Part 49: XLIX - Les Nouveaux Riches

Right, so before we start off on our trip to the Giovanni mansion, another point in Firearms. I've got me some new toys, and I want to play with them without being completely ineffectual with them. 10 Persuasion can wait.



Now, let's do this shit.





I love this song. There's a lot of great, memorable tracks in this game, and there's also a lot of atmospheric, minimal stuff that's supposed to be spooky. This bridges the gap, it's melodic and memorable while at the same time being somewhat haunting.

Anyway, here we are, at the Giovanni stronghold. Certainly an imposing place. Remains the question of how exactly we're going to get in. I have the feeling whiz-bang-shooting isn't going to do the trick here. Let's talk to those two over there and see what they have to say.



There's a party here tonight?
I'm afraid it's invitation only. Uh... how did you get in here?
Do you have an invitation?
Of course. Who are you?
Give me your invitation.
[Listen] Get out of here. I boxed golden gloves in college, so you'd better think twice about doing anything rash.
Start trouble? Mister, I AM trouble.



And then we get into a hilarious punch-up where neither of us can do any actual damage to the other. I mean, I could shoot this guy's face off, but I get the feeling that's not what we're supposed to do here. I didn't have any other options with this guy, so he's not the answer right now. Reload! Let's try the front door. There's a doorman here that won't let us in, maybe we can talk through him.



[Persuasion] Sure, it's right... I thought it was right here. Aw, no, I must've lost it - damn!
No invitation, can't go in. Apologies.
[Intimidation] Either you let me in or I let myself in.
You leave now or... something bad will happen to you.
Okay, I'm leaving.

God damnit, Intimidation, you are the worst stat. As an aside, I'm pretty sure this guy is supposed to have some sort of brain damage caused via birth defect through too much incest. Because Giovanni. At least that's what his seriously slurred to fuck dialogue and problem with big words seems to tell me. Anyway, that's another dead end. How about the woman standing next to that guy back where we started?



There's a party here tonight?
[Listen] Huh? Yes, oh yes... caviar and champagne, darling... you know how these things are. Got my invitation right he- right here, love.
You have an invitation?
Did I just say I have a invitation? I thought I did... Yeah, I got a invitation.
Give me your invitation.
My husband's... he's a big tough guy... so you can - you can kiss my ass, honey.
You mean your soon-to-be departed husband? And his dead wife.

Same result. We demand invitation, only options are killing them or backing off. Hm, she said she was that guy's wife, and she's hammered as fuck... I think we can make this work. Reload, and we go through the conversation again, only backing off at the end instead. Now, let's see what the husband has to say.



Aha!

Is your wife okay?
She'll be fine... after I get a pot of coffee in her.
If I were you, I'd worry about her embarrassing me.
Well, she did pretty much cause the last function to come to a screeching halt. That woman has the self-control of a pubescent chimpanzee.
You better hurry up, I think she's going to puke.



JESUS CHRIST. You know, I'm not an expert in the field of either regular healthcare or ghoul physiology, but I'm pretty sure these two have been established as not-vampiric, given the intoxication and the like, so they're either ghouls or regular humans, tending towards the latter, and I'm almost certain that vomiting up that much blood is a serious problem. You should see a doctor immediately!



...uh, guys? ...well, I guess you'll just walk it off. Sure. Anyway, both of them dropped their invitations, and we make sure to grab the woman's invitation. Showing up with the guy's invitation probably wouldn't be too wise. As an aside, from looking at the sound files, as a Malkavian, you can convince the guy that you're him and get his invitation that way. "There I am! You're looking sharp, old boy - that time on the treadmill's really paying off. Oh, and you'll be needing this if you want to attend that party, me."



Yes, I do. Here you go.
[Listen] Hmm... please have a wonderful time.
Thank you.



