Vampire the Masquerade V5 - Session Seventy Eight - Veni, Vidi, Victor (Part Three)

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

---------------------
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 Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

Story Fourteen - 'The Rant'
Story Fifteen - 'Ties of Blood' - Part One and Two

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 Eighteen - 'Inevitable Betrayals' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Nineteen - 'The Marius Contracts' - Part One and Two

Story Twenty - 'The MacNeil Protocols' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five, 

Story Twenty - 'The MacNeil Protocols' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

--------------------

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.'

Story Twenty One - 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' - Part One and Two

--------------------

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'

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.

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.

Storytellers Note - Due to a Covid related local lockdown in the area in which I live, our group is currently unable to meet up in person. We have therefore done this session via messengers video 'room' app. 

Introduction

The coterie has discovered a potential alliance between the troublesome would-be Baron of San Fernando, Ralph Harwood and Victor Girard, advisor to the leader of El Hermandad. The coterie is now focussing all it's resources in order to undermine, discredit and if necessary, eliminate Victor. If they fail he may be able to complete his plan to unite the two remaining childer of Garcia, Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller, and also remove the gangs major rival, The Crypts Sons as a threat forever.

Regardless of who he then chose to rule from behind, Victor would be Prince of Los Angeles in all but name.

Scene Twelve - The Baron of Anaheim

Christopher Houghton - Toreador
5th Generation Elder

Michael had heard from at least two sources that the fickle Toreador Elder, Christopher Houghton had taken an interest in his activities. He intended to use this favour to mitigate any issues that Houghton might have with their interference in the activities of his grandechilde Victor Girard. Unfortunately this meant that he had to become personally and to a certain extent, publicly involved in disrupting Victors rise to power. 

His first port of call would be Allison Maller, Baron of Anaheim and much of what was once the Barony of Santa Ana. He had concluded that as the weaker of the two, territorially speaking, that she might well be the easiest to manipulate into distrusting Victor.

He informed Allison that he would be in the area and would like to talk to her, though didn't ask permission in any tangible way. Allison either didn't notice or chose to overlook the trivial breach of protocol. He also failed to specify a time. These breaches were an intentional part of Michael's strategy as he wished Allison to believe that a lack of respect for her had began to develop due to her association with Victor. He was however, still being careful to avoid anything that could be construed as a direct insult.

Tom Weaver - Brujah
Destroyed

On this occasion Michael took Daniel and Vin with him. Daniel due to his relationship with Allison as an ally during her war with Tom Weaver and Vin as many Brujah in Los Angeles respected him and were far more likely to open up to him with information.

As before, Daniel was impressed with the defences of Allison's warehouse base of operations. At the lowest point in her campaign against Tom Weaver she had been forced back and had created this Haven as a final bulwark against her enemy.

From the outside it simply looked like a very secure structure, perhaps a bonded warehouse or similar. However an expert eye could easily discern the many offensive and defensive measures that had been cleverly inserted to turn the place into a virtual fortress.

Though the ground floor housed a semi-legitimate distribution business, the upstairs was for kindred and their ghouls only. 

Allison Maller - Brujah
Baron of Anaheim

Daniel recognised very few of the kindred in the area. Allison's Gangrel Sweeper who he'd last seen with an arm torn from the socket was sitting alone in the corner, his missing limb restored. One of the other kindred was vaguely familiar too. Vin moved to speak to the handful of Brujah also milling about, as Michael and Daniel entered Allison's office.

Allison gave Daniel a friendly nod before addressing Michael. "So I presume you have something on your mind? I don't get many surprise visits from other Barons."

Michael raised his concerns about the rising tensions between El Hermandad and it's neighbours, pointing out that his Barony shared a border with El Hermandad's Barony which also made it potentially his problem.

"Do you know something I don't?" said Allison to Michael though it was clear that the question was also intended for Daniel. "Not in the least." replied Michael. "But if we can be honest with another I do have some issues with the driving force behind these recent problems..." Intrigued, Allison asked him to continue.

Salvador Garcia - Brujah
Noted Anarch Revolutionary

"I have communicated with Victor on a number of occasions, one clanmate to another. He has ingratiated himself with Gloria and has stated his intention to unite both childer of Garcia under one banner. He claims to have strengthened the ties between you and Gloria as Garcia would have wanted but I sense that he sees one of you as of secondary importance..."

Allison's reaction was difficult to read as she replied with a question "...and what exactly do you know about my sire and Victor that makes you such an expert on what they both want?"

Deciding to ease into his point, he spoke of his reading of Garcia's works and how he had chose to live by some of them, but not all. He also told her of his belief that change bought about by strength alone had a tendency to be short-term. Change bought about by belief in something greater, was however, far longer lasting.

"Victor however believes only in Victor." continued Michael. "He is a skilled advisor no doubt but it is a career to him. He has no loyalty to those he advises." He then began to speak of matters which might be more dangerous to himself should Allison take offense. However that was, unfortunately, a necessary part of the plan.

El Hermandad and Anaheim

"I see more of Garcia in Gloria than in yourself, but I mean that not as an insult. Gloria is acting as Garcia might have done under similar circumstances. You however have forged your own path, which is far more difficult. I doubt Victor sees it that way though."

"How exactly does he see it?" asked Allison. Irritation and a measure of anger entering her voice. "He sees Gloria Martinez as the leader and you as a convenient source of extra manpower." Replied Michael. Allison was now genuinely angry but was keeping herself under control. Michael was also empathetic enough to see that much of the anger was focussed on Victor, not himself. Now was the ideal time to push his own agenda.

"I think Victor is completely wrong." Said Michael in as genuine a tone as he could muster. The change of focus threw Allison for a moment. "You have fought against near impossible odds before and triumphed. You defeated an opponent who outmanned, outgunned and out resourced you. I doubt you did all that just to become the follower of another?"

"You are the second person to use the word 'follower' in conjunction with myself." responded Allison. "Though Marius was far more direct than yourself and got to the point quicker." she continued.

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Baron of Downtown

Her tone was steady and Michael firmly believed that he had succeeded in putting doubts in the mind of Anaheim's Baron about both an alliance and Victors motives. It was now Michael's turn to ask a question. "What exactly did Marius have to say for himself?"

Allison was surprisingly candid. Perhaps in response to Michael's own directness.

"He pointed out that Victor always benefitted from his own advised actions. He gave several examples of recommendations from which he gained far more than myself and that alternate suggestions would have been better for me, but would have done nothing for Victor. He also told me in no uncertain terms that he wouldn't allow the Free States to have another Prince, whether they were a de facto one or not."

Marius had relayed that latter piece of information to Michael also. Whatever Marius's long-term plans were, they were definitely not aligned with those of the Camarilla. After considering the dangers of delivering his next statement, he decided to go for broke.

"Victor told me that should it come to open war that El Hermandad outnumbered the Crypts Sons three to one. That maths only works if he includes the kindred of Anaheim. Clearly he sees your resources as his own, to do with as he pleases..."

Amethyst - Caitiff
Destroyed baron of Santa Ana

Allison leaned back in her chair, clearly deep in thought. It was almost a minute before she replied. "I will not hand my domain over to Victor acting through Gloria after fighting so hard to keep it from Tom Weaver, acting through Amethyst."

