2022.10.19 Sold!

2022.10.19 Sold!
Charai arranges an auction at Vegard's request, to settle the few remaining items from Kahraman Avci's inventory. The bidding wars are acceptable, and all seems to be going well. At least until the FBI show up.
IC Date	2022.10.19
Players	Mikael, Heathen, Madeline, Charai, Ramona Storey, Amelie, Elkie, Amos, Asheton
Location	Avci Antiquities
Spheres	Vampire Ghoul

It is another auction at Kahraman's former house. The place has seen recent activity a stage is set up with a monitor behind it so the items can be shown to the buyers. Through a curtain young men can be seen manning a phone bank but are far enough away to be unable to recognize any in physical attendance. The buyers are greeted at the door by a young woman of middle Eastern descent or she appears as such (If you have auspex 4+ you can see through the obf effect and see Charai's true face. She is being addressed as Ahstar by the elderly gentleman who leaves to head for the stage. "Good evening, please come in. I am sorry there is little in way of creature comforts but I do hope you enjoy the night."

Madeline arrives with her hand upon Alaster's arm, smiling as they talk quietly and her eyes turn about the room curiously "I can't wait to see what they're offering"

Heathen keeps his hat low, and his smile wide until he gets past the public facade, before the hat goes uo

Ramona didn't REALLY want to come to this thing. She probably has other things that she should be doing. Lucky isn't with her, because they aren't in the safety of the Elysium, so she looks a little out of place as she comes in, wearing jeans and a T-shirt that says 'I can't be responsible for what my face does when you talk'

Alaster seems the happiest he has been in a while with Madeline on his arm, it would seem the couple has reconciled their differents. "I am sure you will find something you desire here, Maybe they will have a rare book or two to catch my eye even." He looks for their assigned seat and their bidding marker that he hands to the lovely Madeline.

Mikael is dressed in an Italian black silk suit with a wine colored shirt. He is carrying his fancy cane and taps it lightly on the floor as he walks leisurely through the room taking in the sights. He glances to Heathen, "Maybe they might offer a musical instrument. It would be nice to add to the museum."

Elkie arrives with her gang-banger ghoul, Mark Bean. He seems to have made an effort to dress for the occasion, wearing a cheap suit, though he failed to mask the neck tattoos, and he seems to have been unable to lose the baller cap. Elkie is dressed casually. She walks into the auction house and takes a look at the catalogue.

Amelie is dropped off by her Valet, who waits long enough for Amelie to come inside before he leaves in the car to wait a distance away since there is no parking here. She's dressed in her finest black leather pants and red silk blouse, spike high heels, and letting her hair flow freely. "Oh Bon Soir everyone! What a lovely evening this shall be." She gives a light wave to them all as she makes her way insie further.

Madeline accepts the bidding marker with a smile "merci cheri" then turns to wave to Mikael and Heathen (not with the bidding marker) "bon soir mes ami, so good you could make it"

Angelica follows in after Madeline and Alaster, the light jingle of the keys heard as she tucks her keys in her purse. She looks over to Mikael with a wink before finding her seat

Alaster waves to the wonderful and beautiful Amelie, "Good Evening, it is wonderful to see you again. I hope you had no issue getting here." His arm still locked with Madeline, they seem inseparable this evening, He whispers something to his dear wife before nodding to Angelica,

Heathen takes his bidding marker and keeps it safe, giving Madeline a grin. "Good evening my dear. I hope everything is doing well." and a nod to Alaster. "And you as well."

Ramona is woefully underdressed. Meh. She doesn't seem to care, though as usual, she's a little bit in awe of Amelie's outfit. That woman has more style in her pinkie finger than Ramona will ever manage on even her best days.

Heathen offers a return wave to Amelie at her greeting.

Amelie smiles as she sees Alaster and Madeline, "Oh, no Monsieur Alaster, I have been here once before for another auction that was held." She greets Madeline with a quick warm hug and kiss to the cheek. "Mon ami, you look even more dazzling tonight. It must be having your heart so full, non?" She'll not keep the couple too long, besides the auction should start soon enough. She winks toward Heathen and Mikael and waves again to Ramona and her darling monkey.

