Scene Summary: When in Doubt, Drink

When in Doubt, Drink
Chronicle	DC Chronicle
Game Date	December 2, 2015
Real Date	March 27 — April 10, 2016
Characters	Bjorn Garinson Casper Iversson Danny Wheyton Duncan MacTavish Hope Gutierrez Roland Christensen
Locations	Purgatory
Previous Scene	A Midwinter Night's Tale (Bjorn) Nordic Fog (Casper) Phone Call: Danny to Hope (Danny, Hope) The Old Boys' Club (Roland)
Next Scene	In Want Of (Bjorn) Open Reading (Casper) Luck Runs Out (Danny) Scream Therapy (Hope, Roland)
Content Warnings	Ableism, Mental Illness, Mind Control, Substance Abuse
Original Scene	When in Doubt, Drink

When in Doubt, Drink is a scene from the DC Chronicle featuring Bjorn Garinson, Casper Iversson, Danny Wheyton, and Hope Gutierrez, with a minor appearance by Roland Christensen and a cameo appearance by Duncan MacTavish. It depicts newcomers to the city meeting and learning about each other at Purgatory.

Scene Summary

Casper gets out of a taxi at Purgatory, thinking that he needs to get drunk and hopes there will be friendly people there to do with it. He orders the strongest alcohol available and is already becoming drunk by the time Danny arrives, worrying that he may be pushing his luck by going to Purgatory, where he always seems to get into trouble. Danny almost leaves, then doesn't want to look foolish and orders a beer. Casper notices Danny and uses Auspex to confirm that he is a vampire, then offers to pay for his drinks.

Danny is nervous and confused but thanks Casper, sitting down to drink beside him while he tries to identify Casper's accent. They introduce themselves and learn that they are both new to the city, although Danny tells Casper that he doesn't know anyone when asked. Casper encourages him to meet Bjorn, but Danny is distressed by Casper being so friendly to him without knowing him and avoids the subject, instead asking where he's from. Casper explains that he is visiting from Europe and uses Presence to make Danny like him more, asking why he has come to DC. Danny explains that he wants nothing to do with politics and that his recently deceased sire was widely disliked, leading him to avoid notice as much as possible. Casper is sympathetic but urges Danny not to let his sire's history define him.

Hope hitchhikes to get a ride and eventually arrives at Purgatory, where she gets out of a truck out front and enters the bar. She descends on Danny and scolds him for abandoning her at Limbo instead of helping her steal wallets, and she and Danny have a brief argument about it before Hope feels bad for picking on him and Danny goes outside, returning shortly after having fed from a human. In his absence, Casper introduces himself to Hope and mentions that he saw her at a recent party, which annoys her with its implication that her reputation as an Anarch might be affected by her appearance at a Camarilla event.

Bjorn arrives after circling the building to check for any threats or problems and briefly greets Casper and Hope. Hope throws money on the bar to pay for property damage from her last visit, which Bjorn has Roland collect. Casper uses Presence on Bjorn to make him like him while offering to buy Hope a drink, and everyone sits down to begin drinking the tequila Hope chooses together. Casper introduces Danny to Bjorn, but Danny is frightened by the contact with such a dangerous person and withdraws.

Hope asks Bjorn whether Casper is a Brujah, and while Bjorn ignores her, Casper introduces himself and tells her that he is in town on business. He asks Bjorn what he knows about Maeve Glaistig, causing Bjorn to tell him some basic details, and Hope overhears and demands to know why Casper is stalking her friend. Casper claims he is only interested in making sure that Maeve is safe due to his obligations to Anne d'Arpajon, but internally admits that he is more interested in her than in most associates. When Hope clearly doesn't believe him, Casper uses Presence on her as well, flirting with her by telling her that she is just as pretty. Hope decides that she can always fight him later if he does turn out to be up to no good, and asks him about what he wants in DC.

