Cyberpunk Red - Session Five - "Talk Isn't Cheap"

A roleplay session in the world of Cyberpunk Red

This session was written up by our Gamesmaster Matt and formatted for my blog by me.

Previous 'Gigs'

Story Arc One

(0) Spydar's Web, (1) Big Trouble in Little China, (2) Eye-Spy, (2a) Raven, (3) Death's in the Family, (4) A Hot Minute, (4a) Hunter's Hunted.

'The Outfit'

The Players

Our players were all started at Rank 4

Garreth as Avery Hicks, Exec 5, Fixer 1

Phil as 'Holliday' Nomad 5, Solo 1

Martyn as 'Klink', Medtech 5

and Exec Crewmembers 

'Jasmine' - Netrunner

'Lizza' - Technician

Gamesmaster

Matt as everyone else.

Scene introductions and 'speaking to the players' bits are written in Blue to distinguish them from the roleplayed parts of the scenes.

Session Five: "Talk Isn't Cheap"

Introduction

Budget Arms - Night City Headquarters

It has been almost a week since Avery’s elevation to Acquisitions. Things have been going fairly well and you have all started to adjust to your roles on retainer within Budget Arms. The income is more stable for Klink and Holliday than you have been used to and it looks very promising for you all.

 

Considering there was a real risk of living with a price on your heads, eliminating Garvey has worked out very much in your favour. Not only have you all moved up in the world, but word of your deeds has started to get around. People in the city have started to take notice and while your roles at Budget Arms will no doubt give you plenty to do, offers of work from outside the corporation are also sure to come in.

Just such a job offer has come your way. A fixer going by the handle “Jet” has requested a meeting this evening in the University District. He says he has information to give you in exchange for the completion of a task. The address for the meeting is a bar on the north side of the district.

A New Contact

Night City and The Badlands

Avery read the message over again. “Jet?” He said to himself. He mulled the name over in his head, trying to see if it sparked any recognition. He had a vague sense he had heard the name before but not related to anyone within the Glen.

He dialled the number for Holliday. The gruff nomad had been spending time out in the Badlands, living alongside the Prylor pack ever since the job in the hot zone.

 

Out in the desert, Holliday loosened off the wheel spindle on the bike he was repairing. As he slid the rear wheel out of the swinging arm, his agent started to ring. “Hello.” He answered.

“Are you busy at the moment?” Asked Avery. “Not particularly.” Said Holliday absently.

'Lynk' Prylor - Nomad

“Someone has some information we might find useful that they’re willing to share with us in return for a task. I need to find out if I care enough to do the job before I agree to it, but are you in?”

“Yeah, I’d best come along.” Said Holliday.

“Can you pick up Klink too?” Said Avery.

“I’ll swing by his on the way.” Said Holliday hanging up the phone. He called across the camp to where a young man was sitting by the campfire. “Lynk, can you tie down a tarp over this for me? I need to go into the city.”

“Sure thing Holliday.” Said Lynk walking over. “I’ll cover her up for you.” Holliday nodded his thanks and headed for his truck.

About half an hour later, Holliday and Klink arrived at the tower. “These doors look sturdier.” Said Avery, slipping into the passenger seat. “I like the new security.”

“I thought it was a good idea,” said Holliday as he set off. “Considering the jobs we’ve done recently.”

“I noticed you eyeing up some of the… less immediately valuable items in the Militech vault.” Said Avery. “Yeah?” Said Holliday.

“I was thinking.” Said Avery “I presume you were thinking of the Prylor’s when you were digging through that stuff? I was thinking, I can’t exactly sanction an official job to go back to the vault, but I could temporarily lend out some radsuits if you wanted to arrange another trip out there.”

“That’s mighty good of you.” Said Holliday.

“I want to do what I can to help them rebuild.” Said Avery. “Thanks.” Holliday replied. Holliday's reasons for helping them was his loyalty to family. Avery's loyalty to the Nomads he had once been a part of had long faded and his reasons were more about making the Prylor's into a useful resource that he could call upon.

The Meeting

South Night City - University District

The university district was situated between Little Europe and South Night City. As they drove further into the district, the three edgerunners saw the signs of a student population.

Many of the residents here seemed quite young but importantly were evidently quite well off. There were more than a few trust fund kids taking advantage of the only functioning university in the city. Campus security famously kept a tight watch on the university grounds even in the time of the red and for the most part, the students were left unmolested.

The meeting point was at a bar on the northern side of the district just outside the campus grounds. As the sun began to dip in the pale red sky, Holliday pulled up outside the Richard Night bar. It was a small student bar nestled amongst the high rises that towered above surrounded by scaffolding.

 

The 'Richard Night' Bar - Night City

This wasn’t the sort of establishment that Avery was used to and he eyed the building with something approaching distaste. There were no obvious campus security around but it still seemed smart not to try and draw more attention than they could avoid. He looked at the now three armed medtech. “We need to buy you a big coat or something in future.” He said.

