Vampire the Masquerade V5 - Session Thirty Eight - Blood Money (Part One)

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 as well as links to the first episode of each story in the blog sidebar.
'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, Two and Three
Story Seven - 'The Carmelita Situation' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Eight - 'The Blount Sisters' - Part One and Two

The PC's
Player controlled characters
Michael Tomassio - Toreador, Baron of Pasadena
Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, Sheriff
Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Fixer'
Hope Romero - Gangrel, Scourge
Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, Mob Accountant
The SPC's
Storyteller controlled player allies
Johnny 'Roach' West - Malkavian, Seneschal
Marie - Clan Carna, Occult Advisor

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. Others of course are complete bollocks...

Introduction

With Roach increasingly involved in maintaining your burgeoning drug empire and combining the various gangs rendered leaderless by Daniel into your own gang you are seeing less and less of him.

On the bright side this has meant that his gang 'The Apostles' are now exceptionally well organised and the drug trade is burgeoning giving you a considerable supply of cash for your business concerns. The downside if it can be called one is that you now have far more unexplained cash than you can launder through your few existing business ventures.

Vin meanwhile has shown a surprising flair for the prostitution business and both your 'gentlemen's clubs' are doing well. The street girls are being 'protected' by the Apostles and Vin's own recruited group of enforcers and the almost complete elimination of the competition has given you a virtual monopoly on the sex trade across Pasadena. Now he has established his own haven, most of your dealings with him are via his ghoul Sarah though he always makes himself available if there's a chance that someone might need punching repeatedly or dismembering.

Scene One - Dion

'Dion' - Retainer of Fiorenza Savona
Current Assignment - Michael Tomassio

Dion appears at your office door that once again Heather has breezed through and forgot to close. "Do you have a moment? I have had a 'request' relayed to me via Miss Ross."

Michael was well aware that a message from Miss Ross was effectively an order from Fiorenza Savona as she was seemingly one of her most trusted operatives and quite ruthless too. At their last meeting she had effectively had one of her own people executed for what as far as the coterie could tell was for the crime of making a minor error of judgement.

Storytellers Note - It was a bit more complicated than that but the characters don't know that for sure though their players do. If you want more details than are included in the summary that follows then you'll need to read scene twelve of this story HERE and the 'Plans Within Plans' interlude after it.

"It seems that Fiorenza has sent an agent of hers to investigate the embezzlement of a quantity of cash from an ambitious minor Camarilla accountant. They have reached the limits of what they can accomplish remotely, but being of Clan Nosferatu are unable to continue with the now necessary 'personal interactions'. She would like you to assist them if they require it."

Miss Myra Ross - Malkavian
Fiorenza's 'Special Projects' Liaison

He pauses a little as if not particularly happy about what he has to say next. "She would consider your assistance to be proof of your continued commitment to the Camarilla...and her..."

Michael didn't like the implied threat and he and his coterie had already informed Miss Ross in person during a previous meeting that they didn't appreciate the interference in their mission when they had been doing just fine without any help whatsoever up to that point.

It was at that meeting that Dion had been transferred from Marius's service to theirs to effectively spy on their progress after he had been compromised within Marius's organisation. Marius's personal assistant Victoria had made it clear to Dion that reporting anything without checking with her first would result in his family being skinned alive so he had ceased to be effective in the role.

Though it was difficult to trust a person whose job it was to spy on your progress, Dion had proven to be a useful asset so the coterie now tolerated his presence. "So Dion, what do we know of this fellow other than that he is of the Nosferatu clan?" was Michael's not unreasonable next question. "His name is Mr Hertz, he's currently based in Chinatown along with his own liaison 'Zhi'. I'm told he's very good at what he does for what it's worth." Realising that this news was going to go down like the proverbial lead balloon, Michael summoned the rest of the coterie members who were aware of just exactly why they were in LA.

"You're not going to like this...But..."

Nobody could locate Roach so the discussion was one member short but Michael presumed the information would filter back to him at some point.

Vin whose sire was very well connected within the Camarilla rarely raised objections to any task issued them direct from their sponsors so merely took it as just another job to get done. He did however query if the return condition of the embezzler had been specified, Michael promised to ask as he knew 'Vin' tended to get bored with 'cause no harm' jobs.

Daniel was still attempting to keep a low profile but figured that having a friend in high places might come in useful later so offered his services as well.

All that remained now was to await their guests arrival and is this could happen at any time the coterie members returned to their own business.

Scene Two - Mr Hertz

Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue
Power Broker

Storytellers Note - At lot of this had already been discussed and decided with the new player before the session. Introducing someone new in a plausible manner can be trickier in a vampire campaign due to the politics and inherent distrust within vampire culture. It's not like DnD when you can just bump into them in a tavern and decided to go on an adventure together...

You have been tasked by your current 'employer', Fiorenza Savona to locate several million dollars that a minor retainer of hers has embezzled from a 'venture capital' account that he was under the impression had been forgotten about. His accomplice, a Ventrue named Jaidon Delaney, realised that there was activity on the account and that their chance of discovery was higher than expected and chose to betray his fellow thief in order to gain himself some time to get away. Unfortunately for him his accomplice had the same idea and had implemented his plan first, betraying Jaidon before the same could be done to him.

After some intensive interrogation, Jaidon revealed the name of his fellow conspirator, several account numbers he'd used to move the money through and his destination of Los Angeles. Given that the Free States are currently without the benefit of Camarilla rule it was initially decided to attempt the trace of this traitor using more mundane means but the trail has gone 'cold' in a number of areas. It has therefore now been decided to send an operative to the Free States to attempt to pick up the trail directly.

Mr Hertz - Nosferatu

You have been informed that you are the best kindred for the job and have been relieved of your duties in Chicago assisting several Camarilla supported Ventrue to hide their ill-gotten gains and have been snuck into Los Angeles with an initial contact in Chinatown to set you up with a small haven and a plausible cover. Though many of your clan are hideously deformed you are fortunate to be able to just about pass for mortal with the aid of a large coat, hat, scarf and glasses. You do however still give mortals who meet you the 'creeps' but most locals attribute it to you being a weird old man who lives above a slaughterhouse...

You have a serviceable haven above a Chinatown slaughterhouse whose accounts you do in exchange for a small cash stipend and a regular supply of animal blood. Perhaps surprisingly the blood payment didn't even raise an eyebrow and you have observed from your abode that a significant number of neonates, caitiff and thin-bloods are regular visitors with the same purpose. You have helped out some of these visitors who found themselves short of funds in order to make a few 'friends' and now are owed several trivial but potentially useful future boons.

Chinatown Slaughterhouse - Mr Hertz's Haven

Storytellers Note - No background really exists for this so I invented one I simply called Boons. 1 Dot being several Trivial Boons owed, 2 and 3 Dots being a single Minor or Major Boon respectively. I decided not to include Life Boons as they're difficult to give a value to. Though I would allow the backgrounds to be taken as Flaws if it's the PC who is in debt.

