Annapolis - and our newest reporter - Smoke!

 Darlings, darlings!

As we have mentioned, we are *always interested* in working with me talent! (Well... new is a relative term for Kindred, of course!) Please welcome our new cub reporter, Smoke Monster, aka Smoke, who has traveled to Annapolis and given us a lovely report on Annapolis, along with some fabulous sketches of the evening!


 Annapolis, Early October 2012 - 

Smoke: Rook and Harrow look quite serious during their meeting, don't they?  It does sound as though the Domain faces some serious threats.  Why was Primogen Eli dressed like a Gangrel at Formal Court?   Not even the Gangrel were dressed like Gangrel this evening!  And speaking of Eli of Clan Tremere, he was one of numerous citizens to change offices ... quite a handful between Washington, DC Thursday night and Annapolis on Saturday.  And both Domains seem to be opting for a retro trend, as Prince Rook declared Eli, while nominally a Primogen, would in spirit be acting as a "Vizier" -- this, on the heels of Prince Dervish naming Bruce MacGregor "Hound" rather than "Sheriff" two nights before. 

Smoke:  If your Domain is facing serious business, at least face it in style!  Seneschal Harrow fully redeems herself for the Hawaiian Nonclave faux pas with this lovely layered look in at least fifty shades of grey.  Prince Rook came close to redemption with his rich, intricately  embroidered jacket, but falls short due to a "mom jeans" issue.  Are those Vidal Sassoon?  You've got the body for the low-rise skinny jeans that are all the rage these nights, Prince Rook -- time to rock a pair!  Mom jeans on a man as svelte as yourself is quite nearly a Masquerade breach. 


Burn: Total agreement with Smoke here. Ditch the mom jeans and show the world the sexy pants that you are!







Smoke:  Prince Rook and Keeper Zoe Moreau of Scranton, Clan Toreador.  They look quite beautiful and menacing at the same time, dappled in shadow, don't they?  Here one gets the full effect of the ornate silver buttons accentuating Rook's jacket, and Zoe maintains her sexy librarian vibe.  I don't know about you, but I'd keep my voice to a whisper in HER library.

 
Burn: WOAH. Look at that smoking hot look that Vinny Velario is giving Zoe! I think these pages are actually starting to smolder!

Smoke: Zoe and Vincent Velario, Clan Toreador, share a pensive moment together; and then show a bit of merriment.  This drawing shows how Zoe's moss-green jacket really "popped," smartly decorated with gold buttons and accessorized with a tasteful pearl necklace.  The simplicity of her black skirt and white blouse allowed the jacket to truly shine -- thank you, Zoe, for knowing that the key to fashion is often accentuating that one magnificent piece, rather than wearing numerous pieces that compete with one another.  Vincent here doesn't look quite as regal in mostly black as he did all in white some time ago, but then again, he has about one-third the adjectives he used to, so perhaps "somber" is called for.  Still, like Zoe's moss, the plum shirt picking up the plum accents in the tie were very autumn-appropriate.  Thank you, Clan Toreador, for matching the seasons so smartly.

Smoke: Zoe again -- here her moss-green jacket is contrasted with the other most-talked-about fashion item of the evening:  the striking sapphire mask worn by Mr. Black, more commonly known as C.H.U.D., of Clan Nosferatu.  For this formal occasion, C.H.U.D. swapped his usual silver mask for this gem-toned beauty.  A most fitting upgrade for a night upon which C.H.U.D. was one of several citizens awarded standing by Prince Rook.  Interestingly, both C.H.U.D. and John Grim of Clan Setite received status this evening, a mere six weeks after both received status at Nonclave.  Harpies, take note: Six weeks is apparently the new grace period for status.  Who knew?










Smoke: From left to right:  Cheshire of Clan Malkavian, Chernobyl of Clan Brujah, and C.H.U.D.  Three of the members of the unfortunately named "Shadow Company," a crew who've recently put down roots in Annapolis, are clearly enjoying the festivities.  Cheshire, we adore you, but please leave the sexy librarian look to Zoe.  Chernobyl, on the other hand, is all dapper Texas oilman -- this smart ensemble, complete with oversized sunglasses and a watch that screams "new money," recalls the glory days of J.R. Ewing.  One suspects Chernobyl might indeed have been the Soviet Union's answer to Dallas's most infamous oil baron.  And doesn't C.H.U.D. look happy to be partying with his homies -- look at that smile! 

  

Smoke: A closer look at Chernobyl and his Ray-Bans.  The 80s called and they are jealous that you're pulling off this look in 2012.

Burn: That is a great hat. Sexy!









Smoke:  Michael of Clan Gangrel giving the Vienna sausage -- oh wait, is that his finger? -- in insult to an unknown party.  I guess it wouldn't be a party if some Gangrel didn't generate a bird.  One necklace would be fine here, but the second necklace we're not so sure about.  It looks like something that may have washed up on the beach while the Brady Bunch were in Hawaii.  Let's hope it's not cursed! 












