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 two North-Eastern Baronies and a large part of a third. 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.
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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. There are however a list of potential triggers listed before the introduction. 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.
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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.
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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. There are however a list of potential triggers listed before the introduction. 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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.'
Interlude Session - Recon
Interlude Session - Damage Limitation
Interlude Session - The Killing Spree
Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue
Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'
Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'
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Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'
Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable'
Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Fixer'
Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'
Sofia Rivera - Toreador, 'Hollywood Scourge'
The Storyteller
Garreth - Everyone else...
The player characters stats and backgrounds can be found HERE should any-one be interested, but be warned that the page is usually several stories ahead of the most recent write-up and may contain some spoilers.
There's also some minor 'house-rules' HERE that have occurred as we went along.
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. Introductory pieces that I read to the group are in Blue. 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.
Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Child Abuse (Implied).
Storytellers Note - Like the previous session this one contains a number of interludes that tie up some mysteries and loose-ends for the players and readers. It is therefore rather long...
Introduction
The sole topic of conversation amongst the kindred of Los Angeles is the rumour that an ancient had attempted to take over the city and had been foiled by an alliance of some of the Anarch Free States most powerful Barons and their followers.
Interlude - One Hundred Souls
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| Hallowbrook Marius's Haven and Aegis HQ |
It was Marius's intention to make The Oratory into a global force, and one that would unite the Gangrel Clan for the first time since his sire Xaviar had withdrew them from the Camarilla. Such a force would need knowledge and weaponry. Mainly weaponry if he was to be honest with himself. It would also need a leader. He had decided that he was the only logical choice, partially because the only other viable option had been Justinian, last Gangrel Justicar of the Camarilla, who Marius had personally destroyed and diablerised. He had suspected that this opportunity had been a trap, but he had walked into it nonetheless.
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Justinian, also known as Geoffrey Leigh, had secretly journeyed to Los Angeles with the intention of ending the existence of Karen Anatos, a Gangrel who numbered amongst the thirteen most wanted kindred on the so-called Red List. Other clans had deemed such an assassination impossible due to her location within the Anarch Free States. He had apparently believed that such a gesture, against one of his own clan, and one within the domain of a rival sect, might convince the Camarilla that a Gangrel Justicar was still a necessity.
Marius had later discovered that Justinian had been fed rumours and disinformation by his rival, the Brujah Praetor and Red Alastor Desdemona Moore, that had cemented this belief. It was also her who had leaked the information on his location to Marius.
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| Geoffrey 'Justinian' Leigh - Gangrel Destroyed via Diablerie |
Desdemona had been careful to keep her demands reasonable and Marius admired her for the way she'd created a trap for him that he had no choice but to walk into. Though he balked at being at another's beck and call, he had to reluctantly admit that he liked Desdemona a great deal, which at least made the dysfunctional relationship tolerable.
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There was a chamber within the vault, or more correctly below it, that had only one purpose. It was here that Marius conducted rituals and meditations that allowed him to maintain his humanity in spite of an unlife dedicated to the forbidden act of diablerie. The purging of vitae that this required necessitated a suitably adapted location. This made it perfect for the nights task.
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| Ennoia - The Gangrel Antediluvian |
Of more pragmatic design was an elaborate drainage system designed to contain the vitae that the purging part of the ritual required and it was over this central area that Marius knelt. Across his lap was the blade that Isaac had used to end the Toreador Methuselah, Sir Matthew Lubbock.
The dozen blades created by Durga Syn had been designed to slay kindred, and also had other useful powers. The most common amongst them was the ability to store blood and vitae, in quantities that belied the blades actual physical dimensions. The first weapons she created, the twin swords Ainkurn and the Sword of Dracula, had other properties, as did the weapon Marius currently cradled.
Dracul's Talon, The Dragons Claw, Soul Stealer
What he had told Baron Abrams wasn't entirely a lie. The blade had been capable of destroying even a kindred as powerful as Lubbock. He had however kept one detail to himself, this particular weapon also consumed souls. Whether it could contain the essence of one as powerful as a Methuselah had concerned Marius and so he had came up with a plan. In short he had surmised that such a mind would be less potent if drowned within the essence of many others. One voice, drowned out by the screams of ninety-nine others.
Of course the most difficult part was yet to come. The sword now contained a hundred souls, and their vitae, and each would need to be consumed in turn. Even for such a one as Marius this was a considerable risk.
Victoria stood to his left, Yukio his right. It was Victoria's task to ensure that when the ritual was complete, that it was Marius who still controlled his own body. She had been at his side for five centuries and in that time had shared everything with him, including his bed, and knew him better than any other. It was Yukio's job to remove his head should Victoria give the command.
The Sword of Nul, Demon Forged Artefact
The blade Yukio held was short, straight, and made of bronze. The entire weapon was slightly green with age, though still sharp, extremely sharp, in fact, the sword was sharper than was theoretically possible for a weapon made of bronze. It lacked ornamentation save for a crude skull carved into the middle of the hilt. It was this weapon that Isaac Abrams had originally sought and that Marius had denied possessing.
Cuthbert Beckett - Gangrel, Noddist Historian and Archaeologist
The blade was sought by a 'red lister' named Dylan Bruce, a Ventrue antitribu and noted Infernalist, so after Eleanor's pack stole the blade from where Beckett had concealed it, he thought it best not to broadcast the fact. Destroying Dylan was well within his capabilities but Marius had learnt that Dylan was currently closely involved with two other names on the Red List.