Edit - There is one in the Chicago by Night pdf that Kickstarter backers have just received so I may change my one to their version.

You are aware that the slaughterhouse is one of a number of businesses owned by a company called Aegis Acquisitions which is the legitimate business empire of the kindred 'Fixer' Marius Walker, specifically he uses it's blood supplies to gain trivial boons from desperate younger kindred. He also has a large number of cheap but serviceable places that serve as Havens for more or less the same clientele. You have been informed by Fiorenza that your accommodation is in one of these locations and that Marius has been informed that you are on a job for her, but not what it is as though he's a valuable contact she doesn't trust him one iota believing he'll attempt to use the information to his advantage.

You have a driver and assistant provided by Fiorenza. A Chinese woman called Zhi Baxter who you are aware reports on your progress to Fiorenza but is in all other regards a loyal and useful retainer.

Scene Three - A Promising Start

'Zhi' - Retainer of Fiorenza Savona
Current Assignment - Mr Hertz

Mr Hertz's creative book-keeping skills came to the attention of the local triads with whom he has now negotiated an arrangement. In return for assisting them with their money laundering activities they ensure that his home is undisturbed, local businesses are cooperative to his needs and also are compensating him  financially for the services he provides.

One of these 'cooperative' businesses is a small taxi firm. Though he rarely need to utilise it as he has his own driver and assistant provided by Fiorenza. It does however come in useful on the one night per month that Zhi is always unavailable, presumably this is when she makes her reports and receives the vitae she requires to maintain her status as ghoul. Mr Hertz is of course savvy enough not to ask.

While sorting through the transcripts of the interrogations, provided files and other information the Nosferatu financial expert gained some basic information with which to start his own enquiries. Jaidon named the embezzler who got away as being named Marcel Emery. According to the sources provided to him he is a tenth generation Ventrue embraced soon after the Second World War, around about the year nineteen forty seven.

Marcel Emery - Ventrue
Embezzler of Camarilla Funds

Though technically nearly a hundred years old he appears to be in his early twenties, of average height, athletically built, with curly blonde hair. Though embraced with the beginnings of a beard he is usually clean shaven and short-haired when seen out as he is said to be quite vain. After some prompting Fiorenza revealed that she is dubious about the plan being entirely the work of Marcel and Jaidon as in her opinion "They lack the nerve to cross me unless they believed they would find protection afterwards, which they lacked the contacts to do."

Unfortunately the location of the bulk of the money is currently unknown but using forensic accounting techniques he had traced purchases and possible investments using parts of the cash using several account numbers revealed during Jaidon's interrogation to a number of businesses around LA.

Storytellers Note - I had warned the other players that they wouldn't have a lot to do during the scenes establishing Mr Hertz and what he'd been up to before contacting the coterie.

Hertz has traced a payment of fifty thousand dollars to a shipping company called Geduld Logistics based in the Port of Los Angeles mere days after the money disappeared, A Hollywood sex shop and strip club collectively called the Sin Bin had received several payments in the region of several hundred dollars from one of the accounts created with the money, The Glaze nightclub here in Chinatown had a credit card used there though it has now unfortunately been cancelled and the account closed however there may be some trace of the user there, possibly a sighting or description.

Additionally forty thousand dollars in cash was withdrawn from an account at a bank branch in Beverly Hills after being transferred from another account under the name of Aleena Armstrong, the new account still has a balance of ten thousand dollars remaining but as far as Mr Hertz can ascertain Aleena Armstrong doesn't exist.

You are enough of a realist to know that even disguised you have little chance of infiltrating these places and getting a straight answer to your questions without potentially breaching the masquerade or worse, open yourself up to a preemptive strike by your adversary.

You have however been informed that the current Baron of Pasadena and his coterie may be able to assist if you mention Fiorenza's name and remind them of their commitments. You have been given the address of a gallery in Pasadena where they may be located. You have been informed that despite them being broadly in line with the Camarilla's aims that they are independent in nature and resistant to outside influence so you might have to tread carefully in order to get their best efforts.

Scene Four - Introductions and Plans

The Galerie Sanguine - Main Entrance

Well aware that he was unlikely to be welcomed with open arms at the front of the building, Mr Hertz instead made his way to the rear of the gallery. Noting that someone had left a slightly battered looking chair on a small balcony are at the top of the fire escape he presumed that this must sometimes be used as access so decided to see if he could get some-ones attention without drawing too much of it himself.

Vin was somewhat surprised to hear knocking on the door to what he now generally considered to be Roach's 'office'. Deciding that the chance of this being prelude to an attack was somewhat unlikely given that assault teams rarely knocked first and definitely never politely enquired if there was "...any-one within?" or announced "I have an appointment..." he answered the polite rapping at the fire escape exit door. He was even more surprised to see a man there in a hat, scarf and dark glasses wearing a heavy overcoat over a pin-stripe suit. "Greetings my good fellow, I'm Mr Hertz..." He then tipped his hat "...I'm here to see a Mr Tomassio. I believe he's expecting me?"

The Galerie Sanguine - Private Viewing Area

Vin asked the politely spoken yet slightly creepy fellow to wait a moment before making his way to Michael's office. "Baron?" Michael looked up as the towering form of Vin filled his office doorway "I think the guy we were told about is here. You want me to show him to the meeting room?" Michael confirmed that this would be fine though reminded him to take the route avoiding the occult wards as many allowed only them access and were quite dangerous to any other kindred. As Vin escorted their guest, Michael rang Daniel to request his presence at the meeting though had to leave a message for Roach as he once again wasn't answering his phone.

Michael noted that for a Nosferatu this Mr Hertz wasn't as hideous in appearance as he was expecting though he was disturbing in a way the Toreador couldn't quite explain. "Am I okay to set myself up here in the corner with my helpers?" Vin and Michael exchanged a look as they were the only people present. "Helpers? We understood you were to be our only guest?"

Mr Hertz - Rat Famulus - Unliving Hive

As explanation Mr Hertz reached into his coat and pulled out a surprisingly well groomed rodent which sat obediently in the palm of his hand before scurrying back along his arm and then seemed to disappear into the Nosferatu's clothing. "The corner will be fine. So just how can we be of assistance?"

Storytellers Note - Travel times in Los Angeles can be surprisingly quick when I don't feel like explaining things in character twice over as Daniel's sudden appearance in the next paragraph illustrates.

Daniel arrived at the meeting room just in time to be introduced to Mr Hertz and to hear the run down of the problems he had and the clues he'd discovered so far. The fifty thousand paid to Geduld Logistics was of particular interest as it was common knowledge amongst kindred that David Geduld who ran the Port of Los Angeles would arrange all of the details of a trip from any port in the Continental U.S. and see to the safe unloading of the passenger at the Port of Los Angeles.

