[WoD] Heart of the Mountain

[NovaPheonix]

Introduction: Truth in Fairy Tales



This is the town of Lyre. The medium sized city is surrounded by mountains, hopes, and dreams. The collective imagination swoons at the sight of the high mountaintops and the lush rugged ground. The city was founded rather recently, but it exists only because of a long legacy of previous inhabitants. The old folk who used to live here told legends about dragons roaming the skies who perched on the mountaintops. They spoke in whispered breaths of fairies being seen if you looked carefully around on a calm misty morning. The town is alive with mysteries and legends such as these, but they don’t stop anyone from having a perfectly normal life. In the modern days, these legends are forgotten and passed off as meaningless folk tales. Buildings now rise up to meet the mountains and roads accommodate cars where the old folk used to walk barefoot over gravel.


People still worry about paying rent and the police are concerned about catching runaway criminals more than flying fairies. Most citizens know the stories aren’t true, but a few strange people believe in such things. Sometimes all it takes is a little spark of hope...


One of the largest buildings in town is the Wonderland Casino, a bright monument to excess. A group of people would all find themselves in the Casino at the same time, weaving together a single story that could not be made alone. How will this myth unfold, and how will their lives change when reality becomes a fairy tale?

 

[NovaPheonix]

[session 1, Scene 1: Gather 'Round the Table]

• Johnny
• Kreigar

• 
  
  
  Casino Floor
  
  
  The room was abounds in lights and sounds as the young reporter named Johnny sat at a table on the casino floor after losing another hand. Lady Luck had been rather harsh on him lately, as he recently had to sell his prized motorcycle just to pay this month’s rent. He was desperate for a scoop, any kind of story that he could turn into his editor back at the Highwaymen. He reported on occult events, strange things, so anything would do for a story...literally anything! Once he found something, he wasn’t going to stop until he got to the truth! Even if there wasn’t really any truth to be found, he had to bring something back. His editor was pretty savvy at cleaning up whatever he turned in and making it fit for print. She was a really smart woman. For now though, he could do nothing but wait and hope for his big break to run right at him.
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Casino Bathroom
  
  
  The hunter wandered around the casino looking for a place to escape from all the extreme lights and sounds. He made his way into the bathroom that seemed empty at first. Moving straightaway to the mirror, he washed his hands in the sink. The sudden burst of water along his fingers was refreshing and cold. In the mirror he saw himself, and in a moment of self reflection he considered his role in the Hunt (as his family called it). The determination he felt to fight against what others couldn’t see, especially dragons, was beyond normal human bounds. After the brief moment of silence, Kreigar thought he sensed something behind him. This buzz, the sudden feeling, broke the silence and awakened the Hunter instinct within him. It was a tingling in the back of his head, like a sudden burning feeling that something must be there. He knew this feeling, it meant they were near. He knew that by focusing, he could turn the burning sensation into a pinpoint sense for the creature, and it wouldn’t be hard to focus in such a quiet place.
  
  
  

 

[ValkyrieRose]

-Caeda-


Her first day off in forever and this is how she finds herself? In front of a Casino? Well, the policewoman had been off tilt as far as her luck... and her fiances, went. Maybe this was life's little way of saying 'You're karma's looking up, girl!', ...She doubted it, but it was always nice to believe such a thing She stepped inside the casino, looking around. It was obvious this place was pretty decent, considering it was one of the biggest building's in the city.


"Here we go." She said, pumping her fist excitedly as she walks in, eager to find a good time... and if god willing, a LOT of money.

 

[KarlWarrior47]

Kreigar began to direct himself to the burning sensation that sparked within him. 'Could it be?' the hunter thought to himself 'Could this truly be it?'.


He walked out of the bathroom, tilting and turning his head, while his eyes rolled all over the place, trying to find the thing that was giving this feeling.