Storytellers Note - Twelve successes on his role to persuade Allison of his sincerity was more than enough. especially as the players argument was pretty good anyway.

"Should you require a second opinion on any of Victors...advice...then feel free to call upon me." concluded Michael.

Daniel had been watching Allison's reaction and had nodded in agreement at several appropriate points which Allison had certainly noticed. His previous support of her, and his current support of Michael had certainly been a factor in her willingness to listen.

"If you require any 'refreshments' before you leave then be sure to let me know." said Allison as Michael rose to leave, but he and Daniel politely declined. Though he made no reaction at the time, he was privately amused that the Camarilla version of the tradition of Hospitality seemed to be spreading through the Anarch Baronies. It was a small thing but he counted it as yet another of his subtle contributions to the undermining of the Anarch Free States.

Victor Girard - Toreador
Kindred Influencer and Seneschal

As Michael left the office he could see Vin, standing before a semi-circle of half a dozen Brujah, having an intense but seemingly amicable conversation. The level of respect they had for him was tangible and he was clearly becoming far more adept as a leader of men than he had been a mere two years ago. Daniel moved over to tell Vin they were leaving and noticed several Brujah stop talking as he approached. "It's Okay..."said Vin. "...Daniel thinks Victor is a prick as well."

As they all got into the car to leave, Michael asked Vin if his conversations with Allison's Brujah had been enlightening. Vin confirmed that they had. "None of Allison's Brujah have a good word to say about Victor." Michael then asked him to elaborate, which he did.

At least half of Allison's forces were veterans of the war against Tom Weavers forces, backed as he was by Amethyst, and understood the harsh realties of war between kindred. The rest were the survivors of David Geduld's gang and also understood the devastation that vampiric disciplines added to a conflict. Allison's Sweeper Zakaria, who had been tasked with monitoring the border, shared the opinion of the gangs Brujah. Though Vin didn't know Zakaria's history he had a certain respect for the pragmatism of the average Gangrel so took his opinion at face value.

"Their loyalty is as absolute as I've ever encountered amongst kindred and they'll fight for Allison without question." concluded Vin. "But they wouldn't trust Victor as far as they could throw his mangled corpse. They don't think he shows Allison adequate respect."

Michael then told his driver to take them to see Gloria Martinez, Baron of El Hermandad.

Scene Thirteen - The Baron of El Hermandad

Josie Parrish - Brujah
El Hermandad Lieutenant

Daniel was less impressed with Gloria's security measures. The mortal bike gang who used the bar below her base were no doubt loyal to Baron Martinez but Daniel doubted they'd be able to stop a kindred assault. Though there were security cameras on the building and secure locks on the doors and gates, there were several blockages to line of sight and a number of blind spots that could, in Daniel's opinion at least, be exploited.

They were met at the side door that led to the upstairs rooms used by Gloria's Brujah, by Josie Parrish, one of the Barons most trusted lieutenants. "Victor says that any visitors have to surrender their weapons before entering..." said Josie, seemingly embarrassed by having to ask. "As you wish." replied Michael, handing over his revolver.

Daniel took significantly longer to disarm himself. Two custom 10mm colts were handed over as well as a Browning Hi-Power converted to full-auto, a folding crossbow, a pair of Karambit's and several bladed weapons disguised as credit cards as well as a miscellaneous selection of other concealed weapons. Then it was Vin's turn.

Vin opened his jacket to reveal a SIG Sauer P320 handgun in a holster and the handle of the two-handed machete that he habitually carried at his back. "If Victor wants my weapons then he can come take them from me his fucking self." Said Vin, deadly serious.

Several nearby Brujah looked up at this point and noted the identity of the refuser. Vin's reputation as a 'Giant Killer' was well deserved and he had survived several assassination attempts by brutally destroying the attackers and had also accounted for many enemies of the coterie. It was obvious that any attempt to take his weapons would result in violence. Josie looked to Michael for support but received none. Though Vin would have disarmed himself should Michael give the order, it suited the Toreador at the moment for his bodyguards to remain armed. He was also sure that Daniel still had weapons on his person.

Josie then tried to hold Vin's stare and failed spectacularly before backing down and stepping aside. "That's what I fucking thought." said Vin before following Daniel and his Baron upstairs.

Evie-Grace Leach - Gangrel
One of El Hermandad's Sweepers

As they entered the upstairs room, Daniel noticed that El Hermandad's two sweepers were deep in discussion. Enhancing his senses, he listened in. They were griping about the size of the border they were expected to patrol and that Victor's expectations of what they could accomplish were obviously those of a kindred who'd never had to do the job himself. Making a mental note of the conversation, Daniel looked around to see if he recognised any-one else. His friend from the Last Round and Ike's Brujah Fight Club, was sitting in a corner playing cards with a striking looking woman. Uncharacteristically, Leo didn't seem to be cheating. This was a rarity worth noting.

Vin told Michael that he wanted to discuss the border issues with the Brujah there but both Michael and Daniel asked him to avoid the subject. How the meeting went would decide whether it was safe to ask such a question. "Fine. I'll just feel them out a little about the current situation instead." replied Vin. Michael indicated that that would be useful and gave his go-ahead.

Josie then escorted Michael to Gloria's office. Michael was relieved to discover that Victor wasn't present. This had been something he had feared might undermine his plan but he could hardly have asked Gloria for a private meeting without arousing suspicion.

Michael intended to adopt a similar tactic to that he'd used with Allison and focus on the differences between the two childer of Garcia. First however, he'd need to lay some groundwork. Gloria could be far less reasonable than Allison and more prone to violent retaliations to perceived insults.

Priss - Lasombra
Baron of 'The Border'

Michael pointed out that Hank was currently staying on his side of the border and this was despite a number of provocations. He also reminded her that Priss had also kept the peace and had been less threatening on the territorial borders between her and El Hermandad. Both these were signs that a peaceful outcome could be achieved, as long as Victor's 'plan' didn't do anything to get in the way. Gloria's reaction to Michael's mentioning of Victors plan made it clear to him that though aware of it's existence, she had no idea what it actually entailed.

Storytellers Note - Michael's player has invested heavily in abilities related to kindred politics and persuasion. Michael is also very empathetic, which means he excels in these sort of negotiations. Having Presence 5 helps too of course.

He told her of Victor's boast that 'his' forces outnumbered Hank's three to one but also expressed his doubts that Allison's forces would blindly follow where El Hermandad led. He reminded her that Allison's forces were all veterans of vicious kindred conflicts and were unlikely to be in a hurry to enter another war, especially to defend a border not their own.

"I see traits of Garcia in you." continued Michael. "Though not in Allison. She is obviously not the natural leader you are. Her forces are loyal to her because of their shared experiences in numerous conflicts between our kind. She has however, fought hard to keep that barony. I doubt very much that she would wish to be perceived as 'South El Hermandad'. Especially as just another puppet of Victor."

