2018.06.21: Princes of Escondido - Distribution Disruption

Princes of Escondido - Distribution Disruption
Throw down at The Spoke
IC Date	Tue Jun 21st, 2018
IC Time	18:00:00 2018, PDT
Players	ST: Ilias, Anezka, Carys, Devin, Goliath, Guivre, Heathen, Jolene, Karasu, Martha, Mikael, Sharpe, Silvana
Location	HWY 5, Northwest of Prospect City, Along the coast
Prp/Tp	Princes of Escondido
Spheres	Vampire
Theme Song	MUSIC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvUBGN4KoP0&list=PLtvPNpc47CNmIcySuGD5VdcsnMIoEwyil

For two nights now, there has been all kinds of traffic congestion on HWY 15, and traffic has been re-routed to HWY 5. During the day it is a nightmare of bumper-to-bumper traffic, but during the evening at least, it at least moves. Though shipments are running behind, and deliveries are getting lost and hijacked. It has become increasingly more difficult to get in and out of Prospect city - to the point that traffic has started re-routing all the way East as Mt. Laguna, to use HWY 8 to get to the city.

Every time it seems like things will clear up, there seems to be a major accident, or a break down. Fires, spills, contamination - the reasoning for these delays and disruptions come one after another. People so angry, they are abandoning their vehicles which only makes things worse. Emergency vehicles are even having a hard time during the day getting along the HWY and talk of calling in the National Guard is being murmured by local politicians. It appears, the city is under siege - question now is what to do about it.

More pointedly, deliveries that seem to be intended for Camarilla and Independent businesses are largely being affected. Even Sabbat interests are being disrupted, and this is starting to have ripple effects. (Players are encouraged to personalize the impact this could be having on them within reason)

A group of individuals that have been effected (The Players), have gathered by whatever means at a truck stop / biker bar outside of Prospect known as The Spoke. The establishment is rather crowded, nearly to the brim for what is being described as a 'Private Function'. Dozens upon dozens of motorcycles, modified cars, and big rig trucks are parked all around this parking area. Lights shine down from tall poles and barely serve to illuminate the broken pavement of the neglected parking area. The red luminescence of The Spoke sign casts an eerie halo over the area.

Sharpe is one of the biggest runners if illicit stuff in the city. So he is understandably pissed when something is effecting his bottom line. When Sharpe's bottom line is effected he calls in his thugs and wants to start breaking legs and faces. So he arrives in his car with his crew. They sit and wait in the car, obviously armed and armored. Sharpe pulls out his lighter and strikes up a cigar as he waits

Karasu shows up by means of vehicle, car, specifically. Coming to the place and parking it, after everything is settled he gets out and looks about for a moment, trying to get a figure for the location. Tonight the man is wearing relaxed attire, jeans, shoes, a shirt which is untucked, hair tied back so to be kept out of his face.

~vroooooooooooom~ -- The heavily modified Harley-Davidson motorcycle that Goliath drives in on roars over broken pavement, and parks in an empty space. After his helmet and glasses is removed, he takes the helmet and glasses off his dog, Tiny (worn only for comic purposes). Tiny is a massive Pit Bull, and is placed on the ground after the giant gets off his bike. The red glow of The Spoke sign covers half his face in neon light, looking around to make a tactical decision before entering.

Heathen looks out the windows, into the gloom beyond the road, letting his darksight take in the night scenery in all its unique glory. He's more than a little miffed at all this. The very first business he's trying to build to start his 1000 year ascent to the top of the vampire food chain has gone sour as needed equipment vanishes into the night. Borrowing a car from his more affluent allies he and Mikael head toward the source of their problems.

Mikael driving the Escalade Heathen has borrowed again. Frowning as he watches the road, he mutters a bit to himself about his missing seafood, having had to resort to what California has available, and while he is grateful for the local docks and their wealth, they don't have crawfish or Gulf shrimp and other things he needs for the proper Cajun flair. After the storm, and other problems they /need/ their shipments with the new businesses to launch.

Martha drives by it and looks for a good spot, just in case she and Devin need an out. Once she finds a spot semi concealed at edges of things, it time to park. And outcome the Binoculars to watch the place, and wait for the others. To Devin, "Always one." watching the brute of the Brujah. as to loss her insurance and cushion has her losses covered for the most part, so not as concerned in the short term.

Guivre parks some distance away and walks over to the location on foot.

Jolene has seen the ripple effects at the hospital and the crown museum, and one of her concerns is that a new exhibit scheduled to arrive may be stopped in transit by hijackers, but more importantly people are being hurt, emergency vehicles are having a hard time getting through where they need to be. She has packed in the back of her vehicle an emergency supplies to help the wounded as best she can. Her blue SUV stuck in the traffic. She is surprisingly dressed in her dark crimson scrubs tonight. She is really wearing jeans which never happens and her hair his hanging down loosely, on her feet instead of heels she is wearing tennis shoes that make it more comfortable to move around in and drive.