Mikael gets a bidding marker and as the greets begin he gives a bow to the room in general and smiles brightly, "Bonsoir, Mesdemoiselles, Monsieur. I hope the eve finds you all well."

Madeline tips her ear to Alaster's whisper and chuckles then turns to embrace Amelie tightly with a smile "bon soir ma soeur, how are you" she laughs softly "perhaps" then steps back to look the lady over "Stunning my dear, simply stunning"

Elkie takes an auction paddle, and surveys the room, before the auction starts.

Charai wanders around the room before moving up to the front, "Welcome, it's a pleasure to see you here this evening. Tonight's stock is the best that was on hand here in the Auction House and everything must go. We do hope you find something to your liking provenance will be provided for all items. Though I would caution you that this sale is unregulated while the items are authentic the person selling them may not have bought them if you get my meaning."

Alaster nods to heathen and the others before guiding his lovely wife from the center of the social circle, "It is time my love." The couple move to their seating, "We can host later if that is what you desire. " He kisses her cheek and sit down.

Charai has partially disconnected.

Madeline smiles brightly as she catches sight of a few of the items speaking quietly to Alaster so as not to tip her hand as it were

Elkie takes a seat. Her ghoul looks around, fingers his collar uncomfortably, and sits down next to her.

Heathen still. illing about as people settle for the Auction

Asheton steps into the place, his usual awkward self, standing at the entry and looking about as if unsure he's in the right place.

Amos loiters near the entrance long enough to send off a text message, then eyes Asheton. "The seats are over there," he points out, helpfully, before heading off in that direction myself. "Oh, hi, Mark!"

Charai gives a nod to the man at the pedestal and moves towards the buyers leaving the brightly lit front for the shadows at the back of the room. She taps the bluetooth in one ear and gives a quiet okay to get things started. The man at the front clears his throat and behind him the screen flashes to life displaying a white featureless mask. "This item comes to us from Europe, circa 7000 bc. The mask is believed to for a religious ceremony as it was found with several other items. We will start the bidding at 1000 dollars. Do we have any takers?"

Heathen sees Asheton come in and heads that way, making sure he gets an auction marker before he slides his arm around the other man and takes him to a spot where they can sit down

Asheton spots Heath approaching and smiles warmly as he lets him lead him to the seats "So whats going on?"

A grand, right out of the gate? Ramona was GOING to pick up an auction paddle, but hearing that, she puts it back down and moves over to take a seat, crossing one leg over the other and sitting quietly in her seat

Mark Bean's head swivels over to Amos and it takes him a second, but then he offers a friendly wave and upnod to the Caitiff Primogen. Elkie's attention is drawn that way, and she smiles and waves Amos over.

Mikael smiles brightly at Asheton and waits to sit down until the couple join him. Settling in he turns towards Charai and listens as the evening starts in earnest.

Madeline leans over to whisper to Alaster

Madeline lifts her paddle for $1000

Alaster wraps a arm around his wife and nods to her as a term of agreement as she lifts the paddle, a devilish grin crosses his face as he knows this will bring her joy.

Elkie considers the mask a moment, then lifts her paddle. "$10,000 dollars."

Amelie moves over toward Ramona and takes a seat next to her.

The man waits patiently and acknowledges Madeline's bid and looks up at the screen as the current price is displayed. After a moment the price rolls up to 1100 as one of the men manning the phones holds up his paddle. The man looks over at Elkie his head moving like she was now on fire. "10,000 to the lady. Do I hear 10,100?"

Madeline makes a face playfully at Elkie and raises her paddle for $10,100

The price on the screen changes to reflect the new bid and man turns to Elkie. "The bid is 10,100 to you madame." His eyes almost glitter at the prospect of the sale.

Elkie seems rather pleased at the bidding war, and she raises her paddle again. "$20,000."

Madeline sighs and lays the paddle upon her lap with a rueful smile

Mikael looks over at Heathen and says softly to him, "Well I had wondered if you might be interested in a mask since you like them but the bids are already going quite high, oui?"

Alaster leans in and whispers to his wife before kissing her on the cheek, All the while getting a good chuckle out of the rivalry that has begun this evening.