“He’s good with a needle and thread.” Said Holliday sardonically. “He can’t probably make one himself.”

Inside, it was dim and cosy. The clientele were mostly young, so an older man sitting alone in a booth amongst the shadows easily caught their attention. The exec noticed that Jet didn’t seem to attract too many looks from the students, so he presumed this must be a regular haunt.

'Jet' - Fixer and Narcotics Dealer

They walked up to the bar. “I’ll get some drinks.” Said Avery

The bartender was young. He had the look of a senior student doing some part time work. “What can I get you?” He said.

“Beer.” Said Holliday. “A mojito!” grinned Klink enthusiastically.

Avery sighed at the medtech and eyed the top shelf pessimistically, trying to find something to suit his taste. “I’ll have a brandy.” He said to the bartender. “The gentleman over in the booth. I’ll get one of whatever he is having too.”

“Tequila and agave syrup it is.”

Drinks in hand, the edgerunners headed over to the booth and the waiting fixer. He was a small and slight man with an impish mischievous face. He winked at them as he saw them approach and tapped on the table with fingerless gloved hands and said “Good evening Gents! You must be Mr Hicks; and your companions are…?”

“Holliday.” Said Holliday.

“This is Klink.” Avery cutting in before the erratic Medtech could speak. “You have some information for us?”

“As per my message, I have some information that pertains to your… recent activities. Of course, I can’t wait to share it with you, except I couldn’t give it away for free. Still, it seems wrong to insist money changes hands so perhaps you could deal in services instead?” Said Jet. 

'Happiness', also available in chemical form...

“I deal in… happiness. It’s the artificial kind you might say. The problem is, my products are currently unavailable. I want you to… hah, acquire some for me.”

“I suppose you know where we might acquire this product for you.” Said Avery, beginning to suspect that it was going to be a long night.

Jet winked at him and grinned. “See, my supplier won’t deal with me anymore. I’ve fallen out of favour you might say. I know of a shipment coming in to the city from the waterside. There are some docks in the Marina District. The Bel Tempo docks to be exact. Another buyer, a rival of mine, is meeting them tonight at midnight. I want that shipment.”

“What’s the name of this rival?” asked Holliday.

“My erstwhile friend is one Futura Port, also known as Ozone. She has an apartment in Little Europe. She will be the one buying the shipment tonight. Like I said, midnight in the marina.” Said Jet.

Avery thought for a minute, trying to remember the name and drawing a blank. “Have the sellers met Ozone before?”

“Probably.” Said Jet. He smiled again. “Clearly, I’m not talking about small fry here. Suppliers aren’t going to ride on in under the radar to deliver a couple of lines and a can of smash. The drop is half a kilo of synthcoke.”

At the mention of coke, Klink snapped to attention and ran to the bathroom. Just the thought of coke alone was enough to make him crap himself in anticipation.

GM's Note - "Klink failed a Resist Drugs roll several sessions ago and is now very addicted to Synthcoke.

'Ozone' - Night City Narcotics Dealer

“We will leave you to your drink,” said Avery, standing to leave “you’ll hear from us soon.”

“Preem!” Said Jet “I’ll be waiting.” He settled back down into the booth.

As the three men walked to the car, Holliday said “Maybe we should do this sneaky. We’ve made an almighty hubbub in gigs recently.”

“The way I see it,” said Avery “we can either get the drugs before the deal, crash the deal and steal them from both parties or wait until Ozone has the drugs and steal them from her.”

“Either way, we don’t want to go drawing attention to ourselves in the marina district.” Said Holliday “It’s an urban zone and the police and corporate security can get agitated.” 

“Another option is to shop the dealer to the NCPD. We could let Ross know and then seize the evidence?” suggested Avery

“We should definitely recon it first before we make a decision.” Said Holliday.

“In that case,” said Avery. ”Can you get us there as quickly as possible without getting arrested?”

The Marina District

Night City Marina District

The journey to the Marina District was uneventful. The urban zones were still recovering but already, gangs were less prominent and openly carrying firearms was a sure fire way of attracting the wrong sort of attention. Not only were corporate security forces within their power to respond with deadly force if incidents occurred on company property, but the NCPD were less likely to turn a blind eye on the busy urban streets.

All around, Holliday noticed people going about their business. Many bars and nightclubs supported the vivid night life of the city and he could pick out groups of revellers moved from street to street dancing with street performers and eating at stalls. The occasional smell of Asian Fusion food wafted through the car as he navigated through Little Europe and past the fabled Afterlife to reach the Marina District.

The marina was well maintained and clearly benefitted from the utilities afforded by the shipping coming in and out of Night City. There were many high rise towers here, including the Ziggurat Offices and REO Meatwagon but the area around the docks was more industrial.

There were working warehouses and logistics and distribution companies operating all hours of the day and night. The district was very much alive even as the night drew in.

