Vampire the Masquerade V5 - Session Thirty One - A Meeting of Barons (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 campaign is set in Los Angeles and features a small group of Camarilla agents sent into the 'Free States' to search for ways to once again bring the Ivory Tower to dominance under the pretence of being disillusioned neonates looking for the freedom of the Anarch way of life. Now with a barony of their own it's time to consolidate their position and then plan their next move.

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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.
'Infiltrate LA' Chronicle
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
'Foothold LA' Chronicle
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

The PC's

Phil as Michael Tomassio - Toreador Baron of Pasadena

and Hope Romero - Gangrel Scourge

Tom as Johnny 'Roach' West - Malkavian Seneschal

and Marie - Clan Carna Occult Advisor

Dave as Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah Sheriff
Matt as Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim 'Fixer'

The player characters stats and backgrounds can be found HERE should any-one be interested. 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 Malkavian 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 beneath their picture.

Pre-Session Player Handouts
At the start of certain sessions I distribute local news reports and information relevant to certain individuals. Some relate to previous sessions, others are things going on that the players may or may not wish to investigate or involve themselves in and a few are things that characters have wished to look in during the 'down time' between stories. Others of course might have no relevance at all...

Clan Tremere Symbol

Michael Tomassio, Baron of Pasadena
Having officially taken responsibility for deciding the fate of the rediscovered chantry in downtown and it's seven Clan Tremere occupants you're going to need to arrange a meeting with them one way or another. Time is of the essence as you doubt the other barons will be waiting patiently for your conclusion especially the ones who had something...direct in mind...

Vincent 'Vin' Ghast, Sheriff of Pasadena
Word of your victory over the gargoyle protecting the chantry has spread through the kindred community and your name is also been tied to the removal of the renegade thin-bloods, the elimination of the monster hunting the Nosferatu within the warrens and somewhat less helpfully the overthrow of Edward Vignes. This is somewhat of a double-edged sword as though it's helping when intimidation is necessary you're also noticing that many kindred immediately go on the defensive when you're around as if concerned that they might be 'next'. You may need to keep an eye out for any kindred that might be considering a preemptive strike.

Storytellers Note - I 'gave' (or 'inflicted upon' depending on your point of view) the Infamy Flaw to Vin's player. I had allowed him through roleplaying to rid himself of the 'Illiterate' Flaw on the condition that he took something as a replacement.

Dr Daniel Matthews, Baron Tomassio's 'Fixer'

David Geduld - Ventrue
Baron of Torrance

As far as your ghouls and their contacts can ascertain David Geduld is an entirely legitimate businessman whose logistics businesses encompass much of the Port of Los Angeles and associated industries such as warehousing, trucking, delivery services, etc. Aware that you must consider him suspect to ask for the investigation they have dug further...and found, nothing. Mr Geduld has a birth certificate, social security number, presence on social media and his companies have passed every inspection with flying colours. It is the opinion of Andrew's hacker friend that if there is something suspect about this man then it's been hidden by some-one with access to government level contacts or equipment, possibly both. He is to all intents and purposes 'clean'.

The location suspected as being Geduld's haven is a compound in Palos Verdes Estates. The compound has all the things you'd expect from a wealthy businessman's abode include a swimming pool, tennis courts and well maintained gardens. It's also at the highest point of the estate making it impossible to overlook from the ground and can only be accessed by a single drive way or a very steep climb up the cliff face. These features have meant that your investigators have had to settle for an external overview and recon only.

Security is excellent but understated so as to not draw too much attention and includes a state of the art alarm system, security cameras and according to the purchase order 'acquired' by Andrew a number of proximity, motion and sound detection systems that would be considered overkill in a normal home but are no doubt essential when facing foes that can turn invisible. The home is also protected by an adequate number of armed guards stationed at strategic points. Security within the exterior perimeter has been impossible to map due to the aforementioned issues. An attempt to acquire a plan of the building was foiled as it appears to be 'missing' from records, apparently 'misfiled'.

