCName! I hope you’re not still in your pajamas, because I’m heading to your house in about thirty seconds, and I'm not going to wait in the car for ten minutes like I did last time." In keeping with tradition, you and Dion are going to Nocte Park where <<nobr>> <<cycle "$Jname" autoselect>> <<option "Jennifer">> <<option "Jensen">> <</cycle>> will have laid out brunch for the three of you. <</nobr>> [[''I'm getting dressed now. I promise I'll be ready by the time you're here.'' |Dion response][$DFriendship += 2]] [[''No promises. I haven't even picked an outfit yet.'' |Dion response2]] [[''Don't rush me. I'll be ready when I'm ready.'' |Dion response3][$DFriendship -= 2]]

"Sounds good. But if you're not out in ten seconds, I'll start honking." You laugh as you hang up the phone, but you don't doubt <<nobr>> <<cycle "$Dgender" autoselect>> <<option "he">> <<option "she">> <</cycle>> will annoy the whole neighborhood. You go back to rifling through your closet until you've found the perfect outfit. <</nobr>> <<if $hairLength is "none" or "buzzcut">> [[A button down with a sweater vest and pants. |dion arrive]] [[A button down with a sweater vest and a skirt. |dion arrive]] [[An oversized shirt and shorts, with crew socks and sneakers |dion arrive]] [[A striped t-shirt with cargo pants and boots |dion arrive]] [[A band t-shirt with ripped jeans, a leather jacket, and boots |dion arrive]] [[A nice shirt with a blazer, slacks, and dress shoes |dion arrive]] [[A nice blouse with a blazer, skirt, and heels |dion arrive]] <<else>> [[A button down with a sweater vest and pants. |hair styles]] [[A button down with a sweater vest and a skirt. |hair styles]] [[An oversized shirt and shorts, with crew socks and sneakers |hair styles]] [[A striped t-shirt with cargo pants and boots |hair styles]] [[A band t-shirt with ripped jeans, a leather jacket, and boots |hair styles]] [[A nice shirt with a blazer, slacks, and dress shoes |hair styles]] [[A nice blouse with a blazer, skirt, and heels |hair styles]] <</if>>

Dion's sigh crackles through the phone. "Fine, but if I get there and you're not out in ten seconds, I'll start honking." You laugh as you hang up the phone, but you don't doubt <<nobr>> <<cycle "$Dgender" autoselect>> <<option "he">> <<option "she">> <</cycle>> will annoy the whole neighborhood. You go back to rifling through your closet until you've found the perfect outfit. <</nobr>> <<if $hairLength is "none" or "buzzcut">> [[A button down with a sweater vest and pants. |dion arrive]] [[A button down with a sweater vest and a skirt. |dion arrive]] [[An oversized shirt and shorts, with crew socks and sneakers |dion arrive]] [[A striped t-shirt with cargo pants and boots |dion arrive]] [[A band t-shirt with ripped jeans, a leather jacket, and boots |dion arrive]] [[A nice shirt with a blazer, slacks, and dress shoes |dion arrive]] [[A nice blouse with a blazer, skirt, and heels |dion arrive]] <<else>> [[A button down with a sweater vest and pants. |hair styles]] [[A button down with a sweater vest and a skirt. |hair styles]] [[An oversized shirt and shorts, with crew socks and sneakers |hair styles]] [[A striped t-shirt with cargo pants and boots |hair styles]] [[A band t-shirt with ripped jeans, a leather jacket, and boots |hair styles]] [[A nice shirt with a blazer, slacks, and dress shoes |hair styles]] [[A nice blouse with a blazer, skirt, and heels |hair styles]] <</if>>

"Jeez, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Be outside when I get there, or I'll start honking." Dion hangs up the phone before you can respond. You let out a sigh knowing that if you don't hurry, <<nobr>> <<cycle "$Dgender" autoselect>> <<option "he">> <<option "she">> <</cycle>> will annoy the whole neighborhood. You go back to rifling through your closet until you've found the perfect outfit. <</nobr>> <<if $hairLength is "none" or "buzzcut">> [[A button down with a sweater vest and pants. |dion arrive]] [[A button down with a sweater vest and a skirt. |dion arrive]] [[An oversized shirt and shorts, with crew socks and sneakers |dion arrive]] [[A striped t-shirt with cargo pants and boots |dion arrive]] [[A band t-shirt with ripped jeans, a leather jacket, and boots |dion arrive]] [[A nice shirt with a blazer, slacks, and dress shoes |dion arrive]] [[A nice blouse with a blazer, skirt, and heels |dion arrive]] <<else>> [[A button down with a sweater vest and pants. |hair styles]] [[A button down with a sweater vest and a skirt. |hair styles]] [[An oversized shirt and shorts, with crew socks and sneakers |hair styles]] [[A striped t-shirt with cargo pants and boots |hair styles]] [[A band t-shirt with ripped jeans, a leather jacket, and boots |hair styles]] [[A nice shirt with a blazer, slacks, and dress shoes |hair styles]] [[A nice blouse with a blazer, skirt, and heels |hair styles]] <</if>>

Before you head downstairs, you stop at the mirror to check your hair. [[Your hair is in box braids. |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "braids"]] [[Your hair is in locs. |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "locs"]] [[Your hair is in twists. |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "twists"]] [[Your hair is in an afro. |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "afro"]] [[Your hair is loose. |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "loose"]] [[Your hair is in a ponytail |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "ponytail"]] [[Your hair is in a bun |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "bun"]] [[Your hair is in a single braid |dion arrive][$hairstyle = "single braid"]]

<<nobr>> <<if $Dgender is "she">> <<set $Dheshe to "she", $Dhimher to "her", $Dhisher to "her", $Dhishers to "hers", $Dhimself to "herself">> <<else>> <<set $Dheshe to "he", $Dhimher to "him", $Dhisher to "his", $Dhishers to "his", $Dhimself to "himself">> <</if>> <<if $Jname is "Jennifer">> <<set $Jheshe to "she", $Jhimher to "her", $Jhisher to "her", $Jhishers to "hers", $Jhimself to "herself">> <<else>> <<set $Jheshe to "he", $Jhimher to "him", $Jhisher to "his", $Jhishers to "his", $Jhimself to "himself">> <</if>> You’re finishing up when your family butler, Hastings, appears in the doorway. <</nobr>> "$title Florentia, <<nobr>> <<if $Dgender is "he">> Mr. <<else>> Ms. <</if>> Parker is downstairs for you." <</nobr>> You rush downstairs before Dion can start honking and climb into the passenger seat, flinching as $Dheshe yells, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" <<Dheshe>> flings $Dhimself over the center console to hug you. You glare at $Dhimher but can’t help the smile that tugs at your lips, especially when Dion’s grin grows wider in response. After a decade of friendship, Dion is the only person who could always put a smile on your face that first year after Kiernan was killed. To everyone else $Dheshe seems shy and reserved, but around you Dion is an absolute riot. And with $Dhisher warm brown skin, kind chocolate brown eyes, and thick curly black hair, Dion has had endless admirers since you were in high school. [[You’ve always been one of them, but never acted on it. ♡][$DRomance += 20]] [[You used to be one of them and acted on those feelings. ♡☆][$DRomance += 30]] [[You weren’t really one of them, but the two of you have had sex. ☆][$DRomance += 25]] [[You’ve only ever seen Dion as a friend.]]

You and Dion have always been best friends, so you never spoke up about the huge crush you used to have on $Dhimher. And while Dion also hasn't expressed any romantic feelings toward you, you get the feeling $Dheshe would be open to it if you asked. <<set $Dion to "crush">> "Thanks for picking me up, D. Is Albright already at the park?" Dion pulls out of your driveway and begins the short drive to the park. "Yeah, it sounded like everything was already set up, and thank God because I’m starving." As if to prove $Dhisher point, Dion’s stomach grumbles loudly in the quiet car. After that dream you don’t really have much of an appetite, but you keep that to yourself. Telling Dion now would open a can of worms you aren’t ready for this early in the day. "Isn’t it beautiful out today? Perfect for our little picnic." You watch as the houses fade into greenery the closer you get to the park. "Perfect to get drunk off mimosas first thing in the morning you mean." Dion pulls the car onto a smaller side road, leading to a more private area of the park. The two of you hop out of $Dhisher black convertible and walk to the spot where you usually meet $Jname. Under a massive oak tree raining colorful leaves, is a blanket covered in various breakfast foods. On the blanket, amongst all the food, sits $Jname Albright. <<Jhisher>> black hair is a stark contrast to the colorful scenery around $Jhimher, but the smile $Jheshe gives you both is enough to light any room. $Jname's icy blue eyes, that would look cold to anyone else, are full of a warmth that brings a smile to you and Dion’s faces. "Albright, you really outdid yourself this time. This looks like it could feed a whole army." As a Vampire, you’re not able to eat most human foods; they taste foul and turn your stomach. However, in addition to feeding on blood you are able to eat fruits, so $Jname always makes sure to have a large selection available for this occasion. "With how the two of you eat, I had to. Plus, today is a special birthday for $MCName." At this, $Jname looks to you with a grin. "Happy birthday, by the way. Are you excited for the party tonight?" \<<if $reluctance is 0>> "Hell yeah! It'll be even better knowing that by the end of the night I'll be the official owner of Blood Bank. Plus, there will be free booze, what's not to be excited about?" Dion raises a brow at that. "Won't the booze always be free for you? You'll technically own all of it." "Unfortunately, not. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> "Nervous is probably a better word for how I'm feeling. I'll need something stronger than champagne tonight to keep my anxiety under control." "Well," Dion says. "Soon enough you'll have a full bar of liquid courage at your fingertips free of charge." "I wish that were true. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<else>> "Excited for the party, yes. For what comes after? Not so much. Do you think it'd look unprofessional to get drunk my unofficial first night on the job?" "Just your first night?" Dion asks. "Why not get drunk every night, it'll be your club." "Because my mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<</if>> [[Next |brunch]]

When you were in college, you told Dion about your feelings towards $Dhimher and were relieved when Dion said $Dheshe felt the same way. The two of you have acted on those feelings more than once, but never officially became a couple. Neither of you ever asked to be more than friends and you've both seen other people since then, but you get the feeling Dion would be open to it if you did ask.<<set $Dion to "mutual crush">> "Thanks for picking me up, D. Is Albright already at the park?" Dion pulls out of your driveway and begins the short drive to the park. "Yeah, it sounded like everything was already set up, and thank God because I’m starving." As if to prove $Dhisher point, Dion’s stomach grumbles loudly in the quiet car. After that dream you don’t really have much of an appetite, but you keep that to yourself. Telling Dion now would open a can of worms you aren’t ready for this early in the day. "Isn’t it beautiful out today? Perfect for our little picnic." You watch as the houses fade into greenery the closer you get to the park. "Perfect to get drunk off mimosas first thing in the morning you mean." Dion pulls the car onto a smaller side road, leading to a more private area of the park. The two of you hop out of $Dhisher black convertible and walk to the spot where you usually meet $Jname. Under a massive oak tree raining colorful leaves, is a blanket covered in various breakfast foods. On the blanket, amongst all the food, sits $Jname Albright. <<Jhisher>> black hair is a stark contrast to the colorful scenery around $Jhimher, but the smile $Jheshe gives you both is enough to light any room. $Jname's icy blue eyes, that would look cold to anyone else, are full of a warmth that brings a smile to you and Dion’s faces. "Albright, you really outdid yourself this time. This looks like it could feed a whole army." As a Vampire, you’re not able to eat most human foods; they taste foul and turn your stomach. However, in addition to feeding on blood you are able to eat fruits, so $Jname always makes sure to have a large selection available for this occasion. "With how the two of you eat, I had to. Plus, today is a special birthday for $MCName." At this, $Jname looks to you with a grin. "Happy birthday, by the way. Are you excited for the party tonight?" \<<if $reluctance is 0>> "Hell yeah! It'll be even better knowing that by the end of the night I'll be the official owner of Blood Bank. Plus, there will be free booze, what's not to be excited about?" Dion raises a brow at that. "Won't the booze always be free for you? You'll technically own all of it." "Unfortunately, not. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> "Nervous is probably a better word for how I'm feeling. I'll need something stronger than champagne tonight to keep my anxiety under control." "Well," Dion says. "Soon enough you'll have a full bar of liquid courage at your fingertips free of charge." "I wish that were true. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<else>> "Excited for the party, yes. For what comes after? Not so much. Do you think it'd look unprofessional to get drunk my unofficial first night on the job?" "Just your first night?" Dion asks. "Why not get drunk every night, it'll be your club." "Because my mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<</if>> [[Next |brunch]]

You and Dion have always been best friends, and you've never been romantically interested in $Dhimher. But when you were in college, you and Dion got drunk, and one thing led to another. Since then, the two of you have had sex a few more times, and while you never talked about getting involved romantically, you get the feeling Dion would be open to it if you asked. <<set $Dion to "boinked">> "Thanks for picking me up, D. Is Albright already at the park?" Dion pulls out of your driveway and begins the short drive to the park. "Yeah, it sounded like everything was already set up, and thank God because I’m starving." As if to prove $Dhisher point, Dion’s stomach grumbles loudly in the quiet car. After that dream you don’t really have much of an appetite, but you keep that to yourself. Telling Dion now would open a can of worms you aren’t ready for this early in the day. "Isn’t it beautiful out today? Perfect for our little picnic." You watch as the houses fade into greenery the closer you get to the park. "Perfect to get drunk off mimosas first thing in the morning you mean." Dion pulls the car onto a smaller side road, leading to a more private area of the park. The two of you hop out of $Dhisher black convertible and walk to the spot where you usually meet $Jname. Under a massive oak tree raining colorful leaves, is a blanket covered in various breakfast foods. On the blanket, amongst all the food, sits $Jname Albright. <<Jhisher>> black hair is a stark contrast to the colorful scenery around $Jhimher, but the smile $Jheshe gives you both is enough to light any room. $Jname's icy blue eyes, that would look cold to anyone else, are full of a warmth that brings a smile to you and Dion’s faces. "Albright, you really outdid yourself this time. This looks like it could feed a whole army." As a Vampire, you’re not able to eat most human foods; they taste foul and turn your stomach. However, in addition to feeding on blood you are able to eat fruits, so $Jname always makes sure to have a large selection available for this occasion. "With how the two of you eat, I had to. Plus, today is a special birthday for $MCName." At this, $Jname looks to you with a grin. "Happy birthday, by the way. Are you excited for the party tonight?" \<<if $reluctance is 0>> "Hell yeah! It'll be even better knowing that by the end of the night I'll be the official owner of Blood Bank. Plus, there will be free booze, what's not to be excited about?" Dion raises a brow at that. "Won't the booze always be free for you? You'll technically own all of it." "Unfortunately, not. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> "Nervous is probably a better word for how I'm feeling. I'll need something stronger than champagne tonight to keep my anxiety under control." "Well," Dion says. "Soon enough you'll have a full bar of liquid courage at your fingertips free of charge." "I wish that were true. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<else>> "Excited for the party, yes. For what comes after? Not so much. Do you think it'd look unprofessional to get drunk my unofficial first night on the job?" "Just your first night?" Dion asks. "Why not get drunk every night, it'll be your club." "Because my mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<</if>> [[Next |brunch]]

You and Dion have always been best friends, and you've never seen $Dhimher as anything more. You assume Dion feels the same way, but if $Dheshe is interested in you $Dheshe's never spoken up about it. <<set $Dion to "friend">> "Thanks for picking me up, D. Is Albright already at the park?" Dion pulls out of your driveway and begins the short drive to the park. "Yeah, it sounded like everything was already set up, and thank God because I’m starving." As if to prove $Dhisher point, Dion’s stomach grumbles loudly in the quiet car. After that dream you don’t really have much of an appetite, but you keep that to yourself. Telling Dion now would open a can of worms you aren’t ready for this early in the day. "Isn’t it beautiful out today? Perfect for our little picnic." You watch as the houses fade into greenery the closer you get to the park. "Perfect to get drunk off mimosas first thing in the morning you mean." Dion pulls the car onto a smaller side road, leading to a more private area of the park. The two of you hop out of $Dhisher black convertible and walk to the spot where you usually meet $Jname. Under a massive oak tree raining colorful leaves, is a blanket covered in various breakfast foods. On the blanket, amongst all the food, sits $Jname Albright. <<Jhisher>> black hair is a stark contrast to the colorful scenery around $Jhimher, but the smile $Jheshe gives you both is enough to light any room. $Jname's icy blue eyes, that would look cold to anyone else, are full of a warmth that brings a smile to you and Dion’s faces. "Albright, you really outdid yourself this time. This looks like it could feed a whole army." As a Vampire, you’re not able to eat most human foods; they taste foul and turn your stomach. However, in addition to feeding on blood you are able to eat fruits, so $Jname always makes sure to have a large selection available for this occasion. "With how the two of you eat, I had to. Plus, today is a special birthday for $MCName." At this, $Jname looks to you with a grin. "Happy birthday, by the way. Are you excited for the party tonight?" \<<if $reluctance is 0>> "Hell yeah! It'll be even better knowing that by the end of the night, I'll be the official owner of Blood Bank. Plus, there will be free booze, what's not to be excited about?" Dion raises a brow at that. "Won't the booze always be free for you? You'll technically own all of it." "Unfortunately, not. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> "Nervous is probably a better word for how I'm feeling. I'll need something stronger than champagne tonight to keep my anxiety under control." "Well," Dion says. "Soon enough you'll have a full bar of liquid courage at your fingertips free of charge." "I wish that were true. My mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<<else>> "Excited for the party, yes. For what comes after? Not so much. Do you think it'd look unprofessional to get drunk my unofficial first night on the job?" "Just your first night?" Dion asks. "Why not get drunk every night, it'll be your club." "Because my mom already drilled it into my head this past week that I can't drink on the job, and I can't drink for free. Her and my dad will still be paying for all the liquor that we stock." "What a bummer. Leave it to Reese Florentia to make owning the hottest nightclub in the city boring." \<</if>> [[Next |brunch]]

By the afternoon, the three of you are laying on the blanket, full and pleasantly buzzed. Really, it'd be more accurate to say that you're tipsy, while Dion and $Jname are only slightly buzzed. The two of them split a carafe of mimosa, but since you aren’t driving to the club you finished your own carafe filled with a mix of blood and champagne. Either way, you'll all sober up pretty quickly, as Supernaturals you have a higher tolerance for alcohol than humans and an equally high metabolism. "So what time are your parents expecting you at the club?" $Jname asks through a yawn. Stretching, you sit up and check your watch. "Um, in about forty-five minutes?" Together, you all start packing up and heading to your cars for the drive to Blood Bank. The anxiety you’d pushed to the back of your mind slowly fills you the closer you get to the club. Dion’s hand on your knee startles you from your thoughts. You aren't sure how you feel about the knowing look $Dheshe gives you. "I didn’t say anything earlier because you should be able to enjoy your birthday but… I know it might be hard for you to be back at the club after Kiernan’s death. Even if it has been a few years now." [[You pull your leg away and returning your gaze out the window. |in the car][$DFriendship -= 5]] [[You cover Dion’s hand on your knee briefly, before pulling away and returning your gaze out the window. |in the car][$DFriendship += 5]]

The ride to the club, soon to be your club, is both agonizingly long and way too short, and you aren’t sure what emotions you expected to feel returning there after so many years. It’s something you and Jeanette have talked about numerous times in your therapy sessions, knowing that you’d inevitably come back today. In the beginning, you'd tried to go back to Blood Bank a few times, but it was too hard. After a while you stopped bothering. And now even though you're no longer actively grieving Kiernan, you know it'll be odd returning after so long away. Especially after that nightmare you had. "I'll be fine, but thanks for checking in. It means a lot." For the rest of the drive, you and Dion sit in companionable silence, and you let your mind wander. Eventually, you arrive at the club, with $Jname pulling up behind you moments later. Blood Bank doesn't look like a typical nightclub, as it was built inside of an old cathedral your ancestors bought a couple hundred years after Ves Arcanus was founded. They kept all the sculptures, reliefs, and other religious motifs in place, but painted over the pristine exterior with black paint that seems to glitter both in the sun and moonlight. As $Jname opens the door for you, the scene inside can only be described as organized chaos. Servers run to and fro making last minute preparations for the party with your parents watching it all from the triforium balcony. When they see you walk in, they immediately motion for you to come upstairs. As you make your way through the club, you're surprised at how easy it is to keep your emotions in check. You walk up the stairs towards your parents with a confidence you haven't felt in a while. Even to you, Reese and Jared Florentia are almost as imposing in person as the reputation they’ve built in Ves Arcanus. Behind warm, genuine smiles that always reach their eyes when they see you, is cold calculation and cunning. Your mother, Reese, possesses the calm yet demanding personality needed to be the head of the biggest crime family in the city. While your father, Jared, is shrewd and pragmatic, making him Reese’s perfect partner in crime. So much so that when they were married, Jared decided to take Reese’s last name and was proud to become a Florentia. Now your parents’ smiles light up their faces as they wrap you up in tight hugs. "Happy Birthday, Bug." Your father’s neat beard tickles your nose as he squeezes you. "We apologize for not seeing you this morning, we wanted to let you sleep in." The hug from your mother isn’t as suffocating due to her smaller frame, but it’s just as strong. Regardless of how you feel about your duties as the Florentia heir, your relationship with your parents is [[Great, you’ve always gotten along well with them.][$family += 7]] [[Better now than it was when you were younger.][$family += 5]] [[Not the best, even though you used to be close with them.][$family -= 5]] [[Terrible, you’ve never gotten along well with them.][$family -= 7]]

