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.
--------------------
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. There are however a list of potential triggers listed before the introduction. 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.
---------------------
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.
---------------------
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
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. There are however a list of potential triggers listed before the introduction. 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.
---------------------
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.
---------------------
Chronicle One - 'Infiltrate L.A.'
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
---------------------
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
Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'
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
---------------------
Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'
Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'
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 Seventeen - 'The Baker Disappearance' - Part One, Two and Three
--------------------
Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park
Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer
Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War
--------------------Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'
Interlude Session - Recon
Interlude Session - Damage Limitation
Interlude Session - The Killing Spree
Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One
--------------------
The PC'sMichael 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'
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.
Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously).
Introduction
The representatives of the Camarilla are all now within the city and along with them are their most trusted bodyguards. Should this meeting devolve into aggression, the following violence will be a bloodbath of biblical proportions that may well drown in vitae the entire kindred populations of Los Angeles, San Jose and San Francisco alike. The Sabbat or The Second Inquisition, perhaps both, will surely be drawn into the conflict ready to strike the finishing blow to the weakened survivors. To say that the fate of three cities may well rest upon this meeting would not be considered an overstatement.
With only one night left before the summit, the coterie has much to do to prepare.
Scene Six - The Primogen
 |
| Therese Voerman - Malkavian Baron of Santa Monica |
Kelvin Wee is still in Chinatown, protected by his loyal guards and enough mortal Triad gang-members to take on an army. Rumours abound that several Justicars have placed their most trusted Archon's at his disposal in the event of Anarch betrayal. Rumours are also circulating that the famed Lasombra mercenary 'Talley' has been hired as Kelvin's personal protector but this is unconfirmed. Of course, the fact that no-one has seen him doesn't actually mean that he isn't in the city.
For the Justicars to have placed such valuable resources in Kelvin's hands has led many to believe that Vannevar no longer has their full trust and that it is Kelvin who will truly decide the meetings outcome. This lack of trust does not yet extend to Vannevar's Seneschal Suzanne however as she is considered to be responsible for the, admittedly few, sensible decisions to have come from the Prince in recent times. Though naming no names, your Camarilla contacts have hinted that there has been considerable thought put into how the talents of a valuable Seneschal might be retained, should the associated Prince become...undesirable...
 |
| Luna Demian - House Tremere Tremere Primogen of San Francisco |
The Nosferatu Primogen Kokopell Mana has made a temporary haven in the ancient warrens below Hollywood after a brief meeting with Gary Golden. Her and the ancient Nosferatu Alonzo seem to have been acquainted at some point in the past and have renewed that relationship. The ancient part of the network below the city has been effectively sealed off until the meeting itself and Alonzo's monstrous 'pet' has been seen patrolling the area with murderous intent. Several members of 'The Swarm' were too slow in their evacuation and have fell victim to the maw of this vicious predator, their mistress has taken no actions in this regard, it's possible that she either doesn't care or hasn't even noticed...
Kokopell is notorious for appearing wherever she wishes, bypassing security precautions like the spirit she believes herself to be. Her mastery of Obfuscate being far beyond the limits usually attributed to the discipline in modern nights. With this in mind, no transport has been arranged for her. It is simply presumed that she will be at the meeting place exactly when she so desires.
Sara Anne Winder has taken the top three floors of the Empire Arms Hotel in Downtown with her bodyguard Miriam Caravaggio, a Toreador assassin with a terrifying reputation for taking down enemies of Sara that thought themselves unassailable.
Miriam Caravaggio, Toreador - Bodyguard to Sara Anne Winder
Sara has taken the Penthouse while the other two floors currently house her other protectors. As Downtown is indisputably Marius's domain, the fact that the Ventrue Primogen's party is under his protection is presumed, though hasn't been publicly stated. He did however meet with her the night of her arrival, though possibly this was merely a courtesy with no ulterior motive behind it.
Storytellers Note - The players reaction when I read out that last line indicated their doubts about the 'no ulterior motive' bit.
