OK, we need to hold up a minute before posting, as I think things are getting a little silly.
I know we are all RP'ing vampires but you all need to stop thinking that humans are complete morons with no willpower. They haven't managed to win against vampires, orcs, chaos and whatever else and have a thriving Empire by being idiots.
The Countess herself is meant to be very intelligent, strong willed and preceptive, as befits an Elector. There is no way someone is just walking in a saying "Nice ruby, I want it," or something to that effect.
Likewise she will be heavily guarded, and any attendees to this ball will be checked out. Again going along and saying "I used to be an old friend, can I come along with 20 of my mates," just wouldn't work. If the muppet clerk fell for the vampires charms, a higher up would definitely flag it up.
Basically this was meant to be a challenge. Not arrive in Nuln, find out where the ruby is, get the invitations, walk in, get the ruby, say thanks very much and go off home.
We may have spies and contacts, but so have they. I think we should rethink and start posting how the humans actually are, not how our vampires think they are.