2021-04-22 Camarilla Court IX

Camarilla Court IX

Participants: The Camarilla Court of Los Angeles Alejandro Elizabeth Tabi

Storyteller: Crawley Sundance

Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall ‒ Downtown Los Angeles

Date and Time: Apr 04, 2021 0000

Summary: Court.

The auditorium is set up as it often is for Court. The round stage in the center is the focus of the attention, a large high-backed wooden chair sits in the middle. Until late, this was occupied by Prince Hastings. Tonight it is empty. On the right side of that chair is a lower stool, the location of the Seneschal. In that seat, is Crawley, the Nosferatu's hands folded neatly before him.

To either side of the Prince's throne are the chairs of the Primogen Council of LA: Ventrue, Toreador, Tremere, Nosferatu, Gangrel, Malkavian, and Brujah. These seats are smaller but still fancy and wooden in their own right. The Clan symbols of each are carved into the chairbacks to easily identify them. All of the those chairs are all currently empty. The auditorium lights are on but dim. There are spotlights from above that are focused on the chairs and the throne.

Tabi arrives... early. Yes, very out of character for a Rose, but she's here early nonetheless. She moves slowly down one of the aisles between the chairs, as if listening -- not that there's anything to listen to. Still, she wanders up and down the aisle a bit before finally settling on a section of seating, it seems, and... stands next to it rather than actually sitting down, as if waiting for others to arrive.

Judith arrives solo, pausing only momentarily once inside to glance over the gathering, noting seating arrangements, architecture, the who's who, the general mood. There's a ready half-smile lingering at one corner of her mouth but her eyes are slightly hawkish. She briefly touches the comb holding up her hair, and makes her way towards the Toreador.

A some point Caedes is there in an unobtrusive corner, looming uncannily and looking on at the gathered. It's very hard to put a finger on when he arrived or how long he's been there. Otto, the big rotweiller treads into the room and sits pressing against the Tall Man's leg.

The Sheriff arrives, dressed as ever in a grey pinstripe suit, though tonight he is absent his suit jacket having checked it at the door. His short sleeved shirt reveals the twin tattoos of his Camarilla offices, and at his waist is the dagger that he is a utilitarian dagger, nothing fancy. When he passes through the door to Elysium, the tattoos and dagger each briefly glow when the light of the specially-prepared candles fall on them. The box in his hands, perhaps a book that has been wrapped, also momentarily glows.

With an air of practiced courtly grace, he moves through the room until he finds himself standing at one of the pillars watching people walk through the doors and scrutinising them for any hint of thaumaturgy. An upnod from him to Artemis, who also separates from the main contingent, sends them to another entrance to do the same.

Becky makes her way into the Auditorium, body language indicating a certain level of discomfort. Legs moving stiffly, back rigid, and golden eyes darting around the room. The Gangrel does appear to have made some effort to keep up appearances, as she is wearing black slacks, black sneakers, and a white button up shirt. The outfit likely included a blazer at some point, but that seems to have gone missing. Somehow.

Once fully inside, Becky makes a bee-line for the back of the room, pressing her back up against the wood paneling and crossing her arms.

Siegfried strolls in and slinks around the crowd, making his way to a swift seat, as he is a stranger here.

After the appropriate amount of gladhanding on the way in, as others are surely arriving, Schultz ascends the steps to the stage, and there takes a seat, on the one reserved for the Ventrue Primogen. He is dressed formally tonight, in a black tuxedo that, though new-looking, is tailored perfectly to his form and is to classic proportions. The black and white penguin suit is given a subtle splash of colour and a touch more modern sensibility with a purple tie and vest beset with a brocade pattern in golden thread. A matching pocketsquare is tucked in the breast pocket of his jacket. He also has a small, tasteful white boutoniere.

He sits, unlike his more casual style typically seen, upright and with proper posture, although he still crosses one leg over the other and folds his hands in his lap as he waits for court to begin.

His bodyguard remains in the back of the room, after accompanying his charge in, while Schultz goes up to the front.

Within the Tremere contingent comes a darkly dressed Lydon Vogel, as ever in his black business suit with both hands stuffed neatly into his pockets as he strides forward. His expression is cold and dour; Distant. Otherwise, with Alejandro and Strauss claiming their own seats, as an Officers of the Court, he seems to lead the rest of Tremere to their expected sitting area, arranging himself neatly into place with a calculated slouch.

Juan arrives a little bit earlier than the start time for court. The tall man wears a light green jacket over a black t-shirt with jeans and a pair of comfortable slip-on shoes. Looking around to the gathering kindred he offers a nod of his head to those he meets eyes with as he finds himself a place to sit. Settling in comfortably, he smiles while waiting for court to begin.

Artemis arrives in Elysium, their suit one of the purple on black numbers they had been favouring lightly for the last little while. They are following along behind the Sheriff, gait a relaxed stride as they smile at those kindred they are familiar with, or a polite nod to those few acquaintances. At the nod from the Sheriff, they return the gesture firmly, direction changint till they come to a rest by the other entrance, their own candlelight washing over those kindred using the other entrance.

There will be more Kindred in the auditorium tonight than is often the case. Every Camarilla Ventrue or Toreador in the city for a certainty. They have streamed down to Bunker Hill from their penthouses in the Financial or Arts District. Not to mention, their townhomes and mansions in Silver Lake and Los Feliz. There is only one notable exception - Emily Cade, the Toreador Harpy who seems to have turned into a recluse in recent nights.

There will be the serried, orderly ranks of the Warlocks who will assume their seats in the Tremere section. It's more difficult to say with the Nosferatu as to just how many have crawled out of the sewers. Nor can one entirely keep track of the Malkavians...But there will be several recognizable figures, such as Terrence Wobart Skeffington III, who is wearing a bedraggled, yet once quite designer suit. He's there with an older, somewhat confused Kindred, who bears a vague resemblance to Bela Lugosi, and who has been seen in Terrence's company quite a lot lately. And there's Martha the Cat-Lady.

There is a hush of expectation in the air that there will be major announcements tonight. There is fast circulating gossip that a private plane touched down at the Burbank Airport earlier tonight, carrying with it the Ventrue Archon, Godfrey Bullard. Its occupant is rumored to be be the youngest Childe of Prince Jonathan Lightbourne, who is supposedly going to pull back the curtains and reveal just what the Kindred of Los Angeles have to look forward to in the years ahead.

It goes without saying that quite a few Anarchs from as far afield as the Westside, Hollywood and South LA have found their way to Court tonight as well. Most of them hang in the back - others find greater security among their own Clanmates (especially among the Nosferatu or Malkavians).

That is with the exception of the rather dangerous mob of Brujah bruiser and Gangrel nomads. The vast majority of which claim Anarch allegiance, and only a somewhat token number with Camarilla sympathizes. There are two Brujah that seem particularly forlorn - known as Beth and Cooper, of North Park. Without either Zane or Quinn to protect them, they seem uncomfortably aware of a few of the dirty looks that some of the South LA Brujah are shooting their way.

It isn't often that Regent Maximillian Strauss attends Court - perhaps pulling himself away from his arcane and unknowable studies once or twice a month. He's here tonight, which suggests that something important might be afoot. He is sitting at the Council Table in the center of the auditorium in the big wooden chair emblazoned with the symbol of the Tremere. His hands are concealed by tight black leather gloves, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. His features could be mistaken for that of serene indifference...although his eyes, concealed behind a pair of blood-red lenses, lend him a rather more sinister aura.

Avery arrives for Court amidst the usual Tremere contingent, wearing a pretty blue dress and silver heels. Green eyes wander the auditorium as she makes her way after Lydon, towards the area her clan tends to occupy, taking everyone and everything in before settling into a seat.

Rain arrives in her wide brim hat and mirrored shades. She carries a cane with a red demon skull on the end, though she doesn't seem to need it for walking. She joins the crowd to see what big announcements may happen tonight.

Tabi, all smiles, lifts a hand to wave a greeting to Judith as the other Rose arrives... and gestures to the section she's 'secured' for the clan. She remains standing near that section of seating to help others of Clan Toreador quickly and easily find their way over, being as she stands out nicely in the simple, and somewhat showy, red dress she wears.

Cassie arrives with Zebastian and Mae, a jiggle in her walk and a giggle in her talk as they move through the auditorium to establish a glamorous little Westside Island over by the cheap seats. The trio look as devastatingly stylish as ever, the tiny Toreador herself wearing a cropped, Greca style one-shoulder Versace top paired with high-waisted, semi-sheer white pants that hug her thighs and pert bottom before flaring below the knees, and a pair of Valentino Garavani Rockstud leather pumps. The outfit is completed by a ridiculously wide-brimmed Parisian style hat and a pair of oversized Oakleys that gives the whole ensemble a decidedly 'WAG out for a game of sportsball' sorta vibe.

When Kennedy arrives it is with Elizabeth and Lunette in tow, her right arm withdrawn from Elizabeth as they pass through the auditorium doors one by one and then offered to the Chancellor once they are both through. Her presentation, as always during court, is masculine; a finely tailored Chanel suit and matching sneakers. The women's left arm is offered to Lunette as she begins making her way through the gathering kindred to lead them to their customary seats amongst the Toreador crowd. After taking stock of the gathering Toreador she expresses a rather pronounced frown and leans toward Elizabeth, whispering something to the Toreador Whip before leaving she and Lunette to their seats and moving to Toreador seat at once side of the Prince's. Her gaze lingers on Strauss for a moment, inquisitive, but she says nothing while seating herself.

Shelly is surely nowhere near as assuring a physical presence as a Brujah, but she spares both Beth and Coop a friendly wink from across the way before she takes up her own door station with her fellow Deputy, keeping an eye out for perhaps the more mundane possible trouble, counterpoint to the magical lookout of the Tremere.

Who's that androgynous figure? It's Zebastian! Arriving in usual fashion; dressed in a battered black biker jacket atop a gauzy red-and-black leopard print button-up shirt loosely tucked into a pair of black jeans subtly flared over some stack-heeled Chelsea boots. With that abundance of hair all loose n' long, and the oversized rose-tinted spex? The musical Malkavian looks positively rock-star, babes. In his shadow: Mae, emotional support Ghoul extraordinaire also dressed in red n' black, don't mind her -- and besides? Cassie of course, an absolute vision of Westside Rose prestige.

Laughter and chatter as Zebastian leads Cassie through the aisles towards the Isle of Entitled Westsiders. Zeb himself is sporting the kind of droll energetic buzz of someone attending a friend's friends' experimental theatre performance: will it be horrible, hilarious, haunting, or all that and more? Only time will tell! Wait omg; is that Terrence Wobart Skeffington III with /Bela/? A hand covers his mouth as Zeb leans closer to Cassie -- then a finger-wave to a fellow Westsider over yonder -- moving to take a seat for the show to begin...

Settling in comfortably to his seat, Lydon Vogel politely inclines his head for Primogen Schultz when the Ventrue arranges himself, and as well, for Chancellor Tanner and Judith both, if they should happen to look in his direction.

Sterling Barclay-Lockwood arrives at the head of a trio of Ventrue, who make their way quickly and directly toward their section without a lot of socialisation or the like. At the head of the delegation, Sterling has something of a smug air about himself this evening. He's followed by Sebastian Barlowe, and Khadijah Khalid. He's dressed in an immaculately tailored charcoal grey business suit with a dove grey silk tie and Italian leather shoes. It's all very plain and conservative, but expensive and perfectly styled, which is kind of his look, honestly. Swiftly finding his usual seat in the midst of the other Ventrue, he settles down and folds his right leg loosely across his left, posture somewhat relaxed as he settles in for the evening's events.

Harper slips in shortly behind Shelly, giving the room a slow look over before she moves towards where the Deputy stands. She stops and murmurs something quiet to her, gives her a warm smile before she turns to walk over towards the Rose's seating to take up her perch for the evening.

Lunette arrives and walks slightly behind Kennedy and Liz until the arm is offered for her to take, and as she makes her way down towards where the Toreador usually sit, she looks about with a slightly widened gaze. Yes, so many people.. more than usual. She looks away and finds her seat, sitting soon enough while offering a wave to the other Roses.

Artemis offers a small nod and a smile as the Toreador pass through,, a quietly murmured hello as they pan the lights over them, revealing any magics currrently present on their beings.

Otherwise, they allow them to proceed unmolested beyond that, though, returning to their duty to the continues safety of the Praxis at large.

Violet is behind Avery, letting her walk in first so she can take her seat before Violet takes her own. She's dressed in a Violent Violet blouse, black slacks and a pair of black penny loafers. Her hair is up in a french bun and a pair of glasses rest on the bridge of her nose. She sits up straight, staring ahead, and not saying a word for now.

Khadijah files in with Sterling and Sebastian, dressed tonight in a completely out of character, simple black dress and heels. She finds a seat next to her coterie and seems to be quiet and focused, taking in the sea of people who have flocked in for the spectacle of court tonight. She whispers to Sterling and Sebastian then resumes her people-watching.

Crawley is surprisingly quiet tonight. Normally the Nosferatu would have called Court to order. Or at least been ready to do so. Instead, he sits, rather expectantly in the Seneschal's chair, waiting. The Sewer Rat does give a nod to each of the Primogen as they take their places in the chairs. The look upon his face is placid, distant, the one which seems permanently plastered on him during Court.

Polite nods bows happen, seeming to be the done thing, and every one that is sent Alejandro's way is returned in kind with one of his own. One or two polite smiles, but his eyes seldom linger away from the door for more than a split second. He has folded his arms as he leans comfortably against a structural pillar. Those who know him particularly well will know that he has been feeding publicly a lot more recently and that though he is often quite tired, tonight he appears to be in good spirits.

With more of the Roses arriving, and their area of seating thereby more easily found by others, Tabi finally finds herself a seat in that area, as well, amid offering greetings by way of hugs and air-kisses and the like.

Judith catches and returns a few smiles and nods her way as she makes her way to a seat, and she politely returns them all. Each turn of her head catches light in that orange garnet she's wearing in her hair; whoever sits directly behind her is going to get a moderately distracting eyeful.

Siegfried watches the bustling horde with great interest...perhaps too much interest, in fact. It may be a little unsettling.

Shelly offers an elbow bump towards Harper after even giving the friendly Rose as thorough a lookover as she'd give anybody else and return a murmur in passing before Harper's off to that little Garden of Roses.

Juan studies the Anarchs and bruiser bruja as they arrive, the tall gangrel's face impassive. Letting his gaze move over the various others coming, he doesn't speak or wave. Instead, he seems to be watching while trying to put names to faces to understand who's who at tonight's court.

Becky keeps to the back of the room. Arms crossed, chest still and lifeless, as her unblinking golden eyes move about. Alighting on each new arrival, then moving on to the next. The Gangrel shifts her stance a bit, looking for a more comfortable position.

There's another new face here tonight, a young (appearing) woman with pale blonde hair and a few whisps of blue and violet tresses woven around her temples. Her hair rises and billows as if caught on a breeze, even though the auditorium maintains its reliable cool but otherwise unnoticeable air conditioning. Cordelia Whitechurch is nothing if not confident, her no nonsense stride carrying her through the front doors and into the trickling crowd where she doesn't seem to lag or weave to accommodate those in front of her -- she just bullies on with the reassurance that they'll *move* before she gets there. Rather than take a seat in any particular 'section', the Tremere takes a place toward the front of the auditorium where she will in theory be treated to the clearest and closest view. She flops more than sits, her body sinking an inch down in an almost hunch before she straightens back up and crosses one leg over the other. Sitting still must take some kind of effort because her dangling foot bobs with reserved energy, her eyes flitting about in search of something interesting.