The sleek black motorcycle comes almost silently rapidly up the highway and pulls off to the side here as Carys sees so many vehicles and others arriving. She isn't much of a joiner, and is just concerned with her own interests at the moment. She remains in her gear as she gets a good idea of the situation. Her red hair just barely showing under her helmet.

As Devin rides in Air Martha, he is busy preparing for the possibilities of tonight's encounter. Soft muttering, and incantation likely must be drowned out by the radio so as not to cause road rage. Not wanting to toss up another suit to a shower of super soaker blood rain, Mr. Quinn arrives tonight in a black Irish fishermen's sweater of wool, and a black wool peacoat. A knit watchcap is on his head, and he wears jeans and a pair of sturdy work boots. Once his chauffer's preparation is finished, he begins his own. A sly smirk touches his lips and pale cheeks as she says this. "Well, he is indeed entertaining. Oh...did you mean the one in the side car? A well behaved specimen indeed." He smiles wider, showing teeth at that.

As others show up Karasu looks at the familiar faces and smiles to them before looking back out of the area. "Seems everyone has come prepared... How very different things are compared to my days."

Martha chuckles, "Well he should get the fight started." with a hmm, as if deciding when to get out, all dressed in a leather chauffeurs outfit with rocking boots, and a sword tonight, she look so Anime tonight. "Should we get out, or wait for some fun?" handing the Binoculars to Devin popping the locks now.

Silvana sits off to the side watching as people arrive some or must actually rather familiar. She stays on her bike if she is smiling or frowning hard to tell behind that helmet, or maybe she's biting her time before she lets others see that she too is here.

Heathen steps out of the vehicle, and gives the Primogen a tip of his imaginary hat as he arrives, shaking his head a bit as he sees Silvana. "You taking shots too?" as the group starts to form.

Goliath pulls out a pair of brass knuckles, as he and his dog (who is leashed), Tiny, stand idly and assess the situation. No emotionality at all on his countenance, no words spoken to anyone.

Sharpe starts to see others arrive so he steps out of his car and the others with him follow. He may be wearing body armor, and he may have an m-4 carbine tucked under an arm. But god dammit if he isn't still in an amazing suit.

Martha gets out of her car and does a pose and well cheery wave of all things.

Guivre remains under Obfuscate as he walks up to the place and he keeps back away from the other, across the parking lot and deep in the shadows.

Carys sees Karasu, and takes off her helmet, putting it away. She preps herself, adjusting her jacket, and begins to walk over to her friend. A chin jut of recognition, and she greets him. "Yo! Been a minute."

Silvana looks at Heathen as he comes to talk to her "Just looking for now, you?"

Jolene begins to get out of her dark blue SUV, and head to the back to get her kit ready for what she is sure is something that will turn ugly, and someone has to be prepared to do something more than just hurting people. She does question whether or not it is a good idea to be here but who wouldn't. She does smile a little when she spots Malcolm, and hopes he doesn't see her because he would probably insist she go back home. She is just going to remain quiet for now though and watch and hope that things do not turn ugly.

With Carys coming over to him Karasu smiles and bows his head to her. "Indeed, how have you been? Besides attractive?" He gives a wink to Carys than looks out over the area. "Makes me wonder what sort of screams I'm going to hear tonight..."

Second Set: Ringing the Dinner Bell

It certainly doesn't take the 'regulars' long to notice that something stinks in the parking lot. As like a kicked bee hive, muscle comes pooling out of the establishment from front and side doors. Even some individuals coming out onto the roof top. The first distinct face is:

The nearly seven foot tall man kicks open the door and comes trudging out with a glare from behind his Prada shades to look over the area. "What in the twit-fucks is this shit?! Who the fuck do you clowns think you are. And what the fuck do you think you're doing on my lawn?" he bolsters as many of the others draw weapons and show their own version of intimidation on the battle line. There men look pretty well equipped too, no doubt having hit one of Sharpe's weapons shipments and distributed the wealth accordingly. Some of the crowd bleeds around to the sides of the parking area, circling around the group - given their advantage of neighbors and home turf.

A squirrely little fucker cackles on top of the roof, boasting an RPG over his shoulder with excitement like he can't wait to fire this fucking thing. The large bearded Anarch points towards the largest amongst you, Goliath and says, "This your fucking parade, Dick-lips?"

Mikael gives a bow of his head to those gathering, double checking the stuff they have brought with them. He doesn't seem quite as thin tonight, probably because of the special black clothing he is wearing, and the many pocketed vest. His hair is up in a man bun on his head. "Bonsoir," and he moves up to Heathen's side, leaning on a cane.

Devin looks at the Binoculars. "Seems like several are arriving. Very nice..."he mutters, the binoculars following someone before he stops and blinks and hands them back.

Heathen watches as people gather, and starts to reply to Silvana when the shit starts to hit the fan. Seeing the rocket launcher, and remembering a scene from some god awful teenage vampire show someone forced him to watch, he starts to walk away and toward the edges of the light.

