DarkOmens67
Misha Tolstoy (Toreador, Administrator) entered the gathering station to prepare for the newest members of Moscow's kindred society to mingle amongst each other and form their own coterie under the watchful eyes of their sires.  The Toreador floated elogently down the narrow passage towards the empty counter along the far end.  A soft blow to dust off an old phonograph, she softly slid a vinyl disc and lowered the needle onto the rotating plate.


The silence was broken as musical instruments began playing Tchaikovsky's 'Dance of the Little Swans', Misha took a moment to appreciate the classical composition before returning to the present.  The toreador, walked to the ice vault to take a second inventory of the evening's beverages, matching the special requests provided by clan Ventrue a few evenings before.  Packed in blood packets, labeled specifically as tradition demanded.  With precise storage regulations, she ensured animal blood had been separated from the more refined bloodlines.  Misha continued through her routine preparations, ensuring the passageway for the Nosferatu was unlocked and the lighting was set in a specific low lighting.

Setting the leather lounge chairs into small groups, forcing the new kindred to meet each other in small numbers and minimized loners.  The sires had already been instructed to take up the spaces that would attract the introverts and loners.  She sprayed a jasmine mist around the gathering place to provide a relaxing fragrance and waited at the door for her guests to arrive.

 
 Spoiler: DM NOTE 
Ravnos (Hacker), Lasombra (??), Tremere (??), Brujah (Historian), Brujah (Weapon Smuggler),
 
DarkOmens67
Tuesday, December 19th; 7pm; Moscow Russia

The eventide arrived, still light though murky conditions blocked the sun.  Your sire had instructed you to meet him/her at the abandoned subway depot at Troitse-Lykovo before 8.  With the heavy snowfall and traffic, it meant that you'd have an early rise.

Walking through the harsh snow storm, very few vehicles were on the road making one feel as though something was missing.  Groups of Christmas carolers were walking along the sidewalk singing to customers mingling outside of the shops.  A few booths along the way were selling hot apple cider and vodka shots, the aroma of candied walnuts and dried samosa remind brought back memories of home.

You walked through town into an old square, snowmen standing in various poses lit the way past the skating rink to an old dark brick subway depot.  You notice your sire with several others standing inside mingling with each other.
Ameraaaaaa
Ivan walked up to his sire then spoke to everyone.  "hello everyone. I'm guessing this is the meeting area. So i guess i just wait here. Ok?"   as a human it was hard being in the snow. But now as a vampire he was not feeling the frost. It can be considered a little blessing. Shame it also means he can't feel the touch of a lover or cunsume anything but blood. On the bright side blood was pretty good. Overall like being a human there's good and there's bad. Speaking of bad ivan hope no mortal hunters are planning on springing a trap on the group. But that might just be paranoia.
Canuberon
Grygoriy warily approaches the abandoned depot.
He had parked his car a block away in case of emergency.
This had to be the last place he wanted to be, so a quick getaway was necessary.

Looking for a quiet spot, somewhere out of sight, he noticed the good spots are already taken.
So, after the required polite nod to all the important players, he sits down in one of the small groups of leather chairs, back to the wall and eyes on the escape routes.

" Let's make the best of this. A potential customer can be found anywhere... " he muttered to no one in particular.
Waistcoatwill
  Konstantin  
Rising from his bed at dusk no longer feels bizarre but he still misses the sunset. A dry cleaning bag is hung on the wardrobe with a note. Guzel must be working late again but she had his favourite suit cleaned.

 Good luck tonight! Piotr is downstairs if you're thirsty. 
  Thank goodness, I need to make a good first impression!  

He dresses carefully, looking suitably professorial in his three-piece tweed with complementary paisley bow tie. He polishes his old-fashioned spectacles, such a shame the brace did nothing to fix his eyes. He'd have felt silly wearing fake lenses, so it was for the best. A careful side parting, his best cufflinks, and a spritz of aftershave and he was done.

  The Prince shouldn't be in attendance, but I still can't slip up on the forms and etiquette. My position is precarious enough without a decent sire, everything must go right. The other neonates should be more clueless than me, at least. They won't have accidentally gotten a PhD in ancient vampire customs. This can hardly be more intense than my viva was, hard to believe those at least one of those old blood-suckers wasn't a vampire!  

He chuckles to himself as he orders a cab. On the ride over he thinks about his new coterie. Odds are they wouldn't have heard of him, but he could rattle off a shortened CV he used for conferences with no problem. They'd need to keep in touch, hopefully one of them would know about secure messenger services or something.

******

As the cab slowly ploughs through the snow he can almost scoff at all of the decorations and carol singers. The whole celebration seems even more quaint now, still, what meagre celebrations they could manage after moving here had made his mother and brother happy.

Stepping lightly from the cab he sweeps into the subway station, exchanging respectful nods and pleasantries as tradition dictated. The first thing to do would be to establish contact with his mentor and then work the room like it was a publishing event.

He stops dead in his tracks halfway across the space, catching sight of a familiar, if more grey, figure squatting in a corner like a grotesque.

  No, not here! Wasn't ruining my life enough, now he's going to get me tabgled in his web of lies and scandal in my undeath too! Of course the Ventrue or Lasombra would take a liking to a swine like him, maybe even the Ravnos. Hopefully I can keep him at arms length whichever it is.   His smile becomes a rictus as he forces himself to keep moving. He still had to find his mentor, and ideally some space to calm down before doing anything important.
Enceladus
Aleksandr awoke from his sleep for once on his own really. In days prior with being caged in the chantey, his schedule was very regimented. But this time it was different in that he arose on his own accord and wasn’t rushed into something from the get go. It still was a strange experience for him but now that he was free from his clan’s grasp, he once held some mental peace. His thought process was interrupted with the opening of a door to the room he slept in. This was the residence of his now adoptive sire since his own domain was still being worked on. A woman dressed in what appeared to be ceremonial garb came in with a change of cloths.

