We may have a problem...

[Francois Marseille]

As far as I know, the Tremere clan was dispatched to take care of the reporter that was about to run the story on the recent mishap regarding Masquerade. From what I just read in the papers, the only change to the story was the omission of the word "angel" after "guardian". Otherwise, the story ran as printed previously. Was this an oversight by the illustrious Seneschal, or simply an error performed while in haste?

I would appreciate an explanation of the fact, as I now am forced into more devious means of sating my thirst without drawing undue attentions.

[Patrick Connely]

I've read the article as well. I don't know if it's time to panic just yet. It could easily be seen as some kind of publicity stunt for the predator movie that was released recently.

I guess we should all be a bit careful when we're out feeding this week, just in case the wrong sort of people get a hold of this article. Though I hardly think we are in danger of another Inquisition.

One of the problems I see is that 1 of the 2 men that robbed the store is considered missing, but with a hell of a blood trail. He's an escaped criminal, wanted for armed robbery, and his "Escape" Sure is damn suspicious with that blood trail that disappears in the ally. I don't know if anyone has friends in the police department that can stop the search, but it would probably help reduce the "Supernatural" Feel to this report if the guy on the run turned up somewhere.

Alive is do-able, but dead through typical means like gun shot...would be best.

[Marius]

Police influence is limited at the moment, but some individuals are already taking the actions you suggest Patrick. Whether or not they will meet with more success is questionable.

After reviewing the article, I think that anyone who has had contact with the reporter should give me a call immediately. We need to find out where a misstep was made. It was my understanding that she had eliminated any mention of wings in her article.

Marius, Arbiter and Protector of Sacramento County, Keeper of Elysium

[Raven]

I have two questions: Who in the city has any media influence? And the second is would a second article from another news agency dismissing the original story as a plublicity stunt for that movie Patrick sugested work?

[Theseus Ahroun]

From what I understand the witnesses have been taken care of and the police officer is being discredited within the station somehow. This opens up the possibility to have a rival newspaper run an article discrediting this journalist and setting up the story as journalistic sensationalism in the attempt to gain attention within her career field, especially if the officer could be convinced to edit his report to reflect the new views of the witnesses. If we had the control over the media to run a new false story we probably would have had the control the squash the original story so the only option to do this may be further use of dominate to convince someone to write the story.

Needless to say as I was told this was taken care of I'm not pleased.

[Marius]

Before we can plan a new course of action, we need to make sure that our story going forward is consistent with what any of us may have told her so far. In that regard, anyone who contacted this reporter in the last ten days must immediately contact me. So far, I know of only two persons.

[Raven]

The other thought I have on this is someone ghoul the reporter when this is all wrapped up.

[Theseus Ahroun]

Whatever is going to be done I suggest it be done quickly. Leaving a masquerade breach unchecked for any notable period of time threatens to bring unwanted attention to us. Hopefully the OSDS is fractured enough to keep them from taking too much notice of this. I don't think the Sabbat or Anarch's will care too much about this. If the breach is left unchecked and uncontained I could see the Cam being very upset with us, especially considering the leader of this masquerade breaching bunch is trying to get them to grace us with the money and other such gifts.

[Guest]

Indeed, this is not over. As I understand it, the witnesses are taken care of courtesy of Ruben Giovanni. The Idea of placing a competing story in another newspaper is sound plan and I believe that it may be accomplished with some domination instead of media influence. As I have no pull in the Media, I ask anyone that does please bend your efforts in this direction with the final go ahead to come from Marius.

I attach to this post a copy of the story from Ilene

As far as Your comments Francois. It was far more than just clan Tremere that was as you call it "dispatched" to deal with this matter. Yes, our efforts were not entirely successful. Perhaps if someone had informed me of the impending story much sooner better considered action could have been taken. Is it true that you delayed the story for a week? If it's true, how come I wasn't informed of this when that started?

Must be nice to be in the cheap seats throwing cat calls at the REAL actions of people trying to defend this city from all threats and yes cleaning up messes that result from mistakes of others. Constructive criticism is welcome, but baiting reactions to the court is not. Why not join the solution instead of trying to create more problems. Perhaps a more helpful attitude would alleviate the considerable decline of House Toreador that has occurred in this city of late.

