Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Eighty Seven - 'The War Council' (Part Two)

I'm currently running a Vampire the Masquerade chronicle using the 5th Edition rule-set for a small group of fellow role-players. These are the chronicles of their adventures.

Our chronicle is set in Los Angeles and features a small group of Camarilla agents sent into the 'Free States' to bring them back under Camarilla control. Over a year of plotting allowed the coterie to gain control of two North-Eastern Baronies and a large part of a third. Now they are moving on to the final stage of their campaign and have their eyes on taking over the entire city, either directly or by proxy.

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The now obligatory warning bit - Unlike my other RPG write-ups this one will contain swearing, sexual references and other references that might offend. If you can't tell the difference between real             peoples opinions and grown-ups role-playing predators who crave blood then this probably won't be for you. I've also used actual photographs to represent some characters which I'll give acknowledgements to at the end if I've any idea who they are.
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The introduction to this campaign, the first story and all the other parts can be found at the following links and are in chronological order. If you'd prefer a summary of each session rather than read everything then there's a more detailed link page HERE as well as links to the first episode of each story in the blog sidebar.
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Chronicle One - 'Infiltrate L.A.' 

Welcome to L.A. - Introductory Session
Story One - 'Three Murders' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Interlude Session - One
Story Two - 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part One, Two, Three, and Four
Solo Session - 'The Neillson Library'
Story Two Continued- 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part Five, Six, Seven and Eight
Story Three - 'Becoming Baron' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Gather'
Story Three Continued - 'Becoming Baron' - Part Six, Seven and Eight

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.' 

Solo Session - 'Hostile Takeover'
Story Four - 'Countdown' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Five - 'The Missing Chantry' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Anaheim Assassination'
Story Six - 'A Meeting of Barons' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seven - 'The Carmelita Situation' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Eight - 'The Blount Sisters' - Part One and Two
Story Nine - 'Blood Money' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six
Story Ten - 'Anathema' - Part One and Two
Story Eleven - 'Predators and Prey' aka 'The Blount Sisters' - Part Three
Story Twelve - 'Aftermath' - Part One and Two
Story Thirteen - 'The Messiah Complex' - Part One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

Story Sixteen - 'The Southern Solution' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seventeen - 'The Baker Disappearance' - Part One, Two and Three

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

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The PC's

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'
Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable'
Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Fixer'
Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'
Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Seneschal'

The Storyteller

Garreth - Everyone else...

The player characters stats and backgrounds can be found HERE should any-one be interested, but be warned that the page is usually several stories ahead of the most recent write-up and may contain some spoilers. 

There's also some minor 'house-rules' HERE that have occurred as we went along.

If I think something needs a bit of out of character explanation then those will get a storytellers note that will helpfully be in red. Where particular NPC's have a mention in a faction profile you will be able to reach it by clicking on their name or faction beneath their picture.

Introduction

Vannevar's initial assault upon the Free States was carried out quickly and efficiently and the coterie has been attempting to make sense of the chaos. Rumours and conjecture are rife but some actual information has been compiled on just how each Barony has been affected.

Scene Four - A City in Turmoil

Henrique 'Hank' Boyd - Brujah
Crypts Sons Baron, In Torpor

The Crypts Sons are leaderless and their numbers have been cut in half, courtesy of a car packed with military grade explosives. With the gang's numbers already depleted by war with the mortal gang known as 'The Blood', they are now barely able to manage their own mortal allies, let alone help defend the Free States.

Hank survived but is now in torpor, a fact that is being kept as quiet as possible, and his body has been hidden deep in the Warrens by Gary Golden, leader of the Hollywood Nosferatu.

Steve Booth, Baron of the South Coast has also met his final death. Despite warnings from his own sweepers and the Gangrel mercenaries known as 'The Hunters', he ignored reports that his territory was being scouted and ordered the aforementioned kindred to investigate certain events that in their opinion were clearly diversions. 