 

[Xistund]

Johnny Ferrell wanted to wince as as he saw his hand, as luck was not his lady tonight it seemed. Thankfully he was playing poker where luck was only part of the game the other part was to out think the others at the table. Hopefully he pull something off with his two cards.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/4.png.72485167b2e023fefea44a16451593fa.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76227" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/4.png.72485167b2e023fefea44a16451593fa.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/37.png.58648798b5e72e2057967e104d5eb0b6.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76228" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/37.png.58648798b5e72e2057967e104d5eb0b6.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[NovaPheonix]

• Caeda
• Johnny
• Kreigar

• 
  
  
  In the middle of the casino floor, you immediately notice a very striking handsome individual with glossy looking blonde hair and a large brown hat that is curved at the sides like a fedora. He looks like he's playing a game of poker and other people are starting to sit down. There is still three seats open at the table. The table itself is only a short walk away, and nothing else in the room looks that interesting to you. This guy on the other hand, seems very interesting, almost captivating. If you're in a shy mood, then there's no problem going off in a corner to play slots, but we all know you're looking for someone to hook up with!
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  As the dealer begins to deal out cards, you notice the man sitting next to you has already placed a sizable bet into the pot. Obviously enough to buy back your precious motorcycle. Glancing away from the huge stack of chips, you could take a look at him. The young guy, about your age, was tall looking and had dusty long brown hair and has a strange onyx pendant around his neck in the shape of a dark leathery wing. His undershirt was a stark white with a image of a bitten apple printed on it in black. He is wearing a dark brown duster over the shirt and black pants with well shined shoes. His eyes had a strangely bright brown brilliance to them and he smiled at Johnny with a toothy grin, "I'm James, nice to meet you." He had a really friendly aura about him. He sat in a relaxed manner, not seeming too serious about the whole game. He had an earthy smell to him, as if he had been out in the dirt or hanging out around the mountains. He looked like one of those guys who hung out by the nature preserve, the ancestors of the people who lived here before or whatever it was. I mean, they got tons of money from the local government, but from you heard they still use a barter system. Sometimes they'll pop in and burn off some money just for fun. Looks like you hit the jackpot, a whacky native who probably dosen't know how to play cards or even understand the value of money. Easy score! Then you see the cards...
  
  
  <p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/22.png.31ac2d4dae99892a799d7fc26e68fd8a.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76233" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/22.png.31ac2d4dae99892a799d7fc26e68fd8a.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/46.png.aaa90b0a06638a0187eb8ee06c06025c.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76234" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/46.png.aaa90b0a06638a0187eb8ee06c06025c.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> <p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/13.png.6cfc84ee8ee75840290800ca24503e34.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76235" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/13.png.6cfc84ee8ee75840290800ca24503e34.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  Your burning sense guides you like a divining rod towards a rather empty looking poker table. There are lots of multicolored chips slid into the center, but you don't care about that. Your senses are telling you that one of the two men sitting here is a Dragon, probably taking some human form. You'd be aware there are half-dragons that can shift between forms, so it's more likely something like that. Either way, you notice that one of them has a wing pendant. That's probably him. Next to him is some blonde guy wearing a dark brown hat. He looks like some kinda gangster with a light green tattoo that you can see on his shoulder poking out from his shirt and another along his arm with all kinds of strange symbols and text. He's wearing a cross around his neck, maybe he's the dragon? It's going to be tricky since you know that he's sitting right there, but it could be either of them. It's hard to tell at this range.
  
  
  

 

[ValkyrieRose]

She looked around after turning in some of her money into chips. She was never the best at gambling or the like but... here she was, doing it anyway. She didn't gamble too much so it's not like she had an addition... if anything, she would have a good time


Speaking of good times, there's a very handsome man... might as well try her luck in more ways that one. She would move to take a seat at the table, setting her chips down and smiling at everyone else there, and would place a 5 chip down... nothing too underbearing, she hoped.