Sharpe glances up at the cackling idiot with the RPG...Sharpe squints and looks it over "Oh, man is that a Chinese version...ah they are the worst man, if you're going to trust muntions you really should buy American or Russian. That Chinese shit is just going to blow up in your hands."

Devin looks to Martha, "definitely time to leave the vehicle"

Martha lets the binoculars fall onto the seat, "Oh look a welcome party Devin." with an almost sweet smile. She of course has a gun in one hand and a sword in the other. And looks so happy, as she moves from the car just a bit to see who is where.

Typically, when someone points a Rocket Propelled Grenade at you, you're supposed to back down and show an iota of tact or common sense. Sadly, as proven last night, Goliath isn't at all tactful; he likely should of chosen Jolene if he wanted peace.

Goliath yells, so the Anarch and all else can hear, "We're Social Justice Warriors, here to promote feminism, women's rights, and racial harmony. So when I kick you in your Jew Vagina, know that I'm doing it out because I care." Goliath habla Brujah.

Jolene stays back hopefully out of sight out of mind, better to keep out of the line of sight so she can discreetly check on wounded as needed. There are going to be wounded she just has a bad feeling about tonight. She is not going to get in the fray though unless there is just no choice. Do No Harm. She just shakes her head at Goliath though taking a step or two away from him because he may be the first one they take shots at.

When the man busts out and begins his chest pounding Karasu stands there and watches the display, he doesn't say anything, he simply listens to it, and what's going... However at this moment, his body is relaxed, but mind was already preparing for what might come.

Silvana turns to look at the people as they come out with guns and takes a deep breath as she gives her head a little shake "Why do they always bring guns" she looks to Heathen "Let others attract the first blast just hang low."

Before Carys can answer Karasu, the yelling begins. She cackles and turns to Karasu. "Eh, things have been boring. Been licking my wounds from the asshat boyfriend I kicked the fuck out." Upon hearing more of the yelling she adds, "Business just picked up, my friend. I think many screams will happen tonight. Of many types." She cannot WAIT to get her hands dirty tonight it seems. Just want she needs.

Devin blinks, completely confused by Goliath and most of the references going over his head. "Sea-- Goliath..what exactly is...never mind" he begins and skips the half formed question, his eyes on the rocket launcher.

Guivre hasn't given up his hiding place across the street and he continues to watch from the shadows, silently mouthing words and muttering about whatever is Malkavian's mutter.

Heathen gives Mikael a look as the cackling idiot starts bouncing around, and gives Silvana a wink as he starts to walk away. Into the dark, and off the beaten track. Goliath can wear the bull's-eye for the moment, he wants to spread the targets out, and make himself less of one.

Mikael shadows Heathen as they had trained, and nods in understanding to him. His eyes shift to the one on the roof with the rocket launcher and his eyes grow thoughtful as he concentrates on him.

There's a lot of bad hombres here - in particular it looks like a large wealth of rugged thug types from all over. Some might be recognized from the Biker Rally a few nights ago, but some are distinctly new - as though their numbers have been swelling. At Sharpe's taunting, the squirrely little rocket man cackles and points a finger at Sharpe - like he's going to be the designated target when he fires. As some of the group start withdrawing to try to get out of the immediate area, headlights start turning on behind the group, and what appears to be even more of these rat bastards start getting off bikes and out of cars. Someone must have sent out word of your all's arrival.

&

.. in particular are behind the group, seeming to lead their own gangs. The man calls out, "Ohh shit Bastion, what did you stir up tonight?" he tosses his hands down towards his crotch as he gets up off his bike and grins all stupid. The woman lounges lazily on her bike and offers sinfully, "Sure looks like a Camarilla buffet to me.. aren't you all a bit far from home?"

The large one on the deck of The Spoke calls towards Goliath, "You're funny, I'll kill you last." Then he notices the group behind the players and calls out, "Fuck off Serin, these pigs are mine. They showed up on my lawn. You too Midnight, go suck a dick!"

Sharpe continues to chide the people pointing weapons their way in the choice of their weapons "I see you people really have poor choice in weapons.. I mean really, if you've got the small dick you go for the big caliber guns? Could you be more cliché?" He smirks at Goliath's chat and then he eyes the squirmy one "I dare you, with your garbage product you won't be hurting me one bit." He in fact lights up another cigar while he waits

Devin says quietly to Martha. "That was the quote from the Austrian yes? The large one with the green wood upon his features and the short sword sized dagger? " he begins to prepare, eyes still on the RPG. "This would be a horrible time for me to miss my mark." he whispers to her, still watching his target.

Hearing others come up from behind them gets Karasu to look behind him, then looks over to Carys and motions towards the new arrivals. He then looks back to the big guy and then to the others about... Karasu slips off his shoes, then unties his hair, whispering to Carys as he does.

Martha nods to something Devin says to her, as she well takes in the scene. And area with care while the posturing goes on.

Jolene is not liking the way this is going at all, especially with what appears to be two groups and them caught in the middle of this mess. She is muttering a silent prayer and tries her best to keep out of sight and hide trying to remember what she has been taught about staying in the shadows and staying still near her own SUV for the moment.