Have I not shown my commitment and our clans to the defense of this city? Who may I ask, provided unparalleled assistance to the city on the Jackson issue? Clan Tremere. When asked for volunteers for the assault team, who answered the call? Clan Tremere (and other fine individuals, much respect to all who came). My clan and myself literally risked our lives so you and the rest of the city could go on doing what you do best. Even last court with the help of willing court members we managed to capture the infernalist and discover more of the scope and purpose of his actions and we now have a much better understanding of what we face (Props to Vai and her use of The Google, and to Raven as well for another fine show of strength and cunning). Why do I do such things? Certainly not for the accolades, in fact all the investigation, footwork and battle I have endured have cost me. I have received neither domain, status, nor boons from others. No, I've lobbied those things for others and personally indebted myself to the members that have helped me accomplish goals that I have been set on and I'm happy to do so. Am I perfect? Not hardly, but I try hard to do the best I can.

I'm sorry if that isn't good enough for you. Perhaps you project your personal frustrations on me, I can understand that you carry a great burden. But know this, I won't stop, I won't be thwarted. I won't suffer obstructions in the performance of my duties.

[Raven]

Richard I fully agree with you. It is all fine and well to say you support a cause but until you are willing to put your life on the line for that cause don't complain about the actions of others who have time and time again. I have stayed silent on this subject for a long time. No more. I give respect where it is due. The Tremere clan has my total support and personal respect. I just wish others in this city would support the cause of this city in this way. I realize not everyone fights in the trenches (if you will) as well as others but don't cast any stones until you (anyone) has put as much effort and sacrifice into it.

[Theseus Ahroun]

Really? How about we stop with the cock measuring and get onto fixing this problem. Clearly I'm not as brave or esteemed as our Seneschal but I do recognize he did what he could to help with the situation. I do think it's best to stop with the petty bickering until after this is handled.

[Dellana Felps]

"As far as Your comments Francois. It was far more than just clan Tremere that was as you call it "dispatched" to deal with this matter. "

Yeah but it wasn't the other clans that fucked up! He was obviously talking about you, don't try to drag their names into this.

"Yes, our efforts were not entirely successful."

No shit Sherlock.

"Perhaps if someone had informed me of the impending story much sooner better considered action could have been taken."

Perhaps, if a Tremere hadn't fucked up in the first place it wouldn't have been needed. Last I checked Toreador clan wasn't responsible for holding the Tremere by the hand and keeping them out of trouble. PERHAPS you should be asking your clan mate why you didn't hear about it until a week later when a Toreador tells you?

"Must be nice to be in the cheap seats throwing cat calls at the REAL actions of people trying to defend this city from all threats and yes cleaning up messes that result from mistakes of others."

Well we're definitely in the cheap seats now, so I'll give you that one. I'm not belittling the actions of others, but It is clan Tremere's fuck-up. Seeing as how the Tremere have the bitch that killed Michael under contract, I don't see your clan as being all that fucking helpful to mine. Where was this generous self sacrifice for the problems of others when Toreador has been beset on all sides? Oh yeah you were busy accusing us of protecting a demon.

"Constructive criticism is welcome, but baiting reactions to the court is not. Why not join the solution instead of trying to create more problems. Perhaps a more helpful attitude would alleviate the considerable decline of House Toreador that has occurred in this city of late."

So I guess when Richard's feelings get hurt it's baiting? Join the solution? Francois delayed the story from coming out giving you ample time to try and solve this issue. Don't blame him because you had your head too far up your ass to do anything in time.

"Have I not shown my commitment and our clans to the defense of this city? Who may I ask, provided unparalleled assistance to the city on the Jackson issue? Clan Tremere. When asked for volunteers for the assault team, who answered the call? Clan Tremere"

Who breached Masquerade in grand fashion? Clan Tremere
Who teaches Thaumaturgy out of clan, and risks all our lives? Clan Tremere

"Why do I do such things? Certainly not for the accolades, in fact all the investigation, footwork and battle I have endured have cost me."