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of El Hermandad

Michael detected instantly that he'd made a mistake. Gloria had tensed at the use of the word puppet and he realised that he'd implied that both she and Allison were puppets of Victor. Subtly backtracking he once again spoke of Gloria's natural skills as a leader and added some compliments about how she had united the disparate elements within El Hermandad. He could see her relax as his comments made her doubt that his earlier slur had in fact been aimed at her. Once she was calm once more he shifted the conversation to Victor's lack of trustworthiness.

"Victor is no doubt a skilled advisor. Close as he has been to both Anarch and Camarilla leaders..." Gloria reacted to his reference to the Camarilla as Michael had hoped she would."...but for all his honeyed words, and guidance while safely behind the lines, his goal is always his own self aggrandization. The one at the forefront means nothing to him as is evident from how often those he advised have suffered while Victor went to ground, only to emerge later and start over with another."

Michael concealed his satisfaction as he saw Gloria's doubts rise. He was certain she would now analyse Victors recommendations before acting. He was also certain that enough of Victors advice could be traced to his own projects so that Gloria's suspicions would increase without any further input on Michael's part.

"I say these things to you only as I have no desire to see another, preventable war explode in Los Angeles. Also, should you ever need a second opinion on one of Victor's recommendations then feel free to call on me as I can be trusted to give you an independent viewpoint. After all, I have nothing to gain by misleading you as in no areas of influence do we compete against each.

He then rose to leave. Hopefully Daniel and Vin had also been as successful.

Scene Fourteen - On a Knife Edge

Arissa East - Brujah
El Hermandad 'Harpy'

Daniel moved to speak to his friend Leo, who was playing cards with a striking looking, fashionably dressed woman. Daniel had thought he'd recognised the game but some of the rules seemed different from what he was expecting. Apparently his confusion was evident on his face as the woman spoke to him. "He's adding rules as he goes along because I started winning the moment he stopped cheating."

"So this is your friend from The Last Round and the Fight Club?" she said, addressing Leo but looking at Daniel. Leo introduced the woman to Daniel as Arissa East. After some small talk she left them to chat taking quite a lot of Leo's money with her as she did.

"Watch out for her." warned Leo, but without any malice in his voice. "She's very clever, quick too." He raised his had to indicate a freshly healed red mark on one side, then turned it to show a similar one on the other then placed his hand back on the table in line with a hole, seemingly caused by someone driving a blade through it.

Daniel realised what had happened instantly and smiled. "It's lucky you were reaching for the card up your sleeve, not the one tucked in your trouser pocket." remarked Daniel. "Or you might have had to grow something back rather than just heal a stab wound." Leo smiled. "Can I talk about something a bit more serious?" asked Daniel.

Leo Frost - Brujah
El Hermandad

Daniel then spoke of his Barons concerns about Victor's actions leading to war. After receiving assurances that Victor would hear nothing of what he was about to say, Leo opened up to Daniel about his own concerns.

"Victor is making some of these bastards feel like they're fucking invulnerable." began Leo. "But most of this lot are wannabe revolutionaries. It's all theory, they've never seen the realities of a war of any kind, mortal or kindred." Daniel had never seen the serious side of Leo before, so let him talk without interruptions.

"I've fought in two world wars so I'm well aware of leaders who talk of 'overwhelming odds', 'easy victories' and all that bullshit. But they're not on the front-lines doing the dying. That's going to be us." "Three to one odds sounds great until your watching your comrades torn to fucking pieces and you realise those odds just mean their side runs out of cannon-fodder before your side does..."

Daniel began to suspect that Victor was using vampiric disciplines to effect the minds of the more easily influenced of El Hermandad's kindred. Also he was apparently doing a lot of preparation for a war he claimed he was going to avoid with some mysterious 'plan' that no-one had actually heard properly explained yet. Daniel's musings were interrupted by another telling comment from Leo. "They're also beginning to look at Victor like he's in charge, not Gloria."

Daniel was a good judge of people and he knew Leo well. It was quite obvious that his loyalty was to Gloria and Gloria alone. However it seemed that he was beginning to be in the minority, not the majority. Daniel decided to just come out and ask his next question and hope he had judged Leo correctly. "How many of the kindred would side with Gloria over Victor if it came to it?"

Alessandro Kaye - House Ipsissimus, 'Velme' - Daughter of Cacophony

Leo leaned in close before answering. "Me for a start, and Josie, both the Gangrel Sweepers, the House 'whatever the fuck they're called' guy Alessandro and Velme are definite. If I had to put money on it then I'd say Arissa too. That would be it though. The rest are definitely on team Victor."

Daniel thanked his friend for his honesty and then looked around for Vin.

Scene Fifteen - Suicidal Tendencies

Vin's Favourite Educational Aid

Vin was clearly agitated. The conversation between him and several of the other Brujah had become much louder and Daniel could clearly see his right hand clenching and unclenching. The Banu Haqim had seen this before and it usually meant that Vin was either going to punch something's head off or use his machete to lop bits off of them. Sometimes one, then the other.

As he moved to see if he could defuse the situation he heard Vin raise his voice once more. "If you believe that then you're even stupider than you look. Which is a fucking achievement in itself." Daniel sighed inwardly. This was going to be interesting.

Vin was growing increasingly frustrated with the majority of El Hermandad's Brujah population. Their grasp of the realities of open war were naïve at best and dangerously arrogant at worst. Even more frustrating was their seeming complete inability to accept even the most reasonable constructive arguments. Victor had apparently filled their heads with a certainty of victory that reason was unable to penetrate. Several of their number had also began to imply that Vin's reticence was due to cowardice. 

Vin - Brujah 
'Not Particularly Helping the Situation'

It was at this point that he had decided they needed a practical demonstration in what happened when overconfident assholes annoyed another kindred who was really good at killing fools. Perhaps this might enlighten them of the actual consequences should they assault the Crypts Sons head on. As he reached behind him and gripped his trusty machete and had just began to slide it from it's scabbard, Daniel appeared at his side.

"Michael's ready to leave." said Daniel, deliberately placing his hand on the arm about to draw steel. He disguised the gesture as one of comradely friendship though also placed himself between Vin and the most vocal of El Hermandad's Brujah.

The tension was almost palpable as Michael left Gloria's office. The Toreador could see from Vin's posture that it was only Daniel's presence that had prevented him from destroying some-one. He knew that the provocation must have been serious. Unlike the explosive Hope, Vin was a casual killer. He would kill if necessary, or if ordered, but not merely on a whim. He was also loyal. Michael hoped that would be enough on this occasion.

"Vin. We are leaving. Please lead the way." Vin seemed to consider the situation for a moment, then turned and headed towards the door. Michael and Daniel exchanged a look then followed Vin downstairs to retrieve their weaponry.

A member of El Hermandad who was a fraction to slow in vacating the doorway, found himself pinned against the wall by an extremely angry Brujah as Michael and Daniel headed towards the car. The unfortunate target for Vin's anger sensibly avoided making any attempt to retaliate as he was slowly lowered the necessary distance so his feet once more touched the ground.

"Well what was all that about?" asked Michael. Daniel on the other hand was reasonably sure he knew exactly what it had been about. He wasn't to be disappointed.

