June 13, 2021
Disaster / Destruction
13/6
The news is ablaze with the events at City Hall. Pundits from across the nation debate over the nature of this terrorist attack, but one thing is clear: the government will stop at nothing to catch these traitors. Intelligence agencies are reported to be doing all they can to bring the perpetrators to justice. Finally, the sun sets, and the Kindred of the city awaken knowing they must proceed to the mansion to watch the Challenge of Intelligence.
The challenge of beauty is held at Baron Lucien Corbin's masquerade ball, where all can see and be seen. Margo, of course, sings for the crowd and brings several vampires to tears just with her voice. Corinthia Banner reveals a sculpture she made of two living humans, encased in resin and left to slowly perish in agony. Rosalyn Christopher tells a fable of a girl held captive for years until she is able to free herself, and how she keeps herself young and fair on the youth of the arrogant men who would seek to imprison her once again. Lucien unveiled his bid for glory: revealing his golden wings and performing an aerial show in the midst of the ball, then painted while suspended above the floor, majesty making him seem to be a being made of pure light. The Queen chooses Lucien, and embraces him in front of the crowd - as he returns to meet with his girlfriend, fairy Persephone Blackwood, she flinches away from him - the potency of his blood turning her skin to blister. But what is done is done, and Lucien has become one of the most powerful vampires in Baltimore. Rosalyn, disappointed with the outcome, slinks off to prepare for the challenge of intelligence.
During this, there is an explosion at City Hall - several Garou and kinfolk are seriously injured and some die. This is extensively covered by the news and now there are talks about terrorists in the streets, the CIA and other governmental organizations flooding Baltimore to assist in catching perpetrators (more hunters of the supernatural also joining their ranks). It's a dangerous time to be in Baltimore, and the supernatural creatures must watch where they step.