Of course, Cherished and Esteemed Seneschal Richard...You haven't been properly rewarded. After all between you and Demetria you only hold half the damn city.

"I have received neither domain, status, nor boons from others."

No doubt the domain of the Tremere, your dual position as Clan Elder/Seneschal is more a matter of luck. As you say it wasn't awarded to you as payment for your selfless sacrifice....Obviously it wasn't due to your competence either....Or else we wouldn't be having this conversation.

You have tried to turn your fuck-up into an excuse to vent your frustrations out on Francois, and at the same time to paint yourself a selfless hero. How's that hero business working out for the Tremere? Maybe you should accept a caddy remark once in a while when you clearly made a mistake, instead of getting your panties in a bunch.

Oh and Raven, is there ever an ass you don't kiss?

[Francois Marseille]

My dearest Dellana. After that bit of diatribe, I feel I should react appropriately. As I am the Revered Elder of clan Toreador, you shall no longer be known as Cherished.

Your outrage at the situation merits a completely opposite response, however, as I completely agree with every point that was (crassly) made. As I am seen as Just in this court, you shall now be known as Fierce. I believe this new appointment to be well earned.

[Raven]

Dellana as you put it I don't kiss ass but I support and respect those I feel worthy of it. I respect those who back up words with actions. I trust those who I fight with who have shown they are worthy of that trust. I have been in this city for a long time now. I have observed that there are three types in general in this city: those that do things, those that complain or point fingers, and those that stay neutral. The ones that do I have no problem working with, those that stay neutral that is their right, but those that complain....I don't care about personally. The only thing they have going for them is the fact they are part of the city, therefore they get the benifit of not having to be in the trenches with those of us that are.

[Vai Castillian]

All I have to say on the matter is that I really wish I could eat popcorn.

[Raven]

So attempting to get back to my original question who has media influence in the city?

[DelRay]

Is there any thing i can help with in this matter????? I dont have media but i have a stake that can go through there throught???
Just a question....... it might be easier than it looks????

[Theseus Ahroun]

So has our fearless leader decided what to do about this? The sooner action is taken in this case the better for all involved. I've made my suggestion, if you choose to ignore it and go a different route that's on someone elses head.

[Chloe Clearvoice]

Wait a minute... Did I read Dellana right?

The Tremere teach Thaumaturgy out of clan? How very interesting.

[Marius]

The witnesses have been reduced as a threat. The police officer has been discouraged from pursuing this. Francois will inform me if a followup article is forthcoming. Our goal should be a retraction, or an attempt to discredit the reporter either among her colleagues or in print.

I am open to any ideas on this subject. If a solution is not arrived at before Saturday I will address the problem myself. If an article threatens to come out before then, I will deal with it personally. Until then, the people who have taken it upon themselves to resolve this situation may continue to do so.

Any further posts should directly present and address the practicalities of solutions. Attempts to malign any involved at this point, covertly or overtly, are wasted space on this thread.

Marius, Arbiter and Protector of Sacramento County, Keeper of Elysium

[Theseus Ahroun]

I would prefer if discrediting her is the route taken that it end up in print. It isn't reporters I'm worried about with this breach but who's going to be reading the stories this reporter is writing. A full retraction and counter type article airing the story we want would be ideal but may not be obtainable.

To prevent people's efforts from working against eachother there is a level of coordination that will be needed so I would suggest those interested willing or at least able to take some sort of action on this speak up so you can work together more effectively. My particular skill set will be of very little use in this as subtle manipulations aren't my strong suit.

[Raven]

Do we know if she has any rivals in another news agency? If we can get to them they may indirectly discredit her by being feed our story. If nothing else did we atempt to dominate her? Finally she needs to be ghouled.

[Frank_Malk]

If I may be so bold? We are talking about wasting resources on a problem that has a much easier solution. If there is nobody who is stepping up to take care of this moral with a cookie, then I will. I have spoken with my Elder and he has agreed in the course of action I have suggested. Unless out Exalted leader wishes me not to, I will take action immediately.

Thank you,
Frank Lynn

[Marius]

Please send me your plan in a PM.

[Raven]

I still think making her a ghoul is a win if handled right. It gives the city a ghoul on the inside of a news agency.

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