Dylan Bruce, Ventrue Antitribu - Petaniqua, Malkavian Antitribu
Third and Second of the 'Kindreds Most Wanted'
Petaniqua, a Malkavian of the fifth generation and quite possibly also a Baali Apostate, was not a foe he wished to have anything to do with if he could help it, and had been seen in Dylan's company on several occasions..
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| Kemintiri - Follower of Set First of the Anathema |
Victoria interrupted Marius's musings.
"If we also want to attend the Anarch Council meeting then we need to begin...of course if you wish to allow them to conspire behind your back then we can take as long as you wish..."
Marius gripped the hilt of the weapon and engaged the carefully concealed mechanisms within. He felt a dozen pin pricks as needles like syringes plunged into his hand. With the other he gripped the blade tightly and felt his vitae flow from the wound. Then, without warning, the essence of the blades first victim flooded his mind as excess blood flowed from every orifice in Marius's body including his eyes, and dark viscous fluid forced itself from even the pores of his skin.
Marius yelled, perhaps in triumph, perhaps in pain.
"One down, ninety nine to go..." whispered Victoria.
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The floor and walls of the chamber were covered in blood and vitae, the drainage system having failed just over halfway through the ritual. Victoria and Yukio stood in several inches of fluid that Marius's undead form had been unable to contain.
As he rose, Yukio kept the Sword of Nul against the back of Marius's neck. Victoria stepped forward and kissed him on the lips, and the bloodstained Gangrel responded in kind. The ancient ghoul took a step back and gestured for Yukio to stand down.
"Are you sure?" questioned Yukio. Victoria nodded. "Only Marius still kisses that badly, even with seven centuries of practice..." she explained. Yukio smiled, Victoria did have a point. "For two individuals who would be fucking ash in less than a month without my blood..." replied Marius. "...you're both surprisingly free with your criticisms..."
"What now?" asked Victoria. Deciding not to push her luck with a frenzy-prone Gangrel standing in three inches of blood.
"Time to gather the brood..." he replied.
Scene Sixty Seven - Consequences
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| Shantelle - Gangrel Pack Leader of The Water Rats |
The Water Rats had been evicted from their South Coast Haven after they apparently allowed agents of this Methuselah into the city. Though many of the rumours surrounding this event put it down to pragmatism as should Harvey have known then he would certainly have attempted to stop this incursion and his destruction would have been inevitable. Harvey apparently didn't see it this way and the Water Rats had now taken up temporary residence in the Barony of the Angels, where they were taking advantage of the area's protected and neutral status.
It also seemed that Catherine Du Bois was somewhat out of favour with Baron Fortier for reasons unknown to the majority of L.A.'s kindred. With Elena and Mariel on a somewhat equal footing recently, it appeared that the position of most favoured childe was now a three way fight for the first time in decades.
There was also some ill-feeling amongst the Brujah of the city towards Gloria Martinez who was apparently informed of the threat to the city and seemingly chose against providing any assistance. Allison, it seemed, had no such information passed to her and so, unless other information came to light, was free from her clans ire. Nines, who lost several allies during the initial assault had been particularly scathing.
Requests for reparations had universally been ignored as had any threats of reprisals. Marius it seemed had stopped playing the games he usually indulged in and was no longer bothering with even the most vague pretence of respect for those with which he interacted.
Interlude - Black Veins
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| Marius - An Aura of Black Veins |
Though Marius's immunity to blood bonds was rare, it wasn't unique. To his knowledge though the permanence of the black veins of diablerie within his aura was a trait that he had only encountered once before, and that other was long destroyed.
This inconvenience did, however, come with an upside of sorts. Each trace of diablerie contained a remnant of the knowledge of the kindred whose soul created it. Navigating the pathways was a risk. Some of the soul slivers were stronger than others and accessing their knowledge often meant confronting the remaining personality. None were particularly well inclined towards the one who had ended their existences.
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| Leanna - Duskborn 'Daydrinker' Brainwasher and Seductress |
His usual meditation chamber was currently being repaired by a brain-washed technician, mentally prepared by Leanna, but nonetheless would probably need disposing of once the work was complete. There was no point in taking chances after all. Instead he had headed to his altar to Ennoia and Lilith in the roof gardens near the summit of Hallowbrook.
Without further delay he turned his attention inwards and began to navigate the dark pathways that saturated his aura. The souls of the lesser's absorbed earlier could wait. He would mine them for knowledge another night, now he searched for the soul of Sir Matthew Lubbock. It didn't take long.
He had devoured many souls, some of those victims were relatively innocent, others could correctly be described as monsters. Some of the Sabbat he'd consumed had spent centuries engaged in bloodshed, torture, and games with mortals that invariably ended in death, eventually.
Regardless of this, in Marius's opinion at least, sir Matthew Lubbock had been the most heinous.
He navigated around the worst of the memories.
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| Sir Matthew Lubbock - Toreador Methuselah, Destroyed |
Physically he had few rivals, though in the mental realm he was an amateur at best. Piece by piece the Gangrel extracted the knowledge he required as he had done many times in the past from a myriad of diablerised souls.
Drawing on this new knowledge he extended his perceptions outwards and inwards simultaneously. He 'felt' rather than saw his progeny, It was his childer that he could sense most vividly, his grandechilder were also clear to him, though with each separation of generation the link grew weaker. He became aware of two childer who had hidden themselves from him and been forgotten, and a host of grandechilder and beyond who could be useful to him in the future. They, however, could wait.