“  That’s right...today is the day I get assigned to some group. A coutre they called it…  ”

He still wasn’t use to all the rules of this new world he was in and found it funny that for a bunch of immortal creatures, there were still laws and social customs much like in the human world. Still he got up and took the close changing into more formal attire. Though the choice was something...interesting. The attendant had advised that these were selected by his new sire and required to be worn. While there wasn’t anything wrong with them, they were more to a style he wasn’t accustom to. The formal wares could be best described as bohemian. But in retrospect it did make sense considering who his sire was now.

After changing he was escorted to a car waiting to take them to the event. The same attendant began to list and discuss the formal protocols for this event but Aleksandr’s mind was elsewhere. His sire now was one to disappear and reappear at the most random times thus he wondered if she would be there. On the subject of the other new individuals, he had his own thoughts as well. He knew that they were in the same boat as he but didn’t understand why all of the ritual was needed. This to him was a job and nothing more than that. Though he recalls his sire once saying to not think of a coutre as that but something of an extended family.

Unsure of what she meant by this, his thoughts were interrupted as the car came to a stop where the location was. He opened the door ready to proceed and be done with this.
DarkOmens67
The four young kindred arrived at the depot, while they didn't freeze getting there; The stench from the tunnels permeated to the entrance.  Three of the four sires, turned to the stairway, Lev  (Waistcoat, describe what Lev looks like)  waved the group to follow  "Come on, we can't let the Primogen waiting or our heads'll be rollin by sunup.' 

The group were led down a set of steps, old used food wrappers danced on the descending platform.  In the background church bells began ringing above ground, traveling to the edge of the steps.  Distant screeches of railcars operating in active lines gave that old 'fingernail on chalk board' memory.  The odor was only worse on the old loading deck of the depot.   The lines were clear, and the group of sponsors continued walking silently down the corridor.  Old, faded newspapers, newspaper machines, discarded cardboard boxes, were strewn into a mess.  Sludge mud puddles scattered; buckets full of waste would have been torment had the group required to breath.   Cardboard roofs placed over old rail benches; homeless people lived here if that is what you called 'living'.  Old paint cans with holes covering the sides had flammable items inside to create stoves or heaters.

The walk continued for several miles along a narrow sidewalk next to the disconnect rail, until arriving in a corridor that had been remodeled into a gathering station.  A lovely brunette in a semi-formal burgundy gown of velvet sat at a bar filled with closed beverages on ice.  A soft and low volume of classical music played with a low light ambiance to the entire gathering place.  As the group approached the area, the sires and senior ranking kindred proceeded directly to the darkened corners and crooks that shy and loner kindred would gravitate to.

The brunette stepped forward, waving for two dozen other kindred in the same boat as this small group.  "Come in, come in my family.  It is time to begin your departure.  Everyone please take a seat and I'll explain why and how you will proceed this evening." , the lady waited for several minutes for the participants to find suitable seats.  She began serving the beverages, sterilized bottles filled with fresh blood.  Once everyone was served, she returned to the center of the room  "Once again, welcome to your pairing ceremony.  My name is Misha Tolstoy, I am the city's senior administrator, my job is to serve the Primogen and the Prince so they don't have to deal with the daily operations of running a city.  I have 12 manager administrators and 40 administrators who will become quite familiar with each of you."  she paused for a moment to allow the large group to take in what has been said. She began walking back and forth  "Our administrators will help you with gaining information about the city, they will also assign tasks for your group to complete from time to time. We try not to burden anyone with endless tasks, so fear not about becoming serfs.  Now, the purpose of this event is to allow everyone to mingle.  Kind of an interview process because each of you will be members of a coterie before you will be allowed to leave.  The prince has several available havens if anyone wishes to obtain one, let me know before leaving so we can begin the process.  From the moment you create your new family, you will be officially released from your sires and be full fledged members of Moscow society. Please there are more drinks and I'm certain you all want to begin."  she waved a wide arching half circle with her arm indicating the time to begin the process, then walked out of the lime-light to stand behind the beverages.
Waistcoatwill
Lev is taller than average but his wiry frame is hunched as if perpetually brooding. He wears an uncompromisingly simple and utilitarian coarse woolen suit of a style from the early 1920s.

A neat, close-cropped beard is contrasted by perpetually messy dark brown hair. Dark grey eyes stare around with almost fanatical intensity. His voice is strong but gravelly, as well suited to shouting speeches or threats.
Canuberon
Walking down the trails with the rest of the group Grygoriy can't help but think he recognizes one of them.
I last saw him when he was 17 (or was it 16?) and he should be about 40 now, but that distinct walk, that hair and those stupid glasses, it must be him.
Sigh, as if social vampire events aren't ****ing dangerous enough, he needed more distraction for sure.
At least he keeps his distance, let's keep it that way.

Joins the others listining to Misha.

Pairing ceremony? What is that stuckup bitch thinking?
Others are a liability, no pairing necessary thank you very much.
Or maybe I should start early on this, to not be paired with Konstantin.
What vampire club (Clan did they call it?) would even have him...

Will have to ask about that haven though.
An official place for all these bloodsuckers to reach me would be much preferred over giving my private details.

Walks over to Misha and keeps a respectful distance untill she acknowledges me.

