*comment ñáéç…—
*hide_reuse
*advertisement
*temp parade_feed false
*temp without_invitation false
*temp baileys_introduction false
*temp attended_parade false
*temp met_slaybacks false
*if literate
	It is a few days later, Sunday, October 6th, that an extraordinary announcement runs in the Missouri Republican.  The local newspapers have been full of articles discussing the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Fair that begins tomorrow, but this article stands apart.
	
	It is, in fact, but one in a series that has been running for several days already, proclaiming the arrival in St. Louis of the Veiled Prophet.  Unlike the previous iterations, however, alongside today's article is a woodcut image of the Veiled Prophet, dressed in @{((joined_kkk or observing_kkk) or (ethnicity = "african")) the hooded garb of the Ku Klux Klan,|a white robe and pointed hood,} bearing both pistol and shotgun, as well as a billyclub tucked into the sash around his waist.
	
	Like ones before it, the announcement 
*else
	It is a few days later, Sunday, October 6th, that you first see a flyer for the upcoming parade. You ask a passer-by to read it to you, as the flyer image on the flyer is quite menacing. The woodcut is of the Veiled Prophet—or so the passer-by informs you—and is dressed in a white peaked hood and robe, carrying a pistol and shotgun, with a billyclub tucked into the sash about his waist. @{((joined_kkk or observing_kkk) or (ethnicity = "african")) The costume clearly evokes the symobls of the Ku Klux Klan.|}
	
	The flyer
calls all St. Louisans—and Missourians, for that matter—to attend a parade on the night of the 8th.  There, the power and purpose of the Veiled Prophet will be made manifest. 

The parade is scheduled for twilight, and will consist of thirteen moving tableaux.  Once the parade is concluded, the members of the Veiled Prophet Society—devotees of that mysterious figure—will gather for a Grand Ball.  
*choice
	*selectable_if (rationalism > 45) #Could this actually be a being of power?  I must go see for myself!
		*set rationalism %+15
		*goto parade
	*selectable_if (shepherd_credentials > 80) #Any force which influences the mortal world is a concern to me.
		*goto parade
	*if feeding_style = "itinerants"
		#I will attend the parade; so many visitors will be there!  It will be a veritable cornucopia of prey.
			*set parade_feed true
			*goto parade
	*if feeding_style = "laborers"
		#I will attend the parade; so many farmers and workingmen there!  It will be a veritable cornucopia of prey.
			*set parade_feed true
			*goto parade
	*if feeding_style = "socialites"
		#I will attend the ball; there are sure to be some witty individuals there to feed upon.
			*goto ball
	*if feeding_style = "soldiers"
		#I will attend the ball; there are sure to be some former Confederates there to feed upon.
			*goto ball
	*if (joined_memphis_masonic_lodge) #Surely my fellow Masons can secure my invitation to the Ball. In fact, it is high time that I join the local lodge.
		*set joined_stl_masonic_lodge true
		*set local_fame %+5
		*set laborvscapital %-10
		The local lodge welcomes you into their ranks. Several of the members are only too happy to bring you to the ball as their guest.
		*page_break
		*goto ball
	*selectable_if (speaks_english) #I imagine that Senator Bailey can secure me a position on the guest list for the ball; I will have to contact him.
		*if bailey_rapport > 60
			*set baileys_introduction true
			A letter arrives from the Senator, confirming your presence on the guest list.  You write a brief thank-you note, and set about making preparations.
			*page_break
			*goto ball
		*elseif bailey_rapport > 40
			You receive a polite note in reply, informing you that the Veiled Prophet Society is exceedingly exclusive, and your presence would be greeted with displeasure by the attendees, most of whom have known each other since they were in swaddling clothes.
			*goto bailey_denies_choice
		*else
			A curt note informs you that the ball has a very tight guest list, and that it would be inconvenient for him to arrange your inclusion.
			*label bailey_denies_choice
			*choice
				*selectable_if (charm > 3) #No matter, I will use my powers of persuasion to bypass the greeters.
					*set without_invitation true
					
					*goto ball
				*selectable_if (stealth > 3) #No matter, I will use my powers of misdirection to bypass the greeters.
					*set without_invitation true
					Blocking yourself from the minds of the greeters, you make your way into the ball without being challenged.
					*goto ball
				#I will attend the parade instead.
					*if discretion > 50
						If they don't care to share in your company, you have no interest in sharing theirs.
					*else
						It would probably be safer to avoid the attention that would come with being seen in polite society.
						