The man looks expectantly at Madeline and seems sad when it is not held up. "Going once, going twice..." He looks at the phone operators then back at the room. "Sold to the Lady." As soon as the hammer comes down a woman in a drab suit approaches Elkie and inquires if she wish to pay via cash or bank transfer and stands there in quiet conversation with her.

Madeline applauds Elkie's purchase with a smile then looks over and her eyes widen happily as she spots Asheton, lifting a hand in greeting (not the paddle)

Asheton glances over and offers a smile and a wave to Madeline. He too has no paddle

Ramona just shakes her head a little, though she remains quiet and keeps her inner thoughts to herself for the moment. It's a good thing, too!

Heathen says, “Nah, I'd rather make my own”

Elkie looks over to Madeline and seems a bit rueful herself to have defused the Rose's enthusiasm, but she otherwise directs Mark to deal with the drab woman. He says something quietly to her, before they move toward the back area.

Elkie remains seated.

Once the woman walks off with Mark the screen behind the man changes to a set of bone tools. "We have a set of bone tools found in Germany. They have been dated to 500 bc, we will start the bidding at 100 dollars." He looks around the room waiting for paddles to raise as well as giving those off site to get in their bids.

Alaster nods in understand and lifts a hand off his wife's shoulder to greet Asheton, before turning to pay attention to the next item that comes up for bid. "This looks to be quite the exciting night. I do hope poor Elkie will be able to keep up with future bids, that was a mighty investiment."

Madeline lifts her paddle and says $1000 dllars"

Has anyone given Amos a paddle yet? If not, then he just raises his hand. "Two thousand."

Elkie leans forward to converse with Madeline and Alaster, as the floor opens to bid on the tools. "More money, more problems. Am I right?"

Madelines paddle lifts again "Five thousand

Amelie is watching the biding war and enjoying how it is going so far. "I wonder how much this next one will go for. Although the things I'm more interested will be coming up later." She says this softly, not loud enough to interfere, but not hiding it.

Elkie doesn't wait for a response, but rather raises her paddle when Amos bids. "$3000 dollars. What are you even going to do with those buttons, Mr. Campbell?"

Alaster looks back to Elkie, "Depends on the situation I would suppose." He watches as his wife's competitive nature rises to the surface like a shark hunting in bloody waters, "This can't be good for my bank account." he smirks.

The man continues to update the screen and 3000 rolls over to 3500 as one of the phone operators raises his paddle. Are there really foreign buyers or are you being fleeced only time will tell. "3500 is the standing bid, do I have 3750?"

"Oh twist my rubber paddle. $10,000 dollars." Elkie raises her paddle and sits back in her seat.

Amos looks to Elkie and shrugs. "Hey, antigue German engineering, they probably still work like a charm." He does not, however, extend his bidding into the five-figure range.

Madeline glances at Alaster and with a look she nods and lowers her paddle again

Heathen says, “If you can figure out what they actually are used for”

As the price climbs the screen changes to 5000 dollars and the man looks expectantly in Madeline's direction, "5000 to the lady." Then Elkie bids and he all but rubs his hands at the bid, "10,000 dollars. Do we have an advance on 10,000?"

"This is true." Elkie replies to Amos. "Volksbonen. The people's bone tools."

Amelie softly giggles at the repartee between Elkie and Amos.

The man waits several seconds before the count begins again, "10,000 going once, 10,000 going twice.....sold to the Lady for 10,000 dollars." Again the drab dressed woman approaches Elkie and Mark and simply waits for the gentleman to rise and follow her to complete the transaction.

Angelica sits back and watches the bid wars

Asheton listens quietly, content to be an observer.

The screen blackens and when it comes back on there is a small figuring of a dog on display. "Found in Gloucestershire in 1017, this small bronze figurine of a licking dog has been dated to the 4th century ad. Thought to represent the Roman god of healing the figurine boast stylized leaf or feather motif on his shoulders as well as fur details on it's body. Measuring 5 1/4 inches by 8 1/2 inches long this figurine is a perfect addition to any ancient bronze collection. We open the bidding at 10,000 dollars." No sooner then the amount flashes on the screen it rolls over to 10,100 then 10,200.