He then focussed on his long-term plans, aims and goals and these began to infiltrate their thoughts. The knowledge gained from Lubbock led him to believe that his bloodline would not act directly to pursue the commands they were given, but that over the years and decades, their priorities would slowly shift until the fulfilment of the his commands were among their own long-term goals.
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| Lilith's Garden |
He became aware that Victoria was nearby. Apparently his new perceptions also extended to ghouls who shared the blood of his line.
"I'm informed that Michael has left Pasadena. If you wish to arrive at Venture Tower before him then we need to leave now." A change of clothes lay upon one of the low stone slabs that acted as seating before the altar to his two gods. As usual, his most loyal follower had pre-empted his needs.
As Marius left his garden, his blood-stained clothes replaced by the suit provided for him, Victoria fell into place at his side. Yukio joined them a moment later and moved into the bodyguard position.
It was going to be an interesting evening.
Scene Sixty Eight - Kingmaker
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| Marius Walker - Gangrel Autarkis, Leader of 'The Oratory' |
"I thought we should clear the air a little before what is likely to be a somewhat confrontational meeting of the Anarch Council. If you have the time to spare that is?"
Though it was phrased a s a question, Michael wasn't entirely sure that refusal was an option. Besides which, he was curious about what exactly the 'Fixer' wanted.
"By all means continue." replied Michael taking the main seat. Mr Hertz pulled up a chair, while Vin, Daniel and Hope moved into the corners of the room. None of them trusted Marius and recent events had reinforced, rather than allayed their suspicions.
"I disliked you the moment I met you..." began Marius. "...All that effortless charm and dedication to ideology that would have been laughable if not for the fact that you managed to somehow make others believe it to. I owed Vin' sire significant boons so him I had to put up with and Roach was amusingly unpredictable, until he started picking the wrong sides, but that ultimately removed him from the chess board without any interference from myself. Anyway, I decided to see how all those principles stood up to, lets call it destruction testing. You were surprisingly resilient, and now here we are, three, no, four years later..."
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| Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez - Brujah Inspirational Anarch |
"By the end of this council meeting you'll be Prince in all but name, or Baron of L.A. if you prefer. Abrams wants you in the role to vouch for his good intentions during the Lubbock situation, Fortier actually believes you share his attitude to noblesse oblige, Nines can't shut up about how you rallied the Anarchs to purge the mansion of Sir Matthews followers. He's comparing it to Garcia's storming of Don Sebastian's mansion. No Baron whose forces are three quarters Brujah is going to risk calling out Nines, especially on Anarch doctrine and whether the Barons like it or not, the second most common clan in L.A. are the Gangrel and enough of them answer to me to make my opinion, by which I actually mean my threats, something that need to be heeded."
Vin and Hope exchanged a glance at the mention of their clans. Vin was still a firm believer in the Camarilla but nonetheless he admired Nines dedication and zeal. The fact that Nines was what Vin liked to call 'default aggressive' was also was factor in his admiration. Though Hope had started her time in the city as a sweeper for Marius, her loyalties were now completely with Michael. Baron Tomassio had given her a home and never pried into her activities outside of her duties as census-taker for the North-East. That Marius would have sacrificed her without a second thought was not in doubt, Michael would at least feel bad about it.
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| Michael Tomassio - Toreador Baron of L.A.? |
"I imagine you have some questions of your own?"
Michael did indeed.
"You have always said that you'd never abide a Prince within this city, yet now you seem to be facilitating it. It seems unusually generous. I think we've been through enough for me to be direct. How does me being Baron of L.A. benefit you?"
Vin and Hope tensed slightly at the unusually confrontational tone. Daniel however did not. He could tell from Marius's body language that no offense had been taken. He imagined that the question had been expected. Marius's reply was more or less what he had expected.
"To be honest, and believe me I never thought I'd be saying this, you're the best kindred for the job. The city needs someone guiding it whose not going to do anything stupid that might threaten my own domain within. Despite the reasons you were sent to this city, or perhaps because of them, you will protect it and by protecting it, you protect my own base of operations. Fair enough?"
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| Abomination - Tribe Unknown Destroyed |
Michael had more questions. Firstly he wished to know what the arrangement between Marius and Isaac had been.
"Isaac promised me a kindred of the fifth generation to diablerise, specifically, the childe of Lubbock who you unfortunately, though justifiably given the circumstances, had destroyed by his own entourage. I apparently settled for an Abomination instead, which I'm informed you led to me. I'm not sure whether to thank you or not, still, what's done is done and the end results were the same."
"He'd do anything to protect that boy. He lost his own son as a mortal who was about the same age, I'm not meant to know that and neither are you. I let you know simply to add some additional clarity to his reasoning..."
This made perfect sense to all present. Isaac had risked much and the fact that he saw Christopher Houghton as a replacement for his own lost son, explained a great deal.
Michael felt that some explanation for his own actions was required.
"Leading the Abomination to you was an entirely pragmatic decision. Attacking it directly was hardly an option and you were in no state for me to ask your permission." Marius merely nodded in reply. Pragmatism was a trait that the Gangrel clan generally admired.
Interlude - Father and Childe
Sofia walked behind Isaac as he escorted Christopher to his new home. The mansion was secure yet understated and was close to impossible to trace to Isaac or any of his companies.
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| Sofia Rivera - Toreador Bodyguard of Christopher Houghton |
"Christopher needs a new protector and I would like you to take on the task. In return you need never worry about any mundane financial matters ever again. I will provide you with Haven, Herd and anything else you require in return for your service in this most important task. As long as he remains safe, no request of yours that is within my power to fulfil will ever be refused."