They were correct and were delayed long enough so that all they could do was avenge Baron Booth, rather than save him. As the only thing keeping the informally organised kindred of the South Coast together was Steve's charismatic presence, they have now fractured into a number of small gangs all interested in their own petty fiefdoms. It is rumoured that Hector O'Neill survived the blaze that destroyed his baron but if so, his whereabouts are unknown.

Steve Booth - Destroyed, Hector O'Neill - Missing

Harvey Caplan, defacto Baron of the docks, on the other hand was more than ready for an incursion from the sea as he had been meticulously monitoring the comings and goings of all traffic into, and out of, the docks. After it became evident that Steve had no intention of taking action, Harvey secured his own domain and left him to his fate. Vinicius's 'Hunters' have left their boats in his care and withdrew to their own base in Huntingdon.

Harvey Caplan - Los Angeles Docks, Vinicius - Pack Leader of The Hunters

Many of the duskborn who had made their home in the South Coast Barony have sought sanctuary in the domain of 'The Liberated', and with Baron Martinez's permission this has been granted. Given past actions by the Camarilla against those they deem 'thin-bloods', the inhabitants of this pseudo barony are understandable concerned. Though understandable, these actions have further weakened the South Coast of L.A.

In other baronies, Vannevar's forces have had less success though most attribute this to fortunate circumstances bought about by the recent destruction of Victor Girard, that he could not have known about, rather than any real skill on behalf of the kindred involved.

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

He could certainly not have predicted that Barons Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller would be travelling in armoured convoys consisting of nearly the entirety of their forces. Outnumbered and outgunned, his own assault teams withdrew without engaging. The childer of Garcia have now withdrawn back to their own bases of operations though as it has been proven that Vannevar has assassins within the city, it's only a matter of time before he makes a more subtle attempt. Priss's recent upgrading of her own defences may also have been a factor in the lack of any attack upon 'The Border'.

Damsel - Brujah
'Den Mother' of Nines Crew

A chance intervention by Michael Tomassio's bodyguard Daniel was all that prevented Damsel's destruction after her would-be assassin was shot through the head during the very act of aiming the weapon that would have ended her unlife. 

A separate attack upon Nines Rodriguez was foiled only due to the resilience of the Gangrel Skelter who took the brunt of the initial barrage of gunfire. They managed to fight their way through the ambush, and engaged in a running battle back to their own base. The battle alerted Marius's own Downtown sweepers and their counter-ambush forced the attackers to retreat. They didn't get far.

Nines reportedly beat their leader to final death with his bare hands, not stopping until only a bloody smear remained. Only Damsel's surprisingly diplomatic intervention prevented Nines from then heading straight to San Francisco seeking revenge. Skelter will need time and vitae to recover having been nearly torn to pieces by armour piercing rifle rounds and is unlikely to be much help for the immediate future.

Isaac Abrams - Toreador
Baron of Hollywood

An attempt upon Baron Abrams has raised a number of questions amongst the Anarchs of the city about just how old and powerful the Toreador actually is. The gunmen who riddled his car with high calibre, armour piercing, incendiary rounds must have been surprised to find he had escaped the vehicle and that only his sweeper had been destroyed.

Isaac's subsequent destruction of them by simply commanding them to kill each other, and for the last survivor to kill himself has raised some worries amongst the other Barons. That mental strength could easily change the balance of power in Los Angeles should the wielder so desire.

The outlying, Baronless domains of Simi, Santa Clarita have been engaged in hit and run actions against scouting parties, reinforced by several packs loyal to Marius.

There has been no contact with the kindred of The Wilds but it's generally accepted that infiltrating that area is more or less impossible without a prohibitively high cost in personnel, both kindred and mortal. It also has no real strategic or economic value to a Ventrue Prince such as Vannevar.