 

[Xistund]

Johnny smiled at the man who sat down with him and looked at the hand on the table, He kept his smile on as he wondered if the man was the type who really didn't know how to even play or if he was just bluffing. After a quick read he could tell that the man was indeed knew to the game and that he had a not so great hand. He then saw the woman sitting down next to him throwing in a five piece chip. "Nice to meet'cha, the names Johnny." He said as re-checked his cards and hesitated to put his chips down, he did but enough just to keep with the ante. Even if he does lose this hand he could at least make the man want to bet more for the next game. "And we got a new face at the table, well the more the merrier." Johnny said with a smile and a small tip of his hat to her.

 

[NovaPheonix]

The man seems to gaze back and forth between the two of you. "Nice to meet you too." He watches the woman sit carefully and meets Johnny in the eye as well as her. The dealer dealt the woman two cards and continued on with the game. It was silent for a moment as all eyes were glued to the table while the dealer flipped the Turn. Well, actually, James was focused on the two people next to him...not bothering to even look down as he moved his necklace underneath his shirt. He smiled even wider as he looked towards Johnny, swinging his head towards him. The gambler was close enough to hear him whisper "Not good at all...can't see anything." before also continuing to play. He glanced over at the woman and made a slightly louder gasp of "Wow." that only Johnny could really make out. He had an excited look on his face, was it because he liked her or was he surprised by something else? Did he see her cards or something? Her cards were facedown, so that didn't make sense...


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/25.png.2b8f631d1c7c3920c42dcd4e58f37134.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76275" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/25.png.2b8f631d1c7c3920c42dcd4e58f37134.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

 

[ValkyrieRose]

"Caeda. A pleaure." She says with a smile to the rather handsome blonde. At least he nice, that was always a plus. To many beautiful people were giant jerks in this day in age. She looked from him to the excited man, trying to figure out what was up with this one... just a man with odd gambling habits, perhaps? She didn't have much knowledge in that area to be fully sure.


She turns her cards, looking at them before setting them back down. She then looked to the turn, then back to the people sitting next to her, seeing if she could get a read off either one of them... that was half the game, or so she was told.

 

[Xistund]

Johnny might as well be wearing a mask as far as the two could people as he kept up his act of friendliness. even though his mind was going a million miles per hour as he focused on the game. He looked rather happy at the new card that shown up at the table. He wondered what the man's mumbling was about, was he trying to freak him out, is he cheating somehow? No that did not matter now, the only thing that matters now is the game. He looked over to the man, "say you seem to be acting a bit strange there James, is something the matter" He said trying to get the man to throw the man off his game and hopefully make him sweat a bit. "What was that you were mumbling about not seeing?" He said trying to act as confident as he could in his cards as he raised, if the man was trying to cheat somehow mentioning it might make him want to fold out and move on to another table and raising the pot might just make some of the players re-think there cards.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

It looks like Caeda wasn't the only one getting concerned. The man was staring at her... James, his name was? He was getting... odd, the more she watched her... did he have some personal stake with this guy? She couldn't figure out what his stake was in her... it wasn't attaction, she could figure that much out. As she waited for the next card, she turned. "Not seeing? What are you trying to see, exactly?" She asked. The blonde had the right idea... it was best to get the trouble maker out of the way... and if he was cheating than she would have some words about it.

 

[NovaPheonix]

James took a moment to examine the cards on the table, and checked his own again. "Just sizing you up, is all. You seem pretty confident." He said with a slight playful smirk towards Johnny. "I'm not gonna call that, I fold." He said as he glanced at the other two. It was a bit of a shock, because now he sounded a bit tense. His body went from slouched to more of a normal sitting position. It wasn't as obvious as what he was putting on before, but it was easy to hear the slight tension in his voice. He scooted forward in his chair and watched the River card turn over (assuming Caeda calls the raise). He wanted to see who would win between the two of them, it seemed. Whatever they were saying probably struck some kinda nerve with him, but he didn't sound bitter or angry or anything like that.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/44.png.720675aa7b9c13d780e43ef4840b8530.png" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="76376" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2015_09/44.png.720675aa7b9c13d780e43ef4840b8530.png" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>


"Watcha' got?" the dealer looked over the remaining two.