Vin explained that much of El Hermandad had suddenly become suicidally overconfident. Brujah who he had spoken to on previous occasions who had been fairly sensible were now almost looking forward to a war with The Crypts Sons. All Vin's reasonable points about Hank's personal prowess, his gangs extensive combat experience and his access to several thousand loyal mortal gang members had been casually dismissed. "They're acting more like a cult, than a gang." he concluded.

"Leo said more or less the same thing." added Daniel. "Victor is certainly in the ascendant and Leo believes that only six, maybe seven of the gang would side with Gloria should it become a choice between her and Victor." This latter point had clarified several ideas of Michael's which he then discussed with the rest of the coterie.

Michael now believed that Victor had set up his own plan for peace to be a failure. This way he could attack the Crypts Sons and still place the blame firmly on Hank, claiming with some justification, that he'd tried his best to avoid a war. It also seemed likely to him that he intended to replace Gloria with a more easily manipulated figurehead.

Ralph Harwood - Ventrue
Pawn of Victor Girard

He theorised that the trespassers in his own domain had not been looking for a safe route from El Hermandad to San Fernando but rather exactly the opposite. On the back of a successful campaign against the Crypts Sons, Victor would remove Gloria and replace her with either Ralph Harwood or perhaps Ralph's childe. Whichever one not appointed the puppet-leader of El Hermandad would take over San Fernando with Victor's support. Transported safely to their new domains using a pre-planned route across L.A.

Between them the idea also occurred that given Allison's reticence to join El Hermandad in a random war that perhaps Victors 'three to one' odds were including Ralph's forces with his own, rather than Allison's.

Daniel interrupted their musings with a piece of pertinent information. "Hope has appointed Max as a de facto sweeper, covering our border with El Hermandad. She's effectively prevented any further incursions from that direction so Hope thought that formalising her role would be a suitable reward for her assistance." Michael agreed that this was reasonable. Of course that meant that Victor would need to find another route for transporting his kindred figureheads.

Cashing in a favour with Hollywood's Sweeper, Nicholas Rowland, Michael asked him to keep an eye out for any kindred using the outer borders of Isaac's domain to skirt the cities kindred domains. Nicholas, who effectively owed Michael his unlife, was happy to oblige.

To Be Continued in 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' (Part Four)

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...

This particular story has been very politically biased which has given several normally combat orientated characters a chance to broaden their horizons a bit. Of course if they really screw this one up then they're in the middle of a massive war that will be partly their fault and for which they'll certainly get the blame. So, no pressure then...

I'm also probably going to have to run a solo session for Daniel's player as he has a lot of sneaking about, investigation and morally dubious stuff to do. It's also fun for me when I follow it with a full session and the intro is the devastation that Daniel has caused while his player tries to look innocent...

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, Allison Maller is Chloe Grace Moretz, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Amethyst is Paula Patton, Victor Girard is Bob Hoskins, Josie Parrish is Rebecca Ferguson, Evie-Grace Leach is Zoe Saldana, Priss is Sofia Boutella, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Leo Frost is Danny John-Jules, Velme is Annie Henley and Ralph Harwood is D.B. Woodside.

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.

Vampire the Masquerade V5 - Session Seventy Seven - Veni, Vidi, Victor (Part Two)

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

---------------------
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 Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

Story Fourteen - 'The Rant'
Story Fifteen - 'Ties of Blood' - Part One and Two

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 Eighteen - 'Inevitable Betrayals' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Nineteen - 'The Marius Contracts' - Part One and Two

Story Twenty - 'The MacNeil Protocols' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five, 

Story Twenty - 'The MacNeil Protocols' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

--------------------

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.'

Story Twenty One - 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' - Part One

--------------------

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'

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.

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.

Storytellers Note - Due to a Covid related local lockdown in the area in which I live, our group is currently unable to meet up in person. We have therefore done this session via messengers video 'room' app.

Introduction

Martinelli's Ring

The coterie has been alerted to the presence of trespassers within their domain, Mr Hertz has found links between the Crypts Sons and the Sabbat and Daniel is continuing his investigation into weaknesses within Victors business empire that can be exploited.

Michael however has been distracted by a search for a vampiric artefact with which to gift Isaac in order to ingratiate him further. Though the item has now been retrieved, further political complications have forced him to postpone passing the gift onto Baron Abrams.

Three of the coteries members find themselves needing the assistance of the 'Fixer' Marius and Michael has arranged a meeting.

Scene Eight - Mawla

Hallowbrook - Internal Security

Daniel once more marvelled at the security with which Marius surrounded himself. Despite much of the building being residential, actually getting passed the lobby was a mission in itself.

The guards were highly trained, all former military, and worked short shifts so as to minimise the chances of tiredness or apathy.

Multiple security cameras with overlapping fields of vision covered every point of ingress and Daniel knew that some had been acquired from destroyed Second Inquisition operations and were capable of distinguishing mortals from supernatural guests.

That was before even considering the relatively mundane scanners and metal detectors.

Victoria - Ancient Ghoul of Marius
Psychotic Personal Assistant

Fortunately for them, their progress was expedited by the presence of Marius's assistant Victoria who had met them at the entrance. The private elevator to Marius's private apartments looked like it could withstand an explosion and probably could. "More upgrades?" asked Daniel. "A few..." replied Victoria. "We're having the roof garden covered and some security system upgrades fitted. Just keeping things up to date..."

Marius was seated in the open plan living room that made up the majority of one floor of his penthouse on a sofa. As Victoria escorted them in, she indicated that they should make themselves comfortable. "According to Fortier as I'm now a Baron I should offer visitors refreshments..." began Marius. "...I told him he was the last Baron in the city other than possibly Isaac, and of course you Michael, who gives a shit about such things. Nonetheless if it keeps Baron Fortier happy I'll play along."

Michael was aware that Marius had met Fortier in the last few days. The way he had heard it told, Louis had demanded the meeting and Marius had obliged. Much to the surprise of many who had expected Marius to tell him to fuck off. "Would you like your refreshments from bottle or vein?"

Michael indicated that preserved blood would be fine though Hope and Daniel both declined. The blood wine wasn't one of Leanna's best creations but Michael couldn't imagine that Marius drank it himself very often. More than likely he just had some nearby for guests.

Baron Louis Fortier and Catherine DuBois, his Childe and Mistress

"How did your meeting with Baron Fortier go?" asked Michael, trying to make the question sound casual. Marius answered freely so Michael presumed he had succeeded. "He wanted to know how many of the rumours being circulated by 'The Oratory' about Ralph's opinions were true. I told him they might have become exaggerated in the telling but that there was undoubtedly a core of truth to them all." 

Ralph Harwood - Ventrue
Leader of the 'Blue Bloods' Gang

Michael knew that this was a lie but as it suited him for such slander to spread he made no comment. Marius continued. "I needed to see his childe Catherine anyway so I indulged him on this occasion, but I digress. What is it I can do for you?"

"I believe that Daniel's questions are the most urgent, so I'll defer to him first." said Michael.

His first enquiry was about the sabotage that had occurred to Victor Girard's budding broadcast network. As Marius already knew that Victor was a problem, Daniel felt safe enough to ask general questions about his activities. Daniel planned to phrase his later questions as tactical enquiries relating to the security of the North-Eastern baronies so as to avoid any implication he was intent on interfering in the affairs of other baronies. 

