I'm currently running a Vampire the Masquerade chronicle using the
5th Edition rule-set for a small group of fellow role-players.
These are the chronicles of their adventures.
Our chronicle is set in Los Angeles and features a small group
of Camarilla agents sent into the 'Free States' to bring them
back under Camarilla control. Over a year of plotting allowed
the coterie to gain control of the three North-Eastern Baronies
and a large part of a fourth. Now they are moving on to the
final stage of their campaign and have their eyes on taking over
the entire city, either directly or by proxy.
--------------------
The now obligatory warning bit - Unlike my other RPG write-ups this one will contain swearing, sexual references and other references that might offend. If you can't tell the difference between real peoples opinions and grown-ups role-playing predators who crave blood then this probably won't be for you. I've also used actual photographs to represent some characters which I'll give acknowledgements to at the end if I've any idea who they are.
---------------------
The introduction to this campaign, the first story and all the other parts can be found at the following links and are in chronological order. If you'd prefer a summary of each session rather than read everything then there's a more detailed link page HERE as well as links to the first episode of each story in the blog sidebar.
---------------------
Chronicle One - 'Infiltrate L.A.'
Welcome to L.A. - Introductory Session
Story One - 'Three Murders' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Interlude Session - One
Story Two - 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part One, Two, Three, and Four
Solo Session - 'The Neillson Library'
Story Two Continued- 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part Five, Six, Seven and Eight
Story Three - 'Becoming Baron' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Gather'
Story Three Continued - 'Becoming Baron' - Part Six, Seven and Eight
The now obligatory warning bit - Unlike my other RPG write-ups this one will contain swearing, sexual references and other references that might offend. If you can't tell the difference between real peoples opinions and grown-ups role-playing predators who crave blood then this probably won't be for you. I've also used actual photographs to represent some characters which I'll give acknowledgements to at the end if I've any idea who they are.
---------------------
The introduction to this campaign, the first story and all the other parts can be found at the following links and are in chronological order. If you'd prefer a summary of each session rather than read everything then there's a more detailed link page HERE as well as links to the first episode of each story in the blog sidebar.
---------------------
Chronicle One - 'Infiltrate L.A.'
Story One - 'Three Murders' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Interlude Session - One
Story Two - 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part One, Two, Three, and Four
Solo Session - 'The Neillson Library'
Story Two Continued- 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part Five, Six, Seven and Eight
Story Three - 'Becoming Baron' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Gather'
Story Three Continued - 'Becoming Baron' - Part Six, Seven and Eight
---------------------
Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'
Solo Session - 'Hostile Takeover'
Story Four - 'Countdown' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Five - 'The Missing Chantry' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Anaheim Assassination'
Story Six - 'A Meeting of Barons' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seven - 'The Carmelita Situation' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Eight - 'The Blount Sisters' - Part One and Two
Story Nine - 'Blood Money' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six
Story Ten - 'Anathema' - Part One and Two
Story Eleven - 'Predators and Prey' aka 'The Blount Sisters' - Part Three
Story Twelve - 'Aftermath' - Part One and Two
Story Thirteen - 'The Messiah Complex' - Part One, Two, Three and Four
Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'
Story Four - 'Countdown' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Five - 'The Missing Chantry' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Anaheim Assassination'
Story Six - 'A Meeting of Barons' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seven - 'The Carmelita Situation' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Eight - 'The Blount Sisters' - Part One and Two
Story Nine - 'Blood Money' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six
Story Ten - 'Anathema' - Part One and Two
Story Eleven - 'Predators and Prey' aka 'The Blount Sisters' - Part Three
Story Twelve - 'Aftermath' - Part One and Two
Story Thirteen - 'The Messiah Complex' - Part One, Two, Three and Four
---------------------
Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'
Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'
Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'
Story Sixteen - 'The Southern Solution' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seventeen - 'The Baker Disappearance' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seventeen - 'The Baker Disappearance' - Part One, Two and Three
--------------------
Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park
Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer
Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War
--------------------
Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'
--------------------
The PC's
Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'
Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable'
Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Fixer'
Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'
Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Seneschal'
Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable'
Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Fixer'
Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'
Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Seneschal'
As I have written out introductions and dialogue for certain NPC's
and some location descriptions I'll post these more or less as I
wrote them so they'll be in a 'reading to the group' style and
they'll also be in blue so you can tell them apart from the more traditional
write-up sections and occasionally an obscure Premonition will
turn up in purple. If I think something needs a bit of out of character
explanation then those will get a storytellers note that will
helpfully be in red. Anything covered via player handouts will also be in blue as they're written in the same style as introductions and
the like. Where particular NPC's have a mention in a faction
profile you will be able to reach it by clicking on their name or
faction beneath their picture.
Introduction
With both Victor Girard's information network and resources now in a
state of chaos it is left to Michael to sort out any political fallout
that the coterie may experience.
Now the coterie must see if their
months of back-room deals, misinformation and manipulation have turned
enough of the Barons against Victor to prevent him usurping and
replacing Gloria as leader of El Hermandad.
Scene Twenty Eight - Opportunities
|
|
Woodland Media's Newspapers |
Over twenty-five years of blackmail and extortion have been revealed to be
at the core of the L.A. Click's success. Henry Vaughn, their Editor in
Chief, has been directly connected to these criminal activities and both
criminal and private legal actions are expected to be launched against the
publication. An unnamed witness is currently under police protection after
also making allegations of violence, carried out on Mr Vaughn's
orders.
Daniel was reasonably sure that this witness was Daryl Baxter who he had freed
after discovering him to be a prisoner in his own home. It was also from him
that Daniel had obtained the files that had spelt disaster for the L.A. Click.
Though him being in police custody was a minor concern, Daniel had seen both
the gratitude and fear in his eyes when released. Daniel doubted that his own
name would be mentioned in conjunction with the five murders surrounding the
case. If he was, then a sixth murder might become necessary.