The Port of Los Angeles - Barony of Torrance

This service was popular amongst those elders who feared or distrusted air travel or those who wished to enter Los Angeles quietly and without need for things like paperwork. What was particularly telling about this transaction was that David Geduld's fee for such a service was normally twenty five thousand, not fifty.

As for the other locations mentioned, Daniel suggested seeing if they could obtain any security camera footage from nearby so they could gain some idea of who exactly had made the purchases and transactions. The Banu Haqim had two skilled investigators in his service and Michael had access to a cooperative police lieutenant who might be able to get them the bank footage if a suitable cover story could be came up with. In fact security footage from all four locations identified by Mr Hertz would be ideal so as to cross reference names and faces though obtaining this from some locations might require Daniel to acquire it directly.

'Glaze' - Chinatown

Several phone-calls later and Daniel and Michael's police 'friend' had arranged appropriate documentation to allow them access to the bank records as long as they didn't get examined too closely. Michael had made some enquiries about the nightclub in Chinatown known as 'Glaze' and had discovered that the exclusive establishment had a somewhat unorthodox method of gaining entry.

It seemed that the main entrance could only be accessed by a coded keypad for which the code was changed daily. Only those who were currently considered as 'in' were given access though they were free to bring any entourages with them that they wished. The Toreador decided that this might be a good time to pay a visit to Club Zombie where one of the doorman was a useful contact of Michael's who kept his finger on the pulse of local trends. If any-one could get access it would be him.

David Geduld - Baron of Torrance

Investigating Geduld Logistics was going to be a bit more complicated as the Port of Los Angeles was within the Barony of Torrance of which David Geduld himself was the Baron. As the coterie currently had an arrangement with his rival in Long Beach to facilitate the shipping of the drugs required to maintain Roach's operations it was unlikely that he was going to be cooperative. There was also the added complication that if they wanted to keep the operation a secret it would require sneaking around another kindred's barony without permission, tantamount to an act of war if misinterpreted.

Vin pointed out that he had access to plenty of bums and street people who could be used as unobtrusive eyes and ears but that if they needed to gain access to anywhere of significance it would have to be a job for Daniel. The Banu Haqim was the only coterie member with the abilities to stand a chance of success in such an infiltration job. Daniel agreed that it was doable but that it couldn't be a 'cowboy' job and that he'd need time to come up with a plan. "Well then..." said Mr Hertz as the coteries ideas began to take form "...if these things are going to require some planning then I'd like to be of some use in return in the meantie. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Michael remembered the pile of safety deposit boxes they'd inherited from the former baron of Pasadena that were still sitting in one of their storage rooms. They'd extracted what they could from the information within but perhaps some-one with the Nosferatu's financial skills might be able to have more success at unravelling what was left. "Funny you should ask that..." said Michael.

The coterie watched fascinated as dozens of rodents of various sizes and colours emerged from Mr Hertz clothing and began to pick through the various paperwork and bring selected items to their master who began to organise the documentation into various piles. More of the creatures retrieved post-it notes, paper clips and dragged folders from his briefcase as the security boxes contents began to find their contents matched with items from the others. Michael meanwhile made a mental note to have the table and chairs burnt after their guest was finished in the room. As well behaved and trained as they seemed to be there were still rats crawling everywhere after all.

Storytellers Note - Not going to lie...this was my favourite mental image of the session, lol.

Scene Five - Glaze

Approaching Glaze Nightclub

Acquiring the code for the exclusive club known as 'Glaze' was a simple matter for Michael. Having minor fame in the mortal world and a growing reputation in the kindred one his stated intention to visit was all it took to obtain the entry code from his contact at the infamous Club Zombie.

It was decided that Michael and Daniel would go to the club with a sizeable group of sycophants gathered from the artists fans and hopefully there would be an opportunity for Daniel to slip away and obtain the information they needed from any security office the club might have.

Michael meanwhile would see what he could find out from the staff with a combination of his natural charisma and the large quantity of cash he intended to throw around. Having spent possibly too long selecting the most attractive gallery patrons to form his entourage, Michael promised the group that mainly consisted of students that the drinks would be on him for the evening which was more or less all the motivation they needed. As the gaggle of manly female followers piled into the two vehicles Daniel noticed with some amusement that the priority system for who went with Michael and who was relegated to the second car was entirely based on attractiveness. For all Michael's pretensions about being a deeper thinker than others of his clan he was quite capable of embracing the stereotype when necessary.

Raven in Flight - Gangrel Metamorphosis

In order to ensure the safety of the group within Chinatown, Mr Hertz phoned his triad contact and explained that a dozen or so of his friends were visiting club Glaze and that he'd appreciate them being left alone while they did. He also made some enquiries of his own and discovered that the owner of Glaze and some other local businesses that they also controlled paid a nominal percentage of their profits to the triads in protection money. Vin meanwhile had dispatched a number of his herd of street people to some of the locations mentioned by the visiting Nosferatu in order to see if they could pick up any helpful rumours.

None of those heading to Glaze noticed that a raven was following them and observing their progress from the air and even if they did would have been unlikely to suspect that it was their scourge Hope trying out a practical application of a new talent. After dealing with the creature known as a Bloodworm plaguing their neighbouring barony with the help of the Gangrel known as the 'Wilds Pack' Hope had returned to them seeking their help in pushing her abilities further. The one known as Lola had been more than happy to help seemingly enjoying passing on her talents to another of her clan.

Storytellers Note - Yes I know Protean is the signature discipline for Gangrel but I'd still like some vague justification for how a character can suddenly learn how to turn into a bird, lol.

The Blood Dragons - Triad Gang

As they headed from the parking are to the door to the club, Daniel was on the lookout for any security cameras that might have had a view of their suspected embezzler as they visited the club. Several were worthy of note. One overlooked the clubs car-park, another was mounted on a nearby warehouse and overlooked the alleyway to the club and there was of course one pointed at the club entrance itself.

He could also see a number of gang members patrolling the area sporting the obvious tattoo's of the triads. A blood-red dragon in various forms seemed to be the signature ink of this particular group.

The location of the Glaze Nightclub is a large warehouse whose entrance is down a dark and twisting alleyway. The entrance itself is a heavy duty door with a digital keypad off to one side. There appears to be no exterior security personnel though there is a security camera above the door covering the entrance. Evidently knowledge of the code is sufficient to indicate you are allowed to enter.

Club Glaze - Security Guard

Michael punched in the six digit code he'd been given and there was a click as the heavy duty door double doors unlocked. The doors lead to a long corridor. The musical theme for the evening was definitely electronica though the volume wasn't quite as deafening as favoured by many modern nightclubs. Two security guards were inside the door but made no attempt to waylay them as they walked past. It seemed that Michael's information that knowledge of the code was sufficient was quite correct.