Myranda - Pack Leader of the Wilds Pack

Those Baronies who have seemingly been spared the wrath of San Francisco's Prince has prompted few surprises. Baron Therese Voerman has worked with Camarilla leaders before and has shown to have no problem with dealing with whoever she needs to, regardless of faction. A direct attack on Louis Fortier within his mansion fortress would be suicidally pointless and he and his childer haven't ventured from it for several weeks. The attack upon Nines, within the Barony of Marius Walker has however been a surprise as such an attack is sure to antagonise the notoriously unpredictable Gangrel Baron.

The real talking point however is that the Baronies of Michael Tomassio have apparently been left completely untouched. Such a location would surely have been high upon Vannevar's list of targets yet inexplicably was not.

Scene Five - The Tower

LaCroix - Ventrue
Destroyed Former Prince of L.A.

Michael's suggestion that a meeting between all the barons of the city as a form of Anarch Council has been widely accepted though as a way of planning the Free States response, not as a formal organisation. Nines has suggested that Downtown is the most secure and convenient place to hold a meeting and has insisted that Marius find a secure location for them to gather.

Somewhat ironically he has suggested Venture Tower, former base of the destroyed Prince LaCroix, as this building is centrally located and has, according to Marius, already been fitted with appropriate security precautions. Given the urgency of the situation, the meeting has been scheduled for this very night.

As it has become somewhat of the standard procedure now. Each Baron is to bring an advisor and up to two kindred to provide his other needs whether that be security or other services. Marius has also effectively opened his borders for the night and allowed the Barons to bring whatever additional security forces into Downtown that they deem necessary.

Venture Tower - Downtown

Michael has elected to bring Mr Hertz as his advisor and Daniel and Vin to fulfil the bodyguard roles. Hope meanwhile has been tasked with patrolling the outskirts of their own barony should Vannevar attempt to take advantage of the situation while they are gone. All of the North East's Sweepers have been put at Hope's disposal in order to ensure that any incursion could be responded to effectively.

The tower has been renovated from the somewhat ostentatious edifice that it once was and now has the appearance of a conventual, albeit tall office building. Despite the fact that it is certainly the tallest building in the city, it seems to have been redesigned in order to reduce it's obviousness.

You have been given directions to one of the several private parking areas that serve the building where you are to be met by Victoria.

Victoria - Ghoul of Marius
Psychopathic P.A.

"If you'd like to follow me, I'll show you to a room where you can wait until everyone arrives. Leanna thinks it's important that everyone is shown equal respect and enters the meeting at as close to the same time so as to give that impression. She has advised that this will give us the best chance of getting an agreement at the meeting. For once, the manipulative slut has proved useful...marginally..."

Michael detected a hint of jealousy in Victoria's tone which struck him as unusual. Victoria, despite being a mere ghoul, was foremost amongst Marius's followers and even his  kindred agents deferred to her out of a mixture of fear and respect. She should have had no reason to feel in nay way threatened by Leanna.

"There's security, fucking everywhere. It's a bloody fortress not a skyscraper." stated Vin. "Yes...." replied Daniel. "...but it's subtle. We're looking for it, but if we weren't, I doubt you'd notice a fraction of the precautions that are in place."

You are escorted to a private elevator which takes you to the 95th floor, then through a lobby area to another elevator which takes you up a mere three floors to the 98th. This particular elevator is far more heavily constructed than the previous one. 

"I'm not sure an elevator is the best form of transport under the circumstances" said Daniel to Victoria

Dillan Fitzgerald - Malkavian
Architect

"It's bomb, bullet and fire proof and won't fall even if the cables are cut." she replied "The other elevators have the same precautions but these are especially well protected. Fortunately we merely had to fine-tune LaCroix's original design for the building, not start from scratch. Dillon did the fine-tuning of course."

Dillan was a Malkavian architect with a knack for innovative building designs. He operated out of Downtown with Marius's blessing though did some freelance work for other kindred too.

The area you are now within is somewhat unusual as despite being part of a much larger floor, seems to be effectively self contained as if designed specifically to keep one group separated from another.