The edgerunner’s destination was away from the larger shipping companies towards the suburbs. The sign at the perimeter of the property read “Bel Tempo: Always with you come rain or shine.” It appeared to be a private logistics company. The warehouse itself was silent and empty, backing onto the waterside to the north on the other side of the building.

Bel Tempo - Private Logistics Company

“The gate isn’t locked.” Observed Holliday.

“I suppose they are expecting people, just not us obviously.” Said Avery. “I can’t see any cameras either.”

GM's Note - Avery asked me if there were any security cameras and my exact turn of phrase was “You can’t see any cameras on this side of the building.” This won’t become relevant later on in the campaign I’m sure.

Parking within running distance, the three men ghosted back towards the empty Bel Tempo warehouse. 

“We’re early for the deal.” Said Avery. “If we want to try and snatch the shipment before the buyer arrives we will need to do it quickly. It’s probably better to take it from the buyer. Whatever we do we need to know what we’re up against.”

Grapple Gun - Equipment

Holliday eyed the warehouse uneasily. “We’ve made a lot of enemies recently. We don’t need any more adding to the list. We should do this quietly.” He eyed one of Klink’s cybernetic arms. “We could get up on the roof. We can get a vantage point, check out what’s going on and then make our move.”

 

Avery agreed and took the grappling guns they had acquired in a previous job from his go-bag. The exec and the increasingly erratic medtech pepped up with a hit of synthcoke and then, the three of them quickly scaled the warehouse and crept quietly along the roof to view the yard.

Around the side of the warehouse, was a driveway leading down to the water. The glow from the lampposts barely covered the area, casting much of it in deep shadows. They could make out some shapes in the gloom around the yard. There were some stacked pallets and a forklift truck and some stacks of what appeared to be barrels at either side of the yard.

 

“There are barrels piled up along the boundaries. Someone is trying to keep out prying eyes.”

The three of men hunkered down on the roof in the gathering dark and pregnant silence watching the wooden jetty on the loading dock patiently.

"The 'Shipment' Arrives..."

As it approached midnight, a small boat sailed into view. It was a long low design painted in matt black. Clearly it had been built for clandestine purposes. There was woman standing on the boat keeping watch with an assault rifle. A slight dark haired man hopped into the back of the boat and began unloading something and redistributing the remaining load. The last figure was a tall black man who waited on the jetty presumably for the buyer to arrive. All were dressed down in warm, hard wearing but unremarkable clothing.

The woman on the boat scanned the yard carefully covering her allies. Suddenly she stopped drawing a bead on the rooftop. “Who goes there?” She shouted.

Avery looked over at the hunched form of Klink. Clearly the medtech hadn’t adapted to his bulkier form since implanting his extra arm and his silhouette had caught the solos eye.

GM's Note - The solo rolled an 18 for her perception check which Avery and Hollliday beat easily with stealth… Klink rolled an 8.

"In Avery's Sights..."

He sighed “Fucking Klink.” The medtech looked at him sheepishly. Avery raised his voice across the yard. “It doesn’t matter who we are, we have the drop on you. Chalk it up to experience. Leave half a kilo on the dock and go and nobody has to die.” He motioned quietly for Holliday to get off the roof and flank around.

“Do you have any idea who you’re messing with?” Shouted the man on the dock. “You’re trying to steal from the Gidatta Family. When they find you, you’ll beg for death.”

Realising that the people in the boat weren’t going to back down and likely were going to get back up when the buyers arrived, Avery resigned to killing them all. He readied his assault rifle and then rolled out of the way as the solo’s own assault rifle roared into life. He fired back blowing chunks out of the boat all around the solo.

Cackling wildly, Klink popped up his grenade launcher and fired an incendiary round at the boat. Avery swore he felt his heart stop in the moments that the grenade flew towards the boat and the cargo that the outfit were trying to seize. As the deadly missile clipped the bridge of the boat and bounced into the water, he breathed a sigh of relief. The man on the jetty fired back at the medtech ineffectively while jumping back onto the boat.

"Grenades for any Occasion..."

Seeing the threat of ordinance, the slight man jumped back into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “Irons, let’s get out of here!” He shouted to the last man on the dock.  Irons seemed to be making a call while trying to take cover in the boat. Re-evaluating the risk, the solo thundered shots into Klink’s chest, blasting him backwards on the roof. Avery fired an EMP grenade from the under-barrel launcher. The boat’s engine had stuttered into life now fell deathly silent. As the driver tried to get it restarted, his companions gave covering fire towards the rooftop.

Holliday broke cover and sprinted across the yard ducking and weaving around the pallets and barrels. The smoke grenade felt reassuring, gripped tightly in his fist and he focused on the gently drifting boat zoning in on it and calculating the distance from the dock and leapt treading through the air to land on the prow. The grenade rolled into the driver’s compartment and billowed into thick clouds of grey smoke.

“Kai!” Irons shouted “Take them down!” The solo fired another shot into the reeling Klink before the smoke engulfed her. The medtech rained automatic fire into her in return. Avery’s IR vision cut through the smoke and he hit the driver with a well-aimed shot but felt the impact of low calibre fire cutting through his armorjack in return. 