					*page_break
					*goto parade
				*if (choice_randomtest = false) #Bah…what do I need them for?
					*set compassion %+5
					The evening of the parade arrives, and you do your best to ignore the fifty-thousand strong crowd that swarms the city.  
					
					A few early errands are extraodinarily difficult to accomplish.  Returning to your temporary haven, you elect to spend rest of the evening at home, away from the fuss.
					*goto next_day
	*selectable_if (shepherd_credentials < 40) #Parade?  Ball?  What do I care?
		*set shepherd_credentials %-10
		*set compassion %+5
		Of course.  Such things are beneath your notice.
		
		At least, you try to make them so.  
		*label avoid_parade
		*if exposure > 5
			*set exposure -1
		But a crowd fifty-thousand strong is difficult to ignore.  On the eve of the parade you elect to stay inside and avoid the hubbub.
		*goto next_day
	*selectable_if (discretion < 65) #It would be indiscreet to announce my arrival to the city; I will avoid both.
		*set discretion %-5
		You resolve to stay away from the parade.
		*goto avoid_parade
	#I just want to see the parade.
		*goto parade

*label parade
*set attended_parade true

Two nights later, the city gathers along the parade-route with baited breath, waiting for this…person? Entity? Prophet? Scoundrel?…to make his way through the city.

The Veiled Prophet and his attendants do not disappoint. The thirteen tableaux meander through the city along roads illuminated by torchlight.  They represent the virtues of man, and the triumph of those virtues over the impediments to history: industry, temperance, innovation, and cleanliness beat back the forces of savage Indians, decadent Turks, drunkards, and striking laborers.
*if parade_feed
	Of course, that's all a sideshow to your purpose here: to drink, and drink deeply.
	
	And you do.  Presented with such a large cross-section of humanity, you are able to light upon a perfect example of your type.
	
	Away from the eyes of the maddening crowd, you sink you teeth into soft flesh.  The blood slips past your lips slowly.  This is what it means to be immortal, you tell yourself.
	*if perception > 1
		And the [i]terroir[/i]?  It is magnificent.
	*goto next_day
*else
	And the Veiled Prophet himself does not disappoint.  
	*if joined_kkk or observing_kkk
		Decked in a white hood and dress—reminiscent of the Klan—and adorned with a spiked crown—a clear break from the Klan's iconography—he sits impassively
	*if (joined_kkk = false) and (observing_kkk = false)
		Decked in a white hood and dress, and adorned with a spiked crown, he sits impassively 
	on his throne as it is led through the crowds. His tableaux is lit by torches at each of its corners and is escorted by a troop of some two dozen torch-bearing marchers similarly attired.
	
	The parade wends its way through the city, eventually arriving at the hall where the ball will be held.  The Prophet's throne is lifted from its tableaux on poles and carried into the hall.
	
	You must admit, he knows how to make an entrance.  Or an exit, as the case may be.
	
	The rest of the city breaks out into a frenzy of wonder.  The saloons and biergartens throw open their doors and the men gather to discuss what just occurred in hushed tones.  Who is this Veiled Prophet?  What does his arrival indicate?  And how long will he stay?
	
	The only thing that puts an end to the debates is the necessity of rising for the rest of the fair the next morning.  The Veiled Prophet and his attendants may be all well and good, but there is work to be done.
	*goto next_day

*label ball
*set exposure +1
*comment TODO add a scene with Thomas William Fitch and/or Maria Ewing Sherman Fitch (daughter of William Tecumseh Sherman)
You are not particularly surprised to discover the presence of Aichinger, Bailey, and Eliot at the ball.  Aichinger and Bailey are both neck-deep in city and state politics, while Eliot seems to be there almost by happenstance. Hiram does cut a dashing figure amid all the black coats, however: he sports a red military coat. It's not quite in the style of British, but clearly modeled on the redcoat from earlier in the century.
*choice
	#I try to find a moment to speak with the Veiled Prophet himself.
		*label meet_priest
		*if perception > 2
			As you near the Veiled Prophet, you extend your senses outward, seeking to determine what—if any—sort of being it is.  
			
			After a moment's observation, you are unsure whether you are relieved or disappointed to discover that he is a man, no more and no less.
		"A moment of your time, sir?" you begin.
		*if charm > 3
			
			Unable to resist your magnetism, the Prophet turns his head towards you.  "Hello, there.  Enjoying yourself this evening?"
			*label continue_with_priest
			
			"Yes, quite.  My name is ${given_name} ${surname}."
			