" Miss Misha, if I may introduce myself?
I'm Grygoriy, Neonate from clan Brujah.
I was wondering about those havens you mentioned, could I petition for one please? "
Ameraaaaaa
Ivan decides to socialise with as many fellow vampires as he can. Generally introducing himself like this  "yo. It's me, ivan. If you need a hacker call me alright."  as he passes out his business card which contains his business email and funnily enough no number. Very few mortals know his business email (not technically a legal "business" on account of the whole black hat hacker thing.) but ivan feels like it'd be good to get on the good side of as many vampires as possible by offering his services. Make himself useful as it were. If they wanted to continue to talk ivan would oblige. To be as polite as possible. Hopefully whichever cortre he ended up in would appreciate the business savvy.
Waistcoatwill
Konstantin does his best to stay on thr opposite side of the group to his father, even if he ends up closer to Lev than he'd like.

  He hasn't reacted yet, doesn't he recognise me? I was 15 when we left, but I bet he'd recognise Davyd!  

He is so distracted that he takes Ivan's card without looking at it and has to chase after him slightly when the hacker continues circulating.

 Hi, sorry, I'm Konstantin.   He drops his voice down on saying his name in case he father overhears.  An actual hacker you say? Like with the dark net? That's fascinating! I'm an historian - lectures, research, writing books, that kind of thing.  He fumbles around briefly before handing over a slightly dog-eared card with his contact details at the University

As the two part ways again he catches sight of "Papa" worming his way up to the administrator.   Ugh, mum always suspected he was a bit of a skirt chaser when he went off making his "deals".  
Ameraaaaaa
 
 Originally Posted by Waistcoatwill 
  Hi, sorry, I'm Konstantin.   He drops his voice down on saying his name in case he father overhears.  An actual hacker you say? Like with the dark net? That's fascinating! I'm an historian - lectures, research, writing books, that kind of thing.  He fumbles around briefly before handing over a slightly dog-eared card with his contact details at the University  
 

Ivan take kon's card.  "yup. Well it starts off fascinating but like anything else in life. Work is work. Well i did come across something quite interesting recently. But nevermind that. Nice to meet you konstantin. Always great to see someone interested in my craft. If we ended up in the same group i wouldn't mind. "  
Enceladus
Taking stalk of what he presumed were the other "young vampires", Aleksandr was surprised at the wide variety of ages for what made up "young" by kindred standards. Though still he was the one to stand out the most at this event given his age. Still as his sire bid, he was sociable enough to acquire a few names but was largely sizing up the room. Even though he is young he understood well the nature of politics.

It was one of the attendees that called himself Konstantin which caught his attention. When mentioned that he was a historian Aleksandr thought he might have recognized him from the university. Or at least someone that looked like him. As this other, the "hacker" he identified himself finished, Aleksandr spoke into their conversation.

" Konstantin was it. By chance were you ever at the university as a lecture or researcher ?", he curiously stated.
DarkOmens67
GRYGORIE


Misha smiled and raised a glass inviting the hesitant neonate over.  He was quick with the introduction and inquiring about the haven.  A slight frown furled on her brow  "The havens are for coteries, have you formed one yet and if so, where are they?"  She waves her arm again as if to provide another subtle hint  "Moscow is a very dangerous place, even for our kind.  We need friends, contacts, and allies to keep us informed and have our back so to speak.  Starting out a coterie will have a modest haven to gather at, but achieving goals that benefit the community will lead to better rewards."  She shoos Grygoriy away  "Bring back your team or go mingle and find a team to join." 
Waistcoatwill
 Konstantin 
  More phantoms from the past, and I'mdefinitely not the smartest person in the room now.  

Konstantin's eyes open wide at the familiar face of the former campus celebrity.

 S...Aleksandr!  He'd nearly called him Sasha, but he can't have enjoyed being unofficial university mascot.  I'm so surprised to see you, how did you avoid getting snapped up by some yanky biotech company?

I was both, but I'm more limited to the latter these days...nights. I don't think you took any of my courses but your memory is certainly as good as they always said it was. 
DarkOmens67
The 'mingling' continues for thirty minutes and a few of the sponsors (sires) are beginning to fidget with an annoyed expression on their faces.  A couple of the Brujah sires begin wrapping their fingers against the walls and looking at their watches.

Misha keeps other attendees entertained giggling at their conversations, while most seem to be oblivious to her facial mannerisms, the characters can read the expression of impatience as well.  While everyone is mingling a figure steps out of a corner.

A wrinkled hag with warts and tufts of hair on her cheeks, fangs piercing through the side of the jaw and eye shadow over sunken eyes bumps into the group.  With a speech impediment she growls "Wwy won U hurrai upppp? I had to puuut my survaaaaaalunce on holt for ya.  Fin yer grup an leaf."  She continues to walk across the room and bumps another group onto the floor.
Ameraaaaaa
 Well it was best to find my group then.   ivan thought to himself  
"hey konstantin was it? Want to be part of my group." 
Waistcoatwill
 Konstantin 

The historian nearly jumps out of his skin as that monster barges past them and careens on into other groups.

 Yes, I think that would be best Ivan. Aleksandr? 
Canuberon
 
 Originally Posted by DarkOmens67 
 GRYGORIE


Misha smiled and raised a glass inviting the hesitant neonate over.  He was quick with the introduction and inquiring about the haven.  A slight frown furled on her brow  "The havens are for coteries, have you formed one yet and if so, where are they?"  She waves her arm again as if to provide another subtle hint  "Moscow is a very dangerous place, even for our kind.  We need friends, contacts, and allies to keep us informed and have our back so to speak.  Starting out a coterie will have a modest haven to gather at, but achieving goals that benefit the community will lead to better rewards."  She shoos Grygoriy away  "Bring back your team or go mingle and find a team to join."  
 