This has seriously undermined the newspapers litigation battle with actress
Izabel Lopez and a ruling in her favour is expected within a few days. This
is likely to be in the tens of millions of dollars and is another blow to
Woodland Media's financial stability.
|
|
Izabel Lopez - Actress |
Edmund Metcalfe, current project leader at Woodlands new media subsidiary
has been found dead in what appears to have been a suicide. Sonia Craft, his
psychiatrist, who had been missing for six months was taken to a nearby
hospital by an unidentified good Samaritan several hours before his
discovery and evidence has linked Edmund to her imprisonment, torture and
psychological abuse. In light of this, authorities have reopened over a
dozen missing persons and violent death cases involving individuals close to
Mr Metcalfe. It is believed that on discovering that his latest victim had
been freed that he took his own life rather than face arrest. So called
'Supercop' Captain Frank Atkins located Metcalfe and has released a
statement saying that he had doubts about the death by overdose
of Tayah Witt, former project director, of Woodland Media and had been
undertaking an investigation in his own time that ultimately revealed this
deranged serial killer's activities.
|
|
Captain Frank Atkins - Ghoul |
The Thin-blooded, day-drinker, was currently living in a hotel in San
Fernando, always paid cash. He also had an occasional female visitor but
never the same one twice. These were probably prostitutes on which he fed.
Frank Atkins has a man from a local precinct keeping an eye on him. Vin
suggested exchanging one of the expected prostitutes for his own ghoul Sarah
and having her "Deal with Karl". He was more than confident that Karl
would provide little challenge for her. This confidence was also due to
Vin's ability to endow his vitae with a fraction of his own physical
abilities and then pass them onto another. With this advantage in her
favour, Mr Poole wouldn't stand a chance.
The rest of the coterie agreed that this would be a simple and effective
solution. Daniel briefly toyed with the idea of capturing Karl and then
abandoned it. They had other concerns at the moment and Karl's removal from
the playing field would be good enough.
In financial news, and in what may be the final nail in Woodlands coffin,
their hundred and twenty million dollar investment in Advanced Innovations
in Engineering, made three hours before the companies collapse into
bankruptcy was mostly obtained through borrowing on the assets of other
Woodlands subsidiaries. With share prices plummeting across all aspects of
these businesses it is unlikely that they can repay even a fraction of these
loans. It now seems likely that Woodlands will follow Advanced Innovations
in Engineering into bankruptcy.
|
|
Don Maximillian Alonzo Glass Walker Tribal Leader |
With some of what was remaining he has accelerated building projects such as
the security for the MacNeil system and completion of The Succubus Club. The
galleries charitable 'SiP' foundation had also received a considerable cash
boost, mainly because it's an easy way to give out untraceable bribes and
looks good on the tax returns.
Word has also spread via the Gangrel information network known as 'The
Oratory', that Karen Anatos has closed Burbank's borders and is no longer
allowing any kindred feeding rights within her domain. She has stated her
intention to "Manage her own affairs..." and has made it clear that
she is the only kindred welcome in her feeding grounds. The rumours state
that one of her favourite ghouls has been killed and that this has also
bought considerable unwanted law enforcement attention to Burbank. She has
made no specific accusations but it is clear that her domain is a place to
be avoided for the foreseeable future as her impulsive nature makes it
highly unlikely that she will issue warnings before acting against
trespassers.
Michael has made it known that he thoroughly approved of Karen Anatos's
decision to manage her own affairs as he had never intended his responsibility
for the area to be a permanent situation. He has also stated that he is sure
that Karen, now Baron, Anatos would prove to be a capable leader. Of course
this was mostly hyperbole but he figured that supporting the move was likely
to cause him less political embarrassment than objecting to it and looking
like he had 'lost' the territory.
The coteries planning session was interrupted by Michael's ghoul, Lisa.
Apparently a messenger had arrived to speak with Baron Tomassio.
Scene Twenty Nine - An Invitation
|
|
Mariel St, John - Ventrue Mistress of Baron Fortier |
--------------------
Baron Tomassio,
Baron Fortier would like to request your attendance at a matter for which
he would like an independent observer. Should you be available he would
require your attendance at his home at fifteen minutes to midnight this
evening. You may bring any reasonable entourage you deem necessary.
Yours Sincerely,
Mariel St. John
--------------------
"Tell Miss St. John that I would be more than happy to assist in any way I
can." The messenger nodded and returned to his car. Both Daniel and Vin noticed
that the messenger had arrived with a driver and two additional guards. This
was a lot of security just to deliver a letter.
Michael decided to take Daniel, Vin and Mr Hertz with him and leave Hope to
manage the coteries sweepers. All of the coterie were concerned that they
might be the victims of retaliatory action and Hope was an ideal deterrent.
Michael ensured that all the coterie were well dressed. If they were to be
guests of an important Baron like Louis Fortier then turning up dressing like
hobo's would create entirely the wrong impression.
|
|
Sarah - Ghoul of Vin Personal Assistant and Enforcer |
Daniel already had a selection of expensive clothes from his legitimate job as
a surgeon and Mr Hertz was always in a suit and hat, though they were decades
out of date. Again, this being L.A. it was unlikely that anyone would notice
or care.
Michael's chauffeur Dion, who also was reporting on the coteries activities to
Fiorenza Savona, was to drive them in Michael's personal vehicle. After
several unfortunate incidents, Michael had purchased a similar vehicle to that
used by Marius. It was heavily armoured but still powerful enough for a quick
getaway. Dion was the best driver they had and had demonstrated his ability to
make quick getaways when required. He doubted that Louis would issue a formal
invitation if he meant them harm, but Michael was taking no chances.