As the shit talking continues on who gets to kill who, for how many blood beads, it's the taunting of the squirrely one that gets things going. He hisses at Sharpe, "oh you're dead asshole!" and seems about ready to fire that RPG at the group. He's about to pull the trigger, and he startles and spins the rocket launcher around towards the ground with a confused expression. 'No I'm not.' He demands and pulls the trigger. The RPG makes the strangest noise, it doesn't launch like it should of. Instead it grunts, starts making a hissing noise and the squirrely dude's eyes go wide and he barely manages, "fu-.." before there's an explosion and shrapnel which hits many of the dudes that were beside him on the roof of The Spoke. The pretty neon red lighting blown out on half the sign, leaving it reading The S

'Serin and Midnight' point their goons towards the group and Serin orders, "Kill them!" As Bastion ducks back and snarls with fangs exposed, "Mother-fucking.. I want their God-damned heads!" he snarls to his own men as they start pooling out towards the group, and the mass combat begins!!!

Devin raises a hand and begins muttering quietly as he watches the RPG on the roof. If anyone is watching, they would not be able to see anything happening.

Heathen takes advantage of his lessons, dancing around out in the shadows, taunting and joking around and drawing fire away from ghouls without taking any shots himself. The shadows are his friends, they are his allies, and tagging the crazy Keeper out there is an act of frustration, even if Heath can't get the upper hand himself.

Silvana was on her bike when some smartasses think they can try to sneak up behind her and she quickly dismounts as she pulls out the sword that has been hidden in her trench coat and takes down the guys all in a simple swoop. She stands guard as she seems to dare someone to come closer.

Mikael is still flanking Heathen, and following his order. When the asshole with the RPG blows himself up his eyes go to the next nearest threat, and his face shows an intense determination as a battle in silence is taking place which sets Mikael's jaw in place, and causes him to clench his fists. He doesn't lose the battle, but neither does he win. He seems to be in a standoff but effectively stopped one attack against the group.

There are like a ton of them swarming Martha, who somehow only been struck once in that crazy fray by a blade. Most she has parried somehow or just took the blows with weapons. The few morons that pummeled her back off yelping as if somehow she stung their hands. She is quick, and moving a bit faster to ward off the swarm of attacks on her trying to keep them from Devin if she can.

Goliath doesn't look back as the rocket impacts against the sign and causes an explosion, he charges ahead -- and when he finally gets to a target, he reaches back to punch the man; and the punch sails right by. His target's punch also flies right by. Tiny, seeing the conflict, growls as teeth latch onto his victim's leg, clamping down with the full force of an adult male Pit-Bull in a motion to knock the person down.

An explosion goes off to the left of him sending Guivre flying through the air and (luckily) into an open dumpster. It slams shut and hides him from the battle.

Carys pulls out her swords and prepares to fight it out. Her target comes at her just as ready and Carys hacks and slashes, giving it her all, doing damage to her opponent. The fucker is just as good - and gets in more licks on her than she anticipated. This just pisses her off as she takes it to him. "FUCKING HELL! JUST DIE!" She will not give up despite how difficult this is becoming! "AAAAARRRRGGGHHH!!!!" She does not hold back.

Jolene had tried to hide but she is noticed and soon overwhelmed getting hit rather hard in the shoulder, head and soon in her stomach, clutching doing her best to try to get away if she can from the bikers who seem to have her surrounded. She tries to go for one of their legs, to sweep it out from under them, and try to slip away, but she is quickly overwhelmed by the thugs that came in from behind them.

Karasu rushes into the fray that is starting to gather, as he does, he pulls out a wicked looking dagger from under his shirt and begins stabbing at whomever got in the way. Those poor souls who get hit suffer, as the weapon yank itself into their bodies. As he fights, those who aren't bleeding, or dead are coming in on the man, who begins to back up and try to adjust his fight so he had a better handle, of course in the process taking hits himself which seem to barely register to the man in any fashion as pain.

Sharpe smirks at the squirrely dude "Oh man, what a coincidence." He damn near deadpans at the red mist that used to be an idiot. "Hammer down boys." He waves his hand forward and his own M4 comes up. That always drinking ghoul in Elysium? Yeah, his SEAL training kicks back in and he double taps his way into the crowd, knowing full well bullets don't affect vampires as much he aims for heads and he is a DAMN good shot.

Suddenly everything goes to shit, and the chaos is palpable. Violence breaks out, and the players are caught in the middle of what seems like a turf war! What's worse, is the players despite their strength, are largely out-numbered and those numbers are definitely having an impact on their abilities. Bastion weighs into the combat, wielding a fucking battle axe. He's cleaving it around and slicing his own people as much as into others. He grabs a rival biker by the neck and head butts his skull in. Siren pulls out twin Uzis, and lets loose a hail of bullets into the crowd - gunning down people as he howls into the air like a wild animal. Midnight gets back on her bike, and coils a barbed chain on her hand - taking off around the group and starts whipping people on the outskirts and catching them in the chain to drag them behind her bike. Guns and explosions going off, and general mayhem seems to be erupting everywhere, until..