Artemis grins at Judith as she passes, a light chuckle and a 'Long time no see' said in an amused tone, the light of the candle panning over her silhouette, revealing any magic there. There is a raised brow at her dress, a brief cchuckle and a nod." <English>

Dressed conservatively in a charcoal suit, Sebastian's style is far less polished than his mentor, Sterling's. He makes it work though. He's nervous attending court, but strides dutifully to the Ventrue section. He sits, rather stiffly, nodding a little at Khadijah and Sterling's whispers. He glances around, pushing up his thick glasses. A faint blush colors his cheeks, shifting his attention dutifully to the assembled chairs, Seneschal and Primogen.

Schultz remains up onstage, watching - for the first time from this angle - the sight of seats filling in anticipation of court. And quite the crowd it is! He shows no signs of being a wilting flower on stage, and takes time to look at those he knows and those he does not alike. Friends and closer acquaintances likely get a small smile if he catches their eye, but mostly he takes in the sight of this sea of murmuring predators.

Otto stays quiet, mostly panting and drooling.

Elizabeth exchanges whispers with Kennedy before turning toward her seat among the Toreador and Daughters of Cacophony, where she settles in beside Lunette. Hazel eyes then toward the stage and the Primogen council seated above with particular attention paid to Strauss.

Hands moving to rest loosely clasped in her lap after she settles in, Avery glances at those seated around her before taking in the slowly growing crowd and any new, unfamiliar, faces she might happen to catch at this early stage of the evening.

Khadijah will smile at those she knows as they pass by where they've been seated, and if she can will give Chancellor Tanner a little finger wave in greeting. She sees Becky too and offers a smile and a little wave.

Behind Cordelia, a taller, redhaired man follows dressed much less fashionably. George lacks the supreme confidence of the woman he follows, his own look more one of scanning the crowd. He certainly looks like he'd rather be *just about* anywhere else as they walk in. Schooling his expression as Cordelia clears them a path, he moves behind her in his jeans and a button-up ensemble, the sleek black leather jacket he wears over it is clearly new from the way it grips just a *bit* too tightly around his shoulders when he bends to fold himself into a seat beside her, Cordelia's leg callously invading his space as it flits and bobs.

Time lingers on and Crawley shifts his gaze toward the entrance to the auditorium. Perhaps the Nosferatu was expecting someone to arrive? As the last few Kindred start to shuffle in, he movs to rise from his low stool with a bit of a slow movement. The Seneschal shuffles forward slowly and raises his hand. With that gesture the house lights start to dim, telling everyone to take their seats. Court is about to begin. Much like at a theater, the place is soon dark. "Kindred of Los Angeles," Crawley says with a very deliberate choice of words, "I hereby call the Court of the Praxis of Los Angeles to order." A long pause. He then continues, letting his blue eyes sweep the darkened faces that are assembled, "We shall begin with a few brief announcements for the Praxis."

Lilena comes dressed in a blue shirt that sits on her shoulders leaving them bare with a pair of faded jeans and some black heels upon her feet that make noise when she walks across the floor. Tonight she is looking for a place to sit. She looks around and after nodding her head to those as she passes through the door she finds a wall and stands there.

Harper inclines her head politely to Chancellor Tanner and Lunette as they settle in amongst the Roses, then turns her head towards Crawley as he calls court to order. Crossing her legs she folds her hands in her lap, and while the majority of her attention is on the Seneschal she does allow her gaze to roam over the sizable crowd.

Rain leans against her cane slightly as she looks around the room at the large crowd gathered. Her gaze moves to the stage as the announcement start to get underway and pays attention to them.

Sterling glances to Khadijah as she whispers to himself and Sebastian, ond offers her a slight dip of his chin in agreement, the corner of his mouth flicking upward into a slight smirk as he turns his attention back to the rest of the room, seeming to go through a mental 'who's who' of LA Kindred as his gaze drifts over the assembling crowd. When the lights dim and Crawley begins to address the room however, Sterling turns his attention back toward the stage, reclining in his seat a little as the show gets underway.

As Schultz joins them Kennedy's eyes are drawn to her fellow from Century City. Her head cants to the left and she smiles at him. She appeared on the verge of saying something when Crawley begins calling Court to order and the urge is politely set aside. Instead she simply gives him a friendly wink and turns to observe the Seneschal and the immense crowd. Her right leg shifts over the left and her hands fold low upon her stomach, leaning back into her seat.

So. Much. Activity. Zebastian laughs quietly at something Cassie murmurs, nodding to her from up there in the cheap seats. Are Ghouls authorised to vape in here? Scent of cherry wafts from Mae's not too discreet juul, but the Westside Collective contingent are not ... particularly rowdy, are they? Nah, 'course not. As lights dim and Crawley pipes up, the notoriously fractured focus of the Malkavian gets snagged, and Zeb's attention is aimed for the stage - droll expression half hidden behind tapping fingertips.

The Westsiders are here, and so Jay's here as well, because why not? The Brujah doesn't seem all too happy about it though, and he intentionally comes a bit later than the rest of them, to make sure they get to see the unsavory expression on his face when once he does arrive. The dude doesn't even know how to navigate around the Court room proper, awkwardly shifting through the seats in a room full of unknown and unfamiliar predators until he stumbles into his gang. Jay's dressed in a hooded dark trenchcoat that reaches his calves, a black LA cap underneath the hood, and a dark tank & urban camo for pants to boot. He flashes a peace sign Zeb's way and takes a seat close to him, hands folded at chest-level.

Elizabeth inclines her head toward Khadijah and Harper as each similarly do the same toward her. She leans in and murmurs something to Lunette before she focuses her attention back toward the stage, eyes on Crawley now as he announces the start of Court.

Schultz glances over toward Kennedy and, in a rare bit of mask-slipping onstage, allows a warm smile for his fellow Primogen when she offers her wink. His gaze flickers toward Crawley as he speaks, then back to her, giving a subtle look before settling in to business mode.

Tabi continues to offer and return greetings, until Crawley calls Court to order, at which time she, like everyone else, quiets down and settles herself in to listen.

Lunette's focus is mostly forward, though her gaze drifts to the corner of her eye as she glances about as much as she can without moving her head. She catches something whispered by Liz, and it makes her sit a bit taller as she leans over, turning her face towards the woman so she may respond softly.

The lights dim, the Seneschal addresses the assembled kindred and Khadijah relaxes back in her chair, preparing herself for what is most certainly going to be a fabulous ride. She notes the late comers still streaming in with a grin.

The lights call people to seats, but Shelly doesn't move from the station of the door. But as the trickle of arrivals slows and stops (for the moment anyways), she turns to look towards the stage, arms crossed as she leans against the door frame, though keeping an eye on the less familiar faces about the auditorium. Especially those Bruisers.

When Spade arrives he keeps the fanfare to a minimum, remaining as far to the back and away from anything that doesn't resemble a Southsider as he can, with one exception when he wanders over to talk with Beth and Coop for a short moment. Does he even extend a hand and exchange a dap with Beth? It looks like it. Whatever he says is kept quiet and spoken with an easy grin only for those two, a short exchange of pleasantries then he steps off and goes to join the rest of the South LA contingent and settle to watch the show.

Sebastian flits his attention between his coterie mates, Sterling and Khadijah, muttering something to them. At the Senschal's announcement, he focuses once more, growing even a touch more rigid as business commenses.

Cassie is chatting in hushed voices with Zebastian while glancing about with obvious curiosity despite her mostly relaxed and casual attitude. When the Seneschal calls the the session to a start and the lights dim, the littlest Toreador corrects her posture just a bit and leans back a little in her seat, attention focused on the center stage.

When Avery looks at those around her, Violet turns her head to her and gives her a knowing nod. Violet's hands are folded in her lap, right over left, and she sits with her knees together, eyes turning forward again when the lights dim.

Siegfried adjusts his suit from within his seat and continues soaking in the whispered ambience of his first court within the city.

As the last of the crowd begin to filter in, the responsibility of keeping an eye on the magic candles falls to the Ghouls Alejandro has trained for the task. He gestures for Artemis to join Clan Tremere proper, and politely makes his way to his Clan's seating, uttering polite "hellos" and giving formal bows to those he passes, rank dependant.

"First, as some of you may have already heard," Crawley begins speaking in a voice that carries, "Mister Oliver Lancaster has departed the city. The court thanks him for his service, but this means we must find one who will replace him as Keeper of Elysium. If you are interested in the title, contact me." He makes another, somewhat dramatic pause. Enough time to let the words sink in and various Kindred chatter amongst themselves as to who will be Keeper next. Pacing a bit to his left, the Seneschal raises a hand, "Second, I have heard a good deal of chatter lately in the city. Interest in the Kuei-Jin. It is fair warning to all of you to be extremely careful with them. If you come across anything, see the Sheriff or myself before you do anything about them. This can include even something as seemingly innocent as digging for more information on them." "Lastly," Crawley continues, "I know there are many in the city who have run afoul of the drug known as Vee. We have warned people several times about it and the Camarilla has been involved in the investigation to find its source. As of right now, however, it appears as if the creators of this drug have gone to ground. This does not mean they will remain there forever. Keep your ears open and if you see or hear anything, report it to Sheriff Lopez promptly so he can follow up." A beat. "I will also add that we are paying /good/ boons for leads."

When Artemis and Alejandro join the rest of the Tremere contingent, Lydon respectfully nods for the both of them. Otherwise, the German Tremere is quiet and focused on Crawley as he appraises the Nosferatu. He nods, even, at the mention of /good/ boons offered for leads, to which he glances for those Tremere nearby.

Siegfried quirks a brow and noticeably grins a bit at the mention of the position of Keeper.

Judith's posture is at the same time straight and without strain, as if she could hold an at-attention for hours. That low fall of a bustle from her dress is draped neatly off to one side, her hands folded relaxedly around one knee. She's noted the various whisperings amongst the Roses, but her focus now rests fully on the stage, on Crawley.

Something in Crawley's words cause Khadijah to pause a moment. She again leans in to whisper to Sterling and Sebastian about something that is on her mind. But she is eager for this court to get underway, and quiets down then to hopefully encourage things to proceed.

Maximillian Strauss listens with a distinct impassiveness, his pale sculpted features betraying not the slightest hint of any sentimentality as to either the recent departures or the other troubles afflicting the city. It is only as the minutes stretch by that just a hint of nearly impossible subtle annoyance touches the Regent's jawline...As if he had expected a rather different announcement by now.

Tabi is doing much the same as Crawley speaks, as most everyone else in the place -- quietly listening as she sits with one leg crossed over the other at the knee, hands folded atop.

Lilena looks on at the court procedings and looks around the room with a smile upon her face. She moves her eyes back on to crawley and listens. She takes out an ipad from her little purse and begins to type things on it. She seems to be taking notes.

Zebastian gives Jay an upnod, as the Westside Brujah sits by him and Cassie -- peace sign returned, before the Malkavian's attention is snagged by the--- centre stage? Pipe organ? The ambiance, man - the whole wild vibe. He's probably paying attention to Crawley - maybe, likely - or the Primos - or Martha there, or Terrence and Bela - who can say? Not Zeb; he's a quiet, well behaved albeit distractible Malk.

Schultz's eyes track Crawley. He remains more or less impassive, hands folded, listening to the updates on these reminders and points of information.

Avery's head tilts a bit to one side as she listens, attention primarily focused on the stage. That attention shifts momentarily upon catching Artemis and Alejandro making to join where the rest of the Tremere sit, but then she looks right back to the stage and slowly at those seated there.

Nisha sneaks up behind Lilena and points to the crowd with a totally acrylic nail, "Packed in like sardines. Lucky I'm a fish person.", the Asian said while chomping with her shark like chompers. She was wearing a black dress and looking casually late. "Had to get changed."

Sebastian pays studious attention to Crawley as the Seneschal speaks. The first bit and pause leave him relatively disinterested, but the second and third subjects have him glancing at Khadijah and Sterling. Khadijah's whisper gets a bit of a shrug coupled with a fond smile. The smile is gone by the time his attention turns back to center, waiting for what's next on the agenda.

Cassie flashes Jay a smile and a mouthed 'hey' when he arrives and joins their little group, clearly happy to see him here, but with the show about to start, there's no time for more greetings right away. Listening to the Seneschal kicking things off, a couple glances are sent Zeb's way at certain mentions, a sweet little smile painted on her lips. Resting cute face, it's a thing.

Elizabeth crosses her legs and leans back in her chair as she listens to Crawley's announcements. Her expression betrays no surprise at any of the Seneschal's points, from Oliver Lancaster's departure which had leaked out via the harpies the evening before, or the mention of the Kuei-Jin of Koreatown. Only the mention of the Vee creators going to ground brings the smallest of frowns, though that look is fleeting before it vanishes, again. Hazel eyes shift from Crawley to Strauss and back.

Lunette's expression remains the same as she hears what Crawley mentions to everyone in the room. Her right leg crosses over left and she rests back in her seat, keeping her eyes on the stage.

Of course Strauss earns quite a bit of Lydon's attention, as well and the subtle annoyance catches him with an arch of his brow, and a glance towards his Clanmates.

Spade, way up in the nosebleeds, shares a moment with another Anarch. Maybe they hadn't seen each other for some time, because it's enough to distract from the ongoing, although quietly up there in the back. A few distracted fistbumps and a quiet greeting shared with an agreement to meet later.

Sterling doesn't really glance aside when Khadijah and Sebastian whisper among themselves. He gives a very small bob of his head, and the very observant might spot his mouth form two short words, before he falls silent again, his own attention remaining fixedly on the stage as he watches the evening's events unfold.

Juan listens to the announcements as told by Crawly. The gangrel shifts in his seat in an attempt to cross his long legs at the ankle. Looking to the others nearby he notes the reactions painted on their faces as he scans the crowd. Turning to look back at those seats way in the back, he checks to see if the reactions are any different.

Artemis pauses for a moment, their own gaze settling on that small downturn of Srauss's face, their gaze flicking over to the Seneschal for a moment in rank curiosity. They lean forward to whisper something to the other apprentices.

Violet doesn't seem to react to anything, other than the mention of Vee. This gets a widening of her eyes before they meet Lydon's gaze and she gives him a faint nod, looking forward again... until her attention turns to Artemis and she leans towards them a bit.

Kennedy's hazel eyes follow Crawley as he paces, her expression neutral until he mentions Oliver's departure. The news of her former coterie-mate quitting the city causes both of her eyebrows to lift for a second, evidence that she found this unexpected.

George remains leaned back in his seat as the announcements come in, neutral expression in place. From time to time he glances back over his shoulder at the auditorium, taking in the crowd and their reactions to Crawley and Strauss and everything else that's going on. His hands shift and settle to fold snugly across his chest as he watches and listens.

Cassie gets a wink from Jay, and then nothing else. Something to clear away the foul expression, even if just for a couple of seconds. Still though, Jay's chilling and behaving in his own seat... for now. Eyes often wander aimlessly around, tap-tapping of one foot indicating a hint of restlessness.

Caedes turns his sickly sunken gaze on Nisha with an expression of mild surprise. He nods with acceptance and then after scritching Otto a little, he turns his attention back to the Seneschal.

Lilena hears Nisha talking to her and smiles. she turns her head to look at her and eyes her in that dress. "Oh, lovely dress. I changed too. "

A mask of practiced clinical detatchment rests on Alejandro's face, if he sees something that causes him to feel or experience anything but rapt attention he keeps it schtum.

Cordelia doesn't react to the announcement much save a single eyebrow raise at the mention of the Kuei-Jin. She leans to the side, murmuring something to her rust-haired companion while fishing out a rather battered looking smart phone that must have been dropped at least half a dozen times. She leans back into her seat, fingers tippity-typing in a blur of motion as her gaze flicks between the cracked screen and the short Nosferatu at the fore. After typing...whatever that was, she relaxes back and lets her blue eyes drift toward Strauss, the sight of the spectacled man earning a much longer appraisal.