And we're in! The alternate entryways are to just shoot your way in, damn the consequences, and to sneak in through the back. However, both of those mark you as an intruder, not a guest, and that locks you out of an interesting little sidequest. And I already hear you scream "but you said we were done with new sidequests! You lied to me and I believe in nothing now!", but I blame extraneous circumstances. You see, this is actually not a sidequest in the original game, officially speaking. It was unmarked, but WESP turned it into an actual quest that ends up in your log. This, however, should really be the last new sidequest. I promise nothing, though.



And getting to this quest involves mingling, so let's get going...



...almost. First off, if we walk up to this door, we can hear Bruno Giovanni giving a speech, but we're not allowed in. Here's what he's saying:

[Listen] "I appreciate everyone's attendance here this night. It has been several years since I saw some of you. In that brief period of time several events have seen this family fall from the good graces of the head of the family back in Italy. The American Giovanni have been through hard times, this is true! The fall of the stock market, poor investments in several once tried and true industries. The loss of many old and dear friends in Washington who served our best interests. But I promise you, that after tonight these unfortunate mishaps will all be forgiven! The Ankaran Sarcophagus, you well may have heard about it's theft on the news. The truth of the matter is it was taken on my orders, why? It bears a great resemblance to an artifact said to contain the spirits of an entire kingdom wiped out during the time of the pharaohs. As I speak the most accomplished of our family are preparing to harvest this bounty of souls. Bringing the Giovanni family one step closer to the endless night we have toiled to bring about all these centuries! Once again, the American Giovanni are poised to make a grand return to a position of esteem. And to celebrate this momentous occasion, I have decided to embrace two of you, and to allow you to choose one person at this party to bestow the proxy kiss upon. When the others return, we shall inform Italy about our accomplishments and commence with the embrace. Let this night be the beginning of a prosperous new century! And let us not forget to thank God for this opportunity he's provided to regain face with our honored elders. Amen!"

Man, does he ever sound like a mobster. Anyway, seems like there's going to be one ghouling going on here, and given that we're talking about the Giovanni, I'm sure there are people jockeying for position to try and gain the honor. Let's see if we can't profit from that. Let's mingle, shall we?

EDIT: Here's some more info regarding Bruno's plan, courtesy of the thread.




The Dunsirn have already been mentioned in the Giovanni talk we had a few updates ago, and so were the Rosselini, one of whose identity we are assuming right now.

[Persuasion] Maria.
Maria, pleasure to meet you. What line of work are you in?
Real estate.
[Listen] Myself, I'm an investment banker... great business, lot of potential. For example, I got the inside track on this company right now, and let me tell you, when this company goes public, everyone's going to wish they had a piece of it.
Tell me more.
Well, it's a biotech firm. You know, they're working on growing replacement organs - really fascinating technology. In a couple of years, I'd bet everyone will be going to them for parts. I figure an investment of $50,000 could be easily tripled in five years.
You have much experience in this? How much did your last investments return?
You take risks in this game. Sometimes you make a million, sometimes you lose a million. The economy changes - it's had some problems lately, but it's bound to rocket back any week now.
[Persuasion] You haven't been very successful lately, have you?
Most people here, they've got cash they don't know what to do with. And if one of us falls on hard times, don't you think, as family, they're obligated to help him out? Besides, I get the Kiss tonight! Everyone will be investing with me. In fact, if I could ensure my place at the grown-ups' table, by say, drawing some attention away from my financial shortcomings, I'd be guaranteed the Kiss. Know any dirt about the others I could use? I can't pay you, but I got this watch... and this ring.
I'll see what I can find out. If I hear anything, I'll let you know.

Well, let's look around and see what we can dig up.



What are you talking about?
If you don't even know about the contest, then you really don't have to worry about winning it.
Right. Enjoy the party.

So we leave conversation with her, and then immediately re-enter it for new dialogue options.