Daniel's attention was drawn to the security guards as they weren't what he considered to be typical doorman. Both had the posture and look of former military personnel and the Banu Haqim was reasonably sure that the one had a handgun in an ankle holster.

Though the other had no obvious signs of carrying a weapon, something about his hand position made Daniel immediately think of a man readying to draw a weapon from the small of his back. Though both were large men they moved fluidly as if capable of significant speed if necessary and it was also apparent that despite their casual manner they were carefully observing all who entered and left. Neither sported the tattoos that indicated Triad membership indicating that the club was likely not in Triad hands.

Michael Tomassio - Toreador - Mingling

The club itself had a large square bar in it's centre and four triangle shaped ones in the corners with the gaps between being dance-floor. There were some seats around the outside but the real areas of comfort seemed to be spread around the balcony on the upper floor accessed by a stairway flanked by security guards.

Daniel observed the security cameras inside and could see they were mounted on the upper floor pointing downwards. Whoever had installed them had done an excellent job as from his current position he couldn't detect a single blind-spot and an aray in the centre of the ceiling meant that most areas were covered twice. He could also tell that if there was a security office that it wasn't on the ground floor.

Club Glaze - VIP Area

Michael meanwhile had bought a massive round of drinks for his entourage, most of the bar staff and several attractive ladies who happened to be nearby at the time and was succeeding at his goal of drawing as much attention as possible so the Banu Haqim could peel off undetected.

Daniel approached Michael at the bar and leaned in to inform him that they needed to get to the VIP area on the second floor as the security office must be up there somewhere. Michael indicated that this was easily solved.

Summoning the bartender with a beckoning gesture Michael enquired about his party moving to the VIP area, sliding over a significant quantity of cash as he did so. The man nodded and after calling another member of staff to cover him headed over to a large fellow who seemed to be a manager of sorts. Within moments he and his group found themselves escorted past the velvet rope and up to the upper floor where they were given a large booth to themselves.

Club Glaze - VIP Waitress

Once settled he called over the waitress and told her to keep the drinks coming as those in the VIP area had service to their tables though there was still a bar in one corner. Daniel was also observing the bar but for different reasons to his Baron.

There was an observant security guard in each corner of this floor though the bar location had forced the guard stationed in that area to choose to focus on either the VIP guests or the nearby door. Evidently he believed the door to be of lesser importance than the patrons as he largely ignored it. Daniel reasoned that this was therefore probably the security office and that it had people stationed inside making it a low priority for an outside protector. It wasn't a great opportunity but it was the best chance to penetrate deeper into the club that he could see. He then let Michael know that he needed that distraction. "I have an announcement to make..." Shouted Michael at the top of his voice and with his supernatural presence turned up to it's maximum "...Drinks for everyone..."

While most of the crowd where focused upon the generous artist, Daniel slipped into the toilets and disappeared from view. Taking care to leave only when another patron entered so the doors movement was natural he skilfully liberated a security fob from the belt of a guard intent on the crowd and then opened the door and quickly slipped inside. He found himself in a long corridor that followed the outer edge of the room he'd just left though it was free of any security cameras. Suddenly tense for reasons he couldn't explain he began to move as silently as he could manage along the corridor. Despite being effectively invisible he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to move as quietly and stealthily as possible.

As he rounded the corner he saw a glint of metal from the corner of his eye and realised he'd made a terrible error of judgement.

To be Continued in 'Blood Money' - Part Two

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...

It was getting late, the new player had to go home and I felt like being cruel so...cliffhanger ending, lol.

Introducing the new player went quite well. Including Nosferatu characters has it's own unique challenge's though this one can kinda pass for human when using his abilities so he's not totally out of the picture during none kindred social occasions. Him being a character with financial skills opens up many new possibilities for plots which is useful and I can finally dig back out the pile of sub-plots relating to that pile of safe deposit boxes from way back in session fourteen, 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, Charles Dance is Mr Hertz, Clark Gregg is 'Dion'. 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.

Vampire the Masquerade V5 - Session Thirty Seven - The Blount Sisters (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 as well as links to the first episode of each story in the blog sidebar.
'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, Two and Three
Story Seven - 'The Carmelita Situation' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Eight - 'The Blount Sisters' - Part One

The PC's
Player controlled characters
Michael Tomassio - Toreador, Baron of Pasadena
Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, Sheriff
Hope Romero - Gangrel, Scourge
Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Fixer'

The SPC's
Storyteller controlled player allies
Johnny 'Roach' West - Malkavian, Seneschal
Marie - Clan Carna, Occult Advisor

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.

Introduction

The coterie are endeavouring to limit the depredations of the Blount Sisters by hunting down the rival that they claim is forcing them from their more acceptable feeding grounds.

The sisters have guided them to a recent crime-scene for them to use to further the investigation but the real possibility that they are being manipulated has increased the groups paranoia considerably especially as they were never one hundred percent sure to which of the sisters they were speaking.

Their own Malkavian seer 'Roach' has exasperated the situation by attempting to start a smear campaign against the sisters upon his discovery that they were serial killers of both kindred and kine. Unfortunately the one thing he lacked was actual proof other than his powers of premonition and the black veins he could see within their auras. However the Blounts were skilled liars and had managed to convince their peers that even these signs of diablerie were merely the result of two poor old ladies defending themselves from those who sought to take advantage of them. This has left the coterie with no choice but to assist the pair in spite of their own wishes.

Scene Five - Trails of Blood

Daniel first tasked his ghouls with doing some reconnaissance of the areas in which this alleged new predator had been sighted. He cautioned them both to be careful which inspired Andrew to suggest that it might be safer to overview the wilderness areas with something like a drone which Daniel agreed might be a good option especially to overview some of the larger areas they needed to check out.

With that underway Daniel informed Michael that he was heading to the most recent suspected attack site and asked Hope to accompany him as back-up.

As was his habit, Daniel parked some distance from the place he was to visit but this time placed his vehicle closer than he would do normally so Hope could have a clear view of the house he was about to break into.

As expected the former meth lab was still sealed with police tape so before he approached too closely he used his supernatural abilities of stealth to assume the guise of a generic individual who could conceivably be expected to be in the area. Deciding to leave the door seal intact he instead looked around for a way to gain access to the loft entrance.

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim
Reconnaissance

As he circled the building he noted that there was blood on the outside wall and that the grass alongside the crime scene had been crushed as if something had been dragged along the ground. Briefly looking around to gain his bearings it looked as if the drag marks went in the direction of the mountains though he realised of course that a change of direction could occur at any time. Hope then watched somewhat impressed as Daniel effortlessly jumped three metres straight up to a second floor window ledge before effortlessly scaling the second floor and slipping into the house via the unlocked loft.