You love your parents and have always gotten along well with them. In the years since Kiernan's death, you feel like you've gotten even closer with how they've supported you. "It's alright, I had Dion and Albright to keep me company this morning. How's the party prep going?" Your small group moves back over to the balcony where you can see the entire club, sans the bar which is directly beneath you. Lavish decorations have been hung and set everywhere, a red carpet is being rolled out and steamed, and caterers are setting up dishes for any Supernatural species that may show up tonight. Next to this, your previous birthday parties pale in comparison. "Georgina has certainly had her work cut out for her setting up all the specialty cocktails and managing the caterers, but everything has been going well." You glance over to see your mother casting a critical eye over two men carefully setting down a large ice sculpture of you. They both glance up nervously under the weight of her gaze, and she gives a small nod of approval before they relax and move to a new task. Your father chuckles from beside her. "You know if your mother says it's going well, then everything is more than perfect." After a few more minutes, your parents shoo you, Dion, and $Jname away to get dressed. The party will start in a couple hours, and they've planned for you to make a big entrance. [[You pick out a traditional black tux with a blood red bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackTux"]] [[You pick out a short, form-fitting black cocktail dress with blood red heels. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackDress"]] [[You pick out a blood red tux with a black shirt and matching bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redTux"]] [[You pick out an elegant, sparkling blood red evening gown with a long train. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redDress"]]

You love your parents, but your relationship has been rocky in the past, especially when you were a teenager. Kiernan was a big part of you getting closer with them, since visiting $Khimher at the club also meant spending more time with your mom and dad. "It's alright, I had Dion and Albright to keep me company this morning. How's the party prep going?" Your small group moves back over to the balcony where you can see the entire club, sans the bar which is directly beneath you. Lavish decorations have been hung and set everywhere, a red carpet is being rolled out and steamed, and caterers are setting up dishes for any Supernatural species that may show up tonight. Next to this, your previous birthday parties pale in comparison. "Georgina has certainly had her work cut out for her setting up all the specialty cocktails and managing the caterers, but everything has been going well." You glance over to see your mother casting a critical eye over two men carefully setting down a large ice sculpture of you. They both glance up nervously under the weight of her gaze, and she gives a small nod of approval before they relax and move to a new task. Your father chuckles from beside her. "You know if your mother says it's going well, then everything is more than perfect." After a few more minutes, your parents shoo you, Dion, and $Jname away to get dressed. The party will start in a couple hours and they've planned for you to make a big entrance. [[You pick out a traditional black tux with a blood red bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackTux"]] [[You pick out a short, form-fitting black cocktail dress with blood red heels. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackDress"]] [[You pick out a blood red tux with a black shirt and matching bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redTux"]] [[You pick out an elegant, sparkling blood red evening gown with a long train. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redDress"]]

You used to be really close with your parents growing up, but your relationship hasn't been that great for a while now. You're not sure if you started to grow apart after Kiernan died, or if it started sooner and that just made it worse. Still, just like right now, they've been trying to mend your relationship. "No worries, I spent the morning with Dion and Albright. How's all this going?" Your small group moves back over to the balcony where you can see the entire club, sans the bar which is directly beneath you. Lavish decorations have been hung and set everywhere, a red carpet is being rolled out and steamed, and caterers are setting up dishes for any Supernatural species that may show up tonight. Next to this, your previous birthday parties pale in comparison. "Georgina has certainly had her work cut out for her setting up all the specialty cocktails and managing the caterers, but everything has been going well." You glance over to see your mother casting a critical eye over two men carefully setting down a large ice sculpture of you. They both glance up nervously under the weight of her gaze, and she gives a small nod of approval before they relax and move to a new task. Your father chuckles from beside her. "You know if your mother says it's going well, then everything is more than perfect." After a few more minutes, your parents shoo you, Dion, and $Jname away to get dressed. The party will start in a couple hours and they've planned for you to make a big entrance. [[You pick out a traditional black tux with a blood red bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackTux"]] [[You pick out a short, form-fitting black cocktail dress with blood red heels. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackDress"]] [[You pick out a blood red tux with a black shirt and matching bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redTux"]] [[You pick out an elegant, sparkling blood red evening gown with a long train. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redDress"]]

You honestly can't stand your parents, and unfortunately, it's been that way since you were in high school. Every teenager hits rough patches with their parents, but you feel like you've had nothing but rough patches with yours. Still, just like right now, they've always tried to mend your relationship. "No big deal, I was with Dion and Albright all morning anyways. How's all this going?" Your small group moves back over to the balcony where you can see the entire club, sans the bar which is directly beneath you. Lavish decorations have been hung and set everywhere, a red carpet is being rolled out and steamed, and caterers are setting up dishes for any Supernatural species that may show up tonight. Next to this, your previous birthday parties pale in comparison. "Georgina has certainly had her work cut out for her setting up all the specialty cocktails and managing the caterers, but everything has been going well." You glance over to see your mother casting a critical eye over two men carefully setting down a large ice sculpture of you. They both glance up nervously under the weight of her gaze, and she gives a small nod of approval before they relax and move to a new task. Your father chuckles from beside her. "You know if your mother says it's going well, then everything is more than perfect." After a few more minutes, your parents shoo you, Dion, and $Jname away to get dressed. The party will start in a couple hours and they've planned for you to make a big entrance. [[You pick out a traditional black tux with a blood red bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackTux"]] [[You pick out a short, form-fitting black cocktail dress with blood red heels. |to the limo][_partyFit = "blackDress"]] [[You pick out a blood red tux with a black shirt and matching bowtie. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redTux"]] [[You pick out an elegant, sparkling blood red evening gown with a long train. |to the limo][_partyFit = "redDress"]]

<div id= "menu-story"> </div> <a data-passage="Stats">Stats</a> <a data-passage="Public Status">Public Status</a> <a data-passage="Relationships">Relationships</a> <a data-passage="About Ves Arcanus">About Ves Arcanus</a>

<<if $relationships is true>> <h2> Relationships </h2> Dion Parker <div class= "single">Friendship<progress @value="$DFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> <div class= "single">Romance<progress @value="$DRomance" max="100"></progress></div> $Jname Albright <div class= "single">Friendship<progress @value="$JFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> \<<if $metA is true>> $Aname 'Ale' Lombardi <div class= "single">Friendship<progress @value="$AFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> <div class= "single">Romance<progress @value="$ARomance" max="100"></progress></div> \<<else>> You haven't met Ale yet. \<</if>> \<<if $metE is true>> $Ename'El' Rivera <div class= "single">Friendship<progress @value="$EFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> <div class= "single">Romance<progress @value="$ERomance" max="100"></progress></div> \<<else>> You haven't met El yet. \<</if>> \<<if $metL is true>> $Lname Whitlock <div class= "single">Friendship<progress @value="$WFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> <div class= "single">Romance<progress @value="$WRomance" max="100"></progress></div> \<<else>> You haven't met Whitlock yet. \<</if>> \<<if $metC is true>> $Cname 'Charlie' Cole <div class= "single">Friendship<progress @value="$CFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> <div class= "single">Romance<progress @value="$CRomance" max="100"></progress></div> \<<else>> You haven't met Charlie yet. \<</if>> \<<if $metS is true>> $Sname De Mevius <div class= "single">Friendship<progress @value="$SFriendship" max="100"></progress></div> <div class= "single">Romance<progress @value="$SRomance" max="100"></progress></div> \<<else>> You haven't met De Mevius yet. \<</if>> <<else>> Relationships are locked until you have completed the prologue. <</if>> <<back [[Return to Game.|$return]]>>

<h3> [[City of Ves Arcanus]] </h3> <h3> [[Major Families (Arcanus Six)]] </h3> <h3> [[Major Species in Ves Arcanus]] </h3> <<back [[Return to Game.|$return]]>>

Ves Arcanus is a city founded by 3 powerful Vampire crime families. It is home to several different Supernatural species, but is most noticeably populated by Faeries, Witches, Demons, Sirens, and of course Vampires. There is also a large human population within the city. Although no human families have ever been allowed to hold power, they are kept safe and live better than in most human cities. Upon its founding, Ves Arcanus had 8 major crime families: the Lombardi, Albright, and Florentia families (Vampires), the De Mevius family (Witches), the Sundale family (Faeries), the Vatura family (Selkies), the Seth family (Demons), and the Versi family (Shapeshifters). Over time, the Albright family has retained their wealth, but lost most of their influence as they began to introduce human blood to their line and birth Dhampirs– human-vampire hybrids that have the same power as full blooded vampires, but few of their weaknesses. Many members of the Albright family are known to work closely with the Lombardi and Florentia families, and some hold high ranking positions as unofficial members of the family. 25 years ago, the Versi family not only fell out of power, but was exiled from the city due to an unknown incident that caused animosity between them and the other families. Several members within the family were killed in a gunfight following the decision to exile, forcing many Shapeshifters to also flee the city out of fear. Today it is believed that no Shapeshifters still live in Ves Arcanus and the exile of the Versi family has since caused a rift between the remaining six major families, now called the Arcanus Six. The Lombardi and Florentia families allied with the Seth family against the Sundale and Vatura families, while the De Mevius family maintains neutrality. [[back |About Ves Arcanus]] <<back [[Return to Game.|$return]]>>

Florentia: (Your Family) The Florentia Family is the other of the two Vampire families within the Arcanus Six. Most of their operations are based in their territory: Uptown Ves Arcanus, while some are in Midtown Ves Arcanus which is shared with the Lombardi Family. Reese Florentia is the current head of the Florentia Family, with her husband Jared as her second in command. Reese’s younger brother, Jackson, is the family’s liaison with the rest of the Arcanus Six, as well as other important people in Ves Arcanus. Their youngest sister Drue handles more unsavory business and keeps a handful of trusted spies scattered throughout the city. The current Florentia heir, Reese and Jared’s only child, will eventually take their mother’s place alongside their 2 first cousins, Alix and Aren. Lombardi: The Lombardi Family is one of the two Vampire families within the Arcanus Six. Most of their operations are based in their territory: Downtown Ves Arcanus, while some are in Midtown Ves Arcanus which is shared with the Florentia Family. Vincenzo and Chiara Lombardi are the current heads of the Lombardi Family. Vincenzo is the spokesperson for the Lombardi’s, while his twin sister Chiara is the family’s enforcer. The previous Lombardi heir, Vincenzo’s eldest child Ale, left the family 10 years ago to pursue a political career; and Chiara’s child, Enzo is now the current heir. <img src= IMAGES/Vincenzo.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Chiara.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Enzo.jpeg> Seth: The Seth Family is the Demon family of the Arcanus Six. Their territory is within the Libentia District to the east of the Lombardi’s and Florentia’s, which consists of pleasure houses, gambling dens, drugs, hitmen, and other vices. Astaroth (Asta) Seth has been the head of the Seth Family since their elder sister, Lamia, abdicated the role several years ago. Lamia continues to help her sibling from behind the scenes as a spy mistress, leading the biggest spy ring in the city. Lamia’s daughter, Sariel decided to maintain her position as the Seth heir, despite her mother no longer being head of the family. <img src= IMAGES/Astaroth.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Sariel.jpeg> De Mevius: The De Mevius Family is the Witch family of the Arcanus Six. Their territory is south of Downtown Ves Arcanus, in the Midnight Quarter, where they provide potions, spells, and other magical services civilian witches do not. Mannix and Ambrose De Mevius are the current Heads of the De Mevius Family. Both husbands speak on behalf of the De Mevius Family, but Ambrose is known to handle situations that require a firmer hand (or darker magic). The De Mevius twins, Sebastian and $Sname, are the heirs to the De Mevius Family, though only one will be chosen to become head of the family. <img src= IMAGES/Ambrose.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Mannix.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Sebastian.jpeg> Sundale: The Sundale Family is the Faerie family of the Arcanus Six. Their territory is north of Uptown Ves Arcanus, near Neráida Forest. Instead of accepting money, they do trade with humans and other Supernaturals in return for the magical favors they provide. Dash (they/them) and Fleur Sundale are the current heads of the Sundale Family. Both Dash and their wife are as charming as they are cunning, and rarely have to get their hands dirty in a fight. Although Alvina is the eldest child and Sundale heir, her younger sister Elvia is rumored to be the next head of the family alongside her fiancée, Nerida. <img src= IMAGES/Dash.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Fleur.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Alvina.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Elvia.jpeg><img src= IMAGES/Nerida.jpeg> Vatura: The Vatura Family is the Selkie family of the Arcanus Six. Their territory is beneath the Kani Sea and along its beaches, west of the Florentia’s and Lombardi’s. They specialize in international trade and smuggling. Nel Vatura (he/she/they), the family heir, has been acting as head of the family while his mother, Cliona serves a 10-year sentence in Ves Arcanus Prison. <img src= IMAGES/Nel.jpeg> [[back |About Ves Arcanus]] <<back [[Return to Game.|$return]]>>

Vampires: Many of the powerful Vampires in Ves Arcanus are //Nati//, meaning they were born as Vampires rather than turned into one. Nati have many abilities that //Vetere// (turned Vampires) don’t, such as: not being harmed by sunlight (though they must protect their eyes), teleportation, turning humans into Vampires, no bite marks after feeding, and short-term compulsion/hypnosis. However, they still have many of the same weaknesses: silver bullets, aversion to most human foods, and a need to consume blood regularly. In addition to Nati and Vetere, Ves Arcanus houses several //Dhampir// (human-Vampire hybrids), most notably within the Albright Family. Like Nati and Vetere, Dhampir have immortality and several superhuman abilities, but they can consume any human food, and do not need to feed as often. Demons: Within Ves Arcanus there are types of demons that fall under two classifications: //Filii Inferni// and //Lesser Demons//: humans whose souls were corrupted. Filii Inferni are demons created by the 7 Princes of Hell, and are ranked by power level: Pride Demons, created by Lucifer, are called //Fastus// and are the most powerful of the Filii Inferni. Greed Demons, created by Mammon, are //Avarus//. Lust Demons, created by Asmodeus, are //Succubus//, //Incubus//, and //Concubus//, for male, female, and nonbinary demons respectively. Demons of Envy, created by Leviathan, are //Invidus//. Demons of Gluttony, created by Beelzebub, are //Gulosus//. Wrath Demons, created by Satan, are //Iratis//. Lastly, Sloth Demons, created by Belphegor, are //Desidia//, and are the least powerful of the Filii Inferni. Each of the Filii Inferni has abilities that relate to the Sin of the Prince who created them. All demons, of either classification, have the ability to teleport within shadows or complete darkness. Witches: The majority of influential Witches in Ves Arcanus were born with magical abilities, and can cast many of their spells without memorizing incantations or expending much energy. Lower power Witches expend more energy from having to channel the magic around them into their spells. They are unable cast as frequently, or complete complicated spells without the help of other Witches. Based on the type of magic they practice, both high and low power Witches can be: Kitchen Witches, Green Witches, Chaos Witches, Diviners, Healers, Grey Witches, Elemental Witches, etc. Faeries: Faeries are the oldest Supernatural beings living in Ves Arcanus, and are some of the oldest Supernaturals in general. Faeries inhabited the Neráida Forest for centuries before the founding of Ves Arcanus. When the founding families arrived, the Faerie princess, Cosima, made a deal with them to keep Ves Arcanus protected so long as Faeries remained safe in and around Neráida Forest. All Faeries are immortal and tend to have longer life spans than most other Supernaturals. In addition to their near immortality, every Faerie has a wide range of magical abilities including healing, invisibility, object manipulation, enchantments, nature manipulation, and of course they can fly in their human or faerie form. Faeries become more powerful as they get older, and many of them choose one or two types of magic to become proficient in. Faeries have few weaknesses and are difficult to kill, but cold iron is lethal to them and burns them on contact. Additionally, herbs such as St. John’s Wort and Yarrow can be used to ward off Faeries. Faeries love cream but are heavily intoxicated by it; and when there is a pile of salt or sugar is in front of them, they have to stop and count it grain by grain. Selkies: Selkies are Supernaturals that can change from seal to human form by shedding their coat, but they are all more vulnerable once their coat has been shed. Aside from this, some Selkies have the magical ability of prophecy. Selkies’ ethereal beauty in their human form makes them very desirable, especially to non-Supernaturals. Even more so, in the case of Selkies with prophetic abilities. In the past, humans (and sometimes other Supernaturals) have stolen and hidden Selkies’ coats to force them into a marriage. In extreme cases, their coats have been burned to eternally bind the Selkie to that person by killing their fae self; however, this is rare, as their coats are difficult to destroy. [[back |About Ves Arcanus]] <<back [[Return to Game.|$return]]>>

<<if $status is true>> <h2>Public Status</h2> Public Perception <div class= "single"><progress @value="$public" max="100"></progress></div> Family Standing <div class= "single"><progress @value="$family" max="100"></progress></div> Lombardi Family <div class= "single"><progress @value="$lombardi" max="100"></progress></div> Seth Family <div class= "single"><progress @value="$seth" max="100"></progress></div> De Mevius Family <div class= "single"><progress @value="$deMevius" max="100"></progress></div> Sundale Family <div class= "single"><progress @value="$sundale" max="100"></progress></div> Vatura Family <div class= "single"><progress @value="$vatura" max="100"></progress></div><<else>> Public Status is locked until you have completed the prologue. <</if>> <<back [[Return to Game.|$return]]>>

<<if $stats is true>> <h2> Stats </h2> Deception <div class= "single"><progress @value="$deception" max="100"></progress></div> Wits <div class= "single"><progress @value="$wits" max="100"></progress></div> Strength <div class= "single"><progress @value="$strength" max="100"></progress></div> Dexterity <div class= "single"><progress @value="$dexterity" max="100"></progress></div> Agility <div class= "single"><progress @value="$agility" max="100"></progress></div> Weapons <div class= "single"><progress @value="$weapons" max="100"></progress></div> Combat <div class= "single"><progress @value="$combat" max="100"></progress></div> Introvert                               Extrovert <div class= "double"><progress @value="$introvertExtrovert" max="100"></progress></div> Charisma                           Intimidation <div class= "double"><progress @value="$charismaIntimidation" max="100"></progress></div> Lawful                                  Lawless <div class= "double"><progress @value="$lawfulLawless" max="100"></progress></div> Reckless                                 Careful <div class= "double"><progress @value="$recklessCareful" max="100"></progress></div> <<else>> Stats are locked until you have completed the prologue. <</if>> <<back [[Return to Game.|$return]]>>

<<nobr>> <div id= "story-banner"> </div> <img height= 190px src= "IMAGES/logo.jpeg"><</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <div id= "story-author"> </div> by Jo<</nobr>>

<<nobr>> <div id= "story-title"> </div> <</nobr>>

<<widget "heshe">><<print $heshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "himher">><<print $himher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "hisher">><<print $hisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "hishers">><<print $hishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "himself">><<print $himself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Kheshe">><<print $Kheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Khimher">><<print $Khimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Khisher">><<print $Khisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Khishers">><<print $Khishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Khimself">><<print $Khimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Dheshe">><<print $Dheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Dhimher">><<print $Dhimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Dhisher">><<print $Dhisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Dhishers">><<print $Dhishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Dhimself">><<print $Dhimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Jheshe">><<print $Jheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Jhimher">><<print $Jhimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Jhisher">><<print $Jhisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Jhishers">><<print $Jhishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Jhimself">><<print $Jhimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Aheshe">><<print $Aheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ahimher">><<print $Ahimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ahisher">><<print $Ahisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ahishers">><<print $Ahishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ahimself">><<print $Ahimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Eheshe">><<print $Eheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ehimher">><<print $Ehimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ehisher">><<print $Ehisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ehishers">><<print $Ehishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Ehimself">><<print $Ehimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Wheshe">><<print $Wheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Whimher">><<print $Whimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Whisher">><<print $Whisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Whishers">><<print $Whishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Whimself">><<print $Whimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Cheshe">><<print $Cheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Chimher">><<print $Chimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Chisher">><<print $Chisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Chishers">><<print $Chishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Chimself">><<print $Chimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Sheshe">><<print $Sheshe.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Shimher">><<print $Shimher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Shisher">><<print $Shisher.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Shishers">><<print $Shishers.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>> <<widget "Shimself">><<print $Shimself.toUpperFirst()>><</widget>>