			"Nice ta' meet ya'.  I'm John Priest."
			
			"This is quite the affair you have here."
			
			"Oh, yes.  The Slaybacks have put on quite a show."
			
			"The Slaybacks?"
			
			"Yes, Alonzo and Chas," he says, cocking his head to indicate two of his attendants.  "This whole thing was thier idea.  Quite a success, if I do say so myself."
			
			"Yes, quite," you reply.
		*else
			
			The Prophet does not turn his head to acknowledge you.  Instead, you find yourself accosted by two of his attendants, a pair of brothers who identify themselves as Charles and Alonzo Slayback.
			*goto meet_slaybacks
	#Seek information about the Veiled Prophet Society.
		It is not long before you find yourself in conversation with Colonel Alonzo Slayback and his brother Charles.
		*label meet_slaybacks
		*set met_slaybacks true
		*set exposure +1
		They are rather confused by your attendance at their soirée,
		*if joined_kkk
			but when you offer the secret sign of the Klan, they relent in their inquisitions.
			
			Once the Slaybacks have given their approval, you continue on your approach to the Veiled Prophet.  He turns his head towards you.  "Hello, there.  Enjoying yourself this evening?"
			*goto continue_with_priest
		*elseif charm > 3
			but your supernatural charm goes a long way to smoothing over their ruffled feathers.
			*label discuss_politely_slaybacks
			
			After a few minutes of conversation, they disclose that this whole affair was their idea.  "What inspired it?" you inquire.
			
			"To be frank, the strikes last summer.  We thought it important to take a stand in the name of civilization.  These socialists demanding eight-hour workdays and school for their children do not comprehend the forward march of our nation.  For us to progress, some must be sacrificed," says Alonzo.
			
			"Yes, and they should be grateful that they live in the United States.  At least here, if they practice our virtues, they can improve the lives of themselves and their families.  They are not serfs, after all," continues Charles.
			
			"And so you take it upon yourselves to instruct them on how they might improve themselves?"
			
			"Exactly," Charles replies.
			
			Before you can continue the converation, you are interrupted by a third individual, and you find yourself outsted from the conversation.
		*elseif baileys_introduction
			but respond brightly when you mention your invitation to the ball by Bailey.
			*goto discuss_politely_slaybacks
		*else
			and when you are unable to provide them with a suitable justification for your presence, they begin the process of ejecting you from their soirée.
			
			"Mr. Preston," Charles calls.
			*set stl_met_preston true
			
			"Yes?"
			
			@{(perception > 1) Were your senses not supernaturally attuned, you would have been surprised by Preston's sudden appearance.|You are startled by the appearance of this new individual.} On his lapel is the all-seeing eye of the Pinkertons.
			
			"Would you see…${mr} ${surname} to the door?" Alonzo asks.
			
			*if eliot_rapport > 60
				It is at this point, however, that Hiram appears, attempting to smooth things over.
				
				The Slaybacks are resistant at first—and Preston seems more than willing to demonstrate his efficiency—but Hiram's honeyed words erode their resistance.  They put you into his charge, and the two of you beat a hasty retreat across the hall.
				*page_break
				You thank him for his assistance, which he waves away.
				*goto eliot_at_ball
			*else
				Preston snaps his fingers. Two more Pinkertons emerge from some curtains and seize you between them.
			
				With no one to come to your aid, you are soon escorted from the premises.
				*page_break
				Outside the ball, you take a moment to observe the comings and goings.
				*if (discretion > 50) and (compassion < 60)
					Somenight, you will be at the center of power, both human and vampiric.  You vow to yourself that there will be no more ejections.
				*else
					The mechanisms of power are still something of a mystery to you.  You wonder if you will ever master them.
				
				You summon your coupé and set off for your temporary residence.
				*goto next_day
	*selectable_if (independence > 20) #Strike up a conversation with Hiram Eliot.
		*set independence %+10
		*label eliot_at_ball
		*set eliot_in_greece true
		When you ask Eliot about his presence at the ball, he informs you—somewhat wistfully—that this is one of those rare occasions when he can look after the condition of his mortal family.  When you inquire further, he indicates a man in his late thirties.  "That's my nephew, Henry.  He's a partner in the Hydralic Press Brick Company, and has just been appointed to the Board of Directors for Washington University."
		