Madeline lifts her paddle "Thirty Thousand"

Alaster quietly nods to Madeline and tells her something that is sure to get a raise out of her before turning back to the show.

Asheton glances between Heath and Mikael, a smile and an amused smile.

Elkie looks warmly to Madeline and Alastor, before lifting her own paddle. "$40,000." She seems rather please with herself, sitting there in her typical thrift shop attire.

Madeline shakes her head with a smile and lifts it again $45 thousand"

The man looks between the two women, "We have a standing bid of 40,000 dollars. Do I an advan...." He stops as Madeline bids and smiles the smile of a used car salesman. "I stand corrected we stand at 45,000 dollars do I have an advance on 45,000?" He looks to the phones then to Elkie and waits to see if she counters.

Elkie considers Madeline, a slow grin forming. She almost regretfully lifts the paddle, but instead nods to the Toreador. "Enjoy licking your dog, Emeritus."

Madeline laughs as the Keeper teases her and inclines her head with a smile "I shall, Merci Mademoiselle"

Again the woman in the drab pantsuit approaches this time to Madeline and Alaster, "How do you wish to pay Madame, cash or bank transfer?" the woman asks. She carries a table for those wishing to do transfers from accounts or as stated she happily accepts cash.

Mikael gives a little nod to the two men with him after speaking with them quietly.

Madeline goes into her bag and pulls out three rolls of cash "This should be the correct amount Madame"

Heathen says, “Woof”

Gauche or not the woman counts the money before walking to the back. As she passes the auction manager she gives a nod and no doubt helper elfs are boxing up Madeline's purchase. The screen darkens again then flairs to life. "We have another bronze on auction, this one is a Ornate Phrygian Cap. Found in Italy this item dates back to 1400 bc, we have a standing bid of 1500 dollars to start us off. Will there be an advance on 1500 dollars?"

Madeline smirks at glances at Hephestian "you're just jealous, don't worry. i'll let you visit" she whispers

Amelie oos and ahs over this item. "I wonder... hmm." She looks over toward Alaster and knowing he has done a lot of research on these sorts of things.

Elkie looks to her ghoul, seeming to size up his head. "You'd like kind of cool in that."

Bean gives Elkie a big grin, but shakes his head --- the observant will note the low-key middle-finger directed toward his domitor. Elkie snorts, and then lifts her paddle, while maintaining eye-contact with Bean. "$2000 dollars."

Now this is a little more Amos's speed. "Three thousand," he calls out in turn.

Asheton slips to a stand. "I must get back to the studio. Thank you for convincing me to step out a time" he tells Heath.

The man changes the screen to reflect the new bid, it hovers at 2,000 for a moment then rolls over to 3,000 as Amos' bid is registered. The man clicks and the image of the cap changes to show off more detail. We stand at 3,000 dollars do we have an advance on 3,000?"

Amos turns and peers over at Asheton again for a moment. "What are you working on?" he asks.

"Mr. Campbell, you'll be smacking all the door frames in that thing." Elkie lifts her paddle. "$10,000 dollars, for my lovely friend."

Madeline glances from Amelie to Alaster curiously, rolling the paddle between her fingers

Mikael nods to Asheton, "I hope the rest of the eve finds you well."

Once his goodbyes are said, Asheton turns to head out again.

Heathen gets up to at least see Asheton to the door before coming back to his seat

Amelie types into ther phone and then looks up. She has her eyes on that cap or over to Alaster to see if he has a glimmer of recognition into this.

The screen rolls again as the new bid of 10,000 is registered. "The bid stands with the Lady at 10,000 dollars. Do we have an advance on 10,000 dollars?" he asks as he randomly changes the view on the bronze.

Madeline lifts her paddle $11 thousand

Alaster kisses his wife and smiles before places a hand on her leg to hold her free hand, then whispers yet again

The new bid is registered, and the man turns to look at Elkie and just waits for a moment. The bid is at you dear Lady do we have 12,000 or are you out?"

"$15,000 please." Elkie is firm. She is going the distance.

Madeline tips her head to Alaster and nods "20 thousand"

Elkie doesn't blink as she speaks words that seem utterly foreign to her. She relishes the feel of it on her mouth. "$50,000 dollars please."