Once you finish getting dressed, you step out of your changing room to see Dion and $Jname already lounging in their party attire. <<nobr>> <<if $Dgender is "she" and $Jname is "Jennifer">> Dion wears a daring dress of burnt oranges and reds in a style common to the volcanic island where $Dheshe was raised. When $Dheshe does a small twirl, the effect resembles a dancing flame. $Jname has chosen to wear an ankle-length dress, the same icy color as $Jhisher eyes. A long slit runs up one side of the dress to show off the smooth length of $Jname’s leg, with a diamond garter fastened at $Jhisher thigh. <<elseif $Dgender is "she" and $Jname is "Jensen">> Dion wears a daring dress of burnt oranges and reds in a style common to the volcanic island where $Dheshe was raised. When $Dheshe does a small twirl, the effect resembles a dancing flame. $Jname has chosen to wear a three-piece suit, the same icy color as $Jhisher eyes. A diamond studded Albert chain runs from the center of $Jname’s waistcoat to the pocket, matching the diamond cufflinks in each of $Jhisher sleeves. <<elseif $Dgender is "he" and $Jname is "Jennifer">> Dion wears a daring suit of burnt orange in a style common to the volcanic island where $Dheshe was raised. $Dhisher tie closely resembles molten lava flowing from a volcano. $Jname has chosen to wear an ankle-length dress, the same icy color as $Jhisher eyes. A long slit runs up one side of the dress to show off the smooth length of $Jname’s leg, with a diamond garter fastened at $Jhisher thigh. <<elseif $DGender is "he" and $Jname is "Jensen">> Dion wears a daring suit of burnt orange in a style common to the volcanic island where $Dheshe was raised. $Dhisher tie closely resembles molten lava flowing from a volcano. $Jname has chosen to wear a three-piece suit, the same icy color as $Jhisher eyes. A diamond studded Albert chain runs from the center of $Jname’s waistcoat to the pocket, matching the diamond cufflinks in each of $Jhisher sleeves. <</if>><</nobr>> After a moment, a knock sounds at the door. Hastings’s baritone voice calls from the other side, “$title Florentia, if you all are ready, the limo will take you now.” When you all step outside, there is a sleek black limo waiting for you. Hastings holds open the back door as the three of you climb in one by one, and admire the deep red leather interior. The leather of the bench seats on either side of the limo shines under the soft light coming from the ceiling. In the center of the red carpeted floor is a black table with wood finishing, holding a bucket of cold champagne and three glasses. Beside it sits a smaller bucket with a chilled pouch of blood that you, and $Jname if $Jheshe wants, can mix with the champagne. “Sweet!” Dion exclaims as $Dheshe makes quick work of pouring a glass for each of you, “Reese and Jared are really going all out this year huh?” With a glass in hand, you add a healthy amount of blood into your champagne and offer the pouch to $Jname who does the same. Looking closer at the small table in front of you, you notice a small note on fancy black stationery with red detailing around the edge. It reads, //$MCName, Once all the guests have arrived, you will make your grand entrance as the new owner. There will be several reporters along the red carpet so make sure to smile. Until then, enjoy the limo and the champagne. Congratulations and Happy Birthday! Love, Mom and Dad// [[“Well, it looks like we have some time before we arrive at the party. I say we have a bit of fun while it’s just the three of us.” |limo ride1][$introvertExtrovert -= 10]] [[“Well, it looks like we have a bit of time before we arrive at the party. What should we do until then?” |limo ride2]] [[“Well, it looks like we have a bit of time before we arrive at the party, and a whole bottle of champagne that needs drinking!” |limo ride3][$introvertExtrovert -= 5]] [[“Well, it looks like we have a bit of time before we arrive at the party. Perfect for a bit of relaxation.” |limo ride4][$introvertExtrovert += 5]]

“Well, it looks like we have a bit of time before we arrive at the party. I say we have a bit of fun while it’s just the three of us.” You look up at your friends and see that Dion has a mischievous grin that matches your own, while Albright glances warily between the two of you. “Last time the two of you said, ‘let’s have some fun’ we woke up naked and I was handcuffed to a mermaid.” $Jname’s tone is accusatory, but the smile on $Jhisher lips tells a different story. “Unfortunately, we can’t have that much fun tonight,” Dion says reaching into $Dhisher <<nobr>> <<if $Dgender is "she">> purse <<else>> pocket, <</if>> “But I did bring party favors for the occasion.” Dion produces a small bag that you immediately recognize. <</nobr>> Within minutes, the three of you are feeling the effects of Caelum Flore, a semi-psychedelic flower native to Neráida forest that the Faeries often use recreationally. Combined with the champagne you all are drinking; the edges of your vision are a little fuzzy, but you could still walk in a straight line if you had to. Mostly. Suddenly, $Jname stands up and raises $Jhisher glass as high as is possible considering you’re still inside the limo. “I’d like to make a toast to the $MCgender of the hour,” $Jname steps up to you and slings an arm across your shoulders. <<nobr>> <<if $reluctance is 0>> “You’ve worked hard for this and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 10>> “I know this wasn’t exactly what you wanted to be doing, but you still put in a lot of work and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 15>> “I know you’re probably scared shitless right now, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<else>> “I know you’d rather be doing literally anything else, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to keep you from burning the place down. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <</if>><</nobr>> “Hear, hear!” Dion yells, “And here’s to convincing Reese to let us have free drinks once a week!” You all laugh and down the rest of your drinks. Soon the limo slides to a stop and Hastings comes to opens the door. [[Time for your grand entrance. |red carpet]]

“Well, it looks like we have a bit of time before we arrive at the party. What should we do until then?” You look up at your friends and see that Dion has a mischievous grin in $Dhisher face, while Albright is looking at $Dhimher warily. “Dion, last time we let you pick what to do my ears didn’t stop ringing for a week.” $Jname’s tone is accusatory, but the smile on $Jhisher lips tells a different story. “Unfortunately, tonight is a work event so we can’t get too rowdy,” Dion says reaching into $Dhisher <<nobr>> <<if $Dgender is "she">> purse <<else>> pocket, <</if>> “But I did bring party favors for the occasion.” Dion produces a small bag that you immediately recognize. <</nobr>> Within minutes, the three of you are feeling the effects of Caelum Flore, a semi-psychedelic flower native to Neráida forest that the Faeries often use recreationally. Combined with the champagne you all are drinking; the edges of your vision are a little fuzzy, but you could still walk in a straight line if you had to. Mostly. Suddenly, $Jname stands up and raises $Jhisher glass as high as is possible considering you’re still inside the limo. “I’d like to make a toast to the $MCgender of the hour,” $Jname steps up to you and slings an arm across your shoulders. <<nobr>> <<if $reluctance is 0>> “You’ve worked hard for this and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 10>> “I know this wasn’t exactly what you wanted to be doing, but you still put in a lot of work and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 15>> “I know you’re probably scared shitless right now, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<else>> “I know you’d rather be doing literally anything else, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to keep you from burning the place down. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <</if>><</nobr>> “Hear, hear!” Dion yells, “And here’s to convincing Reese to let us have free drinks once a week!” You all laugh and down the rest of your drinks. Soon the limo slides to a stop and Hastings comes to opens the door. [[Time for your grand entrance. |red carpet]]

“Well, it looks like we have a bit of time before we arrive at the party, and a whole bottle of champagne that needs drinking!” Dion and $Jname cheer loudly, and you join in as the three of you clink your glasses together. It doesn’t take long for you to drink the entirety of the bottle. Although you’re all mostly sober still, you can feel the warm buzz of the champagne in your chest. Once you’re down to your last glass, $Jname stands up and raises $Jhisher glass as high as is possible considering you’re still inside the limo. “I’d like to make a toast to the $MCgender of the hour,” $Jname steps up to you and slings an arm across your shoulders. <<nobr>> <<if $reluctance is 0>> “You’ve worked hard for this and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 10>> “I know this wasn’t exactly what you wanted to be doing, but you still put in a lot of work and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 15>> “I know you’re probably scared shitless right now, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<else>> “I know you’d rather be doing literally anything else, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to keep you from burning the place down. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <</if>><</nobr>> “Hear, hear!” Dion yells, “And here’s to convincing Reese to let us have free drinks once a week!” You all laugh and down the rest of your drinks. Soon the limo slides to a stop and Hastings comes to opens the door. [[Time for your grand entrance. |red carpet]]

“Well, it looks like we have a bit of time before we arrive at the party. Perfect for a bit of relaxation.” You look up at your friends to see Dion Is about to protest this idea, while $Jname looks content to sit back and enjoy the rest of the ride. “Tonight is a big night and your parents gave us this sick limo just for you guys to sit back and //relax//?” You and $Jname laugh, but gesture for Dion to continue. “Well,” Dion says reaching into $Dhisher <<nobr>> <<if $Dgender is "she">> purse <<else>> pocket, <</if>> “I did bring party favors for the occasion.” Dion produces a small bag that you immediately recognize. <</nobr>> Within minutes, the three of you are feeling the effects of Caelum Flore, a semi-psychedelic flower native to Neráida forest that the Faeries often use recreationally. Combined with the champagne you all are drinking; the edges of your vision are a little fuzzy, but you could still walk in a straight line if you had to. Mostly. Suddenly, $Jname stands up and raises $Jhisher glass as high as is possible considering you’re still inside the limo. “I’d like to make a toast to the $MCgender of the hour,” $Jname steps up to you and slings an arm across your shoulders. <<nobr>> <<if $reluctance is 0>> “You’ve worked hard for this and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 10>> “I know this wasn’t exactly what you wanted to be doing, but you still put in a lot of work and you’re gonna be a kick ass owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<elseif $reluctance is 15>> “I know you’re probably scared shitless right now, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to have your back. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <<else>> “I know you’d rather be doing literally anything else, but you’re gonna be a great owner. Especially with me and Parker here to keep you from burning the place down. Happy birthday, Kiernan would be proud.” <</if>><</nobr>> “Hear, hear!” Dion yells, “And here’s to convincing Reese to let us have free drinks once a week!” You all laugh and down the rest of your drinks. Soon the limo slides to a stop and Hastings comes to opens the door. [[Time for your grand entrance. |red carpet]]

The first thing you see when Hastings opens your door is… nothing. The flashbulbs of several cameras are blinding as you slowly step out of the limo. You’re vaguely aware of Dion and Albright climbing out behind you as you try to navigate the sea of voices and white lights. It’s only through years of priming that you manage to keep a smile on your face and avoid squinting; and even that is difficult when you just want to hurry and get into the party. You walk along the red carpet in long, steady strides with the crowds of reporters and other spectators along either side of you. The overzealous reporters are barely held back by velvet ropes and a few security personnel, only distinguishable from the rest by their huge build and stern expressions. “$title Florentia, how does it feel becoming the new owner of Blood Bank?” “$MCName, are you looking forward to taking over your family’s business?” Surprisingly, even a few questions are directed towards Dion and $Jname. “Dion Parker, will the rest of your family be moving to Ves Arcanus anytime soon?” “$Jname could we expect a proposal soon to merge the Florentia and Albright families?” At this, Dion laughs loudly behind you, and although you can’t see $Jhimher, you know Albright is most likely blushing. “Excuse me,” one voice carries over all the others, “any comment on the accusation that your parents were behind the death of your $Kgender, Kiernan Asher?” Your steps falter only for a moment, and you feel who you assume is $Jname reach out to grab your hand momentarily. The chattering of the crowd quiets as if everyone is just as shocked as you are. But the silence only lasts a couple heartbeats before the questions continue even louder than before, though no one dares to ask about Kiernan again. With your parents' notoriety, you’ve dealt with far more than your fair share of reporters. Many of them ask after the legality of your parents' businesses or allegations about some crime or other. But none have ever questioned the circumstances of Kiernan’s death. You’re not sure if that’s due to your parents paying off all the local newspapers and “silencing” any reporters who stepped out of line; or just a general fear of the wrath of Reese Florentia. Everyone knows your mother never gets her hands dirty, not directly at least. But everyone also knows that Reese Florentia is not one to be trifled with, lest she send her younger sister, Drue to clean up any messes. To an outsider it may seem suspicious, your mother never allowing anyone to question her or your father’s role in Kiernan’s murder, but you know the truth is much simpler: she would never allow her name to be tarnished by such a scandal as killing her own child’s $Kgender. Were it not for the fact that you can barely see what’s right in front of you, you’d look for that bold, or just stupid, reporter and [[Pull them aside to ask where they got their information. |into the club][$charismaIntimidation += 2]] [[Give them a piece of my mind, I don’t really care who hears. |into the club][$public -= 5]] [[Do nothing. As much as I want to say something, I still have a reputation to maintain. |into the club][$public += 5]]

Despite the small hiccup with the rogue reporter, you and your small entourage continue towards the club with dazzling smiles and a relaxed but confident stride. When you finally emerge from the overwhelming crush of lights and voices on the red carpet, you are looking up at the gothic architecture of the massive cathedral that will soon be yours. You’ve stood outside of Blood Bank more times than you can count, but tonight the glittering black exterior seems to sparkle in place of the stars hidden by the city’s light pollution. Dion’s arm falling around your shoulders pulls you from your reverie. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but are we really gonna stand around out here when half of Ves Arcanus is waiting for you in there?” Arm still around you, Dion guides you through the door with $Jname following close behind. Stepping into the club, you’re immediately in awe by how different it looks than when you were here not even a few hours ago. Soft lights float in the air, casting a soft ambient glow across the huge space that makes all the guests look ethereal. The club's best dancers take the stage, which was once the church’s pulpit, one by one or in pairs to provide entertainment for those inclined to watch. Additionally, your parents have asked the dancers with more acrobatic talents to give aerial performances from golden hoops or deep red silks suspended from the vaulted ceiling. Your giant ice sculpture sits in the center of the nave, kept ice cold by some type of magic. Music drifts down from musicians hidden above you in the triforium and seems to reach the ears of everyone in the club without being so loud you can’t speak to the person next to you. The usual tables, chairs, and booths have been taken out and replaced with tall tables and chairs in both aisles for guests to rest their feet. At the bar, you can see Georgina making a show of expertly mixing the signature cocktails for tonight, while still making sure all her bartenders are moving like pieces in a well-oiled machine. Overall, the club looks even more opulent than usual, and everything seems to be going smoothly. The most wealthy, powerful, well-known, and overall notorious faces within Ves Arcanus are gathered here in their finest evening wear and most ostentatious jewelry. Decades long feuds and disagreements have been set aside tonight to celebrate your welcome into the life of organized crime. As waiters and waitresses move through the throngs of people, you see a wide array of cocktails and finger foods catering to every supernatural species in the whole of Ves Arcanus. From a glance, it’s obvious that people are gathered in cliques for the most part, mingling with folks who they’d like to strike a deal or come to an agreement with. But others are taking this opportunity to fraternize with people they wouldn’t otherwise be seen with. You notice more than a few people have already found quiet corners to exchange soft whispers and lingering touches. However, once Hastings steps into the room behind you, the large crowd falls silent and looks up to where you stand at the top of a short staircase. [[Next |Party]]

“Our guest of honor tonight, the Florentia heir and very soon to be owner of Blood Bank, $MCName Florentia. Happy birthday, $title Florentia.” A chorus of cheers and applause raise from the hundreds of guests gathered, mixed in with ‘congratulations’ and ‘happy birthday’. <<nobr>> \<<if $reluctance is 0>> Even though you haven’t yet done anything to establish yourself as the new owner— hell your parents haven’t even signed the club over to you yet— it’s still exciting to have so many people congratulating you on the beginning of your career. You relish knowing that soon enough you’ll have done some work to live up to the high expectations your parents have set before you. You give the crowd a confident smile and make your way down the steps to mingle with your guests. <<set $public += 5>> \<<elseif $reluctance is 10>> Even though you haven’t yet done anything to establish yourself as the new owner— hell your parents haven’t even signed the club over to you yet— it’s gratifying to have so many people congratulate you on the beginning of your career. Even though you aren’t particularly looking forward to becoming fully entrenched in the family business, you’ve put in work to ensure that you’d be a damn good owner when the time came. Now that you’re here, you can’t help but feel a bit of pride swell in you as you give the crowd a confident smile and make your way down the steps to mingle with your guests. <<set $public += 3>> \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> Even though you haven’t yet done anything to establish yourself as the new owner— hell your parents haven’t even signed over the club to you yet— it’s more than a little terrifying to have so many people congratulating you on the beginning of a career you’re not even sure you’re ready for. Knowing that everyone here has probably set high expectations for Reese and Jared Florentia’s heir only adds to how nervous you are about suddenly having so much responsibility thrown at you. Having your closest friends standing up here with you helps to calm your nerves, if only slightly, and gives you enough confidence to send the crowd a small smile as you descend the steps and start to mingle. <<set $public += 1>> \<<else>> Though you try not to let it show, it’s a bit irritating having so many people congratulate you on a career that was forced upon you. Do any of them even understand that if it were up to you, you’d have nothing to do with any of your parents’ businesses? You wonder if all these people would still smile up at you if they knew how much you've fought with your parents, trying to avoid this turn of events. Either way, it’s still your birthday, and you’ll be damned if you let signing a little sheet of paper stop you from enjoying this amazing party. With that in mind, you send the crowd a lazy smile and make your way down the steps, grabbing the first drink you see and downing it in one go. Time to mingle with your guests. <<set $public -= 2>> \<</if>><</nobr>> Now that you’ve made your grand entrance, the party is in full swing. You have at least a couple hours before your parents' plan to bring out the cake and the deed to the club. That should be plenty of time to mingle with a few different groups. Dion and $Jname have moved away from you to start making their own rounds, leaving you to find some familiar faces in the massive crowd. You begin moving farther into the room, not giving people a chance to flock to you and monopolize your time while you’re unoccupied. You know how these types of people can be when they smell fresh meat. As you get further into the club, you spot several people who you can go talk to. First are your parents, holding court near the center of the nave, beneath your ice sculpture. With them is also your Uncle Jackson, Aunt Drue, and your cousins, Alix and Aren. Your aunt is more focused on surveying the room than conversing, discreetly whispering to Alix every now and then. Unlike his sister, Aren is fully engaged in conversation with a handsome man, who is blushing profusely at something Aren just said. Looking to the aisle to your left, you see Vincenzo Lombardi sitting with his sister, Chiara, and nephew, Enzo. Unsurprisingly, Vincenzo’s child, Ale isn’t with them and most likely didn’t show up at all. The three of them seem to be playing some sort of drinking game that you can’t recognize from this far across the room. Closer, in the aisle to your right, you just barely hear Astaroth Seth talking to their niece Sariel about using this as an opportunity to make new business contacts. Nearby, Lamia Seth sips from her almost overflowing wine glass while she flirts with a woman you don’t recognize. A gaggle of admirers stand off to the side, sending the woman envious looks that neither she nor Lamia seem to notice. Up on the balcony above the bar, the De Mevius family draws both annoyed and curious looks as Ambrose and his husband Mannix tell their two children, and several onlookers, a story that involves a lot of wild gesturing. One of the twins, Sebastian, laughs loudly at one point, causing his sibling to send a sharp look his way. A small bout of applause draws your eyes to the other side of the triforium, where Elvia Sundale and her fiancée, Nerida, are dancing to a song the musicians are playing. Elvia’s parents, Dash and Fleur, are also dancing while engaged in a quiet conversation that brings a soft smile to Fleur’s face. You find yourself searching the area for their eldest daughter, Alvina, only to find her being whisked into the air by one of the aerial performers. Lastly, sitting away from everyone else, watching a burlesque performance is Nel Vatura. They appear to be smoking a cigarette and overall making themself unapproachable, leaving the seats around them empty. With his mother, Cliona, in jail, it is obvious that Nel is attending the party on her behalf. As expected, all of the families that make up the Arcanus Six are in attendance. While you would like to meet everyone, your time is somewhat limited, and you decide you'd rather split your time between your family and getting acquainted with their established allies. [[First, you talk to your family, near the ice sculpture. |the florentia’s]]