Casper explains that he is recruiting soldiers for the upcoming conflict against the Sabbat, but Hope is unimpressed, claiming that elders don't care about any of them and that Casper is just helping them kill younger vampires for their own gain. Casper is offended and makes an impassioned speech about the conflict, telling her that the Sabbat are worse than the Camarilla and that at least he has the free will to choose to fight for the elders against them. He claims that not fighting would make him a monster, but Hope disagrees, suddenly sad that he is so willing to do as he's told, and tells him that killing people never makes anyone less than a monster, reminding him that he might get to choose to fight but that the Sabbat members are press-ganged and don't have the same luxury.

Casper disagrees but changes his mind, asking about Hope instead. Hope explains that she is a Ventrue Anarch, a rarity, and then hits on him as they drink together. Casper is pleased and toasts her, glad that they can become friends, but Hope immediately disagrees, saying that she was interested in having sex, not being friends. Casper blushes and stammers awkwardly, asking if they can't be friends instead, but Hope again refuses, this time getting up and waving to Bjorn as she leaves with a parting worry that he will probably get himself killed in his crusade.

After Hope leaves, Casper asks Bjorn about her, but he only says that her behavior is due to being an Anarch and then leaves himself to go into the back room, leaving Casper to drink alone at the bar.

Script Summary

The script summary for this scene pares it down to only dialogue and action directions, allowing for a quicker and easier read through what was actually said and done by the characters. Click on the "Expand" tag to the right to view the entire script summary for this scene.

When in Doubt, Drink Script Summary

Casper gets out of a taxi in front of Purgatory and enters. He goes to the bar and hands Roland a twenty-dollar bill.

CASPER: Something strong and plenty of it.

Danny walks to Purgatory and pauses in the doorway. Someone yells at him to get out of the way and he enters. He also goes to the bar and hands cash to Roland.

DANNY: Uh... Just beer, please...

Casper uses the Auspex discipline to identify Danny as a vampire. He slides over several stools and sits next to Danny.

CASPER: You alright friend? This one is on me, nice to meet a Kindred soul.

He hands money to Roland.

DANNY: Uh... Thank you. I'm... I'm fine, thanks.

CASPER: Casper Iversson, nice to meet you. I am new to the city, friend of Bjorn's — you know Bjorn yes?

He finishes his drink and taps his glass as he nods at Roland.

CASPER: Another one please.

DANNY: Uh... No, sorry. I've only been in town for a small while, and I'm not really one of the important people, so I don't know many others...

Roland brings Danny a beer and he drinks from it.

DANNY: I'm Danny, by the way. Danny Wheyton...

CASPER: Ah, a fellow newcomer! DC seems to be getting plenty of those lately, I am sure the harpies are being kept busy then.

He pulls a cherry out of his glass and puts it in an ashtray. He laughs at Danny.

CASPER: Not a fan of the cheap stuff I take it? I don't blame you — American beers can be a little off-putting.

He raises his refilled glass.

CASPER: But they certainly make fine spirits. Pleasure to meet your Mister Danny Wheyton, you don't mind if I join you do you? Perhaps if you're lucky you can meet Bjorn, he's a good man and an even better drinking partner!

DANNY: Lucky? Yeah... I guess.

He drinks more beer.

DANNY: So... Where are you from, anyway?

CASPER: Paris, by way of Stockholm here on some business for the powers that be. Ohhh Bjorn is not so bad, you give him the respect he deserves and he'll treat you right, plus his bar's got the cheapest beer in 20 kilometers — what's not to like?

He hums and stacks peanuts on the bar. He uses the Presence discipline on Danny to make him like him.

CASPER: What about you Danny? What brings you to DC? Got some political aspirations? Am I talking to a soon to be senator?

DANNY: Oh. I'm no future senator, that's for sure... Hell, I'm lucky if I can talk to someone and not have it be awkward... Politics are no place for me. Not to mention... Well... My sire was never really on good terms with anyone... Well... Okay, he was a pretty despised outlaw... Whenever people hear that, they usually give me pretty nasty glares, so God knows what they would do if I tried to get involved with what's going on.

He sighs.

DANNY: His death is actually what sent me here... Well, not here specifically, but... It sent me to find a place to settle down, basically. We were really close when he was alive, and he loved to move around from place to place, but... I just don't have the energy he does to do something like that, so I wound up getting stuck here. No one's really had issues with me being here yet, but that's probably because I keep my head down... Or try to.

Casper nods.

CASPER: I am sorry for you loss, I do not presume to know what terms you were on but a loss like that is never easy... And as far as what other people think of you.

He sips his drink.

CASPER: Our sire's legacies can certainly put plenty of pressure on us, that is true. But you mustn't let that define who you are.

He points at Danny.

CASPER: Only you can decide what kind of man you want to be. Do that and the world will see what you see. Well we all do need to find a place for ourselves in this world, but at least the benifit of our condition is we certainly have time to find whatever that might be, huh?

He raises his glass.

CASPER: I am sure you will find it Danny, and on that day we will have to have a toast to your success.

Hope rides down the street in a truck and gets out in front of Purgatory. The truck leaves and she enters the bar.

HOPE: Hey! You!

Danny jumps. Hope leans over Casper and points at Danny as she sits down on a stool.

HOPE: What the fuck, Danny?

Danny points at himself.

DANNY: Me? What about what the fuck? Did I do something?

He scoots away from Hope and raises a defensive arm.

HOPE: Yeah, you. Coo Coo McFlakey Pants.

CASPER: I take it this is your friend Danny?

He reaches through Hope's arms to grab his glass. Hope climbs over him to stand next to Danny.

HOPE: Where were you? Rule numero uno is not bailing in the middle of a job, dammit!

DANNY: Job?

She sighs.

HOPE: Seriously... it's lame. Don't do it. Is this guy bothering you?

DANNY: What the hell, Hope? You told me we were going to go, and I quote, 'watch Toreadors cry into their expensive drinks'. You never said anything about a job or trying to—

He sighs.

DANNY: You know what? It doesn't matter. I've got too much on my mind right now...

He gets up and puts his hands in his pockets.

DANNY: I need a drink... A real drink... I'll be back.

He leaves the bar.

CASPER: Nice to meet you Hope, I think I saw you at Mr Voyager's party the other night yelling at an older gentlemen. Name's Casper. Laughing at Roses makes a profit these days does it?

He waves at Roland for another drink.

HOPE: Oh, yeah. Well, a little slumming never hurt anybody. And anything can make a profit, if you aren't a dumbass.

After a few minutes, Danny returns, swaying, and sits back down on a stool. Hope catches him before he falls back off.

DANNY: Oh, yeah. This is Casper, if he didn't already tell you. He's cool.

HOPE: Hope Gutierrez. You stop admiring yourself in that mirror long enough, I'll let you buy me a drink.

Bjorn arrives and circles Purgatory before entering. He points at Roland, who slides a mug toward him.

BJORN: Casper. Hope.

Hope pulls a wad of bills out of her bra and throws them at Bjorn. Casper laughs.

CASPER: You drive a hard bargain Ms. Gutierrez, what are you drinking? Bjorn, minn vinr!

BJORN: Vel œrinn.

He gestures at the money on the bar with his mug and Roland retrieves it.

CASPER: Oh, Danny, you've decided to stick around after all! This is Bjorn, my Primogen.

DANNY: Oh... Erm... Hello.

Bjorn grunts. Casper orders more beer.

HOPE: Tonight is a... tequila night.

She snaps her fingers and points at a bottle on the middle shelf.

HOPE: Wait. He's one of yours? Ten points to Brujah.

Roland gives her the tequila and she shoots it, then orders more. She shoots a second shot. Casper gestures for shots as well.

CASPER: I am here on business, Bjorn is an old friend of my Sire. Here, why don't you get a couple more rounds for all of us.

He hands Hope a wad of money.

CASPER: Jarl Bjorn, gerþúr veit hvatvetnumr vífinn at fleiriinn fólk kalling Sǫngrfuglsrödd — munu þú?

Bjorn gestures for another drink.

BJORN: Songbird? Yeah, one of the Roses. What about her?

CASPER: She just... Seems nice.

He shrugs, then stretches.

BJORN: They always do.

CASPER: I mean- the Countess asked me to watch over her. Make sure she is safe, families must be friends if I cared to take a guess. Just wondering if there was anything I should know about her — for security purposes.

BJORN: Nobody down here I know of has it in for her, if that's what you mean, though I can't say as far as anyone else goes. She only turned up a few weeks ago, some kind of social meltdown across the pond from what I gather. Sings at Limbo sometimes.

CASPER: Well that's good. Sounds like Limbo is the place to be then. Speaking of down here — who's your boys around these parts? Suppose I should meet them at one point.

Hope does another shot.

HOPE: Stalker much. What's your deal with Maeve? Got ginger fever or what?

CASPER: Oh no nothing like that — not that she isn't a lovely girl — not that that is relevant. She is very nice, and from what I can tell life has not been kind to her as of late. I just wanted to make sure that didn't extend to the Kindred of DC.

He ands Hope another shot, then uses the Presence discipline to make her like him.

CASPER: Not that my hair color of preference is any concern of yours Ms Gutierrez. I happen to think brunettes are just as pretty. Cheers.

HOPE: Yeah, well, sucks to be you. I'm actually bald under here.

She drinks the shot, then slides the glass to Roland.

HOPE: Okay. So just a good Samaritan. Sure thing. So what's up with you? What do you get up to, when you aren't creeping on my friend?

Casper lines up more shots.

CASPER: A fool's errand.

He drinks a shot, then makes a face.

CASPER: Which makes me the fool. Honestly? It's not like it's a secret. Recruitment. We're making a move soon. A big one — Don't know where yet — we need good fighters looking to make their mark and mess up some Sabbat bastards.

HOPE: Oh yeah?

She drinks a shot and slams the glass back onto the bar.

HOPE: Let me guess. Honor. Glory. A chance to make my mark on the world. And all I have to do is go out and die for a bunch of pansy-assed old fucks half a world away.

She squeezes the shot glass and it shatters in her hand.

CASPER: Do Elders want you to fight? You're damn right they do. Do they give two shits about you? Who the hell ever told you that?

HOPE: And what does that make you, Casper? Some goddamn pied piper for idiot noobs without the sense to know they're being lead into the fucking grinder?

CASPER: I wouldn't ask anyone to do anything I wouldn't be willing to do myself — I am fighting because I want to. You ever think to yourself, all those people go missing in Sabbat cities what happens to them? I've seen it. It's a lot more messed up than some Elder treating people like trash.

He grabs an abandoned glass of whiskey from the bar and drinks it.

CASPER: It pays, and like everything we do, yeah you could die. Unlike the Sabbat though — no one is forcing you to do shit.

He sighs.

CASPER: The way I see it, not fighting what is monstrous is what turns us into monsters.

There is a long pause.

HOPE: You actually believe that bullshit, don't you?

She shakes her head. She takes another wad of money from her pants pocket and slams it on the bar, then points to the tequila bottle.

HOPE: Just give me the whole thing.

Roland hands her the bottle. She snatches it from him and drinks out of it.

HOPE: You seem nice. Stupid, which usually comes with the nice, but still... This one's on the house. Never in the history of ever will killing somebody make you less of a monster. But you're right. At least you get a choice. Maybe remember that when you're bashing in all those monster skulls for fame and glory.

She drinks from the bottle.

HOPE: You chose to be there. You chose to do what you're doing. The guy across from you, not so much. In my book, that makes you the sicko. Not him.

Casper laughs.

CASPER: Well hell. You're probably right — about me being an idiot that is. No I don't think it will make me some sort of saint — I am pretty much screwed in that department — damned as they say? But maybe — just maybe — it will stop someone else from suffering that same fate. But you're not interested in hearing me prattle on about my thoughts on the whole thing — no sense in wasting either of our time fighting about it. Then lets change the subject to something less contentious. Tell me about Hope then.

HOPE: I don't know, I'm a pretty contentious topic. Then again I'm a blue blood Anarch. It's kinda my shtick. You know, the whole brooding rebel without a cause thing that all the boys love. How's it working so far?

CASPER: You certainly have your charms Ms Gutierrez. And if we, a rebel and king can be friends, maybe there is hope for the world yet.

Hope takes another shot, then coughs and snorts.

HOPE: Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to imply we were friends or anything. More trying to say that we should fuck.

Casper blushes and stammers.

CASPER: That's very... nice... of you.. but I uh...

He finishes his drink.

CASPER: I am afraid I must decline — not by any fault of yours Miss Hope — you seem very nice — but I am old fashioned and I am inter— I am flattered. But no thank you, I do hope that friendship is not off the table though.

HOPE: Nah, it's cool.

She finishes the bottle of tequila and jumps down from her stool.

HOPE: Nah, it's cool. Don't really do friends. Got that whole badass loner mystique to cultivate, remember?

She waves at Bjorn.

HOPE: You change your mind, let me know. I'll be around. Try not to tilt all the windmills at once, okay? Those fuckers hit back hard. You're too pretty for urn just yet.

She leaves Purgatory and calls Samantha Gunnarsson on her way out.

CASPER: Hvat var at?

BJORN: Anarchs, sveinn.

He slides his empty mug to Roland, who catches it.

BJORN: Á minstr hon gerði eigi brotna hvatvetnþessir tími. Þar til annarr nátt.

He gets up and goes to the back of the building, leaving Casper at the bar.

Translations

Trivia

• Casper jokes that Bjorn has the cheapest beer in the area, but this is untrue; Bjorn intentionally charges more for his drinks to keep mortals away and punish vampires who bother him.
  
  
• Danny's deceased sire is Maxwell DeSoto.
  
  
• The scene involving petty theft at Limbo that Danny and Hope reference is seen in Regrets of the Dying.
  
  
• The money Hope throws at Bjorn is intended to pay for a dartboard that she destroyed on her last visit to the bar.
  
  
• Hope calling Casper "Casper the friendly lick" is a reference to the cartoon character Casper the Friendly Ghost; "lick" is a derisive term for a neonate member of the Camarilla and is often used by Anarchs to refer to such vampires licking the Camarilla's figurative boots.
  
  
• Hope refers to Casper as Narcissus in passing for staring at himself in the mirror; in Greek mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful man who fell in love with his own reflection and refused to stop looking at it, eventually turning into the flower with the same name when he died of starvation.
  
  
• Hope's congratulatory phrase "ten points to Brujah" is a reference to the Harry Potter series of childrens' books, in which the four houses within the school compete for points that are given along with similar phrases; she is congratulating Bjorn for having someone as attractive as Casper in his clan.
  
  
• Casper is unsure what his sire Ivar Ragnarsson's relationship is with Bjorn; in fact, Ivar is Bjorn's grandchilde. Bjorn is unaware of this, but Ivar's interest in him may mean that he is not.
  
  
• Old Norse lacks the word "songbird", so Casper's translation of Maeve Glaistig's sobriquet is closer to "Singer with a Bird's Voice".
  
  
• The Gangrel Anarch Bjorn thinks might be a problem is Duncan MacTavish.
  
  
• The Countess Casper mentions is Anne d'Arpajon.
  
  
• Hope refers to Casper having "ginger fever", a term for someone who sexually fetishizes redheaded people; she is likely referring to Casper's obvious attachment to both Bjorn and Maeve.
  
  
• The person Casper says he is already interested in when turning down Hope's advances is Maeve, although he has not yet taken any action about it.
  
  
• Hope cautions Casper not to "tilt at all the windmills at once"; this is a reference to the classic seventeenth-century Spanish novel Don Quixote, which revolves around a man who suffers from delusions of being a knight and in one famous sequence attempts to fight a windmill, believing it to be a giant.