Mirko Mirkonen, Gangrel - Defacto Primogen of San Francisco
Mirko Mirkonen, Gangrel Primogen in all but name has, to the surprise of many, taken up temporary residence between Santa Clarita and Simi Valley which places him very near to Hollywood. It is no coincidence that three packs of Los Angeles Gangrel have formed a perimeter around his camp in order to ensure that he and Gustavo Morales stay exactly where they are.
Given the feeling of many of the more militant Anarchs within Los Angeles, a number of other precautions have been taken. Firstly, Damsel has been tasked with keeping 'Nines' focused upon the positive aspects of the upcoming meeting in order to prevent him doing something disruptive and impulsive.
Secondly, Barons Louis Fortier and Marius Walker have each provided a number of teams to help with security. These have been placed at the disposal of Daniel, who has been given responsibility for coordinating security precautions at the Succubus Club and for the delegates safety on the way to and from it. Daniel has yet to allocate these units to specific tasks as Michael has several meetings before the summit and these may provide information that necessitates a change in priorities.
Scene Seven - Carmelita
 |
| Carmelita Neillson - Toreador Archivist and Archaeologist |
As is usual, Carmelita has arrived via private plane and has arranged to meet you at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.
She will meet you on the plane itself and you are assured that you will have no issues getting runway access. The airport is one of many of Hollywood's significant locations that is once more completely under Isaac's control.
Carmelita's modified Pilatus PC-24 Jet is hangered at the airport. As previously you are met by Abasi Khalil, Carmelita's Ghoul, bodyguard, driver and pilot. He has a Mark 19 Desert Eagle in a shoulder holster under his left arm and a lower calibre but higher capacity Baby Eagle III on his opposite hip.
Once more, Daniel's curiosity about Abasi was piqued. For an individual as important as Carmelita to have only a single bodyguard, albeit a ghoul, was unusual. He must be an individual of considerable skill to have such a responsible position.
Carmelita greeted the coterie warmly, though only Michael got a kiss on the cheek. Michael noticed that she was dressed less practically than normal. Presumably in deference to the rank and expectations of these kindred she was here to pander to.
She then got straight to business.
"
So I hear you're in the hot seat for this one. I can help you with some biographical information and some theories but the politics of it aren't really my thing, you understand of course?"
 |
| Kelvin Wee - Ventrue Camarilla Negotiator for the Justicars |
"Let's start with Kelvin Wee." stated Michael. He knew that information upon the Camarilla negotiator was of significant value as he would surely be the guiding force behind any decisions made, despite his insistence that he was there in a simply advisory role.
Carmelita's answer did nothing to change that opinion.
"Though in theory the negotiation is with the Prince, it's the others you'll need to convince. Kelvin thinks he's weak and impulsive, a bad combination for a Prince, he'd much rather see Sara Wilder in that chair but unfortunately Vannevar still has a lot of political clout and influential allies and so it's not as simple as just telling him to vacate the post. He's also aware that Suzanne has a steadying influence on Vannevar which makes provoking him to making rash decisions more difficult."
"Kelvin needs him to fuck up this invasion but also doesn't want to weaken the Camarilla as that impacts on his own reputation as a negotiator. I'm not sure if any of that helps, but those are the facts..."
This information tied in to what they had already suspected and went some way to confirming what Marius had told them when they met him at Club Glaze. It was nice to get confirmation though as Marius wasn't above twisting the facts to suit his own plotting and get others to do the dirty work. Michael had been on the wrong side of this on a number of occasions and had grown wiser each time.
 |
| Suzanne Rochelle - Toreador Seneschal to San Francisco's Prince |
"Suzanne is Toreador, almost an archetype of one, no offense meant." she gave Michael a wink. "She has been part of the Camarilla since at least the French Revolution. Suzanne was a close friend of Marie-Antoinette and a member of the court of Prince Francois Villon of Paris. She also had a relationship with Mithras, a former prince of London I'm sure you've heard of, so she adds a political legitimacy to Vannevar that he wouldn't possess without her."
This information was new to the coterie. Such a heritage would have given Suzanne a considerable political reputation. Michael began to think that she would be as important an individual to sway as Kelvin. Mr Hertz shared this opinion.