Vin as usual had his machete and also had a Sig Sauer P220, chambered for 10mm
in a shoulder holster, Daniel had his usual vast armoury of obvious and also
cleverly concealed weapons while Mr Hertz was unarmed apart from a flick-knife
he habitually carried in his pocket. Michael had chosen not to carry any
weaponry at all. After all, he had people to deal with things like that on his
behalf.
Scene Thirty - Dignitas
|
| The Fortier's Mansion - Beverly Hills |
Mariel St.John is waiting for you at the main entrance. She seems to be
unusually serious. "I'd advise you all to be careful this evening with any statements that
might be interpreted as questioning Baron Fortiers decisions. He is in a
vindictive frame of mind this night."
Michael picked up that it was not them that Fortier was upset with but it was
also obvious that Mariel was concerned that his wrath may become diverted
towards them should they say the wrong thing at the wrong time. They weren't
asked to relinquish their weapons though the fact that they had them had
certainly been noticed, This indicated to both Vin and Daniel that the
increased security wasn't for their benefit.
|
|
Horatio Ballard - Ventrue Childe of Lodin, Chicago |
You are escorted to a large meeting or dining room though it is now mostly
empty of furniture. Louis Fortier is seated at the far end of the room,
Catherine Du Bois is at his right hand, an empty seat is at his left,
presumably Mariel's next to where Elena is seated. Guards armed with sub
machine guns line the walls and others with assault weapons are positioned
on the balcony above. Kneeling in one corner with shotgun armed guards just
behind them are Ralph Harwood and his childe Theodor. A table next to them
contains a selection of swords, from a variety of sources and countries of
origin.
Michael noticed the quality of the weapons but was only familiar with
swordplay at it's most basic level. Vin also had, on occasion, used a sword
but his technique was more akin to a berserk barbarian. He was effective, but
his technique was somewhat unsophisticated. Daniel however was a true
connoisseur of sword combat. All the weapons were high quality examples of
their types in both decoration and functionality.
There were longswords, short swords, sabres, a couple of rapiers, and a single
katana amongst others. Anyone familiar with swordplay should be able to find a
weapon that suits their own particular style. The coterie were also surprised
to see Baron Abrams present, standing behind Louis, leaning casually against
his chair as if this sort of thing happened every night.
|
|
Louis Fortier - Ventrue Baron of West L.A. |
Michael acknowledged both Baron Fortier and Baron Isaac with a nod of the head
and then sat in the indicated location. The others followed their Barons
example except for Vin who remained standing. He casually loosened his suit
jacket so he had easy access to his own blade. One of the guards noted the
gesture with a sideways glance but took no action.
"Ralph Harwood and his childe have chosen to reject my hospitality, question
my leadership and insult my choice of allies and confidants. They are here
to be given a chance to prove themselves in honourable combat. Baron Isaac
Abrams is here to witness the fairness of this trial, though as my ally his
impartiality could be questioned. I have therefore asked Baron Tomassio and
his inner circle to act as additional witnesses."
To the others, Louis seemed to be approaching the situation with a coolness
and formality that was admirable given the serious nature of the encounter. To
Michael it was clear that he was raging within.
One of the shotgun armed guards, unlocks the chains restraining Ralph's childe
and then steps back. "Choose your weapon..." says Louis, seemingly
calm. Ralph's childe reaches for a katana and without saying a word lunges at
Louis without waiting for a signal to begin. His attempt at a surprise attack
gains him nothing as Baron Fortier draws his sword in one motion and drives a
powerful stop thrust straight through their heart. Before they can attempt to
heal this grievous wound, Louis twists his weapon free and lops of their head
with a flick of the wrist. "This one has been found guilty." He says,
but it's obvious that Theodor's destruction is not the object of this
exercise.
|
|
Ralph Harwood - Ventrue Baron of San Fernando |
Michael rose from his chair. The rest of the coterie who were used to their
Barons high moral standards braced themselves in case his reply caused any
negative reactions. Not that there was much they could do against the
overwhelming resources that Louis possessed here at the centre of his empire.
"This situation is entirely one of your own making..." began Michael.
"...as it was you who chose to abandon the hospitality of your host and the
generous protections that he had provided. You who conspired to take the
barony of another, consorted with others behind Louis's back and then
insulted Baron after Baron, kindred after kindred, alienating one ally after
another." he paused briefly, possibly for dramatic effect. "Trial by combat has always been a tool to solve problems between kindred,
especially noble clans such as the Ventrue..." He chose to omit the fact that the Sabbat also used the method as that
would undermine his argument somewhat. "...you have been given the opportunity to prove yourself and Baron Fortier
has every right to judge your actions in this manner."
He then returned to his seat as both Mariel and his coterie members relaxed
once more.
He leans forward and whispers something into Ralph's ear before grabbing
Harwoods head in both hands and twisting it the wrong way round. One hand
slides under his vanquished foes chin and another rests lightly on their
shoulder as Baron Fortier rips their now backward facing head from their
shoulders one-handed.
"What did he say?" asked Vin, well aware of the acuteness of Daniel's
senses. "He told him that he was unworthy of a noble death."
relayed Daniel. "No arguing with that." replied Vin.
|
|
The Barony of the Angels - Divided Now the Barony of Downtown |
Michael picked up that this was not a threat as such, though there was a
certain measure of frustration in Louis's voice. The implication was that it
was the Barony of the Angels agreement negotiated by Michael that had
complicated the situation. Michael inclined his head in acknowledgement of the
statement. To a certain extent Louis was correct and arguing the point would
gain him nothing.
Daniel's interest had been fully on the combat. The chance to witness
first-hand the sword techniques of someone with three centuries of combat
experience was rare indeed. Though their styles were very different, Daniel
theorised that his own skills with a sword were broadly equivalent to Louis's.