Rain pays attention to the announcements, though none of them seem too exciting her, at least not for gathering everyone in the city for.

Nisha listens to the announcements. Smirking softly at Caedes and whispering a compliment to Lilena. Noticing a lot of new vampires tonight.

It is suddenly and without warning that ear-drum bruisingly loud music will suddenly erupt from every speaker in the auditorium hall. Accompanying the music, the lights will begin to flicker and dim in emulation of a kaleidoscope 'disco ball' effect.

Perhaps most alarmingly for those sitting on the round stage is when it begins to rotate, seemingly of his own volition. It will even result in a display of consternation from the usually imperturbable Regent. And might even badly startle Crawley and the rest of the Primogen.

It will be hard to concentrate on anything as the strains of K'Naan's World Cup 2010 classic 'Wavin' Flag' begins to blare out as if whoever loaded up the track had a personal grudge against every Kindred with Auspex in the complex.

'~ When I get older, '~ I will be stronger '~ They'll call me Freedom, '~ Just like a waving flag '~ And then it goes back (x3)

It is while the Kindred in attendance are still parsing the lyrics of an admittedly very catchy and faux-inspiring (if badly overused) song, that an unfamiliar man will stroll out onto the stage. He has brushed back hair, a smart goatee, and the certain vulpine handsomeness of a man that looks dangerously close to either selling you on a ponzi scheme or running a self-help seminar for learning how to pick up women: https://i.imgur.com/z5Jo1cR.jpeg

He'll raise his hand in the air, swaying it back and forth to the rhythm of the song, mouthing along with the chorus, and then terrifyingly, he'll produce his own microphone: "Born to a throne, stronger than Rome," His lips form a moue, "But violent prone, poor people zone," He lifts his eyes towards the Brujah and Gangrel in attendance with a somewhat unnecessary empathy, "But it's my home, all I have known," He sings to you with all the conviction of any other L.A transplant after three months, "Where I got grown, streets we would roam," That's a less defensible verse, so he hurries on, his voice gaining in passionate intensity as he Christopher Walken raps over K'Naan's sampling, "Out of the darkness, /I/ came the farthest - among the hardest survival. Learn from these streets," He points around, "It can be bleak," More unnecessary focus towards the more Brujah'y section of the auditorium, "Accept no defeat, surrender retreat!"

He holds his manicured hand out, pointing towards the Ventrue and Toreador, "So we struggling, fighting to eat and we wondering, when we'll be free," He puts a bit of unnecessary accent on that part, really leaning into the patois, "So we patiently wait - for that fateful day. It's not far away, but for now we say:"

He holds up the microphone to the auditorium, and whether you join in or not, the song is so damn loud that no one will ever know:

'~ When I get older, '~ I will be stronger '~ They'll call me Freedom, '~ Just like a waving flag '~ And then it goes back (x3)

The music fades out. The lights resume some level of sanity.

Bastian Fox smiles at all of you, "Kindred of Los Angeles. Your golden age officially begins...Right fucking now!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awbmTxD7sMM&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=RodrigoMartinez

Siegfried 's jaw may have hit the floor as the madness begins. With wide blue eyes, he stares on in a mix of curiosity and horror. He cannot seem to look away from this pyrotechnic train wreck of an introduction.

Atemis' brow rises, and rises, and rises, the only expression on their otherwise blank, dazed face. "Well." they murmur, curiously, tone somewhat bemused. <English>

Despite the oh-so-inspiring (and totally not embarassing) display on stage, Elizabeth Tanner does not, in fact, lose her composure and fall into a fit of Toreador adoration. Instead, the scrawny waif leans in slightly toward Lunette while -staring- up at Bastian Fox, expression guarded.

Both of Lydon's hands grab at his ears, the German Tremere groaning with the sudden, intense music, when Bastion Fox arrives. He readily recoils, and then glares sharply at the figure.

Tabi's eyes widen as the music begins... and her jaw drops a little as the singing begins. She remains so throughout, as if mesmerized. Then, it's like she simply can't help herself when the microphone is extended towards the audience. She gets to her feet and sings along with the last chorus. When Bastian Fox speaks after the music's end about the start of the Golden Age, she seems to snap back to herself -- and sits back down, though her eyes are still wide.

Shelly stares in both horror and fascination at the //show// that's put on. But when there is a brief pause in the presentation after the announcement of a golden age, she can't help but loudly whisper, "I'm surprised there weren't actually waving flags behind him..."

This would be a great time to rock that subterfuge if you have it. Unfortunately, Cordelia's poker face is distinctly lacking as the lights start to strobe and the presentation begins. Unable to hide her confusion and general disapproval, she audibly says, "What the fuck?" when Bastian's microphone dips encouragingly toward the crowd. Cordelia has the good grace to pinch her lips shut a moment later, carefully schooling any further reaction save a look of second-hand embarrassment.

Avery catches the subtle glance coming from Lydon and she glances first his way, then towards the other Tremere, expression turning thoughtful as she leans a bit towards Artemis. Whatever's said draws a slight shrug and shake of her head in response, and she looks back to the stage, eyes wide as that wonderfully hideous song is blared. "What the..." she starts almost a bit too loud before her mouth clamps shut and she just... stares.

Warrick sat in his seat not saying a word while he watched the show. The battlemage watched the room like a hawk.

"Santa Angela de la Crua de los Angeles", the whisper escapes from Alejandro's lips, but audible only to those who are particularly Auspicious. He raises his eyebrow a fraction of a centimeter at Artemis and closes his eyes. His fingers flash a few Mudras, recognisable as the bindings of silence but only to those who have studied such esoteric matters. To everyone else it just looks like he has an autism stim. Then, he claps. Because it seems to be the polite thing to do.

There's a slow lifting of George's brows as the music begins and the stage starts to transform. His mouth slowly falls open and then snaps closed after a second, and he just can't help it - he laughs. It's short and sharp and he catches himself a moment later but there is absolutely no mistaking that sudden short bark of amusement from the redheaded man.

Crawley glances toward the entrance once again and then back toward the auditorium. "We are expecting some other guests this evening," he says, "but in the interests of time, we can begin with the newest arrivals to the Praxis." Then, it happens. The music starts blaring and indeed, the Nosferatu does a half start at the intensity of it. The lights. The music. It's like he's standing there on stage amid a circus now. What an awkward place for the Hidden Clan. Recovering, the Seneschal can only retreat back toward his stool as this impromptu rap concert begins in earnest. The look on his face is restrained but some might catch a mild hint of dissatisfaction. A clear indicator that he was likely not aware in advance that this was going to be going down on the stage. By the end, however, Crawley fully recovers his focus and bows his head to Bastian when he's done speaking, "Welcome to Los Angeles, Mister Fox." The Seneschal then retreats, letting him take the center stage. "The floor belongs to you."

The sudden noise and light show results in a surprised yelp from Becky, as she clamps her hands over her ears and screws her eyes closed. Hunching over and folding in on herself, the Gangrel hunches over into a tight little ball. Eventually, an eye cracks back open and her hands lift from her ears. Becky is not impressed.

"Motherfucker," is all the Brujah can manage to blurt out as he scrambles to shut his ears closed in his seat. Jay stares up at the stage, what was once an ugly frown twisting into a baleful stare directed pointedly at Bastian Fox. Others nearby will (or not) notice that he's on the very verge of either storming out, or throwing all kinds of curses known to man for this theatric bullshit that's happening. "Who the fuck's that guy?" Man, he didn't sign up for this.

Lunette flinches when the music begins, and when the.. rest of the show continues.. oh god. She blinks slowly and turns her face even slower towards Elizabeth so she may murmur something between those pinched lips. She swallows and looks back to the stage, keeping quiet.

Judith's head snaps sharply aside, not quite as sharply as if she were slapped, but she does lift a hand to cover one ... cheek? ear? Her expression slightly pained, she keeps her face averted from the stage for the time it takes to reschool her features. When she does finally look back in that direction, her brown eyes glitter fiercely.

From up there in Isle of Westside Fledgelings, as soon as that music starts up and resonates around the auditorium... There is movement -- first is Mae, exhaling a plume of cherry scented vape from her mouth, both agog and aghast. How very unusual for the impassive ghoul. What of her ward, Zebastian?... The Malkavian has lifted a hand - both of them, actually - covering his mouth, covering his mouth very tightly - covering his mouth rather like one would if they were choking someone to death, depriving them of both air of breath and with which to scream.

Thankfully, Zebastian does not need to breath - and in this moment, he does not need to scream - or laugh - or scream louder, or do anything, except watch in mute fascination as Bastian Fox raps his way through a spirited introduction, setting the tone for the Clan of King's no doubt ...spirited... call to action for Los Angeles' Cammy contingent.

There is no singing. However, observers might note Zebastian has dully bitten into his knuckles - doing little to mask that Cheshire expression. Fascinated.

Spade squints through the introductory rap, quite the show indeed. To be fair, he gives Bastian his attention for the entire duration, honestly it seems impossible not to with that level of auditory assault. When the music is faded out and the lights are back up he glances to the other Southsiders around him, pitching his voice low to be polite, with the cadence of rapping, but just two lines, "That shit was the worst rhyme I ever heard in my life. ’Cause the greatest rapper of all time died on March 9th." It's a reference, for those with the street knowledge. Then he's turning his attention back to the stage.

The sudden cacophony prompts Kennedy's passive expression to twist into a grimace. It worsens as the dais begins to move and her hands shift to the sides of her seat in order to steady herself. Normally very technology savvy, the Toreador Primogen looks decidedly un-thrilled with this use case scenario and her gaze bores into the back of Bastian's head as he joins them and attempts to rap to the crowd. It is a very thin line that Kennedy walks to prevent her stare from being feral as she leans to her right to whisper something to one of her fellow Primogen.

Artemis blinks, coming back to themself after a moment, their expression now settling on slightly baffled, though more schooled expression. Their eyes follow the Seneschal as he cedes the floor to the newcomer. Eventually, they settle, expression curious once more. Perhaps more so now at the enigma before them.

Schultz manages to only look a little alarmed as the stage starts to rotate, as those assembled are bombarded with waves of sound. Being turned in his high-back, crown-emblaisoned chair, he is left to watch the performance by Bastian Fox. He stares, wide-eyed, but betraying no great emotion or alarm after that initial reaction. He taps his foot to the beat of the catchy song, expression softening slightly, and when Bastian reaches his announcement crescendo, he joins Alejandro in applauding, cupping his hands a little to lend his claps a little extra volume. It's polite applause, sure, but he manages to put some gusto into it.

Rain just stands there and watch, not really making any major reaction to it. She is more interested in what the person has to say than the show, and though it isn't her style she can appreciate the attempt.

Violet leans back after Artemis' words. She gives a simple shrug, seeming to not know whatever it is they asked of her. Suddenly, the music plays and it causes Violet to cover her ears and squeeze her eyes shut behind her glasses. Maybe she is one of those ones with Auspex. Or maybe the music is not her thing. Why not both? She starts to ease her hands away from her ears and fold them back on her lap, shaking her head slowly while she folds her hands again in her lap.

It isn't until Alejandro begins to applaud, and he has managed to recover from his own recoil that Lydon too begins to give... Technically an applause. Fingers gently tapping against his palm.

Sterling visibly winces when the music comes unexpectedly blaring through the speakers, recoiling just slightly as he lifts his hands towards his ears. He does manage to regain his composure after a second or two though, and as he realises what is actually going on, his expression drops. Yes, Sterling has been to more than enough executive team b uilding sessions and corporate away days to recognise this pitch. "Oh dear lord..." he murmurs to himself, lifting a hand to briefly pinch the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger as though willing the floor to swallow him up. This is deeply, truly, genuinely embarrasing to sit through. Especially from Clan Ventrue. Still, he does his duty and applauds with as much enthusiasm as he can summon up when the somewhat bombastic introduction does finally conclude.

As the music cuts out, the long plaintive howl of the rotweiller can be heard sustaining for a few long moments before fading out itself. Caedes calms the upset sog.

• I love it*, says Nisha in a soft whisper to Lilena and Caedes. Gently clapping her hands together. "Fox even seems truly empathetic to clan Gangrel.", completely eating it up, or pretending to.

Khadijah's face is carefully neutral. She doesn't seem startled or repulsed or happy or enthusiastic. Just even and... pleasant enough. The Arabic woman offers polite applause when the appropriate time comes.

Sebastian's eyes get wide behind his glasses as all heck seems to break loose. His surprise lasts throughout the performance, despite his milenial urge to sing along with the anthem. He glances to Khadijah and Sterling. Then his glance slides up to Primogen Schultz. Seeing them try to be supportive of the Clan, when that mic drops, he's there to sing with Tabi. He applauds just as much enthusiasm as Sterling does, but... maybe for different reasons. He likes that song, what can he say.

Harper's eyebrows arch lightly as the stage suddenly starts to move. Her eyes close briefly at the loud blare of music, and a breath is taken even if unnecessary before she opens them again. She gives the man on the stage and his song her attention, then adds her own light applause to the rest, though she remains expressionless.

Bastian Fox holds his hand up to some unknown operator - and as the music fades out, the lights will dim once more. However, this time there will be a warm patina undertone, suggesting an almost fireside intimacy. He'll do a little spin with the microphone as if it were an elephant's tail, while winking at one of the more beautiful specimens of vampiric beauty nearer the front row (and there'll be several women who are certain he was looking right at them, whether they're thrilled or appalled by it).

He'll catch the microphone after spinning the cord around, and then he'll walk back towards the Council Table, where he'll perch his hip back against the edge of it between Kennedy and Schultz (wisely refraining from doing the same anywhere near Strauss). He'll smile at each of them, as if they were dear friends.

He raises the microphone to his lips, and then in a confident voice that suggests he's either going to train you to be a broker or how to bang 9s and 10s, he'll very nearly purr to you, "Let's bring it in for a little gettin to know you sesh. One to one," He upnods at the auditorium, "I know what you're feeling right now." He presses his fist over his heart, "You thought your dead heart would never beat again. And that trembling in your belly? That's not from the bottle blonde you drank down in the Maybach on the ride over," He pitches that line in a way that will only resonate to a few of the vampires in the room, and leave the vast majority perplexed. But the Financial District crowd definitely gets it, "That's /anticipation/. That's /hope/. When I came here tonight, you were survivors. I applaud that. When I finish with you, you're going to leave here fucking warriors. We're going to make this city our bitch and we're going to fuck it until it loves us. I'm gonna light the way. I'm gonna open the fucking door. All you gotta do is walk through."

He then flips the cord around in his hand so that the microphone almost bops Kennedy, but he'll catch it on the upswing and then aim it at Schultz (who he is perched between him and the Toreador Primogen), "What's your name dog? What do you do here?" He'll nod encouragingly.

Lydon will grant his clanmates a stern glance, if any should fail to provide an appropriate applause. Although, his only lasts for strictly as long as is necessary, and not a second longer, before both hands return to his pockets. But then it continues.... And his icy, dour expression can't conceal the utter horror.

Alright, Sterling does smirk a little at the Maybach thing. That was kind of on point.

