<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/53/Sebastian_Richter-small.jpg)</div><strong>Sebastian D. Richter</strong>, Tremere Apprentice<br/><em>Charisma 3, Appearance 2, Status 1</em><br/>Tagged: Joanna Kyleson<br/><br/>"Ms. Kyleson," Sebastian replied sharply, brow furrowed, "I am not one for idle chatter, nor in the habit of sharing my financial situation." He paused, letting his words hang in the air for a moment as he put his hands together in a steeple before his chest. "However, you are a successful business owner and it so happens that I am interested in bettering it. My financial situation, that is. We may be able to assist each other; as such, I will answer your question, since it also constitutes services that you yourself may call upon."<br/><br/>"I consult, of course, yes. Among the younger Tremere, you'll find none as well versed in arcane studies within the city. I am also a chemist -- though without degree, courtesy of a misspent youth. Provided sufficient facilities can be arranged, there are a number of uses for such skills, all of which I offer to those interested. Money will usually suffice, for those who can afford my prices, as I prefer straightforward transactions."<br/><br/>He leaned forward, his tone turning more hushed, conspiratorial. "I also offer what few else can: magic. I have studied powerful rites that can alleviate some of the downsides of our condition -- one of which you already witnessed today." The older man pointed toward his own face, which was now pale and bloodless, that had earlier looked so very mortal-like. "While you obviously have no need to improve your complexion as I did, there are other uses. A mortal sense of taste, the ability to retain ordinary food, to breathe or to derive pleasure from mundane copulation. Pieces of nostalgia," he said, waving dismissively, "that I personally find little use for, but the potential is there. There is even a ritual to grow hair I can perform, to appease those tired of their permanent form." He appeared to consider other potential rituals that might appeal to such vanities for a moment, then continued: "Protective magic is always useful, to ward your haven against unwanted visitors -- even werewolves, if their sudden prevalence is troubling."<br/><br/>"Obviously there are many more things that can be done, upon request, that I will not advertise. These arts are called 'arcane' for a reason." Sebastian cocked his head to the side, studying Joanna with curiosity in his eyes. "Does any of that interest you?" The irony that he, the usurper, was more or less trying to 'tempt' a Follower of Set with these magics seemed to escape him.<br/><br/><strong>Sebastian D. Richter</strong>, Tremere Apprentice<br/><em>Charisma 3, Appearance 2, Status 1</em><br/>Tagged: Calrond/Helena Taylor<br/><br/>Sebastian nodded again, slowly. He was familiar enough with the history of Washington DC and most of what Helena told him wasn't new, but it implied that she either didn't know or didn't want to reveal anything further. It might bear investigating; after all, the necromantic blood-sorcery of the Giovanni was immensely useful if the various accounts he had heard and read of were any indication. The ghosts of the living, too, could be made use of, if properly manipulated, though he lacked any means to influence them beyond the mundane.<br/><br/>If the occurrences had anything about them the Nosferatu would perceive as odd, he should receive a report from Norman Black soon.<br/><br/>Perhaps it was worth a look. Surely it couldn't be too difficult to recruit some flunkies for the task, eager neonates hoping for some scraps of magic.<br/><br/>The older-looking man pinched the bridge of his nose when Helena brought up the folly of testing the prince, summarizing the matter in one curt statement. "Or to influence them with antagonizing and sabotage," he pointed out, though he was certain it was a scenario she had considered already he felt it bore mentioning. "We shall see if such follies become a trend." He certainly had no intention of including her in their new 'anti-werewolf warding' learning program unless specifically ordered to.<br/><br/>Her question as to whether anything else was on his mind he met with a slight smirk that played around the edge of his lips. "My studies, primarily. The lupine ward research shouldn't detract much -- I feel that I will soon reach another breakthrough. Further progress in the path has eluded me for longer than I would have liked." Of course, Sebastian was as overly critical of himself as anything or anyone else -- so far, his thaumaturgical studies had gone very well indeed, as well as could be expected of any apprentice focusing on their blood arts.