It was a difficult offer to turn down and she had agreed almost immediately. Isaac had then shown her the plans of the building and it was clear that he had put considerable thought into it.
The perimeter wall, and the mansion itself had reinforcements concealed within that would stop anything up to and including an approaching vehicle filled with explosives. Shutters capable of withstanding high calibre sniper rifle rounds could be dropped over windows already equipped with quadruple layers of bulletproof glass. Armoured camera's with both wireless and physical connections led to a panic room within that wouldn't have been out of place if used as a bank vault. The camera's were also capable of telling the difference between mortals and vampires, she didn't ask how these were acquired.
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| Integral Panic Rooms and Security |
Her own quarters were also elaborate and designed with both comfort and protection in mind. Her entire collection of weaponry had been transferred here along with some new additions provided by Isaac himself as 'gifts'.
Isaac had also introduced her to the mortal protectors of the facility. Security patrols, servants and cleaning staff alike had been recruited from top military organisations and indoctrinated by Isaac over many years.
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| Christopher Houghton - Toreador Angelic Elder |
Christopher had said little since his ordeal at Lubbock's hands. Memories of abuse long buried were now once more at the surface of his mind and would likely never be recovered from. Isaac had suggested that some time in torpor might be the best solution and Christopher had agreed. The schematics for his resting place made the rest of the formidable security systems seem trivial in comparison. Isaac was clearly taking no chances with the safety of the boy.
Isaac handed over the keys, codes and other necessary documentation to Sofia and then bid them both goodbye. He had a meeting of the Anarch Council to attend where he had important matters to raise. Before he left he kissed Christopher tenderly on the forehead. "Look after him for me." he said to Sofia as he left.
Sofia smiled at the ancient child beside her and he responded in kind. The angelic, blonde haired child held out his hand for her to hold and allowed her to lead him to their new home.
"Let's get you to sleep..." she said.
Scene Sixty Nine - Blood and Steel
"I believe Daniel also has some questions?" said Michael.
"The sword..." began Daniel. "...was not the weapon you said it was..."
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| Durga Syn - Ravnos Seer and Artefact Creator |
"I switched it for a more interesting weapon I had available."
Daniel was initially surprised by the honesty of the reply, but composed himself quickly lest his initial bluff become apparent.
"All of the vampiric artefacts created by Durga Syn drain blood and vitae. the one I gave to Isaac also drains souls."
Daniel had a feeling he knew what was coming next. He wasn't to be disappointed, though had to admit that he was a little surprised that a reason was also offered.
"I consumed Sir Matthew Lubbocks essence contained within the blade and though it's not exactly diablerie, it has many of the same benefits. Normally I wouldn't risk taking on a soul of such potency and age but unfortunately I needed to take the risk on this occasion."
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| Nerissa Blackwater - Caitiff The Cultivar |
All present were surprised at the information. As far as they knew the concept of a Caitiff, or clanless, vampire was a new one. That they had existed for six thousand years seemed to fly in the face of established occult lore.
Regardless of this revelation, Daniel had a more immediately pertinent question.
"I'm not sure I like the idea of a blade that diablerises kindred being in the city. Where is it now?"
Marius smiled and all present tensed, including Daniel this time. This wasn't usually a good sign. Vin slid his hand to the hilt of his personal weapon and even Daniel subtly slid his jacket open to gain easy access to his firearms. Hope needed no such preparations as her weaponry was quite literally always to hand as her claws were now a permanent feature.
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| The Vault Beneath Hallowbrook |
Storytellers Note - I didn't make Michael's player roll dice to gain this revelation as I didn't want to ruin the back and forth flow of the conversation. The scene was going really well and I didn't want to jinx it so I just told him that he wasn't "currently" in danger.
"The weapon has been returned to my vaults and you need not concern yourself with it. The sword itself may make the stealing of a soul simpler, but extracting it is no easier than doing so directly from the source. Yukio was quite prepared to remove my head from my shoulders if Victoria detected any trace of Lubbock within me after the extraction of his soul."
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| 'Precious' Beaumont - Gangrel One of 'The Unseen' |
"Isaac's concern was that I might deem Christopher to be the easiest path to the lowering of my generation and so, yes, he took the potential need to destroy me into his plans."
Daniel wanted to know what they were.
"Isaac recruited a pack of Xaviar's, 'The Unseen', then subtly convinced one of my brood that they were there with my permission, effectively letting him know where my scouts were and giving him a weapon with which to destroy me should I have attempted to betray him."
Daniel was dubious about this being an adequate precaution, and said so. He presumed that Isaac would know that a single pack of kindred would be torn apart by Marius in seconds. Marius's counter was a surprising admission.
"The Unseen were trained by my sire Xaviar with a very specific purpose in mind, namely destroying kindred he deemed a threat, and doing so quietly and efficiently. Most vampires they eliminated never even knew that their killers were in the same room until it was too late. They are experts in a wide variety of very un-Gangrel-like abilities. How Isaac discovered this I do not know, but they were the perfect weapon for the job."
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| Flynn Jacobs - Gangrel Pack Leader of 'The Unseen' |
"Their pack leader Flynn, came to me earlier this evening and told me everything after Isaac cut them loose. His pack is returning to the fold so to speak, though I suspect it's just so he can keep an eye on me, regardless his pack is too useful an asset to turn away. There's an old saying about keeping your friends close, but your enemies closer. In this case it applies in both directions."