I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Maria.
Hmm... Mira. Mira Giovanni.
So what exactly did you mean when you called this a contest?
They gather us up here to decide just who the best and brightest of this generation is. The lucky few are given the real power in this family. But some of us need to win more than others. Oh, forget it. You wouldn't understand.
[Persuasion] I'm very interested. Tell me more about the real power in the family.
Uncle Bruno... Since I was a kid, he's been the patriarch of this family, except he hasn't aged a day. I met with a Senator from Massachusetts who asked me if I was related to Bruno Giovanni... said Uncle Bruno helped him with his first campaign... back in 1950. We've all heard the rumors. The core of our family, they never age. They're secretive... whispers of blood magic and a kiss. Whatever it is, they pick the very best of us for it. I'd do anything to be picked. I've made some errors in judgement, but I've lobbied hard for this family's interests.
Errors in judgement? For example?
What? Forget it, I'm not saying anything about that.
[Persuasion] Even the best of us make mistakes. It's obviously set you on this path.
[Listen] I just met you... I like you, but I can't tell anyone... it's too personal. Sometimes, you do things you regret... and if someone here found out, they'd use it to destroy my chances of the family ever letting me into their inner circle.
[Persuasion] You're not the only one with regrets, Mira.
You couldn't possibly understand.
I'm under investigation by the FBI for embezzlement. It could ruin me.
I did something... because it made me feel alive. If you've never tasted it, you wouldn't understand. But a few months ago, I shared a hit with somebody I thought was clean... I tested positive last week.
I understand. That's unfortunate.
I won't have to worry about this disease if the family accepts me into the inner circle. I won't have to worry about a thing ever. I'm on a lot of politicians' Christmas card lists and this family knows I've swung a lot of votes for it. But, there are two people at this party I know they've had their eye on for a long time. One's Chris, my cousin. The other's Adam, who made Bruno a huge amount of money on tech investments a few years back. With them out of the running, they'd choose me.
If I knew something damaging about your relatives, what'd it be worth to you?
I'll spare no expenses for a lock. I want to be in that circle of power, and I won't let blood get in the way. And of course, when the time comes, I'll pay back the favor.
I'll see what I can dig up.

So we have three people in the running for the Kiss, two of them want us to get some information about the other two, and both of them have already revealed their secrets to us. Let's see if we can't coax the third one as well.



Well, surprisingly enough, the answer is "no". We simply can't convince this guy to talk about anything. Quick, to the console!



There we go. After giving Melissa a quick boost in Appearance and therefore Seduction (which I will remove later, don't worry) we can actually get through to this guy.



[Seduction] Hello there. And what's your name?
Oh, I'm Christopher... Giovanni. And... you are?
Maria Rosselini. Nice to meet you.
Another person at the party who's not a Giovanni. I mean - forget it.
[Persuasion] What is it?
Call me paranoid, but how do I know I can trust you?
You seem decent. I've got a secret I've been afraid to tell people as well.
You go first. If it's anything like mine, I'll tell you what's bothering me.
I'm in the closet, if you know what I mean.
[Listen] Really? In this family, that's... that kind of thing can get you excommunicated if you're not careful. Well... alright. You want to know what's on my mind? I'll tell you. I found out a few months ago... my mother had an affair before I was born. Turns out my father isn't a Giovanni at all. My real father's this writer named Michael Avellone. If anyone found out... well, I might never rise up in this family.

...so that would make him Chris Avellone. Clever little reference to one of your old buddies there, guys.

If I found out some dirt on our relatives, would you be interested?
Yeah, I guess I would.
If I hear anything, I'll let you know.

Alright, so that's yer lot. We've got all three participants in this little game of "who gets ghouled" (fuck, just convince them to come along for a bit, I'm sure Melissa could use some extra help around her new mansion the Prince is going to give her after she retrieves the Sarcophagus for him), and we know all of their secrets. Who do we help? Given that we're not a Giovanni at all, the whole "I'll put in a good word for you later" thing kind of falls flat (especially given that we're still higher on the food chain), so what do we get?