Cassie jumps slightly in her seat with the sudden onslaught of music assails the auditorium, and everyone within it, looking on with a mystified sorta curiousness as the 'show' unfolds, a few 'is this really happening' sorta glances at both Zeb and Jay before returning her attention to the stage. The rotating stage. She very much does /not/ join in with the singing when Mr. Selfhelp grabs the mic and starts to really get into it, the expression on her pretty features a mix of abhorred and confused amusement, wincing a bit a couple times when the cringe hits max and failing to completely stifle a gigglesnort followed by a small bout of laughter of the 'cry or laugh' variant. Thankfully the music is loud enough that no one will probably notice the small slip, and she pretty quickly collects herself again while watching on with more than a hint of disbelief, and more glances shared with the others sitting close.

Caedes murmurs, "Rubbish." under his fetid breath.

Elizabeth just happens to be one of those near front row beauties who draw that wink and gaze from Bastian Fox. There is the briefest pause before the Toreador Whip offers the Ventrue a demure smile and a wink in return, that smile held until the Ventrue has turned back toward the Council Table after spinning that microphone. The smile fades almost the moment after she is out of his sightline and she leans back in her chair, stoic.

Siegfried peers over to Caedes, then toward Crawley, then back to the wedding singer. He hasn't blinked in 10 minutes.

Artemis looks utterly blank at the joke, their own applause tapering off, as they mouth the word maybach with a puzzled frown.

Alejandro's face remains entirely passive, calculating and though his eyes dart from face to face, he doesn't detect any threat of Frenzy or (worse yet) audible reaction beyond applause from his Clan, he relaxes and gives his full attention to the Motivational Life Coach style speech.

The only thing that earns a grin from Lunette at this point is watching Liz wink back to Bastian. She eyes the woman from the corner of her eye for a moment, then slowly looks back to the stage. She slips her phone out for just a second to fiddle with it, and then turns it over on her lap.

"Looks like the Camarilla brought their new court jester along for the show," Jay turns to the rest of the Westside crew as he says, a shake of his head then. It might sound like he's joking, but the tone and the look on his face suggest that he's not, because even he is seriously considering that.

Tabi, for her part, looks flustered as she sits near Elizabeth. Her almost-always habit of making herself look 'alive' has her cheeks flushed and her chest moving more quickly as she takes air in and out of her lungs, even though she doesn't actually have to do so. She totally misses Liz's flirty wink back at Bastian, and seems to be trying to compose herself.

Zebastian stares -- stares with the rapt unblinking fascination of a photographer on assignment at some chaotic frontline in a revised emu war. What is happening? Something fascinating. No attention given to Cassie or Jay, except for one saucer-eyed glance in each of their directions -- like, are... are they... are they all watching this? Is this happening? He's not hallucinating or-- no, no this is apparently real. Slowly -- slowly -- as Bastian starts ... opening up a dialogue with Schultz, because of course that's his first port of call -- slowly Zebastian seems to focus in and sober. No direct word or acknowledgement to what Jay says, but... Does Zebastian look... amused? Sure, but there is a droll yet paradoxically pained aspect to it. Cringe. It can be difficult to be an audience to this kind of experimental performance art.

Cordelia is just...soaking it all in. Thankfully, she does not offer any further outbursts, but when the Ventrue turns to wink in her general direction the Tremere simply stares back at him with the cold dead eyes of a shark. Unfortunately, she no longer needs to blink so she'll watch the entire presentation without reprieve, and when he turns to Schultz to ask his fellow dawg what he does here, the Tremere lifts her hand to gently press her fingertips against her upper lip. Beneath the shield of her hand, Cordelia's lips spasmodically twitch, whether to smile or grimace it's difficult to say. She makes a soft, breathy *hngh* before looking over at Strauss, wanting to see how he's receiving all this.

Schultz leans toward Kennedy as the Toreador murmurs something to him from the next seat over, the details surely lost to any but him amid the noise. He looks over as though to respond, but then Bastian is moving over, so he just flashes her a little grin.

Whether by intelligence-gathering beforehand or blind luck, Bastian's chosen someone who's never accused of being stiff or a shrinking violet. So he reaches out to lightly take the microphone from Bastian, then rises to his feet. His voice - by far his most striking feature in its honey-smooth tones - is amplified by the sound system. "I'm Primogen Schultz of Clan Ventrue," he relates, "And what I do goes beyond survival. I *thrive*. And I'm ready for that golden age!" He provides a little clapback with this wielder of buzzwords, before handing the mic back.

Judith's demeanor changes subtly, she's shifted in her chair to drape her left arm over the back of an adjoining empty seat. Despite that casualness and as if despite herself, she's now much more interested in this performance. The only crack in her expression now is the soar of her left eyebrow at Bastian Fox's warrior-talk.

By now, Crawley is seated in the Seneschal's chair. He refolds his hands as Bastian launches into his speech. If anyone doubted that the Seneschal was a creature of firm will, they would not after tonight. Though his clear blue eyes take in the speaker, not a hint of emotion can be seen on his face. As a matter of fact, one might think he came to this motivational sesh of his own free will. The rumblings from Jay draws a slight glance from him. It is fortunately dark, so difficult to see who is heckling, but suffice to say he noticed that it happened.

Becky's hands drop back down, as she straightens up. Eyes unblinking and her face set in a scowl. Bringing her hands up to her face, she rubs at it. A huff, then she goes back to leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and composed once more.

Avery applaudes alright, hands unclasping long enough for a singluar, silent clap. She can't seem to help but watch the fresh horror that soon follows, expression unreadable as her gaze fixates on Bastian and those onstage.

The Toreador Primogen feels the whiff of air and catches the scent of electronics as the microphone nearly hits her in the face. She angles herself to the side of her council seat that is opposite Bastian and simply stares at him as he interviews Schultz. Her fellow Primogen's response prompts her attention to briefly shift to him. Kennedy folds her arms low upon her chest.

Rain is a Malkavian, so this much hardly phases her. She is still curious where exactly it is going and waits to see.

"I'm... not sure.." Cassie mutters in half-absent reply to what Jay says, big blues lingering on the stage for a long moment before finally flicking the Venetian's way. A light shrug of one dainty shoulder and a slight lift of brows before looking back to the stage as 'get to know me' time is apparently starting. "I need some more drugs.." she murmurs idly to no one in particular.

Artemis looks utterly blank at the joke, their own applause tapering off, as they mouth the word maybach with a puzzled frown, and continue watching the unfolding.... whatever it was.

Schultz too, earns a... Applause. Technically, it counts. Lydon Vogel taps his fingers against his palm in support of the Ventrue Primogen. This, he forces himself to -endure- for a second or two longer than strictly necessary. Finally, the cold, icy demeanor conceals his expression more properly, too. Although, he doesn't provide the same stern glances to clanmates of his who fail to repeat the gesture here.

George just.. stares, his laugh was sudden and impromptu but he seems to have gotten control over himself once again. He watches Schultz get waylaid and respond, and finally he just shakes his head a bit, glancing to Cordelia before he leans back into his seat and continues to just sort of watch and soak in the atmosphere of the Court.

Sebastian leans back in his seat after the performance, listening to the speech. Like Sterling, he gets the Maybach reference, slight smile turning into something more hearty. His head ticks to the side for a moment as he watches the interactions, measuring the expressions and reactions of the Primogen as this all unfolds. Schultz's response though, it earns a fist pump and a "Woo!"

Bastian Fox looks so pleased as punch with Schultz's response, that if you were a particularly cynical bastard, you might accuse the two of them of planning it out. He takes the microphone back, and then claps Schultz on the shoulder in a very nearly brotherly fashion (or at least a Finance Bro fashion). He looks at him, and then looks back out around the auditorium for a deliberately long time, his gaze finally settling on where the Ventrue are found. (And let's be brutally honest, if each of the Clan seating sections were a focus group, the Ventrue would be the most thrilled right now).

He'll tell his fellow blue bloods with an almost conspiratorial smile, "How fucking lucky are you? How. Fucking. Lucky. Are /you/? Let me tell you boys and girls. You have one badass Primogen. We're going to accomplish a lot together." He then looks at Schultz and mouths the words: A LOT.

He spins away, so that the microphone almost bops Kennedy again, but before he can, he'll catch it on the down swing, "What's your name, pretty lady? Tell us about yourself." He grins down at her, "Goddamn. If every one of you could have the view I do now. She hasn't said a single word, but already she's made two great points. Am I right?"

Somewhat horrifyingly, there'll be a shocked rumble and murmur of appreciation and amusement among some of the rowdier Brujah and Gangrel in attendance. They might hate Bastian and everything he stands for. But this is starting to be genuinely entertaining to some of them (at least those that Spade can't draw a direct line of sight on.)

Bastian holds the microphone out to Kennedy again, "No, for real. I'm sitting here just praying that you're as smart as you are beautiful. Because then we'll be fucking unstoppable," He seems happy to make that assessment without getting input from the other Primogen, "The floor is yours." He holds out the microphone to Kennedy again (for the third time now.)

Alejandro begins casting his gaze in search of the heckler, unashamed of the fact that he begins in the Anarch contingent. In fact, he pretty much lingers there for a while to see if there's a repeat or continuation of it. There's no anger on his face, just a barely supressed eyeroll and the look of a tired parent looking after one too many young children.

Artemis leans forward to the other tremere, whispering something to the group before they settle back in their seat and continue to watch the spectacle ongoing on the stage

Shelly has not reflexively obfuscated out of the way under the force of witnessing Bastian Fox's cringe, though she does look like she's trying to learn Meld With Wall with how firmly she's planted against the wall in the back there. All Fascination gone now, but still can't look away like it's a train wreck.

Violet doesn't move an inch for a while, hands still folded in her lap. She's probably still reeling from having her senses assaulted earlier. Artemis' whisper seems to make her snap back to reality. She bites her bottom lip at whatever was said, and manages a nod of her head.

Caedes just frowns from his dark corner, tarry drool leaking through his many fanged mouth.

Schultz takes his head, but cannot slouch or display relief or gratitude at being off the spot. No, he's still next to the active speakers, so after flashing a ready smile to Bastian and nodding encouragingly, he sits down again and looks attentively at Kennedy. He smiles encouragingly - he seems, to the casual observer, like he's engaged in this!

Judith's posture changes yet again as the microphone goes Kennedy's way a third time. She eases upright slowly, unlaces her fingers. Drops her shoulders. Drops her chin. The truly observant might note that she is slipping the ankle straps of her Ferragamos down off her heels with the opposite toes of each foot, one at a time. Nice and easy. Maybe they're pinching. She's now watching Kennedy closely.

Elizabeth leans sideways in her seat toward the Toreador harpy on the side opposite from Lunette and she murmurs something quietly while keeping her hazel-eyed gaze focused on Bastian Fox and Toreador Primogen, Kennedy Wilde. Elizabeth makes a gesture and the harpy passes her message along to the next Rose in line, which may or may not continue among the clan.

Avery blinks at what comes out of Bastian's mouth next, directed at the Toreador Primogen no less. And as the whispering around her commences, she adds her own quiet commentary just loud enough for those immediately around her to here.

Zebastian blinks - for the first time in a while, to boot. It's the way that Bastian is addressing Kennedy that does it -- nose wrinkled, expression mime for: 'ew'. A look is given to Cassie, tongue clicked before another mute: 'how grotesque' is given. One can forgive a gaudy light show - but casual misogyny? Guess it's not Zeb's scene. There's a glance to Jay, then those pale peepers pivot over the auditorium seating -- glancing across the Roses, the Southsiders, the Whole Weird Fucking Vibe, Man. Hand obscuring his mouth as he murmurs to Cassie and Jay in turn.

Artemis grins at Avery's reply, shoulders bobbing in their amusement. They murmur something back, eyes twinkling as they do. They shake their head, settling leaning bacl so that they can easily murmur to the rest of the group.

Listening to the whispers of his clanmates, Lydon Vogel remains stoic and dour, not immediately reacting to the whispered words, at first. It's when Alejandro whispers something that he nods in agreement, lifting a finger to his lips. Then both hands return to his pockets.

Sterling watches the exchange between Bastian and those on the stage with a dutiful, if tight-lipped sort of smile, eyes flicking from one to the other as he follows the unfolding floorshow. As typical, he doesn't give a whole lot away, but he is here and smiling and attentive, which is surely all that anyone can expect.

Seeming to have gotten some semblance of composure back, Tabi, she listens as a Rose next to her passes along whatever message Liz sent out to the others of the clan. Glancing over, she waits until she has the Chancellor's eyes a moment, and simply nods.

Harper tilts her head, watching as the mic swings back and forth between Fox and Kennedy. Her hand lifts then, leaning a touch so she can reach over and rest her fingertips lightly on Judith's arm and murmur softly before straightening up in her seat once more.

Violet seems to shakes her head a bit at something Avery says, leaning in to say something for once, then sits straight again and nods towards her like she has the right idea of it.

Not one but *both* of Cordelia's eyebrows shoot up when Bastian speaks to the Toreador Primogen in such a...friendly manner. Her hand remains carefully layered over her mouth, her fingers pinching and tugging at her pert lower lip, distorting what would otherwise be a sneer. The blatant sexism is not landing well with her, her dangling foot once again picking up its agitated.

What, is Spade Southside's father? Looking disapprovingly at anyone sniggering over the joke about Kennedy's tits. Well, a little, but also ain't nobody gonna beat the immature boy out of every rough Anarch. He settles for an arms-crossed impassiveness, satisfied that at least the ones nearest him have the sense not to act out too much.

Cassie shift slightly in her seat and makes a minor correction to her stupidly oversized shades, legs uncrossing and re-crossing at the knees as Mr. Schultz speaks up and the mic is then presented to Ms. Wilde. The little Toreador crinkles her nose and makes a semi-disgusted lil face at how the Rose Primogen is adressed, clearly not impressed, eyes flicking to the others in her group behind her shades to share her agreement at Zebastian's sentiment with a slight nod and a slight shrug of lips like something doesn't taste quite right on her tongue. Focus returning, at least mostly, to the stage, she leans to the side a little bit and whispers something back to Zebastian and Jay.

The Rose's gaze never loses its laser focus on Bastian's face even as she feels another small whiff of air as the microphone nearly strikes her nose again. Kennedy waits until he's through before her passive expression, which must have been painful to maintain, breaks into an insincere smile. "Kennedy Wilde. Primogen of Clan Toreador," she says. "Allow me to be the first to thank you on behalf of the Praxis of Los Angeles for joining us tonight, I'm certain that if your ability to fight the Sword of Caine is half as strong as your compensatory misogyny then we are delivered and saved." Her head cants to one side and then the dark-haired Rose leans back from the microphone, tipping her head up to look at him.

Sebastian follows the examples set by Schultz and Sterling and providing as much enthusiasm as he can. His ability to pretend slips some when attention is given to the Toreador Primogen. He glances to Khadijah and leans back in his chair once more. He crosses his arms and slouches some, smile gone and just staring quietly, unwilling to even pretend anymore.

So far, almost no one is impressed with Fox's theatrics, and Jay is pretty much the same. No, he hates it here, but upon hearing what Zeb has to whisper a glint of amusement finally sparks up on his face, a canine flashing in a grin. The Brujah watches almost with laser-focus at the interaction between Fox and Kennedy, half-expecting something to go down. The grin finally dies down to a sneer again.

Artemis leans back in their chair, a fully satisfied response on their face at the Primogen response, their eyes settle back onto the newcomer for their response.

Finally again able to pay full attention to what's going on up on the stage, Tabi purses her lips in an attempt to not show a smirking little smile at Kennedy's words.

Judith angles slightly aside to hear Harper, eyes still calmly fixed on the stage. Once the brief message is passed, she flicks a brief look aside at the other Rose, then to Elizabeth, then dips her chin in a slight nod. After a moment, she angles slightly behind her to one of the harpies, murmurs something brief. There's very little fluttering in the Toreador section, but a message clearly being passed along.