"It wasn't me if that's what you're thinking." began Marius. "It's Miss Anatos who has been causing problems for Victors ambitious television and multi-media projects. His newspapers gave one of her films a terrible review. One out of ten I believe. She's very touchy about such things..." as far as Daniel could tell, what he was being told was the truth. Daniel decided to see how willing 'The Fixer' was to assist him. It turned out that he was very willing indeed. "If you have a plan that my input will increase the chances of success, with not too drastic consequences to myself, then I'll be more than happy to assist. I have no more desire to see Victor successfully than you yourselves."

Karen Anatos - Gangrel Anathema, Media Magnate

Content to have a potential ally on which to ask for help, he moved onto his next concern. Namely the gang of unbound ghouls who called themselves 'The Young Bloods'.

'The Young Bloods' - Unbound Ghoul Gang

"I've heard that they're coming into L.A. via one of the routes through the mountains. What do you think the chances are of locating their base?" Marius had to admit that they weren't good. Especially if the rumours of them having kindred prisoners to keep them in vitae were true.

"You're talking about a group with many of our advantages but not our one real weakness, namely the sun. They have the ability to move during the day which gives them double the travel time and a period of immunity from us. Of course we have our own ghouls but I understand the gang to be at least thirty strong now. That's a lot to fight your way through or sneak past, especially when they know what they're looking for." Daniel nodded his agreement with the assessment and then Marius continued. "Legitimate mortal agents are also an issue as their hideout is almost certainly a masquerade breach waiting to happen. Should the Second Inquisition become involved they're more likely to recruit them than eliminate them..." Marius stopped speaking and seemed to be considering the issue.

Myranda - Gangrel
Leader of The Wilds Pack

"I'll look into the viability of scouting the area and see if any opportunities present themselves. They are, after all, also a threat to some of my protectorates near to those mountainous areas. Give me a few nights and I'll let you know how viable your request is."

Daniel then decided to use Marius's train of thought to segue into another question he had on his mind. "I thought that might be what so many of The Wilds Gangrel were doing in the mountains these last few weeks..."

"You'd have to ask Myranda that..." replied Marius. "...they're her forces, not mine. I have no idea what she's up to..." Though Daniel was sure he was being lied to, he could detect no falsehood in the statement so decided to drop the subject. As Daniel seemed to have finished, Michael began.

"I'll start with a small confession." began Michael. "It was I who supplied weapons to Priss as you agreed I could along with my political guidance...however I understand that the blame has fallen upon you?" Mr Hertz had told Michael that he didn't think Marius could care less. He was right.

"If a kindred in this city stubs their toe, walks into the sun, or anything in between and there's no obvious culprit then I get the blame." said Marius, seemingly completely unconcerned. 

Victor Girard - Toreador
Grandechilde of Christopher

"Aegis is reinforcing her haven so it's an entirely reasonable assumption to blame me. Don't give it another thought." With one problem apparently solved, Michael, like Daniel, began to discuss Victor.

"All the indications are that Victor isn't going to start a war. At least not as long as he's likely to be seen as the aggressor but he's certainly preparing for the possibility. I've considered moving against him myself but unfortunately he has a...family member...who might be upset if someone he didn't favour was to hurt or destroy Mr Girard."

Michael was sure he was referring to Victors grandesire, Christopher Houghton.

Houghton was a notoriously fickly Toreador Elder because he flits from interest to interest with all of the dogged determination of a butterfly. Embraced during his early teens and in many ways still a child. 

He had existed behind the scenes in Los Angeles and was in many ways responsible for the cities creation in the first place. He was known to become obsessed with charismatic men and then 'assist' the object of his latest crush until he became bored and found another. Both Marius Walker and Isaac Abrams had hinted to Michael that he was Christopher's latest subject of interest.

Christopher Houghton - Toreador
Fickle, 5th Generation Elder

Marius continued. "However, if a kindred artist with whom Houghton was fascinated currently was to be the one responsible for Victors downfall then that would be different." Michael considered this for a moment before replying. "Perhaps then I should involve myself in this...testing of Victors character? just so any mysterious observers might be more likely to understand it's necessity and any consequences?"

"That sounds like an excellent idea, Baron Tomassio..." concluded Marius. Michael was still somewhat unused to the Gangrel 'Fixer' using his correct title but he was beginning to appreciate the show of respect.

With at least some idea about how to limit any fallout from the coteries plan to undermine Victor, Michael moved onto the subject of the main targets of Victors manipulations. These were Baron Martinez of El Hermandad and Baron Maller of Anaheim. Both were childer of Salvador Garcia and Victor was dangerously close to uniting them both under a single banner.

"Gloria is more like Garcia, whereas Allison seems to have put considerable effort into forging her own path while Gloria Martinez more closely follows the broad strokes of her sires objectives." Marius agreed that this was a fair assessment and Michael continued. 

Gloria Martinez - El Hermandad Baron, Allison Maller - Baron of Anaheim

"An alliance between the two would never be equal, Allison would always be secondary to Gloria and I think that fact might be worth reminding Allison of. Especially as should this split occur after a formal alliance was made then the resulting civil war would certainly drag other baronies into it. Essentially even without Victor, an alliance between the childer of Garcia inevitably ends with a war that will make the current disputes seem trivial in comparison." Marius agreed that Michael was potentially correct, he then indicated Victoria should join them.

Downtown and El Hermandad - Border

"Victoria has put an idea to me for a plan that might help with your campaign against Victor..." he paused briefly. "I'm not 100% convinced of it's merits but I'll let her explain herself and you can draw your own conclusions."

"Your problem as I see it..." began Victoria. "...is that you are attempting to undermine someone who has a proven track record of offering sound, often profitable advice and succeeding in negotiations where others have failed, yes?" Michael nodded, worried about where this might be going. Victoria wasn't exactly renowned for her humanity.

"If we, were to orchestrate a border dispute between Downtown and El Hermandad, one that also might threaten the involvement of The Wilds then Victor can't help but have to become involved. Especially as that severely impacts the amount of resources he has to harass Hank Boyd." Michael noticed that Victoria gave Marius a sideways glance. Apparently they were coming to the bit that Marius was dubious about. 

Marius Walker - Gangrel Baron of Downtown
'Being Unreasonable...'

"Then Marius defaults to one of his much maligned, belligerent asshole moods and refuses to accept even reasonable terms for a stand-down. This should impact on Gloria and Allison's confidence in Victor and make Mr Girard look weak in front of their Brujah followers. Then Michael offers to interject..." Michael raised an eyebrow and smiled. It was now obvious to him where the plan was going.

"Michael then succeeds spectacularly where Victor failed. War is averted and Michael's reputation as a peacemaker is reinforced, perhaps enough for both of Garcia's childer to consider an alternate advisor. At the very worst it will make Victor's claims of being able to find a peaceful solution between The Crypts sons and El Hermandad seem like an empty promise. They will hopefully presume that if he can't negotiate one peace then, the other would also be beyond him..."