Well, Adam gives us a fancy watch and a fancy ring. Both are top-tier vendor trash, and I'd estimate them at around 80$ a pop at our current Haggle level. Mira gives us 100$ for each secret, so that's better. And Chris, well, he gives us nothing. Well, that's not quite true - Chris here got fucked by WESP. Originally, the alignment was vendor trash, cash and experience - Chris gave you one experience point per secret. However, when WESP changed this quest to be a proper sidequest, he made everybody give us experience, so siding with anyone gives you two experience, but the other two give you more stuff. So the canon choice is going to be Mira, but let's see what everybody has to say anyway.



I might have heard something about your family that you might like to know.
Yes?
You'll be happy to know, then, that Adam is completely broke.
Adam broke? A few years ago they did an article on him in the business section. Hmm. Money's practically more important than God to this family. I'll make sure Uncle Bruno somehow overhears this. Take this. It's more than Adam's worth.
You'll like this too - Chris isn't really a Giovanni. His mother had an affair.
Aunt Cecelia had an affair? If Chris isn't really a Giovanni, it won't sit well at all with Bruno. So sorry, cousin. Here, these bills represent Chris' entire future. Spend them wisely. For your assistance, you can be certain that, when I have my way, I'll bring you into the fold... if you wish. All I have to do is set the rumor mill in motion and I'm as good as in... excuse me.
Okay.



Talked to some of your family.
Hear anything... interesting?
Okay. Christopher isn't a real Giovanni. His mother had an affair.
That's... great news! And here I was, worrying he'd get picked just because of his name. Things are looking better already. Here, take this - and don't worry, it's the real deal.
I talked to Mira. She's HIV positive from her heroin addiction.
Mira is...? I used to have a crush on Mira. It's a shame... but business is business. Thanks for that. You can probably pawn this. It's 18 carat, don't let them tell you otherwise. Mira and Chris will be lucky if they don't get disowned after Uncle Bruno hears about their situations. I've wanted this ever since the day I found out about our family secret. If I can bring this up, you bet I will.
Just remember who got you there.



I talked to Mira. She's HIV positive from her heroin addiction.
I should've expected that - she was boozing back when we were kids, and she's been doing harder stuff every time I've seen her since. It's a shame... but this will definitely not sit well with Uncle Bruno.
Adam Dunsirn's flat broke. He's practically begging for money.
Really? Adam always seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders. Might just as well be dead as broke in this family. To think I almost let him handle my investments. Adam and Mira will be completely out of the running once this information finds Uncle Bruno somehow. I won't forget this, and you can be sure I'll bring you into the fold when I get some clout.

Ah, family matters... gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside, don't it? Anyway, back to this whole "sarcophagus possibly containing the end of the world" thing. We could explore the mansion, but there's a social way to get there, and since that's what Melissa's all about, let's do that.



The tone here suggests embarrassment due to attraction. I presume this is because Melissa still has 12 Appearance and 10 Seduction (yes, 12 Appearance, I didn't know how the console command worked at first, I figured it out later, though - "vstats get ATTRIBUTENAME X" means the attribute is raised by X, not set to X like I first thought).

I'm Maria Rosselini. And you are?
Nadia Milliner. It's a pleasure to meet you, Maria. Are you from the Chicago Rosselinis?

It's rather nice reading these names with some actual reference material.

Yeah, that's right.
Oh, you must give my regards to Great Aunt Francis when you get back. I stayed with her last time I was out that way. She was very sweet to me.
I will. So what do you do?
[Listen] I'm working on my Master's out here - I'm from back east. The Giovannis have been nice enough to let me stay here while I finish up my studies. I've learned a great deal from them - like you wouldn't believe.
For example?
I, um... I really can't say much about that.
Oh, c'mon, you can tell me. We're all family, aren't we?
There's something I want to show you. But you absolutely can't tell anyone - even other people here, okay? Follow me.
Okay, go ahead.



With that, two sets of doors fly open, leading to a back room.



Inside, we find this book we can't read yet.



Nadia walks over to this sword and pulls it...



...which opens this secret passage.



We walk down it for a while...



...and eventually end up in this autopsy-surgery-looking place.



Inside, we find the occult book Pisha was looking for. We'll have to bring that to her once we get done with this shit.