<<nobr>> <<if $height is "short">> In the shifting crowd, you have a hard time making your way towards your family, as you can barely see past all the people towering over you. Luckily, your ice sculpture is just tall enough that you can crane your neck and walk towards it to the center of the club. You bump into a few people since you’re looking up at the sculpture, rather than watching where you’re going, but eventually you arrive at its base. Looking around, you finally spot your parents, aunt, uncle, and cousins standing underneath the left ear of the sculpture. <<elseif $height is "very short">> In the shifting crowd, you have a hard time making your way towards your family, as you can barely see past all the people towering over you. Luckily, your ice sculpture is just tall enough that you can crane your neck and walk towards it to the center of the club. You bump into a few people since you’re looking up at the sculpture, rather than watching where you’re going, but eventually you arrive at its base. Looking around, you finally spot your parents, aunt, uncle, and cousins standing underneath the left ear of the sculpture. <<elseif $height is "average">> In the shifting crowd, you have some trouble navigating towards your family, as people continue to block your line of sight. You’re a good few inches too short to look over anyone’s head; but thankfully your ice sculpture is tall enough that you can easily walk towards it to where you saw them. You have to apologize to someone you bumped into— gazing at the sculpture above everyone’s heads rather than directly in front of you— but aside from that you make it to the sculpture without issue. Looking around, you finally spot you parents, aunt, uncle, and cousins standing under the left ear of the sculpture. <<else>> In the shifting crowd, you have no trouble keeping your family in your line of sight, as you’re taller than most people in the room, and can easily see above the crowd surrounding you. Whether people are intimidated by your height, or simply kind enough to step out of your way when you pass by, you manage to carve a path directly to your family. Your parents, aunt, uncle, and cousins standing under the left ear of the sculpture. <</if>><</nobr>> From this close, you can see all the minute details of the ice sculpture. It’s a perfect likeness, <<nobr>> <<if $hairTexture is "straight">> every strand of your straight hair looking so realistic, it’s as if you were standing in front of a mirror. <<elseif $hairTexture is "wavy">> every strand of your wavy hair looking so realistic, it’s as if you were standing in front a mirror. <<elseif $hairTextture is "curly">> every strand of your curly hair looking so realistic, it’s as if you were standing in front of a mirror. <<elseif $hairTexture is "kinky">> every strand of your kinky hair looking so realistic, it’s as if you were standing in front of a mirror. <<else>> you can see the texture of your bald scalp as clearly as if you were looking in a mirror. \<</if>><</nobr>> Once you’re within a few feet of them, your mother notices you walking up, and the small crowd around your family disperses. Your parents greet you with their usual warm smiles, Jackson flashes you a charming smile of his own, and Drue tilts her lips in a smirk. Before you can open your mouth, Aren nearly bowls you over with a massive hug that knocks the wind out of you. As you hug him back, you see his sister Alix give you a nod in greeting. If you hadn’t known Alix all your life, you’d mistake her simple greeting for aloofness. The mirth behind her eyes, however, tells you that she’s just as happy to see you as Aren is. As kids, you and your cousins saw each other almost every day, with your parents and aunt being so busy. Often, Jackson would bring the three of you along to his meetings, as he had the most flexibility within his role as the family’s liaison. Now however, Aren has been away finishing his final year of undergrad, while Alix has spent much of the last year working within her mother’s small ring of spies. You step back to take in the younger of your two cousins. Aren has never been particularly tall, but he makes up for it by being insanely fit. You can see the bulge of his muscles beneath his dark pink silk shirt, and the way his black pants cling to his large quads. You also notice he’s dyed his hair again, this time to a sandy brown with blonde highlights that makes his green eyes seem even brighter. The ring in his bottom lip shines in the soft lighting as he beams at you. “You like the new color? I’m thinking of going full blonde next time.” “You keep dying your hair so much, and you’ll be going bald next time instead,” Alix’s soft yet deep voice somehow carries over the sounds of the party, as she steps closer to her brother. Unlike Aren, Alix is the spitting image of your aunt. Her face, all sharp, strong lines, is a stark contrast to her tall and deceptively slender build. You know from experience that Alix is just as strong as she is fast, bringing an element of surprise to every fight. Additionally, while Aren takes after your uncle, charming and rarely stops talking, Alix is a woman of few words, preferring pithy comments over full conversations. Tonight, she wears a jumpsuit of the same pink as her brother’s shirt, and tight enough to accentuate her slight muscles. Her dark brown hair falls in loose curls down to her waist. Laughing at Alix’s sharp comment, your attention is pulled back to Jackson and Drue who snicker alongside you. Being closer in age to each other than they are to your mother, your aunt and uncle have always gotten on like a house on fire. And with Drue’s penchant for trouble and Jackson’s silver tongue, they’ve gotten themselves in and out of their fair share of sticky situations, even as adults. Next to your aunt’s strong features, Jackson’s own look even softer than usual. Your uncle wears a wine-colored cashmere turtleneck that’s so soft it might truly be made from clouds. Meanwhile, his sister has chosen a daringly low-cut mauve pink dress, that stops just beneath the ruby jewelry dangling from her belly button, and lightly sweeps the floor whenever she walks. “So, how are you liking the party so far?” Drue asks quietly, even though your mother can definitely hear her. “Not really enough dancing for my taste, but it’s not my party.” You can see Reese giving your aunt a sharp look, but you know she would like to hear your answer as well. [[“Yeah, it’s not exactly my type of party either. It needs a bit more… energy.” |reese's response 1][$recklessCareful += 3]] [[“The party is really nice, but there’s so many people here.” |reese's response 2][$introvertExtrovert += 3]] [[“It’s not the type of party I’d throw, but I love how many people showed up.” |reese's response 3][$introvertExtrovert -= 3]] [[“Honestly, I’m not much of a party person. Would a giant dinner be feasible with this many people?” |reese's response 4][$recklessCareful -= 3]]

You begin approaching the left aisle, where the Lombardi's have crowded a table with empty shot glasses. As you get closer, you notice a waiter nearby exchanging the empty glasses for new ones filled with a pink-tinted liquid. "Ah, $MCName, come! Join us for a few rounds!" Chiara shouts upon seeing you. Although you've seen the Lombardi family many times from afar, you've never spoken to them as your parents mostly met with them for business. You're almost taken aback by Chiara's amiable greeting but sit next to her with a smile mirroring her own. Looking down at the table, you now see they've been playing a card game, Blackjack maybe? If it is, you've never seen it played the way they're playing now. Noticing your confusion, Enzo speaks up. "We're playin' Blackjack the Lombardi way: with less rules and more alcohol." Chiara and Vincenzo laugh along with him as Vincenzo deals out the next round of cards. As his uncle deals, Enzo begins explaining how the game is played. The hand-rolled cigarette hanging from his lips moves with each word. As he talks, you take a moment to really look at Enzo. Like both Chiara and Vincenzo, he has forest green eyes with a hint of brown, and a strong nose. Him and his mother share a reddish-brown color to their hair while Vincenzo's is a dark brown edged with gray. Enzo fits the role of a mobster well; he talks like the mobsters you've seen in movies, but you can tell it runs in the family. His face is clean shaven, but you can see the beginnings of red hair on his chest where his purple shirt is almost half unbuttoned with the collar flipped up. You also notice the silver glint of a piercing in his left eyebrow. As Enzo finishes his explanation, the waiter who's been at the table places a few shots in front of the four of you. You look down at your own hand for a moment, before glancing at Vincenzo's up card. With a four and a seven, your hand totals at eleven. Vincenzo has a ten, meaning if you want to win this hand you'll have to hit. However, since you're furthest to Vincenzo's right you'll have to see what Enzo and Chiara do first. Against his uncle's ten, Enzo's sad pair of threes stand no chance. He taps the table with his index finger, indicating he wants another card. Vincenzo hands him another, a seven. Another tap. This time Vincenzo hands him a Jack, making Enzo's hand a bust. "Fuckin' hell." Enzo slumps back in his seat and blows out a cloud of smoke in lighthearted frustration. [[Chiara plays her hand next.]]

As you walk towards the right aisle, you realize that it is currently quieter than most other areas of the club. The people here are engaged in almost silent conversation within pairs or small groups. Approaching from the buzzing chatter of the party, you almost feel as if you've slammed a door in a quiet library, disrupting the atmosphere. That feeling increases when a few people glance towards you, and their conversations fizzle out momentarily before beginning anew. Among those people are Astaroth and Sariel Seth, though they continue to watch you approach as they talk. Once you reach them, Astaroth turns from their niece and extends a hand towards you. "$MCName Florentia, a pleasure to finally meet you. As I'm sure you are aware, I am Astaroth, and this is Sariel." When you shake their hand, Astaroth's skin is surprisingly smooth and cool, in contrast to their firm grip. Their cool blue eyes practically glow in the dim lighting as they hold your gaze, seemingly staring into your soul. It's almost a shock when they step back, dropping your hand and breaking eye contact. Sariel doesn't shake your hand, and instead lifts her lips in a half smile. "Nice to meet you, $MCName. I'm not as formal as my ommer, but I do look forward to working with you soon." Astaroth and Sariel couldn't be more different in the way they present themselves. Astaroth is formal and almost militaristic as they stand with perfect posture, their hands clasped behind their back. They wear a deep green blazer with a black silk shirt, buttoned to the top, and a matching green bowtie. Every strand of curly blonde hair sits perfectly in place. Next to them, Sariel's stance is much more relaxed, and her light brown hair is artfully messy. She has black studs in her nostril and medusa piercings, and a slit in her left eyebrow, the picture of a former rebellious teenager. The black combat boots Sariel wears with her black pencil skirt and kelly green blouse don't exactly match, but she makes it look stylish. Despite working so closely with Astaroth, it seems Sariel takes more after her mother than you initially thought. The one thing that both of them have in common is the vibrant blue of their eyes. "I'm glad you both could make it tonight. It's a pleasant surprise to see that Lamia could join as well." "Yes," Astaroth replies, "My sister would never miss an event such as this. Even with all the... associates she has working under her, she prefers to hear some information straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak." A cryptic smile touches Astaroth's lips. "I see. Sariel, you called Astaroth your ommer; what exactly does that mean?" "It's a gender-neutral term demons use instead of saying 'aunt' or 'uncle'. You'll probably hear my mom call them 'emmer', which is basically the same as 'sibling'." You nod in understanding and move onto your next question. [[''Not to pry, but I overheard some of your conversation as I was walking up. Would you have any interest in working more closely with us here at Blood Bank?'' |the seth's 2][$seth += 5]] [[You actually have a question for Lamia, if she's not too... busy. |Lamia][$LamiaRelationship += 7]]

As you make your way up the small, spiraling staircase few people know is hidden near the bar, you’re slightly surprised by the size of the crowd Mannix and Ambrose have drawn in. A thought crosses your mind that you may have some difficulty maneuvering through the sea of spectators, but your status as the guest of honor has people clearing a path as you approach. Before you can reach the front of the crowd, Sebastian appears next to you and slings an arm around your shoulders. "Hey, Stranger," Sebastian's happy smile causes his eyes to sparkle like the gems on his teeth. "You remember me?" “Seb! Holy shit,” wrapping an arm around him, you pull Sebastian to your side in a hug, as he squeezes your shoulder. Due to your uncle’s friendship with his parents, you and Sebastian have known each other since you were children. However, the two of you didn’t truly become friends until high school. Seb had skipped a grade, putting him in the same class as you, and for those four years, you were nearly inseparable both in and out of classes. Once you both graduated, Sebastian went to Salem to practice magic, while you chose to go to college. For a while, you kept in touch via letters, but over time your correspondence grew less frequent, and eventually stopped. You spend a few minutes catching up, before realizing the large crowd that once surrounded you has thinned out, and Mannix and Ambrose are making their way over. “$MCName,” Mannix greets as he reaches out to muss your hair. “We were wondering when you’d come up here and join the real party.” Ambrose wraps an arm around the shorter man’s waist and pulls a small vial from the pocket of his trousers. “Reese told us we didn’t have to bring gifts, but we decided to whip you up a little something. You’ll know what it is when it’s time to use it.” "Thanks,” you hold the vial up to the light to inspect the shimmery blue liquid inside. “I guess old age has helped you soften up, huh Rosie?" "And college has made you more of a pain in the ass," Ambrose replies with a chuckle. Both heads of the De Mevius family look the same as they did when you last saw them. As usual, they are dressed comfortably to facilitate the flow of their magic. Ambrose, tall and lean with curly reddish-brown hair, wears a loose, silver dress shirt with black wide leg pants. His olive-green eyes light up with his smile, which is always surrounded by light stubble despite him shaving daily. Mannix is much shorter than his husband, with straight black hair and a body of fat and muscle. He wears a long, golden tunic that showcases his muscular arms, and a pair of straight pants that stop just above his ankles. [["So, where is Sero?" You haven't seen the other De Mevius twin since you came upstairs. |oops S isnt here lol][$Sname to "Sero"]] [["So, where is Serafina?" You haven't seen the other De Mevius twin since you came upstairs. |oops S isnt here lol][$Sname to "Serafina"]]

“Yeah, it’s not exactly my type of party either. It needs a bit more… energy.” Your mother sighs, but still smiles at you good-naturedly. “$MCName, not you too. The both of you do understand this serves as a business event as much as a celebration?” Nudging your shoulder, Drue shoots you a wink. “With both of us in the meetings now, I’m sure we can convince her to make future festivities more //festive//.” Of course, you knew you’d be getting more responsibilities than just running the club, but you figured your mother would wait to see how you perform in that role before giving them to you. You look over to your mother for confirmation and she nods with a soft, lilting laugh. “Do not look so shocked, $MCName. Before tonight, I have only allowed you as much clearance as was needed to assist with our smaller affairs; but with your newfound position, you will have more say in what goes on both within the club and without.” Now that you’re looking at your parents properly, you see that they’ve also changed since you saw them a few hours ago. “Did you guys really coordinate your outfits for this?” Your dad looks away, slightly embarrassed, while your mother only raises an eyebrow as if to say, “So what?” “I mean, I’d understand your tie being the same color as mother’s dress, but matching down to the pattern is a bit much.” At this point, your uncle decides to add in his opinion. “I have to agree with $MCName, Reese. Paisley on a red suit is already of questionable taste, but on an entire dress? I never thought I’d see you in something so… tacky.” For emphasis, Jackson adds a grimace to the last word, as if his martini left a sour taste in his mouth. For a moment it seems as though your mother won’t dignify either of you with a reply. Then, “Unfortunately, I have to agree with you both. I let Jared pick what we wear tonight.” She places a mollifying hand on your father’s arm, and he looks to her with an embarrassed smile. “I didn’t want to say anything, dearest, but the pattern you’ve chosen //is// dreadful.” “Poor outfit choice aside, your father and I have more to speak with you about after the cake, but for now go ahead and spend some time with your guests.” [[You'd like to see what game the Lombardi's are playing. |the lombardi’s]]

“The party is really nice, but there’s so many people here.” Your father smiles at you sympathetically. “I know you aren’t a fan of large crowds, Bug. Unfortunately, you’ll have to get used to them now that you’ll be at the club more often; even if it won’t be quite as populated as this.” You can’t help but grimace slightly, but Reese surprisingly is quick to reassure you. “You needn’t worry, $MCName, you won’t have to be at the club every night. Some nights you will be joining your father and I at meetings, and of course you’ll have nights to yourself.” The smile you give her in return is one of surprise more than anything else. Your mother smiles back at you and gives a soft, lilting laugh. “Do not look so shocked, $MCName. Before tonight, I have only allowed you as much clearance as was needed to assist with our smaller affairs; but with your newfound position, you will have more say in what goes on both within the club and without.” Of course, you knew you’d be getting more responsibilities than just running the club, but you figured your mother would wait to see how you perform in that role before giving them to you. Now that you’re looking at your parents properly, you see that, of course, they’ve also changed since you saw them a few hours ago. “Did you guys really coordinate your outfits for this?” Your dad looks away, slightly embarrassed, while your mother only raises an eyebrow as if to say, “So what?” “I mean, I’d understand your tie being the same color as mother’s dress, but matching down to the pattern is a bit much.” At this point, your uncle decides to add in his opinion. “I have to agree with $MCName, Reese. Paisley on a red suit is already of questionable taste, but on an entire dress? I never thought I’d see you in something so… tacky.” For emphasis, Jackson adds a grimace to the last word, as if his martini left a sour taste in his mouth. For a moment it seems as though your mother won’t dignify either of you with a reply. Then, “Unfortunately, I have to agree with you both. I let Jared pick what we wear tonight.” She places a mollifying hand on your father’s arm, and he looks to her with an embarrassed smile. “I didn’t want to say anything, dearest, but the pattern you’ve chosen //is// dreadful.” “Poor outfit choice aside, your father and I have more to speak with you about after the cake, but for now go ahead and spend some time with your guests.” [[You'd like to see what game the Lombardi's are playing. |the lombardi’s]]

“It’s not the type of party I’d throw, but I love how many people showed up.” Your aunt and father chuckle, while your mother gives you a smile. “Yes, you have always loved being around others. Perhaps for the next event, I will have to confer with you about the type of party you would prefer.” Reese has never really been one to take notes from others, except of course from those privy to the innermost workings of the Florentia family. The smile you give her in return is one of surprise more than anything else. At this, your mother finally does let out a soft, lilting laugh. “Do not look so shocked, $MCName. Before tonight, I have only allowed you as much clearance as was needed to assist with our smaller affairs; but with your newfound position, you will have more say in what goes on both within the club and without.” Of course, you knew you’d be getting more responsibilities than just running the club, but you figured your mother would wait to see how you perform in that role before giving them to you. Now that you’re looking at your parents properly, you see that, of course, they’ve also changed since you saw them a few hours ago. “Did you guys really coordinate your outfits for this?” Your dad looks away, slightly embarrassed, while your mother only raises an eyebrow as if to say, “So what?” “I mean, I’d understand your tie being the same color as mother’s dress, but matching down to the pattern is a bit much.” At this point, your uncle decides to add in his opinion. “I have to agree with $MCName, Reese. Paisley on a red suit is already of questionable taste, but on an entire dress? I never thought I’d see you in something so… tacky.” For emphasis, Jackson adds a grimace to the last word, as if his martini left a sour taste in his mouth. For a moment it seems as though your mother won’t dignify either of you with a reply. Then, “Unfortunately, I have to agree with you both. I let Jared pick what we wear tonight.” She places a mollifying hand on your father’s arm, and he looks to her with an embarrassed smile. “I didn’t want to say anything, dearest, but the pattern you’ve chosen //is// dreadful.” “Poor outfit choice aside, your father and I have more to speak with you about after the cake, but for now go ahead and spend some time with your guests.” [[You'd like to see what game the Lombardi's are playing. |the lombardi’s]]

“Honestly, I’m not much of a party person. Would a giant dinner be feasible with this many people?” Your whole family laughs, from your aunt’s snicker to your uncle’s booming laugh, and your mother’s soft chuckle. Even Alix lets out a small huff as a smile ghosts over her lips. “We’ll keep that in mind for next time, Bug. I’m sure only your mother would be capable of seating this many guests and making sure nobody gets into a fight.” Your father wraps an arm around your mother’s waist and kisses her temple in a somewhat rare public show of affection. “$MCName may be able to help with that— or at least learn a few things— seeing as $heshe will be sitting in on a few meetings.” Of course, you knew you’d be getting more responsibilities than just running the club, but you figured your mother would wait to see how you perform in that role before giving them to you. Your eyes widen as you look at your mother, prompting her to let out a soft, lilting laugh. “Do not look so shocked, $MCName. Before tonight, I have only allowed you as much clearance as was needed to assist with our smaller affairs; but with your newfound position, you will have more say in what goes on both within the club and without.” Now that you’re looking at your parents properly, you see that, of course, they’ve also changed since you saw them a few hours ago. “Did you guys really coordinate your outfits for this?” Your dad looks away, slightly embarrassed, while your mother only raises an eyebrow as if to say, “So what?” “I mean, I’d understand your tie being the same color as mother’s dress, but matching down to the pattern is a bit much.” At this point, your uncle decides to add in his opinion. “I have to agree with $MCName, Reese. Paisley on a red suit is already of questionable taste, but on an entire dress? I never thought I’d see you in something so… tacky.” For emphasis, Jackson adds a grimace to the last word, as if his martini left a sour taste in his mouth. For a moment it seems as though your mother won’t dignify either of you with a reply. Then, “Unfortunately, I have to agree with you both. I let Jared pick what we wear tonight.” She places a mollifying hand on your father’s arm, and he looks to her with an embarrassed smile. “I didn’t want to say anything, dearest, but the pattern you’ve chosen //is// dreadful.” “Poor outfit choice aside, your father and I have more to speak with you about after the cake, but for now go ahead and spend some time with your guests.” [[You'd like to see what game the Lombardi's are playing. |the lombardi’s]]