Mercurio - Ghoul of Marius
Mercury Security Solutions

Michael could see why Marius wasn't a fan of this part of the plan. If not handled expertly he could easily find himself in an actual war with El Hermandad and vulnerable to attack from enemies of his own attempting to take advantage. "It seems a simple enough concept, though also a dangerous gamble." said Michael. "Daniel? can you see any other problems with the plan?"

Daniel believed that the plan was sound in of itself but shouldn't be put into action unless their other actions against Victor failed. Especially due to what might happen if the plan went wrong. "Though I do have another unrelated question. are you Mercurio's new regnant? Mr Hertz worked out who the others were and as they have all been destroyed, he put you as one of his top three candidates to have 'adopted' him..."

The Fixer admitted that he was, but also that he would appreciate that information being kept quiet. Not only might it ruffle some feathers amongst the Barons but it was also potentially damaging in the mortal world. Aegis Acquisitions also now being a major arms dealer, having acquired Mercury Security,  might not be seen in the most positive light by the more liberal of the countries news sources.

With that, the coterie prepared to leave. Hope however had a question of her own. "Do you happen to know anything about a group of organisation that fall under the banner of The Anubi?"

"That is something we should discuss another time, and in private." replied Marius. "But, yes. I can point you in the right direction at a more suitable time."

Storytellers Note - 'The Anubi' is a generic title for a number of kindred groups who come together to hunt werewolves. Hope has gotten a taste for werewolf blood and her player wanted to look into getting some dots in The Anubi loresheet. I'll create a sub-plot in the near future to oblige.

Scene Nine - To the 'Max'

Orla - Gangrel
Sweeper for the North East Baronies

Orla has been in touch and needs to meet you urgently. Apparently there's some trouble on the border with El Hermandad and she wants your input before bringing it to Michael. She has also messaged Daniel in case any 'cleaning up' needs to be done.

Just in case this became an issue that Michael definitely wouldn't want to be informed about, Daniel dropped their Baron back at his mansion and then Hope contacted Orla. They knew Michael would be busying himself verifying that the ring they had discovered the previous evening was indeed Martinelli's and no doubt making it presentable as a gift. This should give them time to resolve any issues before deciding if they were a 'need to know' or not.

"Max has caught two kindred sneaking around his feeding ground for the second time and has staked them both as he was told he's not allowed to destroy interlopers, by Michael. However being Gangrel he thought driving stakes through their hearts and dumping them in his cellar didn't count..."

Orla met them near to max's hunting ground and then escorted them the rest of the way.

Max's Haven is a small cabin in some woodlands near a cattle-farm. As you approach, Max's ghoul is waiting by the door with a dusty, but seemingly functional, modern short-barrelled shotgun held in both hands. A small revolver, possibly a 38. is tucked into her belt. Once she identifies you both she lowers the weapon and steps aside. Parked next to the cabin is a surprisingly well maintained Honda motorcycle, with top boxes and panniers, which is presumably how Max and his ghoul get around when travelling.

Daniel asked the ghouls name. She wasn't particularly talkative, merely identifying herself as 'Izzy'. Daniel noted that the gun was a Remington shotgun with a pistol grip. The girl seemed familiar with the weapon and was quite calm considering the situation. Hope was aware that Gangrel took particular care in choosing their ghouls so was less surprised than Daniel by their competence.

The cabin has just enough conveniences to keep a mortal fed and warm but has little to no decoration. A trap door is open in the floor leading to a store-room some three metres square with a low ceiling. Two kindred have been laid out in the corner, each impaled through the heart. The shorter one with a piece of post and the taller with a piece of branch, roughly sharpened at one end. Though the wooden post has entered it's target from the front, it's obvious that the sharpened branch however was driven in from above and behind. 

'Max' - Gangrel
Unaffiliated Anarch

Daniel recognises the tall one as a Brujah to which his friend Leo was once chatting in The Last Round.

"So Max. What happened then?" asked Hope.

Max explained that they'd been patrolling a bit more regularly and spotted the same two trespassers from last time. The pair had split up and so Max had decided to incapacitate them while they were separated. The first one had been ambushed as Max had dropped on them from the trees with a stake they'd prepared "Just in case...". The second one had been closer than Max had expected and so they had been required to improvise a bit. The closest thing to hand had been a piece of fence that they had snapped in two and drove through the interlopers chest before they had a chance to draw a weapon. "I was told that defending my feeding ground was okay as long as I didn't kill anyone..." they concluded

Hope, Daniel and Orla could see that Max was concerned that this might void their agreement with Michael about the allocated feeding ground. "Don't worry about shanking these pair..." said Hope reassuringly. "...I'll make sure that any report makes it clear you were defending yourself and the barony." They were then interrupted by Izzy who had just entered the cabin and had an unusual question. "Can any of you do that thing where you can see really far?"

Daniel confirmed that he could indeed.

Izzy had spotted something in the distance near to some trees but wasn't sure whether it was a natural creature or something else. She also had no intention of investigating on her own in a darkened wood possibly filled with trespassing vampires, for obvious reasons. Daniel told her to wait by the door and then disappeared into the shadows.

Daniel could see the glint of eyes some distance away. It was hard to tell from this distance but it looked like a Mastiff or other similarly large, heavy dog. As he closed he realised that it was too large to be normal. Silent as death and camouflaged by the shadows, the Banu Haqim was almost upon the creature before there was any reaction. As the Mastiff turned in his direction and began to sniff, Daniel realised that there was at least one weakness to his stealth capabilities.

As you approach, the Mastiff flows into a heavy-set, muscular but overweight man with a bushy beard. His hands are clenched, and one foot is forward but he is making no immediately threatening moves.

"If you don't want a bullet through your eye you might want to identify yourself." said Daniel coldly.

'Hogg' - Gangrel
Unaffiliated Anarch

The man was a Gangrel named Robson Hogarth but "...you can all me 'Hogg', everyone does..." He explained to Daniel that he was tracking the two interlopers but thought that Max might be a sweeper so didn't want to get into any more trouble by being perceived to be a poacher. He therefore kept out of the way. His curiosity was aroused by the kindreds capture and he was waiting to see what happened. Though this seemed reasonable enough, Daniel still insisted that Hogg walk in front.

Daniel asked him a few questions as they walked back to Max's cabin. "So you're the Gangrel who left Ralph's gang recently?"

He confirmed that he'd left Ralph Harwood's gang after an argument with Ralphs childe Theodor Clayton. Hogg had objected to been spoken to like a "...fucking piece of shit." so left. One of the gangs Caitiff, a guy called Dante tried to stop him and Hogg "...Put the wankers head through the door..." on his way out.

Daniel indicated that Hogg should go inside but warned him to not do anything stupid that might provoke the two Sweepers within, Max or himself. Hogg nodded his agreement. Four to one was bad odds for most kindred and he was no exception. "Do you know either of these bastards then?" asked Daniel pointing at the two staked kindred.

Hogg identified the short man as 'Reuben' Coleman, a Brujah who works for Ralph Harwood. According to Hogg he claimed he was a United States Army Ranger but Hogg thinks he was just regular army who "...made up a more impressive backstory for himself.". Hogg did grudgingly admit that the guy did have wilderness skills though so was probably the next best choice after himself to do scouting jobs. However he didn't recognise the tall white guy at all.