"Her abilities are more in the area of observation than manipulation, or should I say she observes, then manipulates. She's beautiful of course, though I'm sure you expected that. She's definitely more patient than Vannevar, I imagine the long-term infiltration aspects of the invasion were hers, the somewhat impulsive assassinations, probably not."
Both Vin and Daniel made note of this. Both had lost friends to these assassinations and having confirmation of who to blame, focussed them.
"Her and Vannevar are very close, lovers in fact, so driving a wedge between them would be difficult. It's been tried, unsuccessfully, in the past. They share everything, but I think even she realises that he's slipping..."
Michael made careful note of this. Others may have tried, but he doubted that they had his skills. He could also draw upon their shared heritage as Toreador. Even if he couldn't cause dissent between them, he at least might annoy Vannevar into acting impulsively.
 |
| Kokopell Mana - Nosferatu Nosferatu Primogen of San Francisco |
"Kokopell Mana, the Kachina, which is a Hopi spirit of sorts." began Carmelita. "She's an interesting one..."
"She first came to the Camarilla's attention in the early 1900's but she's vastly more ancient than that. I've interviewed more than enough elder creatures to know one when I meet one, though like many of the ancients what's real and what's legend seems to have blended into one in her mind. I wouldn't go as far as to call her irrational, but I'd be careful before questioning her beliefs too deeply. She's loyal to the Camarilla, though she's seems to believe kindred to be these Kachina spirits in human form which would make the Camarilla a pantheon of sorts."
"So she's probably insane..." thought Daniel. But kept the opinion to himself.
"I met with her as requested, early this evening, or should I say she met with me, but she needed nothing from me, she spoke of 'meeting with the 'Ant people' which is what she refers to Clan Nosferatu as, seemingly, she connects them with some ancient tribe, possibly, it's difficult to tell. I'm versed in a myriad of ancient languages and cultures and even I can't understand half of what she says."
Daniel revised his opinion from 'probably insane' to 'definitely insane'.
 |
| Sara Anne Winder - Ventrue Ventrue Primogen of San Francisco |
Sara Anne Winder's name kept being pushed to the fore with anyone to which they spoke. Her status as 'prince in waiting' seemed to be the consensus now. "On the subject of Sara..." prompted Michael.
"Fiorenza believes she'd be a much better Prince than Vannevar. She's a battle-hardened general in the guise of a sweet and flirtatious young lady. In public settings, she comports herself in such a way that others cannot even imagine her behaving in a cruel or aggressive fashion."
Vin disliked the kindred tendency to wear a different face in private to public, but he was pragmatic enough to accept that this was just the way things were. It was also why he didn't trust anyone. Even his own coterie was guilty of this, himself too if he was to be honest.
"She's a smiling and gracious Primogen, and deals pleasantly even with those individuals she probably secretly despises. Likewise, she's been known to enthral a target and engage them in witty banter even while an assassin moves into place behind them, and I mean that both figuratively and literally."
"She's not malicious, nor above even the most extreme and perfidious tactics if it will win her a battle, she's an old school Ventrue hiding behind a 'cute as a button' act."
 |
| Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue Camarilla Power Broker |
"Fiorenza Savona has heard rumours that when Winder fails to make any headway thanks to other kindreds machinations, she relies on Wee as an alternative route. Wee, in turn, presents her ideas as his own to avoid any stigmas associated with her name. Thus the success of one, increases the prestige of the other, and vice versa."
"So she has Kelvin Wee, Luna Demian and Kokopell Mana firmly in her camp?" surmised Michael. Carmelita confirmed that this was so.
In fact Sara Winder had all the support she needed from within San Francisco to take over as Prince. It was the external influences that still favoured Vannevar that were the real issue. That and the support he gained through his seneschal Suzanne Rochelle.
More and more the indications pointed to Suzanne as the key factor in Vannevar's successes, This also made her the one, along with Kelvin, who would need convincing that any plan to end the war suited the Camarilla.
"I'm afraid I have some other tedious acts to perform while in the city so that will have to do for now." stated Carmelita, before adding. "Good luck..."