Storytellers Note - Daniel's player has the Potence ability 'Soaring Leap', The Celerity ability 'Cat's Grace' and an Athletics skill speciality in Parkour. For stuff like this I don't even make him roll dice anymore...

The inside of the loft was a mess. A bloody smear went from the loft entrance, down the wall and across the floor to the entrance to the second floor. This struck Daniel as odd as there was nothing to indicate that a body had been removed this way and certainly none of the victims had been discovered here, rather this seemed to him to have been the point of ingress which made the blood trail seem incongruous.

The bloody smear continued into the upper floor and as he descended the ladder he could see the blood splattered bathroom where one of the victims had been dumped. This struck Daniel as a good way for an attacker to conceal the fact that they'd taken a lot of blood from the victim which immediately made him think that another vampire was involved. This of course meant that the Blounts could actually have been involved though sneaking in through a loft didn't seem like there style in his opinion.

Making his way downstairs he could see more signs of the gun battle mentioned in the police report as blasts from shotguns, handgun rounds and the zig-zag of sub-machine gun fire could all be seen on both floors as well as in the destroyed meth lab within the homes garage.

Recreating the scene from what he observed and the police information it seemed to him that the victim in the living room had been taken first, probably with very little chance for them to respond. This matched the autopsy details putting the killing wound as being in the back of the neck. It then looked like the attacker had moved into the meth lab where the second victim had been dispatched and where the first shots had been fired.

Tracking the direction of bloody footprints he theorised that the woman had made a break for it while shooting wildly and the predator had caught her on the second floor and left her in the bathroom after more or less tearing her to pieces.

The large piercing wounds within the victims and the apparent massive blood loss made him think inexplicably of something like a large mosquito though that did nothing to explain the bloody smears unless it was something bloated or snake-like. Having gained more questions than answers he swiftly evacuated the house and returned to ask Hope just what animal forms she knew of Gangrel taking...

Hope explained to Daniel that broadly speaking most Gangrel preferred a fight and a flight form though there was some cross-over between the two. Something large like a wolf or dog was usually complimented by something like a bird, bat, rat or similar. She did also point out that hers was not the only clan that had similar abilities and that the followers of set who had now apparently re-branded themselves as 'The Ministry' had the power to assume creature forms also. It was also common knowledge that though the image had fallen out of favour that many of the elder members of the ministry had a preference for snake forms in emulation of the imagery allegedly favoured by their antediluvian founder.

Taking Hope back to where he had discovered the crushed grass they both attempted to follow the trail but were foiled as it reached a roadway and disappeared without trace. With this avenue exhausted they then decided to see if they could gain an audience with the feared Gangrel of The Wilds where the Blounts alleged the creature had been driven from.

Interlude - Common Courtesies

Yukio Hayashi - Ghoul of Marius
Assassin and Head of Security

Michael decided that if they were going to be asking advice from a group who had explicitly stated that any kindred entering their domain without permission would experience final death with no warning given, it might be an idea to be one hundred percent sure they were expected. Of their contacts, Marius had the best relationship with the pack for two reasons.

Firstly it was he who coordinated the various Gangrel who patrolled the many baronies of Los Angeles for the purposes of sharing information on potential threats to Los Angeles as a whole such as the Sabbat and secondly their pack leader of sorts was his grandechilde. With this in mind he dispatched his own Gangrel 'Census Taker' Hope Romero to Marius's base of operations to see if such a meeting could be safely arranged.

Hope was somewhat surprised upon her arrival at Hallowbrook Apartments that after making her way through the usual extensive security precautions she was met by neither Marius nor his PA Victoria but instead his ghoul enforcer Yukio. "No Victoria today?"

Yukio confirmed that both the Gangrel 'Fixer' Marius and his psychotic ghoul Victoria were dealing with "some other business..." and that at risk of being rude she needed Hope to get to the point as she was currently buried under tasks allocated to her by the absent Victoria. "She's not off practising her stand-up routine is she?" asked Hope with all the sarcasm you would imagine and was rewarded with a wry smile from Yukio.

Hsi Lai Temple - 'The Wilds' Elysium

"I'm afraid not. She's off doing something with Marius that 'can't wait' and I'm left with more tasks to accomplish than I have time to do. Victoria seems to think that just because she never sleeps that no-one else does either..." As Hope had been in Marius's employ for some time before going to work for Michael she had a slightly less informal relationship with his operatives than others had so felt safe being a little bit flippant.

Yukio bought the conversation back to the subject in hand. "So, your baron Michael and a few others of his entourage want to meet the Wilds Pack to discuss some urgent issue and you'd like to reach it without being torn to pieces?" Hope confirmed that this was the case and Yukio continued. "The Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple, Located in Hacienda Heights has been declared a sort of Elysium due to the recent Sabbat situation meaning that we actually need to talk to Myranda and her pack periodically. As long as you take a direct route from their borders direct to the temple you wont be harmed, though I'll let them know your coming anyway, just in case." Hope then gave Yukio a brief overview of what exactly they were doing and why the meeting was necessary as a courtesy though she was reasonably sure that Yukio's boss would get a report on the situation from Myranda anyway. She then left to inform Michael of the arrangements.

Scene Six - The Wilds

Samael - Gangrel of the Wilds Pack

Michael's first problem was persuading Vin that he was needed to defend the barony from possible incursions rather than accompanying them to meet the Wilds Pack. Some months ago Vin had attempted to assert his dominance over one of the pack named Samael and had for the first time blinked first. This loss of face had niggled at the Brujah ever since and Michael was concerned that the rivalry could cause tempers to flare during what was already likely to be a difficult meeting with the territorial Gangrel.

Once Vin had been placated after being informed by Michael that he was the only one "That could be trusted with ensuring the safety of the barony as a whole." he sent Hope and Daniel to the scheduled meeting.

Senses on full alert as they entered the Wilds in Hope's rugged jeep both the Gangrel and the Banu Haqim could see that an unusual amount of wolves seemed to have emerged from the woodland to observe them at every significant junction and that flocks of predatory birds were following their route precisely. Though the pair had a number of weapons with them in the jeep they were sensible enough to make no threatening moves. It was well known that the last group who entered the Wilds uninvited were a number of thin-blood and caitiff poachers whose fangs were returned to their leader Jenna Cross in a small jar the very next evening. The kindred themselves were never seen again.

Lezabel
Gangrel of the Wilds Pack

The temple itself was closed at this late hour but the gate to the car-park area had been left open in an obvious invitation. Moments after they had parked, a young woman appeared from the shadows who Hope recognised from the Gangrel 'Gather' as Lezabel. Hope was aware of how protective the rest of the pack were of her and subtly indicated as much to Daniel. "Please follow me and I'll take you to where the rest are gathered." Daniel politely pointed out that they had been informed that the Temple was the only place that was exempt from the 'kill on sight' proclamation to which Lezabel informed him that they just used that as a well known landmark for people to be met at and that they were quite safe as long as they didn't do anything 'silly'.

The actual place of meeting was a large but apparently abandoned house nearby. They were escorted within and led to a cellar entrance. "Do you need the lights on?" asked Lezabel of Daniel as she seemed to presume that as a fellow Gangrel, Hope needed no such help. "It's up to you..." replied Daniel. "...I can see perfectly well either way...". Lezabel smiled briefly as if it had been some kind of test before turning the lights on anyway.

The stairs led to a cellar, constructed out of the rock beneath the house which had been expanded considerably. Heavy supports kept the ceiling above in place and several dark alcoves within the outer areas presumably contained other entrances and exits as Daniel doubted whether the creature standing opposite could have fitted through the stairway they had just used.

Lola
Gangrel of the Wilds Pack

The four members of the Wilds Pack where joined by their guide and stood in a rough semi-circle on the opposite side of the cavern. A tattooed woman with bone jewellery and glasses known to Hope as 'Lola' was licking blood disconcertingly off her fingers over to the left while nearby a slim man with the dead eyes of a shark wearing a tatty coat stared at them both intently. Daniel presumed this was The 'Samael' whose very existence so riled Vin. The leader Myranda was wearing a dress that was dangerously close to being underwear but of the five seemed to be the only one who had taken any care over their appearance. She smiled almost maternally as she was joined by their guide Lezabel.

Though each of these was intimidating in their own way the real monstrosity was the one known as Nicodemus. Standing some eight feet tall even leaning over, with long arms with vicious talons dripping some foul green ichor and other spiked limbs emerging from the back of his chitinous armoured shell visible even through the vast tarpaulin he used as a makeshift cloak. One side of his face was a mass of arachnid eyes while the other held a single human looking orb that was somehow more disturbing for it's normality compared to the face in which it sat. Fangs that no doubt meant death for any on which he fed dripped the same poison that coated his talons. Hope had watched the creature and Marius fight for dominance at the Gangrel gather and had to admit that she was still surprised that the fixer had emerged victorious. Seeing him once more her suspicions once more turned to the idea that he had chosen second place for some purpose of his own.

Nicodemus - Gangrel of the Wilds Pack

The visitors explained the purpose of their visit and the mission they were undertaking on the Blounts behalf before asking if the creature or anything like it had indeed been driven from their territory. Myranda turned to Nicodemus as if seeking his approval before answering some of the questions asked of them.

She explained that when the five members of the group calling themselves the Wilds Pack first united they rid the area of all competitors within the feeding ground. The last to be dealt with made their haven within an area that seemed to be inherently corrupt. This housed three vampires, two Brujah and a Caitiff who seemingly drew power from the location. Investigation led them to believe that the location itself had once been some kind of sacred ground for the Lupines but for some reason had been abandoned. Myranda then asked for a detailed description of what they were hunting and Hope and Daniel passed onto them the descriptions given to the Blounts by the few early survivors and the added information from the last crime scene. An unpleasant chuckle emerged from the maw of the arachnid Nicodemus. "I told you there was one more..."

Myranda
Gangrel of the Wilds Pack

Myranda explained that they had entered this Caern and discovered that the energies within had turned the kindred within into limbless bloated worm-like creatures, deep red skin coated with a bloody lubricant, pupils grown to take up almost the entirety of their eyes. Muscular, rasp-like bands lined the underside of the torso of each, allowing the once vampire to move with terrifying speed through muscular contraction, they had even shown the ability to ooze up walls and across ceilings. Though now without fangs their tongues had been re-purposed into a far more effective blood-drinking tool in the form of a three-foot long, jointed siphon ending in a deadly sharp needle. The pack had destroyed the two bloody worms they'd found and had presumed the third had been consumed by the others before they arrived.

At this point a sound something like a cough emerged from Nicodemus's throat. Myranda turned and glared at the interruption before back-tracking slightly. "Or should I say, It was I who presumed that this was the case there being no sign of a third creature..." she then paused a moment. "...it seems I was mistaken..."

Both Hope and Daniel took some consolation from the fact that this monster was at least possible to kill. Daniel took the opportunity to learn more "You say it was once kindred?" Myranda nodded in agreement. "So when you destroyed them did it seem that they still had our kinds weaknesses and strengths?" "As we hunted them at night..." replied Myranda "...we have no way of knowing if they still shared our aversion to sunlight but it seems likely as they always hunted during the hours of darkness." She continued. "They were strong, fast and quite resilient to damage but how much of that was the result of disciplines they already possessed is unknown to us."

The Blounts - Toreador

She then offered to help them with the tracking of the creature as she admitted to feeling at least partially responsible for the devastation it was now causing if it was indeed the third monstrosity they had missed. She did however point out that this was unlikely to be the only such area of corruption within Los Angeles and that if this one could create such a monster from a kindred then perhaps this was an entirely different problem created somewhere else.

Hope and Daniel excepted the offer of help but asked that their observations be subtle and that they passed on the information to themselves rather than taking matters into their own hands. After all, they had permission to operate within the Blounts domain, the Wilds Pack did not. The two groups agreed to meet here once more tomorrow evening to discuss their relative findings and then the visitors were escorted back to their vehicle by Lezabel. "I can see why other kindred try to avoid pissing them off..." said Daniel as they left. "The one doing all the talking was Marius's grandechilde..." stated Hope "...there was some tension at the Rant when she dropped that bombshell so fuck knows what's gone on between them..."

With the dawn rapidly approaching the pair reported their findings to Michael and Vin. Daniel's attempt at humour "Hey Vin! Samael says Hi!" fell as flat as expected. Hopefully they would make some more progress the following evening.

Scene Seven - The Usual Suspects

The Consolidated Chantry of Los Angeles

As their second meeting with the Gangrel of the area known as 'The Wilds' wasn't until later that evening it was decided to spend some time seeing what their other sources might know. Michael used the opportunity to visit Marie at the Tremere Chantry in Downtown, Daniel went to see his friend Alonzo beneath Hollywood while Vin coordinated the security forces under their control to make sure the barony stayed secure until this creature was found and destroyed. Hope meanwhile had taken the opportunity to hunt as she was growing dangerously hungry.

As Marie and Michael sat in one of the three meeting rooms within the chantry, Marie explained that she had little experience with the corrupted creatures of which he spoke but was happy to do some research on his behalf using the chantries records.

Michael enquired about the chantry itself and was informed that after a shaky start the three houses within had began to cooperate on certain projects and exchange some of their knowledge with one another though it was of course early days, or early nights in this case.

Three Houses of Clan Tremere

Alannah it seemed was as fiery as ever but the familiar atmosphere of the chantry had appeared to calm her a little and she was now almost tolerable to be around if you caught her on the right night. This reassured Michael as it was the head of the House Tremere faction that he believed was most likely to create problems. Marie had herself settled in well but still assured Michael that she was happy to offer advise and help if he ever needed it and would keep him informed if anything radical occurred between the Houses.