Smoke: Newly-appointed Seneschal Greggor of Washington, DC, Clan Nosferatu.  Greggor, we dig the newsboy cap for a Clan renowned for its abilities where information is concerned, and your own outfit was quite dapper.  But seriously, your undeveloped twin needs a baby makeover!  Perhaps some jeggings for the wee one, or at least a more autumn-appropriate diaper cover?

Burn: Way to let your freak flag fly there, Greggor! (OMG!)

Smoke: Hannah Martin, Clan Gangrel, and Khamael of the Sefirot, Clan Toreador, who were on this night appointed Sheriff and Scourge of Annapolis, respectively.  Hannah, why the long face?  Is your fight form a dappled mare?  Or are you perhaps some mortal relation to Sarah Jessica Parker?  Oh wait, we know -- you were just named Sheriff!  Congratulations?  As for Khamael, we have our suspicions as to why he looks so glum.  Prince Dervish of Washington, DC was present, and quite offended to learn one of his residents had accepted an Officer position in Annapolis without so much as a post-it note of notification to anyone in DC.  Particularly scandalous, given that David Paul Barrington of Clan Ventrue was stripped of standing earlier this year for moving ... from Annapolis to DC .... without notifying Prince Rook or the Annapolis Primogen Council first.  We hope those aren't shoulder pads in your jacket, Khamael.  Those are so "early 90s businesswoman."  Might we recommend a tailor for that jacket?


Burn: All I know is that Hannah Martin has some fabulous hair going on there and some utterly lovely earnings. Snaps!

Smoke: Ambrosio Valez de Leon of Baltimore, and Fiona MacGregor of Philadelphia, both of Clan Brjuah.  The fashionable Brujah were out in force this evening -- Ambrosio's tie with its splash of bronze for fall smartly stood out from a well-fitting black coat, shirt and pants (Prince Rook and Scourge Khamael, perhaps there's a tailor in Baltimore to help you?).  And Fiona's shimmering, iridescent blue dress was breathtaking -- and the mini-cape!  Even among the many sartorially gifted Brujah present this evening, Fiona was a standout.  Note the understated sparkles of the diamonds in her ring and on the straps of her dress -- I heartily approve this outfit.  Ambrosio was overheard explaining a choice bit of gossip from Baltimore -- it seems that when Prince Rommel ascended to the throne there not long ago, a vacancy was created in the Harpy position when Harlan Miles was named Seneschal, and soon thereafter the Primogen Council of Baltimore opened the Harpy position for auditions!  I even overheard that it had been suggested a competition take place, in which Seneschal Miles and the Harpies of Annapolis and DC would serve as guest judges and mentors, complete with large, rotating chairs, lights and music ... something of a Kindred reality show to create some buzz and allow the new Harpy of Baltimore to claim the position with considerable fanfare.  Unfortunately, Ambrosio has withdrawn his name from the Harpy race, leaving only two competitors, and it sounds as though the ambitious "reality competition" may not come to pass.  I do hope the citizens clamor for it and that a third competitor emerges, as I'd cover that event like a Kardashian on a pro basketball player. 

Smoke: Vincent, please ask Ambrosio to fix your shirt and tie!  And quit pouting.

Burn: Obviously, he needs to back to flirting with dear Zoe. Oh, those two are smoking hot together!!! Obviously, she will help Vinny getting over his "I gave up my Praxis to Lucas Morgan" blues! 

 
Smoke: Princess Giovanni, Doña of Maine, dropped by for a visit and rocked the evening's most ambitious shoes, an open-toed sparkly spiked heeled wonder in pink.  And with that tiara, she looked every inch the princess.  I was struck with the urge for some Bubblicious, but the urge soon passed.  Her shoes caught not only this reporter's eye, however ... Prince Dervish got into a bit of a verbal sparring match with Princess, passions were stirred, and (15) rumor has it they "made up" in the back of a limo later that evening!  Way to celebrate your new Praxis, Prince Dervish!  I'm still trying to come up with the winning euphemism here:  "Renewing the Promise," or perhaps "Making the wraiths blush?"  We're not sure what that article of clothing is under your jacket, Prince Dervish -- mock turtleneck with zipper? -- but we're quite sure you have the standing now to pull it off.  Speaking of Washington, DC, in addition to their limousine conquests, they made quite the show of solidarity -- two nights after Prince Dervish's ascension to the throne, all their officers save the Keeper were present for Prince Rook's Formal Court.  We hear Prince Dervish might be setting up a much sought-after and rare tour of the Smithsonian Museum Elysiums for DC Officers and Primogen, each of whom may invite one lucky guest!  And finally, we overheard that while Prince Dervish is much more prudent than his predecessor when it comes to possibly premature proclamations of people passing, the previous Prince is purported to be quite irretrievably dead.



Burn: Her name is PRINCESS??? Hahahaha. Oh. How lovely for a Giovanni!! Lovely shoes tho! Snaps!


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Well, my darlings, there you have it -- our first report from Cub Reporter Smoke. Do let us know if you liked it! (Hate mail, of course, will go in the circular file! And darlings, if you do not know what that is, ask your ghouls to tell you!) Again, as a reminder, if you are interested in reporting for Crash and Burn or have any great tips for Burn Notice, just sent us a note!

Kisses!
Crash and Burn
with our new reporter, Smoke!