"I didn't want to mention it at the time..." said Daniel after they left the plane. "...but there was someone else on board during that meeting. I could hear the occasional movement but no breathing so they must have been kindred. Her bodyguard Abasi looked towards the rear cabin a couple of times too when he thought we weren't paying attention so he knew they were there."
Though it was biologically unnecessary, Michael sighed. He'd worry about it another time. He had too many other concerns right now.
Scene Eight - The Chantry
 |
| The Consolidated Chantry of L.A. |
The coterie found themselves invited to Downtown to discuss this with them directly, the night before the summit was to take place. The various houses that now made up the Tremere clan almost certainly had ulterior motives but it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
Of the four houses of which they were aware of, only Houses Carna, Tremere and Goratrix were represented at the chantry. House Ipsissimus had no members within. In fact they only knew of one member of this house within the city and Alessandro Kaye's loyalty was to his Baron Gloria Martinez.
Luna had already implied to them that she would support some of the Anarchs requirements in return for her own demands being met. This would hopefully make for a fairly straightforward meeting.
Hope and Vin had encountered Luna when they had undertaken the assassination of Peter Kwan, childe of the Camarilla invasions leader within the city. Her powers were beyond any blood magic the pair had witnessed previously and they had no doubt that they had seen only the bare minimum of what she was capable of. She had despatched Peter in brutal fashion, for the crime of withholding knowledge of a gargoyle to which she once claimed ownership.
 |
| Vanessa 'Ruby' Rubeus - House Carna Regent of the Consolidated Chantry |
You are met by Vanessa 'Ruby' Rubeus, regent of the chantry and whose loyalty was to House Carna.
"Luna is a guest of this chantry in general, and House Tremere specifically. I'll lead you to the Tremere wing and leave you in the hand of Alanis 'Alannah' Ward. Though we could share with you what you need to know of Miss Demian it seems rude to do so while she is our guest. Therefore you may ask of her what you wish directly. You are in no danger, she has agreed to respect our neutrality...I'd still air on the side of politeness though..."
As you approach what is apparently the wing allocated to House Tremere you notice the décor subtly changing, becoming less contemporary and more luxurious. The occult symbology surrounding you also becomes more what you'd associate with older occult rituals.
Vanessa stops just outside a meeting room dominated by a large portrait of Lord Tremere on the far wall. Awaiting you inside are Alanis 'Alannah' Ward, Elizabeth 'Etain' Brooker and Luna Demain herself. Several bottles of wine have been placed in the centre of a elaborate coffee table along with sufficient goblets for each of you to drink. Ruby seems keen to vacate the area as if she feels uncomfortable in this part of the Chantry.
"Please take a seat..." says Alannah, that slight look of manic intensity still visible behind the eyes. Etain looks you up and down with all the emotional detachment you remember from previous encounters. You imagine that she and Luna get on rather well.
Somewhat unexpectedly, Luna went immediately on the offensive.
"I'm well aware that you are not what you pretend to be. Camarilla agents pretending to be Anarch's isn't new but you seem to be making it work, though I'm less clear about why you have a Banu Haqim Scourge pretending to be Brujah..."
 |
| Edward Kaya - Banu Haqim Sire of Daniel Matthews |
Daniel decided that honesty would be the best policy. He knew a little of blood magic but was reasonably sure that there were rituals to detect when one spoke a lie. He was also sure that Luna would not have made the statement unless she was one hundred percent sure.
"My sire is hunting me..." he began.
He explained that his sire was a follower of Ur-Shulgi and rather than being a judge of the guilty as he had claimed his sire had been giving Daniel targets to eliminate that had committed no crime other than opposing the so-called Herald of Haqim. Luna interjected.