You move with the sea of people towards your cake, now sitting atop the stage the dancers previously occupied. The chairs in front of the stage are magically whisked away, leaving plenty of room for the approaching guests to occupy. As you make your way to the side of the stage, your parents join you and the already low lights are dimmed to near darkness. Rather than light candles on the cake, Dion steps up to the stage and exhales a stream of fire that outlines the entire stage in controlled red flames. With the stage set, literally, Reese and Jared each raise a glass of champagne above their head. "Tonight is a celebration $MCName's twenty-fifth year of life, as well as $himher being appointed as the new owner of Blood Bank..." Tuning out what will likely be an unecessarily long speech from your mother, your eyes sweep over the crowd of Supernatural faces. Lamia stands in the darkest corner of the room, her lips curl slightly upwards when she catches your eye. $Sname stands with Ambrose and Mannix with an unreadable expression, only perking up when Mannix nudges $Shisher shoulder. Directly beneath the stage, Sebastian stands with Dion and Albright, who are all whispering amongst themselves. Applause accompanies the end Reese's words, and everyone tips their drink back, some people taking a small sip while others empty their glass. She turns to you with the deed to the club in her hand. Looking at it, you see that rather than sign your name, you'll be adding a bloodied fingerprint to the bottom of the page. <<nobr>><<if $reluctance is 0>> With little hesitance, you prick you thumb on one of your fangs, allowing blood to fill its various ridges and whorls. You press you finger to the old parchment and feel a slight burning sensation as the page glows briefly beneath your touch. A smile touches your lips as you lock eyes with your mother, who nods at you with a small smile of her own. She seems proud of you, but you know tonight was the easy part and you'll have your work cut out for you going forward. <<elseif $reluctance is 10>> You hesitate for only for a moment, hopefully not long enough for anyone to notice, before you prick your thumb on one of your fangs, allowing blood to fill the various ridges and whorls. You press you finger to the old parchment and feel a slight burning sensation as the page glows briefly beneath your touch. Despite your reservations, you can't help the smile that touches your lips as you lock eyes with your mother, who nods at you with a small smile of her own. She seems proud of you, but you know tonight was the easy part and you'll have your work cut out for you going forward. <<elseif $reluctance is 15>> A wave of anxiety hits, causing you to hesitate a few moments before you prick your thumb on one of your fangs, allowing blood to fill the various ridges and whorls. You press you finger to the old parchment and feel a slight burning sensation as the page glows briefly beneath your touch. Despite your nerves, a smile touches your lips as you lock eyes with your mother, who nods at you with a small smile of her own. She seems proud of you, but you know tonight was the easy part and you'll have your work cut out for you going forward. <<else>> In a futile display of defiance, you simply stare down at the deed with a bored look. Glancing up at your mother, her face remains nearly impassive but you can see that her patience with you is wearing thin. At last, you prick your thumb on one of your fangs, allowing blood to fill the various ridges and whorls. You press you finger to the old parchment and feel a slight burning sensation as the page glows briefly beneath your touch. You spare Reese another look, to see her plastering on a proud smile for the hundreds of eyes just beyond the stage. Tonight was the easy part, you'll have your work cut out for you going forward. <</if>><</nobr>> [[Next |maybe now you can party]]

Chiara's hand is significantly better than Enzo's was; an ace and a nine. She smirks at her son, fang peeking past her bottom lip, as she waves a hand over her cards. One point from a perfect score of twenty-one, Chiara has chosen to stand. Now, it's your turn. As Enzo did, you tap a finger on the table hoping your luck will be better than his. The chances of you getting a better hand than Chiara depend on you getting either a ten or a face card. As far as winning this hand, you don't need to beat her, just the dealer. But if you want to avoid taking a shot, you'll need to score higher than her with twenty-one. Pulling from the deck, Vincenzo flips over the card and places it next to your others. It's a six, giving you a new total of seventeen. Now you have what some will call an easy choice. You can choose to stand and hope that Vincenzo will also have a score of seventeen, or that he'll have less and eventually bust. Or, you have the much riskier option of hitting again, but with your current score, you're more likely to bust than get a better hand. As the dealer, if Vincenzo has seventeen, he'll have to stand and the two of you will tie. With anything higher, he'll still have to stand, but you'll lose. Of course, if his hand totals sixteen or less he will have to hit, and it's possible that he'll bust with a score over twenty-one. So, what'll it be? [[You decide to stand.][$recklessCareful -= 3]] [[You decide to hit.][$recklessCareful += 3]]

<<nobr>> <<set _card to random(1, 10)>> You're feeling bold tonight, so you tap your finger on the table again. Vincenzo gives you a dubious look, while Chiara laughs, and Enzo looks on with interest. The odds of you getting a four are very slim, but if you had chosen to stand those odds would be zero.<</nobr>> You shrug. "What's life without a little risk, eh?" "I hope you don't do business with that mindset, Florentia. Between you and this clown," Vincenzo says, nodding towards his nephew, "you'll run both our families into the dirt." The words would be harsh were it not for the small smile touching his lips. He grabs another card from the deck. \<<if _card gte 5>> You look down at your cards and... Shit, your hand's a bust. At your crestfallen expression, all three Lombardi's break into laughter, and you can't help but laugh along with them. It looks like you'll still be taking that shot with Enzo. "Alright, old man. Let's see if you'll be drinkin' with us this time." Vincenzo gives Enzo the middle finger, but flips his other card, revealing a nine. Chiara whoops and pushes a glass towards each of you. Upon closer inspection, the pink tint to the drinks is from a couple drops of blood added after the shots were poured. You toss the drink back, and immediately your eyes start to water. "What the hell was in those?" You ask as the liquid burns down your throat. That wasn't like any alcohol you've ever tasted. Once again, your companions laugh at your reaction. "It's an old family recipe we asked Georgina to add to tonight's menu." Despite being the only winner this round, Chiara throws back a shot of her own before continuing. "We call it Devil's Blood. It's got a couple drops of blood, hot sauce, and moonshine me and Vinnie's dad made about five or so centuries ago." It's probably the vilest thing you've ever tasted. Regardless, you play several more rounds, with each of you taking your fair share of shots. \<<elseif _card eq 4>> You look down at your cards and... you've got a perfect score of twenty-one! You let out a loud whoop, causing the Lombardi's to laugh. "Well, I'll be damned." Chiara says, with a surprised smile. "I doubt you'll be so lucky twice." "Alright, old man. Let's see if you'll be drinkin' with us this time." Vincenzo gives Enzo the middle finger, but flips his other card, revealing a nine. With a shit-eating grin, you push a shot towards each of them. Upon closer inspection, the pink tint to the drinks is from a couple drops of blood added after the shots were poured. The three of them toss the drinks back with practiced ease, having had so many already. As Chiara said, your luck doesn't extend into the next round, and you end up taking a shot along with Chiara and Vincenzo. You toss the drink back, and immediately your eyes start to water. "What the hell was in those?" You ask as the liquid burns down your throat. That wasn't like any alcohol you've ever tasted. Your companions laugh at your reaction. "It's an old family recipe we asked Georgina to add to tonight's menu." Despite being the only winner this round, Chiara throws back a shot of her own before continuing. "We call it Devil's Blood. It's got a couple drops of blood, hot sauce, and moonshine me and Vinnie's dad made about five or so centuries ago." It's probably the vilest thing you've ever tasted. Regardless, you play several more rounds, with each of you taking your fair share of shots. \<<else>> You look down at your cards and... It's not a bust, but it's also not going to beat Chiara's hand. At your crestfallen expression, all three Lombardi's break into laughter, and you can't help but laugh along with them. It looks like you'll still be taking that shot with Enzo. "Alright, old man. Let's see if you'll be drinkin' with us this time." Vincenzo gives Enzo the middle finger, but flips his other card, revealing a nine. Chiara whoops and pushes a glass towards each of you. Upon closer inspection, the pink tint to the drinks is from a couple drops of blood added after the shots were poured. You toss the drink back, and immediately your eyes start to water. "What the hell was in those?" You ask as the liquid burns down your throat. That wasn't like any alcohol you've ever tasted. Once again, your companions laugh at your reaction. "It's an old family recipe we asked Georgina to add to tonight's menu." Despite being the only winner this round, Chiara throws back a shot of her own before continuing. "We call it Devil's Blood. It's got a couple drops of blood, hot sauce, and moonshine me and Vinnie's dad made about five or so centuries ago." It's probably the vilest thing you've ever tasted. Regardless, you play several more rounds, with each of you taking your fair share of shots. \<</if>> Eventually, you check your watch and realize it's time for you to continue making your rounds. “We'll have to do this again sometime, but for now I should go talk to some of the other guests.” The Lombardi's say their goodbyes for the time being as you make your way back out into the crowd. [[You’re curious what the De Mevius’ are talking about. |the de mevius’]]

The odds of you getting a four are very slim, so you decide it's better to cut your losses and wave a hand over the table. Vincenzo gives you a look that shows he agrees with your cautious approach. "Smart move, Florentia. Maybe this clown," Vincenzo nods towards his nephew, "can learn a thing or two from you." Enzo takes the comment in stride and the two of them share a knowing look as if this is an ongoing joke between them. Regardless of Vincenzo's other card, it looks like you'll be taking that shot with Enzo. "Alright, old man. Let's see if you'll be drinkin' with us this time." Vincenzo gives Enzo the middle finger, but flips his other card, revealing a nine. Chiara whoops and pushes a glass towards each of you. Upon closer inspection, the pink tint to the drinks is from a couple drops of blood added after the shots were poured. You toss the drink back, and immediately your eyes start to water. "What the hell was in those?" You ask as the liquid burns down your throat. That wasn't like any alcohol you've ever tasted. Once again, your companions laugh at your reaction. "It's an old family recipe we asked Georgina to add to tonight's menu." Despite being the winner this round, Chiara throws back a shot of her own before continuing. "We call it Devil's Blood. It's got a couple drops of blood, hot sauce, and moonshine me and Vinnie's dad made about five or so centuries ago." It's probably the vilest thing you've ever tasted. Regardless, you play several more rounds, with each of you taking your fair share of shots. Eventually, you check your watch and realize it's time for you to continue making your rounds. “We'll have to do this again sometime, but for now I should go talk to some of the other guests.” The Lombardi's say their goodbyes for the time being as you make your way back out into the crowd. [[You’re curious what the De Mevius’ are talking about. |the de mevius’]]

"Not to pry, but I overheard some of your conversation as I was walking up. Would you have any interest in working more closely with us here at Blood Bank?" Astaroth gives you a professional smile and glances at Sariel, allowing her to take point. "What a bold offer to make when we've only just met," Sariel begins in a more businesslike tone, but still with a bit of spunk. "Not to mention, Blood Bank hasn't officially been signed over to you yet. But I do like your ambition." The smile she gives you has a sharp edge to it. You wonder if this is what working with all demons is like, or if Sariel just likes to do things her own way. From the weary look Astaroth tries to hide, you guess it's the latter. \<<if $recklessCareful gte 53>> "Be that as it may, I'm offering you the chance to do business with the most popular nightclub in Ves Arcanus," you flash her a smile, showing your fangs. "That's not an offer we make to just anyone." If either Sariel or Astaroth is phased by the arrogance in your tone, they don't show it. If anything, you seem to have piqued their interest by showing you aren't afraid to challenge them. "I know your mother can back those words up, let's see if you can do the same." This time Sariel does extend her hand for you to shake. "We'll talk more once you're settled in at the club. Your parents know how to reach us." <<set $impressSariel to true>> "If we're going to be working together, you should go acquaint yourself with my sister." Astaroth tilts their head in Lamia's direction. "Have a good night, $MCName." \<<else>> "Be that as it may, I'm offering you the chance to do business with the most popular nightclub in Ves Arcanus. That's not an offer we make to just anyone." Though your words are bold, your voice doesn't hold the same conviction they suggest. Sariel and Astaroth seem to notice as much, and Astaroth's smile turns slightly sympathetic while Sariel raises an eyebrow at you. "I'm going to give you some unsolicited advice because I've been in your position. You can't be so afraid to put yourself out there; no risk, no reward." Sariel lays a hand on your shoulder, "The shit we do isn't easy, and these people associate being overly cautious with being afraid." "Sariel is right," Astaroth speaks up. "We'll speak again once you've settled in at the club. This is Sariel's deal to make, so if she likes what she hears by then, consider us in business." <<set $impressSariel to false>> "In the case you do manage to impress me, tonight would be a good time to meet my mom." Sariel tips her chin in Lamia's direction. "Any other time, her schedule is unpredictable. Enjoy the rest of your party. I'll see you around, $MCName." \<</if>> [[Next |Lamia1]]

"Speaking of your mother, do you think Lamia would mind if I interrupted her and..." you trail off, realizing you have no idea if Lamia just met her current companion, or if they know each other more intimately. That being the case, you aren't sure how to refer to her. In your silence, Sariel begins to laugh. Astaroth tries to give her a reproachful look, but they can't help the small smile of amusement that touches their lips. "Given Lamia's reputation, I understand how you could misread the situation. However, that's only one of her associates," Astaroth's eyes glimmer with mischief, "and Lamia is not known to mix business with pleasure." Sariel is quick to speak up, saying, "That being said, I'm sure she wouldn't mind a bit of pleasure to conclude her current business." Her expression is a mirror of Astaroth's own. "Um, good to know..." A faint heat touches your cheeks. "It was nice meeting you both. I look forward to talking more about the club." You start walking towards Lamia, who whispers something to her associate as she sees you approaching. The associate, a young Indian woman who looks to be about your age, smiles at you as she passes. "Happy birthday, $MCName, and congrats." She's gone before you have a chance to respond, leaving you to turn your attention back to the Spy Mistress. Lamia eyes you with interest on the rim of her perpetually full wine glass, before lowering it with a smile, and extending a hand towards you. Her slender hand is turned down, wrist slightly limp, and she expects you to kiss the back of it. Your $eyeColor eyes stay trained on hers as you take her hand in yours, and softly brush your lips over her knuckles. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Lamia." A smile, much less professional than the one you gave Astaroth, punctuates your words. "The pleasure is all mine, Little Lamb," Lamia responds, grasping your hand to pull you a couple steps closer. Her voice is slightly deeper than you expected. Smooth and rich, like your parent's most expensive whiskey, with a British accent rounding out her vowels. You return Lamia's smile with one of your own, taking the time to really look her. Her blonde hair, almost white at the roots and darkening into a dirty blonde, stops just past her chin. Like the rest of the Seth family, Lamia's blue eyes have an almost otherworldly glow. You can't help but glance down at her full lips, a beauty mark just above the left corner of them. Lamia's smile widens under your attention, her cool breath washing over your face. Slowly, Lamia does a full turn, allowing you to take in her dress in its entirety. She wears a forest green qipao with dark pink flowers, the opening on the side revealing more of her flawless skin. The dress clings tightly to her curves, causing your eyes to linger in some places, before sliding up to lock with Lamia's. "I honestly was expecting you and Sariel to strike some sort of business deal, as you're both in similar positions as family heir. However, it seems you were very zealous to make my acquaintance instead." "How- were you listening to our conversation? I thought you were talking to one of your associates." There's no accusation in your tone, but your palpable confusion draws a deep laugh from Lamia. "No, Little Lamb, I wasn't listening. Suffice to say, there is a reason I'm the Spy Mistress. Perhaps, given your eagerness to have my company, you can learn more about that in time." Throughout Ves Arcanus, Lamia Seth is not only known for her exceptional abilities as Spy Mistress, but for being the most powerful Succubus in the city. She's infamous for her many flirtations and dalliances, though no one knows how many paramours she's entertained over the years, nor who many of them are. Now, it seems that the illustrious Spy Mistress may be looking for a dalliance with you. [[Damn, you're blushing again. "Are you... propositioning me, Lamia?" |Lamia cont][$Lamia to "shy"]] [[You're very interested in where this conversation is headed. "I'm sure you have a lot you can teach me, and I'm a great student." |Lamia cont][$Lamia to "bold"]] [[Your interest in Lamia is neither romantic nor sexual. |Lamia cont][$Lamia to "none"]]

You turn to where you last saw the Spy Mistress with her companion, only to find her gaze already on you and the other woman disappearing into the crowd. \<<if $impressSariel is true>> Lamia eyes you with interest over the rim of her perpetually full wine glass, before lowering it with a smile, and extending a hand towards you. Her slender hand is turned down, wrist slightly limp, and she expects you to kiss the back of it. Your $eyeColor eyes stay trained on hers as you take her hand in yours, and softly brush your lips over her knuckles. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Lamia." You return her smile with one of your own, seeing something in her eyes you can't quite read. "The pleasure is all mine, Little Lamb." Her voice is slightly deeper than you expected. Smooth and rich, like your parent's most expensive whiskey, with a British accent rounding out her vowels. Your close proximity gives you a moment to really examine her. Her blonde hair, almost white at the roots and darkening into a dirty blonde, stops just past her chin. Like the rest of the Seth family, Lamia's blue eyes have an almost otherworldly glow. A beauty mark sits just above the left corner of her full lips. Lamia's smile widens under your attention. Slowly, she does a full turn, allowing you to take in her dress in its entirety. She wears a forest green qipao with dark pink flowers, the opening on the side revealing more of her flawless skin. The dress clings tightly to her curves as if it were made just for her, which it most likely was. "I believe a second congratulations is in order, as I heard you and Sariel will begin working together soon. Especially considering Sariel's unorthodox way of conducting business deals." "How- were you listening to our conversation? I thought you were talking to one of your associates." There's no accusation in your tone, but your palpable confusion draws a deep laugh from Lamia. "No, Lamb, I wasn't listening. Suffice to say, there is a reason I'm the Spy Mistress." She pauses to sip her wine, as a waiter passes with a tray of ominously dark drinks that you assume cater to the demons in attendance. Though her eyes stay trained on you, it's obvious her focus is on the young man. Once he exits the aisle, Lamia lowers her glass, still filled to the rim. "In settings such as these, I find that the staff tends to be far more... //keen// than the guests." Her statement causes you to frown slightly. "Are you saying our waiters may be eavesdropping on people's conversation?" "What I'm saying," Lamia takes a step closer and lowers her voice until you have to lean forward to hear her, "is now that you're in the Underground, be wary. The walls don't just have ears and eyes; they have mouths as well." Lamia remains close to you for a moment, barely in your personal space but close enough to feel her body heat, before slowly stepping back with a faint smile. You don't know what to make of Lamia's shift in mien, but she is certainly keeping you on your toes. It doesn't slip your mind that this may be another test, a chance to impress Lamia as you did her daughter. \<<else>> Lamia eyes you with interest over the rim of her perpetually full wine glass, before lowering it with a smile, and extending a hand towards you. Her slender hand is turned down, wrist slightly limp, and she expects you to kiss the back of it. Your $eyeColor eyes stay trained on hers as you take her hand in yours, and softly brush your lips over her knuckles. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Lamia." You return her smile with one of your own, seeing something in her eyes you can't quite read. "The pleasure is all mine, Little Lamb." Her voice is slightly deeper than you expected. Smooth and rich, like your parent's most expensive whiskey, with a British accent rounding out her vowels. Your close proximity gives you a moment to really examine her. Her blonde hair, almost white at the roots and darkening into a dirty blonde, stops just past her chin. Like the rest of the Seth family, Lamia's blue eyes have an almost otherworldly glow. A beauty mark sits just above the left corner of her full lips. Lamia's smile widens under your attention. Slowly, she does a full turn, allowing you to take in her dress in its entirety. She wears a forest green qipao with dark pink flowers, the opening on the side revealing more of her flawless skin. The dress clings tightly to her curves as if it were made just for her, which it most likely was. "I must applaud your valiant attempt in establishing a partnership with Sariel. Especially considering her unorthodox way of conducting business deals. However, your delivery could use some improvement." "How- were you listening to our conversation? I thought you were talking to one of your associates." There's no accusation in your tone, but your palpable confusion draws a deep laugh from Lamia. "No, Lamb, I wasn't listening. Suffice to say, there is a reason I'm the Spy Mistress." She pauses to sip her wine, as a waiter passes with a tray of ominously dark drinks that you assume cater to the demons in attendance. Though her eyes stay trained on you, it's obvious her focus is on the young man. Once he exits the aisle, Lamia lowers her glass, still filled to the rim. "In settings such as these, I find that the staff tends to be far more... //keen// than the guests." Her statement causes you to frown slightly. "Are you saying our waiters may be eavesdropping on people's conversation?" "What I'm saying," Lamia takes a step closer and lowers her voice until you have to lean forward to hear her, "is now that you're in the Underground, be wary. The walls don't just have ears and eyes; they have mouths as well." Lamia remains close to you for a moment, barely in your personal space but close enough to feel her body heat, before slowly stepping back with a faint smile. You don't know what to make of Lamia's shift in mien, but she is certainly keeping you on your toes. It doesn't slip your mind that this may be another test, a chance to impress Lamia where you failed to impress her daughter. \<</if>> [[It's obvious now that Lamia hasn't taken a sip of her wine all night. She's not as relaxed as her demeanor may suggest. |Lamia1 cont][$impressLamia to true]] [[It's obvious now that Lamia hasn't taken a sip of her wine all night. Someone at the party is making Lamia anxious. |Lamia1 cont][$impressLamia to false]]

