Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Eighty Eight - 'The War Council' (Part Three)

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

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

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

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.' 

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

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

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The PC's

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

The Storyteller

Garreth - Everyone else...

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

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

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

Introduction

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

Scene Eight - Moving Forward

Myranda Maria - Gangrel
Pack Leader of The Wilds Pack

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

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

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

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

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

Edward Kaya - Banu Haqim
Sire of Daniel Matthews

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

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

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

Louis Fortier - Ventrue
Baron of West Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

Scene Nine - Knowledge is Power

Gary Golden took this as his cue to speak.

Gary Golden - Nosferatu
Hollywood's Nosferatu

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

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

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

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

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Baron of Downtown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scene Ten - A Vacuum of Power

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

Harvey Caplan - Ventrue
South Coast

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

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

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

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

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

Therese Voerman - Malkavian
Baron of Santa Monica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'Priss' - Lasombra
Baron of 'The Border'

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

Michael decided to go for broke.

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

Once again it was Louis Fortier who broke the deadlock.

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

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

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

Scene Eleven - Sommelier

Leanna - Duskborn
Blood Sommelier

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amara Martins - Duskborn
Current Leader of 'The Liberated'

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

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

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

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

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

To Be Continued in 'The War Council' (Part Four)

In Conclusion

I like to do a round-up of how the session went in these features but if you couldn't give a shit what I think then feel free to skip this bit...

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

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

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

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Michael Tomassio is represented by Matt Bomer, 'Vin' is Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope is Deborah Ann Woll, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Myranda is Shannyn Visceral, Edward Kaya is Laurence Fishburne, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Victoria is Lilith May, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Allison Maller is Chloë Grace Moretz, Harvel Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Therese Voerman is Whitney Moore, Henrique 'Hank' Boyd is Michael Clarke Duncan, Priss is Sofia Boutella, Leanna is Leeanna Vamp and Amara Martins is Indira Varma.

Everything else is from vampire related folders and searches and is as far as I know is all of the 'fair use' variety. If there's something that you feel should be attributed to some-one then feel free to let me know and I'll happily add an acknowledgement.