Monitoring of comings and goings has also been made somewhat difficult by the vehicles entering and leaving universally having tinted windows and the docks are far too large to investigate with just two people.

'Marie', Occult Advisor to Baron Tomassio

The rediscovered chantry is a treasure-trove. The library has extensive information on the history of Clan Tremere, books on the occult and tomes detailing the many ways that ritual effects can be achieved. The laboratory is also a staggeringly useful resource. Whereas Marius's lab is primarily geared towards the needs of mortal mages and his thin-blood alchemists the one at the chantry is entirely dedicated to kindred blood magic, though the stores that were no doubt once filled with vitae have been depleted to nothing possibly used by the gargoyle guardian of the chantry to maintain itself during it's long vigil.

The chantry itself is fascinating and you are now convinced it has an intelligence of it's own. Though quite definitely containing only the Laboratory, Library, Museum and personal quarters when you first arrived it now also has a meeting room which was discovered by Ruby mere moments after a discussion about establishing some rules of the house and three very comfortable lounges each with a different portrait over it's fireplace. These appeared the day after a debate within the chantry about the respective benefits of each house become quite spirited.

Strangely, many of the chantry residents seem to only feel comfortable in one of the three available rooms.

Introduction
Baron Fortier had convened a meeting of the barons of all the domains adjacent to or within the Downtown area to discuss the rediscovered Clan Tremere Chantry within. After a sometimes tense meeting the task for explaining the requirements for their continued stay in Los Angeles was given to the Baron of Pasadena, Michael Tomassio. Broadly speaking a promise of adherence to Anarch ideals would be required of them as well as a vow that their own internal politics would remain so. Michael of course also had his own agenda knowing that any Camarilla sympathise within the chantry could be exploited later.

Scene Four - Ultimatums and Complications

Leanna - Duskborn
Blood Doll 'Shepherdess'

Michael's phone rang with the contact number he had for Leanna. He of course immediately leapt to the conclusion that something had gone wrong with her deprogramming of his blood doll Susannah. Leanna was however quick to reassure him.

"No, there was no problem there. She thinks she had a brief lover affair with an art student called Micky, he turned out to be an arsehole, so she left him. I find it's best to keep some details similar in case friends mention the events. She'll avoid places you met mutually and even if she does bump into you she will have zero memories of you specifically. I'm very good at this I assure you..."

Relieved that at least one thing recently had gone to plan he politely enquired about the actual reason for her call. "I've been instructed by the bi... by Victoria to let you know you wont be seeing Heather for a few days. She's got herself into a bit of trouble that requires 'cleaning up'. If this leaves you short staffed I can replace her temporarily from 'stock' with some-one au fait with our...condition..."

Michael briefly considered taking her up on the offer but after a moment decided it would be simpler to deal with being short-staffed for a few days than deal with the complications of having some-one new wandering about.

Heather Taylor - Ghoul
Galerie Sanguine Employee

"Is Heather okay?" Enquired Michael politely. "She's fine..." Leanna then paused as if considering how much detail to add "...She was involved in a little incident, that's all. Victoria is sorting it out but needs her to stay out of any potential trouble for a few days. It's nothing that can be linked to the gallery, if that's what is concerning you?". Though relieved at the last detail he assured Leanna that his question had been out of genuine concern for Heather's well-being.

Michael contacted Marie who had decided to accept the invitation to take up residence at the chantry and asked her to arrange a time for him to meet them to discuss some matters of concern. Marie obliged, informing Michael that a visit from some-one had been expected and that she also had some things to discuss with him that would be better relayed in person. With a time arranged it was just a matter of deciding who to bring along.