\<<if $Lamia is "bold">> You return Lamia's grin with one of your own, “I’m sure you have a lot you can teach me, and I’m a great student.” Lamia’s eyes seem to glow brighter at your bold flirtation. "I don’t doubt it, you’ll find that I’m a very hands-on teacher. Though as my emmer likely mentioned, I’m not typically one to mix business and pleasure." You deflate slightly, remembering Astaroth’s words, but Lamia’s hand under your chin draws your attention back to her. Her hand is much warmer than theirs was, almost too hot. "It’s been many years since someone has intrigued me as you have. Unfortunately, I have a few more people to meet with before the cake. Have a good night, Little Lamb. I look forward to seeing you again." \<<elseif $Lamia is "shy">> You feel heat spreading over your face and neck as Lamia's eye glow brighter. “Are you... propositioning me, Lamia?” "From that darling blush on your cheeks, it seems you’re hoping that I am. I wonder, how would you feel about a hands-on lesson?" You try not to fumble your words as you avoid her gaze, suddenly slightly embarrassed by your close proximity. “Oh, I think- I’d like that.” Lamia slips a hand under your chin, lifting your eyes to meet hers. "Don't be so nervous, Lamb, I’ll go easy on you," she says, drawing her hand back. "The first time at least. Unfortunately, I have a few more people to meet with before the cake. Have a good night, Little Lamb. I look forward to seeing you again." \<<elseif $Lamia is "none">> The shift in conversation causes you to take a step back, not wanting to give Lamia the wrong impression. Unphased, Lamia's grin remains in place as she raises her glass of wine to her lips. "Sexual undertones aside, there is much I could teach you should you wish to learn it. I’m not typically one to give information so freely, but I find you very intriguing.” "I'll keep that in mind," you say with a smile. "Perhaps I’ll take you up on that offer sometime." "I look forward to it. Unfortunately, I have a few more people to meet with before the cake. Have a good night, Little Lamb. I hope to see you again soon." \<</if>> With that, Lamia saunters away, hips swaying with each step. You watch for a moment, before calling out, "Lamia, wait." Lamia stops and glances over her shoulder at you. "Little Lamb, why do you keep calling me that?" A slow, almost predatory, smile pulls at Lamia's lips. "As of right now, you are nothing more than a lamb in a den of wolves, me included." She turns and continues out into the party. Suddenly, you hear a loud clap, and two waiters emerge from a shadowed corner with a seven-tiered cake. [[Next |cake time]]

<<nobr>> <<if $Sname is "Serafina">> <<set $Sheshe to "she", $Shimher to "her", $Shisher to "her", $Shishers to "hers", $Shimself to "herself", $Sgender to "sister">> <<else>> <<set $Sheshe to "he", $Shimher to "him", $Shisher to "his", $Shishers to "his", $Shimself to "himself", $Sgender to "brother">> <</if>> "So, where is $Sname?"<</nobr>> Sebastian smirks as he says, "You just missed $Shimher. <<Sheshe>> went 'to the restroom' because Pops started telling everyone about when $Sheshe accidentally turned $Shisher girlfriend into a skunk and tried to change her back with a kiss." A loud snort comes from Ambrose, while Mannix at least tries to cover his snicker with a cough. "Uh huh. And how long ago was this?" "Last year. $Sname said $Sheshe got a text from her the next day saying she wanted to break up. Guess she was too scared to do it in person." You're not sure whether the story is more funny or sad, but you can't help the laugh that bubbles out of you at the absurdity of it. Realizing $Sname probably won't be coming back so soon, you spend a bit more time catching up with Seb and tell him to come find you after cake is served. From the balcony, you see another group you'd like to meet with while you have the time. [[Maybe you should talk business with the Seth’s. |the seth’s]]

You’ve been walking around with your parents for the last half hour, getting introduced to their seemingly endless amount of business contacts. To say it’s boring would be an understatement, and no matter how many times you scan the crowd, you don’t see any of your friend’s faces. Even your father has seemed disinterested since the fifth introduction. You almost sag in relief when you see two familiar faces approaching from the crowd. “Hi, Reese. Do you mind if I borrow $MCName for a while?” Your mother turns around poised to strike, only to smile when she finds Sebastian standing beside her. “Sebastian, it’s good to see you. And you brought… your $Sgender with you. I haven’t seen you since last month, how have you been?” Seb opens his mouth, but $Sname speaks over him with a sneer, “My name is still $Sname, Reese, but yeah ‘Sebastian’s $Sgender’ works just as well I guess.” As far as you’ve seen, Reese isn’t one to roll her eyes; but you can see the corner of her right eye twitch as if she’s just barely stopping herself now. Your father uselessly rubs circles on her back, as Reese slowly pulls her gaze from $Sname to refocus on Sebastian. The group you were being introduced to continues to watch with rapt attention, likely hoping to see your mother’s composure falter even for a moment. As usual, they’ll be out of luck. Sebastian tries to step in front of his twin, as he goes back to exchanging pleasantries with your mother, though his smile isn’t quite as bright as before. As for you, \<<if $Sname is "Sero">> [[Looking at Sero, you feel a bit bad for him, being in Sebastian’s shadow. |nice 2 S][$SFriendship += 3]] [[If the air weren’t so tense, you might laugh. Reese’s reaction was priceless. |no hehe haha][$recklessCareful -= 4]] [[Screw the tension. That was hilarious, it’d be rude not to laugh. |yes hehe haha][$recklessCareful += 4]] \<<else>> [[Looking at Serafina, you feel a bit bad for her, being in Sebastian’s shadow. |nice 2 S][$SFriendship += 3]] [[If the air weren’t so tense, you might laugh. Reese’s reaction was priceless. |no hehe haha][$recklessCareful -= 4]] [[Screw the tension. That was hilarious, it’d be rude not to laugh. |yes hehe haha][$recklessCareful += 4]] \<</if>>

Seeing your mother's dismissal of $Sname, you can't help but feel a little bad for $Shimher. The two of you were never particularly close, not like you were with Sebastian, so you're unsure how to approach the situation. "Hey, $Sname. I was looking for you earlier, where'd you disappear to?" $Sname directs $Shisher glare your way, though you notice it's significantly less hostile than the one $Sheshe gave your mother. <<Sheshe>> gives you a blank stare long enough that you begin to think you won't get an answer. "Did they tell you why I left?" You nod, and watch as a dark blush settles on $Shisher cheeks. $Sheshe turns to grab Seb by the arm saying, "Come on, Golden Boy, that's enough ass kissing for one night." Despite your confusion, you follow after the twins, laughing when Sebastian tries to fight his way out of $Sname's grasp to no avail. As you wade through the crowd, Dion and $Jname suddenly join you. Dion can barely contain $Dhisher excitement as $Dheshe exclaims, “Fucking finally! Let’s go to the roof and have a real party.” “Should we invite Enzo up too?” $Jname asks to no one in particular. “God, no,” $Sname quickly speaks up, “Enzo is such a dumbass, and I can’t stand his stupid mobster movie accent.” For emphasis $Sheshe perfectly mimics Enzo’s accent, causing Dion and Seb to laugh and $Jname to smile. The five of you haven’t spent time together as a group since high school, when $Sname would only tag along because $Sheshe had a crush on you. The thought causes you to glance over at $Sname, wondering if the same is true now. $Sname’s wild, reddish-brown curls bounce with each step, and $Shisher honey brown skin glows warmly under the floating lights. Light brown eyes connect with yours for a moment, before $Sname looks away only to glance back again. When you all reach the roof, you’re met with a cool breeze that is welcome after the warmth of the club. Your group quickly spreads out over the couches and other seats that fill the relatively small space. This is the only area of the former cathedral that was fully renovated, surrounded by the geometry of the original architecture to provide plenty of privacy. [[Next |on the roof]]

Although seeing your mother get so frustrated over a quip from someone so much younger than her is highly entertaining, you still try to school your expression.<<nobr>> <<if $family lte 65>> Being the subject of Reese's ire is nothing new to you, but disrespecting her, in front of people searching for a weakness to exploit no less, feels unnecessary. It's less for Reese's sake than your own; if word got around that the head of the Florentia family was undermined by her own child it would reflect just as badly on you as it did her. <<set $family += 5>> <<else>> Being the subject of Reese's ire isn't something you're used to. In fact, you could count on one hand the number of times you've seen her so close to losing her composure. Funny as the situation may be, you can't help feeling a little bad for wanting to laugh, especially in the face of people searching for any weakness to exploit. Your concern is mostly for Reese, but you can't deny if word got around that the head of the Florentia family was undermined by her own child it would reflect just as badly on you as it did her. <<set $family += 5>> <</if>><</nobr>> You bite the inside of your cheek, hoping no one notices your lips twitching in barely contained laughter. Your mother, of course, notices your amusement, but seems far more pleased that you kept it to yourself. Moving on from $Sname's comment, your mother and Sebastian exchange a few more pleasantries before he convinces her to let him steal you away. As you wade through the crowd, Dion and $Jname suddenly join you. Dion can barely contain $Dhisher excitement as $Dheshe exclaims, “Fucking finally! Let’s go to the roof and have a real party.” “Should we invite Enzo up too?” $Jname asks to no one in particular. “God, no,” $Sname quickly speaks up, “Enzo is such a dumbass, and I can’t stand his stupid mobster movie accent.” For emphasis $Sheshe perfectly mimics Enzo’s accent, causing Dion and Seb to laugh and $Jname to smile. The five of you haven’t spent time together as a group since high school, when $Sname would only tag along because $Sheshe had a crush on you. The thought causes you to glance over at $Sname, wondering if the same is true now. $Sname’s wild, reddish-brown curls bounce with each step, and $Shisher honey brown skin glows warmly under the floating lights. Light brown eyes connect with yours for a moment, before $Sname looks away only to glance back again. When you all reach the roof, you’re met with a cool breeze that is welcome after the warmth of the club. Your group quickly spreads out over the couches and other seats that fill the relatively small space. This is the only area of the former cathedral that was fully renovated, surrounded by the geometry of the original architecture to provide plenty of privacy. [[Next |on the roof]]

You know you shouldn't laugh; your mother seems ready to throttle the next person who looks at her the wrong way, but a small chuckle slips from your lips regardless. Like a dam breaking, you can't seem to stop the full-throated laugh that escapes you, Reese glares at you from the corner of her eye and the strength of it enough to quell your laughter, though just barely.<<nobr>> <<if $family lte 65>> <<if $reluctance is 20>> Being the subject of Reese's ire is nothing new to you, but you have a feeling your outburst coupled with your previous spectacle will have bigger consequences than you're used to. Still, you can't find it in yourself to care much beyond the fact that being on your mother's bad side will make your home life-- and now your work life as well-- a lot harder. <<set $family -= 6>> <<else>> Being the subject or Reese's ire is nothing new to you, but you have a feeling undermining her in front of people she works with will have bigger consequences than you're used to. Still, you can't find it in yourself to care much beyond the fact that being on your mother's bad side will make your home life-- and now your work life as well-- a lot harder. <<set $family -= 6>> <</if>> <<else>> <<if $reluctance gte 20>> Being the subject of Reese's ire isn't something you're used to. In fact, you could count on one hand the number of times you've seen her so close to losing her composure. Funny as the situation may be, you can't help feeling a little bad for laughing, especially after your previous spectacle. Your concern is mostly for Reese, but you can't deny that being on your mother's bad side will make your home life-- and now your work life as well-- a lot harder. <<set $family -= 4>> <<else>> Being the subject of Reese's ire isn't something you're used to. In fact, you could count on one hand the number of times you've seen her so close to losing her composure. Funny as the situation may be, you can't help feeling a little bad for laughing, especially in front of the people your parents work with. Your concern is mostly for Reese, but you can't deny that being on your mother's bad side will make your home life-- and now your work life as well-- a lot harder. <<set $family -= 4>> <</if>> <</if>><</nobr>> As you wade through the crowd, Dion and $Jname suddenly join you. Dion can barely contain $Dhisher excitement as $Dheshe exclaims, “Fucking finally! Let’s go to the roof and have a real party.” “Should we invite Enzo up too?” $Jname asks to no one in particular. “God, no,” $Sname quickly speaks up, “Enzo is such a dumbass, and I can’t stand his stupid mobster movie accent.” For emphasis $Sheshe perfectly mimics Enzo’s accent, causing Dion and Seb to laugh and $Jname to smile. The five of you haven’t spent time together as a group since high school, when $Sname would only tag along because $Sheshe had a crush on you. The thought causes you to glance over at $Sname, wondering if the same is true now. $Sname’s wild, reddish-brown curls bounce with each step, and $Shisher honey brown skin glows warmly under the floating lights. Light brown eyes connect with yours for a moment, before $Sname looks away only to glance back again. When you all reach the roof, you’re met with a cool breeze that is welcome after the warmth of the club. Your group quickly spreads out over the couches and other seats that fill the relatively small space. This is the only area of the former cathedral that was fully renovated, surrounded by the geometry of the original architecture to provide plenty of privacy. [[Next |on the roof]]

From a bag you didn’t notice before, $Sname begins to pull out various bottles of wine and other liquor to pass amongst you. "I didn't see you carrying a bag when we came up here," Dion states, confusion knitting $Dhisher brow. Mischief dances in $Sname's eyes, but $Shisher only reply is, "I'm a witch." It's not long before all of the bottles have been opened, and you all pass them around. As much as you appreciate the work your parents put in to make tonight special, you can't help but feel that this is the best part of the night. Spending time with your friends without the added pressure of keeping up appearances. It almost reminds you of the times you'd drag Kiernan up here during $Khisher breaks to hang out with Dion and $Jname. The only difference is that Kiernan is no longer here, and you still are. A soft nudge to your shoulder pulls you out of your thoughts, and you look over to find Albright's cool blue gaze on you. $Jheshe doesn't speak, but the question lingers between you, "What's on your mind?" "I was just thinking, the only thing that could make this moment even better is if Kiernan was out here with us." Albright gives a sad smile, "Yeah, I miss $Khimher, but $Kheshe probably would've drank half the liquor by now." Overhearing the conversation, Dion chimes in, "$MCName, please tell these two about the time Kiernan drank a full bottle of whiskey right before getting on stage." The story about Kiernan prompts Dion to suggest a drinking game that has all of you well past tipsy, and sharing information you wouldn't have if you were sober. Eventually, you find yourself sitting a little way away from the group with $Sname, listening as $Sheshe tells you about the parties $Sheshe threw at Dartmouth. “Listen, I didn’t wanna say it in front of your mom because she already hates me, but Dion let me into that room behind the bar. I needed a breather.” “Not a fan of crowds?” “No, it’s not that, it’s—” $Sname pauses and shakes $Shisher head, “It’s nothing really. Let’s get back to the party.” <<Sheshe>> stands up before you can say anything more but stops to extend a hand back towards you. With a smile, you take $Shisher hand in yours and follow $Shimher back to the rest of the group. Although you know you’ll get an earful about it tomorrow, you spend the rest of the party on the roof with your friends, finishing all the bottles that $Sname stole from the bar. [[The next day |learning the ropes]]

The day after your party, you're back at Blood Bank to "learn the ropes" as Georgina explained it. You know the blonde Vampire well from her close friendship with Kiernan while $Kheshe worked at the club. She's from a family with no ties to the city's Underground and started at the club after graduating high school, working her way from a waitress up to head bartender. "So, why did my parents ask you specifically to train me? No offense, but wouldn't Dion be better since $Dheshe works more closely with my parents?" "None taken," Georgina chuckles, "I actually volunteered. After working here the better part of a decade, I've picked up on a lot that you can't learn from keeping books or running things behind the scenes. You'll be meeting with Dion later to discuss finances, but I figured it'd be best for you to get the lay of the land first." You nod as Georgina leads you through the club, which looks very different than it did last night. Considering what you saw before the party, you can't imagine the amount of work Georgina oversees in addition to running the bar. "We've got a lot to go over today, so we'll start at the bar and work our way back. I'll show you the menu and prices we have at the bar, and let you meet my bartenders. And I can tell you about our customers; mostly regulars but we get a few new faces and non-Vampires too. Then I'll introduce you to the burlesque dancers, and you can learn about their outfits and routines." [[Next |the bar]]

\<<if $impressSariel is true>> \<<if $impressLamia is true>> "Damn, you're good. If you hadn't said anything, I may not have noticed." Lamia's expression is one of innocence, but you see through the act now. The amusement making her eyes glow brighter, her teeth just barely sharper than a moment before. "You're a lot more cautious than you let on. I thought there was some magic keeping your glass full but no, you haven't taken a sip of your wine all night. It makes sense you'd want to keep a clear head. A party this big and important is probably your wet dream as Spy Mistress." You're confident in your observations, but you doubt Lamia will confirm or deny anything you've said. At least not out loud with so many people around to hear it. She gives you a wink so subtle you may have imagined it. "You intrigue me Little Lamb, and not just because you're a new face. I do hope you'll stick around for a while." With that, Lamia saunters away, hips swaying with each step. You watch for a moment, before calling out, "Lamia, wait." Lamia stops and glances over her shoulder at you. "Little Lamb, why do you keep calling me that?" A slow, almost predatory, smile pulls at Lamia's lips. "As of right now, you are nothing more than a lamb in a den of wolves, me included." She turns and continues out into the party. \<<set $LamiaRelationship += 7>><<set $wits += 5>><<set $LamiaDesire += 1>> Rejoining the party yourself, you can't help the smile tugging your lips. Lamia doesn't seem to be someone who's easily impressed, and even less of someone to give second chances to do so. It says a lot that a newcomer like you managed to impress both her and Sariel the night of your Underground debut. \<<else>> "I should've realized sooner, you haven't actually touched your wine all night, have you?" Lamia's expression is unreadable, so you decide to press on. "You're anxious. That's why you aren't drinking your wine, won't talk in front of the waiters. Do you think someone's trying to poison you?" You're fairly confident in your observations, you doubt Lamia will confirm or deny anything you've said. At least not out loud with so many people around to hear it. For a moment, you think Lamia won't react at all. Instead, she says, "I'm surprised you think so little of the security here. Is that something you plan to improve once the club is yours?" "No- That's not- The last time I was here someone I cared about was killed so..." You sigh and give a defeated shrug. Of course, the security has improved over the last few years, anything less would be incompetence on your mother's part and Reese Florentia is anything but. "I am sorry about what happened that day, but we both know Reese wouldn't let anything of that sort happen again. Enjoy the rest of your night, Little Lamb." With that, Lamia saunters away, hips swaying with each step. You watch for a moment, before calling out, "Lamia, wait." Lamia stops, but she doesn't turn to look at you. "Little Lamb, why do you keep calling me that?" When she does turn, her eyes glow dangerously bright. "As of right now, you are nothing more than a lamb in a den of wolves, me included." She turns and continues out into the party. <<set $LamiaRelationship -= 2>><<set $wits -= 5>> Rejoining the party yourself, you can't help the slight furrow in your brow. Lamia doesn't seem to be someone who's easily impressed, and even less of someone to give second chances to do so. While you managed to gain Sariel's respect tonight, you've unfortunately missed the mark with her mother. \<</if>> \<<else>> \<<if $impressLamia is true>> "Damn, you're good. If you hadn't said anything, I may not have noticed." Lamia's expression is one of innocence, but you see through the act now. The amusement making her eyes glow brighter, her teeth just barely sharper than a moment before. "You're a lot more cautious than you let on. I thought there was some magic keeping your glass full but no, you haven't taken a sip of your wine all night. It makes sense you'd want to keep a clear head. A party this big and important is probably your wet dream as Spy Mistress." You're fairly confident in your observations, but you doubt Lamia will confirm or deny anything you've said. At least not out loud with so many people around to hear it. She gives you a wink so subtle you may have imagined it. "You intrigue me Little Lamb, and not just because you're a new face. I do hope you'll stick around for a while." With that, Lamia saunters away, hips swaying with each step. You watch for a moment, before calling out, "Lamia, wait." Lamia stops and glances over her shoulder at you. "Little Lamb, why do you keep calling me that?" A slow, almost predatory, smile pulls at Lamia's lips. "As of right now, you are nothing more than a lamb in a den of wolves, me included." She turns and continues out into the party. \<<set $LamiaRelationship += 7>><<set $wits += 5>><<set $LamiaDesire += 1>> Rejoining the party yourself, you can't help the smile tugging your lips. Lamia doesn't seem to be someone who's easily impressed, and even less of someone to give second chances to do so. It says a lot that a newcomer like you managed to impress her, even if you missed the mark with Sariel. \<<else>> "I should've realized sooner, you haven't actually touched your wine all night, have you?" Lamia's expression is unreadable, so you decide to press on. "You're anxious. That's why you aren't drinking your wine, won't talk in front of the waiters. Do you think someone's trying to poison you?" You're fairly confident in your observations, you doubt Lamia will confirm or deny anything you've said. At least not out loud with so many people around to hear it. For a moment, you think Lamia won't react at all. Instead, she says, "I'm surprised you think so little of the security here. Is that something you plan to improve once the club is yours?" "No- That's not- The last time I was here someone I cared about was killed so..." You sigh and give a defeated shrug. Of course, the security has improved over the last few years, anything less would be incompetence on your mother's part and Reese Florentia is anything but. "I am sorry about what happened that day, but we both know Reese wouldn't let anything of that sort happen again. Enjoy the rest of your night, Little Lamb." With that, Lamia saunters away, hips swaying with each step. You watch for a moment, before calling out, "Lamia, wait." Lamia stops, but she doesn't turn to look at you. "Little Lamb, why do you keep calling me that?" When she does turn, her eyes glow dangerously bright. "As of right now, you are nothing more than a lamb in a den of wolves, me included." She turns and continues out into the party. <<set $LamiaRelationship -= 2>><<set $wits -= 5>> Rejoining the party yourself, you can't help the slight furrow in your brow. Lamia doesn't seem to be someone who's easily impressed, and even less of someone to give second chances to do so. You're more than a little embarrassed that you missed the mark with both her and Sariel tonight. \<</if>> \<</if>> Suddenly, you hear a loud clap, and two waiters emerge from a shadowed corner with a seven-tiered cake. [[Next |cake time]]