"It is known to us that a war-mage of unusual potency had recently awakened. He is apparently moving the clan towards a darker, and bloodier (if that is conceivable) role, reinstating the Path of Blood as the clan's religion and terminating any dissenters with extreme prejudice."
 |
| Ur-Shulgi - Banu Haqim Methuselah The Black Shepherd, Herald of Haqim |
Ur-Shulgi on the other hand wished to purge all those who would refuse to convert back to the old ways of the Clan and the Path of Blood. Additionally, he interpreted the Law of Judgement from the Laws of Haqim to mean that all other vampires had failed to live up to the standards of honour and integrity put forth by Haqim in the nights of the First City and were thus to be destroyed before their taint spread.
This was an interpretation members of his loyalist faction shared to one degree or another. In short, it was the Heralds way, or Final Death.
"Your honesty is appreciated..." she replied. "...though there would have been no point denying it. Traces of your vitae were easy to find due to some of your previous activities. Much can be discovered from even the tiniest of samples and I know rituals that can extract more than most would wish known."
 |
| Blood Sorcery |
Luna shook her head before replying. "I was merely curious about whether you yourself were aware of the subterfuge. If this one has proved himself of use to you then his past is your concern. As long as it doesn't threaten any arrangements we make that is..."
"I appreciate your understanding." stated Daniel, feeling a weight fall from his shoulders. He was now sure that he had been under some spell to detect falsehoods and was glad that he had opted for the truth.
Luna then turned her attention once more to Michael. Daniel was reasonably sure that with the matter resolved to her satisfaction he was once more considered to be beneath her notice. This suited him just fine. Attention was exactly what he was trying to avoid, despite fate continually finding new ways of getting in the way.
"With that resolved perhaps we can get back to the reason for why you requested our presence?"
 |
| Vannevar Thomas - Ventrue Prince of San Francisco |
"Vannevar lacks the skills necessary to be an effective Prince, even with miss Rochelle at his side. It would be preferable to keep the one and remove the other but unfortunately they come as a pair..."
Michael decided that as Luna seemed to be getting straight to the point, that he too would refrain from sugar-coating his statements. "You have an alternate candidate in mind. One Sara Winder perhaps?"
"Yes, we would prefer to see Sara Anne Winder within the role."
Michael was curious about why and so decided to just come straight out and ask.
"She is more open to some of the more resource heavy experiments of my clan that the populace of San Jose will assist us with. Such experimentation is necessary to restore much of which we have lost due to mortal interference in Venice and Vannevar is...an inconvenience, currently. Unfortunately the internal politics that we are bound by makes simply removing him to be problematic. Which is where you come in..."
 |
| San Jose at Night - Camarilla or Anarch? |
Michael was once more forced to conceal his reaction to a statement of Luna's. He had already decided that San Jose was to be the sacrifice that would be made in order to ensure the Camarilla's agreement to the Anarchs other demands. This was now too intertwined with their plan for a change to be made. He would have to find a way to reduce collateral damage to the cities populace after the deal was made.
Daniel risked a sideways glance at his Baron to gauge his reaction. Michael was a kindred unusually in touch with his humanity and surely must have realised that 'resource heavy' translated as 'requires lots of test subjects'. Given what both knew of the clan, the survival of such test subjects was very low in their priorities, if it was considered at all.
With a heavy heart, Michael agreed to her terms.
Storytellers Note - This was a significant roleplaying moment. The player really carried the feeling of resignation about making a concession that might indirectly cost many mortals their lives.
Scene Nine - Assets and Liabilities
 |
| Isaac Abrams - Toreador Baron of Hollywood and San Fernando |
Firstly, Daniel handled most of Michaels security and the club was his and secondly because Kelvin Wee had been informed by Michael that Daniel would be his contact for security concerns. The Camarilla Negotiator had took this information on board and promptly forwarded his concerns directly to Daniel and so he already had a head-start when it came to available information. The Anarch Council had given Daniel such responsibilities before so had no real issue in doing so again.
Daniel's only concern was that both Marius Walker and Louis Fortier would be reticent to send him any assets of worth if they were not directly under their control. Fortunately it seemed that such a summit was too important to jeopardise and they actually gave him more than he had hoped for.