Conscious that he needed to maintain his cover as a Brujah rather than a Banu Haqim, Daniel decided that a change in image might be needed. Though Clan Brujah had members from many cultures, faiths, allegiances and philosophies the majority adopted a less polished look than Daniel did. He was however also conscious that a radical change in image might draw the very attention he was trying to avoid so he decided that some subtle changes might be enough. He bought himself a leather jacket, some denim and a set of expensive cowboy boots. Though they were still smart they said 'rebel' a bit more obviously than his usual suits did. Michael of course noticed the difference immediately.

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim
'In Disguise'

"Trying a new look, Daniel?" The Banu Haqim nodded noncommittally as Michael panned him up and down, looking for a designer label. "Off the Rack?" Daniel noted that he managed to make 'Off the Rack' sound like a hideous sexual perversion of some kind. He could see however that Daniel still had two of his knives concealed on his person and one of his 10mm Colt handguns.

"You look..." said Michael "...like a college teacher that's snapped...but I suppose it's to all our benefit for your cover story to remain intact." Michael was also taking Vin with him in the hope that his reputation would make any troublemakers within the chantry think twice about causing them harm. They had, after all witnessed him kill the gargoyle that was it's defender and they would hopefully have some good will left due to his protecting of them all from it's attacks before that.

Vin had selected his two-handed machete from his substantial armoury and it was scabbarded beneath his coat though he had refrained from bringing any firearms. A moment later Roach strolled into the gallery in answer to Michael's summons. By his standards he was well dressed but offered no explanation for his recent absences. Neither he nor Michael were in any way armed as anything that could get through Vin and Daniel would roll right over them without feeling the bumps.

Scene Five - Bloody Diplomacy

Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue
Power Broker

Baron Tomassio had Dion do the driving as he wanted Daniel free should there be any trouble. Dion had been forced upon him by Fiorenza Savona to act as liaison but seemed trustworthy enough as he made no secret of what he did and didn't report to his mistress.

As his last assignment had very nearly ended with him and his family being skinned alive by Marius's psychotic assistant Victoria he was quite keen to keep both Fiorenza and Michael as happy as possible.

The journey to downtown was uneventful and they arrive at the chantry at the agreed upon time. They couldn't help but notice that since the chantry's obfuscating mask had been dropped, the area around it had become much busier as if the location itself had previously also been under some form of enchantment. Dion was left with the car and given instructions to both stay alert and to keep the engine running. As they approached the door to the building it opened silently before them.

The member of House Carna known as 'Maiti', greets you in the entrance lobby which seems to be somewhat larger than you remember and bids you to follow. She begins to talk as she guides you through the chantry and up to a second floor "We of course know why you're here, did you draw the short straw or did you volunteer for the task?"

Matilda 'Maiti' Beck - House Carna
Chantry Security

"It was always in my interests to be the one to be responsible." Replied Michael "So I was more than amenable that the task be given to me." As they were being guided through the building all those with abilities to see the supernatural could detect the sheer power the building seemed to exude. It was difficult to pin it down to a specific item or location, it was as if the building itself was inherently imbued with occult power.

Seeing the wards entwined with the very structure of the chantry Roach decided on a whim to see if the power had an aura that could be read. The structure was alive with sharp, flickering colours that normally indicated someone in the middle of a daydream and the Malkavian was in no doubt that the building had if not a soul at the very least a personality of it's own.

As he observed closer the colours became mottled and began to shift as the personality he was observing became confused then shifted through the greens and blues of suspicion and distrust before shifting once more into an aggressive purple.

Immediately connecting his own observations to the buildings increasing hostility, with a tremendous force of will he managed to drag his perceptions back inwards. The increasing pressure within his head began to fade and the dangerous wards he'd detected been activated within the walls parallel to him also became dull and subdued.

Both Michael and Daniel tended to keep an eye on Roach in any building with occult potential after he'd collapsed within the abandoned hospital that the Nagajara Pisha filled with her bound spiritual servants. Both noticed a dazed look in his eyes and then a sudden twitch but a moment later he seemed to get control of himself and they relaxed slightly.