Lunette's lips begin to curl, and she gently sinks her teeth into her lower lip to keep that grin from going far too wide. Her eyes hood slightly and she sinks a bit lower in her seat.

Unlike Tabi, Elizabeth does not attempt to hide her own smirk as she hears Kennedy's response resonate through the speakers of the auditorium's sound system. A small hand lifts up toward the others in the Toreador 'section' before she puts her hands together and clasps softly.

Becky just grins in open amusement, in response to Kennedy's words. Pushing off the wall, the Gangrel rubs at the bridge of her nose.

Tabi's smirky smile finally shows when she stops trying to hide it, and adds some light applause of her own to that of Elizabeth.

Zebastian - fascinated and grossed out, like someone watching a seagull eat a pigeon - stares down at the stage -- managing, just, not to laugh at what Kennedy replies to Mr. Fox down there, though his fingers do snap three times, like a beatnik applauding at a poetry recital. Attention fractures though, and he makes an amused noise to Cassie, murmuring to her in reply - before focus on Jay has him canting his head to the side and sharing a quiet moment. So things go in Westside Isle.

Harper nods and smiles softly to Judith and settles back into her seat as the soft murmuring finishes up amongst the Roses. Her eyes return to focus on their Primogen, and her response has the smile growing softly and her hands lifting for more genuine applause.

Nisha laughed, the gangrel probably joined in with the Hyena-choir in her section. But she cuts it quick, her attention going back to the theatrical performance unfolding.

Lilena just looks up from her ipad when someone is speaking again and she grins from ear to ear this is making her smile pretty wide.

Still Warrick doesnt say a word. This mister Fox said he would make them warriors at the end of the night. What the Hell did this man know of being a warrior? Warrick had killed three assamites and it was known he had. Warrick knew nothing of this Fox character. The Battlemage was not impressed.

Cassie doesn't clap at the Kennedy's reply to Bastian, but a smirk of a smile curves her pillowy, cherry-painted lips upwards, enough to make lips part and flash a little fang. Eyes linger on Batian and the Primogen of Roses for a moment, before turning back to share hushed words with Zebastian and Jay.

Judith also joins the applause after Kennedy speaks and it's quite sincere without being showy. Her expression, even in profile as it is to most of those gathered, says she's waiting for some other shoe to drop.

Crawley watches the exchanges between Bastian the Primogen with a very careful eye. His gaze betrays nothing of how he feels, but the intensity of it is quite evident. One of the fingers of his hand starts to tap on knee. Could be the sign of some mild, growing impatience or just a gesture to keep himself from breaking the otherwise perfectly ugly, withdraw mask that he's currently donned.

Rain doesn't find any of this surprising, nor is very interesting to her. She glances around the crowd and watches how the other people react.

Bastian Fox smiles at Kennedy when she compliments him, and then his features sport a certain moue of wounded disapproval when rips into him a bit. However, it won't be long before he is regarding her with a rather alarmingly intense smile as he takes the microphone back as if it were barbed, "Roses do have their thorns," He reflects in a playfully rueful fashion.

Then he turns a little more serious, "Misogyny," He looks away from her, and then he kind of rolls his eyes at the rest of the auditorium, "Country of origin please? You sound like my high school English teacher," His tone leaves that open to be taken a couple different ways.

He then glances back down at Kennedy, "We're just having fun. A little bit of an icebreaker. I've got to be honest though, Primogen /Wilde/. We're not exactly strangers are we? New York...New York. If only Prince Michaela could see how far you've come. I wish she could be here now and not..." His fingers genuflect the stations of the cross, and then he kisses his hand and points towards the ceiling. He looks back to the auditorium purring, "We're both repping that Empire State of Mind. We play a little rough on the East Coast. And I'm no stranger to a Sabbat Crusade or two. It's true..." He then assumes a more somber and respectfully chastened expression, "But I promise I'll be gentle."

He then slips off the perch of the council table. He gives the microphone in his hand another elephant's tail swing by the cord as he gazes around the auditorium, "Alright. We've heard from the elite. Shall we hear a little from the hoi polloi as well?

He walks forward, looking around for a likely object of attention. He considers Harper and Sterling, though he seems intent on forcing himself to choose a non-Ventrue or Toreador. His gaze briefly flashes over Terrence Wobart Skeffington III, but there's something about the Malkavian that makes him frown. Eventually, he'll look towards where the mob is...and then. He'll aim the microphone right at Spade, "Howabout you, amigo?" He motions Spade forward as if he were the lucky contestant on the Price is So Very Wrong.

Artemis leanns their head to one side, continuing to watch the continued byplay on the stage. Their expression is perfectly bland as they continue. They take in Bastian's continued mummery. As the man approaches Spade, their eyebrow raises, genuinely interested in just what might happen next.

Schultz maintains a tight smile as he listens to the back-and-forth between Bastian and Kennedy. Then, as Bastian heads down among the 'hoi polloi', he leans toward Kennedy a mote and murmurs something, lost to all else in the noise and pagentry of this court.

Becky's hand pauses in its nose-rubbing, as her unblinking eyes nearly bug right out of her head. Her smile vanishes, while her teeth remain exposed in what can only be called a snarl.

"Hah, this'll go well," Jay blurts out amusedly, not caring to lower his voice or whatever, though not exactly shouting neither, as the spotlight is given for Spade. He leans forward from his seat, attention being focused towards where the Southsiders are, lips slowly parting into a lopsided smirk. His interest is peaking, eyes peeling away to look at others for a second or two, to the Seneschal then, and back to Fox & Spade.

Hugging Lilena on her way out, Nisha visually peeks on some of the 'elites' just mentioned, as Fox brings the microphone up to Spade. The young woman can only smile wildly and enjoy the show.

Sebastian narrows his eyes as Bastian says what he says and does what he does. Something in all of that makes Sebastian thoughtful. He starts to chew his lower lip, arms uncrossing and his hands folding in his lap as he watches what happens next.

Alejandro's face reflects the sentiment that comes from Jay, but only for a split second. He watches the Ventrue speaker with rapt attention, waiting to see where this crazy train ride goes.

Khadijah's carefully maintained neutral face -almost- cracks when Fox steps out into the 'hoi polloi' and he glances at Sterling. Thankfully he moves on. The Ventrue's even keeled deamnour cracks then, just a little and she gives Sebastian a small look of disquiet before her features are pleasantly neutral once more.

Zebastian's split-attention between listening to what's happening and chattering on now and then to Cassie slows, as the Malkavian clocks the incredibly rude choice of Fox to neglect Terrence Wobart Skeffington III in favour of... oh. Oh my. When Spade is addressed? There is a slight uptick of an eyebrow, and a gesture towards Jay. Meaning? Ambiguous - mouth obscured behind his hand, as Zeb swoops hair from his eyes, and watches the edge of the stage with curious silence.

Elizabeth finishes her applause and then adopts a more serious and guarded expression as Bastian speaks. She tracks the Ventrue speaker with her gaze while leaning in toward and slightly in front of Lunette, inadvertently (or not) shielding her ghoul from Fox's view when he moves passed those first few rows on his way toward the mob. A brow raises as Spade of all Anarchs is selected to speak.

Caedes watches Spade, hoping the Anarch commander says something rude that stumps the asshole MC.

Sterling watches with quiet interest as things go slightly awry on stage. When Bastian turns his attention to the audience looking for participation and seems to glance his way, his shoulders tighten just a little, only to relax a moment later when he is ultimately passed over. He watches Spade and Bastian with interest.

Avery's lapsed into silence, appearing content enough to simply sit and watch the ongoing spectacle. There's a wrinkle of her nose and a brow arches as Bastian then ventures out among the 'hoi polloi', a bit of curiosity in her eyes when the Ventrue selects Spade.

Tabi watches, quietly, arching an eyebrow at Bastion's choice of 'target' for the microphone. She also doesn't miss the protectiveness Elizabeth shows of Lunette.

Whatever the small back-and-forth is on stage between Schultz and Kennedy, it ends with him offering her a small smile and reaching out the short distance between them to rest a hand on her forearm, in a passing moment of contact. He gives a small squeeze and says no more to her in the moment, arching brows in anticipation of what Spade might say, as Bastian seems to be descending the ladder of deference to his position rather quickly (probably 40 rungs in three interviews).

The cold, dour expression that lingers along Lydon Vogel's features remains sharply intact. His eyes trail after Bastion Fox, and then locks sharply onto Spade, when addressed by the childe of Prince Lightbourne.

Judith follows Bastian Fox with her attention, once again shifting in her chair, as interested in where this goes as anyone in the room, perhaps. This new angle also gives her quiet opportunity to observe the collective Tremere. Brief glance at Strauss, then back again.

"Uh uh..." she can't help but snicker-giggle faintly in anticipation of how -that- is gonna go, even if she doesn't look at all sure that amusement is the right response right now. A short look is shared with the rest of the small Westside group, bu clearly her attention, like theirs presumably, is almost fully on Bastian and Spade over in the back.

Kennedy says nothing else during the exchange. The Toreador Primogen simply stares Bastian Fox down. It isn't until the mention of Prince Michaela and New York that her expression becomes somewhat cold. It sharpens her check bones and jawline until her smile becomes thinly veiled tolerance and is then erased completely. She sits up in her seat and crosses her right leg over her left again, hands folding upon her knee. She seems unwilling to take her gaze off of Bastian even as he approaches the Anarch Spade of all people.

Picking Spade out of the crowd of Southsiders, that can't be an accident. For a moment it looks like Spade might be planning to remain motionless, then his arms drop and he walks forward. The long march through the auditorium to meet Bastian, taking the microphone off the MC for the night. He holds it for a moment while formulating something to say, just giving Bastian the close up one-eyed assessment before tilting it towards his own mouth. He's not the showman that Bastian is, doubtlessly, but he turns to look up at the crowd, specifically addressing the Southside contingent, "We're already fucking warriors. This city is already our bitch, and she loves us deeply." He grins up at his people and then turns back to Bastian, but doesn't give up the mic just yet, "No pep talk is gonna change that. Come find us when you've done your time on the front line." Then he holds the mic out towards Bastian and drops it before the other man has a chance to reach, giving him the moment to turn his back and walk back to his spot.

Caedes smiles, showing multiple rows of needle-like fangs protruding from blackened lips.

Spade getting called forward by Bastian fully draws Crawley's attention. He watches as the Southsider comes forward. "Interesting," anyone who was close to him might hear the Nosferatu mutter. That anyone might also note it was said before anything came out of Spade's mouth. The Anarch gangleader's words draw a small smile from the normally staid Seneschal. A smile which quickly disappears.

Jay says nothing, even as the disrespect towards Fox is made clear from Spade. Everyone can clearly see the glee crawling up to his face when that happens, though, like he's about to burst out laughing but only barely containing it. When Spade gets off stage, Jay slinks back into his seat, lips pursing into a thin line again with disinterest.

Alejandro's face betrays nothing as Spade does what Spade does. It is exactly what he predicted would occur, it is exactly what he would do if he was an Anarch in that position. Though he is always glad not to be an Anarch.

Becky's bug-eyed stare is replaced by open amusement, as she returns to watching the proceedings. Back against the wall.

Artemis snorts quietly from their seat, though their face remains mostly blank through the exchange. They raise an eyebrow at Spade's response, a faint hum of agreement issues to those in immmediate proximity.

Tabi's expression goes to one that make it clear she's trying very, very hard to not wear a broad, shit-eating grin, even turning her head to look away from Bastian so as to better hide it.

Sebastian cranes his head, geniunely curious as to how Spade intends to handle things. His lips purse and he pushes up his glasses as he watches. His breath, usually fairly rhythmic, halts as he waits. Then, a mild look of disappointment crosses his features. His eyes flick to Bastian, watching him a bit closer now that he thinks he's figured something out.

Lunette follows the conversation where it ends up, and then she's quickly looking back to the stage. She glances up and about, taking a deep breath as she does before she leans to Liz and murmurs something.

Elizabeth leans back away from Lunette once Bastian has fully moved on, then pauses to listen to whatever Lunette murmurs to her. A quick smile and a quiet word are offered in return before the Toreador turns in her seat so she can watch Bastian's reaction to Spade's statement.

Initially, Bastian Fox will step back, and make every show of listening to Spade with the utmost courtesy. He'll fold his arms across his chest (in that faintly douchey akimbo fashion that comes so naturally), watching and listening to Spade the whole time with a very nearly vulpine smile.

He'll play it up as well. When Spade holds out the mic and then lets it drop, he'll pantomime a scandalized expression to the crowd, although it's clear that he's having far too much fun. Instead, he'll give Spade a polite clapping as the Anarch walks away and then...

Bastian Fox will step down on the dropped mic with a flash of supernatural alacrity, which causes it to be kip-upped back into the air, whereupon he snatches it with perfect timing, "That's not what I've heard," He purrs in a sing-song voice, returning his attention to the Camarilla neonates and fledglings, "What I heard, is that when the Sabbat were breaking their fangs on the Arts District, and getting thrown out of Glendale...The Anarchs," He points to the mob with eyes that are suddenly so very bright, "Were getting their asses kicked in Huntington Park. Were slinking out of South Gate with their tails between their legs..." He then spins towards the Gangrel section, offering a swift mea culpa, "Figuratively, I mean."

He spins the microphone around by the cord, so that it makes a kind of thrummy sound as it whips through the air, and then he catches it. He looks back to Kennedy with a more solemn expression, "Saved and delivered. Let's be real. You can love me or hate me. You can hate or love the Tower," He glances towards the Anarchs, "But what you all really want is stability. Security. I put on a little show for you. I have a little fun. But I know what you're thinking..."

He folds his arms across his chest, briefly looking down at the floor as if gathering his mental energy and conviction, "I'm not your savior," His voice assumes a note of special pleading, "I wasn't sent here to deliver you. I was sent here to tell you about who will. Would you like to know more?"

He holds his hands up to the auditorium, "Are you ready to stop playing games and get down to some fucking business!?"

Lunette's lips press together softly once more as she listens to Bastian, and as her lips shift to the side she looks about as excited as a goth at a pep rally. Her hands fold atop her lap and she gently clears her throat, keeping quiet as she watches.

Caedes shakes his head slightly, bruised lips turned down in a sour expression. "Humbug." he says under his breath. "Precocious prat."

Tabi, apparently having once again composed herself, looks up at the stage and at Bastian Fox as he continues to speak. Though Lunette totally stole the best way to describe Tabi's level of enthusiasm in what the man has to say, she's at least listening.

Rain leans on her cane as she watches the little show. She had been waiting for them to get down to business the entire time, though time is something they all had a lot of to waste.

Artemis leans back in their chair, their expression a quiet mask of vague interest as the VEntrue on the stage continues with his little show. AS time goes on, the Tremere's attention seems more contemplative.

Cassie can't hide her genuine amusement at how the little exchange between Bastian and Spade turns out, beaming a bright little smile their way and snickering softly when the mic is dropped, head turning to follow the SC'er walk back to his chosen spot for a moment before her attention is back on Bastian and his reaction and counter-reply. The mention of Huntington Park completely erases the otherwise ever-present smile from her lips for a long moment, tho it slowly returns as Bastian keeps talking, albeit something more subdued and polite than just a moment ago

"Was that the lube? - Are we about to get fucked!?", Nisha asks curiously to Caedes. A smile still deep on her face, not taking any of this too seriously. It was easier to digest it all as an act. Smirking at the insult comic with a microphone.

From the Westside side of the seats, a voice can be heard yelling, right after Fox is accusing the Anarchs of what had happened. "Sounds like this comedian is really pushing it for another Bita situation. Someone get this jester off the stage already, he's making all of you asslickers look worse!" It's Jay, of course, standing and sneering from his seat for everyone to see. "Everyone's waiting for your daddy Lightbourne to make up some bullshit about getting rid of the Sabbat, not your punk ass swinging your limp dick left and right!"