Louis Fortier, Baron of West L.A. had provided a total of four teams, each consisting of five ghouls drawn from Catherine DuBois's security forces. They were armed with effective but concealable heavy calibre handguns, submachine guns and wore custom fitted body armour. Each team also had their own lightly armoured vehicle. Daniel briefly met the leaders of each team and ensured that they were all linked by communications that he had access to. These would be excellent as quick response forces.
Marius Walker, Baron of Downtown had provided three teams of six, one of which was led by his own personal ghoul bodyguard and assassin, Yukio. These teams were more heavily armed than those provided by Louis as their more casual dress gave them far more places to conceal larger weaponry. Each team travelled in a heavily armoured Land Rover.
 |
| Yukio Hayashi - Ancient Ghoul Personal Bodyguard and Assassin |
With these teams he merely ensured that he could keep in contact with their leader Yukio as she was more than capable of managing her own people. He had worked with Yukio before and she was a consummate professional during operations, though surprisingly cheerful at other times, considering her profession.
Marius had also provided an unexpected extra.
His own grandechilde Rebecca, herself the childe of the legendary kindred assassin known as 'The Pale Lady' had arrived in an AddArmor Audi RS7, lent to her by her sire.
The vehicle was allegedly resistant to small-arms fire and guaranteed she could get where she was needed with undue haste, it allegedly being the worlds fastest armoured car.
She was armed with not one, but two sniper rifles. One was an AS50, a semi-automatic .50 BMG anti-materiel precision rifle. The second was a Heckler & Koch HK417, which was both a battle rifle and a designated marksman rifle. He noted that the boxes of ammo, haphazardly piled up on the passenger seat, included both armour-piercing and incendiary rounds. It seemed that she was more than prepared for any situation.
 |
| Rebecca - Gangrel Grandechilde of Marius, Assassin |
In addition to the external assets, he also had access to the personnel of his own Baron. This meant that he had the use of Hope and her Sweepers, Vin and his veritable army of street level informants and Mr Hertz's gang, the Apostles. Despite all of these resources, it would be impossible to cover every eventuality and it was this that bothered Daniel. He didn't like loose ends and this operation had dozens of them.
Before he began to plan their deployment he decided to get in touch with 'Chick' who would certainly be part of Therese Voerman's security in Santa Monica. At the very least he could coordinate with her and avoid allocating any of his teams unnecessarily.
As expected, Charlie 'Chick' Abbott did not disappoint.
She informed Daniel that she had three routes planned for escorting Vannevar and his Seneschal to the summit. The first emphasised privacy, the back-ups were more security minded. Though Chick revealed that she much preferred options two and three, that the Prince had insisted upon the route which minimised his contact with the populace of the city.
 |
| Charlie 'Chick' Abbott - Banu Haqim Santa Monica 'Scourge' |
The Prince and his advisors personal security seemed to be professional but it was Chicks opinion that many had been recently added to his entourage. If she had to guess, she would surmise that they had been recently added by someone else to enhance his security.
"What did you actually think of Vannevar and Rochelle?" asked Daniel
"Suzanne, was a pleasure to work with. Composed, professional, asked pertinent questions, but didn't micromanage. Once she'd assessed what was planned, and confirmed the important details, she left us to do our jobs. If I had to guess who was keeping things running smoothly in San Francisco, it'd be her."
"...and Vannevar?" prompted Daniel.
"He's a fucking asshole..." was her considered assessment.
Reasonably sure that Vannevar and Suzanne were in good hands, he turned his attention to the Primogen.
 |
| Alonzo Guillen - Autarkis Nosferatu Ancient Hollywood Warrens |
Both Sara and Luna were in downtown but in very different locations. Luna was staying at the Los Angeles Chantry, while Sara had taken the top three floors of a Downtown hotel.
Unusually, Daniel managed to get through to Marius himself rather than his psychotic ghoul personal assistant, Victoria.
"Security concerns?" began Marius. Daniel confirmed that this was so.