Daniel decided to ignore the protocol of informing Baron Abrams of his visit and just headed straight into Hollywood and down into the warrens beneath it. Those rats who were obviously acting as observers each got a small piece of cheese from the pile that Daniel had put in his one pocket. As he made his way deeper into the warrens he noticed that yet more security cameras had been installed at strategic points and wired into the existing power systems. Though newly installed they looked salvaged and were definitely not new in of themselves but between these and the vermin it would be almost impossible for any-one to approach unnoticed. Hearing the now familiar clicks and clunks of traps deactivating ahead of him he made his way into Alonzo's laboratory and home.

Alonzo - Nosferatu
Ancient Warrens

The monstrous guardian within the central pit that Alonzo had named Eula reached out a tentacle almost affectionately towards Daniel as he circumvented it's watery home. "I thinks she's beginning to like you..." called out the Nosferatu as Daniel approached. Daniel noticed that what he had taken for spawning pits or tanks on his last visit were now filled with liquid that had a reddish tinge to it though were otherwise unoccupied. One wall had also been removed and wiring from the existing system had been spliced into by new cables and led off into the darkness. "More redecorating?" enquired Daniel. "I need somewhere for a new project." replied Alonzo, somewhat vaguely before changing the subject. "In what way can I educate you today, my young friend?"

Daniel laid out what he'd learned initially from the Blounts and then later from the Wilds Pack and asked if Alonzo had any experience with such a creature. Alonzo however had some other warnings to issue first. "Be careful when dealing with the Blounts. They ate their own father so that gives you some idea of their value system. They do however weed out the weak and stupid so they have their place in the order of things I suppose." Daniel wasn't sure he agreed with the assessment but kept his opinion to himself as Alonzo shared more of his opinions.

Marius Walker - 'Boardroom' Gangrel

"The Wilds Pack as they now call themselves aren't a lot better to be fair. As individuals they spent as much time getting in each others way as they did dealing with their own affairs but now Marius's grandechilde has united them they could be very dangerous should she infect them with her own ambition."

Daniel suspected that Marius was keeping them onside for exactly that reason and said so to Alonzo though the Nosferatu continued as if he hadn't interrupted. "Of course in terms of age Nicodemus predates Los Angeles by about four centuries and has spent a worrying amount of time near those Caern's that the werewolves are so keen on protecting since he's lived here it's not surprising he's so...different..." Daniel queried this last statement as he'd heard that older Gangrel or those with potent blood sometimes kept the animal features they gained from frenzies and presumed that this was the case with Nicodemus. "True enough..." agreed Alonzo "...but those are usually completely random. It's not out of the bounds of possibility for them to fit a theme but it would be the exception not the rule." With his opinions on the mentioned groups apparently done with, Alonzo moved onto the subject of the Caern and the creature it had allegedly spawned.

Black Spiral Dancers Tribe - Caern

"Caerns are very holy sites to the werewolves and other changing breeds, and they will work to their utmost to claim them and protect them so it's unusual that these rogue vampires found one unattended. Caerns also have a very thin...well...it's hard to explain...they allow easier travel between the physical world and...other places..." As it didn't sound like Alonzo was going to elaborate he filed away the information for later assimilation as the Nosferatu once more changed subject. "...these Caern's, not all of them are for want of a better term 'good'. Some are inherently corrupt and allow things to pass from these 'other' places I mentioned to this world. On rare occasions they can inhabit a host and...change it to suit their nature...what this one was or now is I have no idea but killing it should be no different from killing any creature with a physical form."

Storytellers Note - To any werewolf players reading this...it's what the vampires in question believe, not necessarily how any of this shit actually works...so please don't send me any angry messages about the Lore, lol.

Hope Romero - Gangrel Scourge
The Beast in Control

As Daniel made his way back out of the Warrens, Hope was having a frustrating evening looking for a suitable meal and eventually decided that the next person she saw walking down an alleyway alone would have to do. Unfortunately for both them and her, she had left it just a little to late and the first taste of blood enabled the beast to gain control and she lost control. As the blood filled her body she noticed that the death of the mortal had completely quietened the beast within.

As the revelation passed she realised she was in the middle of the barony she was meant to be protecting, standing over an exsanguinated corpse. Panicking she rang Daniel for help, explaining the situation as quickly as she could. "I'll be there in ten minutes..."

Fortunately for Hope the area of town she'd selected was fairly quiet so Daniel could park fairly close to the area in question. Using all his abilities of stealth both trained and supernatural he moved the corpse to the boot of his car and urged Hope to get in the passenger seat. "Look Hope..." he said, the seriousness in his voice made the Gangrel pay attention. "...I know a place where I can dispose of this body and it'll never be found but...and here's the problem...It's not something I'm ever meant to speak of and you can't either. Understood?" Hope nodded her agreement.

Daniel drove to the postern that led into the abandoned hospital that was supposedly the prison of the Nagaraja Pisha and dumped the body in what he had taken to referring to privately as the 'food hatch'.

Pisha's residence in Los Angeles was based around Marius's assurances that she was kept safe and sound within the hospital building and that there was no chance of her getting out. Daniel on the other hand was well aware that this was complete bullshit and if she wanted to she could leave whenever she damn well pleased.

He was also reasonably sure that should this fact be revealed the next meal fed to the cannibal would probably be him so it was important that Hope kept his confidence. "I don't plan on making a habit of this..." was Hope's reply. She didn't sound terribly confident about it though.

Interlude - The Wilds Pack

Vincent 'Vin' Ghast
'Staredown'

After cleaning up Hope with cleaning supplies from his medical kit and discovering that helpfully she apparently kept several changes of clothing in her jeep he swung by the gallery to pick up Vin who had insisted on being there for their return visit as Michael had run out of meaningless tasks to keep him occupied.

Daniel suggested that Vin stay in the car but he steadfastly refused to do so and joined Hope and Daniel as they followed Lezabel and her wolf to the same basement they'd met in the previous night. As Vin made eye contact with Samael the contest of wills was engaged for the second time. In his defence, the Brujah held the gaze longer this time but eventually he found himself looking away on this occasion as well.

Myranda chose to ignore this particular exchange and spoke directly to Daniel. "Based on the location of the attacks and other sources we have discovered the lair of the creature with aerial reconnaissance..." Lola smiled and gave a theatrical bow "...and confirmed it with a perimeter sweep on foot..well...feet..." the pack leader glanced at Lezabel as she spoke "...we have marked the location on a detailed map of the area provided by a contact of Samael in one of the local forestry commissions."

Samael reached behind him for a cylindrical tube leaning against the wall but gave no sign of handing it over. "Perhaps you'd like our assistance?" Daniel couldn't help but feel that it didn't sound like a question.