Spade keeps walking when Bastian rolls out the predicted comeback, until he's back up amongst the Anarchs in the nosebleeds. Maybe this whole scene will play out in his mind in the future, wondering if he should've foreseen this and prepared something, what he could've come up with. Regardless, his lack of frenzying outright at such a direct callout would imply he thinks he came away from the exchange at least equal. Resuming his arms-crossed posture of impassive spectatorship.

What's that sound, from up in the Westside Island, after Spade addresses Bastion? A wolf-whistle for the Southside Set, of course - bawdy and free of charge from Zebastian, once Spade has said his piece and mic-dropped on Fox. Breathless with droll amusement as he looks to Cassie and Jay in turn, murmuring to them both in a much more reserved fashion -- cherry scented haze wafting around Mae, as the ghoul contributes with infusing nicotine into that bloodstream of hers.

What Bastian says, about South Gate though? Whatever Zebastian was trying to impart to Cassie and Jay is put on hold - hand lifted, as if to still Jay of all things, how absurd - and for a moment... no. Zeb just clicks his tongue, scoffing as his eyes are rolled, speaking softly to Cassie; "They really do scrape the bottom of a barrel, no? For the littlest barb. Imagine - the hubris. How gauche."

Sterling watches the exchange between Bastian and Spade, smirking a little at Bastian's response to the Anarch's speech. When Bastian suggests they might finally be about to get around to business though, he sits forward a little, suddenly far more keenly interested.

Elizabeth uncrosses her legs only to cross them again in reverse. She smooths out the fabric of her gold-brown dress and then clasps her boney hands together over her lifted knee. A glance is cast toward Judith and Harper before the Toreador refocuses her hazel eyes on Bastian. Her expression is patient and composed.

Schultz listens to the accusation and response, then the appeal that the court session actually get down to business. This he can get behind! This, he's sure, everyone can get behind. He starts applauding at the notion of hearing more. But then, just as he's starting to applaud and muster energy, Jay rises and calls out, loud enough that no amplification is needed. Schultz got maybe a few claps in, but now falls quiet, jaw dropping slightly, until he raises it again. Though his eyes do a quick sweep for reactions. Jay to Bastian. To Alejandro. To Crawley.

Now, Lydon arches a brow for Bastion as he reacts to Spade, his cold gaze snapping towards the Anarch, and then back towards the Ventrue again. Then his attention turns sharply for Jay, as well. Finally, well after Bastion's... Proclaimation for getting down to business, he provides a few finger taps against his palm in support of Primogen Schultz, when he sparks the applause.

Becky isn't smiling anymore. Expression utterly blank as she remains leaning up against the wall, arms crossed and eyes unblinking.

Juan watches as court goes on with a lightly mystified expression. He can't help but grin from time to time as the show goes on with his gaze locked on Bastian. When he goes to speak with an Anarch he lets his gaze move between the pair and catches wind of what's to come. Nodding a bit as the Anarch Spade walks away he looks back to hear what will come next.

Sebastian spares a bit of a smirk as he watches the way it unfolds. He nods to himself, leaning towards Bastian Fox just a little, seeming to settle on some version of respect that isn't affected. "I'm ready," he says with a touch of enthusiasm. Neonates and fledglings. What can you do? He picks up Schultz's applause, clapping enthusiastically.

Warrick turned to his clanmates and finally speaks. "If only Spade knew who he kept around him. I had a run in with a very large man who was about to attack Lady Khadijah. He insulted her and called her evil. Lady Artemis can tell you but it seems the big man is an Anarch but something felt off. What it was I do not know but I know Spade should watch his back." Warrick leaned back in his seat and kept watching the show.

Every few moments as Spade speaks Kennedy's gaze shifts to him and then promptly return to Bastian. She watches the Ventrue as he retrieves his microphone and when he looks at her while repeating the words she'd spoken moments ago the Primogen's expression is cool indifference. Jay's shouting is the only thing to succeed in pulling Kennedy's attention fully away from her former acquaintance. With the mention of Bita she mutters something under her figurative breath. She looks toward Alejandro and then back to Jay.

Bastian's comment about the Anarchs causes a bit of a furrowed brow from the Nosferatu. He then catches the retort from the Westside part of the seats. He looks more annoyed than anything if you had to take it at a glance and guess. The Seneschal raises his hand toward the section of the seats where the comments came from. "There will be no threats of violence in Elysium," Crawley says, "The Anarchs are invited here with the understanding that they will keep coarse behavior to a minimum." It's a fairly stern tone of voice - a warning to behave. "That being said," the Sewer Rat's eyes move to Bastian, "I concur that it seems like a good time to move onto business, Mister Fox. No need to provoke our guests." Obviously the Prince's childer is given the lighter end of that warning, but the fact that he said something to him is a clear enough statement.

Judith still maintains that affect of waiting, meets Elizabeth's look, then eyes back on the stage. Her own expression's calm, now, brow only slightly furrowed.

Alejandro shakes his head at Warrick "The formal courtly manner of address for Mx. Whitlocke is 'Deputy Whitlocke'," he can be heard quietly syaing, and then saying something even quieter to the Clan.

The great thing about huge auditoriums like this, is that the only voice that matters is the one holding the microphone. Which means that Bastian is free to ignore Jay's provocative catcalls! Instead, he'll fix his attention on those closest to the circular state with a very nearly palpable intensity. When he speaks, his tone will be shocking for just how direct and serious it is, "There's a tide coming in..." His voice takes on an almost crooning quality, "It's going to lift the sexy fucking speedboats, and the super-yachts and the fucking aircraft carriers. And it's going to sink the little dinghies. You have no idea what's coming." He holds up a hand, his voice rising, "Only the goddamn righteous will see the promised land. I'm your canary in the mineshaft. I'm your last fucking chance to get right with God. Because judgement day is coming, dog."

He then turns around and makes a little spinny motion with his finger, "Roll the fucking tape, Godfrey."

An operator of a projection that you cannot currently see, will fiddle with said-projector for a few moments. Then the lights will begin to dim again...and a gigantic display will suddenly crystalize into existence at the far end of the auditorium hall. When there are operas or ballets, it's where a close up view of the performance (or the translated lyrics of the opera) are seen on the gigantic LCD.

Everything is black, and then projected on the display...There will be seen the slowly licking, tranquil waves of some distant Mediterranean shore. Serene, yet faintly exotic music, carrying with it a whiff of some ancient Barbary Coast will begin to play. It has surprisingly high production value.

An instinctive hush will descend over the assembled Kindred, as every light slowly dies away, so that the gigantic screen assumes an ever greater significance. Something is about to happen.

"Some people would recognize class if it bit them in the butt." Cassie offers back to Zeb, her polite-but-emotionless smile staying put on her lips despite her tone being clearly unimpressed. "No amount of rehearsed confidence and expensive suits can change that." A light shrug and a purposeful little sigh of mild exasperation as she daintily readjust the tilt of her wide-brimmed hat, eyes staying fixed on Bastian behind her shades.

"So much for new FUCKING management, huh? Let's see how well you all fare with this... idiot as your Primogen," Jay sneers, one last time, staring pointedly at Crawley, but acquiescing to his words. He doesn't shout those last words of his though, but he does make it loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. The Brujah finally turns to slump down into his seat again, arms hanging limply to the side, eyes glancing left and right for any prying eyes on him - he knows he's getting them.

Warrick in turn receives something of a stern glance from Lydon Vogel, who maintains the applause and encourages his clanmates to include their own, but it quickly fades once Crawley and then Alejandro speaks, and he nods in agreement with the latter.

In the darkness, the impassive shape of Archon Godfrey Bullard will appear in one of the aisles, having descended from the projection booth. He's not alone. Other suited shapes can be seen emerging from the doorways. None of the current staff would be recognized by Oliver if he were here, or Harper from when she was Keeper. Ghouls from New York, perhaps. Godfrey points to Jay. There's a suggestion that whoever talks next and interrupts the presentation is going to suffer unimaginable consequences.

Cordelia's hand drops from her mouth to land atop the armrest where her fingertips begin to drum, her blue eyes taking note of Spade's retreat before flicking back to Bastian. No sooner does that happen than Jay begins to shout, prompting the Tremere to slowly close her eyes -- no doubt searching for her inner zen -- and then slowly lifts her lashes back up. Things are getting tense which makes her sit up a little straighter, her body sliding forward until finding the edge of her seat. She half-twists to get a better look at Jay, expression blank, before turning back around and settling her forearms atop her knees. She's looking at Bastian almost expectantly, practically willing him to carry on. Thankfully, not long after, the lights dim with the promise of Judgement Day...but not before Bullard arrives. Needless to say, she's paying far more attention to the Ventrue Archon and the Anarch than the screen.

While Godfrey watches, four or five very big and very serious men - serious as cancer - will seize on Jay in the darkness (so dark that no one could see from even a couple rows away) and drags him out for some kind of Gestapo bullshit. It's gonna be rough.

Meanwhile, the opening cinematic begins to soar in orchestral intensity. It gives just enough time for anyone to decide if they wish to join Jay, or watch the presentation instead.

Schultz takes his cue from Bastian just continuing with the presentation, and so he applauds a little louder, to drown out Jay's further comments, until the speakers fill the place with the soundtrack accompanying the video presentation. He then falls silent, turning in his chair as he needs to, to watch.

Jay doesn't fight back, knowing this'll happen sooner or later. He's done getting his ears drilled in with Fox's bullshittery anyway, and what he's about to receive is probably less painful than the awful of a presentation the others are having in the Court.

Caedes smiles with wry humor. "----------- -- - --------- -----. ----- ---- -- ---- ----.?" He chuckles. <Unknown Language>

Avery's lip twitches slightly as she shifts in her seat, unable to really applaud - or perhaps simply saving it all for the very end. Her gaze drifts to Warrick, a momentary thoughtfulness to her expression before her attention returns forward and to the stage for what's to come next.

George who, until now, has looked as neutral as he possibly can, straightens up a bit from his slouch when Bullard arrives. He glances to Cordelia, who he's been exchanging whispers with here and there, but doesn't add anything this time. His lips flatten out into an attentive expression and he leaves his arms tucked neatly across his chest. He doesn't even glance to the side at Jay's sudden escort and departure.

Sebastian is quite happy to watch the presentation and enjoy the safety of the Tower. He leans back and enjoys the show.

Something that Caedes says earns a stern glance from Lydon Vogel, too, who casts his gaze onto Crawley coldly, as though waiting to see what the Nosferatu Primogen and Seneschal might have in response.

Elizabeth sets a boney hand on Lunette's forearm before she focuses those hazel eyes of hers on that large screen. Goon Squad? What Goon Squad? The Toreador Whip settles in to watch the presentation unfold while, like others, paying little mind to what might be happening in the dark rows behind her.

Spade listens to Jay's outburst and the next predictable activity of him being pulled from the auditorium. He slaps the nearest Southsider on the chest and then turns to head out as well, arms swinging as he moves through the aisle to get to the same exit Jay is currently leaving from.

Nisha pantomimes eating popcorn, watching Jay get hauled out. Enjoying her zero calorie diet. Chewing silently and watching the horror show. A bit intrigued. She couldn't stop eating, from one presentation to the next.

Crawley impassively watches Jay get dragged away in the darkness, his eyes devoid of pity. But maybe that's just his normal face. Who can really tell. "Old school," the Nosferatu mutters softly within distance of the other Primogen. He then turns his attention to the well-produced piece of cinema that is about to play out before them. His face brightens considerably. Lightbourne went all out.

Violet, for a while now, has been sitting silent and unmoving. Her eyes are fixed on Fox, as she sits and tries to parse some things he's saying in her head. Something he said about judgment day gets her to turn her head towards the others, catching Avery's glance briefly, before turning to watch what is projected.

The rest of Clan Tremere's chatter happens on the barely audible, even to each other level, as Alejandro leans very close in to his Clan.

Shelly stiffens at Jay's outbursts but well... the Archon and his men seem well and truly to have the situation handled. And so, she still remains. By that main entrance door. Watching this latest presentation and sniffing at the air. "Is that... smellovision?"

...Zebastian's head turns, as the Camarilla Goon Squad move to take Jay away for a conversation. There is a pause. There is silence. There are some very watchful eyes. There is another pause, and then Zebastian turns; pats Cassie on the arm - eyes scanning the crowd, scanning, scanning, swooping over towards the stage - past Bastian, past the audience, over to Southside Set - watching Spade, the smallest of up-nods as he passes by, before Zebastian continues scanning - scanning - over the swathes of Hollywood, the gnarled presence Crawley over yonder. There is a spell, of simply watching. No outburst, no laughter, no nothing; just patient observance, dreamy cast... Then he looks away leans over, murmurs something to Cassie, then stills himself once more under the bright lights and of the circus.

Artemis hums quietly to whatever it is that the Sheriff says, the sound a faint affirmation as they to continue watchinng, though they do not whisper anything back to the mman.

Judith half-tilts one ear to the happenings in the back rows, but keeps face and eyes forward. In this darkness, reading expressions becomes somewhat more of a challenge even if the light of the screen and scenes cast their own glow.

Tabi remains quiet, watching the big screen. She does, though, pull out her phone, though it's been silenced the whole time, and send a text message before putting it back away.

Sterling seems unperturbed by the goings on in the cheap seats, though he is certainly glad of the ready distraction provided by the unfolding, and pleasantly soothing, cinematic feature.

Kennedy emits a faint snerk of amusement at what Crawley says. After order has been restored her gaze turns to the screen and what she hopes is an actual address by the incoming Prince.

Cassie flashes a frown over at Jay when the Venetian can't help himself from letting his opinion be known... loudly, more than a hint of 'why did you have to do that' sorta tired accusation playing over her features, noticeable even with the oversized shades obscuring much of her face. Still, she seems a little taken aback when the 'discipline squad' shows up and seizes the loud-mouth Venetian, frowns turned on them in the darkness amidst obviously confused, and worried, looks at Zeb and May, lips moving as if to speak several times but no words coming out. She'll follow Jay and the big men with her eyes for as long as the darkness and angle allows, before slowly turning back around, clearly still distracted a bit by it all even as the presentation begins and Zeb leans in to whisper something to her. She nods faintly at whatever is said, and then she corrects her posture and settles in to watch the presentation.

Rain doesn't pay much attention to anyone being dragged out, she didn't really know them anyway. Instead she focuses on what this presentation was going to be. It sure had a lot of hype.

Siegfried begins to lose his enthusiasm as the peculiarity drones on. His wide, attentive eyes glaze over and begin to blink lazily as he rests his head upon his hand.

Caedes finds a meaty treato in his coat pocket for Otto. The dog schnuffles is up tout suite.

Lunette glances to Liz when she feels that touch, but then it's back to watching whatever will be projected.

Another agreeing nod follows for Alejandro, Lydon Vogel otherwise simply watching the spectacle in front of him coldly.

You will suddenly be treated to the deep, melodious voice of James Earl Jones. At least, it sounds like a dead ringer for James Earl Jones. Possibly a very badly Dominated one, or one entirely unaware of just who he is doing VO work for. (Indeed, James Earl Jones is famously indifferent to his scripts, despite his profound and awe-inspiring vocal performances.)