 

[Umbrie]

a small and youthful, but adorable female figure, passing off the epitome of childlike charm, an inch over her fifth foot, blond silken hair falling to her shoulders, deep blue eyes, fairly pale and seemingly extremely well maintained skin. currently clad in a blue and white modestly covering Alice Liddel Cosplay, consisting of a cerulean dress and white apron with a pair of pale grey thighlength stockings that served to preserve the Alice appeal while covering up a lot of skin, was a girl that could logically pass for the protagonist of the Casino's namesake. over her left arm, she balanced a tray of drink samplers.the slender dwarf, would approach the Table Caeda and James were playing at, well, to offer Shots, Traditional Casino Policy, Free shots when you are actively gambling, makes you more likely to continue gambling and more likely to rent a room. so this was part of what Little Selene was trained to do for the last 3 years, as well as to spot cheaters when they appear. many came here to gamble in the hopes of finding great wealth, but sadly, Wonderland wasn't the right place to look.


the gangly and youthful figure, after having ducked between lively crowds of unfamiliar tourists, having struggked to keep from spilling the tray of shots, and well, she had just come from the Casino's bar. to Each of the Patrons at the table, Selene would ask and offer in an innocent voice while putting up an innocent face and trying her best to remain ladylike, even in a job like this, curtseying her guests with her free hand and stopping at a low angle, the curtsey, being drilled into her memory until she got it down by a former master. "Would you like to take a shot from the Tray? you each get to close your eyes and grab 2 Selections off the tray. starting first with the excitable lady and working clockwise." she finished her offer. Staring at Caeda as if she wanted her to grab 2 random shots off the tray first.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

Cadea watched the man fold... in truth, that was suspicious, but she slapped herself and forced herself to get rid of the feeling... she was off duty, for christs sakes


She takes her card,s flipping them over. A jack and a king. "Pair of jacks, King high." She says with a shrug. IT wasnt much, but at least it was something.

 

[Xistund]

Johnny at first was glad to see his plan somewhat work as the man folded then wince as Cadea shown her cards. Just as he feared she beat him. He shown his cards. "Ace High." He said as he spotted the girl with the drinks, considering the fact that she was serving alcohol that she was older then she appeared at first glance. He wondered if she was a dwarf the medical kind not the mystical... All though maybe that would make for a nice little sideline for his editor. He reached over and grabbed one of the shots. He knew the woman was addressing Cadea but knowing his luck tonight she'd forget about him. "Good game." He said to the woman taking a sip from the shot glass.

 

[ValkyrieRose]

"I'll take one too." She says, taking a shot from the girl. Free drinks... she couldn't complain about that, and it's not like she was on duty. She could get as drunk as much as she damn well pleased.


"Thank you." She says to the woman, then nods to the man as she collects her earning. "And yes, it was." She says, raising her glass and taking a sip with a smile. "Join me for some more drinks?" She offered with a smile... he WAS a rather handsome man after all.

 

[NovaPheonix]

The dealer raked about $340 in chips, the combination of what James had bet along with the two antes, towards Caeda. James swiped a glass as well from the short waitress and turned to Johnny. "Another round?" James eyed him a bit, as if he was honestly interested in his response. It was a fierce stare, a competitive one. It looked like Johnny was literally getting offers left and right. The girl wanted to leave with him, while James (who still had about two-thirds of his massive pile of chips left) wanted to play another hand. What was he going to do?

 

[Xistund]

"Might as well, since I've already partly payed for them." He said with a bit of a chuckle as he got up from his seat. Its true that he lost a bit of money at the moment but he can always play another night drinking with an attractive lady on the other hand was a rare treat. "Lead on my lady."

 

[Umbrie]

"the Drinks are free when you are on the Casino floor as long as you actively gamble,". the small blonde waitress in the Alice Liddel cosplay pointed out. an innocent and playfully childish smile upon her face and an innocent giggle escaping her lips as her voice seemed rather childlike in pitch. she seemed really sweet and friendly, in fact, it could be deduced that she was clinically a dwarf by medical standards based on the combination of her height and her slender frame, she made another offer, "play a few more hands and i will continue to keep you stocked with drinks while you continue to enjoy yourselves. the fun shouldn't expire just yet."