The man rubs his hands together in silent glee. "50,000 dollars to the lovely Lady, do we have an advance on 50,000 dollars?" He looks at Madeline and Alaster and again flicks the camera angles as if to entice them.

Mikael blinks slowly and his eyes shift curiously between Madeline and Elkie.

Madeline sighs, clearly disappointed on this one "She must have investors" is murmured with a sad smile and lays her paddle upon her lap

Bean leans in and murmurs something to Elkie. She nods slowly and allows Bean to walk back to settle the purchase with the drab woman.

The man lets the bid hang for a moment then turns to Elkie, "We have 50,000 dollars going once, going twice..." He pauses to look at Madeline and waits a moment. "Sold to the Lady for 50,000 dollars." Again, the drab woman comes to collect the money and even offers Elkie a smile this time she must be getting a cut.

Madeline tips her temple to Alaster's kiss and nods, gesturing to the next item as it appears

Amelie slips her phone away in her pocket for now. This has been entertaining, but she wonders what Elkie wants with these all. Could be an interesting story.

The screen goes black as the business of money is handled and it then flares back to life. On it is displayed a silver goblet. Found in Marseille France, this goblet is thought to have been brought to the country by Phoenician traders after the cities founding in 600 BC. The chalice itself dates back to at least 1000 bc." He uses a pointer on the screen "Carved in a floral motif this chalice has stylized Roses and Lilies around the bowl." He looks at the people, "We have a standing bid of 750.00 dollars, is there an advance on this price?"

Mikael raises his marker to bid on the goblet, "$800.00.

Elkie eyes the chalice critically... and doesn't raise her paddle.

Alaster nods to Madeline and sigh as slightly disappointed in something but accepts her answer.

Amos arches a brow, getting up and walking over to get a bit of a closer look. "Two thousand," he says, nodding to himself and sitting back down.

Madeline nods to Alaster and also does not rais her paddle despite the pretty roses on the cup

Mikael takes a moment before he against lifts the marker, ",500.00"

The screen rolls from 750, to 850, then to 2,000 dollars. He nods to Amos and checks the phone bank before turning to the gathered. "We have a bid of 2,000 dollars, do we have an advance on 2,000?" He looks in Mikael's direction as the man bids and the screen rolls to 2,500. "We have a new bidder at 2,500 dollars."

Madeline smiles gently over at Mikael as he bids and nods her encouragement

"Three thousand," Amos counters, "and a trivial to your boss to leave it there."

Mikael arches a brow and turns his head towards Heathen.

Heathen thumbs up, and a wink to Amos. "Granted

Madeline blinks and smiles "my goodness" she pretends to fan herself with the paddle held low (not bidding) "It must be very special"

Mikael gives a simple nod of his head to Heathen, gives a glance to the goblet and then places his marker in his lap.

Ramona is still watching, shaking her head a little bit at all the money being tossed around so casually. SHe's in a surly mood it would seem

The man rolls the screen to 3,000 dollars but seems rather confused to what is going on but as the bidding stops he looks at Amos, "We have a bid of 3,000 dollars from the gentleman, do I hear 3,100?" He looks around and nods, "Going once, going twice.....Sold for 3,000 dollars." He points the woman who has been collecting the money towards Amos before darkening the screen when it comes to life again the last auction item is displayed. "We have a rare silver handled Greek Xiphos sword dated to 390 bc. While heavily rusted and pitted the iron blade remains intact."

Mikael catches a glimpse of Madeline's theatrics and he can't seem to stop the lift of his lips into a smile at her.

Madeline kisses Alaster and rises, stepping away with her phone for just a moment - ya'all talk amongst yourselves

The screen shows several angles on the sword and then focuses on the ornate hilt. "As you can see the hilt bears the city seal of Sparta and is shorter then average at 12 inches over all length. The secondary Greek warriors weapon to the javelin these sword so heavy use in their day."

Alaster nods, "5000"

The man watches the screen "We have an opening bid of 5,000 dollars, do we have an advance on 5,000 dollars?" is asked to the room as the man continues to show closeups of the carved hilt.