He will narrate in touching detail the inspiring saga of Jonathan Lightbourne. It follows Jonathan's origin as a slave of the Barbary Coast, and how centuries ago, he originally made his way there as a child sold into captaviity along the Trans-Saharan caravan route from the nearly forgotten splendor of Timbuktu. He eventually ended up at a North African fleshpot in the early 1500s, such as were ruled by the infamous Barbary Corsairs. It seems quite sad to imagine young Lightbourne having been separated from his family and sold into captivity in a distant land. Yet soon, James Earl Jones will inform us of just how shockingly precocious he turned out to be. How he learned numbers and astronomy in his master's household, and while still a teenager, he found himself managing the finances of a pirate lord. There's a bit of an adventure that follows, as young Jonathan's master falls afoul of the incessantly ruthless Barbary intrigue, whereupon he finds himself fallen from the major domo of a sultan's palace, to a humble gallery slave. His fate seems bleak, until one day, his new pirate masters prey upon the wrong English caravel.

Miraculously, during the course of the rousing fight, young Jonathan is freed from his chains by Sir John Sommers, a famous Londoner and leading member of the Honorable Company of Merchant Adventurers. He frees and renames the young Barbary slave (when he is first referred to as ‘Jonathan’ for the first time), teaches him English, and in time, takes him on as his personal steward.

Over the next decades, Jonathan has many exciting adventurers throughout the Mediterranean, and even as far afield as the distant Orient and the New World, picking up the surname ‘Lightbourne’ at some point along the way. He rises from a humble steward, painstakingly saving his meager wages, and then investing them on voyages that could pay a thousand times over in exotic spices. Whether through luck or shrewdness...Jonathan is proven to be repeatedly and spectacularly successful. Amazingly, after nearly forty years, despite his origin as a North African slave, Jonathan eventually becomes a senior partner in the Honorable Company of Merchant Adventurers, making him one of the wealthiest men of late 16th century London society. He was by then the veteran of countless lucrative voyages, having made a fortune many times over both for himself and his patrons.

Eventually, it touches on how Jonathan Lightbourne, in his sixty fifth year, was finally called upon by his mysterious and long-time patroness, the Duchess of Amber, Childe of the Prince of London. She must have seen something very special in the aged Jonathan, given that she was a scion of English aristocracy (whatever her true, ancient origin)...Because she Embraced him, after having seemingly observed him for several decades.

An unvoiced epilogue (merely silent, solemn letters slowly appearing and then dissolving from the screen) then proceeds to inform you that Jonathan Lightbourne went on to serve faithfully for several more centuries. In time, he sired several remarkable Childer of his own. However, his most treasured protege, daughter-figure and intellectual soulmate was the former Prince of LA, the sadly deceased Toreador known as Violeta Altamirana of Seville. He mentored her down through the centuries, and has grieved a year and a day since her assassination. But he is coming, and soon all will be set to right.

It doesn't bother to name his real Childer.

It closes at last, with a seemingly genuine image of the man - his fathomless dark brown eyes gazing out at the assembled Kindred with a dangerously knowing, 'lifelike' quality: https://i.imgur.com/VfWsYr6.jpeg

Then it slowly fades away as well...as if he were a spectre that had never been. The music has long since stopped, though many wouldn't have noticed.

Alejandro watches the entire video dutifully, committing as much of it to memory as he can.

This time, it is Lydon who sparks the applause, at least in the Tremere section of the room. It is only a few fingers tapping against his palm, and only sparks immediately after the presentation is concluded. He even makes eye contact with Schultz, if the Ventrue Primogen should look in his direction.

Schultz listens to the presentation and then, as it ends, looks around and stirs finally. He exhales slightly and then offers a small smile to Kennedy, before refocusing on Crawley for those last moments.

Sterling watches the film with keen interest, if little visible enjoyment, seeming intent on committing as many of the various details to memory as he possibly can. When the presentation finally draws to an end and the lights come back up, Sterling sits back in his seat, blinking several times and glancing about the auditorium to see who may come and gone in the interim.

Becky waits until the video ends, before pushing off the wall with and making her way towards the exit without a word. Her steps are somewhat hurried, clearly having had her fill of 'social time' this evening.

The consummate clown has been here the whole time, hasn't he? It isn't very becoming of a fellow to show up at the end of Court... if he's going to show up at all. But since when was Beau about becoming anything? Beau is holding the wall up in the back of the room and he's picking at a bit of dirt under on of his fingers with a toothpick as he side-eyes the closing remarks and various fanfare from the masses.

Sebastian watches the presentation with some interest. At the end, his attention flits from Sterling to Khadijah and back again. He chews his lower lip thoughtfully for a long moment. He pushes up his glasses and shrugs to himself. He pushes up out of his chair and offers his hand to Khadijah. "Shall we?"

Now this bit of presentation is one Avery can follow, and so she watches with great attention and some genuine interest until the end. She holds any applause, merely nodding slowly as she glances briefly at her clanmates.

When the documentary fades out, Crawley scans the area to see if Bastian and Bullard are still here. Seeing they are not, he rises slowly from his seat and looks ready to address the group. There is a long pause as he now scans the room. "Kindred," he says, "thank you for coming this evening. I had planned to do Introductions of new Kindred tonight, but it seems as if we have run long. What I will do is, offer to sit and take any Introductions for those who wish to remain behind and do so now. If not, we can arrange for a date in the very near future for you to do a private Introduction." He then moves over toward the tall chair. Settling into the Prince's throne, Crawley says, "I hereby sit in this seat for the sole purpose of recognizing Kindred to this city under the Fifth Tradition and do so in the name of the rightful Prince of Los Angeles, Jonathan Lightbourne. My recognition of your presence in this Praxis shall be as his is." "The rest of you are free to depart or remain. I am calling this court as concluded," the Nosferatu says, "Go now in peace and walk with safety in the dark."

Tabi pouts a little, though it's a 'thoughtful' sorta pout, not one to indicate she's upset about what she's just seen and heard. Other than this, she just sits quietly and pays attention.

Damn, watch out Hollywood: production values are getting off the hook Downtown. Is there applause, recognition, scoffing or droll commentary from Zebastian, up there in the Westside Island? No, of course not -- and besides, when the presentation is over and the lights come up, it seems that the Malkavian has slipped out somewhere along the line - though Mae is there, sitting next to Cassie, vaping still.

Has Zebastian gone to have a quiet moment with Crawley? No. Neither is Zeb chattering away with Southside Rabble, wooing Roses or sticking around to see what the Latest Licks of LA are like -- no hiding in the wings or going to trade cryptic joked with Beau either -- the Westside Malkavian is just gone without any fanfare, just an ignorable absence.

Well then! Khadijah makes it a habit never to display human-like habits, but she actually blinks once or twice as they beat the snot out of Jay and take him away. But that is all the reaction or emotion she displays. Sebastian suggests it's time to boogie and she nods with a smile. It's time.

Siegfried slowly stands and raises his hand in an effort to obtain Crawley's attention. "May I?" he inquires.

Sterling rises with the rest of his coterie once the main event seems to be over and offers each of them a slight nod, before the trip heads out in formation, just as they had arrived.

Lunette remains seated where she is. She won't be getting up until Liz does as much to signal it's time to go. She relaxes in her chair and watches others.

Beau remains, and although he isn't here to give any sort of introduction he does shift his focus to the stage every so often as if waiting to hear what's up next whilst he idly cleans his nails.

Tabi remains seated close to where Lunette is, after glancing over at Elizabeth and Judith. "Quite a... show... wasn't, it Looney?"

With a gentle wave of his hand, Crawley gestures for Siegfried to approach.

A homely but exceptionally well-dressed man steps before the Praxis. His black hair and tan skin contrasts with his blue eyes drastically as he surveys the room for a moment. That moment does not last long, however, as the visage slowly fades into something horrible. While still wearing the same fashionable suit, his tanned and rugged features have instead given way to a pale monstrosity. (Visual Aide: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xHUCfEjZ7FnjXxyS7) Despite the shift in appearance, his manners remain intact, and he bows deeply toward the seats of power graciously.

Siegfried straightens his spine before beginning to speak, "Cherished Praxis of Los Angeles, I come to you with the hopes that I have found my home for the centuries to come. My name is Siegfried Von Heilden, proud member of Clan Nosferatuif you couldn't tell." He winks a beady yellow eye and grinsor at least tries to, but with a maw like that, who can tell? "I pledge my service to the Praxis and will gladly obey the rules and domains set forth within. And lastlyI am delighted to meet you all!" He states happily as he turns to face the crowd while offering a small nod, though he then frowns slightly and squints his sunken eyes, "Or what's left of you, anyway" With that, Siggy begins to make his way from out of the spotlight and back to his seat unless someone tries to stop him.

Lips press tightly together for a moment before Lunette looks to Tabi and says, "And then some.. If I never hear that song again it'll still be too soon.. I have no words." She shakes her head gently, then quiets down to listen to the introduction.

Judith manages to smoothly change her seat for one nearer Elizabeth by staying low and drawing little attention, leaning in first to listen, then to chew her lip slightly. She leans back in to reply quietly with a slight shake of her head.

Even as many Kindred decide to file out, Avery remains seated when Crawley announces he'll receive introductions, and so she turns a curious gaze towards the stage to take in any newcomers.

"Siegfried," Crawley says, staring at his kinsman as he moves to walk away, "I have not given you my blessing and welcome yet." With a point of his finger, he makes a motion toward the front of the throne again. He waits till he does that.

"I... I think I was hearing it for the past few -weeks- and didn't realize it...", Taby says, quietly, to her friend. "When I heard it, actually -heard- it out of the blue, today... it kinda ensnared me."

There is no reaction from Kennedy with regard to the documentary that has played. She does meet Elizabeth's gaze for a moment before turning her attention to Crawley, noting to herself that Bastian was not within sight. As the Seneschal opens the floor to abbreviated introductions Kennedy stands, offers a smile to Schultz, then moves to the edge of the dais where she watches Judith and Elizabeth a moment.

The darkness makes it impossible to eyeball Jay's efficient removal so Cordelia turns back around to watch the impressive PR--er--documentary on Prince Lightbourne. She's silent and attentive, the readied rigidity of her posture once again relaxing as she sinks into her chair. By the time the house lights come on again, she's half-sprawled with a knee on the armrest and her face tilted against a supportive fist. She glances about in search of Bastian...but he appears to be gone. There's the faintest upward *flick* of her eyes to the ceiling and then the Tremere raises her hand, signaling to Crawley that she'd like to speak next.

Harper moves for the first time in a while, a slow shift that has her resting an arm on the rest of her chair. She glances to the side as there's a bit of a shuffle, then looks back to the stage and the introductions that start up.

Siegfried pivots smoothly and returns to the spotlight, "Apologies, Seneschal. It has been a...peculiar...evening." He nods once and maintains his position before the throne.

The exchange between Judith and Elizabeth continues. Judith finally cracks the slightest grin.

Once the Nosferatu has done as Crawley instructed, he tilts his head at the other Sewer Rat, "Where are you coming from and who in the Camarilla can vouch for you as a member in good standing? Also, I am curious, what brings you to Los Angeles? You are quick to pledge your service to this Praxis. But .. why here?"

While Crawley is dealing with Seigfriend, Lydon Vogel glances for Warrick. "Unless you are acting on oser instructions, you vill present yourself soon." He tells the the figure, glancing towards Cordelia as she raises her hand. "After zis one. Questions?" <English>

Elizabeth's gaze fixates on Judith. Kennedy, Lunette, and the others around her are forgotten for the time being. The skinny Rose whispers a reply to Judith before mirroring her clan-mate's grin. Elizabeth rises from her seat before she offers Judith her arm. In her enchanting voice, the Toreador murmurs quietly so she doesn't disturb the introductions on stage, "Lunette, we'll be right back."

If Judith allows, Elizabeth will interlock arms with Judith before guiding her toward the stage where she will 'queue up' appropriately.

Rain waited all this time and watched the show, she might as well hang around for the introductions. She watches the first person go up to give their introduction.

Judith does allow, and her arm slides easily beneath Elizabeth's in the 'gentlemanly' position. Somehow, she manages to still keep ever so slightly behind Elizabeth -- less even than a half-step -- revealing knowledge of some older or other or from-elsewhere Court protocol. There's something quietly and plainly formal about her, for all that her slight, lingering smile is relaxed.

Siegfried nods once, "My most recent residence was the warren of New York. I was an aide of Uncle Smelly's within the praxis there...one of the pioneers of our new network. My name can be found there in limited capacity." He sighs a bit and continues, "I was also an operative, along with my sire, Hiram the Hidden...though he was lost in battle a few years back. Following the siege that took my sire, the rest of us were advised to move west in an attempt to stave off the growing threat of the Sabbat and prevent a repeat of New York. Upon hearing of their prevalence here in combination with the Kuei Jin, it seemed a perfect location, and I am always happy to help."

As Elizabeth approaches with Judith Kennedy will step down from the dais. Her gaze catches Cordelia's signal to the Seneschal and she moves to secure the next place in the queue for introductions. The Toreador Primogen leans over to whisper something to Elizabeth.

Lunette remains seated and watching the stage, though she does take her phone out to check it.

Tabi rises from her seat as Elizabeth and Judith move away, reseating herself immediately next to Lunette, now. She, too, pulls her phone back out to check it... then puts it away after reading a message on it, probably a reply to what she'd earlier sent out.

Crawley listens to Siegfried with a careful eye. He studies the other Nosferatu with some intent, almost as if he was trying to discern something about what he was saying. His finger taps on the arm of the throne with a soft click. "Uncle Smelly," the Seneschal says, "A name I have not heard in a good while. If he is willing to vouch for you, it is good in my book. I hope your experience with the Sabbat in New York will be put to good use here. There are plenty of them here to pick a fight with." A pause before he says, "You are accepted into this Praxis Siegfried Von Heilden as a member in good standing of the Tower." Before he waves to dismiss him he says, "I pray you will honor all the Traditions and live up to the high expectations that I know Prince Lightbourne will set for all the Kindred who call his Domain home." He looks to be done with him. A glance toward Cordelia as he gestures for her to now approach the seat of power.

Siegfried bows deeply and returns to his seat accordingly.

Schultz remains where he has been, in the Ventrue seat. He watches Crawley ascend to the throne but takes no exception, given the explanation. He turns to look out over the remaining kindred, to see who comes forward to make an introduction and be acknowledged.

Elizabeth remains arm-in-arm with Judith even as she leans in to listen to something Kennedy whispers. Her own reply is whispered back as she leans in and places her lips quite close to her Primogen's ear. Once done, Elizabeth takes Judith's arm and playfully offers it out toward Kennedy before gesturing toward the stage. Both Toreador receives a smile from the scrawny waif before she steps back and returns to her seat.

Cordelia flashes a terse smile and then rises up from her chair, taking a moment to gently *toss* the ends of her long jacket, ensuring it falls just so around her frame before striding toward the stage. Dressed in thigh-high boots, a short skirt and a looong jacket, she cuts quite a stylish figure, especially with the supernatural way her hair rises and billows around her face as if perpetually walking into the wind or maybe abuzz with static electricity. She pauses in front of the Seneschal and offers a barely-there smile that does little more than flash the tips of her canines. "Thank you, Seneschal," she says, first glancing at Crawley and then crisply turning half a step to also address any remaining Kindred in the stands. "Greetings, Kindred of Los Angeles," she says with a tone of importance, "I am Cordelia Whitechurch of Clan Tremere, also arrived from New York." She casts a half-interested glance at Siegfried, perhaps to see if he looks familiar, but her attention easily flits back to the front. "I've been sent here under Justicar Ian Carfax's orders to provide assistance with the ongoing Sabbat and Kuei-Jin fuckery, as well as any other concerns currently plaguing the local Camarilla. I'm still getting settled in, but I've already begun to review the city's recent history, including the car bomb mentioned in the...hm...presentation. I'm accompanied by George Davies, a Gangrel who likewise comes from New York." Cordelia casts a glance toward the rust-haired Gangrel to see if he has anything he'd like to add before looking back to Crawley. "I hope we'll have a chance to speak at greater lengths in the coming nights."

