Today we all steal, animals we are

[loves_war]

WHO: Bad guys. And some good guys.
WHERE: The Major’s old mansion lair, temporarily back in business.
WHEN: Evening of Tuesday the 6th
WARNINGS: Violence, language, evil
SUMMARY: VillainCon! Back in the public eye, the Major has arranged a summit of wickedness for all the City’s evildoers, along with a few less nefarious unwanted or unwilling

Comments

ARRIVAL

[loves_war]

The Major was by the door to greet each of his arrivals, flanked by two six-foot bodyguards with trenchcoats, scars, and no pulse. There would be only a customary security check, both out of consideration for the guests and because the Major didn't consider an unarmed party a real party.

His ego would have been more pleased to make the guests wait to learn the identity of their host, to gather them curiously into the mansion before making a dramatic revelation. Yet practicality had to be considered. If any visitors were going to react unfavourably to finding out who their host was, better that it be here at the entrance, where they could be dealt with before they truly disrupted the proceedings.

[unpinocchio]

[Someone is here to see the Major.

His skin is stretched. His cheeks flattened. When he looks at himself in a mirror (oh how he hates looking at himself in a mirror) he can't recognize himself. His voice is lower. Crisper. He wears a suit he bought with the money Red funneled into his account and a pair of dark, dark sunglasses. He stands with taller posture.

He extends a cold hand for the Major to shake.]

How kind of you to host this party. Dear stranger.

Nice PB

[loves_war]

[Well here is something interesting. The Major was certain he knew every native or Import arriving tonight, but this is an unfamiliar face- with something familiar about it, that can't be placed. The Major takes the cold hand in his gloved one.]

And how good of you to come to it, dearest guest. You may address me as Major. I would very much like to know who it is who comes to grace my home with his presence.

[unpinocchio]

The son of a man who fell on his sword, Major. [Given as casually as a real name. His lips quirk into a smile.] You've managed to snag quite a home, despite your less than stellar reputation.

SOCIALIZING/COCKTAILS

[loves_war]

There were plush couches, bright lighting, martially-themed paintings, comfortable chairs, plenty of space, tasty appetizers, and a free bar. The Major had ensured that the guests would be able to relax in the mansion’s lobby while dinner was made ready. This was the ideal time for new casual connections to be made, for idle chatter and posturing. The more serious connections would come later.

OPEN

[heartofthedemon]

Leaning back with a few bottles of red wine before her at one of the luxuriant side tables is none other than...a shadowy ninja figure. Still distinctly female, and somehow managing to sip her wine despite the lower half of her face being clearly covered along with her hair and the rest of her head above her eyes, the dark figure watches the room rather than actively engaging it it. The clean glasses at each of the seats near her, however, hit that company may not be turned away, depending on how the table is approached.

[boydsdoll]

After taking a quick look around the room Boyd noticed the shadowy figure at the side table. He might have dismissed her presence, but he took note of the fact she was watching the room, and quite carefully from what he could observe. Something he himself intended to do. Walking up he smiled softly and indicated the seat next to her, not saying a word. He wanted to give her the option of starting the conversation. Even if she didn't, how she did respond would at least tell him something about her and if he had to sit there quietly, well at least he would be able to observe the room without standing out quite so much.

[heartofthedemon]

Talia had observed no small amount of the network activity since her arrival, and could safely say she had not noted the man standing before her as any sort of open player in the games they orchestrated for the world to see. Which suited her perfectly. The demon operated best from the shadows when it came to this form of play, she had little interest in the obvious. She nodded slightly in recognition of his approach.

"Good evening."

DINNER

[loves_war]

If any of the City’s villains were vegetarians, they were in for a disappointing evening. The dinner menu reflected the Major’s carnivorous preferences, his lavish tastes, and his significant appetite- steaks, poultry, fish, and enough German cuisine to fill a cookbook would be served tonight. At least the wine selection was excellent.

Thugs in tuxedos both human and vampire roamed the room, taking away dishes, serving wine, and maybe being executed when failing to meet the exacting service standards of their customers. The table was long, with a deep red cloth suitable for camouflaging red wine stains- or other red stains for that matter.