Third Set: Shit!.. Daddy's Home

A large number of headlights from the parked semi area starting flicking their high beams on, and blasting over the area. It is suddenly extremely bright (Sorry Lasombra's) and an intercom system can be heard, from one of the trucks - though it's difficult to make out the guy standing on the hood of the truck too clearly:

"You fucking gun happy pieces of shit, need to cut it the fuck out. Prince Goblin finds out you're destroying his merchandise, and he's going to be all kinds of pissed the fuck off." Interestingly enough, this seems to give some of the bikers and nuts pause, and they actually hesitate and withdraw a bit from each other, giving the Players a chance to regroup and possibly lick their wounds. "One of you, who actually has a fucking brain.. want to discuss this rationally, then speak up now." he says towards the Players, clearly not following Bastion's plan of talking to the biggest meanest looking one for negotiation purposes.

Devin looks that way. "I'd certainly be curious what you have to offer."

Carys has a brain. A damn GOOD one. But she isn't going to step into a trap, and there is enough other fodder here. She sees Devin speak up and just grins.

Heathen is just fine with the bright. The bigger the lights, the deeper the shadows. He'll leave the talking to others as he stays low, finishing revving into his shadow form and almost oozing into the ground, no longer bound by physical rules as he drifts closer to the ones that have stopped shooting who are pausing to listen to the new guy.

Guivre listens through the wall of his dumpster hiding place as he pumps blood into healing the lacerations he took in the recent explosion. In his hiding place he hunkers down and puts on some obfuscate so he can blend in with the trash.

Martha moves a bit and then holsters just her gun and pops something from a pocket into her mouth without a word. She does not sheathe her blade nope.

As the enemy pulls back from Karasu, he moves back still prepared to fight, his body begins to do its thing, healing, letting the chi mend the wounds he sustained that his P'o wasn't able to endure itself. At this point, once he has managed to settle he relaxes his posture, but remains ready.

Silvana looks around to see who is going to step up. She steps back using some of the shadows as she keeps her blade close to her. She looks around to try to count how many and where people are at.

Mikael narrows his eyes at the bright lights, head jerking a bit as he breaks concentration with the asshole, attempting to adjust as quickly as he can to the surrounding area, and takes a step backwards as he scans the area for the others positions to get a new perspective on the situation before checking out the new arrival when he speaks. He doesn't look over at Heathen, but stays in contact.

Jolene has taken the chance to move closer to her friends now she has gotten loose from the bikers who had overwhelmed looking pretty badly beaten up at the moment, and trying to catch her breath, breath she doesn't need but she also needs to find her med kit which got knocked around and has a scalpel in it. Any weapon is better than none really and now she is going to try keep it close at hand as it is the only thing she has but she is looking around for something else. A stake would be nice right about now.

Goliath isn't done with this fight, just because someone speaks up and asks for parlay. Fuck. That. The massive brute begins to wail on his target, now that Tiny has him down on the floor, and doesn't stop until he isn't moving. And then, it's onto the next one.

Sharpe takes this time to light another cigar, he exhales the smoke through his nose and glances around taking in all of his surroundings. One hand starts tapping at his smart phone as he looks completely at ease in the middle of a clusterfuck

Bastion snarls, and lifts up his boot to kick the body that's lodged on his axe off and to the ground. He snarls towards the light, lifting his thick hand up to block his eyes, "Fuck off Lodi, this is none of your fucking business!" Midnight giggles sadistically and says, "We just having some fun Lodi.. no reason to tell Daddy on us. Besides, they're expendable. Why else would their Masters send them out here?" she preens, picking the brain matter out of the barb of her chain.

Lodi as he seems to be named, looks towards Devin when he speaks. "Tell your thug we're talking.. or I let this shit-show continue and talk to whoever is left standing instead." he warns with a point of a finger towards Goliath, as the giant continues fighting while everyone else has stopped. For what it is worth, it -appears- negotiations might be possible.. hint.

Devin turns with an amused smile and offers in his smoothest tone "Goliath." looking towards Seamus "can we please hold for a moment. I'm almost certain they will make us kill them but, one never knows. Let us listen to what the fine gentleman offers."

One last punch thrown, and then he looks up like 'what?'. Goliath's attention darts all around, and when Devin speaks to him -- he sneers. "Fine," The hulking Irish man says, in a thick brogue. "..but you owe me a Harry Potter wand. A real one, none of that plastic Disneyworld bullshit. I mean it."

"It can be arranged " Devin offers with a motion of the hand that might be like one trying to calm a large child. "We will discuss it."

Guivre listens from inside the dumpster, scooting aside a box of moldy oranges to check on the progress of his wounds, patiently waiting out this part of the evening in high style.

Mikael calmly, almost leisurely moves towards Jolene, glancing with his eyes over towards Heathen.