Georgina leads you to a hidden door that takes you to the backstage area; it looks much the same as it did when Kiernan still worked here. There's a lounge, which you currently stand in, with doors leading to a practice studio, a modiste, and a hair and makeup room. Several women and a few men are scattered throughout the room, pausing their conversations when you and Georgina enter. "Gigi, darling, where have you been? You haven't come back to see us in ages," one of the dancers, a woman with a head of red curls, approaches, and kisses Georgina on both cheeks. "Reese had been keeping me pretty busy with party prep, but now that $MCName is in charge I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of both of us." The woman looks over to you with a soft smile, "So you're our new boss huh? I'm Camille." Camille extends a hand for you to shake. \<<if $introvertExtrovert gt 50>> "$MCName, but I'm sure you already knew that." You return her smile with a charming one of your own, giving her hand a firm shake. Camille takes a moment to introduce you to each of the dancers present and you spend some time getting acquainted with everyone before regrouping with Georgina. \<<else>> You clear your throat, feeling a bit nervous at all the sudden attention. "$MCName, nice to meet you." You shake Camille's hand hoping she doesn't notice that it's slightly clammy. Camille takes a moment to introduce you to each of the dancers present and, although it takes you a bit of time to warm up, you spend some time getting acquainted with everyone before regrouping with Georgina. \<</if>> "Now, I know we refer to them as dancers, but everyone in this room does a hell of a lot more than just dance. Your parents trust them enough to come up with their own routines each week, all you have to do is pick which days they come in to perform. Reese already has the schedule set for this week so don't worry about that. I recommend you take this week to get to know each dancer and discuss their availability each week before making the schedule." The in-depth information Georgina has to offer makes you grateful that she volunteered to help you out today. Though a part of you aches thinking //that should be Kiernan helping me.// It takes you a moment longer than you'd like to shake off the heaviness you feel in your heart at the sudden thought. Georgina, seeming to notice your shift in mood, squeezes your shoulder. "It will be hard the first few weeks, but I know $Kheshe would be so proud of you." [[Next |meet the modiste]]

The two of you walk over to the bar. It's still early so there are few enough customers that Georgina can focus on you, while the other bartender present makes drinks. "First things first, you should get to know your bartenders. That," she points to the man at the other end of the bar, "is Frankie. He usually isn't here this early, but he needs the extra cash, so I let him come in. I have eight other bartenders not counting myself that you'll meet over the next few days." She goes on to explain the general schedules of the bar staff, before pulling a couple of leather-bound menus from beneath the bar. "Next order of business is the menu. For the most part, we keep the same menu year-round; the only thing that changes are the fruit we serve because it's made fresh south of the Midnight Quarter. Since our main clientele is Vamps, a lot of our specialty cocktails include blood brought in by the Lombardi's." Georgina slides the menu towards you, and you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with it. Many of the mixed drinks are classic cocktails with the optional addition of humanely sourced blood; blood that was donated, mostly by humans, for Vampires to drink. Like Georgina mentioned, there are also several specialty cocktails specifically catered the Vampires that frequent Downtown Ves Arcanus. The second page of the menu currently features the seasonal fruit available this time of year, along with few themed drinks. "Do we serve any other food for the other Supernaturals that come to the club?" "Because we're in the heart of your family's territory, we don't really get enough business from other species to make any permanent additions to the menu. But if you want to try to target a more diverse market then..." Georgina shrugs as if to say, 'it's your decision'. Having covered the menu, Georgina moves on to the prices. She explains that at the end of each month, she meets with Dion to review sales. Once every few months, they'll bring a proposal to you about any price changes that may be beneficial. [[''Let's talk about the customers.'' |the customers]]

"You'd probably think the bar would be my favorite part of the tour, but it's actually this. Getting to know the customers is the most important and probably most fulfilling part of my job." "How does that come into play with my job?" "What customers want is one of the main things you have to take into consideration when making decisions for the club. What's catching their eye on the menu? Who's their favorite performer, and their least favorite? Is the way you're running the club to their standards, or should they find a new haunt? Dion and I will be here to help you along, but ultimately all the decisions fall to you." \<<if $reluctance is 0 or $reluctance is 10>> For all the work you've done with your parents' other businesses thus far, you haven't had this level of responsibility. In theory, you're more than prepared for what's to come, but knowing you alone will be liable for Blood Bank's continued success, or impending failure, causes a small knot of nerves to form in your stomach. "Hey," Georgina says with a sympathetic look, "I know an entire club, especially this one, is a huge jump from what you've done so far. But I can't imagine Reese signing it over to you if she didn't think you were up to the challenge." \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> For all the work you've done with your parents' other businesses thus far, you haven't had this level of responsibility. You've done all you can to prepare for what's to come, but facing the reality that you alone will be liable for Blood Bank's continued success, or impending failure, does nothing to lessen the anxiety you'd already been feeling. "Hey," Georgina says with a concerned frown, "I know an entire club, especially this one, is a huge jump from what you've done so far. But you know Reese wouldn't sign it over to you if she wasn't confident you could handle it." \<<else>> Standing in Blood Bank, listening to Georgina describe the amount of responsibility that has fallen to you, only serves as a reminder that you aren't here by choice, not really. You decide to ask Georgina a question you've asked yourself multiple times; maybe she has some insight you don't. "Why do you think my mother gave me control over her most important asset, knowing I have no interest in the family business? Who's to say I won't run it into the ground out of spite?" Frowning, Georgina responds with a pointed, "Probably because she doesn't think you're spiteful enough, or <em>stupid</em> enough to do that." \<</if>> You hum, "Either way, we've gotten a bit sidetracked. You mentioned before we get a few new faces; how often is that?" "I'd say four or five a week, usually Witches from down south. My advice is to have a chat with Sariel about getting more Demons to come out from the Libentia District. We'd have to add to the menu, but it'd be worth it to branch out to new non-Vamp clientele." \<<if $impressSariel is "true">> Georgina's words remind you of your conversation with Astaroth and Sariel last night. You have a meeting with them once you've settled in, whenever that may be, and are confident it will go well given the good first impression you made. \<<else>> Georgina's words remind you of your conversation with Astaroth and Sariel last night. You have a meeting with them once you've settled in, whenever that may be, and hope your second impression will prove better than your first. \<</if>> "If you're willing to put in extra work to really branch out, Faeries may be a good option. Depending on how you fare with Sariel, I'd be happy to give a couple suggestions regarding that." [["Now we can go meet the dancers." |the dancers]]

Walking to the right end of the bar, you open the door that leads to Dion's office. The shift from the cool air in the club, to the humid heat of the office feels like stepping into a sauna. You look around to see Dion nestled into a large beanbag, surrounded by various trinkets and decorations remniscent of $Dhisher home, Dreki Eyin. The wall behind $Dheshe has been converted into a long waterfall splashing onto a section of the floor covered in volcanic rocks. Dion looks up from $Dhisher paperwork with a smile when you approach. "I was wondering how long Georgina would take to walk you through everything. Don't understand why your parents didn't teach you all this shit before the party but..." Dion sighs and shakes $Dhisher head. "Before we get started, do you love my office or what? Yours is right through that door," $Dheshe points to an ornate door on the far side of the room, "so I can come bug you whenever I want." \<<if $reluctance is 0>> You can't help but laugh, "Of course you can stop by, as long as I can still get work done." Dion rolls $Dhisher eyes, "God, you must've gotten the boring trait from Reese. Speaking of work though, let's get started so we can leave." \<<elseif $reluctance is 10>> You can't help but laugh, "Yes please, it would be a welcome distraction." "Hell yeah, I'm glad you didn't inherit Reese's boring trait. On that note, let's get started so we can leave; I've been in here waiting on you for hours." \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> You can't help but laugh, "Distractions are welcome to take my mind off how stressed I'll probably be." "Don't worry so much, $MCName. If I can crunch numbers for Reese fucking Florentia with a music degree, I'm sure you'll do great. But since you're so desperate for my help, let's get started." \<<else>> You can't help but laugh, "If it means I don't have to do any work, then come as often as you like." "Ha! No, no, Reese would be pissed if I was the reason you slacked off. I'm not getting in trouble with you, Florentia. On that note, let's get to work." \<</if>> <<Dheshe>> stands up, going across the room to sit behind a large black desk. After shuffling through a few desk drawers, $Dheshe pulls free a sheaf of papers. "Come look at these." There's a large, cushioned seat across the desk which you sit in, and lean in to examine the papers. Dion is quick but thorough as $Dheshe walks you through the revenue and expenditures from the last few months. It's been a while since your mother made any changes to the drink prices, the witches who sell fruit to the club have started charging more, Percival doesn't have a set budget for his garments. "Wait, my mom is just giving Percival whatever amount of money he asks for. Why?" "Did Percival not explain that to you?" You shake your head. "Of course, why would he ever make my job easier? He's supposed to bring you a budget each week, detailing what the money is being used for. Let me find the one for this past week..." "Okay, here," Dion points to scrawled numbers and notes that have been crossed out or circled. "He circles the things he can find a cheaper alternative for if he has to. Reese crosses out the things she thinks are unnecessary. They find a middle ground and she gives him the money. It's like the budgeting meetings you and I will be having, but shorter and more often." [[Next |ropes learnt]]

After taking a moment to collect yourself, you follow Georgina through another door into the modiste's studio. Inside you find a vampire-witch hybrid with white locs, hunched over his sewing machine. "Percival, I've brought someone for you to meet." Percival sighs but doesn't turn around. "What have a told you about knocking before coming in, Gigi?" "Sorry, I just-" "And about disturbing me when I'm working?" Georgina rolls her eyes, "You're always working." "Exactly." With an apologetic look, Georgina turns to you. "I'm sorry, Percy is always grumpy, but never quite so <em>rude</em>," she emphasizes the last word, glaring at Percival's back. "$MCName is here to discuss the dancers' costumes with you." At last, Percival pauses his sewing to face the two of you with a less than impressed expression. "That would've been useful information to start with, no?" Percival nods towards you but makes no effort to shake your hand or give any other greeting. Unsure of what to say, you simply stare at him, and he stares back. "For the sake of moving things along so I can get back to work-- my job is to work with the dancers to create the outfits they wear for each week's performance. Your job is to allocate the funds needed for me to do that. Do you have any questions for me?" Despite him asking, Percival's tone makes it clear he'd prefer you not ask any questions. "Just one. Do you imbue the garments you make with magical properties?" "Of course," he begins, shocking you with his delight at getting to show off. "I make them fire-resistant, water-resistant-- except in cases where wet clothes are desired-- and arguably most important, tear-resistant." "Thanks, Percival. Maybe I'll see you around before our next meeting?" "Hardly likely," Percival snorts, returning to his sewing. "Okay, $MCName, that's all I've got for you today. Dion should be in the back waiting for you." Georgina walks you back out into the club proper, and you turn your separate ways. Before you can walk away, Georgina reaches out to you, "It'll be nice to have you around again." With a small smile, she lets you [[go meet Dion]]

After another hour, you feel confident that you'll be ready for your next official meeting with Dion at the beginning of next month. $Dheshe puts the papers you were going over back in $Dhisher desk, then looks up at you with a grin. "I know I said I was ready to get the hell out of here, but I figured we could do something first. As a 'congratulations' on making it through your orientation without dying of boredom." You raise a brow, "What did you have in mind?" "I'm so glad you asked," Dion says, reaching into a hidden space behind the waterfall and pulling out a large bottle filled with strange, bubbling liquid. "This is Logi Vatn made from fermented Dragon's Breath chiles that grow on my home island." "Is that safe for me to drink?" $Dheshe holds out the bottle towards you, "You're not human, so yeah. Don't be scared, it's just alcohol." Raising the bottle to your lips, the pungent odor immediately makes your eyes water and nose sting. You take a small sip, and it feels as if your mouth has been lit on fire. Blisters form on your tongue and throat from the intense heat, before healing just as quickly. "FUCK!" you yell, nearly dropping the bottle. "Dion, this tastes like shit, I can't even feel my mouth." "Aww do you need me to kiss it better, you big baby?" $Dheshe steps closer and squishes your cheeks, making kissing noises. \<<if $DRomance gt 15>> [[With your free hand, you pull Dion closer, "Maybe I do." |first dion kiss B][$DRomance += 7]] [[It's hard for you to think with Dion so close. "Yes," you mumble. |first Dion kiss S][$DRomance += 7]] \<<elseif $DRomance is 0>> With a laugh you swat Dion's hands away. "Hell no, if that was bad, a kiss from you would probably knock me on my ass. Put this away and I'll buy us drinks at the bar." [[Next |meet vance]] \<</if>>

Although you laugh along with <<nobr>> <<if $Kgender is "girlfriend">> <<set $Kheshe to "she", $Khimher to "her", $Khisher to "her", $Khishers to "hers", $Khimself to "herself">> <<else>> <<set $Kheshe to "he", $Khimher to "him", $Khisher to "his", $Khishers to "his", $Khimself to "himself">> <</if>> $Khimher the thought of managing the Florentia Family’s base of operations is <</nobr>> [[Exciting, you’ve looked forward to this for years. |Despite][$reluctance = 0]] [[Not your first choice, but something you have to do. |Despite][$reluctance = 10]] [[Terrifying, a lot of responsibility is falling to you. |Despite][$reluctance = 15]] [[Upsetting, you never wanted to join the family business. |Despite][$reluctance = 20]]

You rest your free hand on the small of Dion's back and pull $Dheshe closer, "Maybe I do." \<<if $Dion is "mutual crush" or $Dion is "boinked">> Seeming to expect your response, Dion presses $Dhisher lips to yours. You've kissed Dion enough times that your movements are perfectly in sync as your lips lock. Dion playfully nips at your bottom lip, dragging $Dhisher teeth along it as $Dheshe slowly pulls away. Taking the bottle from your hand, Dion takes a quick swig, before setting it on a side table. "Come here," $Dheshe beckons as $Dheshe plops onto the beanbag you initially found $Dhimher on. Dion grips your hips as you lean down and straddle $Dhishers. Your noses and lips brush together, breath mingling, and you both close your eyes. For a moment, you stay that way, lips parted but not quite kissing. Then, without warning, $Dheshe captures your lips between $Dhishers once again. This time, you tilt your head to deepen the kiss and slip your tongue into Dion's mouth. $Dheshe tastes sweet and spicy, like Logi Vatn and $Dhisher favorite cinnamon gum. You're swept up in the kiss, being dragged along a swiftly flowing river towards a waterfall. But before you can fall over the edge, you stand up with a smile. "Let's pick this up another time, yeah?" Dion pouts as $Dheshe gets up and follows you back out to the rest of the club. \<<elseif $Dion is "crush">> Seeming surprised by your response, Dion hesitates a moment before pressing $Dhisher lips to yours. You've thought about this moment many times before, but the reality is much better than anything you've imagined. The two of you take a moment to find your rhythm as you lock lips. Dion's lips are soft and sweet with a hint of spice, like cinnamon. The kiss is one of exploration, learning what the other likes and adjusting. For all its imperfections it still feels like the perfect first kiss. Sooner than you'd like, Dion pulls back and looks at you, breathing a little heavier. "Maybe we should continue this another time. Once we've had a chance to talk about what we want <em>this</em>," $Dheshe points between the two of you, "to mean." You nod in agreement, though the thought of getting into a relationship right now, with Dion or anyone else, is somewhat overwhelming after the many changes within the last forty-eight hours. With a final smile, Dion leads you back out into the club. \<</if>> [[Next |meet vance]]

Dion's closeness causes your mind to go blank and it takes a moment for you to voice the one word you're thinking. "Yes," you mumble, barely opening your mouth. \<<if $Dion is "mutual crush" or "boinked">> When Dion leans in to meet your lips, you easily fall into a familiar rhythm. $Dhisher fingers move to your neck, as a warm tongue slips into your mouth. You step closer and wrap your arms around Dion, gripping the back of $Dhisher hoodie. It makes you smile when you taste the sweet and spicy flavor of Dion's favorite cinnamon gum. "What are you smiling about?" <<$Dheshe>> asks, lips still brushing over yours. "Your gum," you reply between kisses. "You've been chewing the same kind for as long as I've known you." "You like it? Here, you can have the piece I'm chewing." Dion holds the gum between $Dhisher teeth and leans in. You lean back with a laugh and push $Dhimher away, "That's sick, get away." "You sure you don't want it?" Dion taunts as $Dheshe begins to chase you around the office. With your Vampire abilities, you could easily outpace Dion, but you move with an intentional slowness and allow yourself to be caught. You feel rather than see Dion approach you from behind and wrap $Dhisher arms around you, pressing a soft kiss to the back of your neck. The two of you stay that way a moment longer, before heading back out to the rest of the club. \<<elseif $Dion is "crush">> Seeming surprised by your response, Dion hesitates a moment before pressing $Dhisher lips to yours. You've thought about this moment many times before, but the reality is much better than anything you've imagined. The two of you take a moment to find your rhythm as you lock lips. The kiss is one of exploration, learning what the other likes and adjusting. For all its imperfections it still feels like the perfect first kiss. Dion's lips are soft and sweet with a hint of spice, like cinnamon, making you smile. "What are you smiling about?" <<Dheshe>> asks, lips still brushing over yours. "Your gum," you reply between kisses. "You've been chewing the same kind for as long as I've known you." Dion laughs, "I didn't realize you were paying such close attention." Your eyes say what you can't. That you've always been paying attention, but never spoke up. That before meeting Kiernan, you had hoped for moments like this. "Maybe we should continue this another time. Once we've had a chance to talk about what we want <em>this</em>," $Dheshe points between the two of you, "to mean." You nod in agreement, though the thought of getting into a relationship right now, with Dion or anyone else, is somewhat overwhelming after the many changes within the last forty-eight hours. With a final smile, Dion leads you back out into the club. \<</if>> [[Next |meet vance]]

As you and Dion leave $Dhisher office, you make a beeline towards the bar. "Georgina, can you please get me a shot of literally anything? Dion made me try some of the Logi Vatn $Dheshe keeps in her office." You don't have to elaborate any further, Georgina gives you a sympathetic look and immediately slides you a glass of pink-tinted liquid. "To 'celebrate', right?" Georgina asks, making air quotes around the word and giving Dion a dry look. "<<Dheshe>> said the same thing on my birthday last year." Not bothering to look at the inevitable grin on Dion's face, you quickly take your shot and slide the glass back to Georgina. "This one will be on the house, just don't tell Reese." Suddenly, a vaguely familiar voice calls, "$MCName?" Turning, you come face to face with Vance as he makes his way to the end of the bar where you're seated. You know Vance as a regular at the club having met him one of the many nights you came to watch Kiernan perform. $Kheshe would always make jokes about Vance having a crush on you, and though you made it clear early on that you weren't interested, his crush didn't seem to go away. Luckily, he never tried to make a move, whether it was due to Kiernan's near constant presence or him simply respecting the boundaries of your relationship you'll never know. Now with him standing in front of you, he looks much the same as he did three years ago. His olive skin is slightly darker, but he still keeps his black hair slicked back with pomade and his slight muscles show through his shirt. He smiles and gives your hand a quick shake-- for how often you saw him you never became close enough to consider yourselves friends or greet each other with hugs. "It's been a few years since I've seen you here. You own the place now, huh?" A slight accent gives away his east coast roots. If you remember correctly, he's from a town just outside of Boston, mostly inhabited by Vampires. You nod. "I still come here a few times a week after work. It'll be nice to see your face every once in a while." Vance doesn't stay long after that, leaving Dion to tease you about having another admirer. It will be interesting to see how that plays out over the next few weeks. [[Next |HOBBIES]]