 

[ValkyrieRose]

Caeda would blink, thinking for a moment... it was clear this girl, however cute, was doing her job and trying to keep people gambling... but damn it she wanted some time with this man... they couldn't flirt nearly as effectively when they were betting against each other. She didn't know how to do something like that! "Thank you, but I think I'll quit while I'm ahead... at least for now." She said


She would get up with a smile, and if her partner would follow, go over to one of the doubtlessly nearbby bars and sit down

 

[NovaPheonix]

James stood there by the poker table, looking clearly disappointed that they had decided to leave. In anguish, and possibly with a tint of rage, he downed another shot and started to move away from the table. As he turned, his duster flipped with him and he made his way down the floor. Meanwhile, Caeda and Johnny had relocated themselves to a rather nice looking bar.

​

~End of Scene 1~

​

[session 1, Scene 2: Bar Under Shallow Light]

The bar that Caeda had chosen already had a few people sitting at it, but it wasn't loud. The atmosphere around this bar was quite drowsy and calm. The bartender put on a strange joyous face as they approached, noticing the pretty girl and the handsome man as they came near.



music played in the background, and pool balls could be heard clacking behind the bar. Dim red lights gave everything around a slight shift in color, it felt almost like they were stepping through to somewhere else entirely. The bartender seemed like a young man in his late 20s, he had short reddish colored hair and a set of thick glasses that veiled his rich-colored hazel eyes. Of course, he was wearing a white colored suit with a snappy red tie tucked underneath. Behind him was a bar that had various kinds glasses and bottles arranged around. The table itself was wooden, and behind that was a large glass mirror that reflected everything in the background, including the approaching pair. "Would you like anything?" the man asked kindly as he held up a wine glass to Caeda. He had a soft, sort of irish, sounding accent.
This bartender in particular was a good friend of Selene. They had gotten to know each other well over the handful of years they had been working here. The boss didn't want to hire someone who looked so young at first, but after seeing her paperwork and speaking to the very same bartender they struck a deal. Since then, this bartender took her under his wing. He was somewhat serious, but put on a good face for his guests. He honed his eye on her from the bar, watching her like a hawk before peering back to Caeda.


"Terrance Reed" was the name on his name-tag, which matched the one that Selene wore. As Caeda looked into his eyes, masked by the glasses, she would see two dim windows to the soul. He looked torn inside, but still smiled at her as if nothing was wrong.

 

[Xistund]

Johnny smiled a bit as they walked into the bar and heard the soft jazz, oh yea this was his type of place. The bar the music, the dame with him. He felt like he should be apart of a noir, he just hoped he did not start narrating to himself. He tipped his hat to the barkeep "Buchanan’s en Las Rachas" He said more trying to sound fancy then really liking the drink. "So Miss Caeda what do you do for a living?"

 

[ValkyrieRose]

Caeda looked around... this was a rather nice place. It was a classy feel. She liked most music like this... anything but rap or pop was more or less ok by her. She felt as if she knew this song, but couldn't remember it's name... one of those kinds of tunes. "Jack Rose." She orders to the bartender with a smile


She looks to Johnny, a little sheepish. A lot of people she tried to date ran at the mention fo her job. "I'm a homicide detective with the police." She said... no point in lying to the man. "I know i know, I'm technically a cop." She shrugs. "What about you, Mr. Johnny?" She says with a smile

 

[NovaPheonix]

Terrance turned his back to the two rather quickly and went straight to work. He worked his hands toward several of the bottles with a certain precession and grace. The first thing that caught Johnny off guard was that the bartender swirled the whisky into his drink, but two bottles were in his hand. He didn't see where that other one came from, but it quickly disappeared before he could see it. He didn't know anything about mixing drinks, but he only had one type of whisky in his drink. It didn't add up, literally. Then he would watch more carefully as he started on Caeda's drink while she talked. He shook up some Applejack and prepared a fresh lemon.