		"I don't suppose you had any hand in that?" you inquire.
		
		"He is both brilliant and he helped found the institution.  So no, I had no role in the matter."  Eliot goes on to explain that, in observance of the Rule of Reserve, he does not interact directly with his family, but he does like to keep an eye on them.  "What is the point of this all, if we do not tend to our families?" he muses aloud.
		
		"And he does not know you?"
		
		"Though we may share certain similar features, his father was a boy of eight when I went out to sea."  He pauses a moment.  "I was but a boy myself, I suppose."
		
		"And you never returned?"
		
		"I found myself working on a merchantman in the Mediterranean when the Greek War of Independence broke out two years later.  Always a great admirer of that people, I left my post once we came ashore at Milazzo and I took up with the Greek revolutionaries."
		
		"And were you successful?"
		
		"Do you mean, did I die, or did the revolutionaries succeed?"
		
		"Well, clearly you didn't die…" you begin.
		
		*comment Hiram fought aboard the Karteria, the first steam-powered warship to ever be used in combat operations.
		"In fact, I did. It was there that my dominus turned me. And yes, the Greeks won their independence.  It was hard-fought—the war lasted eleven years—but we were victorious. And the rest of the crew thought it amusing to honor me with a British redcoat," he says, gesturing to his outfit, "despite my being a Yankee."
		
		"It is a handsome coat," you reply, admiringly.
		
		"Thank you."
		
		"And your dominus?"
		
		"Evangelis Zappas.  Or so he called himself.  That was actually the name of his descendant, whom he later murdered and whose identity he assumed.  But he funded the Revolution, and decided that I deserved a reward for my efforts. I suppose that, in his eyes, the coat was insufficient."
		*set histoire_recit true
		
		*if intelligence > 2
			*set heard_of_zappas true
			"I feel as though I have heard that name before…" you begin.
			
			"Yes, through his philanthropic work, he convinced the Greek monarch to reorganize the Olympic Games.  They had their first outing in '59; I'm told it was something of a sorry affair.  The stadium had yet to excavated, as Zappas had demanded.  Instead, it was held in the main square of the city.  Not an ideal venue, as you might imagine.  But they tried again in '70, and that was much more successful.  At least they had the stadium by then, anyway."
			
			"Were you there?"
			
			"No, but I maintain an infrequent correspondance with the Governor of Athens since my time there.  She shared the details with me.  There are some indications that another Olympic Games may be organized in the future; if so, I may brave the journey there.  Just as we honor our mortal families, so too must we honor our vampiric ones."
			*if lore > 3
				*set heard_of_olympias true
				He must be referring to Olympias, the Governor of Athens.
			*if (compassion > 55) and (discretion > 55)
				
				"Well, some of us do, I suppose," you reply.
				*set eliot_rapport %-20
				
				"Well, I certainly do."  There is a brief moment of uncomfortable silence, before you move the conversation on to a new topic.
		
		"And eventually you returned here?"
		
		"I did.  St. Louis called me home.  I had terrible dreams about what was happening in my absence.  I was relieved to discover that they had misled me."
		
		"Your dreams?"
		
		"Yes.  I returned to find Henry flourishing.  And now he's founded a university and has several children.  My concerns were for naught."
		
		"Would you rather be back in Europe?"
		
		"No, I suppose not.  Now, if you will excuse me…"
		
		"Yes, of course," you reply.  It seems that Eliot has been called away by one of the other guests.
	*if finance > 0
		#I will take the opportunity to find some investment opportunities.
			*label meet_robert_brookings
			*set shepherd_credentials %+5
			*set laborvscapital %-5
			*set met_brookings true
			Through the shaking of hand and discreet inquiries, you eventually find yourself in converation with Robert and Harry Brookings. They have worked their way up through the ranks of a local household goods dealer—Cupples & Marston—to become partners in the firm.
			
			You have a stimulating conversation with the two of them about their ideas on how St. Louis might succeed in its quest to become the premier city of the West.  You sense that the two are concerned by Chicago's recent ascent.
	*if heresy_of_masons > 0
		#There must be some Freemasons among these captains of industry.
			*set discretion %+10
			*set local_fame %+5
			*set exposure +1
			Keeping a sharp eye out, you soon note a Masonic pin and soon thereafter find a gaggle of them standing about.
			
			You introduce yourself—offering the appropriate signs and countersigns—and are introduced in turn to several prominent men of the state, including Congressman Thomas Crittenden, former Governor Charles Hardin, and George Graham Vest, whom the gathered men agree is about to be elected the new United States Senator from Missouri.
			