Vanessa 'Ruby' Rubeus - Carna
Chantry Regent

You are ushered into a large meeting room where the rest of the members of this unlikely alliance are already seated at a heavy oak table inlaid with intricate patters. You can't help but notice that interwoven into the seats and the table in front of them are stylised representations of their house symbols which seem to indicate where they or the chantry itself would like them to sit. Your guide takes a chair to the left of the leader of the House Tremere faction 'Alannah'. There are five vacant chairs opposite them but these are unmarked.

Michael seated himself at the opposite side of the table from the chantry's new Regent Vanessa 'Ruby' Rubeus and noted as he did so that the blank table placing on the heavy wooden table in front of him wove into an ornate version of the Clan Toreador symbol. As he rested his arms on the chair he could see that this also now held an intricate pattern of roses.

Roach's seat and place at the table became patterned with many intricate versions of the mirror symbol of Clan Malkavian while Vin's became a plane but solid replica of that of Clan Brujah. Daniel realised that remaining standing would be suspicious but seating himself would no doubt reveal his true clan. Seeing no alternative he took one of the remaining chairs and sat down.

The wood upon the table before him and the chair beneath began to flow into the tell-tale clan symbol of the Banu Haqim before moments later resolving into an elaborate version of that of Clan Brujah instead. Looking around it seemed that no-one had noticed the first indicated clan and Daniel began to wonder if the change was directed by the individual or if the house itself had a sense of humour or of the dramatic.

'Marie' - House Carna

Michael began by describing in broad and diplomatic terms the meeting that had taken place between the chantries concerned neighbours and that he had been elected to put forward the concerns raised by that meeting. He further stated that they had no intention of interfering in the internal business of the chantry but that an agreement to abide by the rules of the Anarch Free States would make everyone without significantly more comfortable. There were a few voices raised in objection to this interference and demand for compliance but Marie interrupted to vouch for Michael. As she stated quite clearly "Of those present at that meeting, Michael is the one you most want to act as go-between and liaison. He's definitely going to be most sympathetic to our views and viewpoints. We should listen to what he has to say."

He continued, making the argument that cooperation made more sense in a domain where the Anarchs held the majority and where suspicions and paranoia were at an all time high due to the recent attempted Sabbat incursion. All they needed to do was pledge to keep their personal and clan politics within the chantry, abide by Anarch rules and declare themselves at worse to be Autarkis or at best to be willing to adopt the philosophies of the Anarchs.

Alanis 'Alannah' Ward - Tremere
Chantry Savant

"Or else, what?!?!?!" this from Alannah whose aura Roach noted had gone from distrustful to full blown psychotic rage without there being any transition between the two states. "I've been forced from one home by the Fortiers and his allies before. Anyone who attempts to move me now will discover that I'm considerably more skilled in the arts of death and blood than I was then..." Roach also noted that her fellow House Tremere member seemed to become positively excited at the mention of bloodshed. He contemplated passing this information onto Michael but trusted his empathetic skills enough to know that he'd have picked up the signs for himself.

Daniel looked over at Vin and could see that his hand had slid underneath his coat where it now rested upon the hilt of his machete. He himself subtly shifted in his chair so the motion casually moved his jacket to enable easy draw of his gun. He made a note of the single exit, the position of all in the room and their postures.

He could tell that 'Maiti' of House Carna was sizing up his group in a similar fashion to himself and decided that she'd be his second target after he put a bullet through Alannah's forehead the moment she made a move to attack. He also had a third target to consider amongst the initial wave as he was sure that Alannah's House-mate Etain would be quick to attempt to avenge her ally. He was also reasonably sure that Vin would just go for the nearest threat which at the moment was Maiti. Michael could see that he needed to do something quickly or a war against the blood sorceresses would begin in this very room.