Grygoriy tries to disguise his misunderstanding of the free haven.
Smiles his most innocent smile.
" Miss Misha, offcourse!
I wouldn't dream of asking this for myself.
But by failing to prepare I would be preparing to fail.
And we wouldn't want that for our fresh, new coterie would we?
 "

Getting the hint he quickly leaves Misha alone.
The horrible brute from the shadows is all the motivation one needs.
Confidently he joins the newly forming group.

" Gents, if I may introduce myself?
Grigoriy, clan Brujah, Neonate.
I believe some urgence is expected of us.
Would you mind forming this... Coterie together?
For those of you who don't know me, I have connections and can get us anything we need.
For those of you who do, please tell me what you've heard later on. "
He laughs as if to pass the last line for a joke, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes.
A discussion is on it's way, and justily so. But not here, not now.
Ameraaaaaa
 
 Originally Posted by Canuberon 
 Grygoriy tries to disguise his misunderstanding of the free haven.
Smiles his most innocent smile.
" Miss Misha, offcourse!
I wouldn't dream of asking this for myself.
But by failing to prepare I would be preparing to fail.
And we wouldn't want that for our fresh, new coterie would we?
 "

Getting the hint he quickly leaves Misha alone.
The horrible brute from the shadows is all the motivation one needs.
Confidently he joins the newly forming group.

" Gents, if I may introduce myself?
Grigoriy, clan Brujah, Neonate.
I believe some urgence is expected of us.
Would you mind forming this... Coterie together?
For those of you who don't know me, I have connections and can get us anything we need.
For those of you who do, please tell me what you've heard later on. "
He laughs as if to pass the last line for a joke, but the smile doesn't reach his eyes.
A discussion is on it's way, and justily so. But not here, not now. 
 

 "why yes I'd be happy to be a coterie together.  Nice to meet you I'm ivan kozlov. Clan ravnos and hacker extraordinaire. I'm sure i can be of assistance."  he offers his hand to shake as if it was a business deal. 1st to grigoriy then to konstantin then to alex
Waistcoatwill
 
 Originally Posted by Canuberon 
 " For those of you who do, please tell me what you've heard later on. " 
 

 Konstantin  mentally reals from the gall of the man. A thousand taunts and refusals half form but die on his tongue as he states at his Papa. He barely registers Ivan's hand shake.

Eventually he manages to spit,  Oh I wil...at great length!  before lapsing into brooding silence.
Canuberon
 
 Originally Posted by Waistcoatwill 
  Konstantin  mentally reals from the gall of the man. A thousand taunts and refusals half form but die on his tongue as he states at his Papa. He barely registers Ivan's hand shake.

Eventually he manages to spit,  Oh I wil...at great length!  before lapsing into brooding silence. 
 

Dear god... still the little drama queen.
At least he kept his spat somewhat to himself.
So alike to his mother.

This Ivan seems oblivious enough to let this one slide.
Hopefully he's as good in hacking as he pretends he is.

This Aleksandr is somewhat different.
Probably another scholar.

His business smile crawls across his face.
" Great to find similar minds!
Aleksandr, are you in? "
Enceladus
" Sure ", Aleksandr said continuing to watch things unfold. He was more unnerved at the sight of the hag, but had heard tales of such beings. Though wasn't as prepared for it as he thought. Still having one from his past in the group did make him feel a bit better.

" So what is the next thing ?", he asked.
DarkOmens67
 
 Originally Posted by Enceladus 
 " Sure ", Aleksandr said continuing to watch things unfold. He was more unnerved at the sight of the hag, but had heard tales of such beings. Though wasn't as prepared for it as he thought. Still having one from his past in the group did make him feel a bit better.

" So what is the next thing ?", he asked. 
 

Aleksandr, Konstantin, Ivan, and Grygoriy were in a huddle discussing the creation of a coterie.  Ivan and Konstantin see a female with dark brown culry hair, she was wearing a long leather trench coat, a blouse and slacks.  Around her waist is a leather belt with two holsters and a holder keeping a knife in place. She was facing another group while backing up into Aleksandr  “go to the bathhouse, ya goat"  she snarled at the other group while flipping them a bird.  She turns right into the group and steps back slightly as if she were caught by surprise  "Woah, sorry bout that man." .  She paused as she looked the four over  "Well, ya'll the last group. Name is Raven. They won't let me leave without being in a group. Whatcha say?" 
 
 Spoiler: Raven 
 https://pin.it/3TtbxOp 
 
Ameraaaaaa
 "ya know what they say! More the merrier! come right in raven!" 
Canuberon
 
 Originally Posted by DarkOmens67 
   "Well, ya'll the last group. Name is Raven. They won't let me leave without being in a group. Whatcha say?" 
 
 Spoiler: Raven 
 https://pin.it/3TtbxOp 
 
 
 

Finally someone more of the usual ilk I hang around with.