Major (open)

[loves_war]

Naturally the Major was seated at the head of the table, but before the food was served he stood and briskly tapped his glass with a knife to a strident ringing noise. It just wouldn’t be a meeting of supervillains without a gratuitous speech beforehand, now would it

Re: Major (open)

[exceptfebruary]

Julian's expression was mostly blank, with a bit of a frown. He ate delicately, eating little and picking what he ate very particularly. Something about the way he sat was rather stiff. He seemed oblivious to most of the more questionable activity going on during the meal.

"Major. While your invitation was flattering, I am trying to work on a project at the moment. It is December after all, one of my busier months."

His tone was polite, but the implication - that he was rather displeased to be there - was obvious.

Re: Major (open)

[loves_war]

"Calendar Man." The Major smiled and did not laugh, although the it was still far from the most formidable nom de guerre he had ever encountered. "You work too hard, like most driven people. December is a time of holiday and joy as well as being busy."

He spoke casually and friendly as though he hadn't sent goons to drag Julian here against his will. "It will do you no harm to take one evening for relaxation. Whatever your project is, I am sure your work has earned you a respite."

MEETINGS

[loves_war]

Once the meal was finished, the party broke up into small groups and gatherings, talking quietly about things not related to dinner. The Major discreetly indicated that there were a number of secluded rooms in the mansion available and equipped for all business needs. Now was the time to recruit accomplices, make deals, form alliances, and discuss plans. This was the meat of the event for the Major. If this gathering was going to produce new horrors to visit on the world, they would be created in those rooms.

MEETINGS

[he_is_wild]

The Joker made his way to one of the rooms once the group dinner was done and leaned, smirking and businesslike against the wall. He had plans, many of them. But his biggest was to make putzes out of these two-bit baddies. He needed a meatshield, a distraction to keep the Capes off his back while he went after the Porter.

Just thinking about her made his soul darken and his heart ache. He wondered if the Bat thought about him at all.

Don't worry, Batsy, I'll be home for Christmas....

[someonetoscold]

Flint had heard word that people were hiring, so he was keeping an eye out for potential bosses. He filled the doorway, trying to look casual, yet tough.

[he_is_wild]

The Joker looked the large man over. He'd seen him around. What was his name again?

"Granite, old chum, why not have a seat? Unless you'd like me to stick a knife in ya and make people twist it like a door handle."

INTERVIEWS

[loves_war]

As the evening went on, word got around of an opportunity locked in one of the guest rooms with a camera and some basic information to build questions off of. The opportunity was named Roxanne Ritchi, she had been kidnapped, and she was available for anyone who wanted to get their face in the news or make a statement about their goals.

[OPEN, obviously]

[pluckyreporter]

Roxanne was well dressed--as befit the occasion and the major's inclination--and going over dossiers while the hotel hummed with activity. A pair of chairs were set up, and she was-- less then enthused about the whole thing.

But honestly, it was better then being strapped to one of the death traps -- and who knows, maybe one of the villains would betray something useful to her, to make surviving this mess worth it.

It's a long shot, though.

[Remember Roxanne's perm post here.]

[loves_war]

In-between speeches and scheming, it was to be expected that Major would find the time to get his face on TV, if only to monologue to a captive audience. Which was exactly what Roxanne was. After making sure he looked suitably presentable in his white suit, he sat down in front of her, folded his hands, and crossed his legs as casually as you please.

"Your subject is prepared, reporter," he said. "Are you ready to begin?"

[pluckyreporter]

She double checked the camera set up -- since he'd (wisely) taken her without any of her borrowed brainbots and she had no way to summon them -- before she took a seat herself, one leg crossed over the other, a polished black heel peeking from under the hem of her dress.

"Of course, Herr Major," she replied. Using the remote she clicked on the camera set up -- he'd provided her with such nice things, "This is Roxanne Ritchi, with a one on one exclusive with my gracious host, the City's own imPorted Major."

She even managed to say that all with a straight face and no sneering or jeering. Unlike Megamind -- this man scares her. He's well known for his brutality and willingness to cost lives. So there's no time to play super-reporter