Michael then interjected. "That's all well and good but if I was a betting man I'd swear that all this honesty is because you're omitting something of importance."
Storytellers Note - This I made him roll for. With ten successes for persuasion I figured he deserved to know.
"I made a risky gamble. The Justicars and some of the Inner Circle were less than happy about a new power player appearing. Especially with how many other elders had disappeared to the Middle-east, so I informed them that in exchange for one third of the boons owed by them, and others, to Lubbock I'd ensure his destruction. Of course, had you and Isaac failed I'd have been very, very dead so the burden of failure would have fell to my childer, but that would have been their fucking problem."
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| Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue Camarilla Power Broker |
"My other condition was the official recognizing of my own organisation as an investigative and information gathering resource. So I'm now up there with the Pony Express, The Circulatory System and others. I was hoping for a cooler name but it seems like the Oratory has already stuck..."
Surprisingly the next question came from Vin.
"I imagine that means that Fiorenza's threats are less of a problem than they were a week ago?"
Marius turned his attention to Vin for the first time during the meeting.
"That is correct..." There was a brief pause as if that was all the reply that the Brujah was going to get. Marius seemed to think on this for a moment before elaborating. "I now have too many boons available with influential Camarilla for a suggestion about adding me to the Red List, should a vacancy come up, to be considered without me first committing a crime of monumental proportions. The downside is that now they're going to be more interested in my activities so I'll have to be more careful when indulging my less acceptable hobbies..."
"You mean diablerie?" Interrupted Vin with his usual directness. Marius paused once more, he was clearly observing Vin closely.
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| Desdemona Moore - Brujah Praetor and Red Alastor |
"It's a quick path to power but one with many downsides unless adequate precautions are taken. The Camarilla only object to it as they fear it, though even they sanction it when it suits them, as your sire Desdemona knows all too well. Anarchs fear it too, though their relative lack of elder kindred within their ranks makes it less of a problem. Like most kindred matters whether it's acceptable or not comes down to politics and influence, as I'm sure you're all well aware of."
Storytellers Note - The Players know that Vin has committed a sanctioned diablerie recently, their characters however do not. Though as four years into the chronicle they've all committed that act at least once they're hardly in a position to cast aspersions...
Michael decided to turn the conversation back to Fiorenza. As their 'sponsor' in this endeavour, her level of political power was of some concern to him. "Have these events weakened Fiorenza in any quantifiable manner?"
Marius's laugh was surprising and seemingly genuine.
"Fuck no. She was converting Lubbock's finances into tradeable commodities and currencies and with him gone she's pocketed, so to speak, a vast proportion of them, billions of dollars worth in fact. Many of us older vampires have a 'golden hoard' or two stashed away, but as time has gone on suddenly turning up with a a pile of gold, a heap of jewellery, an ancient artefact or two, and so on, then buying whatever you want has become less simple."
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| Some of Sir Matthew Lubbock's Wealth |
He nodded in the direction of Mr Hertz who had sat quietly through the whole conversation.
"You have Mr Hertz, I have a ghouled financial genius and the Inner Circle have Fiorenza Savona. The financial world is their arena and money and power are their weapons. Anyone who thinks them less of a threat because they can't pull your arms and legs off isn't paying attention." Mr Hertz took the compliment with a mere tip of the hat.
Marius rose, which Michael took as indication that their meeting was over. As Marius moved to the door, Michael fired off one last question. "The theatrics you mentioned?"
"A show of force. I won't give you all the details. It will help if you look surprised..."
Daniel grimaced. He didn't like surprises.
Scene Seventy - Theatrics
Ten of the current twelve barons were present with only Marius and Myranda Maria being late. In addition, Nines and Damsel were present as were the usual selection of advisors. As they were well aware that he was already in the building, they imagined Marius to be preparing his bit of 'theatre'. A moment after Gloria suggested starting without him, the main doors to the meeting room opened and Marius emerged, followed by a significant number of other kindred, only some of which they recognised.
Mary, 'Mother' of the cities Bahari had her two priestesses with her, one was her childe Esther, the other her grandechilde Lia, all of which Daniel recognised from his recent time spent at the Bahari's temple. Mary's other childe Vinicius and the other four members of 'The Hunters' had formed a guard of sorts for them.
Eleanor Braun, the Gangrel Sorceress was accompanied by three kindred. An elderly woman, an attractive middle aged lady and a quite beautiful girl embraced in her late teens. Presumably these were her own 'Pack'. Given the occult iconography on their clothing, they must also have shared Eleanor's passion for blood magic.
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Emmanuella, more commonly known as 'The Pale Lady' entered alongside one of her childer, Rebecca. Rebecca was, in turn, accompanied by her own Pack, some of which they had met outside the Young Bloods bunker, They were a motley assortment but presumably had skills that compliment Rebecca's.
Surprisingly, next to enter was Tilly Kelly, Mistress of the Swarm. Quinn they recognised immediately. The other two kindred with her must have been Melinda and Blake, her two other childer who were currently competing, somewhat unsuccessfully, with Quinn for the attention of their sire. By the standards of 'The Swarm' the rest of those with them were fairly presentable, though were also clearly terrified of their mistress.
Next was a kindred they had never seen before. He had dark hair, a closely cropped beard and an intense gaze. All eight members of his pack moved with the assurance of those confident in their own abilities. To Daniel they also had the look of kindred to whom murder was not only familiar, but enjoyable too. He knew the look, he had seen it in the mirror often enough.