" You're welcome offcourse.
Our first order of business should be asking for this haven for our Coterie.
That way they can reach us when they need to, and we don't have to invite each other over in the privacy of our home.
Next would be listening what they expect of us, so we can adequately prepare for it. "

Hopefully these dunts would be better at taking orders then taking initiative, Misha was quite clear.
Enceladus
" Seems we are all in the same boat .", Aleksandr muttered but was in general agreement with the new arrival. Looking her up and down he wasn't quite sure what to make of things but did hear something previously. " So what was that all about a bathhouse ?", he asked the new arrival.
DarkOmens67
Raven grinned at Aleksandr  "That guy was bein a jerk, I just told him to go eat a pickle."  she tucked her blouse down as if getting back to business  "ok, so I guess we go to that lady and find out about that haven"  she began heading to the bar; seeing another group heading in the same direction, Raven cut them off and starting asking a ton of questions.  From behind her back, she waved to the guys to keep going.
Canuberon
 
 Originally Posted by DarkOmens67 
 From behind her back, she waved to the guys to keep going. 
 

Grygoriy smirks at her action and walks in the direction of Misha again.
Again he keeps a respectfull distance if she's in conversation.
When she looks at him, he motions at the newly formed Coterie with an honest smile on his face.

" So, mylady. What is to be expected of us?
I believe there was some task or another we needed to perform in exchange for all this? "
DarkOmens67
Misha was twirling her burnette locks half paying attention to the activities.  The group approached the Toreador host inquiring about the process.

The brunette slid a small purse closer to her and pulled out a card 'Address' as she slides the card to the group "This location was one of the many mansions belonging to Joseph Stalin.  It is a smaller one with the common areas, ten rooms, and three bathrooms.  Yes, I am aware of the conditions, but guests may require such provisions.  We won't force anyone into restrictive rules outside of the traditions." With the card, she slides a packet with two keys inside "You'll need to have copies made."

She sits slightly formal  "I'm guessing your sires didn't explain how the administrators work"  she rose a dismissive hand  "It isn't a major hindrance or anything, we won't be placing you in the salt mines or anything.  We have junior administrator that you will become familiar with.  They pass and receive information so in many cases work as contacts and informants.  However, when an issue arises Senior administrators will look up what coterie is most suitable for the job and pass it down through a junior administrator."  the Toreador opens her hands with her palms facing the ceiling  "Thats it, you still have plenty of opportunities to pursue your interests.  Now Moscow is dangerous, if you get too eager that it intrudes on another kindred.  Well it might not end well. There are elders and we don't track all of them just be careful." 
 
 Spoiler: Mansion Outside 
 https://pin.it/l1h0ftI 
 
Ameraaaaaa
Ivan smiles. The house looks nice and very much has space for all of them.  "thank you administrator.
This haven looks amazing. Looking forward to the security such a place provides." 

Ivan turns to his companions  "well let's head there and transfer our precious equipment ehem, other resources. " 
bramblefoot
as you walk over to the mansion, the door opens as you put your key inside. a tall burly ghoul stands in the doorway, looking you all over.  "welcome masters"  he gravels, dropping a somewhat respectful half-bow. he wears a face mask, and there is something deeply disturbing about him, though you cant quite put your finger on what.  "misha and i maintain house, do things of that nature"  he says, ushering you in.  "misha has put fresh sheets on beds in honor of your arrival"  he says, pointing out the rooms

 "if you have tasks, please stick them to your door before bed, and misha and i wil get to them as best we can"  he says
Canuberon
Ugh, a historical villa.
To many rooms to secure like we should and a ghoul maintained by god know who...
He fails at disguising his concerns about the otherwise amazing place.

" Has anybody seen this junior administrator?
Ah, and I believe congratulations are in order. We're all officialy released now. "

Looks warily at the ghoul
" We're not supposed to stay here all the time are we? "

Waits for the answer and then walks around the house, looking for all the entrances and exits.
Chooses a room that's not easily accessible from outside and has multiple escape routes.

Per+Alertness to find the most secure room.
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 2 ](24) 
Waistcoatwill
 Konstantin 
 Isn't the architecture charming. Not be the best example to its style, but remarkably well-maintained compared to many. If only ordinary people were as good at taking the long view as kindred seem to be. 

The appearance of their burly new ghoul was equal parts reassuring and disconcerting.

 Oh, please don't call me master! It's Dr. Torgovets...or Konstantin, Konstantin will do. What's your name? 

True to form, his father saw fit to ruin what should have been a notable moment in their unlives by inserting himself into it.

Without looking at his father he says,  I'm sure you will come and go as you please anyway . He smiles at the ghoul before adding.  Not that we don't appreciate the accommodation, but I for one have a haven of my own that I can't completely neglect. Does our use of this haven come with any rules or regulations we need to follow? 
Ameraaaaaa
 "hiya ghoullie. Guessing your our new pal. Mind showing me where's the router?. Need to know for work related reasons and all that."  ivan wondered when he's group would be given their 1st assignment by the administrators. It'd be useful in the mean time to check up on his herd. As soon as possible ivan tries to call his herd.
Canuberon
 
 Originally Posted by Waistcoatwill 
 Without looking at his father he says,  I'm sure you will come and go as you please anyway . 
 

Dear God, will that whiny kid continue this endless tirade of spats &amp; taunts 'till the sun rises in the west and sets in the east?