			They welcome you to St. Louis and offer their best wishes to your ventures here.
		*if (perception > 0) #What is that symbol on that man's label—it's like a Masonic pin, but not…
			*set discretion %+5
			*set exposure +1
			*set stl_met_preston true
			You introduce yourself to Jerome Preston, the bearer of the peculiar pin. After a few circumspect questions, you learn that he is the head of the Pinkerton field office here in St. Louis.
			
			"Have you been here long?"
			
			"No, I only just arrived from Chicago."
			
			"Has the office been open long?"
			
			"Yes, but the former occupant of my position failed to anticipate and respond to the severity of the strike last year. I am here to make sure that nothing like that happens again."
			
			"A real go-getter, I see."
			
			He looks at you queerly. "You could say that, yes."
			
			*if discretion > 50
				"I noticed your pin. Such interesting iconography…" you prompt.
			
				"The Eye of Horus, the All-Seeing Eye, the Eye of Providence…yes, this icon has a storied history."
				
				"And do you subscribe to its mystical powers?"
				
				"I believe in logic, ${mr} ${surname}. I believe in science. I must follow where evidence leads me; wherever that goes. What can be known, what can be uncovered, what can be deduced…but if you are asking if I think this little hunk of metal gives me any magical powers, then no, I must disappoint you."
				
				"You are right, the disappointment is all mine," you reply with a savage grin.
				
				He gives you another strange look and excuses himself from the conversation.
			*else
				Having already learned that this man is an officer in an extrajudicial mercenary company, you decide to excuse yourself with due haste.

*page_break
A little before midnight, the attendees gather to celebrate the Belle of the Ball.  The Veiled Prophet descends from his throne, and picks a young woman—Susie Slayback, you overhear—from the crowd, and presents her with a pearl necklace.  The band breaks out into a quadrille, and several of the attendees step forward to take part it the stylized dance.
*comment the title of the Queen was originall Belle of the Ball, updated in 1894 to the Queen of Love and Beauty.
*if met_slaybacks

	The Slayback brothers smile down at Susie from their positions beside the Prophet's throne.  The look on their faces is almost…predatory.  If you didn't know better, you'd have thought that they too were vampires.
*if eliot_in_greece
	*set heard_of_jh_cavender true

	There are several women in attendance on the Belle, and one of them causes Eliot to stiffen. "What is it?" you inquire softly.

	"My cousin."
	
	"Human or…"
	
	"Human. And a distant one at that. But she married a brute of a man. John Howard Cavender by name. And there she is—" he says, gesturing to one of the Belle's attendants, "—waiting on Susie Slayback."
	
	"Will she recognize you?"
	
	"I doubt it. But I suspect she's heard of me. Though I can't say if she's heard of my mortal life, or my more recent incarnation, and that's where I must be careful."
	
	*if compassion < 60
		"Yes, keeping up with your mortal family must present occasional difficulties."
		
		"I'm grateful to have such a problem," he replies.
	*else
		*set eliot_rapport %-10
		"I have to wonder why you bother."
		
		"If there's one thing I've learned, ${mr} ${surname}, it's that there are some things more important in this world than myself."

The dancing continues for a while yet, but you've had your fill, and decide it is time to retire.  You make your way outside, summon your coupé, and set off for your temporary residence.

*label next_day
*if attended_parade
	*if compassion < 50
		*page_break
		Conveniently, the [i]Missouri Republican[/i] offers an extended exegesis on the parade the next day.  Each of the tableaux are described in detail, including an explanation of the various symbols and allegories used.
		
		Someone wants the Veiled Prophet's message transmitted far and wide, and the newspaper is more than happy to fulfill that function.
*else
	*if (compassion < 55) and literate
		*page_break
		Conveniently, the [i]Missouri Republican[/i] offers an extended exegesis on the parade the next day.  In it, you read how the thirteen tableaux meandered through the city along roads illuminated by torchlight.  They represented the virtues of civilized man and the triumph of those virtues over the impediments to history: industry, temperance, innovation, and cleanliness beat back the forces of savage Indians, decadent Turks, drunkards, and striking laborers.  Each of the tableaux are described in detail, including an explanation of the various symbols and allegories used.  
			
		Someone wants the Veiled Prophet's message transmitted far and wide, and the newspaper is more than happy to fulfill that function.
*finish Next