Victoria points out a large office that you may use until the other guests arrive and a door to a flight of stairs that lead to the meeting room. "I'll ring you on the office phone when everything is ready, If you'll excuse me I have several other egos to pander to and have been instructed to be nice to everyone which as I'm sure you can imagine is an extra stress I could do without..." She then returns the way she came.

The thought of Victoria attempting to be pleasant, amused Daniel significantly though he was careful to hid his reaction from Victoria herself.

Downtown L.A. at Night

The office is spacious having several desks, comfortable seating for guests and the usual conveniences that a mortal might use that are useless to yourselves such as a small bar. The room also contains a landline, and a computer with a card next to it with guest log-in details. The window gives a tremendous view of the city.

Vin tapped the glass of the window in order to draw Daniel's attention to it. "Armoured?" he asked.

"Three layers of armour to be exact." replied Daniel, pointing out the triple glazing  "No security cameras though, other than the one in the corridor and no listening devices I can detect. We can talk freely in here."

The coterie sat and made themselves comfortable though Daniel ensured that his own seat faced the door. Vin meanwhile was standing by the doorway so he could both involve himself in the conversation and observe the approach to the office.

Vannevar Thomas - Ventrue
Prince of San Francisco

"Why weren't we attacked?" asked Mr Hertz. It was a good question and one they needed an answer for as it was bound to come up during the meeting of the Barons. "Perhaps he's giving you an chance to side with him?" suggested Daniel. "Or possibly he's trying to draw suspicion towards you because he thinks you won't side with him?"

"Either is a possibility." agreed Michael

"Unfortunately we're open to blackmail, if he can prove we're here with Camarilla backing..." stated Vin. "...so we may have to destroy him to safeguard our own plan for the city."

"Fortunately he hasn't much credibility with such an accusation considering our position within the Free States and the fact that we saved Damsel." Pointed out Michael "Though anything we can do to further undermine his credibility and prevent him from acting against us personally will need to be considered carefully."

'The Blossoms' - Toreador

"There's another issue." added Vin. "The Blossoms have informed me that Louis Fortier and Marius Walker are very close to open warfare. Louis is blaming Marius for the loss of Catherine's ghouls and Marius is pushing back so not to show any weakness." 

He continued "Unless one of them backs off, Vannevar will have two less Barons to worry about as they'll be too busy fighting each other. They're also the two best war leaders the free states has, without them we might as well just hand Vannevar the keys to the city."

"Marius won't leave himself vulnerable like that." countered Daniel. "He's too pragmatic. He'll find a way to defuse the situation without it looking like an apology."

"Unless he's having one of his random moments..." mused Michael. Further planning was interrupted by the office phone ringing "Everyone's here. Please make your way up to the meeting area." said Victoria before hanging up somewhat abruptly

Scene Six - The Anarch Council

"The View From Venture Tower"

You find yourself in a spectacular, open plan room with entrances evenly spaced around the corners from which several groups are entering, though some others are already seated. Centrally placed is a large round table with thirteen sets of seating around it's perimeter. 

One of each of the paired seats is slightly larger and more ornate than the other, presumably to distinguish Baron, from Seneschal. The outer edge of the room is taken up by sofa's and less ornate tables. Presumably for the security and other guests to await the pleasure of their masters.

Each wall has a window facing out onto the city and though there are shutters to obscure these they are currently open. One of the pairs of seats has been indicated as reserved for 'The Baron of the North East'. 

'Priss' - Lasombra
Baron of 'The Border'

Anaheim was represented by Allison Maller and her advisor was a Caitiff that Daniel recognised from recent events named Aaron Chaney. Her Gangrel sweeper Zakaria Barrera and the Brujah Maikki were her security representatives. Priss of 'The Border' had no advisor though her two Gangrel sweepers Arbaaz and Ophelia were acting as guards. Karen Anatos, Baron of Burbank was quite alone having neither guards nor Seneschal. Unsurprising as she was the sole kindred resident of her barony.