"Though we would of course value your help..." said Daniel, thinking quickly. "...it might look like weakness to the Blounts if we didn't complete this task ourselves. I'm sure you understand the need to show strength in a situation like this?"

With a nod from Myranda, Samael tossed the map case to Vin who stared straight at him as he spoke. "If you ask nicely we'll sort it out for you when...i mean IF you fail..." Vin turned and left, muttering to himself as he did.

Scene Eight - Final Hunt

The Lair of the Bloodworm

Though he would have liked to double-check all the information they'd received, time was of an essence as the creature was due another attack any time soon so Daniel had to settle for a very brief reconnaissance.

The cave was in a treacherous part of the mountains though it was probably less so if you were basically a giant, blood lubricated snake. The discussion on strategy was fairly brief as their options were broadly speaking, wait for it to come out or go in and get it. Waiting was of course an issue as they still had no idea if it could travel during the day and they certainly couldn't. Eventually it was decided that Hope and Vin would set up a crossfire across the entrance and Daniel would attempt to lure the creature out. It wasn't the most sophisticated plan Daniel had ever come up with but sometimes a simple idea was all you needed.

USAS-12 - Vin's Ranged 'Weapon of Choice'

Vin was wielding his full auto shotgun with the twenty round drum attached and Hope was using her more conventional Mossberg 500. Both figured that an area of effect would be more useful than precision fire in these circumstances. Daniel let them know that he'd let them know if it was coming and to make sure they shot it, not him. With the plan (such as it was) confirmed, Daniel entered the darkness and faded from sight.

Storytellers Note - It's refreshing for me when the players idea is something I've actually planned for.

The cave tunnel twisted and turned but seemed to have no side passages he could discern. Slowing as he approached an open area he edged forwards, senses at full alert. Unfortunately he'd failed to check the ceiling and a gigantic distended torso of what was once a kindred but was now something quite different, dropped down on him and attempted to drive it's spiked tongue through his throat. Moving his head at the last minute by pure reflex he dodged the bloody spike, pushed the mass of flesh from his body and staggered to his feet.

As it attempted a second strike Daniel moved so quickly that he disappeared from view and having travelled fifty metres in mere seconds ran the last stretch to the cave entrance and yelled that the thing was "Right behind him..."

Completely forgetting about the 'crossfire' part of the plan, Vin stepped forward and emptied the drum of shotgun rounds into the cave entrance as Daniel leapt aside. The monsters reflexes were as swift as Daniels and the Brujah's torrent of shotgun rounds hit nothing. A moment later the bloodworm emerged from the cave at incredible speed as Hope peppered it's side with her own shotgun but doing little but leaving superficial wounds along the bloody sac that made up it's upper body.

Blood Worm - Tongue

Rolling athletically back to his feet and bringing his own shotgun to bear, the Banu Haqim opened fire into the rear of the snakelike body causing more damage yet showing no signs of slowing it down. Dropping his USAS-12 Shotgun to the ground with one hand and drawing his two handed kukri with the other, Vin aimed a mighty blow at what he presumed was it's neck but the deeply penetrating blow seemed to merely enrage the creature. Moments later the needle sharp drinking tool that made up it's tongue drove through the Brujah's side penetrating nearly twelve inches into his body and began to drain the vitae from him.

Dropping his own shotgun, Daniel drew his own blade and aiming directly for the middle section sliced through the proboscis joining Vin to the bloody horror. An almost human scream emerged from the mouth as the remaining half of the tongue was drawn back into it's throat and it reared up as if to crush the one who had maimed it.

As it's torso became visible Hope noted that the plates protecting it's under-body met in the middle and separated as it moved. Extending her claws she gripped at the meeting point and drove her claws into the bloody sac that made up the bulk of it's form. Once she had a secure grip she used all her strength and ripped the two halves in opposite directions.

The bloodworm expired messily as the blood that it had drained from so many victims exploded outwards covering the three kindred and a good portion of the surrounding area in blood and viscera. Covered in blood for the second time in as many hours, Hope dumped her ruined clothes in a pile and walked naked to a stream they'd passed on their way to the cave and cleaned herself up before putting on her one remaining spare outfit. Neither Daniel or Vin had taken such precautions so merely removed as much clothing as they could and then doused the items and area in petrol before setting it alight from a nice safe distance. "Michael? It's done. Inform the Blounts that their competition wont be causing them any more trouble..."

Scene Nine - Behind the Mask

The North East Baronies

Michael found himself once again seated in the Blounts front room along with the now cleaned up trio of kindred who had solved the Blounts problem for them. Only one of the two sisters had chosen to appear this time and sat casually knitting the same scarf she had been working on last time.

"As agreed we have removed the third predator from Glendale and you can go back to feeding on only those that you stated were your previous prey." Said Michael, though he doubted he'd actually made Glendale much safer as long as the sisters still ruled it. "I trust you'll therefore keep to your word and allow us to speak for barony along with my own in areas of kindred politics?"

"As you wish deary..." chirped the silver haired of the two, sounding quite pleased with herself. "...just ensure that your Malkavian friend 'Roach' stays out of Glendale and stops spreading nasty rumours about me and Enid or we'll have to teach him a little lesson in manners..." Both Michael and Daniel who paid attention to such things were sure that the silver-haired of the two had introduced herself as Enid last time. Deciding it wasn't worth raising under the circumstances the four kindred turned to leave as the other sister glided into the room and took the other single seat next to Edith...or possibly Enid.

A moment before they left, they turned back as the two sisters both said "Goodbye deary..." at the same time and with eerily similar voices. Both had dropped the careful facade of innocence that they had carefully crafted and for the first time Michael and the coterie saw the pure evil and limitless malice that the pair felt no need to conceal in front of those who had done their bidding and were now dismissed. Michael was most shaken as he had never seen one of his clan fallen so low, let alone two together. All four left as quickly as they could and even Vin was happy to get out of Glendale and back to their own barony.

On the drive back Daniel voiced what they were all thinking. "They don't respect or fear us at all. We're right there in the weak and foolish category as far as they're concerned. They didn't even feel like they had to hide their true nature from us. If we don't do something about them, they'll come after us before long..."

To be Continued in 'Blood Money' - Part One

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...

Arch enemies are a bit of a trope but in a vampire chronicle I think they keep a coterie on their toes...

Well there's no doubt now that the Blounts are very evil, manipulative and will be looking for any opportunity to make the coteries unlives miserable, so there's that. In all honesty they were getting a bit comfortable in their victories and as they're now a bit more visible and going after bigger fish I figured it was time they learnt that even winning has it's nasty consequences.

That said if they find a clever enough way to rid themselves of this new problem I'll let them run with it as I disapprove of railroading...even when I'm doing it...

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, Myranda is Shannyn Visceral and Marius Walker is Tony Curran. 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.