Klink's Medium SMG

Klink wildly sprayed into the smoke landing a lucky shot on the solo. The wounded driver fired at the rooftops hitting nothing and tried to repair the disabled boat but the giant nomad kicked down at him knocking him backwards.

The situation on the boat became chaotic. The practically blind occupants tried to fire at Holliday who ghosted in and out of the smoke landing brutal and damaging cybernetically enhanced blows while Avery sniped from the rooftop.

Without warning a car screeched into the yard and two men jumped out drawing guns and taking cover. Unbeknownst to them, the gunmen on the roof could see them perfectly and poured fire down from above.

Back on the boat, the solo dropped her assault rifle and drew a sword, swinging at Holliday and hitting only smoke. Irons tried to bring down the nomad with his pistol but couldn’t land a shot. Holliday cannoned into Kai landing a brutal body shot and an uppercut that lifted her off the floor. Forgotten on the deck, the driver quietly bled out.

On the rooftop, Avery zeroed in on the new gunmen below. He squeezed off a shot taking his target high in the chest and flinging him to the ground. Klink leant over the edge of the roof, blood dripping down his arm and fired his SMG on full auto to finish the downed man off.

The back-up's High Performance Groundcar

Dropping the unconscious solo, Holliday landed a bone shaking cross into Irons, dropping him to the ground. Behind him, he could hear Klink and Avery finishing off the two new arrivals. The remaining mafia backup had nowhere to run as the two rooftop gunmen grimly hemmed him in and cut him down.

Holliday picked up the unconscious Kai and the block of coke and jumped back onto the dock. Avery and Klink grappled down to the yard and the three of them considered the car that the backup had arrived in.

“I can hear motorcycles approaching.” Said Avery, “we don’t have much time. Can we break into this car? It’s a nice addition to our garage if we can.”

Holliday tested the cars security system. “I don’t think I can break into this.”

Avery wasn't keen on leaving such a valuable and rare prize behind “Can we tow it?”

Holliday's Nomad Kombi Groundcar

“Maybe.” Said Holliday. He dropped the unconscious solo and ran to his truck and reversing it into the yard. Hurriedly the three men lashed the car to the back of the truck and set off back to the street.

The commotion had brought unwanted attention to the Bel Tempo warehouse. As they left, a gang of raiders came out from the east. They didn’t have any cohesive gang colours but they were clearly all together. Most seem to be armed with bats and bars but some had handguns.

Realising they had to choose between taking the car or taking their captive solo, Avery calmly put a bullet a round through her forehead and got into Holliday's Kombi.

Looking back, Avery could see the madness in their eyes and it was beyond doubt that they were all hyped up on a variety of drugs. Behind them, came the sound of motorcycles approaching.

Assault Rifle - 'Aimed Shot'

As the gang caught sight of the leaving truck, one of them gave a shout and they began to give chase sprinting on foot. As the bikes appeared, several of the gangers jumped on as pillions and the bikes howled into life to give chase.

Holliday weaved the car, blocking the bikers from getting along side and using the towed vehicle to threaten crashing. Avery leaned out of the window and shot the lead rider causing the bike to flip.

The next rider swerved in a panic to avoid the crashed bike and rode into a business’ signpost. Klink, following Avery’s lead autofired at the third biker who slumped over the handlebars and collided with the last bike.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Avery dialled Detective Ross on his agent.

Detective Ross - Corrupt Lawman

GM's Note - Detective Ross is a contact of Avery's on which he has some dirt obtained during  a previous job. The job in question is HERE if you missed it.

“Hello?” said Ross tentatively.

“I heard a rumour that the Wild Things are planning to ambush a drug deal at Bel Tempo Logistics tonight. I just thought you’d like to know.” Said Avery.

Ross sighed. “Ok, I’ll get the word out.” He put the phone down.

“I suggest we go somewhere out of the way to decide our next move.” Said Avery.

“Ok then.” Said Holliday.

Badlands

'Lizza' - Exec Crew Member

The drive out to the Badlands took about an hour and a half. Holliday took a circuitous route to avoid attracting any attention and, Avery used the time to call Jasmine and Lizza with orders to meet them in the desert. The agents met them in the customised delivery van and got to work on the stolen car. 

Avery turned to the others. “We should plant a story that suggests the buyer planned to double cross the Gidatta with the help of the Wild Things.” He said. “Do you think they will buy that?” Said Holliday.

“It might cast enough of a doubt that they can’t prove otherwise. Either way, they won’t be looking for us.”

“Boss?” Said Lizza, she held out a tracker “We found this in the car. We disabled it but we should probably leave here pretty sharpish.”

“Excellent work, both of you.” Said Avery “One of you drive this to the Aldecaldo camp and get it resprayed please. We should try and disguise it somewhat.” He turned back to the edgerunners. “Perhaps we can put the tracker at this Ozone’s apartment?”