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| Jane 'Mannequin' Doe - Gangrel Infiltrator, Childe of Marius |
Of the final pair to enter they recognise only one. Myranda Maria, grandechilde of Marius and Baron of The Wilds. The red-haired woman accompanying her was quite beautiful, though like many solitary Gangrel forced into social occasions was clearly uncomfortable in the clothes she had been obliged to put on.
Michael was sure he had seen this woman before. Not in the flesh, but in a work of art hanging in Marius's office. Though the artwork was certainly stylised, this guest of Myranda's had a startling similarity to the portrait of Marius's first childe, Aviana that has always had pride of place in 'The Fixer's Haven.
Marius's brood and their accompanying kindred spread themselves around the exterior of the meeting room. Some sat, others remained standing, but all the Barons present were conscious that they were now surrounded by over forty Gangrel, all of which were loyal to Marius. As 'theatrics' went, it certainly made a point.
"Sorry I'm late..." stated Marius, with absolutely zero sincerity. "...but as my brood were instrumental in removing the agents of a threat to us all, I thought they might want to see exactly what they were defending...most you've met, allow me to introduce the ones you have not..."
He indicated the dark-haired kindred with the entourage of what Daniel was increasingly convinced were a gang of killers. "This is Talon, second youngest of my surviving childer, and his pack of course.", he then gestured towards the nondescript woman who entered alone. "This is Jane, youngest of my childer" and last but by no means least..." he nodded in the direction of the red-haired woman. "...this is my first childe and sire of Baron Myranda Maria, Aviana..."
This created a few murmurs from those aware that Aviana was meant to have been destroyed five centuries ago, by Marius himself...
Scene Seventy One - Power
Isaac opened up the meeting as if Marius's 'statement' was of no concern to him, Perhaps it wasn't.
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| Isaac Abrams - Toreador Baron of Hollywood |
It seems that the floor was Michaels.
Michael paused for a moment before speaking, the feeling of having all eyes focussed upon him was something that he had begun to enjoy more and more. Almost unconsciously he'd become proficient at playing politics while giving the impression that he was above such things. Of course he'd need to take care not to grow to enjoy the feeling too much. There were more than enough megalomaniacs in his bloodline to make him acutely aware of the dangers.
Fortunately he was above such pettiness. He would not make the same mistakes as the others had done, their weaknesses of character had been their undoing and he had no such faults.
"I shall try to be as thorough as possible, and my apologies to those who already know much of what occurred. Hopefully the tale will not bore them the second time around."
There were a few smiles at this and the tension in the room broke, if only just a little.
"An elder of my clan, or to put it more correctly an ancient one, a Methuselah, infiltrated our city. He had a specific goal in mind, to hunt down a childe of his who once embarrassed him, and who had, in many ways shaped our city. Of greater concern was his goal to turn L.A. into his private playground, not as Prince, but as it's absolute ruler."
Michael allowed this to sink in before continuing.
"Though his entry to the city was subtle, his method of taking it over was not. He had forces stationed in every Barony, with well laid plans that would have enabled him and his agents to completely remove the leaders amongst the Free State Anarchs as well as any Kindred of significance who supported them."
This statement made exactly the impact he was expecting. He was known as a diplomatic man, but also an honest one. The fact that he himself saw this result as a foregone conclusion, had there been no interference, clearly concerned the Barons.
"Which brings me to Isaac's part in this scheme..." This was what many present were waiting for. Some had heard that Baron Abrams had been a willing participant in Sir Matthews schemes and were therefore surprised to see him in attendance.
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| Hollywood at Night - Baron Abrams Domain |
A few eyes turned to Marius, while others looked to his childer and their packs that were still arrayed around the meeting places walls. Michael could see the Barons theorizing, trying to calculate out exactly which of these childer of Marius had invaded which of their baronies. Michael's own domains had been unaffected and so he had no such concerns.
Daniel meanwhile was making calculations of his own, mentally noting numbers of Gangrel, noting who were the leaders, likely second in commands and a host of other tactical considerations. He might have to counter them at some point and saw nothing wrong in making plans right away. He knew that Hope and Vin would be making similar, though possibly more direct, assessments.
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| The Childe of Sir Matthew Lubbock Destroyed by Michael |
"My role within these plans was to distract Sir Matthew Lubbock by convincing him of my loyalty and my potential use as a figurehead for his rule. This gave Isaac an opportunity to slay the bastard with the weapon provided by Marius. It seems I was quite convincing as his attention was entirely upon me when the trap for him was sprung..."
Michael decided not to mention that at the time, the Methuselah was also trying to break Marius's neck, and that Isaac's 'rescue' was suspiciously last minute. He hadn't asked Isaac for the truth of the matter himself, but Michael knew that Marius believed that Baron Abrams had considered letting him be destroyed before eliminating the Methuselah. It was certainly within the realms of possibility.
"...it then fell to me to destroy the childe who Lubbock had created to share his rule."
Michael chose not to elaborate on how this had been accomplished. This was how legends were created and too much detail would lesson the effect. Better to let his audience fill the gaps with their own images of this heroic act than to let the reality of the situation spoil things.
"Had Isaac not acted in the manner in which he did, I've no doubt that the survivors of Lubbock's purge would have found themselves under the heel of a tyrant. A Prince in all but name. Not only would we have suffered, but given their preferences, the children of L.A. would also have been victims of his depravities. Such perversions would surely have drawn the Second Inquisition to our doorstep."
He was reasonably sure that the threat of the Second Inquisition was more of a concern to those present than the lives of mortal children. Nonetheless, several of the Barons maintained their humanity and so he had made mention of it to underline his point about what the ancient Toreadors rule would entail.
