Date: April 3rdTime: 8:00PMLocation: Twelfth Night GalleriesIt was a scene of lush decadence, the ga

Date: April 3rdTime: 8:00PMLocation: Twelfth Night GalleriesIt was a scene of lush decadence, the gardens running with deep colors of burgundy and cobalt and jade as models marched down the runway like Verona’s new gods, bleeding silk and velvet rather than blood, their jewels shining like beacons in an unforgiving night. Some of the guest models have found their footing faster than others, but everyone, models, spectators, witches alike, glow with something holy. The respite of a show, of drinks, of mixed company with the threat of violence and escalation neutralized by the presence of three dark wardens was perhaps what the city needed. All mobs remained on their best behavior, ever mindful of where they were, perhaps, relieved for three pairs of watchful eyes keeping vigilant, and the show concluded without a hitch (except, perhaps, the one or two clumsy guest models nearly tripping over their own feet).At eight, the doors to the Museum flung open, and everyone begins their slow trickle into the galleries to find that in place of the large spaces and benches that filled each exhibition hall before the grand paintings was one large marble table that spanned the entire length of the hall, already set with silverware, wine and appetizers and apertivos. Seating was at the guests’ discretion, and everyone gravitated close to their respective mobs and allies - even on neutral territory, it is nearly treasonous to wander too closely to a sworn enemy with benevolent intentions during a war. Only Cosimo and Juliana Capulet and Roman Montague and Faron Vasiliev are assigned seats, the first two to the left and the last to the right of the Witches.The air is thickest with vehement tension the closer one is to the heads of the respective mobs and the head of the table, expectedly, but words are kept low and free of blatant antagonism… for now. There is nothing to be said for the hostile glares Roman shoots Faron from beneath his lashes, nor the knowing smirk Faron offers Juliana when Cosimo has turned his head.Reverent servers, quiet and quick on their feet, begin carting out dishes one after the other, Brasato all'Amarone served with polenta, platters of prawn, oysters and clams, Lesso e pearà, Risotto all'Amarone, and the table quickly becomes full of all of Verona’s most famous and fragrant dishes, the guests easily putting aside tense words for the succulent food placed in front of them. Soon, only the sounds of forks scraping on plates and hushed, content murmurs fills the museum, and the Witches glance at each other, satisfied.Hea stands first, glass raised, then Cinead and Mallory - everyone else knows to remain seated while the triumvirate stands, but to raise their glasses as well.“Veronians, thank you for partaking in our revelry tonight. In divided times, it’s important to know that while we all share one city and one kingdom, there is a balance that runs through us all. It’s as pervasive as time and space, invisible to all but those who are conscious of it, and we, the Witches—”The sound of violent retching cuts Hea off, and they appear to be mildly irritated by the interruption until they realize the source: Cosimo Capulet. He clutches his chest in pain, retching, and when he opens his eyes they are weeping crimson. The Witches’ eyes widen, and they swivel their head to Juliana, who has grown pale with fright, realization that the vision she saw at the circus has come true— and she abruptly throws  her head to the side as bile rises from her stomach into her throat. Many others follow suit, falling violently ill, the sound of them hitting to the floor in agony fills the hall while those unaffected struggle to help them and call for help.The first thought is this: Why have the Witches done this? But then, Cinead doubles over in pain, their face contorted in anguish and nausea— Mallory catches them before they can fall, and they turn to Hea.“We are left with more questions than answers,” they hiss. There is the knowledge shared only between the three of them: Hea recognized the backdrop of the vision Juliana had frantically showed them as their museum, had organized the show and dinner in order to see who dared to inflict biological damage on neutral territory. What they didn’t anticipate was the extent of the trauma - nearly half of the attendees have fallen ill.But then, a realization. Only Montagues, Capulets, and neutrals are afflicted— the Spades remain untouched. Three stony gazes fall upon Faron, and the rest of the room follows.“This is your doing,” Mallory says coolly, their usual whimsy chilled into steel. Faron only grins and rises from his seat slowly, taking their hostility as his cue to receive his due credit.“Potent, no? Call it a modern Cantarella.”