“Seems a bit on the nose.” Said Holliday. “I don’t feel comfortable setting someone up I don’t know either.”

“We can leave it on the hands of our client I suppose.” said Avery dialling for Jet.

The Handoff

A 'Brick' of Synthcoke

They made it back to Richard Night’s. Jet was waiting in the same booth as before and he smiled at them as they entered.

“Welcome back chooms. I take it you have what I want?”

Avery handed the coke over to him. “As agreed. There was a complication.” He said. “It seems that a local gang, The Wild Things, had designs on the shipment.” He handed over the tracker. “This was in with the drugs. It has been deactivated. Maybe you can find a use for it. I’d suggest perhaps giving it to your rival if you wanted to cast suspicion elsewhere.”

Jet pocketed the tracker with a smile. “It seems you’re very capable of thinking on your feet. A job well done.” He grinned widely. “Well now, your reward, as promised, a little information.” 

Memory Chip

He passed over a memory chip. “People take notice of a job well done. It seems that your handling of the sudden and unexpected loss of a weapons shipment caught someone’s eye. You already know that a, heh, rival was responsible for stealing your delivery out to PowerNetic. Did it ever occur to you that the sudden but sustained attack on the windfarm was a little too coincidental?”

Avery looked him in the eye. Ideas blossomed in his head and he realised that the Shiv attacks at PowerNetic had been carefully orchestrated.

Jet continued “Now, how damaging would it be to Federated Arms if word got out that they not only deliberately sabotaged an economically altruistic corporation’s ability to defend itself but then took advantage of their vulnerability in order to bully them into a poor business deal?” He stood to leave.

“It’s always good to know who has the less… savoury contacts in the city too. Now gentlemen, I’m sure our paths will cross again.”

“No.” Said Holliday. “They will pass for the first time. Tonight, we were just men in a bar.” Jet winked at him mischievously and walked out into the night.

“I don’t know about you two, but I could do with a drink.” Said Avery “Shall we go somewhere else?”

“I’d suggest the Afterlife after a job like this.” Replied Holliday “But I think we should avoid that particular area at the minute. Let’s stay here.”

To Be Continued in "Grand Theft Auto"

GM's Roundup

This was an impromptu session that I threw together because Klink’s player was unavailable and I wanted to save the start of the arc proper until all the players were together. It went quite well and the players seemed to enjoy the world as it unfolded. Jet seemed to go down particularly well.

I have to say, the smoke grenade tactic was excellent. It was incredibly cinematic and very well thought out. I imagine if they make a habit of using the idea other people in the city will get wise to it, but for now it’s definitely something they can utilise.

Now, they are aware of the Gidatta crime family and have in fact, stolen their drugs, killed some of their associates and boosted a car from them. It would be a real shame if that was caught on video anywhere, wouldn’t it?

Acknowledgement's

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Avery Hicks is Tom Ellis, 'Holliday' is Wes Chatham, 'Klink' is Mackenzie Crook, Jasmine is Dichen Lachman, Lizza is Eiza Gonzalez, Lynk Prylor is Thomas Brodie-Sangster, 'Jet' is Mark Sheppard, 'Ozone' is Gina Torres and Detective Ross is Michael Madsen.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Eighty Eight - 'The War Council' (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 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. 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

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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

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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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

Story Twenty One - 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty One - 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' - Part Six, and Epilogue

Story Twenty Two - 'The Unbound' - Part One, Two, Three and Four

Story Twenty Three - 'The War Council' - Part One and Two

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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 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. Where particular NPC's have a mention in a faction profile you will be able to reach it by clicking on their name or faction beneath their picture.

Introduction

The meeting of the thirteen Barons and pseudo Barons that make up the Anarch Council has begun and progress has already been made. Firstly, Baron Fortier of West L.A. and Baron Walker of Downtown have put aside their differences in order to fully focus upon the issue of the Camarilla invasion of the city. Secondly, with Michael's explanation about why his own barony was seemingly spared Vannevar's wrath accepted, the business about what to do next can begin.

Scene Eight - Moving Forward

Myranda Maria - Gangrel
Pack Leader of The Wilds Pack

Myranda, Baron of The Wilds, and the packs under her command had been patrolling extensively and had destroyed a number of careless scouting parties that had ventured Southwards from San Jose. Given the fact that Vannevar was clearly planning on adding Los Angeles to his empire, they had also began to broaden their patrol areas. Myranda confirmed this to the council.

"We are patrolling extensively but are only engaging forces that stray too close. Some of my compatriots are impulsive and so the possibility of being led into a trap is a concern. We are therefore edging on the cautious side."

There were a few grunts of disbelief at the word 'cautious'. The Wilds were considered a no-go area by most of the cities kindred populace specifically because it's inhabitants were so aggressively territorial. Many presumed that Marius had a hand in guiding their actions so this might explain a more considered approach to the problem. Marius could also be unpredictable but his tactical skills were unquestionably well honed.