In Hank's absence, The Crypts Sons were represented by his Harpy of sorts, 'Deacon' and a single guard who none of the coterie recognised. Marius was accompanied by the strange duskborn seer Rosa who as usual was inexplicably making some kindred uncomfortable for no easily definable reason. Blanche of The Butchers’ and Meredith Lang of Ennoia’s Hunters are seemingly there as security. This was unusual as none of the coterie had ever seen them act as Marius's guardians before. Presumably this was more due to their practical experiences in facing Vannevar's forces than an implication that they were his most skilled operatives.

Gloria Martinez is guarded by Josie Parrish and Leo Frost, her two most senior lieutenants. Alessandro Kaye, the House Ipsissimus blood sorcerer has taken the advisors seat. Isaac Abrams, Baron of Hollywood is seated with Dawn Cavanagh of The Ministry. With his sweeper recently destroyed in a failed attempt to assassinate Isaac, the bodyguard role has been taken by one of Velvet's dancers, a woman named Sofia who is reputed to be quite deadly with a variety of exotic weapons.

Dawn Cavanagh - The Ministry, Sofia Rivera - Toreador

Somewhat surprisingly, Gary Golden of the Hollywood Warrens has his own spot despite having never accepted the formal title of Baron. Kendrick formally of the Barony of the Angels is at his side. A single guard, Barabus, is standing behind them. Barabus was Gary's first choice for tasks that were likely to result in violence. Unsubtle by Nosferatu standards, he was however extremely deadly up close and personal.

Gary Golden - Hollywood Warrens, Barabus - Spy and Enforcer

Therese Voerman, Baron of Santa Monica is accompanied by Jane Lane her Seneschal and is protected by Ellie-May 'Lee' Li and Charlie 'Chick' Abbott of Therese's so-called 'Commando' coterie. Both her guards were vicious killers but in very different ways. Lee was Toreador, Chick was Banu Haqim and one of the few kindred in the city aware that Daniel was also of her clan and not Brujah as he claimed.

Ellie-May 'Lee' Li - Toreador, Charlie 'Chick' Abbott - Banu Haqim

In Steve's absence, his place at the meeting has been taken by Harvey Caplan who is now effectively the only kindred leader in the South with any resources to speak of. 'Shantelle' of 'The Rats' is his guard along with the cloaked figure of the Gangrel Aquarii known simply as Kahu. Many presumed, incorrectly, that Kahu was an agent of Marius's whereas he was in fact quite independent. Generally he answered to whoever ran the various dockyards of Los Angeles as he made his haven beneath them. Sensible kindred left him to his own devices for the most part as he was a formidable and ruthless hand to hand combatant if threatened.

Atarah - Lasombra
Ally of Baron Fortier

Louis Fortier is being advised by Catherine Du Bois rather than Mariel St. John, presumably as Catherine controls Louis's army of ghouls. The Gangrel Marco 'Joey' Joseph is one of two guards. The other is 'Atarah', a Lasombra of mysterious origins, who resides in Baron Fortiers domain. The area around her is dimmed, regardless of the ambient illumination. She has spoken to no-one. Atarah was universally feared by any who had been unfortunate enough to witness her at work. Her generation was unknown but she seemed to possess abilities far beyond the norm for even an ancient member of her clan. Since making her Haven within West Los Angeles, enemies of Louis had disappeared at a consistent rate until none now remained.

The Wilds are represented by Myranda who is accompanied by, Tabatha Mayer former leader of the Brujah of Covina. Lola and Samael are her protectors, not that she needs them. Myranda was a grandechilde of Marius and it was well known that he supported many of her whims. Even without such a protector she was more than capable of taking on her enemies both politically and physically.

The final seat was occupied by Amara Martins, current leader of The Liberated, a group of Duskborn and Caitiff granted domain by Gloria Martinez. She had neither obvious advisor, nor guards, merely being accompanied by three other duskborn and seemed nervous almost as if she believed that she had no right to be there. 