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| Lubbock's Mansion Fortress |
Nines, who had been listening intently, then interrupted.
"Michael greatly understates his role in the assault. He led us back into the breach personally. He shared all our dangers and led from the front. It was an honour to fight this foe at his side..."
Michael could see the Brujah amongst those present looking at him with newfound respect. Nines was not one for hyperbole or exaggeration. If he deemed the act worthy of praise then voicing any counter to this viewpoint would not go down well with others of his clan within their own domains.
"My thanks..." replied Michael "I sought to honour in action what had previously been merely well worded speeches. With my coterie and Nines forces at my side I had nothing to fear."
Scene Seventy Two - Isaac's Proposal
With Michael's speech concluded, Isaac spoke once more.
"With that out of the way, I have a proposal on the future of Michael's role within this Council..."
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| Downtown - The View from Venture Tower |
Michael felt as well as heard Isaac emphasise the word 'furthermore'. The supernatural charisma available to the Toreador Clan was being used by Isaac as bludgeon rather than scalpel. It had the desired effect as he now had the undivided attention of every Baron.
"...had he greater access to the city as a whole, then perhaps this event could have been bought to a satisfactory conclusion far earlier. In short, I am proposing that the Arbiter be given free reign to investigate any matter that threatens the Free States as a whole, regardless of where in the city this originates..."
There were some murmurs of objection once the full implication of this sunk in. It was easy to identify which of the Barons would object should it come to a vote. Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller in particular were unhappy about this and so was Harvey Caplan. Therese Voerman wasn't exactly overjoyed either.
Isaac continued.
"...In order to reduce any objections to such activities, I further suggest that Michael nominates a single operative to undertake these investigations for him. This will limit the scope of any disruptions to a Baronies activities. My personal recommendation would be Dr Daniel Matthews, though Michael is of course free to make his own decision."
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| Therese Voerman - Malkavian Baron of Santa Monica |
"Before we vote, I suggest we hear from Michael once more, and should he agree with my recommendation, perhaps from Daniel too?"
Michael knew that there were some amongst the Barons who would need convincing, but should it come to a vote he was sure it would go in his favour with the support he already had. Perhaps he could convince a few more? It was certainly worth a try.
"I can tell that some of you here are uncomfortable with the idea of the Arbiter having these, albeit relatively minor, extra responsibilities. However I see no way of proving what kind of person I am other than taking on these powers and showing that they will not be abused."
He could see that several of the Barons who were 'on the fence' could see the logic of this argument. Of course the counter to this point was that should he abuse the power given to him, being proven right would be little consolation to the opposing Barons once the damage had been done. Seeing he still had some work to do, Michael continued.
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"If recent events have taught us anything it is that we have to be united when facing opponents with the resources and influence to threaten us. The Second Inquisition, the Sabbat, the Camarilla. All these have the potential to bring down what we have struggled to build here and hesitation among our number might well be the difference between victory and defeat."
At the word 'hesitation' a few heads turned towards Gloria Martinez. It was now common knowledge that some amongst her followers had warned her of Lubbock and requested that she help, and that she had refrained from doing so. Perhaps she had her reasons, but amongst the Brujah pragmatism was often seen as cowardice, and was not looked upon as a trait that a Baron of their clan should be seen to have.
"Change is a difficult concept for ones who are unchanging to accept, but remember that not so long ago Anarch principles were considered to be 'new', yet now whole cities of kindred have seen the benefits of them. It is up to us to ensure that this legacy endures and we must do that as one."
"As for Daniel, he would be an excellent choice as an investigator of threats to us all. Those of you who know him are aware that he has always shown respect to those with which he deals, the respect appropriate to their positions yet has also shown the will to make difficult decisions."
Michael looked towards Allison Maller who had dealt with Daniel several times and could see that she had been swayed by his arguments.
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| Amara Martins - Duskborn 'Elected' Baron of The Liberated |
Daniel was clearly uncomfortable being centre of attention. He had always attempted to avoid the limelight, especially as he was both on the run from his sire, and pretending to be of Clan Brujah, not the Banu Haqim he actually was. He lacked Michael's eloquence so decided to make it short and to the point.
"I believe, like Michael that the Anarch Free States have the potential to be something better than what is offered by the other sects and I consider myself fortunate to have made my way into his service. I pride myself on being professional and if I can serve the city then I will do so to the best of my ability."
The subsequent vote went exactly as Michael had predicted.
Allison Maller, Harvey Caplan, Karen Anatos, Gary Golden, Isaac Abrams, Louis Fortier, Marius Walker, Myranda Maria, and Therese Voerman all voted 'for' while Amara Martin's and Gloria Martinez were the only two Barons who voted 'against'.
"Excellent." concluded Isaac. "I think that's a sufficient majority for the ruling to be carried."
Scene Seventy Three - An Iconic Return
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| Jesus Ramirez - Ventrue Seneschal to Salvador Garcia |
"It appears that the Anarch Free States have a special guest..."
As if on cue, the door opened and in walked Jesus Ramirez, former de-facto leader of El Hermandad in the absence of Salvador Garcia. An absence that had apparently ended as the man himself entered the room a moment later. Though few of them had ever seen the man before, his appearance and manner was unmistakeable.
He briefly observed those present before walking over to the one empty seat at the council table. He took the chair formerly allocated to Hank Boyd of the Crypts Sons and Ramirez sat beside him as his seneschal.