Michael decided to move things forward a little and addressed those assembled.

"Our next order of business is to organise a united defence of our city. It's unusual for so many kindred to be united in a single goal but we must be to compete with this invasion of our territory. The Camarilla forces ranging against us are regimented, their chain of command has structure and they have undoubtedly bene preparing this campaign for some time. Many of you here are aware of Daniel's abilities in this area and so I'll defer to his assessment of the situation."

Edward Kaya - Banu Haqim
Sire of Daniel Matthews

Daniel tended to avoid being centre stage as he had been attempting to avoid the attention of his Banu Haqim sire. In order to maintain his anonymity he had been claiming to be of Clan Brujah since his arrival in the city. Only his coterie and a small number of the cities kindred were aware of the truth of the matter.

Daniel laid out the tactical situation as he understood it and clarified the situation for all present. With no Baron to organise it's forces the South Coast was now very vulnerable and the docks were certain to be a prime target for Vannevar's troops and this issue needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency. He also reminded the kindred leaders assembled that assassination and espionage were highly likely. 

Having eliminated several Barons already it was only common sense that he wouldn't give up. In fact he would be even deadlier in future having learnt from his initial failures. Infiltrators were also certain to have been established within Los Angeles, perhaps months or even years previously and so any suspicious activity by newcomers to the city would need to be rigorously investigated. He also reiterated what his Baron Michael had already stated which was that fighting as individuals on multiple fronts was doomed to failure. The Anarchs needed to be united and working towards a single goal.

Louis Fortier - Ventrue
Baron of West Los Angeles

Louis Fortier rose and began to speak. The assembled kindred fell silent. Baron Fortier was not the sort of individual who it was wise to interrupt or offend.

"Michael's scourge is of course correct." began Louis. "An initial priority must be to hunt down and eliminate Vannevars spies and assassins that are already no doubt infesting our domains. Though we are used to working as individuals, I believe that it might be useful to pool our resources in such a hunt. Several of us have access to followers both kindred and kine with skills in that area. Together they can accomplish more than they could as individuals."

The suggestion of a joint operation coming from Louis himself was a great relief to Michael. Louis's opinion still carried more authority than his own and it saved him having to make the suggestion himself.

"My scourge Marco, despite being a Gangrel has a more systematic method to his role than the usual more direct approach and my own ghoul 'Jax' is also a skilled investigator. If others of similar inclinations are available then they could act together and answer...temporarily to this council in order to avoid any personal agendas emerging." It's very obvious to all that this last comment was referring to Marius and normally he would have said so directly. It seemed that he was attempting to be diplomatic in reference to his fellow Baron which was a positive sign. "If the information brokers amongst the Nosferatu could also share knowledge in a similar manner then that might also prove useful."

Scene Nine - Knowledge is Power

Gary Golden took this as his cue to speak.

Gary Golden - Nosferatu
Hollywood's Nosferatu

"I have spoken to Quinn, eldest childe of Tilly Kelly, so-called Mistress of the Swarm and between us we have clarified our respective patrol areas so as to avoid any misunderstandings. They are more than effective shock-troops but with all due respect to others of their bloodline...they will be useless in an strategic application of assets..." He then nodded in Marius's direction. Tilly was one of Marius childer and Gary was seemingly giving Marius a chance to comment. Instead, Marius simply gestured for the Nosferatu to continue.

The coterie had encountered Tilly and her cannibalistic horde before and they knew that Gary's assessment was correct. They were certainly useful but as a sledgehammer, not a scalpel.

Gary continued. "Louis is correct that there is much that could be accomplished if I, and the other Nosferatu were to share information. It is my understanding that Bertram Tung operates from beneath this very building. It might be worthwhile if I began straight away given the close proximity of another significant of the cities information brokers. With Marius's permission of course..."

"Bertram is expecting you." replied Marius, having clearly anticipated this situation. He gestured to Victoria who was nearby. "Please escort Gary to Bertram's suite below this building so he can start work immediately..."

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Baron of Downtown

Marius's willingness to allow Gary use of his agent's systems was somehow more worrying than if he had refused. Generosity was not one of his virtues and any charitable act immediately had all who witnessed it attempting to ascertain what he was really up to. Often this was the point. If Marius had one weakness it was the fact that he was often willing to let events spiral out of control, simply to make them more interesting.

Allison Maller, Baron of Anaheim took the lull in conversation as an opportunity to make her own points.

"The kindred of San Francisco now within L.A. must have a base of operations, several in fact seems to be the most likely explanation. Furthermore they must have food sources within easy reach and access to the logistics necessary to transport troops, equipment and weaponry from place to place. The fact that these have been established right under our noses is a disturbing thought. It seems that our recent internal squabbles have blinded us to the wider threats to the Anarchs of this city. Los Angeles is held by many Anarchs as an example of a city that functions without the interference of the Camarilla. The impact upon all Anarchs should it fall is something that is terrifying to contemplate. This is a battle that we cannot afford to take lightly..."