Elizabeth 'Etain' Brooker
House Tremere

"Threats serve little purpose in this case. I have no doubt that you are all formidable in your own right but one of those who would welcome an excuse to attack is Nines Rodriguez whose call would bring every Anarch in the city to your door also..." continued Michael "...the forces you yourselves could unleash would breach the masquerade so spectacularly that the Second Inquisition would no doubt follow. Do you wish to lose this chantry the way the one in Vienna was taken from Clan Tremere? or be hunted down like the kindred of London?" Seeing that his shock tactic had gotten the attention of all present he reiterated the barons earlier demand in his most diplomatic tone of voice "The alternative is a simple agreement that effects nothing you do within the chantry and little you would wish to do outside. Isn't that the better option?"

"So to summarise..." interjected 'Ruby' "Within the chantry we do exactly as we please, outside we stay neutral and agree not to wave any Camarilla flags about?" "I'm reasonably sure..." she said, glancing first at Alannah and then at Mandi "...that we can agree to that...as long as no foolish Anarchs attempt to poke their noses into our affairs. If they do then we will make an example of the first that will ensure that there wont be a second. Agreed?"

Roach could see that all except Alannah had seemed happy with the arrangement but even she had came around when the threat of violence to any who interfered with them had been stipulated. Roach then telepathically informed Michael that there shouldn't be any problems now Alannah had been placated and with an agreement reached the parties began to rise from their seats.

Scene Six - One Clan, Three Houses

Carna, The Princess Witch - House Carna
Portrait within House Carna Lounge

With the formal agreement made, Michael decided he'd see if he could have a less formal chat with the new Regent 'Ruby'. As he moved to speak with her he noted that Maiti who had apparently taken on the security rule for the chantry had made her way to Vin and that the single member of House Goratrix 'Mandi' was speaking to Daniel. Marie nodded towards Michael as if to remind him that they needed to talk. Roach being Roach had wandered off to have a look around and no-one within the chantry seemed to object though he noticed that Brea had headed in the same direction, presumably to keep an eye on him.

Ruby escorted Michael to a floor above the meeting area where a corridor led to three rooms. Ignoring the ones to the left and right she guided Michael ahead to a comfortable lounge style room decorated in a somewhat rustic style, most of the ornaments and pictures on the walls related to more nature based ritual magic with an emphasis on what Michael would have described as witchcraft and paganism. Dominating one wall was a portrait of Carna, the Princess Witch who was head of the House that bore her name.

"This floor appeared soon after we arrived..." she explained "...the other rooms are used by those of the other houses. It seems the chantry observed the need for the houses of our clan to meet without the inevitable arguments of those with different mindsets. You had something you wished to discuss?"

Lord Tremere
Portrait within House Tremere Lounge

Michael subtly broached the subject of Clan Carna's Camarilla allegiances and after skirting around any statement that could be considered too committal managed to get Ruby to admit that despite her official agreement to keep out of Anarch politics she had no intention of abandoning her loyalty to the Camarilla unless Carna herself decided to do so. He then added that he too believed that there were many benefits to the Camarilla's way of doing things and that should the situation change in the so-called 'Free States' then others with a similar mindset would need to stick together. Believing he had gone as far as he dared with that line of conversation he turned the subject to Alannah, head of the House Tremere faction and her 'Strongly worded viewpoints'.

"Alannah is somewhat of a firecracker." admitted Ruby "She has however been abandoned on one occasion and driven from her home on another so her desire to avoid either fate reoccurring is quite understandable." She continued "She is also one of the most innovative creators of new rituals that I've ever encountered. It was only upon debating with her upon methodology that I realised how many unattributed advances she has added to the development of Clan Tremere's blood sorcery over the last century. She is considered a 'Savant' of the clan by many and rightly so.".

Alannah - House Tremere
Not to be Trifled With.

It was obvious to Michael that Alannah's temper was apparently a small price to pay for her overall contribution to the chantry. "She is also an invaluable asset should we need to defend ourselves. Baron Fortiers childe, Catherine Du Bois skims over just how many ghouls she lost driving her from their territory. The Verbena mage coven in the mountains of Santa Monica also had cause to regret their meeting." The implication wasn't lost on Michael that Ruby would use her as a weapon if necessary. It was not a reassuring thought. He therefore decided to change the subject.