Therese Voerman was the only initial voice of objection.
"I believe that Baronies need to be taken, not gifted..." she looked pointedly at Gloria and then Allison, neither of which seemed capable of holding her gaze "...something that both you and Jeremy MacNeil advocated for and if your own manifesto is to be believed, still do? or is this a case of 'do as I say, not as I do'?"
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| Salvador Garcia - Brujah Part Founder of the Anarch Free States |
Marius started to laugh. It was not a gesture of amusement , but instead one of scorn. With the amount of Gangrel arrayed around the room that answered to him, this was a bad time to make threats.
"You've both been gone awhile and we're past those games I'm afraid. I outnumber the combined forces of Gloria, Allison and you, and yes, I know exactly how many kindred you entered the city with, combined. I could exterminate you without effort, so don't walk into the presence of this Council and act like you all of a sudden own it just because you're with Salvador Garcia who once wrote a vaguely interesting book that most modern Anarchs don't even own, and probably haven't read..."
Vin' readied himself for trouble. Marius's broods were all surprisingly loyal considering his questionable 'parenting' skills and many were quite obviously awaiting Marius command to destroy these interlopers. Hope knew several of the Gangrel present and she too could see the tension within them.
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| Louis Fortier - Ventrue Baron of West L.A. |
However Marius's brood were still on edge and Daniel could see that this situation could go very badly, very quickly.
"Let's hear what the Arbiter has to say on the matter..." stated Louis. He had the respect of all present and so none objected, though some of that respect was based on the fear of his ghoul army, the effect was the same. No-one wanted Fortier to consider them an enemy.
"This is going to be tricky..." thought Michael. Salvador Garcia was an Anarch icon and highly intelligent. He was going to have to be on his best form in order to end this debate with an outcome that suited all.
"It is true that amongst us Anarchs, it is expected that a Barony be taken and held by a worthy leader with the respect of his followers. We do not simply gift domains and feeding grounds like some Camarilla power broker."
This wasn't strictly true, but it was still the kind of thing that Anarchs liked to hear said.
"It is also clear that Barons Martinez and Maller share history with Garcia. He is, after all, their sire. My concern is that should we allow Barons to clear out their rivals, simply to plant one of their allies within the domain that we become little better than those we oppose. I need not remind the Council of the mess that occurred when Amethyst interfered in the battle between Allison and Tom Weaver. It also begs the question whether the three domains mentioned effectively become one when it comes to the decision making of this council. I can only imagine the resentment and internal strife that such an arrangement might cause."
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| Venture Tower - Downtown Meeting Place of the Anarch Council |
"To put it plainly, 'Baron' Garcia will be fighting for the title regardless of arrangements made before his arrival. I am therefore quite happy to see such a notable Anarch sitting at this table. Hopefully he hasn't bitten off more than his fangs can chew..."
Garcia decided to speak for himself this time.
"I've fought for everything I've achieved and I'll happily fight for this too..."
"One final matter..." began Marius, once Garcia had finished speaking. "...recent events have forced me to conclude that having two warleaders created some communication issues during our battles against the Camarilla. I therefore have decided to step down from the role and leave it in the capable hands of Baron Fortier. My assets will, of course, still be at his and the Arbiters disposal if necessary. I will also be spending a lot less time involved in the politics of L.A. for a while as my own organisation has recently undergone somewhat of an expansion now that I have more or less total control over the assets of my sire Xaviar."
"Should the council call a meeting during one of my absences then I'll appoint a proxy from one of the notables of the Barony of the Angels to take my place. I'm sure Nines, Lyko Wu, Priss or one of the others is politically savvy enough to be able to cast an appropriate vote."
It seemed that the Anarch Council once more numbered thirteen.
Storytellers Conclusions
I sometimes 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....
Well it took them one hundred and twenty two sessions and a dozen solo's but the coterie now more or less has control over the Anarch Free States.
Now they just have to keep that control...
With that in mind, I'm doing a short chronicle for two of the players that will be set in this same canon but will be set in San Francisco, just for a change of pace. This will be the story of two agents of Michael Tomassio who are attempting to extend his 'Galerie Sanguine' franchise into another city.
Once that's completed (I'm planning five reasonably short sessions.) I'll jump back into Chronicle Five, provisionally titled 'The Blood Cults of L.A.
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, Vincent Ghast is Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope Romero is Deborah Ann Woll, Victoria Anne is Lilith May, Yukio is Jamie Chung, Shantelle is Marsha Thomas, Leanna is Leeanna Vamp, Sir Matthew Lubbock is Michael Douglas, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Sofia Rivera is Eliza Dushku, 'Precious' Beaumont is Zoey Deutch, Flynn Jacobs is Brian Cox, Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis, Desdemona Moore is Amanda Donohoe, Esther is Cristina Scabbia, Lia is Shelly D'Inferno, Eleanor 'The Sorceress' Braun is Polly Jean Harvey, Luella Gilmore is Angelica Huston, Emmanuella Booth is Anastasia E.G., Rebecca is Amy Acker, Tilly Kelly is Anna Paquin, Talon 'The Berserker' is Michael Sheen, Aviana Maria is Famke Jannsen, Myranda Maria is Shannyn Visceral, Isaac Abrams is Gary Oldman, The Childe of Sir Matthew Lubbock is Lucas Till, Harvey Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Therese Voerman is Whitney Moore, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Amara Martins is Indira Varma, Jesus Ramirez is Javiar Bardem, Salvador Garcia is Antonio Banderas and Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui.
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.
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