" Dr. Torgovets, my leaving and going in this abode has little consequence to our Coterie and it's effectiveness I presume.
As I insinuated shortly before, we could discuss private matters in private.
No doubt every story has two sides, just like every coin?
Will you join me in my room for a talk or do you prefer to continue acting childish? "
bramblefoot
caneuberon: raul suppresses a chuckle.  "where would you go?"  he asks.  "sunlight burns, and your sire has freed you. this is the safest place right now" 

ivan: raul will show you to the router, a clunky piece of tech that looks like it came to be in the 2000's  "dont worry, appearances can be decieving"  he says, slipping a 12 digit passcode into ivans hand.  "misha set up the internet herself"  he says.  "is fiber optic. dont gotta worry about anything" 

konstantin: the burly ghoul looks you over  "call me raul"  he offers.  "rules and regs are simple. try to leave everything better then you left it, please attempt to keep bloodstains to a minimum, as mopping the floors is a pain in the keester"  he will pass out two numbers on a sheet of paper.  "first number is for regular stuff. second number you need exfil, or kill somebody"  he says, passing the note around

you all would notice a small 20-something with her headphones in moving to grab a box of take-out from the fridge. raul will introduce yelena koroleva, his helper, and general cleaner up of messes.  "she's a tad touched, but that makes her useful in various ways" 
DarkOmens67
The windows of the mansion were bricked up, with cameras installed to provide visual outside.  The rooms were spaced out with closet and office spaces filling in gaps.  One door slightly opened possessed computers tracking the cameras with several more streaming information from unknown sources.

A knock at the door, Raul opens the door and escorts a well-dressed man in a dark blue executive suit carrying a briefcase  "Gentlemen, my name is Andrei Sorchov.  I am your administrator, so shall we sit down and have a conversation about how things work?".   Andrei continues walking past the group into the living room, he bends over placing the briefcase onto the table and opens the container to reveal five cell phones, computer pads, and several USB sticks.

 
 Spoiler: Living Room 
 https://pin.it/1EmqRmv 
 


He sits on the sofa, near the hanging television  "I guess you want to know the house rules. Don't tear it up. Period.  If you have wild parties, you clean and fix it all.  If you do things that attract law enforcement to raid the property, any damage is up to you to repair.  So, don't be stupid and everything will be fine."   He places five folders on the table  "These are the house conditions; I gave you the simple explanation and if you understand that shouldn't need to delve into every sentence, but the folders are available anyway.".   Andrei places the phones onto the table next to the folders then tips the case to dump several dozen USB sticks.  "There is a sponsor, I do not know her name and that can be addressed with Raul if you wish.  The only instructions I received are, that each of you have a specialty in some important aspect of life.  Continue what you are doing and if you come across information that might need to be addressed Investigate and report that information on these phones." 

He closed the briefcase  "Now, as I mentioned and you've probably heard several times, my job as administrator for you is to not make your unlife miserable. I attend meetings with senior administrators and at times with Primogen.  Although they have the right to contact you directly, they try not to intrude on your privacy."   he paused for a moment to see if there were any 'deer eyes in the headlights' expressions before continuing  "These meetings, share information from several other coteries like yours.  Information that would be important to learn more of to keep the Prince from getting involved.  Administrators discuss the information and decide what groups are the best to look into the situation, thus there will be times you are not intruded upon.  You can call me anytime, even if it means bailing you out of jail.   Finally, you can refuse to take any job I present to you, but those who accomplish missions for the prince find a very lucrative lifestyle with benefits.  There are jobs available now, though I doubt your skill set would desire them.  The reward is a larger mansion to replace this one and it is located in the second level labyrinths." 
 
 Spoiler: Andrei 
 https://pin.it/1Z5HrHk 
 
Ameraaaaaa
Ivan liked andrei's straight forward and down to business style. And the potential to earn a more lavish life style was good too.  "i like your style. Straight to the point and all that. What are the available jobs if i may ask?"  ivan said with a smile.

 "afterall I'm sure we could be of assistance with our skill sets. Especially mine."  ivan saidcwith a face that was not afraid to brag.
DarkOmens67
Andrei gives a questionable expression on his face before punching an entry into his computer  "Ok, here is a job
Artem, Jasha, Matvei, and Valery are members of the Red Talon Chantry and they have found themselves sitting in a puddle (an embarrassing situation).  We do not have all of the details, but these four entered into the Malkavian's stronghold Alexeyev Psychiatric Clinical Hospital.  From my understanding, the kooks had some fun with these four and have become bored." 

Andrei punches a few more buttons before speaking again  "Remember that I pre-screened and wasn't going to give you this job.  The drive from the hospital to the Chantry is three hours and has a special note, do not stop for any reason.  Deliver the four to the chantry immediately."  A few more taps  "The job is still open; do you want to take it? Payment would be two free divination rituals." 
bramblefoot
raul will look over the group.  "wrangling hungry vamps is no joke, 'specially not if you're a juice box"  he says.  "now, im not particularly tasty, but thats no reason to get cocky"  he will snag a small chain-link necklace and buckle it on.  "anti-bite collar"  he says offhandedly.

at the mention of kooks, raul sighs.  "malk powers are no joke, and theyll prolly be hungry to the point of frenzy. i suggest we pass on this, and get to know the city" 
Canuberon
 Grigoriy 
 " If we have an easy supply of blood to make sure they don't frenzy, we can do this.
If not, I'm perfectly willing to skip this.

If we do this, we need a van to put them in.
Prefereably with a cage to keep them from getting to the driver. " 

He looks at the Doctors with a sigh.
Clearly bothered he has to ask them for help.
And maybe even more bothered that he has to ask his son for help, despite both wanting to be far away from here.
 " Any egg-head knows if these rituals are worth it? " 
Ameraaaaaa
 "agree with the other two so far. Very dangerous situation. Made worse by the fact that the skill sets of 2 academics and a hacker aren't the best for it." 
Waistcoatwill
 Konstantin 

Andrei's arrival is a welcome reprieve from inevitably being stuck in a room with his father, but the current job on off is worrisome. He ignores the jibe about egg-heads, Papa's pride in his own ignorance is hardly new.