Sadly, Nadia doesn't swing that way, so we can't make a pass at her. If we were a guy with decent Seduction, we totally could, though. She'd totally be down with fucking in this place as long as the dude is pretty enough.

Looks like an embalming room in a funeral parlor.
Mmm-hmm. Know what they do with the corpses?
Dress them up like Vikings, freeze them in ice, and drop them in the ocean?
Uh... I shouldn't do this, but... why don't I show you. Gets pretty weird from here - don't say that I didn't warn you. Oh, and be ready to run. You'll understand when it happens. Follow me.
I'm coming.



And further down we go.



Zombies. The secret is zombies. Also, no, they totally attack us. But let's just ignore that for a bit, because we have an optional boss to fight!



Now, we've been given plenty of opportunities to cause a ruckus, and ignored all of them, but what happens when we do cause a ruckus? Let's shoot a bodyguard in the face and see what happens.



EXPLODING DOORS



Surprise!

Watch Boss Fight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAdOJ46F_jk

This boss fight is a joke. The big thing here is numbers - a whole bunch of body guards will file in, but with Fortitude 4 and top-level armor, we can tank all of their shots without taking damage.



Bruno can summon zombies, which are also a joke, and packs a bit more of a punch, but again, it's nothing to worry about.



The Steyr takes care of everything pretty easily, and the Remington would have just as well (which you can see in the video).



Bruno's a bit tougher, but still no match.



We can now check out the board room, but there's nothing interesting in here. Oh well. Time to reload (I don't think this has any impact, but it doesn't bring anything, so I'll just ignore it for the canon run) and check out that tomb some more.



The tomb is basically Sewers Lite. A little bit of a maze with enemies that are barely worth mentioning as an obstacle. Basically, it removed all the aggravation that makes you want to punt babies and instead just left mild annoyance at tedious, non-threatening combat. Also, there's an occult item somewhere around here. I couldn't find it because most FAQs just make vague statements like it being "on one of the [dozens of] slabs" and Melissa has like 2 Inspection, making it hard to see these items. I found it in another run and will be giving it to the main save via console command, you'll see it then.



The first area is just a bunch of this. I found out later that I was supposed to keep killing zombies until Nadia would continue to the next area - here, I just ditched her. It's not that major a difference anyway...



...all she does is pull a lever that closes these holes, which leads to you having to fight a few less zombies (big fucking whoop) and then she eventually locks a door behind you and ditches you.



I did some pointless exploring, which only led to me getting stuck in a room at one point and needing to whip out noclip. Otherwise, nothing interesting, just more zombies.



Eventually, you manage to head further down...



...and find the Sarcophagus!



Except somebody else already claimed it!



[Persuasion] Let's discuss this problem, whatever it may be.
[Listen] There is an alliance between your leader, LaCroix, and mistress Ming-Xiao! You violate the agreement! If you do not leave, we are not responsible for your death!
I've got to get a publicist. You two obviously aren't aware of my reputation.
We'll give you one more chance to leave this place and keep your life. You will go?
I'm disappointed there's only two of you to kill. Now I'm over it. Let's begin.



Watch Boss Fight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyM4JK2a1E0

This is where things get really rough, really fast. These two are some real sons of bitches. First off, they can teleport, as shown here. That's never good.



They love getting all up in your shit and nailing you with melee attacks.



Melee attacks that FUCKING HURT. There is only one way to win this - hit and run and run and run. If you can get one of the two in your face, then backpedal, then unload into him while he tries to catch up to attack, you can deal some decent damage.



Of course, they still teleport a lot, and they also have some ranged fireball attack thing - but it's not as mean as the melee attacks.



And through concentrated fire and a lot of running, they eventually go down.



Now, the Sarcophagus.



Seems like somebody was already considerate enough to have a truck ready for us to put it in, which is nice.




And before you know it, we're back with LaCroix in Venture Tower, and Beckett is here too!



I'd call that near terminal , but there's an even worse case coming up.