Jolene takes some of the time she is given to use her own blood in order to try to heal some of her wounds while they try to negotiate. She actually wonders who is going to negotiate. She is a little nervous at this point because no one is speaking up.

Carys takes in a breath and heals up her wounds, getting them to close up. She watches all the interaction, and then whispers to Karasu something. She is not going to step into this attempt with the verbal diplomacy.

Karasu looks to Carys for a moment to check how she is, then looks back to the situation going on.

Bastion snarls, obviously wanting to keep the fight going as much as Goliath did. In fact he lifts his battleaxe up into the air, and points his finger towards Goliath, "Fuck this! Lets fight. These assholes came here for War." Serin is reloading his Uzis and healing some wounds as he comments, "Shut the fuck up Bastion, the grown-ups are talking." he shakes his head in disgust, eyes glinting like a cat's in the darkness against those headlights. The engine of Midnight's bike is still purring, as she's made no effort to help this 'negotiation' and she points towards Sharpe, "You should take that one to see Prince Goblin.. bet he'd get a kick out of him."

"Let's start with you all telling me who you are, and why the fuck you're here causing shit." Lodi motions his hand around and offers, "We're collecting the Tax. We didn't attack you. If there's something you want, you buy it back like everyone else. Everyone pays the Tax. Prospect pays the tax, Escondido pays the tax, Tijuana pays the tax.. all you'll. Don't like it, you take it up Prince Goblin. But I assure you, it's a hell of a lot easier to just pay the fucking Tax."

Heathen looks around, trying to find a 'stray', one of the aggressive shooters, preferably wounded and apart from the pack. Like any good predator, seeking prey outside the comfort zone of the herd.

Sharpe keeps his lighter out, his brow raises at the mention of Taxes, and he actually starts to laugh "Oh, man...You think it's just -us- you're pissing off with your little trailer park bullshit? I can tell you Management at the Continental is pissed off at your shenanigans, The Russians are pissed off, hell every single gang in the city is pissed off..." He glances over to the woman who points him out "Oh I'm sorry darling, getting a kick out of a lowly ghoul ripping into your friends?" He brushes his nails against his chest "And you're cutting into my bottom line. So how about you start talking some sense while we're actually willing to listen to it?"

Carys laughs. LOUDLY. "Tax? FUCK YOU! Sounds like you are causing the shit, dickhead. Also sounds like that one..." pointing to Bastion "...is just trying to prove how big his dick his. While this one..." pointing now to Serin "...is the only ones with any balls to actually lead anyone. Maybe you should listen to him."

It's at this point that Karasu body begins to shift, clothing rips, his body turns a dark red, grows horns and claws, getting larger and taller until he is nearly twelve feet tall, demonic looking creature, akin to a Japanese Oni. The dagger he had is smaller, looking more like a knife at this point than a dangerous dagger.

Goliath places his foot atop the chest of whoever he just knocked out or sent to torpor, and looks about at all the assembled enemies. "I am Goliath of Clan Brujah, adopted son of Smiling Jack." If any of these people are both Anarch and Brujah, in California, they would certainly know the name of the legendary Anarch pirate Smilin' Jack; a well-known and respected revolutionary. "..and anyone who pays these fuckheads a pingin is a weak coward. We settle this the old way, or not at all."

Jolene speaks up now looking up at Lodi, "You are going to call the military out here because of your tax. You are going to cause innocent people to die because they cannot get the supplies to the hospital they need. You are putting lives at risk for what? What tax are you asking for?" She offers simply. We are people of prospect whose lives you are threatening, whose livelihoods you are putting at risk, and maybe that doesn't matter to you, but it does to the people of Prospect."

Martha just spits on the ground, not a word, not a sound. Then looks to the one speaking for prince Goblin and smiles.

Devin briefly closes his eyes as tempers flare a moment. "I am Devin Quinn, Clan and House Tremere, and not to put too sharp a point on it actually, " he smiles as the speaker attempts to shift responsibility and defense on the part of the Camarilla. "You did attack point in fact. " Devin motions to the rooftop. "The presence of your rocketeer and the small army with the firearms are by definition the engagement of battle on your part. A few of mine were attacked by yours the other night as well. And...as you point out "buying Back" means that you know that you attacked property not belonging to you. That is theft. Certainly I would be happy to hear a reasonable negotiation, but should it come down to simply erupting every last bit of merchandise into molten slag, it is an option.  Obviously you see the others are also more than happy to continue. So, perhaps you would like to begin again, with a spirit of...good faith and pitch an offer of reason."

Mikael steps up to Jolene, his eyes doing a quick scan of her condition before he runs a finger over his belt buckle, and then casually hooks it on a belt loop. He does a noncommittal glance then to each that speaks.

Silvana looks around before she steps back hiding into the shadows what little shadows there are and vanishing from sight.