Victoria Anne - Ancient Ghoul
Psychotic P.A. of Marius

Marius interrupted. "We lack intelligence on the particulars of his operation. We need to hunt down one of Vannevar's teams and interrogate them thoroughly." Many of the Barons were aware of Marius's ghoul Victoria's fearsome reputation in the area of enhanced interrogation. That she could extract what they needed to know was not in doubt though the 'how' was something that was best not thought about to much.

Daniel had helped Allison on several occasions and had a professional relationship with Marius and therefore felt comfortable to interject without worrying to much about potential consequences.

"Allison makes many valid points, as does Marius. But perhaps we need to discover what we can via reconnaissance before we actively provoke an assault with a kidnap of enemy personnel. However should we be able to capture an enemy from the forces in the San Gabriel Mountains then that might be preferable as that conflict is already ongoing. A captive taken there would draw less suspicion and be less likely to tip our hand."

Michael wasn't happy about the idea of a Marius with a free hand to act independently so made an addition to the suggestion. "Perhaps Marius and Nines could join forces in such an endeavour?" There were murmurs of approval from around the table. It seemed that other kindred present were also reticent to have Marius doing as he pleased while the rest of them were bound to a single plan.

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

Scene Ten - A Vacuum of Power

Gloria Martinez then bought an early point back to the fore of the debate. "The South Coast will need a leader if they are to assist us with our efforts. Who is next in line with Baron Booth destroyed and Hector missing?" All eyes turned to Harvey Caplan, the Ventrue who ran the docks on Steve's behalf to gain his assessment of the situation.

Harvey Caplan - Ventrue
South Coast

"My own followers have consolidated back into the docks where I have complete control." He said, matter of factly. "The rest of those who were previously united only via Steve's charisma have began to forge their own empires. No particular individual has the power or resources to gain dominance over the area and so there are now half a dozen groups feuding for whatever turf they think they can maintain."

Michael could see the long term benefits of a weakened South in regards to his own ambitions but these were exceptional circumstances and against Vannevar's invasion they needed the docks to be protected. Michael's thought process was interrupted as the previously quiet Vin made a statement in his usual 'to the point' style.

"Why can't Harvey just do the Baron's job then?" Michael had been planning a more subtle approach to the suggestion but it was out there now. He sat back to observe the Baron's reactions.

"If this council wishes me to take on the role until this situation is resolved then I'm willing to do so." replied Harvey. At this point Baron Fortier voiced what many others had been thinking.

"If he's fulfilling the role of a Baron then he's the Baron. I don't see what is to be gained by declaring the role temporary only to have more debates in the future. If we need to make it formal then let's vote on it right now. All those in support of Harvey becoming Baron of the South Coast raise a hand..." The impatience in Louis's tone was evident to all.

Therese Voerman - Malkavian
Baron of Santa Monica

Louis's hand was unsurprisingly the first to be raised, followed by Marius.

Somewhat more surprisingly the third hand was that of Therese Voerman, Baron of Santa Monica. With the support of these three behind him, the rest soon gave their approval too.

"How long do you think it will take you to unite your newly acquired Barony?" said Michael, addressing Baron Caplan directly.

"Forty Eight hours should be enough." was the confident reply. "Some of Steve's people may object but I'm sure they can be persuaded that unity is necessary especially if I have the support of this council."

Vin leaned down and whispered something into Michael's ear. "Harvey is ambitious but according to his right hand man Knowles, a Brujah whose opinion I trust, he has a code of honour of sorts. He'll be a useful ally."

Michael nodded his agreement and then changed the subject to the discussion of the significantly weakened Barony of the Angels. "While the topic is on baronies whose weakness effects the whole, perhaps we should discuss Hank Boyd of the Crypts Sons?"

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

When no-one objected, He continued. "Hank survived the attack upon his base of operations, but barely, and as you all know is now in torpor. A great deal of Vitae would be required to revive him and heal his extensive wounds but I believe that it's a necessity to get him back into the fight. With all due respect to Deacon, he is not a warleader, and Hank also has the respect of the mortal gang members in a way not easily replicated." Deacon raised no objection and the general consensus in the room was that the idea was sound enough, in theory.

The attention turned to Deacon for his own opinion and it was obvious to Michael, and possibly others, that he wasn't comfortable at all. "The only kindred that Hank has spoken of as ones he trusts are Michael and Gary. I mean no offense to the other Barons present but those are the facts."

"My generation is insufficient to raise Hank." said Gary, but it was difficult to tell if he was being truthful. "So that leaves Michael. But we must bear in mind that the amount of Vitae necessary to revive Hank would certainly leave him, at least in part, blood-bound to the kindred who revived him."

Michael scanned those present to observe their reactions. Daniel who was a skilled profiler was attempting to do the same, Vin was more concerned about any who might object in a more aggressive fashion.