“Perhaps you are too green to understand the heinousness of the crime you’ve just committed, signor,” Hea says, “But to incite discord on our territory is a trespass no one commits, if they are wise. You ask for consequences you’re not prepared to receive.”“I think I’ll manage,” he hums, bringing his hands behind his back as he surveys his work like the proud architect of the third circle of hell. He watches Cosimo, bent over in pain, and returns the Capulet’s incredulous stare with his own bemused gaze. “You’re sick, my dear Cosimo, don’t waste your time asking ‘why’ when I’ll tell you anyway. Because right now, as we speak, The Taming of the Soup burns in the night, and with it, a chunk of the Montague empire. Sometimes I’m patient. Sometimes I’m not. You don’t move quickly enough for my tastes.” He turns to Roman. “Funny how easy it is to distract a city with a good show, isn’t it?”Priam, stricken by the sight of Cosimo and Juliana writhing, runs to fling open the museum doors to let in air and open up a means of escape for his boss and heiress, but is blocked by Brielle.An anguished yell erupts, then a gunshot—Odessa doesn’t bother to hide her guilt, nor her hands shaking with rage as she lowers her pistol. But her anger becomes confusion when Faron doesn’t fall. He opens up his suit jacket for everyone to see the light catching on the emeralds and rubies and sapphires sewn into the fabric of his shirt, the bullet lodged firmly in between. “Looks like I’ll have to thank Ornella. Allowing me to use and commandeer her long awaited debut to serve as a distraction, and now this… she truly is a gracious woman.”“She serves the Spades well.” Grace chimes in lowly.“She does. Which is more than what could be said of the Capulets now—you’re far too sick to even serve yourselves.” Faron raised an eyebrow and turned to Cosimo and Juliana, both pale and shaking. “Luckily for you, we’re here to fill in the spaces. Rest assured, it will only be temporary, until you’re fully recovered.“But by then we’ll have the rest of Verona.”Overview: This marks the end of our scene, dear readers. The Taming of the Soup lies in ashes, and with it, a part of the Montague empire, the territory now belonging to the Capulets and Spades. With many of their clients stolen by their neighbors to the east, the Montagues are now struggling to maintain their current clientele and influence. Nearly half of the Capulets and Montagues are incapacitated and the Spades remain untouched, their power growing as everyone else weakens.Victims of the poisoning will have experienced severe nausea, temporary paralysis, shortness of breath, aches, and in extreme cases, bleeding from the eyes.  The following have been afflicted by Faron’s poisoning and will have to be hospitalized for at least a week:ALEXANDERJULIANAVIVIANNETIBERIUSVALENTINACINEADPAVELREGINAHUGONIKOLAIRAMONABELLAMYCOSIMO (critical condition)In the meantime, Faron has taken over as interim boss for both the Capulets and the Spades, with Boris as the underboss and Calina as adviser. All Capulets and Spades now report to him while Cosimo, who was the most severely affected by the poisoning, remains in the hospital in critical condition. He will relinquish his position and return to his post as adviser to both Capulets and Spades once Cosimo is released.The Montagues do not intend on taking this lying down. There are whispers among the mob of guerilla warfare, evening the playing field by any means possible.Assignment: If your character is one of the above listed above, you may plot and thread the moments at the dinner, visitations at the hospital, and their first few days back with anyone you’d like! As for everyone else: Montague muses will be engaging in guerilla warfare—plot with anyone you’d like on your character attempting to incite small-scale attacks against the Capulets and Spades. Desperation drives them, although it is up to you and whoever you plot with whether or not they are successful in their attempts. Some suggestions include ambushing emissaries and soldiers, damaging Capulet and Spade property, recruiting more soldiers (NPCs), etc. Some Capulets may find they’re fighting two fronts: resisting Montague attacks as well as their own internal conflict with their new leadership, if applicable. Spades must ensure they maintain control of their new territory and members while discouraging any mutinous thoughts or attempts.As always, you are encouraged to play out these interactions on the dash or in a chatzy. If you hold these interactions in a chatzy, please post it on the dash so we may all be a part of the excitement. All interactions may occur between the dates of APRIL 3RD to APRIL 17th. As always, feel free to ask us questions! -- source link

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