"The Ventrue Primogen, Sara Winder, has two layers of her own security to navigate before you get anywhere near her penthouse. The building she's currently residing in is one of mine and is being carefully monitored. She has her own vehicles but there will be an additional escort of my people to ensure she isn't interfered with on the way. They have orders to destroy any threats on sight or pre-emptively remove them if the situation warrants it."
 |
| Eleanor 'The Sorceress' Braun - Gangrel Childe of Marius, Blood Sorcerer |
This confirmed what Hope and Vin had told him of the destruction Luna had wrought at Peter Kwan's base. He knew that Marius, like many Gangrel, wasn't a fan of the Tremere considering the experiments they'd undertaken on Gangrel, Tzimisce and Nosferatu clan members in order to create their Gargoyle guardians.
Daniel also knew little about Eleanor so took the opportunity to ask about her under the guise of his duties keeping the Primogen safe. Marius shared a few details.
"She was an impulse embrace, but adapted admirably. Took to blood magic on an instinctive level, which is odd, but then many of my childer exhibit uncharacteristic traits."
Daniel refrained from offering his own theory about Marius's tendency for diablerie being responsible. He had also heard that Marius's sire, Xaviar, was also quite uncharacteristic of the Gangrel Clan. His musing was interrupted as Marius continued.
"I'm currently negotiating with the Consolidated Chantry's Regent, 'Ruby', about giving her some additional tutelage, though I may be better off talking to their Savant 'Alannah' as her skills are a little more on the offensive side. Currently their price is bordering on the ridiculous, but I may have to indulge them. It's nearly the anniversary of Eleanor's embrace and I owe her a 'present'."
Daniel had heard a rumour, via Alonzo, that since the reconnection of sire and childe, Eleanor contacted Marius on the anniversary of her embrace and demanded either a gift or an end to her unlife. Given her continued survival, apparently she must have a way of persuading her sire that she was worth the price.
"What are your thoughts on this summit?" enquired Daniel, reasonably sure he wouldn't get a straight answer but figuring it would be worth a punt.
Daniel decided he'd best pay attention.
"Only Luna has the strength of will to resist Isaac should mental techniques be required and I've known Isaac tell a kindred to kill his best friend then himself and the poor bastard didn't even flinch. He can purge most of that room without even getting out of his chair, besides which, I can kill the rest even if he can't neutralise them all, even that fucker Mirko is only a speedbump to me at worse."
The statement was uttered with such certainty, that Daniel began to become concerned.
"Louis has already put forward a plan for a multi-pronged assault that, when combined with forces of mine I've put at his disposal, will purge the Camarilla from the city with minimal collateral damage."
Daniel couldn't help but get the feeling that Marius seemed a little to enthusiastic about the possibility of war, though at least if their back-up plan was one of Louis's that it would be based on actual tactics rather than overkill. Louis, unlike Marius, was a kindred with a sense of honour.
Hopefully the other barons involved were more interested in a peaceful outcome.
Tomorrow night was going to be very interesting indeed...
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 player characters have been doing a lot of work to ensure that they enter the meeting with detailed knowledge of all the power players and their personal agenda's. They've done a pretty good job and seem to have a reasonably sound plan for how to approach the negotiations.
Let's hope no other kindred's own agenda's fucks it up 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.”
“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, Therese Voerman is Whitney Moore, Luna Demian is Andie MacDowell, Miriam Caravaggio is Caity Lotz, Mirko Mirkonnen is Nathan Jones, Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez is Luis Carazo, Damsel is Irina Delnova, Carmelita Neillson is Salma Hayek, Kelvin Wee is Rich Ting, Suzanne Rochelle is Amelia Rose Blaire, Sara Anne Winder is Saoirse Ronan, Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis, Vanessa 'Ruby' Rubeus is Leila Lunatic, Alanis 'Alannah' Ward is either La Esmeralda or Threnody in Velvet (They're both a bit mixed up in the same folder, sorry...), Elizabeth 'Etain' Booker is Darya Goncharova, Edward Kaya is Laurence Fishburne, Vannevar Thomas is Bryan DeChart, Isaac Abrams is Gary Oldman, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Yukio Hayashi is Jamie Chung, Rebecca is Amy Acker, Charlie 'Chick' Abbott is Lena Headey and Eleanor Braun is P.J. Harvey.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment