[Ace of Wands] Gameplay

Glenda's Life magic reveals nothing unusual about the children, other than being stimulated.

Mordecai walks around the festivities with nothing less than a look of stern disapproval plastered on his wrinkled face. He glowers as he watches people indulge in carnival games, gambling, and excessive alcohol. Not that it surprises him; the rabbi expected this kind of behavior and is accustomed to it - the price of living among gentiles in a city like Las Vegas. In an ideal world, Mordecai could isolate himself from such negative influences; surround himself only with those who keep the faith. But life has proven to be not so kind...

The rabbi looks back at Schlomo to make sure that his companion is navigating the crowd carefully and not barreling through those in its way. It had taken Mordecai some time to teach the golem how to act in public. Though the creature is veiled to look like a man and not stone, it is still a tool; albeit a miraculous, divinely inspired one. As a near-mindless extension of Adonai’s might, it needs to be commanded with the respect it deserves. Jewish legend is filled with examples of rabbis who had lost control of their golems, and the consequences of such irresponsibility are terrifying.

From a nearby tent, Mordecai catches a glimpse of a woman shouting and waving at him. He recognizes her clothing: it is Esther. Despite the strong Jewish name, she is an Awakened shiksa preoccupied with a certain ancient goddess of Mesopotamia. In principle, the rabbi finds many of her heathen practices offensive, but his sensibilities hadn’t stopped him from consulting with her in the past. She has a profound knowledge of Biblical era Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, which has helped Mordecai on his research into potential missing fragments of the Zohar and other Qabbalistic writings. Years ago, it would’ve horrified him to consort with an Awakened pagan like her. Now, it is one of many compromises that the rabbi has made to survive.

Mordecai purses his lips and turns to approach Esther’s tent, with Schlomo in tow. "Shalom."

"What brings you here today rabbi? Not the beautiful Ms Dormer I think." Irreverent as she was, Esther resisted the urge to give Mordecai a welcome hug like she did all others, certain that were she to do so, he'd go into shock. Having had the chance to work with him before, she found him to be dedicated to his research and passion, and for that she respected him.

Being the socialite, Esther instead took the opportunity to introduce people to each other, "Rabbi Mordecai, meet Wiki, and Conner, who's new to Vegas. And also Glenda here."

Finally connecting the dots, "Everyone here received a similar invitation?"

yes, the dots I have connected so far, says that's it's something connected to our address, or location, more than the fact that we are... Awaken

The high tech girl, Wiki, pull's out a notepad, sketch out something looking like an ear, and traced her finger around it. She is feeling for minds that are paying attention to their little group

Wiki senses only the minds paying attention are those in the vicinity that are curious about the booth.

The rabbi enters the tent and greets the others, though he doesn’t shake any hands, if offered. Schlomo silently enters behind him. He looks at Wiki and the others; it’s been a while since he’s been in the presence of so many Awakened. Mordecai responds in his thick Yiddish accent. "So being invited here was not a coincidence?"

Esther fished out her copy of the invite and waved it at the others. "Only one way to find out Mordy," she twinkled affectionately. To the other mundanes hovering near the booth, she blew them a kiss, "Ishtar the Immortal will be back in a few minutes, darlings. She needs to go talk to some very naughty spirits!" And got ready to head to the invitation area.

To try and contact the spirit, make the same Arete roll as before.

Ponty?

Are you all heading to the Wheel of Fortune to redeem your special invitation? Do you go together or separately?

Wiki walks with Ishtar and Glenda, expecting Connor to follow. She has nothing against granddad, but... He's old

"Rabbi," Glenda responds to Mordechai after being introduced to him. She's not actually sure if there's a particular honoriffic you use with a Rabbi, as opposed to "Father" for a priest.

"No, definitely not a coincidence that we all got the invitation. At least, not a normal coincidence."

Glenda heads in with Wiki and her friends, following Esther.

Conner is hugging tight to Wiki, looking at his my Special invitation with the most interest, but looking at the rest of the group. Wondering what this was about to turn into.

As you approach the Community Center, and outta long lines for the indoor bathrooms, you are directed to a smallish hallway that leads to a meeting room. Decorations proclaim the Wheel of Fortune within the room. As you enter, you see the Wheel with a garish Vegas showgirl to the side, and behind her, a police officer in full response gear (vest, utility belt, shoulder cam, gun, etc.)

A bored clerk brings you all inside and the door closes behind you as the clerk examines each of your invitations, and checks against a clip board with a list. The list has a couple dozen entries, and does not fill the page.

"Welcome to the Wheel of Fortune! Each of you will get one spin at the Wheel. The rest of you please line up and stay behind the red line on the floor. Approach the Wheel to the right, cheap the legs and pull down sharply to spin. The Wheel must make two complete revolutions to count. Every spin will win a prize, and once you're prize is determined, please proceed with officer Sharps to the finance room where your prize will be awarded. The live camera here will show the results and you have the right to ask for a review if your understanding differs from the financiers." She checks her instruction list and rereads it quickly, tapping each point with her pen. "Oh yeah, you need to sign before you spin. And my name is Linda Danato. Best of luck!"

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GM instructions: Describe your approach to the Wheel, then roll a 1d30. You'll then proceed individually to the finance room.

The prizes (all courtesy of local business partners) are as follows:

1-9: New iPhone
10-14: $1000 shopping sprees
15-19: Vacation packages
20-24: Spa packages
25-29: Casino packages
30: New Car - 2019 Chevrolet Volt

Since the invitation was location-based and not directed at a person, Wiki is very curious about what the clerk checks on his clipboard.

Wiki is even more suspicious now, but she plays along. Signing her name as Alex Dalton (ooc: its a fake but plausible name). While she waits for her turn to spin the wheel, she is sensing for connections. Is the wheel gathering DNA or something else?
Wiki lets Connor go before her and while he is spinning, she is on high alert. As he continues into the finance room, she is trying to keep a connection him. Actually, she is trying to ensure that the connection she has to Connor, Isthar, and Gelda is the only connections that are formed while they are inside.