The Baron was, however, noticeably faster and more precise. Fortier's blood
was undoubtedly more potent than his own giving him greater reserves of power
on which to draw and this would certainly give Louis the edge should they ever
fight blade to blade.
It was also clear to Daniel that in any contest where physical strength became
a factor, Louis would surpass him quite easily. He was also aware that this
had more or less been a fair fight. In a less formal battle, Baron Fortier
could just tell him to jump out of the window and he'd probably do it, and
believe it was his own idea. Daniel had been an admirer of Louis before this
event and nothing he had witnessed had changed his assessment.
Mariel opens the envelope and takes the letter to Louis though is clearly
reading it as she walks, he peruses it, hands it to Issacs who also reads it
and smiles before returning it to Mariel. "Michael may find this eventuality interesting." Mariel then hands the passed around letter to you.
--------------------
Dear Baron Fortier,
These two kindred came to our Barony seeking sanctuary. Though you and
Baron Walker have had your disagreements he still holds you in
considerable esteem. Therefore in his temporary absence I have acted in
the manner I believe that he himself would have done so under the same
circumstances.
I therefore present you with the heads of Ralph's misguided
followers Bobbie Franco and Kurtis Bryan who were attempting to
escape your judgement,
Yours's Sincerely,
Victoria Anne.
--------------------
|
|
Bartosz Harrison - Brujah Former Blue Bloods Gang Member |
He had even considered recruiting him himself but given the situation that
could have had political consequences. Vin had been forced to settle for
asking some of his kindred business acquaintances to consider taking him in.
Hopefully one had done so. When the dust settled he might well approach him
again.
Daniel mentally crossed the two destroyed Brujah off his list of potential
targets. Judging from the necrotic rot at the neck of each decapitated head,
Daniel suspected that Victoria had destroyed them both herself. He had seen
such damage before when she had killed a number of Caitiff and thin-bloods who
made up Jenna Cross's ill-fated revolution.
Isaac coughs unnecessarily and Louis turns around. "The other matter? well, as Baron Tomassio is here it would save us the
bother of scheduling a second meeting. Michael, can you spare us another
hour of your time? Catherine will arrange some refreshments for your
companions while they wait."
Michael, of course, agreed.
Scene Thirty One - San Fernando
|
|
Isaac Abrams - Toreador Baron of Hollywood |
Meanwhile, the others were taken to a much different part of the mansion.
You are escorted to a spacious room with curtained alcoves surrounding
three sides, the fourth is the wall from which you entered. each alcove
contains either a bed, sofa, chaise lounge, table and chairs or some similar
area in which one can relax.
Tables and sofa's are also spaced around the centre of the room, presumably
allowing those using the private areas to mingle in-between their activities
within the alcoves. "Do you have any particular preferences?" asks
Catherine. "Gender, race, age, size, hair and eye colour? I can cater to most mundane
tastes, anything particularly obscure requires advanced notice I'm
afraid..."
|
|
Catherine Du Bois - Ventrue Mistress and Childe of Louis Fortier |
All the vessels selected for you are beautiful and quite obviously
blood-bound, brainwashed or drugged into being little more than blood dolls,
or obedient participants in whatever other activities you have in mind. "I'd join you but I ate very recently." says Catherine. She then leaves you with your companions.
None of the coterie were particularly hungry so took a small taste just to be
polite. In the room containing the three Barons, other matters of import were
being discussed.
Isaac was laying out the plan decided upon by him and Louis. As all three
shared the same rank, they had dispensed with the tedious formality of
referring to each other by Baron and instead used each others first names.
"I am taking control of San Fernando, effectively it will become part of
Hollywood. Should Jeremy MacNeil return then I will deal with any
consequences that occur. I will grant you the area you currently protect as
feeding ground. Functionally it will make no difference to your activities.
the only difference will be that any trespassers or other issues will be my
responsibility to deal with. Hopefully that is satisfactory to you?"
This also made it unlikely that any other kindred would attempt what Harwood
had tried. Isaac was not an enemy you wanted to have. "While we are all together I would like to raise something that I was
speaking of with Isaac Abrams." Began Michael. "If Isaac has no objection?"
"If you mean my troublesome ancestor then Louis is well aware of a powerful
kindred who has been behind the scenes in the city. He has known of this
individual for some time." Said Louis. "Actually..." said Michael. "...I was referring to our discussion on a better future for the Anarch Free
States." Intrigued, Louis asked Michael to continue.
Michael spoke of his belief that the Free States were descending into chaos
and this is was at least in part due to inherent failures in the system. "I hold Jeremy MacNeil in high regard." clarified Michael. "But times have changed and the Free States have not. I believe it is time
to try something new. Something that allows us to keep acting as independent
Barons yet act together against threats that can only now be defeated if we
are united. The Second Inquisition, the Sabbat, an increasingly militarised
Camarilla, all these institutions would be able to take advantage of the
fractured Free States that we currently inhabit."
|
|
'Nines' Rodriguez - Brujah The Last Round, Downtown |
"A council. Each Barony has a representative, elected in some manner by the
kindred populace of that Barony. All decisions encompassing the Anarch Free
States as a whole are decided by the new Anarch Council. In situations that
would also require us to work together we would need to nominate a temporary
enforcer for L.A. A Constable if you will, but not like a Sherriff, we are
not looking to recreate the Ivory Tower, merely nominating a temporary war
leader to guide our forces. In such circumstances we'll probably need a
Sweeper with equivalent authority but that is a more difficult
proposition."
"I believe we were discussing the role of Nines Rodriguez in such a
system." Stated Isaac, when Michael paused.
"He is potentially a great leader." explained Michael. "But refrains from taking such a role due to his own opinions on one kindred
ruling another. However he would be a tremendous asset in a temporary role
driven by necessity. After all, he has fought against both the Sabbat and
the Camarilla in the past."
Neither Isaac nor Louis had commented much which had led Michael to believe
that they thought the idea had some merit. It was Louis who raised the main
issue and it was something that had also occurred to Michael himself. "For this idea to work you'd need every Baron in the city to agree. If even
one was against the idea the system would fall apart and that dissent would
spread."
A New Anarch Council - A Good Idea In Theory
Michael decided to take a risk and asked both of the other Barons present if
they would be in favour of such a plan. Both agreed that they would but still
had their doubts about the practicality of any scheme that needed multiple
Barons to agree on something. The three engaged in a little more small talk,
drank some wine and then Michael thanked them for listening to his theories
and indicated that it was time for him to leave. He stopped briefly to take
advantage of Catherine's offer of a vessel from which to feed. Daniel used the
opportunity to thank Isaac for the blades he'd given him as a gift. Then the
coterie left the Fortier's fortress mansion.
Any discussion of what had occurred was put on hold as Daniel received a
worrying message.
Scene Thirty Two - A Civil War
|
|
Leo Frost - Brujah El Hermandad, Daniel's Friend |
Each coterie member immediately began to pull in any favours they could to
gather information on what exactly had occurred. Firstly though, Michael
phoned Hank of the Crypts Sons to warn him that the eventuality he'd described
was coming to pass. If he wished an El Hermandad ruled by Victor's puppet then
ne need do nothing. If however he preferred his rivals to remain under the
leadership of Gloria Martinez then he would need to support her side in any
civil war.
Hank revealed that Priss of the so-called 'Border Barony' had been mapping out
the Havens of El Hermandad members who had shown to be loyal to Victor rather
than Gloria and who were in striking distance of the border.
Michael also then warned Gloria that Hank and Priss were temporarily at least
on her side and to ensure that her own people bear that in mind.
Mr Hertz disappeared into the sewers so as to liaise with his Nosferatu
Mawla's and contacts. Vin immediately hit the streets and ensured his street
level contacts had their ears to the ground for any useful information. Daniel
had his own Nosferatu information source but also had his own investigation
teams and useful ghouls.
|
|
'Max' - Gangrel De facto Sweeper - North East L.A |
As they began to combine the information from their various sources they
discovered that their campaign against Victor had gone far better than they
could have hoped. Virtually every kindred they had warned about Victor was
taking advantage of his lack of resources and focus upon Gloria to strike at
him, his followers and his organisation.
Hank had indeed taken a significant portion of forces across the border and
had destroyed several of Victors followers. Priss had also ambushed several
kindred as they had moved from their bases to join Victors attack on Gloria's
own followers.
The Caitiff gang knows as the 'The Liberated' had surprised everyone by
joining Gloria. The normally neutral gang had decided to aid her out of
gratitude for been granted a home by her. Even though she made no demands of
them for support, they felt like they owed it to her.
Caitiff, Thin-bloods and Outcasts - Joining Forces Against Victor
They had been largely ignored by Victor but the coterie had found out that
Girard had more or less threatened them to stay out of any upcoming conflict.
This had seemingly inspired them to do exactly the opposite.
Storytellers Note - Daniel suspects Marius of pretty much everything
vagally unexplained that occurs in the city. Mainly because many of their
activities have centred on Downtown and so they're most familiar with his
activities, hence the amount of Faction Profiles I've had to do centred on
that area. Louis Fortier, Isaac Abrams, Therese Voerman and a few others
have equivalent networks and resources as well.
The Wilds Pack on El Hermandad's Eastern border had acted in a similar manner
to Priss and Hank and had wiped out a number of vulnerable targets. However,
unlike Hanks contingent had immediately withdrew rather than push forward
looking for targets deeper into the Barony.
It was then that Vin received some additional information from a Brujah he
knew, who was one of Allison's followers. It seemed that Victor had sent a
messenger to Allison forces asking them to move against Gloria on his behalf.
Victor had underestimated their loyalty as they had promptly informed Allison
who had had the messenger executed then moved into El Hermandad's Barony to
support a fellow childe of Salvador Garcia, her 'sister' of the blood Gloria
Martinez.
"Let's go see if Gloria needs some help." Said Michael, to the others
surprise. "Have the Sweepers be ready to support us should we need them, the rest of
us will head to Gloria's base. I imagine if anything's going on it'll
be happening there."
Scene Thirty Three - A Last Stand
|
|
Gloria Martinez - Brujah Baron of El Hermandad |
Daniel phoned his friend Leo to try to get some clarity from the chaotic and
haphazard information they were receiving. He also wanted to ensure that their
arrival was expected. Leo informed him that Gloria was safe. The coteries
warnings had been heeded and so the Baron of El Hermandad was more than ready
for the first assassination attempt. They had then braced for attacks against
her people across their domain and rival baronies taking advantage. It
therefore came as somewhat of a shock to find that all the assaults were being
perpetrated against Victor's assets rather than
by Victors assets. "You had something to do with that I imagine?" surmised Leo.
"We've been expecting it for a while." admitted Daniel. "Michael has been making agreements and gaining promises of aid from
baronies across the city. Apparently the majority view is that Gloria as
Baron is preferable to Victor as de facto Baron..."
When they arrived at the club and bar that served as Gloria's base of
operations it was clear that this had been the location for at least one gun
battle. Leo was waiting outside for them to arrive. He nodded to Daniel, then
spoke to Michael. "Gloria is inside if you want to speak to her. She's got guards but they
know your coming up." Michael accepted the invite and made his way to where Gloria was held up.
|
|
'The Liberated' - Leaderless Gang |
A few of Gloria's people were there as well as a significant group of Caitiff,
thin bloods and what may have been at least one Nosferatu. These were
apparently the gang known as 'The Liberated' to whom Gloria had given a home
nearly a year ago. They seemed to have no leader yet acted as unit with a
surprising degree of organisation. Daniel and seen such things before. Groups
of military personnel, mercenaries or freedom fighters who had been together
so long that they instinctively knew each others roles and acted accordingly.
|
|
Allison Maller - Brujah Baron of Anaheim |
Daniel had decided that any victory here needed to be attributable to Gloria's
own people so as to keep them united and to not appear too weak to other
Baronies, especially those who had given their aid to El Hermandad but might
be tempted to take a little too much advantage of the situation.
"I'm not sure I'd have picked so flammable a base of operations."
prompted Daniel, pointing at the piles of pallets and other wooden materials
stacked around the warehouse and gesturing towards the roof which was
similarly vulnerable. He also gave Leo some guidance about good places for his
own people to take cover while still giving them good angles of fire against
any kindred trying to escape the upcoming inferno.
One of Gloria's kindred needed a little encouragement as the fear of holding a
flammable projectile temporarily overwhelmed their desire for revenge. Leo
took the Molotov cocktail from them and instead guided them to a position to
give covering fire. Those of Victors people who tried to escape were cut down by overwhelming
firepower. The rest were destroyed by the inferno. Victory for Gloria's side
had been secured.
Michael, Vin and Hope found Gloria in her base of operations along with one of
her sweepers, Velme and the Tremere of House Ipsissimus. Several kindred
bodies had been piled in one corner for future disposal, no doubt from the
failed initial assassination. Vin noted with some curiosity that one of them
appeared to have been struck by lightning.
'Velme' - Daughter of Cacophony, Alessandro Kaye - House Ipsissimus
"It seems I am in your debt." said Gloria. "Though on the downside I also owe Hank and Priss a boon or two which is
going to be painful I'm sure." Michael explained the actions he'd been taken behind the scenes and Gloria
listened intently. "You have a rare talent for persuasion." admitted
Gloria. "Though on a serious note, there's been no sign of Victor and I doubt he's
very fond of you right now."
Gloria's statement had apparently tempted fate as each member of the coterie
received an automated message. Someone had hit the panic alarm in Michael's
gallery. "We need to go." said Michael. as soon as they reached the car
Michael told Dion to get them back to Pasadena as fast as possible and damn
any consequences. They all feared the worst.
Scene Thirty Four - Victor's Revenge
 |
| Lisa Irving - Ghoul of Michael |
Three of your security team are in the lobby area of the gallery, dead. One
has been almost torn in two, another has been shot at close range, another
has a slit throat. Apparently from behind.
The coterie drew their weapons and then entered the gallery.
Two more dead guards are in the entrance area. Lisa is slumped against the
counter, and is barely breathing, in a pool of blood resulting from a deep
stomach wound. A mobile phone is next to her hand, apparently crushed by a
booted foot.
Heather, your sales assistant and also a ghoul of Marius, is
lying face down in a pool of unusually dark blood, her throat, like the
guard in the entranceway has been sliced deeply from behind. Two bodies are
either side of her, one mortal, one kindred. The mortal has been shot
through the face with a high calibre hand gun, presumably the snub nose .44
clutched in Heather's left hand.
Half of the kindred's head is missing which
may explain the bits of skull embedded in the knuckles of Heather's right
hand, which also clutches a phone.
 |
| Heather - Favoured Ghoul of Marius |
Daniel's medical training had kicked in instantly and he analysed the
situation swiftly. Heather needed immediate treatment or would be dead in
minutes, Lisa could be stabilised quickly and this would still leave enough
time to save Heather unless she had other injuries he hadn't noticed.
Then Vin's ghoul Sarah arrived with Vin's auto shotgun in it's usual bag,
Sarah had a 10mm Glock in each hand. Five men, oddly similar looking to Vin
had arrived with her. All are also armed.
You hear machine-gun fire from the rear of the building. It is Sarah, not Vin
who gives their people their orders. "You three secure the perimeter, no-one but our people come in. You two
check the back, if you see a weird looking man in an old suit and a hat,
he's one of ours so don't fuck with him. Any-one else kill."
 |
| Part of Mr Hertz's Armoury |
He then patted his submachine gun, presumably
indicating that was the method he'd used. He then continued to speak. "The third was kindred, probably Brujah from the speed he was moving,
something upstairs scared the shit out of him, I'm afraid I missed..." Hertz was a better than average shot and was familiar with his trusty old
'Tommy Gun' but had been unable to hit the final enemy. There supernatural
movement speed had been just enough of an edge to save them.
 |
| Marius Walker - Gangrel Baron of Downtown 'Very Protective of Heather' |
Mr Hertz switched the half-empty drum magazine on his Thompson submachine gun
for a full one and moved to the rear entrance, just in case the fleeing
kindred decided to return. With the ghouls temporarily out of danger, Michael,
Daniel and Vin then went upstairs to investigate what had spooked the fleeing
enemy. Hope began to contacted the Baronies sweepers to inform them to get to
the gallery as fast as possible.
 |
| Victoria - Ghoul of Marius Psychotic P.A. |
The barely human looking body of an intruder lies mangled outside Michael's
office, obliterated by one of the wards set by Marie over a year ago. The door
to Michael's occult library, barely used now in favour of the Neillson
repository has a pool of blood spreading out from beneath it. It would require
several bodies to make such a puddle.
Michael recalled with some concern that when he'd been given the occult books and their spiritual guardians he'd been warned that to a certain extent it's ghostly occupants fed on the interaction between those who used the reading material and the material itself. He'd stopped utilising the room when he gained access to the Neillson Library of Carmelita Neillson. One of their initial three coterie members, the Malkavian Roach had continued to use the room as he found the ghost within amusing. It then occurred to him that since Roach's disappearance the room hadn't been used for a year.
It had been some time since Daniel had fed his addiction to kindred vitae and he knew instinctively that the puddle of blood contained a significant quantity. Unable to resist, he dipped his hand in it and licked it clean. "Just attempting to gain what information I can from the blood." explained Daniel, lying through his teeth.
Daniel then gingerly opened the door.
For a moment what you are looking at is not the room that should be there, It
is like staring into an abyss. You begin to feel sick as something is looking
back at you from the void. Something made of Tentacles, teeth and little else.
Then you are looking at a small room packed with books once more. The spirits
within, occasionally witnessed are manifested. A beautiful but pale young
woman, is holding the hand of a child with eyes of pure blackness. The child's
other hand is holding four severed heads by what is left of their spines which
she casually tosses at your feet, of their bodies there is no sign.
The woman
speaks. "Your wards prevented us from venturing from this area." she then
points at the pile of heads. "These came too close, and my daughter was very hungry after so long trapped
in this tiny cupboard. We would wish to return to Marius's own library if
our books are no longer of use to you. Next time her hunger might be sated
less appropriately."
 |
| The Ghost in the Library |
Storytellers Note - They're lucky this happened really, or they'd have got a nasty surprise when they next
went into that room.
As the group returned downstairs, Yukio is being escorted in by two of Vin's guards, apparently they have been given
some training in individuals to avoid engaging in conflict with.
"Messy..." she says, though you are unsure whether it's an aesthetic or
professional assessment. "Did Heather survive this?" The fear is
evident in her voice, she is certainly weighing the consequences should Heather be
dead.
"I managed to save her." said Daniel reassuringly
"Thank fuck for that." said Yukio obviously relieved. "Victoria will be her with a clean-up team here within twenty minutes, excuse me please, I
have to report in to her."
Victoria arrived exactly on schedule, together with an Aegis clean-up team and a private ambulance. She went straight over to Michael. "I can have my people look after your own ghoul as well as Heather if you wish. Our surgeon is top-notch. Daniel's met her and I'm sure can vouch for her credentials." Daniel confirmed that Dr Melissa Russell was extremely talented and could be trusted to give the two ghouls the absolute best treatment.
 |
| Dr Melissa Russell - Ghoul Aegis Medical - In-House Surgeon |
"Some of these were definitely Victors people." agreed Daniel. Vin confirmed that the kindred Heather had caved the skull in of was one of Victor's Brujah he'd spoken to when they'd visited El Hermandad's base a week or so ago. Mr Hertz's description of the one who had escaped the wrath of the libraries spirits also matched that of one of Mr Girard's misguided followers. Victoria seemed to be unusually on edge. It soon became apparent why as she spoke to Michael.
"Marius will be back in two nights. By then Victor needs to have been found
and destroyed. It will be far simpler if Marius can be presented with such a
'fait accompli' or he is likely to react badly...and by badly I mean, he'll
roll into El Hermandad with every resource at his disposal and
indiscriminately torture to death any kindred he can find till someone
points him at Victor. If they don't he'll move to the next likely area and
do the same. Killing a city is perhaps beyond him, perhaps not. Let's avoid
finding out shall we?"
The coterie had now gathered around their Baron to await his decision though given his attachment to Lisa, they were reasonably sure he'd want to go after Victor. They weren't disappointed. Victoria seemed sympathetic to the coteries desire to extract their revenge themselves without outside interference. "I understand if you wish to resolve this matter personally considering the nature of the attack. You may have the rest of the evening to do so, after that I'll have to deal with the matter myself. Is that acceptable?"
 |
| Yukio - Ghoul of Marius Assassin and Enforcer |
With Mr Hertz using his computer expertise to back-up Daniel's suspicions and hunches they set themselves to the task given to them. Thinking about the
movements of San Fernando's people and various snippets of information Daniel had picked up while undermining Victor's business, he became reasonably sure that Victors final base was in the Woodland Hills in San
Fernando. Hertz cross-referencing the information given to him by Daniel with data he had gathered on Victor's various businesses narrowed it further.
Michael used this time to phone Isaac Abrams. "I'm going to need to talk to Christopher..." he explained. "If you're sure, I'll let him know." agreed Isaac. "But I hope you know what you're doing..."
There were only a few hours of night remaining when Daniel entered the meeting room where his coterie was waiting. "Victors final hideaway is on Queen Florence Lane, near Corbin Canyon Park. It is an expensive but understated property within it's own land, far enough away from the other homes to give it more than adequate privacy. I have an exact address."
Scene Thirty Five - Woodland Hills
 |
| Woodland Hills - San Fernando Valley |
"If you can disable the cameras pointing at the gate, I can deal with the
guards." Said Vin, with a definite edge to his voice. He saw the
attack on the gallery as a personal failure and wished to make amends. Preferably in the most brutal fashion possible. Orla and Carla were told to destroy any enemies who slipped past them or attempted to escape. They then let Vin make his move. As the enraged Brujah approached the house, Daniel put a bullet into each of the observing cameras.
 |
| Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah The Coterie's Enforcer |
The two guards ran towards the commotion. Vin saved them the trouble as he covered the distance to the guards in a blur,
driving his fist through the chest of the first, turning their heart to pulp
within their torso. The kindred's attempt to stop the blow being ultimately futile.
Before they've even hit the ground, the second guard had
been decapitated by a back-handed strike. The blood he expended was swiftly replaced as he took his fill from the second, headless victim. The first dead
kindred's head was unnecessarily crushed by a downward stomping boot as Vin walked past the corpses and advanced on the house..
 |
| An Anticipated Ambush Attempt |
Difficult but not impossible. Daniel's medical training made such identifications far simpler for him than for others. He identified three kindred and five mortals, either ghouls or blood-bound servants. Taking aim, he destroyed one and maimed another. Hope tore into the maimed kindred and finished the job with razor sharp claws. Vin drove the third kindreds head into a nearby wall with such force that it disintegrated in his grip, before casually killing two more of the mortal guards. Several of the survivors had attempted to fire upon Michael as he moved towards the chaos but none could bring themselves to open fire, such was the power of Michael's supernatural presence. Then they too were killed. Everything was now quiet as they entered Victor's haven and began to search.
You eventually discover a bookcase that slides aside, revealing an armoured
door. Judging from the dimensions it must lead to a stairway as there isn't
sufficient room for a full panic room.
"No lock, no keypad, no key-hole..." observed Daniel. "...so it must lock either remotely or from the other side." Vin punched the door with all his might and was rewarded by a slight dent. "This might take a while." he admitted. "I have another idea." said Michael, reaching for his phone and ringing Victoria.
 |
| Dillan Fitzgerald - Malkavian Architect for Aegis Construction |
A staircase beyond leads downwards. A camera opposite the door would no doubt
alert the occupant to any intruder though you imagine the removal of the wall was somewhat of a giveaway. Victor is waiting for you in the entrance lobby to a spacious underground
haven. Fridges, certainly for blood storage are plentiful, and a large monitor
on one wall, is relaying a financial news channel. No doubt Victor is looking
at just how badly you've crippled his empire. All the comforts you could ever
need are here and you all wonder if this is where Victor spent his previous
exiles.
"I'm going to enjoy making you all destroy yourselves in spectacularly
inventive ways." said Victor, as the coterie found themselves unable to either attack or retreat. "Or shall I have you destroy each other instead?" He asked, apparently enjoying himself. Despite monumental mental efforts, Victor's abilities of mind control and force of will were impossible to break free from.
Storytellers Note - I let them struggle hopelessly for a minute...for dramatic effect...
 |
| JoaquÃn Murietta - Toreador Christopher Houghton's Bodyguard |
"Victor, Victor, you always were such a sore loser. You were outclassed by
Michael here and his followers and now you're sulking. I'm afraid your no
longer amusing and I'm bored of looking after you every time your schemes
fail. Joaquin? Be a dear and put an end to this inconvenience. I'd do it
myself but I'd hate to ruin this wonderful shirt..."
As Victors head leaves it's shoulders his body begins to rapidly age as one
hundred and twenty years catch up to it in moments. You all feel a weight
lifted from you and are once again in control of yourselves. You feel honoured
that the perfect boy before you, deigns to address such unworthy creatures as
yourselves. "I'll sort out this unfortunate business for you. Now go back to your
gallery and I may grace you with my presence in the future. Until then I'll
be keeping an eye on you all."
You leave as requested. When you arrive back at the Galerie Sanguine you find
the scene has been cleared as if nothing had happened, the library is also quite empty of both books and spirits.
As dawn is approaching
you'll need to sleep here today. Fortunately the gallery still has plenty of
space.
Scene Thirty Six - Veni, Vidi, Perdita
Gloria and Allison have allied formally though have kept their
own territories. As a gesture to the Caitiff and thin-bloods who aided
her, Gloria has granted them a feeding ground of their own. Though this is
still considered her domain, they have free reign to govern it how they
wish.
Hank has informed you that Gloria now owes him a major boon and she has agreed
to respect her borders with The Crypts Sons. Hank also lets you know that
Marius has moved his borders marginally into El Hermandad with Gloria's
agreement so 'The Border' boundaries no longer adjoin those of El Hermandad.
This effectively makes Marius, Gloria's neighbour not Priss, which Gloria
considers to be a safer bet and well worth the loss of a few miles of border
she never used anyway.
Word has also spread throughout the Baronies that Baron Abrams has taken San
Fernando as part of Hollywood, though has granted Baron Tomassio the area
formally under his protection as feeding ground.
It only remains to see if Victors destruction is enough to satisfy Marius...
In Conclusion
I like to do a round-up of how the session went in these features but if you couldn't give a shit what I think then feel free to skip this bit...
The coterie had put in a lot of groundwork which meant I had to change a lot of my plans for the grand finale of this story. I had originally intended to end with a massive battle across El Hermandad's domain but as the players had done such a good job of turning everyone against Victor I just let it play out in a fairly logical fashion.
Unfortunately this meant that much of the death and destruction happened in the background or behind the scenes. On the bright side though, that's a very 'vampire' way of getting shit done I suppose.
Now they just have to deal with the aftermath...of the aftermath...
Acknowledgements
“Portions of the materials are the copyrights and trademarks of White Wolf Entertainment AB, and are used with permission. All rights reserved.”I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Michael Tomassio is represented by Matt Bomer, 'Vin' is Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope is Deborah Ann Woll, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Victor Girard is Bob Hoskins, Izabel Lopez is Lindsey Lohan, Captain Frank Atkins is Michael Chiklis, Don Maximillian Alonzo is Stacy Keach, Mariel St. John is Kate Moss, Sarah is Natalie Martinez, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verástegui, Ralph Harwood is D.B. Woodside, Bartosz Harrison is Quinton Jackson, Isaac Abrams is Gary Oldman, Catherine Du Bois is Margot Robbie, Leo Frost is Danny John-Jules, 'Max' is Milla Jovovich, Hank Boyd is Michael Clarke Duncan, 'Priss' is Sofia Boutella, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Allison Maller is Chloe Grace Moretz, 'Velme' is Annie Henley, Lisa Irving is Amanda Righetti, Heather is Liz Vicious, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Victoria is Lilith May, The Ghost in the Library is Genevieve Riker, Dr Melissa Russell is Hayley Atwell, Yukio is Jamie Chung, Dillan Fitzgerald is Joseph Gordon-Levitt and JoaquÃn Murietta is Danny Trejo.
Everything else is from vampire related folders and searches and is as far as I know is all of the 'fair use' variety. If there's something that you feel should be attributed to some-one then feel free to let me know and I'll happily add an acknowledgement.
No comments:
Post a Comment