"You're still a trespasser in our barony..." said Hope. "...and it's my job to make sure any guests are both invited and behave themselves. Therefore now might be a good time to ingratiate yourself via any other useful pieces of information you might have." Hogg had seemingly decided that Hope had a point so relayed to her a discussion he had overheard between Ralph, his childe Theodore.

"Ralph and his fuckwit kid, Theodor were talking about their 'sponsor'. Apparently their job is to keep the vamps of L.A. looking West while this sponsor prick is up to some shady shit on the other side of the city."

San Fernando - A New Barony?

"When it's done this mysterious dickhead is going to use his new influence to clear up their reputations and support their claim to a barony of their own...and it's exactly this sort of shit I could do without, you know? The fucking politics? Are we cool, by the way, cuz I need to feed and I can't do it in your turf or this girls..." he said, indicating Max whose feeding ground this was.

"If you can survive an animal blood there's a herd of cattle not far from here." interrupted Max. "But you'd have to have permission from Hope as well. Like she said, Census Taker is her job..." Hope indicated that as long as that was all he did before leaving their domain that would be fine. She also informed him that he would need to speak to their Baron if he had any desire to spend any more time within the North-Eastern Baronies. He agreed to meet Michael at the coteries bar in two evenings time. "We might have some work for you." she concluded.

Once Hogg was out of the way, Hope and Daniel told Max that she might want to take her ghoul somewhere safe. Interrogations could be a messy business after all. Hope also told her that she was giving her official permission to patrol her domain and deal with any trespassers "Any way she felt like...", effectively making her a de facto Sweeper.

"Those are big holes..." pointed out Hope, indicating the gaping, chest wounds and the improvised stakes that had made them. "Not much vitae left in these pair, if any." Daniel agreed that simply removing the stakes was unlikely to result in the trespassers awakening. They'd need to be given an infusion of blood. "It will need to be from a kindred of lower generation to work." added Daniel. Hope didn't ask how he knew but guessed if anyone did know, it would be him.

From Hope's body language it was obvious to Daniel that she was very hungry so he volunteered to try first. Unfortunately a failure of communication between the two of them meant that neither Hope nor Daniel were actually restraining the kindred they were trying to awaken.

Storytellers Note - We're over seventy-five sessions in so were past the point where I ask "Are you sure you want to do that?"...

The stake was removed and kindred blood was dripped into the tallest of the two uninvited guests. With only enough blood to awaken them, the kindred frenzied the moment he emerged from torpor. Threatened and near frenzy herself, Hope reflexively attacked with her claws, decapitating the unfortunate creature before he had a chance to either attack or escape.

Trophies of the Hunt

"We'll call that one a warm-up." Said Hope quickly taking a picture of the kindreds face so they could at least see if anyone recognised them, before the destroyed kindreds body swiftly began to age as their years caught up with them. Hope also pulled out their still extended fangs so as to make identification of them as a kindred somewhat more difficult should the corpse ever be discovered. Or to be exact, that was the reason she gave Daniel. She actually wanted to add them to her trophy collection.

After some debate it was decided that they would take the other staked kindred somewhere more secure and interrogate them with a little more thought put into the process. Hope claimed to know of somewhere secure to keep the kindred until the next evening. Daniel helped her load the bodies into the back of her jeep, covered them with a tarpaulin and then the two coterie members went their separate ways. They also agreed that Michael didn't need to know any of what had transpired until they had more information and a better explanation for the unfortunate sequence of events.

Scene Ten - Interrogation

Alonzo Guillen - Nosferatu
Autarkis Elder, Ancient Warrens

While attempting to think of an out of the way place in which to awaken and interrogate the one surviving trespasser, Daniel remembered Alonzo's former Haven. The cave in the Pasadena hills was both out of the way, and within their own barony. It's former inhabitant now made their home in the most ancient part of the warrens beneath Hollywood so it had been vacant for some time. As Daniel and Alonzo were surprisingly close for kindred, he knew that his friend wouldn't mind him using his former home.

Daniel then contacted Michael to inform him that he wouldn't be available for the next few hours, he'd also probably need Hope, meaning she would be unavailable too. Deciding to continue with his usual policy of not asking questions to which he didn't want to hear the answer, Michael agreed that this was fine. If he needed a guard he could contact Vin easily enough.

Michael had been attempting to minimise Vin's involvement in any of the coteries activities that might make him even more doubtful about their aims but he was still incredibly useful if one needed protection.

After reminding Hope of the importance of bringing some restraints with her, Daniel also retrieved some manacles he'd acquired from the body of an assassinated kindred many months ago. He also bought some blood bags with him in case they needed to keep their subject from frenzying once awakened. 

Keith Chang - Ghoul of Daniel

Daniel also contacted his ghoul, Keith Chang, in case they needed to apply any methods of coercion that might be as dangerous to them as to their subject. Fire being the obvious example.

Daniel had been forced to park his car some distance from the cave as the terrain was unsuitable for further progress. He was carrying the equipment he deemed necessary in a military style canvass bag. He was nearly at the agreed location as Hope drove up next to him in her Jeep and offered him a lift the rest of the way.

Alonzo's cave was much as Daniel remembered it, it's entrance was concealed behind a rocky outcropping and several overgrown bushes and trees. There had been some disturbance near the cave entrance which Hope identified as the tracks of small animals. The creatures hadn't ventured far within, perhaps the lingering scent of such an unnatural predator as a kindred had been enough to dissuade them. Neither Daniel or Hope could see any supernatural reasons for the absence of animals within.

Hope hammered a number of spikes into the ground and used them as anchor points for the various chains and manacles they then wrapped around their subject. They might not be enough to fully restrain a Brujah if he had sufficient supernatural strength to break free though they'd certainly slow him down enough for Hope and Daniel to overpower them again. At least that was the theory.

Hope ripped the stake from Reuben's chest then fed them just enough vitae to awaken them and stave off frenzy. The restrained kindreds eyes flicked open as he struggled against his bonds, then noticed Hope standing over him. The bandolier of stakes she'd taken from a Second Inquisition agent was slung across her chest. "If you wish to avoid your friends fate then I suggest you be very cooperative indeed." suggested Hope with all the menace she could muster.

"If you're really helpful, we might even let you go..." added Daniel though something about his tone alerted Reuben to the fact that this was almost certainly a lie. "So firstly. What were you doing in our barony?"

Reuben had apparently decided to be at least nominally cooperative though was more than likely playing for time in Hope's opinion.

He told them that they were looking for a direct and unwatched route through Pasadena to San Fernando as skimming around the outside via the San Gabriel Mountains was now impossible due to "Those Wilds Pack fuckers" patrolling it extensively.

Henrique 'Hank' Boyd - Brujah
Baron of the Crypts Sons

Also "The Santa Clarita" lot have been patrolling down to nearly the border of San Fernando making that "a dangerous way to travel." "Especially now they've got 'Hanks Gangrel' working for them..." This last comment made both Hope and Daniel pay attention. They knew that two Sweepers of Hanks, both Gangrel, had apparently left his service after a difference of opinion about how much danger they were willing to put themselves in on The Crypts Sons behalf.