Midnight lets her fangs show, as the crazy-bitch grins at Sharpe, "Ohh baby, maybe I eat you myself." Lodi cuts in after Sharpe speaks, "You don't get it. We're just collecting. That's how Goblin wants it, that how it goes. You can try negotiating with him." Bastion hears Carys go off, and grins all feral. His thick hand lifts up to adjust his Prada shades and then down to grab his junk and thrust his hips towards her, "Come find out." Serin grins at Carys' words, but Midnight seems to get pissed. "You keep your cunt-eyes off him bitch!" - probably not the most stable one of the group. As Karasu goes all war form, Lodi says, "Starting to look you all really want to do this the fucking hard way." He motions his hand, and what looks like some big mounted gun on those trucks lift and level towards Karasu in his wickety-whack form. He looks towards Jolene, "You want to negotiate, then you better start by getting control of your people."

Devin smiles "So you do agree then that the possession of armament is declaration of intent. Good. Then you can be reasonable. What is Goblin collecting? And what exactly are YOU fine folk looking for? Perhaps an arrangement can be made on neutral ground for Goblin to speak his mind if he is willing.

Guy listens, not just to the negotiations outside, but to the voices in the air... the voices in his head... while he hides in the dumpster.

Carys takes a step forward, "Yeah? Figure I'll find someone had to flesh craft it for you. Probably not even yours OR functional." She flips off Midnight, "Bitch, you can have him. He isn't worth my time." Finally a sigh to Lodi, "Never thought I'd say this, but hell yeah. Where the fuck is this Goblin?" She looks to the others, and then Devin. "Seriously? You think they are that civilized? Damn."

Devin smiles and keeping his eyes on the potential threat he says to Carys. "Can you wait until they decide they do not wish to walk out of this before attacking with your razor wit? Unto every purpose a season after all."

"Let us all try to keep calm and speak reasonable so no one else gets hurt tonight. What are you looking for?" Jolene does look to Mikael and Sharpe though trying to gauge their own thoughts and what they want to do. If they give her any clues.

Jolene looks back to her friends, and starts to head back to her car looking at Mikael reassuringly as she leaves, knowing he wanted her to anyway. "Good luck my friend and be careful. They are not worth your lives." Speaking softly to her friends. Madeline would kick her butt if she died here tonight.

Anezka appears amid the crowd next to Carys, being there all the time but out of the spotlight. "Those are your fellow Anarch fuckwits that mocked /our/ ritae the other night?" The short blue haired teenager looking Fiend (that would totally be up for being in X-Force and surviving the jump scene) crosses her arms. She looks to the looming Oni and smiles. "...nice."

Martha looks to the one speaking, the most. "Maybe you all need to ask who the Hell your Princes are really serving?" with a shrug and look about the place, sword still out and ready. "How is this chain of command working out for you all, really. Freedom, and what?" looking about, "You all have Princes now what sort of freedom is that?"

Carys looks to Anezka, not surprised she is there. "Yeah, these are the goons for those fuckwits. I'm half tempted to say, 'take me to your leader', but I do not even want to call them a name like that."

Karasu isn't attacking, but he is keeping ready for anything, even if that means picking up someone's motor cycle and using it as a club.

Mikael gives a nod of his head to Jolene, and quietly steps to the side to cover her as she moves off to her vehicle. He continues to move then, slowly, back to the armored Escalade, but merely to lean against it then, listening to the various ones, and taking mental notes of who is present. He makes no glance, or turns his head toward where Heathen was last seen.

As the Players are readying for a conflict, so is everyone else. The more aggressive they appear to be, the more ready and eager for a fight the others are. They are still widely out-numbered here, and surrounded. It just isn't a good fighting position to be in if someone kicks this off again. "Prince Goblin gets anything he wants. Nothing moves on these roads without him knowing about it." Bastion the Brujah with the battleaxe states emphatically. Lodi calls over his speaker when Devin asks for a meeting, "If you want a meeting with Prince Goblin, that can be arranged. Who's meeting with him, you?" Lodi juts his chin towards the Tremere and looks to the others like he's waiting for someone else to speak up. When Carys does, "You wanting a meeting to? Two representatives each." he points towards Devin and says, "That's one Prospect Cammie. Who else?"

At Martha's words, there's some grumbling amongst the crowd. Some bickering beginning some of the vampire thugs and ghoul bangers. Serin looks at her and says, "Fuck you Cammie.. you don't know what you're talking about." Though by some of the light arguing and discontent, perhaps not everyone here agrees.

Silvana calls out from somewhere on the shadows "We all would like to meet the Prince, funny enough we also always get what we want. So why don't you put your big panties on and call your daddy so we can get this worked out"

Martha smiles at Serin, "You protest all too much Serin is it right, how much kick back are you getting for your recruits that they never see?"

The top of the dumpster pops open and Guivre stands there with his arms spread out at his side, "I'd like to meet with your Princes." There is a pause and without any real sort of explanation the shoddily dressed Malkavian says, "My friends call me Jesus." His friends know he's lying, of course and should probably play along. The crazy man climbs onto the edge of the dumpster and walks along it slowly, "I hope that can be arranged." His Creole tinged Southern drawl sounds all to casual given the bloodstains on his clothing and the scent of battle still on the wind. The Dumpster makes a loud CLANK when it flies open.