Come. I've granted Beckett's request to study and document all the markings on the sarcophagus. You've met Beckett, haven't you? Let's go take a look inside, and see what the commotion around the city has really been all about.
Before we do that, I need an answer - are you in an alliance with the Kuei-jin?
What? Preposterous! No Kindred would trust them, nor would they trust us. Did Jack tell you that? Because it sounds like you've been taken for a fool.
I was told by the Kuei-jin agents sent to steal the sarcophagus.
And you believed them? They've been trying to take over LA for years. It's a ruse - a falsehood, spread to undermine my rule and turn Kindred against each other - thin our ranks. They are duplicitous, evil creatures. Did they not try to kill you?
They did.
Insurance. They lied to you in case you lived through the encounter. They hoped to create dissention in the ranks, rumors. It's a trick older than you or I.
I believe you. Let's open the sarcophagus.

No need to piss him off anyway. Make note to get an appointment with Ming-Xiao fairly soon. Now, let's see what's shakin' with Beckett.



What have you assessed so far?
Unfortunately for the heralds of doom, it appears we won't be opening Pandora's Box. The markings, as far as I can tell, are of Assyrian origin. An extraordinary piece, but nothing earth-shattering.
I see. Then there's no reason why we shouldn't open it.

LaCroix tries to open it.

Won't budge. Beckett, do you see any mechanism for the lid?
I haven't as of yet had a chance to pore over it with my fine tooth comb. I think I have one in my bag.
Why won't it... why won't it open, Beckett?

LaCroix turns to Melissa.

And you, I thought you said it looked as if it had been opened on the Dane... I want it open! You! You and Beckett figure out a way to open it. I need to know what's inside. I have other matters to attend to. Come get me when a solution has been found.

And he leaves.



What do you think's inside?
Put your ear to it - I'll shake it and you tell me what you think's inside.
Alright, stupid question. How do we open it?
Hmm. Fortunately for us I know of someone who has distinguished himself in this field.
Who?
His name's Dr. Anders Johansen, a professor of archaeology from Norway. He was the one responsible for finding the sarcophagus, and as far as I know, the only authority on its origin and design.
Where can I find him?
Until yesterday, he could've been found in his suite at the Empire hotel, downtown. But when I stopped by earlier this evening, all I found was spilt coffee on a morning paper. Appears he's been abducted.
Tell me he left some notes or a diagram or something.
I did find a pair of bikini swimwear and a book detailing the origins of various Turkish dialects.
That's all?
I detected the smell of myrrh incense, which is usually burned in monasteries. Also, I found beach sand in part of a muddy footprint. Putting two and two together, I located a monastery near a beach in Malibu, where I believe hunters are holding Johansen captive.
You figured all that out from sniffing around his room?
Actually, there were two hunters on the roof of the building opposite the hotel who were positively delighted to tell me everything they knew, provided I stopped dangling them head first over the side.
Hunters have this guy? What would hunters want with an archaeologist?
The hunters abducted Dr. Johansen for his own protection. Or at least, that's how they've justified it. He's being held by the Society of Leopold and used, quite ingeniously, as bait for Prince LaCroix's minions.
The Society of Leopold?
Sebastian mentioned you ran into one of the hunters from the Society of Leopold some time ago. They're so secret a church organization, I don't even think they know they exist, but essentially they're murderers for Christ or some such deity.
So how do we get him out?
You'll have to go to the monastery and find a way into the tunnels beneath where the hunters are holding Johansen. I'm afraid I can't accompany you, but then, it's best you go alone. Too many of us might set them off, like fundamentalists on contrary opinion.
I'll kill every last hunter in the place if I have to.
I'd recommend no other course of action to the foolhardy.



God damn, Beckett. I'm not entirely certain we can't weaponize the levels of you've got going. Now, time for some questions.

I have a few questions before I go.
Excellent.
Anything else you can tell me about the Society of Leopold?
The Society, for the most part, knows very little about us, but they do know how to kill and torture us and that's enough. Also, some of them exhibit powers that can make them quite formidable. Best not to announce yourself.
You spoke of Gehenna before. Think this sarcophagus is part of it?
Well... if we open it up and the world ends, then yes. If we open it up and the world does not end, then no. I'd wager the latter.
Have you learned anything else about the thin-bloods?
How any sane Kindred could think these poor unfortunates are an immediate threat to us i absurd. Most were afraid, or at the very least uneasy around me. Tragic. Their desperation could very well hold the spark of revolution, however.
Tell me about yourself.
Hmm... I've said quite a lot about myself already. I know even less about you than you do me. Why don't you tell me about yourself?



This seems to be a question where the answers are related to the strong suits of the character. Here, we have our 9 Research, 9 Persuasion, 10 Seduction, and 5 Sneaking, which kind of seems to be the odd man out.

[Persuasion] I appreciate your interest in me. I'm fascinated by you.
Then I'll let you in on a little secret... Beckett may not be the name I was born with. Events always seem to unfold wherever I go, like Chicago a few years ago - oh, it's a bother to explain. Either I'm pursuing fate, or it's got a bone to pick with me.

This nets us one point of experience.

Unless you've got further questions, I'd really like to get back to looking at the sarcophagus.
I'm ready to go get the professor.
Remember, Dr. Johansen is an innocent - he has no idea we actually exist. Try not to put the idea in his head.
Okay.

Now, let's talk to the prince one more time, we've been through some shit since we last saw him.



[Persuasion] Getting the sarcophagus back was quite an expensive ordeal.
I can't have my protégé looking plebeian, can I? You'll find I can be very generous towards those that serve me well.

Which gets us a cool 500 bucks, but that's not quite enough just yet.

[Persuasion] Did I mention I had to slink through sewers, Chinatown, fight a Tzimisce...
Point made.

And another 200 bucks. All that cash I spent on weapons is starting to come back together.

Thanks. I had a question.
Which is?
What do you know about the Kuei-jin?
Traditionally, the Kuei-jin have stayed in Asian territory and the Kindred, Europe, and later North America. But recently, they invaded the West Coast - killing off a substantial number of anarchs. They lack the organization of the Camarilla and think nothing of breaking the Masquerade. Though we share similar traits, there is no fraternity between us. We Embrace - they rise from the grave. They know not the pleasure of blood. They are without clan. And oh yes, they believe our kind to be inferior. They are as much of a threat as the wolves.
Wolves?
Werewolves. I can still recall a time when cities were surrounded by miles of forests full of the beasts. But progress has taken care of that problem.
I had another question.
Which is?
What do you think's inside the sarcophagus?
If you didn't take the time to ask, perhaps we'd know by now. As I mentioned before, my concern is that it contains something supernatural, though Beckett has waived this theory altogether. The city is alight with dread, "Perhaps it's an Antediluvian!"
Antediluvian?
A joke. The Antediluvians are the mythical progenitors of each of the clans for whom they trace their bloodlines, and according to mythology, descendants of Caine, the legendary first vampire.
Caine?
As in the biblical Caine and Abel. Before you put too much stock in it, realize that the church and all of its mythos are blends of Kindred and mortal meddling, whips to regulate weak minds. This is all Beckett's field of expertise. If you want a lesson, merely ask him.
I will.

Actually, we won't, since he has nothing more to say. Let's head back outside.



We have two more destinations I'd like to check out right away.



First of all, we get some money (and blood) from Confession. Fat stacks being thrown around all around.



Finally, we head back home, where there's two things I'd like to check.



One is Heather, who I'm told gives you a set of body armor, the best armor in the game, if you talk to her right after you come back from the Giovanni quest. Of course, my Heather is still broken beyond repair. Bah.



And the last item on our agenda is checking our e-mail. Only one new message - what does it say?

quote:

<Subject> The campaign
<From> a friend

The success of a campaign is weighed by the commitment of your opponent.

Very mysterious. Well, that's been quite a bit of stuff. Next time, we'll be finishing up the last odd or end and then heading out to get ourselves a Norwegian archaeology professor.