Gangrel were typically highly pragmatic as a clan and were far less likely to run headfirst into suicidal levels of danger than a Brujah was. If they had indeed gone to work for the pseudo Baronies of Simi and Santa Clarita, both of which were protectorates of the Baron of Downtown, then Marius must have known about it.

If he had merely took advantage of the situation to acquire two useful assets then that was one thing, however if it was his offer that made them leave in the first place then that was a more serious interference in the barony of another. Neither scenario was out of character for 'The Fixer'.

As they were talking to Reuben they noticed for the first time that his body was covered in burns and scars, evidently he is already no stranger to torture. When mortal someone had apparently worked him over with considerable skill and vigour. Hopefully this would make him more cooperative, not less.

"Now you can tell me about Ralph's 'sponsor'..." continued Daniel, hoping that Reuben would implicate Victor Girard in the plan. Reuben claimed to have no idea who Ralph's 'sponsor' is, and didn't even know he had one. He said that he was told by Ralph that he had permission to use the outskirts of El Hermandad as long as he was with their guy Jaimee Norman and that was all he knew.

Hope repeated the question and Reuben told him both to fuck off, insisting that he'd told them all he knew. "I'm curious..." began Daniel, ignoring the protestations. "I gathered that..." Interrupted their prisoner. "But I've told you everything I know so either let me go or fucking kill me, because I'm done."

"I still need to know about the relationship between El Hermandad and San Fernando." said Daniel, pressing once more. "Then we can discuss your fate..."

As Daniel moved closer to Reuben he ripped the chains from the ground and struck Daniel double-fisted in the chest. The blow sent him sprawling across the cave. Using what must have been the last of the vitae in his system he snapped the chains and lunged forward towards the prone Banu Haqim. 

Hope reacted instantly and leapt forward, intercept the Brujah. Both tumbled into a corner. Reacting instinctively to the threat, the Gangrel Hope, bit deeply into Reuben's throat then tore it out. Lost in frenzy once more she continued to drink even after he was drained.

Anxious to both save their subject and prevent Hope from committing diablerie once more, Daniel grabbed Hope and pulled her away. Unfortunately it was too late for Reuben, though he had prevented his colleagues humanity form plummeting even further. Now he just had to survive Hope's reaction. 

Hope easily broke free from Daniel's grasp, as her physical strength far surpassed his but managed to restrain herself from retaliating. Daniel's ghoul had backed into a corner. He'd clearly never witnessed a true display of a kindreds raw power when frenzied and now he'd witnessed it twice in quick succession.

"Go deal with your ghoul..." said Hope. "...I need a moment to myself..."

Scene Eleven - Confessions

Andrew Francis - Ghoul of Daniel
'Slightly more stable than Keith...'

Keith was somewhere between terrified and fascinated and Daniel felt that he owed his loyal follower a truthful explanation. He explained that kindred had another voice inside them known by them as 'the beast' which sometimes eroded their self-control. "I've never seen anything move that fast with that much strength." stated Keith. Daniel couldn't tell if he was still afraid or if that emotion had now been filled with a desire to achieve that power. "I'll be fine here..." said Daniel. "...you go and see if Andrew needs any help with his investigations and I'll meet up with you later."

As Daniel re-entered the cave where the interrogation had taken place, he noted that Hope had seemingly pulled herself together. Unfortunately the traces of kindred vitae splattered around the room were doing nothing to help Daniel's own newly awakened craving for kindred blood. His pacing an agitation were obvious to Hope who new the behaviour of an addict when she saw it.

"So are you going to tell me now, or not?" asked Hope, not unkindly. "Because there's definitely still something wrong with you..." Finally growing weary of keeping the secret from his ally, Daniel began to explain.

He told Hope of the Banu Haqim's historic battle with their desire to slake their thirsts on kindred vitae and that once they began to drink it, it was almost impossible for them to stop. He also confessed that he'd beaten the addiction once and had returned to his career as a surgeon in part to give something back after all the lives and unlives he'd taken. Then he'd returned to his former career as a favour to Marius, assisting the coterie with a retrieval job suited to his expertise.

Vannevar Thomas - Ventrue
Camarilla Prince of San Francisco

Storytellers Note - His meeting with the coterie occurred way back in session seven, detailed HERE.

His subsequent recruitment to Michael's cause had involved him in many battles against other kindred and several indiscretions had began to reawaken the desire. Then, quite recently, he'd diablerised a kindred agent of Prince Vannevar's in what could only be described as a complete lack of control after a poorly planned job he was almost embarrassed to describe. He should have realised then that his control was slipping, but sadly he only realised it too late. "You sometimes seem to be managing it and other times very much not..." prompted Hope. "...does your control come and go?"

"I have used a significant boon in order to be supplied a 'fix' of vitae once each week..." Daniel replied, though was careful not to reveal the details of the arrangement. "...and it takes the edge off, but isn't a perfect solution by any means."

Hope, who could now gain little sustenance herself from anything but kindred blood, sympathised but didn't fully understand the issue. Her own problem was different but she had simply accepted it, found a regular food source and then got on with her night to night business. "Is it really something you need to fix?" asked Hope.

"Not under normal circumstances." confessed the Banu Haqim. "But I've been pretending to be a Brujah and my true clan could be discovered if this secret was revealed." This was actually a significant problem. Several influential, and exclusively Brujah, groups now accepted Daniel as a member. 

Should they discover his subterfuge the reprisals would no doubt be swift and brutal. Not to mention the knock on effect with the coteries allies who may lose faith in them or withdraw their support completely.

"I gain no sustenance from anything but kindred vitae." confessed Hope for the first time to any outside of the duskborn who fed her addiction. "But I have a solution should you ever need another fix, or even wish to simply accept what you now are and move on."

"I'm not sure how that would fit in with Michael's dream." replied Daniel. For the first time that evening, Hope laughed out loud, but it was bittersweet. "I believe in his dream too, but dreams such as that need to be enforced. Enforced by monsters such as us. You see that, don't you?" Daniel was sad to say that he understood completely.

"I'll give it some thought..." replied Daniel noncommittedly. "...and I'd appreciate you keeping it to yourself."

"Who the hell would I tell?" replied Hope.

To Be Continued in 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' (Part Three)

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...

No amusing Meme this time.

Some breath-taking roleplay in the final scene of this session as the coteries two addicts finally confessed their respective addictions. The completely different attitudes to their respective problems was also roleplayed brilliantly.

It seemed like an excellent place to end part two of this story.

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, Victoria is Lilith May, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Catherine Du Bois is Margot Robbie, Ralph Harwood is D.B. Woodside, Karen Anatos is Christina Hendricks, Myranda is Shannyn Visceral, Victor Girard is Bob Hoskins, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Allison Maller is Chloe Grace Moretz, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Mercurio is Taylor Kitsch, 'Max' is Milla Jovovich, 'Hogg' is Nick Frost, Keith Chang is Daniel Dae Kim, Henrique 'Hank' Boyd is Michael Clarke Duncan, Andrew Francis is Ray Stephenson and Vannevar Thomas is Bryan Dechart.

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.