It's been a few weeks since your orientation at Blood Bank and Things have been running smoothly so far; the dancers have been satisfied with their schedules, meetings with Percival have gone without a hitch, and your first monthly meeting with Dion went well too. It does feel as though you've hit your stride early on, but with how busy you've been, you haven't had a chance to keep up with your usual hobbies. Over the years, you picked up two separate hobbies that you dedicate time to each week to keep your skills sharp and well-rounded. Everyday, for at least two hours a day, you devote time to [[Gambling: It’s a terrible habit, but you can bluff your way out of anything now. |HOBBIES2][$deception += 30]] [[Reading: You’re like a walking encyclopedia, a book a day has kept your wits sharp. |HOBBIES2][$wits += 30]] [[Weightlifting: Hitting the gym a couple hours a day means you can really pack a punch. |HOBBIES2][$strength += 30]] [[Piano: After practicing every day for nearly twenty years, you’re good with your hands. |HOBBIES2][$dexterity += 30]] [[Yoga: Morning sessions help you to remain agile and quick. |HOBBIES2][$agility += 30]] [[Shooting: At the range you’re practically a modern Doc Holliday. |HOBBIES2][$weapons += 30]] [[Self-defense: It’d be foolish to bet against you in a brawl. |HOBBIES2][$combat += 30]]

Three, sometimes four days a week, you spend time on \<<if $deception gte 40>> [[Reading: You have knowledge on a wide range of subjects. |HOBBIES3][$wits += 20]] [[Weightlifting: Your punches have a scary amount of power behind them. |HOBBIES3][$strength += 20]] [[Piano: You’re defter than most pickpockets. |HOBBIES3][$dexterity += 20]] [[Yoga: Coupled with your Vampire speed, few people can keep up with you. |HOBBIES3][$agility += 20]] [[Shooting: It’s very rare for you to miss a shot. |HOBBIES3][$weapons += 20]] [[Self-defense: You can easily take down most opponents. |HOBBIES3][$combat += 20]] \<<elseif $wits gte 40>> [[Gambling: You have a very convincing poker face. |HOBBIES3][$deception += 20]] [[Weightlifting: Your punches have a scary amount of power behind them. |HOBBIES3][$strength += 20]] [[Piano: You’re defter than most pickpockets. |HOBBIES3][$dexterity += 20]] [[Yoga: Coupled with your Vampire speed, few people can keep up with you. |HOBBIES3][$agility += 20]] [[Shooting: It’s very rare for you to miss a shot. |HOBBIES3][$weapons += 20]] [[Self-defense: You can easily take down most opponents. |HOBBIES3][$combat += 20]] \<<elseif $strength gte 40>> [[Gambling: You have a very convincing poker face. |HOBBIES3][$deception += 20]] [[Reading: You have knowledge on a wide range of subjects. |HOBBIES3][$wits += 20]] [[Piano: You’re defter than most pickpockets. |HOBBIES3][$dexterity += 20]] [[Yoga: Coupled with your Vampire speed, few people can keep up with you. |HOBBIES3][$agility += 20]] [[Shooting: It’s very rare for you to miss a shot. |HOBBIES3][$weapons += 20]] [[Self-defense: You can easily take down most opponents. |HOBBIES3][$combat += 20]] \<<elseif $dexterity gte 40>> [[Gambling: You have a very convincing poker face. |HOBBIES3][$deception += 20]] [[Reading: You have knowledge on a wide range of subjects. |HOBBIES3][$wits += 20]] [[Weightlifting: Your punches have a scary amount of power behind them. |HOBBIES3][$strength += 20]] [[Yoga: Coupled with your Vampire speed, few people can keep up with you. |HOBBIES3][$agility += 20]] [[Shooting: It’s very rare for you to miss a shot. |HOBBIES3][$weapons += 20]] [[Self-defense: You can easily take down most opponents. |HOBBIES3][$combat += 20]] \<<elseif $agility gte 40>> [[Gambling: You have a very convincing poker face. |HOBBIES3][$deception += 20]] [[Reading: You have knowledge on a wide range of subjects. |HOBBIES3][$wits += 20]] [[Weightlifting: Your punches have a scary amount of power behind them. |HOBBIES3][$strength += 20]] [[Piano: You’re defter than most pickpockets. |HOBBIES3][$dexterity += 20]] [[Shooting: It’s very rare for you to miss a shot. |HOBBIES3][$weapons += 20]] [[Self-defense: You can easily take down most opponents. |HOBBIES3][$combat += 20]] \<<elseif $weapons gte 40>> [[Gambling: You have a very convincing poker face. |HOBBIES3][$deception += 20]] [[Reading: You have knowledge on a wide range of subjects. |HOBBIES3][$wits += 20]] [[Weightlifting: Your punches have a scary amount of power behind them. |HOBBIES3][$strength += 20]] [[Piano: You’re defter than most pickpockets. |HOBBIES3][$dexterity += 20]] [[Yoga: Coupled with your Vampire speed, few people can keep up with you. |HOBBIES3][$agility += 20]] [[Self-defense: You can easily take down most opponents. |HOBBIES3][$combat += 20]] \<<elseif $combat gte 40>> [[Gambling: You have a very convincing poker face. |HOBBIES3][$deception += 20]] [[Reading: You have knowledge on a wide range of subjects. |HOBBIES3][$wits += 20]] [[Weightlifting: Your punches have a scary amount of power behind them. |HOBBIES3][$strength += 20]] [[Piano: You’re defter than most pickpockets. |HOBBIES3][$dexterity += 20]] [[Yoga: Coupled with your Vampire speed, few people can keep up with you. |HOBBIES3][$agility += 20]] [[Shooting: It’s very rare for you to miss a shot. |HOBBIES3][$weapons += 20]] \<</if>>

One day each week, you set aside time for \<<if $deception gte 30 and $wits gte 30>> [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $deception gte 30 and $strength gte 30>> [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $deception gte 30 and $dexterity gte 30>> [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $deception gte 30 and $agility gte 30>> [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $deception gte 30 and $weapons gte 30>> [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $deception gte 30 and $combat gte 30>> [Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] \<<elseif $wits gte 30 and $strength gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $wits gte 30 and $dexterity gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $wits gte 30 and $agility gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $wits gte 30 and $weapons gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $wits gte 30 and $combat gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] \<<elseif $strength gte 30 and $dexterity gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $strength gte 30 and $agility gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $strength gte 30 and $weapons gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $strength gte 30 and $combat gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] \<<elseif $dexterity gte 30 and $agility gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $dexterity gte 30 and $weapons gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $dexterity gte 30 and $combat gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] \<<elseif $agility gte 30 and $weapons gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Self-defense: You can hold your own in a fight. |big boy therapy][$combat += 10]] \<<elseif $agility gte 30 and $combat gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Shooting: You tend to be handy in a gunfight. |big boy therapy][$weapons += 10]] \<<elseif $weapons gte 30 and $combat gte 30>> [[Gambling: You’re not the best, but you tend to win more money than you lose. |big boy therapy][$deception += 10]] [[Reading: You a little more well-read than the average person. |big boy therapy][$wits += 10]] [[Weightlifting: Even for a Vampire, you’re stronger than you look. |big boy therapy][$strength += 10]] [[Piano: Your hands are just faster than the eye can see. |big boy therapy][$dexterity += 10]] [[Yoga: You’re very light on your feet. |big boy therapy][$agility += 10]] \<</if>>

In addition to spending more time on your interests, you also have time for a past due session with your therapist, Jeanette. While it feels like you have everything under control, you know subconsciously, being back at the club has reopened a wound that you spent the last few years healing. As your personal therapist hired by your parents, Hastings brings Jeanette to your family home during sessions, to remain discreet. Not that you’re ashamed to have a therapist, but the whispers it would cause about your family, especially with you just starting at the club, would do more harm than good. You’ve just brewed a pot of tea, specially made for Nati, and are setting it in a small sitting room, when Hastings escorts Jeanette in. The older Vampire would be in her mid-forties if she were still human, with fair skin, kind brown eyes, and blonde hair stopping just past her shoulders. Jeanette smiles when she sees you and takes her usual seat in a large burgundy armchair. “I see you still know how I take my tea,” she comments in lieu of a greeting. “Thank you for having it ready, you didn’t have to do that.” Tea poured; you take your spot on the matching couch opposite the small tea table. Jeanette takes a long sip from her cup, eyes crinkling as she smiles, “This may be the best cup you’ve made.” “Before we get to the main part of the session, I want to ask, have these last few weeks working at Blood Bank made you change your mind about your role in your family?” \<<if $reluctance is 20>> Though she doesn’t specify, you know Jeanette is asking whether, after years of reluctance, you warmed up to the reality of being the Florentia heir. You grab a strawberry from the tea tray, asking yourself, <em>Could I be happy fulfilling my role as family heir?</em> [[No. You didn’t want the responsibility then and you don’t want it now. |reluctant heir 20]] [[Yes. You actually wouldn’t mind taking part in the family business. |accepting heir 20]] \<<elseif $reluctance is 15>> Though she doesn’t specify, you know Jeanette is asking whether you feel more confident in your role as the Florentia heir, and the club’s new owner. You bite your lip, mulling over the question. [[Yes, and you’re looking forward to doing more with the club. |accepting heir 15]] [[No, and you no longer want the burden of this responsibility. |reluctant heir 15]] \<<elseif $reluctance is 10>> Though she doesn’t specify, you know Jeanette is asking whether you feel content in your role as the club’s new owner, despite not wanting it before. You lean back and take a moment to consider your answer. [[No, you felt obligated to fulfill this role, but you still don't want it. |reluctant heir 10]] [[Yes, you’re enjoying it far more than you expected to. |accepting heir 10]] \<<elseif $reluctance is 0>> Though she doesn’t specify, you know Jeanette is asking whether you’re still happy taking on your duties as the Florentia heir. Crossing your legs, you take time to ask yourself if you've had a sudden change of heart. [[No, running the club has been even better than you anticipated. |accepting heir]] [[Yes, actually. You’ve been surprised to find you don’t enjoy these new responsibilities. |reluctant heir]] \<</if>>

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to true>> “Yes, actually” you respond at length, “Every day I’d tell myself, ‘Just give it time. You just need more time to settle in.’ But it’s been almost a month and I don’t feel settled. I preferred doing business on a smaller scale; I have no idea how I could handle being in my mother’s position.” Jeanette doesn’t respond immediately, her brows furrowing slightly in thought. With how much your Reese and Jared pay her to not take on any other clients, you’re grateful that Jeanette remains impartial on matters regarding your parents and the Florentia family as a whole. “Do you intend to stay on a path that makes you unhappy?” Jeanette raises a hand before you can respond. “Don’t answer now, take time to think on it. It seems like the easy choice to renounce your title as heir, but with how much influence the city’s Underground has, it may do you more harm than good in the long run.” You frown, “Are you saying that I should have to sacrifice more than Alix or Aren because I was born into the title of heir? I don’t see why I alone should be responsible for the whole family, while they get to hide behind my failures and benefit from my success.” “Of course not. I understand your position is more burdensome than it seems from afar.” Jeanette speaks in a calming, but not patronizing, voice. “I’m saying don’t burn bridges prematurely, there may be other ways to achieve your goals on your current path. Explore your options first.” Unsure how to reply to Jeanette, you decide to stay silent in the hopes she’ll move on. You didn’t make this appointment to talk about whether or not you enjoy your new position. “You mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, suddenly having a hard time finding your voice. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power and these connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to false>> “No,” you say confidently. “Running the club is everything I thought it would be. Maybe even better.” Jeanette smiles, “I’m glad to hear it. The club seems to be doing well so far under your ownership. However, you mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, the smile quickly fading from your face. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power andthese connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to true>> “No,” you respond, “If anything, these last few weeks have only further convinced me I don’t want anything to do with Blood Bank or the rest of the family business.” Jeanette doesn’t respond immediately, her brows furrowing slightly in thought. With how much your Reese and Jared pay her to not take on any other clients, you’re grateful that Jeanette remains impartial on matters regarding your parents and the Florentia family as a whole. “Do you intend to stay on a path that makes you unhappy?” Jeanette raises a hand before you can respond. “Don’t answer now, take time to think on it. It seems like the easy choice to renounce your title as heir, but with how much influence the city’s Underground has, it may do you more harm than good in the long run.” You frown, “Are you saying that I should be a sellout just because my parents and their allies act like they run the city?” “Of course not.” Although her voice remains calm, you can tell Jeanette is bothered by the implication of your words. “I’m saying don’t burn bridges prematurely, there may be other ways to achieve your goals on your current path. Explore your options first.” Unsure how to reply to Jeanette, you decide to stay silent in the hopes she’ll move on. You didn’t make this appointment to talk about whether or not you enjoy your new position. “You mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, suddenly having a hard time finding your voice. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power andthese connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to false>> “Yes,” you say with a small smile. After the first couple weeks, you were pleasantly surprised to find yourself enjoying your work. <<if $introverExtrovert lte 40>>With Dion as your bookkeeper, you get to spend more time interacting with your employees and patrons, than sitting in your office doing paperwork. <<else>> It was hard at first, spending so much time interacting with your employees and patrons rather than doing paperwork, but it’s getting easier with each day. <</if>> “Don’t tell my parents, but it’s a better fit than I thought it would be.” Jeanette smiles back at you, “I’m glad to hear it. The club seems to be doing well so far under your ownership. However, you mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, the smile quickly fading from your face. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power andthese connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to false>> “Yes,” you say with a big smile. “It was an adjustment; being in charge of a club as big as Blood Bank is nothing like the work I’ve done before. But I took to it much quicker than I thought I would. I'm looking forward to doing more there.” Jeanette smiles back at you, “I’m glad to hear it. The club seems to be doing well so far under your ownership. However, you mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, the smile quickly fading from your face. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power andthese connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to true>> “No,” you respond, “If anything, these last few weeks have only further convinced me I don’t want anything to do with Blood Bank or the rest of the family business.” Jeanette doesn’t respond immediately, her brows furrowing slightly in thought. With how much your Reese and Jared pay her to not take on any other clients, you’re grateful that Jeanette remains impartial on matters regarding your parents and the Florentia family as a whole. “Do you intend to stay on a path that makes you unhappy?” Jeanette raises a hand before you can respond. “Don’t answer now, take time to think on it. It seems like the easy choice to renounce your title as heir, but with how much influence the city’s Underground has, it may do you more harm than good in the long run.” Unsure how to reply to Jeanette, you decide to stay silent in the hopes she’ll move on. You didn’t make this appointment to talk about whether or not you enjoy your new position. “You mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, suddenly having a hard time finding your voice. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power andthese connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to true>> “No,” you respond, “If anything, these last few weeks have only further convinced me I don’t want anything to do with Blood Bank or the rest of the family business. Until now, I’ve been putting aside what I want because I thought it was the right thing to do, but I don’t want to keep doing that.” Jeanette doesn’t respond immediately, her brows furrowing slightly in thought. With how much your Reese and Jared pay her to not take on any other clients, you’re grateful that Jeanette remains impartial on matters regarding your parents and the Florentia family as a whole. “Do you intend to stay on a path that makes you unhappy?” Jeanette raises a hand before you can respond. “Don’t answer now, take time to think on it. It seems like the easy choice to renounce your title as heir, but with how much influence the city’s Underground has, it may do you more harm than good in the long run.” You frown, “Are you saying that I should have to sacrifice more than Alix or Aren because I was born into the title of heir? If they’re so happy in the family business, one of them should do it instead.” “Of course not.” Despite your heated words, Jeanette’s voice remains calm. “I’m saying don’t burn bridges prematurely, there may be other ways to achieve your goals on your current path. Explore your options first.” Unsure how to reply to Jeanette, you decide to stay silent in the hopes she’ll move on. You didn’t make this appointment to talk about whether or not you enjoy your new position. “You mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, suddenly having a hard time finding your voice. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power andthese connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

\<<unset $reluctance>> \<<set $reluctant to false>> “Yeah,” you say, fiddling with your cup. “As you know, I wasn’t eager to get into the family business, but I’ve actually enjoyed it. Maybe it’s just Blood Bank itself, because I couldn’t stand running my parents’ smaller businesses.” Jeanette smiles back at you, “I’m glad to hear it. The club seems to be doing well so far under your ownership. However, you mentioned on the phone that you had a dream about Kiernan the morning of your birthday?” You nod, the smile quickly fading from your face. You take a sip of your tea and close your eyes. Images of Kiernan’s lifeless body, $Khisher blood smeared on your clothes, on your hands, cause your eyes to fly open again. “Physically being in Blood Bank isn’t as hard as it was that first year after…” You trail off, but Jeanette nods in quiet understanding. “But every time I leave it feels wrong. Like I should’ve done more to find whoever killed $Khimher. Like I should be doing more now to find them. What’s the point in having all this power andthese connections if I can’t use them for something good.” “Do you feel like being there every day is stopping you from moving forward with your life?” “No. It feels like not getting answers is stopping $Khimher from moving on. Stopping Kiernan’s parents from moving on. Kiernan did so much for me when $Kheshe was alive, I feel like it’s only right that I do this one thing in return.” Jeanette leans forward, elbows on her knees, and looks deep into your eyes. “It’s not your responsibility to carry this burden, $MCName. If you feel like getting justice for Kiernan will relieve you of that, my only request is that you be careful. Your parents may hold a lot of power in Ves Arcanus, but if you stray too far- Just prioritize your safety.” While Jeanette mentioned getting justice for Kiernan, a voice in your head tells you justice isn’t your only option. The police didn’t do their jobs the first time around, and they have no reason to investigate a three-year-old murder case on your behalf. Seeking revenge, your own personal form of justice, might yield better results. As your therapy session comes to a close, you walk Jeanette to the door while Hastings clears the tea set from the sitting room. Jeanette gave you a lot to think about, but one thing is sure in your mind. [[You’ll get justice for Kiernan, even if you have to find all the evidence and drag the culprit to court yourself. |justice route]] [[People like Kiernan don’t get justice; you have no choice but to take revenge. |revenge route]]

You've reached the end of the demo. Thank you for playing! Check out my Tumblr for updates https://www.tumblr.com/vesarcanus

It’s been a long time since you dreamt about Kiernan, and even longer since you watched $Khimher bleed out on the floor of Blood Bank after being shot in the stomach. You never saw which direction the bullet came from, there was so much chaos in the club that night. All you know is that someone opened fire— despite your parents' strict rules about firearms in the club— and it started a chain reaction. Your mother was reluctant to let the police look into the incident given the questionable legality of most things that happen within Blood Bank, but you needed to know who caused Kiernan's death. Unfortunately, the police came up with nothing, which is unsurprising considering your family's reputation with the Ves Arcanus Police. You look over at the photo of you and Kiernan that sits on your nightstand and sink further under the covers under the covers with a groan. You'll need to call Jeanette, the therapist your parents hired after Kiernan was killed, and tell her about this. However, that will have to wait until later, because if you stay in bed any longer, you'll be late to your birthday brunch. Pulling yourself out of bed, you cringe slightly at how the sheets stick to your sweat-soaked skin. You walk to the bathroom and look in the mirror at your clammy skin. Your eyes drift down to the necklace you haven’t taken off since Kiernan gave it to you for your twenty-first birthday. Your fingers brush over the gold lettering along the chain. [[Beneath the necklace, you have pale skin |eye color][$SkinColor = "pale"]] [[Beneath the necklace, you have fair skin |eye color][$SkinColor = "fair"]] [[Beneath the necklace, you have olive skin |eye color][$SkinColor = "olive"]] [[Beneath the necklace, you have tan skin |eye color][$SkinColor = "tan"]] [[Beneath the necklace, you have umber skin |eye color][$SkinColor = "umber"]] [[Beneath the necklace, you have golden brown skin |eye color][$SkinColor = "golden brown"]] [[Beneath the necklace, you have deep brown skin |eye color][$SkinColor = "deep brown"]]