The night after the primogen meeting the word goes out to every Kindred in the city. Court is being held again, but this time it will be hosted by Mr. Arturo in the private Lounge of the Lucky Star Hotel and Casino.

There will be valet parking, as well as a discreet entrance for anyone who wishes, or needs to use it.

Early in the evening, by chance or fate, a dusty old black van rolls into the casino's parking lot just as the sun sets over the horizon.
The van sits for a few minutes, as the dusk fades and night again claims sanfield rock, when the van slowly creeps up to the valet entrance and a beautiful young brunette steps out of the drivers seat and walks around to open the van's side door.
A thin, and gaunt man steps out of the van and stretches his arms, yawning nostalgically, remembering the time when he was alive and his muscles had needs.
As the valet driver reluctently drives away to park the van, Leon Banks and Betty, his brunette, enter the casino and approach the bar.
As betty orders a couple of drinks, Leon's eyes slowly search the crowd for a familiar face, maybe Arturo still runs this old dump, or maybe the times have changed since i left on tour. Either way, an hour on the roulette table should be a good way to reconnect with old memories.

Thomas Arturo will be down in the main casino shortly after sunset. Looking very proper in an expensive suit tailored for tonight. He intends to greet the arrivals himself, and any regulars would note that security seems to have doubled tonight...

When Thomas spots Leon he will make his way over slowly. When the man went on tour noone had expected him to return...

Thomas slips up to the table next to him.

'And here i thought id have to find another pianist to make the lounge singers swoon. Its nice to see you back in Sanfield, Leon..'

Alexi will be attending to the honored guests of the evening that arrive in the Lounge.  Most everyone who has been in or around the Casino will recognize him.  

Making sure all are comfortable and satiated, Alex will be easily noticeable about the lounge, and has placed a fairly familiar high-back chair amongst the other seating.

"it's been a long time, Tom", leon shruggs, "it's like hell out there, you know, I almost didn't make it back"
"I guess some things never change though... what are you doing still runnin this joint?"
after he pauses, Betty joins them at the table and sets out two glasses of fine merlot.
"I guess you haven't met Betty yet, she's from up north near the carolinas." Betty smiles and curtseys, greeting the dapper Casino owner.

 Two Black suburbans, windows tinted, pull up to the front of the casino. The drivers exit the vehicles and the valets open the doors. The entire clan is dressed in matching black suits with burgundy shirts and black ties. I lead the way nodding toward the ghouls to enjoy their free time at the casino. I glance at the rest of the clan motioning them to enter into the establishment, whilst I speak with the owner. "Good evening Mr. Arturo, how are you doing?" with a slight bow."I appreciate your generosity in hosting our function. I was disappointed you were unable to attend my little soirée in the garden. I do so hope that childe of yours can overcome her shyness, I miss hearing the artistes opinion. If anything it might be the most eloquent there," with a casual smile. "I hope you do not mind me allowing my drivers to gamble? If you have any need of assistance, please feel free to enlist them into your service."

I follow behind the Regents and I pass him as he stops to talk to Mr. Arturo. I enter VIP lounge and wait till He enter before taking my seat. I glanced around to see if the Princes has entered the court and I make note of anyone I’m not familiar with.  

Vittorio is down in the casino early, dressed in a handsome suit, maroon silk shirt, and black tie.  His blonde "eye candy" still clings to his arm, tonight dressed in a blue backless dress.  He whistles as he strides casually around the casino floor, taking stock of the action for the evening.  With his free hand he continually makes a small ping-pong ball appear and reappear...the simplest of parlor tricks, but its something of a habit.

Christine got drafted into being in the casino tonight.  Well, seems Mr. Arturo is going to be busy, so, she's watching over the dealers and customers.  Not such a hard task, after all, she's more a coordinator than much else.  Plus, its rather hard for many to consider her as a danger.  Little girl does not equal able to spot a cheater at 50 yards for some reason.  Doc did teach her a lot...after all, he did make a damn good living from gambling for a lot of years.

As for Rose, she will also be there.  Looking for Thomas, probably to tell him what happened the night before.  As for anything that might happen tonight, well, she does realize the prince of this city is, after all, a malkavian.  Not a good sign, from all she's heard about what is happening.

Thomas will greet the lovely Betty in predictable fashion, with a compliment and kiss to her hand.

'This place basically runs itself these days. I can just enjoy the domain and focus on other persuits. Im sure you noticed the massive new centerpiece to our fair skyline?..'

By his bragging tone Leon can easily infer that Thomas designed it...

Thomas shakes the Regents hand and greets each of his acolytes.

'Rose filled me in on the evenings proceedings. I purposefully chose someone more observant than conniving...' He admits.

'Tell your men to enjoy themselves, I have a small army here guarding us tonight. We are quite secure..' THomas assures everyone.  