"I also would like to offer my assistance if there's anything you require to ease with you settling in?" Michael noticed that for a moment, Ruby seemed a little uncomfortable but soon recovered and then the reason for her reaction became obvious as she replied. "You've been courteous and honest with me so I feel I should reciprocate. The Gangrel Marius visited us several days ago with a far less confrontational attitude than the one those you represent have adopted." Michael immediately realised what it was that Marie wished to talk to him about. "He was of the opinion that though our chantry came within the boundaries of his domain he couldn't care less what we did here as long as we do him the courtesy of letting him know if any of us operated in or below the rest of downtown that he considers his."

Marius 'The Fixer' Walker
'Boardroom' Gangrel - Autarkis

The Toreador mentally kicked himself for not preparing himself for the possibility that Marius might have made an approach himself. "He also offered us meaningful access to feeding rites within certain of his establishments and the same access to his services as any other resident of Los Angeles..." Realising that Ruby was yet to finish he braced himself for the rest. "...He has also promised to provide us with whatever is necessary to explain away the chantries lack of connections to the grid and protect us from visits from local authorities that may compromise us."

Suddenly the ease with which he'd gained the agreement of the chantry occupants to the barons demands became more plausible. They could safely agree to their conditions as they already had access to the majority of the things they needed to survive and thrive. Attempting to salvage something from the situation, Michael began to speak. "I would of course have been happy to offer feeding rites myself but my own barony isn't particularly conveniently located for your needs. Of course if ever you are near my domain the offer is still there. I do however have a policy requiring that kine that are fed upon survive the experience.".

Victoria Anne - Ghoul of Marius
Somewhat notorious...
...for skinning people alive.

Ruby gave her thanks for the support and once again thanked him for his understanding of their needs and the way he'd obviously framed the local barons demands in far more diplomatic tones than she presumed they themselves had done so. As Michael rose to leave he left Ruby with the contact details for both himself and the bar within his domain that he used as an Elysium of sorts. He also enquired about how the chantries inhabitants and the chantry itself felt about ghouls in case he needed to utilise one as a go-between. "Marius's ghoul survived the visit...." was the reply "...though from what I've heard about her that's probably disappointed many within LA." Not wanting to commit himself Michael left without comment.

As he left he was intercepted by Marie. "Did she tell you about Marius's visit?". Michael confirmed that she had indeed. "I was hoping to let you know before you spoke to her but the opportunity didn't come up..." After comparing what Marie knew with what Ruby had told him it was obvious that the Regent had left only one thing out though it was possible that she simply didn't know. Marie was aware that Alannah of House Tremere had asked Marius to deal with the remnants of her blood cult in the mountains but as they were both out of earshot by the time 'price' was being discussed she had no idea if terms were ever even agreed.

While Michael was busy with Vanessa Rubeus, Maiti had intercepted Vin ostensibly to discuss security matters. "I was impressed with how quickly you dealt with the guardian of this place, your quick actions may well have saved my un-life and Alannah's of course...but no-ones perfect" She smiled after the last part of the statement but even Vin could tell she wasn't completely joking. "I did a little research on you myself afterwards, you're amassing quite an impressive body-count"

Desdemona Moore - Brujah
Camarilla Archon and Praetor

Vin confirmed that he had had some success in dealing with enemies he had encountered but made light of the victories describing them simply as "Jobs that needed to be done...". Rather than putting off Maiti his casual attitude to the victories only seemed to impress her more. "I was trained as a bodyguard myself, it was actually why I was embraced. I imagine your history is somewhat the same?" Though not spectacularly politically minded Vin was aware that naming his sire as Desdemona Moore might not be the best idea given that she was well known as a formidable Camarilla Archon and Praetor which would require more subterfuge than he felt like indulging in currently. Instead he gave a brief and honest description of his history but omitted any names that could give his lineage away.