"Well if Prince Goblin himself is willing to meet, then it should probably be with the Prince of Prospect, rather than myself. As you are aware, Elysium is an ancient tradition that extends to all, be they of the sect or not. So it is the best way for Prince Goblin to know that he will not be dealt with dishonorably, and that anyone who let their words get away from them and cause them to speak to Prince Goblin as some tonight have spoken, would be dealt with harshly. I think you would agree that this way, true progress can be made and a suitable arrangement reached. " Devin said.

Anezka raises her hand. "I wanna speak with this Goblin guy. He will give me names." She steps up. "Anezka Novacek, Bishop of Northern Tijuana. If any of my Cainite gave a sliver of shit to any of you, that fucker will wish for death. I'd put my money in those Guido ass lickers Pisanob, tho... but don't fret, we're hunting them down to the last sicario."

Devin says, “Excellent!" Devin smiles "Jesus, The Archbishop of Tijuana, and Prince Goblin can meet"”

Anezka eyes Devin and face palms.

Lodi gestures, and the others start backing off. Perhaps he's a Lt. or something. "Two representatives from each. 2 from Prospect, 2 from Escondido, and 2 from Tijuana. You all can figure it out amongst yourselves. Any more than that show up, the deal is off." They seem willing to negotiate and make this deal possible. Then Devin starts talking about ancient traditions and Elysium, and mentions some Prince. "Yeah.. your candy-ass Prince can go fuck himself. You figure out your representatives, and come back here in one week. Get stupid.. get dead."

Carys laughs derisively. "What the fuck are you smoking you stupid Tremere?" She is absolutely appalled and amused. "You think these fuckers are Cammie? They call themselves 'Princes', but they are not a fucking Cammie Prince."

"Perhaps the Carlton Pines?" Devin turns to Guy as if to see if that works for him, and offering a way to steer this to all relevant parties showing up.

Goliath interjects -- after looking at Anezka for a brief period of time. "But what about Idyllwild? They're super important, they'll have you know." He then looks around him while the crickets chirp.

Mikael speaks out in that incredible, calm voice, looking toward Guivre with a soft smile on his lips as he says, "And through the chaos of madness rises a voice of logic and reasoning."

Devin looks to Carys. "Obviously simpleton, did you 'not' hear what I said? Or were you thinking about the one on the motorbike again?" he smiles and looks to Lodi "Sounds as if we have reached an arrangement."

Silvana nods and calls out again "One week, stop messing with the shipments or make the meeting sooner"

Guivre doesn't seem to acknowledge the praise or the invitation to Elysium, he just has his gaze trained on the enemy as he retains his position on the edge of the dumpster, he seems to relish the height it gives him, making him a focal point, "Three groups of 2, heard." He rolls his hand through the air, "Tell your Prince Goblin we're ever so obliged to his hospitality..." Guivre retains a madman's glee to accompany his overly cheerful and somehow informal tone.

Lodi hears Silvana call out and says, "Taxes don't stop, till Prince Goblin says they do. You got a week to figure out who does the talking. I suggest you don't send your idiots. Now get the fuck out of here." He motions, and the groups seem more united now, and make a gap so the Players can make their escape.

Martha looks About, then to Devin, "Coming or going, I believe Serin needs to make some explanations about the divisions of good to his people work now they have princes." sword in hand hips swaying with each step in that form fitting leather chauffer's suit she is wearing with cool hat and really hot boots.

Carys flips off Devin, and nods to Lodi. "I'll be there." She looks back to Anezka and nods.

Devin takes a pace back, his part in this done as he turns it over to Guivre. Then once it is done he looks to Martha and Goliath. "Well, it is a start I suppose. " Reaching into the peacoat he withdraws his phone and types.

Apparently, no one thought his Idyllwild joke was funny. Not even Tiny, and he's paid in vitae to laugh at him. "C'mon." He tells his rather large dog, "..I'm hungry as fook." Goliath begins to proceed towards his motorcycle with the side car.

Heathen takes a few moments to return to his human form, once more donning his black armor, walking calmly back to his vehicle through the crowd from inside the bar.

Mikael as the arrangements are stated, and a path cleared, he moves around to the driver's side of the Escalade. The vehicle starts up as he opens the door and slides behind the wheel.

Martha says, “Yo Jesus you need a ride?”

Guy hops off the edge of the dumpster, "You're a Saint." He says to Martha as he throws an arm over her shoulder and walks out with her.

Martha laughs and leaves with him her arm going about his waist. "

Mikael will offer a ride back to Prospect if others of the group need it, but waits for Heathen to return to the Escalade before driving off completely.

Devin smiles as everyone makes it out alive and mostly unscathed and heads to the car as well with Martha and Guy apparently not paying much attention to Carys

Heathen offers Anezka a salute on his way back to the car that Mikael has warmed up for him, tucking his helmet under his arm.