Everyone entering the casino would feel eyes on them.  Not malevolent eyes, but observant, watchful eyes.

Few know of me, unless of course one had attended the previous court.  The Primogen know of me simply because He has made them aware.  

I find it amusing that so many of the Kindred of this city feel the need to go everywhere, with everyone, especially those wretched sorcerers.

For now I am content to observe, note who goes into this building.  Security seems to be light, well, light enough.  Hopefully they won't have any unexpected visitors.

Standing on a rooftop adjacent to the main door of the casino, Shade peers through the shadows down at the main drive.  War is on the horizon, and for one such as himself it means one thing.

A grin caresses the corner of Shade's mouth.

"It's about time I got to have some fun..."

as Mr. Arturo is greeting his guests, Betty takes the opportunity to make a phone call, after sipping on her second glass of merlot.
While she is talking, Leon wanders to a window, to try and see the new building Mr. Arturo was speaking about, he had been asleep until they arrived at the casino.

Immediately he notices the dark monolith towering over downtown sanfield.
A cold chill creeps up Leon's spine, as something about the imposing tower just doesn't sit right in his unbeating heart.

Then, after Betty finishes her conversation, she walks over to Leon and whispers something in his ear.

Smiling, Leon looks around for Mr. Arturo, and, approaching him, says, "Great News Tom ... Betty was able to set me up a gig over at the old Muadhnait Fiachra Pub." "maybe you'll be able to make it by tomorrow, if this business doesn't keep you tied up."  

--Last edited by leon banks on 2008-05-16 17:27:51 --

Vittorio wanders the casino floor.  Most anyone who follows entertainment news or watches television would recognize his name, if they don't know him on sight.  It might come across as a shock for them to see him here...no one but Mr. Arturo would have known he was staying in the city (unless they pulled in information from contacts at the casino).  Now he walks about introducing himself.  It sounds like he might be stuck here for awhile, so he might as well get to know the local folks.  

Christine is torn between watching Vittorio, and the other guests.  

Whomever should wander into the actual meeting place first will find the Sewer Rats holed-up therein, having been led directly here by the staff and asked make themselves comfortable. Which probably was intended to mean something along the lines of "Please do not wander about the premises" though Beauty and Hyde's interpretation was more along the lines of 'Locate any cameras or bugging devices in the room and disable them before anyone else comes in.'

The Nosferatu did not deign to walk the red carpet through the main entrance with most of the other guests.  Having absolutely no desire to hob-nob with the snobs and high-rollers out on the floor, to say nothing of being found on the multitude of cameras out there. Truth be told most of them were relieved to hear that they would be granted entrance at the service doors.

Its easy to spot the old divisions of the clans. From the lounge those who entered via the service entrance can even look down on the parading, red carpeters.

The Nosferatu may have been first to arrive, but a few others follow soon.

The Scourge, Both the Malkavian David Morgan, in a rarely seen grey suit and the Brujah Paige Bell in a never before seen black dress.

They arrive through the service entrance and will greet the Nosferatu before watching through the large one way mirror windows down at the others.

Shortly after them will come two Primogen, Marlena of the Brujah and Sasha Moreau of the Ventrue. Normally both would have come through and been welcomed downstairs... but these are not normal times and neither want to be a target.

Marlena is escorted by her gold toothed Childe, Tayshawn Kearns. This is one of his first real public appearances.

Sasha Moreau is alone, her clan being one of the smallest in this city with a madman for a prince....

As the hour draws near Thomas will enlist both Alexi and Christine to help him usher the kindred guests away from the tables and upstairs to the lounge...

Shade will leave his perch as he sees more of the city's Kindred enter the hotel.  He's never been one for public places so Shade will enter through the service entrance.

This evening Shade is dressed somewhat for the occasion.  Sporting a well tailored black suit, black shirt and black silk tie, Shade will appear to step from the night as he enters the service entrance.   As Shade takes the elevator up to the lounge he adjusts the dark glasses that always sign his characteristic demeanor.

As Shade enters the Lounge he will spot the observing Kindred by the windows, and quite obviously the cities Nosferatu amongst the lounge chairs.  Shade will take a place somewhat outside the ring of chairs.  Finding a dark corner and a plush chair to recline in, he will lace his fingers and observe the happenings as the rest of the Kindred arrive.

Alexi will of course respond promptly to Mr. Arturos summons.  Quickly walking down the grand staircase his imposing figure will easily catch the attention of the Kindred wandering through the casino.

The cities Tremere are easily spotted, always sharply dressed as can be expected.  Alexi will quietly notify the Scourge that their meeting will begin shortly in the High Roller Lounge.

Aproaching Sasha Moreau...

"Madame, I was bid to inform you that the meeting you're here to attend will begin shortly.  If you'd like to follow me, i'll be happy to escort you."

Alexi will offer his arm to Ms. Moreau.