Amara Martins - Duskborn
Current Leader of 'The Liberated'

All had been made aware that she was there at Gloria's insistence and so none of the kindred had questioned it. Allison Maller had also stated that she also deemed them to be under her protection. Though some of the other Barons were dubious about the arrangement, none were willing to go to war against two of Salvador Garcia's childer over such a minor point.

Nines and Damsel were absent though most were aware that they were currently rallying any independent kindred in the Free States against Vannevar.

Once everyone is seated, Marius stands. "LaCroix designed this space to lord over his Primogen. I have had it repurposed for our needs. I needn't go into details but suffice to say that this facility is equipped with every available defensive and offensive security precaution. Each representative of their barons will be given appropriate access codes so you may use your respective offices and this meeting room whenever you so desire. This room is also shielded against surveillance so you'll find yourself unable to make calls from this room with any wireless devices. An inconvenience, but necessary I'm afraid." 

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Baron of Downtown

"However, before we formally begin, I need to clear the air a little." 

He walks around to where Louis is seated. As he approaches the shadows in the room appear to flow around him becoming thicker, as if Atarah is seemingly preparing for any treachery. "The Gangrel of Simi Valley and Santa Clarita did not sacrifice Catherine's ghouls, however, they did fail to protect them which was a mistake on their part." He then hands Louis a piece of folded paper which Louis unfolds and reads. "I trust that will be sufficient reparations for your losses?"

Fortier nods and then speaks himself. "I appreciate the gesture. It would not do for the two most proficient war-leaders amongst us to start this campaign at odds with one another and I therefore accept." 

No-one questions Louis's statement and it's obvious that rumours of the two Barons disagreement was a concern for many present. It seemed that Daniel's earlier assessment of the situation had been correct and that Marius had no intention of getting into open warfare with Louis at such a dangerous time in the cities history. Fortier and Marius's relationship seemed to be in a constant state of fluctuation and often it was only the enterprises shared between Marius and Fortiers most favoured childe, Catherine DuBois that prevented outright conflict.

Scene Seven - Recriminations and Deliberations

Surprisingly, Amara was the first to speak. Michael imagined that she had rehearsed what she had to say and wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. Despite her obvious apprehension she spoke clearly and with apparent confidence. The empathic Toreador could clearly see however that it was, for the most part, a façade.

Thin-Blood Alchemy

"My fellow duskborn are understandably concerned about our status, or lack thereof, under Camarilla rule so will assist in any way we can. We lack the variety of powers available to others here but we have several alchemists amongst our number who may perhaps have abilities that Vannevar's forces may be unprepared for. Their skills are basic but are at your disposal..."

There were a few murmurs of acknowledgement from the other Barons. The Camarilla had actively hunted thin-bloods and Caitiff for many years and despite a recent perceived tolerance of their presence, the thin-blooded had no doubts that they would have greater respect in an Anarch ruled city than a Camarilla ruled one. Once the noise had faded, Amara continued.

"For those of you who are unaware, we of the liberated take turns in representing our group but given the circumstances it has been decided that I will remain in the role for the duration of the current crisis."

Michael then decided to interject. "I'm sure I speak for us all here when I say that I am happy for you to remain as leader for the time being. As you have the trust of both Baron Martinez and Baron Maller their faith in you alone should be sufficient to reassure the rest if us of your competence." Though he used it's powers in a very different way from his Baron, Vin nonetheless could see Michael's skilful use of both the discipline of Presence and rhetoric to manipulate others. What Vin used as a bludgeon, Michael used as a precision tool and his skill with it was constantly developing.

Rosa - Duskborn Seer
Occult Advisor to Marius Walker

Rosa then interrupted and spoke to Amara. "We have access to several kindred who may be able to help you develop the occult skills of your alchemist followers further...if Marius can spare them that is?"

Marius's sideways look at Rosa made it clear that he wasn't particularly keen on the suggestion but he covered up his reaction fairly quickly. The more observant of the kindred present would have been sure to notice however. "Of course. If Miss Martins wishes to speak to me after this meeting I'll see what I can do to enhance the usefulness of her forces for the upcoming conflict. I'll see if Leanna can be made available to you..."