'Priss' - Lasombra
Baron of 'The Border'

Priss, whose domain was sandwiched between the Crypts Sons and Downtown, was clearly unhappy with the idea, though it was difficult to tell whether this related to the Blood Bond itself or the simple fact of Hank being awakened. Priss and Hank had once been allies but of late their relationship had become distant and somewhat antagonistic. Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller were also quite obviously against the idea. El Hermandad and the Crypts Sons had been feuding for a long time so this was understandable. As allies it was unsurprising that what concerned Gloria, also concerned Allison.

Michael decided to go for broke.

"If this council believes that a blood-bound Hank is somehow more problematic than having a leaderless Crypts Sons and a massive hole in the centre of the city that is un-defendable then that's their decision..."

Once again it was Louis Fortier who broke the deadlock.

"A blood bond isn't some magic switch that instantly commands obedience, and it doesn't last forever either. Hank was a Baron of one of the largest Kindred forces in the city and controlled the largest mortal gang at the same time. He's not some weak willed neonate with no mind of his own." Michael could see that those with objections were weighing up the consequences of disagreeing with Louis.

"Well that's decided then." said Marius. "Now might be a good time for a brief break, I have arranged refreshments..." At a click of his fingers, one of the side doors opened and Leanna entered along with several individuals bearing trays on which were bottles of 'wine' and glasses.

The identities of these individuals raised some concerns with several of those present...

Scene Eleven - Sommelier

Leanna - Duskborn
Blood Sommelier

Leanna's primary task in Marius's employ was to manage his herd of blood dolls which she did with a combination of charisma, manipulation, brainwashing and just the correct amount of fear. She had formally been in the employ of a sinister group known as 'The Circulatory System' which traded in blood dolls of particular resonances and 'flavour' for an elite kindred clientele. It was with them that she perfected her abilities in not just this area but also in the bonding of vitae to other beverages in the art of the Blood Sommelier. 

Her creations were some of the most sought after in the city by those who could afford to pay the exorbitant price in both money and boons. Marius of course, took his percentage from the profits.

The concern to Amara of the Liberated was that the majority of Leanna's assistants were duskborn taken as prisoners by Marius after he had successfully crushed the Cross rebellion led by Jenna Cross.

Storytellers Note - The event in question can be found HERE though it will make more sense if you read the story from the beginning, starting HERE.

The majority were female and all were beautiful in one way or another. Those amongst Amara's own group who recognised them were sure that they had been physically altered in some manner as they were far more attractive now than they had been before, as if each had had their imperfections removed. What was also concerning was that none seemed to recognise their former friends and allies. All were wearing the familiar blood drop necklace that indicated to another kindred that these individuals belonged to Marius.

Michael, Daniel and Vin had all been present at that battle and also recognised those who had been taken. Michael clearly disapproved of this from a moral point of view but was in no position to criticise without undermining the unity that had already been achieved. Vin whose primary source of income revolved around the sex trade seemed to be unconcerned about the reduction of another person to the status of a mere resource. Part of Daniel believed that they had been judged for their failure, though the more moral side of his character agreed with Michael.

Amara Martins - Duskborn
Current Leader of 'The Liberated'

Realising the delicate nature of their status, Amara indicated to her followers to keep their opinions to themselves for now. Her curiosity was also focussed on the wine set before her. The concept of being able to feed without the need to seek prey was something she had never considered existing.

Sensing her curiosity, Leanna spoke. "It is a relatively simple process for any with sufficient knowledge of Alchemy and the necessary equipment. The real art is matching resonance to the taste of the beverage and maintaining the balance between the two. Of course if flavour is no issue then some of the more sophisticated methods involved in the bonding process are unnecessary..."

Daniel was listening to the conversation and noted how easily Amara's moral outrage had been sated by the mere hint of the new knowledge.

Michael also noted that Leanna had apologised to the Ventrue present that the wines presented to them in particular were "Somewhat bland due to the necessity to keep their resonances neutral...". This was understandable as Ventrue were all cursed with a particular preference of feeding vessel and without knowing what these were, tailoring a wine for them would have been difficult. Such feeding preferences were usually a carefully guarded secret amongst the Ventrue due to the potential for such knowledge to be used against them by rivals and enemies.

As the assembled Barons used the break to form small groups to discuss what had occurred so far, Michael and his coterie sat quietly and observed. Much could be learned from seeing who each Baron considered worthy of their attention...

To Be Continued in 'The War Council' (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...

The players did well to guide the meeting in the direction they wanted, though were forced to make a number of compromises that may well come back to haunt them later.

The actual council meeting itself should be resolved next session and after that I have something a bit different planned for them...

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, Myranda is Shannyn Visceral, Edward Kaya is Laurence Fishburne, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Victoria is Lilith May, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Allison Maller is Chloë Grace Moretz, Harvel Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Therese Voerman is Whitney Moore, Henrique 'Hank' Boyd is Michael Clarke Duncan, Priss is Sofia Boutella, Leanna is Leeanna Vamp and Amara Martins is Indira Varma.

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.