Seemingly satisfied with the exchange, Maiti invited him to return to the chantry any time he felt like having a discussion with some-one of similar background and interests. Vin acknowledged the offer politely and then left to ensure that the rest of the coterie was safe and sound, vaguely aware that he might have missed some subtext in Maiti's conversation.

Goratrix - House Goratrix
Portrait within House Goratrix Lounge

Amanda 'Mandi' McBride, the sole representative of House Goratrix within the chantry approached Daniel as Michael left the room with Ruby and Vin and Maiti began a somewhat one-sided conversation in a corner of the meeting room. "Daniel, do you have a moment?". A victim of his own curiosity more often than he liked to admit and noting that the rest of the coterie seemed occupied he agreed that he did.

Led to a second floor of the chantry he saw Michael disappearing into a room at the far end of the corridor while Mandi instead gestured to a room on the right. The sitting room dedicated to House Goratrix was dimly lit, the couches were of dark leather and the fireplace beneath the portrait of the one that gave the house it's name burnt with a dim flame.

Most of the decoration was in the form of mirrors with heavy, ornate frames while the few ornaments were simple but exquisitely constructed. It was only when examined closely that the figures carved upon them could clearly be seen to be tormented as if trapped in a form not their own.

Once Daniel had taken a seat Mandi began. "Marius spoke to me about you privately while he was here a few days ago. He said that in his opinion you might have an aptitude for Blood Sorcery, unusual for a Brujah and that if it might be a talent you'd be willing to accept training for in exchange for the occasional task?"

Amanda 'Mandi' McBride - Tremere
Chantry Pontifex

Daniel confirmed that it was a subject that interested him a great deal and that he would be glad to exchange his skills for some training if the circumstances of the exchange were appropriate. He of course then enquired about what exactly she had in mind. "I foresee many problems ahead for this chantry..." she answered with what as far as Daniel could tell was sincerity "...and it may be useful to have a friend skilled in problem resolution. The Gangrel informs me that you have some considerable skill in planning and implementing such solutions...he also said you could be trusted to be...discrete..." Daniel confirmed that if problem existed that didn't circumvent his own personal standards of justice then he would be more than willing to help in exchange for the price offered. Offering her thanks she bid him farewell and left the room though once she had gone he began to feel uncomfortable and followed her out.

Daniel could see that Michael was conversing with Marie as he left the room. Vin had also finished his conversation (such as it was) with Maiti and Roach reappeared with his shadow Brea a moment behind, carefully observing him as he headed back to the lobby. With all the formal and informal business complete they returned to their vehicle where Dion was waiting.

As they drove back to the gallery Michael phoned his scourge Hope Romero. "Are you busy? I need an escort on a trip to Hollywood." The Baron had decided that he had some research to do...

To be Continued in 'A Meeting of Barons' 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...

Not much to say about this session really. The role-playing was excellent all round and they failed to fall into any of the traps I'd set to drop them in the brown stuff with the chantry members.

Of course next time they need to convince the barons that everything is fine with the arrangements they've made as well as that the Gangrel they excluded from their meeting got in first with the chantry...that might take a bit more work, lol.

Acknowledgements
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 the actor Matt Bomer, Johnny 'Roach' West is quite obviously Kurt Cobain, 'Vin' is the actor Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope is Deborah Ann Woll, Marie is Eva Greene, Leanna is Leeanna Vamp, Heather Taylor is Liz Vicious, Vanessa 'Ruby' Rubeus is Leila Lunatic, Alanis 'Alannah' Ward is La Esmeralda, Elizabeth 'Etain' Brooker is Darya Goncharova, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Victoria is Lilith May, Desdemona Moore is Amanda Donohoe and Mandi is Theresa Theresa. 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...

Thoughts and comments are (as usual) most welcome.