Madeline returns and takes a seat with Alaster as the sword is show, lifting her paddle $20 thousand

Madeline grins at the Lasombra Elder playfully and yes, she justoverbid him on purpose.

Mikael looks at the sword and seems to perhaps be contemplating but then turns to look at Madeline with an expression of surprise and he chuckles softly and sits back.

The man arches a brow and looks between Madeline and Alaster, "Well the bid now stands at 20,000 dollars to the Lady. Do we have an advance on 20,000 dollars?" He again rubs his hands together with glee and looks at Alaster as if expecting him to bid again.

Alaster looks stunned at the moment, His jaw actually drops in the moment, either confusion or just dumbfounded moment of wow. either way he just laughs and kisses his wife in front of everyone.

Madeline laughs and returns the kiss gently then arches a brow "Do you have a bid Monseiur?"

Alaster rises his hand and smirks, "20,001!"

The man makes a face at the kiss and seems to accept there may not be a bidding war in the offer. Then as Alaster bids one dollar he gets a withering look as the man sighs, "The bid stands at 20,001 dollars, do I have an advance on that amount?"

Madeline smiles and lifts her paddle $20,500" and takes the other on away from Alaster for now

Alaster waves his hands, "I give I give!" he laughs uncontrollable at this points, almost falling out of his seat. "She has me beat." He just leans into his wife, beat red from laughter.

Mikael bites his lip to prevent himself from laughing out loud.

Amos doesn't say anything out loud, either. He does, however, pantomime taking some photos of the uhh happy couple.

Heathen says, “You two are crazy”

The man looks relieved as he didn't want to be nickled and dimed all night. "Sold to the Lady for 20,500." The drab woman comes around again for the money as the screen goes black for the last item. The most colorful item of the evening is now displayed. "This agate lentoid seal dated around 1400 bc comes to us from the Minoan culture. The art of bull leaping was an important part of there culture." The agate is beautiful in shades of cream and copper brown. "We have a standing bid of 500.00 dollars, do we have an advance on 500.00 dollars?"

Madeline hands over the cash to the drab woman "merci" before she smiles at ALaster "it will look wonderful in your new library"

Amelie pulls out her phone and sends a text message. She grins and looks up toward the happy couple.

Alaster catches his breath and just nods at his wife, he face still hidden from view as if he was trying to catch his breath, "Your going to be the death of me yet." He sit back up and snuggles up to his other half clearly enjoying the evening even more! "I am sure we will find a place for it, maybe right next to your dog."

The man concludes the sale of the agate to a phone buyer and looks over the people in the room. "Thank you for your participation, those who bought please enjoy your items."

Amelie checks her phone and rises to her feet. She strides toward the front of the room and holds up her hands. Yes, she is interupting. "Pardonne, apologies. I fear I was just sent a tip. The FBI is on their way, they were tipped off about the auction and I've been told they are coming to perform a raid. S'il vous plait, you have a short time before they will be here. I suggest you all call your drivers and get going!" With that, the lovely lady is ready to head out and makes for the door.

Madeline glances at Amelie then arches a brow "That's exciting" she murmers and rises, "shall we gather our purchases and .. what is the phrase make ourselves scarce?

Elkie looks like she accomplished everything she was going for... until that little announcement. "Goddamit." She looks at Bean, her eyes narrowing quietly. "Let's go." She isn't going to stick around, leaving her purchases behind.

Amelie calls out before she exits the door, "There is not much time!"

Heathen stands and straightens his shirt and heads out, keeping his auction paddle

With the door open, sirens can be heard in the distance.

Mikael doesn't waste time. He rises, marker still in hand and makes his way to the door.

It's a good thing Amos only won one lot, then. He heads out in turn, pausing just long enough to make sure it's safely wrapped up.

Ramona doesn't waste even a goddamn second. Being raided? She's up on her feet and she looks around for an exit other than the front one, to be real honest. ANy one will do

Charai says, “There is an exit to the sewers if you would like to follow me.”

Ramona wrinkles her nose. "Gross. Let's go." This BETTER not be a goddamn trap, Charai! But Ramona's already coming to Charai's side to follow her out

Charai leads Ramona into the office and down into the sewers of Carlsbad.