Judith glances sidelong at the quiet conversation she's in range of, but that half-smile doesn't waver as she is handed off to Kennedy, and waits her turn.

Cassie watches the presentation with a mostly impassive expression, lips pursed in a little pucker, but she can't help her lips from curving up higher a couple times as the video plays and the story is told. It's a good story. She doesn't seem particularly surprised to find that Zebastian has slipped out once the lights come back on, just flashing Mae a lopsided smile and leaning in to whisper something to her, before turning her attention mostly to the stage while occasionally looking off to some of the other groups that aren't filtering out just yet. The two will stay and watch the first couple of introduction with mild interest, the two mostly sharing hushed words while Mae absently blows cherry scented smoke rings and Cassie checks her phone between occasional glances at the ongoing proceedings.

George straightens as Cordelia does, streeetching up out of his seat and staying quietly and attentively at her side. He seems content to let her speak for him for the most part, though when she ends he nods his agreement and adds, "New York by way of Denver - I've also been back and forth between Las Vegas and San Francisco as well, helping move.. various things." he says, glancing to Cordelia then back to Crawley, before giving a list of a few Kindred who could vouch for him, in addition to Cordelia's comment.

When Cordelia announces herself, Lydon Vogel's brow arches upwardly with surprise and he glances for his clanmates, and then towards the Tremere Archon for a moment in contemplation. Then his focus shifts for Crawley, and then towards Regent Strauss. Finally, he decides to provide a polite applause for Cordelia and George both, fingers tapping against his palm respectfully.

She looks down as Judith's arm is handed off to her. Kennedy lifts her right arm in offering with an almost gentlemanly fashion, and should Judith take it her other arm will cross low on her chest so that her her hand can lay upon Judith's. She studies Cordelia intently for a moment as New York is mentioned yet again, attention briefly shifting to George and then returning to the exchange between the newly arrived Tremere and Seneschal.

Elizabeth returns to her seat but doesn't sit. Instead, she bends down and murmurs softly to Lunette, "I will be outside in the hall. We'll be leaving with Primogen Wilde when she is ready." Rising up again, the small woman glances toward the stage and regards Cordelia with some curiosity before she turns her gaze toward George. She regards the Gangrel for a quiet moment before she steps out into the middle aisle and begins to head up toward the exit.

Nisha makes her way from the crowd of departing kindred. Watching the anarchs, Gangrels and mostly low clans slowly depart. Sneaking her way over to Cassie and Mae, taking an empty seat by them. Wanting to join the whisper brigade while introductions took place.

Judith slips her arm appropriately into Kennedy's but makes no other demands -- implicit or explicit -- on her Primogen's attention. Closer to the brighter lights now, that hessonite garnet in her hair winks, once, sending a brief, deep orange brilliance back into the rows.

Crawley watches as the put-together Tremere approaches the throne. He listens to her with those blue eyes of his studying her with no less intensity than they did Siegfried. The difference is, after she mentions her name and Ian Carfax, he lifts a brow, even more interested. So much so, he leans forward in his seat. "Archon Whitechurch," Crawley begins, "your presence in Los Angeles is most welcome, especially in light of the challenges we face." A glance toward the seats where the Westsiders once sat, "As you can see, we face some very .. significant challenges here in the City of Angeles. Consider yourself welcome in this Praxis, Archon. And, extend our sincerest thanks for your presence to your Lord." His gaze shifts toward George. "A Gangrel?" he smiles thinly, "Your Clan is much in need of guidance and leadership in this city Mister Davies. I hope that you will be able to provide a proper example of how Gangrel can be an effective part of the Tower. Unfortunately, you come on the heels of others of your Clan who have not been friendly to us. But," his gaze shifts toward the Tremere, "if the Archon vouches for your quality, her word is beyond question." "Welcome to Los Angeles, Mister Davies," Crawley says softly, "You have my blessing to remain here in good standing with the Tower." With that, he looks done. His gaze raises toward the rest of the Kindred, "Who is next?" He then waits.

As introductions continue, Avery's watches as Cordelia and George step forward next, brow arching as she listens. The Tremere Archon gets a most curious onceover and then she looks slowly to her clanmates in turn, meeting Lydon's own glance for an instant. She waits until the Seneschal's accepted them both, then lifts her hands to gently applaud.

Violet watches Cordelia and George with interest, canting her head to her left when she hears Cordelia speak. She gives a faint nod to Avery and then audibly claps, soon resting her hands in her lap.

Kennedy would lift her hand to indicate Judith and herself. She will wait to step before the Prince's seat with Judith in tow until Cordelia and George have stepped away. "Seneschal, allow me to present Miss Judith Delsarto, second childe of Professor Aden Mansour of the Algiers and Paris Roses. Judith comes to us with an impeccable pedigree from the Prince of Paris." With her free hand she reaches inside of her jacket to produce the letter she received, holding it up between her index and ring fingers. "A copy was sent to Prince Hastings prior to her abdication from the throne."

Cordelia practically preens beneath Crawley's politeness, her shoulders giving the barest hint of a wiggle as she brushes an errant lock of blonde hair from her face. "Luckily, I enjoy a challenge. And I will most assuredly pass along your sentiments, Seneschal. I look forward to working together." Cordelia extends a polite nod to the Nosferatu, her smile stretching a fraction wider before she turns with a soft *swoosh* of her coat and walks back to George. She murmurs something to him before moving past, content to leave him to his own devices while she approaches her clan. She does not sit, but she does hover by her clanmates long enough to offer a quiet aside and another close-lipped smile. After that, she is on her merry way, sashaying confidently toward the exit.

Cassie beams a sweet little smile up at Nisha when she notices the Gangrel come over, quickly finishing up the text she was writing and lowering her phone as she leans in a little to share hushed words as to not interrupt the introductions.

Beau is near the exit, somewheres, leaned up against the wall in his filthy hobo-clown attire with the white greasepaint mostly wiped away and left only lingering in the deep laugh lines etched into his aged face. A lop-sided smile finds his features and seemingly out of place compliment escapes his as Cordelia makes her exit, "Nice shoes, reminds me of someone.... or maybe that was somewhere." He trails off into an absent smile and a shrug as he turns back to quietly cleaning his nail and not interrupting the evening's events.

With Cordelia arriving nearer to the rest of the Tremere, Lydon Vogel nods politely in response to the whispered words, then peers to the rest of those nearby. Finally, he whispers a response in return.

Avery's gaze shifts as Cordelia approaches, offering the new arrival a small, but pleasant smile in lieu of any actual spoken greeting. The quiet words are met with an acknowledging nod, however, and her gaze shifts to Lydon as the German Tremere responds in kind.

Artemis is listening politely at the list of presentee's continues along it's way, Cordelia's introduction earns a raised eyebrow and a curious expression, studying the new arrival curiously. THey incline their head in quiet acknowledgement as they arrive, a small, polite smile being returne to the newcomer, murmuring thier own greetings, listening with interest to what the Archon says. They nod at whatever it is that she says, lips moving in faint agreement.

Crawley turns his attention to Kennedy as the Toreador Primogen steps up to make the Introduction. His gaze shifts from her to Judith as her name is said. "Miss Delsarto is fortunate enough that she and I met in Elysium several days ago," Crawley says as he settles back into the throne, finger rapping upon the arm. "I think it goes without saying," he continues, "any recommendation from the esteemed Prince Villon is going to be good enough for this court." One might note that he does not ask Kennedy for the letter itself. Such would imply that the Rose Primogen was potentially lying about the letter and its pedigree. His gaze shifts toward Judith, "I am curious, Miss Delsarto, if you will live up to the great auspices which you have been presented under. We have a need of level heads in this Praxis. Those of culture and refinement who seek to constrain its volatile forces. I am curious what /you/ will be able to bring the Tower?"

Cordelia doesn't even stop to answer Beau, the filthy clown glanced at in passing without revulsion or any particular interest. "Whoever she was, she had excellent taste." With that, the Archon is gone, an expensive smelling perfume wafting in her wake.

A stifled snort that sounds suspiciously like a muffled laugh escapes Beau when Crawley calls for more refinement to win a war.

Judith inclines her head to Crawley, again formally but without flourish. "Seneschal." A turn of her head to the remaining assembled. "Fellow Kindred." Her contralto carries to the very back of the room. She's obviously spoken at hearings before. Back again to Crawley, "I am most curious about that myself and can only say that such is my intent." She smiles, and it's one of her slight, frank expressions. "I come here under no orders or mission from elsewhere, which may be of some relief to the Court. And I look forward to finding my own way to serving the interests of Tower, clan and Praxis." <English>

"Well, how can I make an argument against unabashed optimism?" Crawley looks to Kennedy and then back at Judith, "Consider yourself accepted to the Tower in good standing, Miss Delsarto. As I said to the others, I know you will obey the Traditions as you have been taught and live up to the high expectations that Prince Lightbourne will set for his subjects. Go now in peace." He waves a hand. Looking now to the room, the Seneschal finds Rain, who has been waiting so patiently. Using the same hand he held up for Judith, he motions her to come forward.

There's a nod and faint smile towards Cordelia when she approaches. She then looks to the others, leaning in for a moment to hear what Lydon has to say, nodding once more to his words.

"Even more fortunate that she presented herself to her Primogen during the long absence of Court," Kennedy says, offering a smile up to the Seneschal as she politely tucks the Prince's letter back into her jacket. "We are confident that Miss Delsarto will represent Clan Toreador and it's long history of culture, refinement, and support of Los Angeles well."

Artemis is listening politely at the list of presentee's continues along it's way, Cordelia's introduction earns a raised eyebrow and a curious expression, studying the new arrival curiously. THey incline their head in quiet acknowledgement as they arrive, a small, polite smile being returne to the newcomer, murmuring thier own greetings, listening with interest to what the Archon says. They nod at whatever it is that she says, lips moving in faint agreement.

Their attention returnns to the presentation as it comes time for Judith's contingent, a small smile growing on their face as they sit up in their chair. THe expression ticks up a moment briefly, and they offer a nod in the contingents direction.

Rain steps forward from the crowd and approaches. She lifts one hand to her the brim of her hat and tips it. "I am Making it Rain. On the streets some just call me Rain, or Miss Rain for business associates. I am Malkavian. Born in Mexcio but embraced up here and been living in the larger Califorina area. Came here, because the city is where things are going down." She slides a hand down to touch her XV3 necklace. "I Rep Calle 18, originally they are from here on 18th street."

Judith accepts Crawley's approval with a dip of her head, then steps backwards once, twice -- one does not turn one's back on the seat of power before departing center stage, which she now does with Kennedy. Having sought Artemis out in the crowd, she catches that smile and returns a wink.

Avery watches the remaining introductions with equal interest, paying attention to what each newcomer has to say. Once all is said and done, she rises, taking a moment to smooth out her dress before making her way out.

"You can take your issue about lack of Court up with Prince Lightbourne when he arrives, Primogen Wilde," the Seneschal says softly, "Or I can bring it to his attention on your behalf." He then shifts his gaze toward the Malkavian. Crawley watches Rain approach and listens to her as she speaks. He is settled back into the throne now, settling into the process of one intro after another. "Mexico?" Crawley seems curious, "Fortunate for you to escape there. Or at least not be Embraced into the Sabbat." Leaning forward again, he grips both arms of the throne, "But, you did not mention your Sire. Only that you were Embraced here, in LA? And, you mention a business, Miss Rain. Might I inquire what manner of business it is that you are in? I am familiar with Calle 18. That means you are underworld, no?" His words are not a challenge but he is curious.

Kennedy simply smiles at Crawley and takes two steps back, then turns and proceeds to join Elizabeth outside.

Judith has reclaimed her former seat quietly. Partly to not interrupt or distract from the proceedings. Partly taking a brief pause to consider the door after it closes behind Kennedy and Elizabeth. Her expression's unreadable as she resettles her attention on the stage.

Cassie and Mae will slip off along with Nisha sometime during the last couple of introductions, making their way towards the exit with casual elegance and a few hushed words.

Lunette rises to head out after Kennedy since, well, that's her ride. She sends a little smile to those she knows on her way out, exiting quietly.

Harper gives Judith a warm smile and softly murmurs. "Welcome to the Praxis." again now that it's all official. Then the looks back to Crawley and the one he's currently addressing. The mention of Mexico has a thoughful look crossing her face and she lets her chin rest on her hand.

Schultz patiently watches the last of the presentations, uncrossing his legs, then folding them back in the oppopsite configuration. He waits and observes with a slight lift to his chin. Observing quietly and with seeming patience and restraint he seldom chooses to display.

Rain nods her head. "Didn't know anything about this sort of stuff back when I lived down there, just from a poor village. My sire is Edward Sabation." She leans on her cane slightly, "The underworld, sure? Though people call it the streets these days. I work in the business of hooking up fine men and women, with other fine men and women who like to have fun. Probably not much of interest to people here, but it gives me a lot of connections on the street, as everyone is always looking to have fun." She lifts her shoulders is a slight shrug. "I also dabble in drugs and weapons here and there as well. You know, the vices tend to go hand in hand after all."

Judith curves a smile aside to Harper, leaning in to either air-kiss the other Rose's cheek or to say something quietly. Possibly both.

Harper smiles and returns the gesture to the other Rose before the soft conversation between the two continues.

"You would be surprised, Miss Rain," Crawley comments on her business, "Sex sells. Even in Kindred circles. I hope that you will find a niche in the city to assist us in our causes. We can always use a good pair of ears on the street or someone with connections like yours." His gaze finds Beau and Shelly in order, "I also hope you have connected with your clanmates and your Whip Sveta Serova. Clan Malkavian has been an asset to this Praxis in the past few months." Peering closer at Rain, there's a moment of silence where the Nosferatu is considering. He does it longer for her than he did for other Introductions. Finally, the Seneschal says, "Very well then, Miss Rain, consider yourself accepted to the Praxis of Los Angeles in good standing with the Tower. As I have told the others, obey the Traditions in all things. I hope that you will live up to the high expectations that Prince Lightbourne has for those in his Domain." And with that, he waves his hand to Rain, "Go now in peace." There is a moment, after this marathon that Crawley looks around to see if there is anyone else, "Is that all?" It is an expectant tone but he's confident he caught them all.

Beau manages a half hearted wave, he lofts one of his hands housed in the fingerless huckter gloves and tip it briefly in Rain's direction as he hollars warmly across the room, "Be seeing ya."

Rain laughs, "No, I wouldn't be surprised, and I wouldn't judge either." She nods her head as she glances over to her clanmates, most of them which she had met recently. She lifts a hand to her and tips it before heading back into the crowd.

Judith concludes her brief, murmured exchange with Harper, pats the other woman's hand lightly.

Crawley, seeing that no one else is left for Introductions, now moves to lift himself from the throne. The little creature then, without much fanfare, scuttles his way across the stage and toward the exit. Unless someone stops him otherwise, the Nosferatu has soon departed, vanishing actually as he leaves the room.

Schultz waits and, when nothing else comes up, rises from the Ventrue seat on the stage. He rolls his shoulders once, and then makes his way down to briefly circulate down amongst those who remain. He offers a few pleasant greetings and well-wishes to those he knows, unless anyone wants something more of him.

Harper nods and smiles to Judith, a soft laugh slipping from her before she looks up and watches the Seneschal make his departure. A nod and she stands slowly, stretching as if she might actually need it before she starts to make her way towards the exit as well.

Judith rises, unfurling to her full height, tilting her head one way and then the other as if her neck ached. She turns, watches the assembly as it thins.