 I only have limited theoretical knowledge of the occult and would defer to my colleagues if they have greater insight. However, I believe that divination rituals can be very powerful tools with very narrow applications. Simply put, they're might be useless or utterly vital depending on our future circumstances.

Andrei, do stakes truly immobilise kindred? Is that a possiblemethod to transport then safely? No oubt a hoghly isky strategy even then. 
bramblefoot
raul speaks up  "that they do, the trouble is applying them to a struggling and thrashing cainite, and getting it deep enough so it goes through the heart"   he sighs.  "is suprisingly harder than you think" 
Waistcoatwill
 Konstantin 
 Ah, yes, well that venture seems entirely unwise then. 
DarkOmens67
Andrei looks around the room at the group one last time, closing his briefcase  "Ok, so now I'll be leaving you all.  If any of you come across any information that you think would be important for the kindred community to be aware of, report it to me.  Make certain you have more details than what the Tremere provided." 

The business man stands up and begins to walk to the front door  "Ok gentlemen, you have the evening to do as you please.  Don't destroy the house and don't get in so much trouble that those above my level come calling." 

Time 1 a.m.

As Andrei exits the house, Ivan's phone blinks an alert message 'Alert program code 47383'
Ameraaaaaa
 "what's this now? excuse me my fellow kindred. Got a message"  Ivan checks his phone. What could it be?
bramblefoot
raul had been napping on the couch, studiously tuning everything out, until the  huh.  he will sling his feet off the edge, and ask ivan  "whats up?"  he appears to have gone from total chill to  somebody call the doctor, but not for me 

one of his sleeves is hiked up, revealing a spetznaz tattoo on his forearm
Ameraaaaaa
 
 Originally Posted by bramblefoot 
 raul had been napping on the couch, studiously tuning everything out, until the  huh  he will sling his feet off the edge, and ask ivan  "whats up?"  he appears to have gone from total chill to  somebody call the doctor, but not for me 

one of his sleeves is hiked up, revealing a spetznaz tattoo on his forearm 
 

 "Seems like freaky ****. A person at Bitsevski Park scared off his ass at the fact there are a buncha folks people chained to trees and being bludgeoned to death by people with hammers. Cult like **** if i had to guess. Then there's people actually growling at the poor guy.  Next thing you know the fella is gone and there's only growling "Leave the Dostul alone, let us feed" there's 2 other calls just like it. Who the hell are the dostul. Are they fellow vampires. Better get in contact with a junior administrator and offer to handle it. What do you think guys?"    ivan says pretty casually. While ivan hasn't seen something like this before he has seen messed up **** on the dark web before given his "career" choices.
bramblefoot
 
 Originally Posted by Ameraaaaaa 
  "Seems like freaky ****. A person at Bitsevski Park scared off his ass at the fact there are a buncha folks people chained to trees and being bludgeoned to death by people with hammers. Cult like **** if i had to guess. Then there's people actually growling at the poor guy.  Next thing you know the fella is gone and there's only growling "Leave the Dostul alone, let us feed" there's 2 other calls just like it. Who the hell are the dostul. Are they fellow vampires. Better get in contact with a junior administrator and offer to handle it. What do you think guys?"    ivan says pretty casually. While ivan hasn't seen something like this before he has seen messed up **** on the dark web before given his "career" choices. 
 

 "great"  raul sighs.  "sounds like a sabbat raid, or something of the sort"  he will go to his room, snagging a bulletproof vest and a duffel bag that clinks.  "yelena, watch the house, and get the administrator on the line"  he says

to the coterie  "how many of you killed a man in cold blood?"  he asks, unzipping the duffel to reveal an arsenal of death.  "by my guess, none of you" 
Canuberon
 
 Originally Posted by bramblefoot 
  "great"  raul sighs.  "sounds like a sabbat raid, or something of the sort"  he will go to his room, snagging a bulletproof vest and a duffel bag that clinks.  "yelena, watch the house, and get the administrator on the line"  he says

to the coterie  "how many of you killed a man in cold blood?"  he asks, unzipping the duffel to reveal an arsenal of death.  "by my guess, none of you"  
 

 Grygoriy 
  How many of us are willing to change that?
Definitely none of us.  

He picks one of the carbine rifles from the duffle bag and starts disassembling it with ease.
Cleaning the most important parts and assembling it anew, he puts it back.
"  Nice M4 you got there.
Produced since 1987, to replace the M16 in USA army since 2010.
This is one of the earlier models yes?
Prone to handguard heating.
Seen some use.
Would you be interested in a M68 CCO laser dot for it?
Or I could get you the M4A1 with reinforced barrel.
Still high maintenance, but a lot more reliable and less prone to stoppages.  "

It's not because he doesn't like to kill, that he can't know his merchandise.

"  So we're not going to help a few Tremere but we are running into an ongoing fight with these Sabbat things?  "
Waistcoatwill
 Konstantin 

The scholar's eyes go wide at this alarming turn of events.

 Wait wait wait...information, Andrei said we're expected to pass on information, correct. So we don't need to get involved directly, right? Research who these Dostul are, maybe have a look from  distance to confirm Ivan's information, then I form the administrators. The Prince will have a security force for this kind of thing...a Sheriff?

Also, are the Sabat a new clan? They weren't mentioned in antiquity. 

He tries to hide that he's a little impressed by how slick his father is with the gun. He looks incredulous when Grygoriy  says that he hasn't killed anyone but bites his tongue for once.
Canuberon
 Grygoriy 

 
 Originally Posted by Waistcoatwill 
  Konstantin 

The scholar's eyes go wide at this alarming turn of events.

 Wait wait wait...information, Andrei said we're expected to pass on information, correct. So we don't need to get involved directly, right? Research who these Dostul are, maybe have a look from  distance to confirm Ivan's information, then I form the administrators. The Prince will have a security force for this kind of thing...a Sheriff?

Also, are the Sabat a new clan? They weren't mentioned in antiquity. 

He tries to hide that he's a little impressed by how slick his father is with the gun. He looks incredulous when Grygoriy  says that he hasn't killed anyone but bites his tongue for once. 
 

"  Exactly, let's pass on this information and not get involved in any form or way.
If you guys want to look online or some dusty tomes to find out what Dostul's and Sabbat are, fine.  "
bramblefoot
grygoryi: raul nods.  "do you take services rendered?"  he asks.  "i have some spending money, but not alot"  he will ask  "can you get me a 40mm underbarrel with HEDP rounds" 

yelena comes back with the phone, and raul answers  "we got dostul in bistevski park"  he says.
Ameraaaaaa
Ivan was worried about the situation  "let's just stick to passing along the information to the administrators. That shouldbe fine enough for now." 
bramblefoot
raul gives a thumbs up, still on the phone
bramblefoot
raul will mute his cell for a sec and bark  "ivan, gimme traffic cams on bistevski park. the admins are just as blind as we are, and i get a feeling we're gonna need to check it out" 

he sighs, and says  "out of the frying pan, and into the fire"  grabbing his well loved leather gloves and pulling them on as he grabs his M4 and a dozen mags in a carrying pouch
Ameraaaaaa
Ivan just decides to call a admin and tell them about the situation.

Afte dialing the number Ivan is waiting for the admins to answer.
DarkOmens67
 
 Originally Posted by Ameraaaaaa 
 Ivan just decides to call a admin and tell them about the situation.

Afte dialing the number Ivan is waiting for the admins to answer. 
 


The ringtone stops and Andrei's voice speaks "Yes, Ivan? Raul informed me that the group has an interesting lead.  Have you discovered something?"
Ameraaaaaa
 
 Originally Posted by DarkOmens67 
 The ringtone stops and Andrei's voice speaks "Yes, Ivan? Raul informed me that the group has an interesting lead.  Have you discovered something?" 
 

Damn he already knows. Well i guess he i should be semi honest. Also judging from what he said he wants to investigate.
  
"Oh i was uninformed he called you already. Well i was just gonna tell you before we headed there. See you in a bit."
 

After andral hangs up ivan tells the group  "the boss is hinting he wants uscto investigate.  So we should. Let's head there right now. Follow me" 
bramblefoot
 "ill be out exploring bistevski park"  raul calls, slinging the m4 under his trenchcoat
Canuberon
 Grygoriy 

"  So we are investigating the park?
I hate to be the voice of reason...
And the Administrator clearly doesn't think to highly of us in combat situation.
Justifiably so according to Raul and myself.
Let's go out to the hunting grounds and have a drink and quiet talk.  "
Waistcoatwill
 Konstantin 

Rising panic is clear in his face as he begins to dither around Grygoriy.

 Wait...wait...wait! You can't go alone, what if they find you and you get killed! Let's all go and try to be ca-careful at least. 
 Raul, do you have a car or shall I order a cab? What do we do, park a block or two away and walk closer? We keep our distance and get some information. 

His eyes go wide in horror as he looks down at the arsenal of death and back up at his father.

 Oh god, I'm going to need one of those, won't I? In case they spot us or smell us or...or...whatever? 

He throws up his hands.

 You're back in my life for minutes and of course I have to use a gun! I never even had a toy one as a kid, was that mum's rule or yours? How do I even use one? Raul, what's the simplest thing you've got, something that won't jam or explode if I don't know how to do all the whatsits with it?  He pauses for a second, embarrassed.  Do you have a knife or anything as well, in case I can't figure the damned thing out? 

He tries not to snatch the weapons from Raul and rushes wait by the car, refusing to look his father in the eye. He shoves the gun in his pocket and tries to distract himself by googling "Dostul".
bramblefoot
raul will dish out a .38 special and a wickedly sharp boot knife to konstantin.  "i have an old car"  he says, dishing another 38 special to grygoriy

as konstantin begins to panic, raul places a massive mitt on his shoulder  "deep breaths"  he says.  "shaky hands means you miss, and missing means you're dead in a combat scenario"  he says, trying to be helpful
Canuberon
 Grygoriy 

 
 Originally Posted by Waistcoatwill 
  You're back in my life for minutes and of course I have to use a gun! I never even had a toy one as a kid, was that mum's rule or yours? How do I even use one? Raul, what's the simplest thing you've got, something that won't jam or explode if I don't know how to do all the whatsits with it?   
 

Another hissy fit. Dear, that kid is a drama queen.
Best not to go into this right now, his ego is fragile enough as is.
Did I not explicitly say I didn't want any one of us using a gun or rushing into that situation?

  Lemme grab some night vision binoculars.
I'll take lookout.
Hacker boy, can you scan police radio for interventions from their side?
We don't want them on our ass as well.  

Looks sternly towards the Ghoul
  Raul, keep my son safe.  
bramblefoot
 "of course sir"  raul says with deference. he will pull a beat up car that looks more like an APC than a car in  "got plenty under the hood"  he says, ushering everyone in
Canuberon
 Grigoriy 
  Will that thing even get us there? I'm taking my own car.  

After driving over towards the incident site, I park one block away.
I'll look for a high building with a fire escape on the outside that I can easily climb up and get a good look at the situation.
When up there, I call hacker boy again to give an update.