Amara seemed especially nervous when replying to Marius specifically. Though he had done so in self defence, more or less, it was well known that he had been responsible for the final deaths of dozens of duskborn when Jenna Cross had led what was now known as 'The Cross Rebellion'. Though quite insane she had convinced most of the cities highest generation kindred, caitiff and thin-bloods to attempt to take over Los Angeles.

Storytellers Note - This event can be read about in 'The Messiah Complex' story. Scene Twenty Seven to be exact. I can be found HERE.

"I'm not sure how we would pay you for the services of such a notable individual as Leanna..." began Amara. "...our resources are limited in the areas of both finances and boons." Marius seemed to ponder her statement for a moment before replying. "Pay me what you think you owe me once the service has been provided and this particular problem has been resolved. I'll deal with any shortfall so that Leanna isn't overly inconvenienced."

Leanna - Duskborn
Blood Sommelier and Alchemist

Those who had dealt with Marius before exchanged curious glances at one another. A benevolent Marius was an unusual occurrence at the best of times and if anything, this act of generosity actually made those present more suspicious, not less. Amara however was well aware that this was a rare opportunity and so readily agreed to his unusual terms. Michael gave Daniel a brief sideways glance which he interpreted as "Find out what the hell Marius is up to this time..."

Deacon of the Crypts Sons was next to speak and raised the tricky question that Michael had bene anticipating. "So do we know why exactly, that Michael's Barony seems to have been spared Vannevars attention?" Vin tensed at the question though most present who noticed interpreted this as due to the tone with which his Baron had been addressed, rather than any guilt. Daniel hid his own reaction with much greater skill.

Michael shrugged dismissively and then spoke. "I have no idea why we were the exception but I conjecture that we are being observed and that was sufficient. We are close to the border and an invasion of my Barony could easily be carried out from bases in the mountains or San Jose which he know controls. Why would he expend resources unnecessarily?"

Deacon attempted to reply but was spoken over by Baron Abrams. Deacon knew better than to object especially given the abilities that Isaac had recently shown in defence of his own person.

Vannevar Thomas - Prince of San Francisco

"Presumably Vannevar is aware of Michaels status as an influencer of Anarch affairs and that he would likely be our first choice as negotiator should such a point be reached. One can also presume that he has surmised that alienating such an individual would be a bad start to any peace talks..."

Michael nodded his thanks to Isaac for the explanation and the other Barons were either satisfied or unwilling to disagree with the Baron of Hollywood. Whichever it was, the debate moved on.

The Toreador Baron of the North East knew that these petty political matters were only the first of many before the matter of organising the defence of Los Angeles could be discussed. This was going to be a long night...

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

Well they made a good start but with every power-player in the city seated around the table this is going to take a lot of work to organise. Looks like I'll have to alter the map of the city and the relationship map...again... *Sigh*

Acknowledgements
“Portions of the materials are the copyrights and trademarks of White Wolf Entertainment AB, and are used with permission. All rights reserved.”

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Michael Tomassio is represented by Matt Bomer, 'Vin' is Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope is Deborah Ann Woll, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Henrique 'Hank' Boyd is Michael Clarke Duncan, Harvel Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Vinicius is Liev Schreiber, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Allison Maller is Chloë Grace Moretz, Isaac abrams is Gary Oldman, Myranda is Shannyn Visceral, Victoria is Lilith May, Dillan Fitzgerald is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Vannevar Thomas is Bryan Dechart, The Blossoms are (Tayla Quintana is Alyssa Milano, Karla Bray is Rose McGowan and Lottie Noble is Holly Marie Combs), Priss is Sofia Boutella, Dawn Cavanagh is Emma Stone, Sofia Rivera is Eliza Dushku, Ellie May Li is Bai Ling, Charlie Abbott is Lena Headey, Amara Martins is Indira Varma, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Rosa is Mahafsoun and Leanna is Leeanna Vamp.

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.