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.
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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. 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.
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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
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.
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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.'
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
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
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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
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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
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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'
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), Torture.
Introduction
Daniel, Vin and Mr Hertz have extracted information from their Young Bloods prisoner that paints a clearer picture of what the resources available to this gang of Unbound Ghouls. Hopefully this will help with their upcoming negotiations with the Circulatory System who also wish an end to the Young Bloods activities.
Scene Twelve - Reporting Back
Michael was surprisingly empathic and in touch with his humanity, even for one of Clan Toreador, and so Daniel planned to give him a heavily sanitized version of the interrogation he'd recently carried out.
Michael Tomassio - At Work in His Studio
Michael was in his studio, a location that he's barely left for the last few nights. His current painting project was melancholy in the extreme and Daniel noticed that the pile of discarded works contained many similar works.
"We've gained some pertinent information." began Daniel
Michael turned from his painting and gave Daniel his full attention. "Go on..."
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| Kingsley Barker - Toreador Patron of the Arts |
Storytellers Note - Kingsley Barker met with the coterie to enlist their aid in locating his childe. That story can be found HERE.
"The less we share the better." stated Michael, with unusual directness. "I don't trust them any more than you do. At the moment we are allies of convenience, but it would be foolish to think that traders in blood, and perhaps even vitae, are above betraying us should we stop being useful."
Daniel agreed with his Baron's assessment. Michael then continued. "Did we learn anything about their connection to Vannevar?"
Daniel then explained that Vannevar, and possibly another third party of which they knew little, had been bankrolling the gang as a weapon against the Anarchs. The former Prince had promised them a significant number of kindred captives so as to maintain their supply of vitae, which in turn would enable them to expand their army of ghouls.
Michael shook his head with disappointment. "Using vampire hunters against vampires has never been a good strategy, you'd think our kind would have learned that simple fact by now...however it does give us some leverage..." Daniel waited for Michael to elaborate.
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| Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue Camarilla Power Broker |
Daniel agreed that this was worth exploring and added this to his list of tasks to accomplish when they inevitably assaulted the Young Bloods base.
Daniel then broached a related subject. "Numbers are not on our side. We may need the support of other significant parties." He knew that this was more within Michael's area of expertise than his own. His Baron could be very persuasive when he set his mind to it and had many allies within the various kindred Baronies of Los Angeles.
"We will need to prove that the threat they pose is significant..." replied Michael. "...so that the Barons can be convinced that acting is in their own self interest." He sighed, despite having no biological need to do so. "Our kind are notoriously self centred." Between them and Vin they then compiled a list of kindred who might be persuaded to help, should the Circulatory Systems aid be insufficient or too laded with conditions.
Kingsley Barker, sire of one of the kindred prisoners, though having no real political power, did have considerable resources. He was also very popular with younger kindred due to his support of many Anarchs more contemporary forays into the artistic world. Nines, Damsel and the recently recovered Skelter were also possibilities. Nines was an avid proponent of the Anarch cause and could easily be persuaded to help should the Young Bloods threat be framed as one to the Free States as a whole.
Though Michael tended to avoid purposely involving Marius in any of their plans, he was also a likely ally. The Young Bloods attempted kidnap of one of the Gangrel of Simi Valley had yet to elicit a response from the notoriously reactionary Baron of Downtown, but Michael was sure that he would support any attack upon those who had wronged one of his clan.
Michael's ghoul Lisa, then knocked politely on the door, then entered. "Vin and Mr Hertz are here to see you..."
Michael sighed once more. "Let's get ready to meet Miss Black of the Circulatory System. I'm sure it will be a fairly straightforward meeting."
Daniel knew his sire was being sarcastic yet nonetheless hoped that he was correct.
Scene Thirteen - 'The Thorns'
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| Dion - Ghoul of Fiorenza Savona Michael's Driver |
Mr Hertz carried his Luger and antique flick-knife, though would no doubt leave any potential conflict to Vin and Daniel, unless it became absolutely necessary.
Only Michael was unarmed. Even his driver Dion had weapons to hand.
It was during their preparation that they received a visitor.
Marius is dressed much as when you first met him three years ago to the day. Expensive clothes, taken little care of, the predatory aura he seems to exude whenever roused to violence is held tightly in check as he waits in a casual stance for your arrival. Nearby Yukio can be seen wearing an expensive tailored suit that carefully conceals the armoury you are sure she carries beneath.
Michael greeted his guests and as was his habit, began to observe all present for any subtle signs that would allow him to pre-empt their moods.
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| Marius Walker - Gangrel Baron of Downtown |
From Marius he picked up nothing.
"I have a small favour to ask..."
Michael tensed slightly. Some of the most dangerous situations they'd been in over the last three years had started this way. Marius apparently took the silence as an indication that he should continue.
"Are you aware of a band called 'The Thorns'? Vampires pretending to be a rock band pretending to be vampires. An old trick but still surprisingly effective..."
Michael's musical tastes were more classical than contemporary but the name rang a bell. Surprisingly it was Vin who replied.
"They're a five piece rock band. Famous for lively stage shows and infamous for a certain amount of style over actual talent."
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| Dollie Parker - Gangrel Singer with 'The Thorns' |
Whether it was his natural empathy, or justifiable suspicion over anything Marius told him, Michael suspected that 'The Fixer' cared more about this individual than he was letting on.
"Obviously their gigs in Downtown, The Wilds and The Border are easy for me to monitor, it's their gigs in other baronies that I need to arrange security for. I have two options. Firstly I could ask the local Barons permission to monitor the events with my own operatives but unsurprisingly this isn't usually something they're very keen on, everyone presumes I'm spying on them for some reason. My other alternative is to ask the Barons themselves to provide the necessary protections in return for whatever price they deem appropriate. I'm presuming you have a preference? Or is there a third option I've overlooked?"
Michael thought for a moment before replying.
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| Yukio Hayashi - Ancient Ghoul Ghoul of Marius |
Daniel decided to take the direct approach. "What's up Yukio? You look a little twitchy this evening..."
Yukio rolled her eyes before replying quite candidly. "Marius is in one of his 'kicking the hornets nest' moods. He's annoying everyone he deals with, seemingly on a whim. The only reason Michael's getting the 'nicely, nicely' approach is because he wants something. Otherwise I'm sure he'd be being a complete asshole for no reason whatsoever..."
Her rant was interrupted by Marius who had finished making his arrangements with Michael. "Are you coming? or do you want to stay here and conspire with Daniel?" Yukio rolled her eyes once more, then fell in behind her Baron and Regnant.
"What did we get roped into this time?" enquired Daniel, once Marius had left.
Michael had agreed to allow a single one of Marius's sweepers into their domain in order to keep an eye on the bands singer, but that was all. In return, Marius would provide them with any appropriate information that came his way that might assist them should they choose to attack The Young Bloods base.
Michael had also managed to get Marius to agree to a meeting with himself to discuss Hank Boyd, Baron of the Crypts Sons. Marius's sweepers had recently been supporting Priss, Baron of 'The Border', in her continuing dispute with Hank over territory and broken promises on both sides. The most recent confrontation had resulted in the destruction of several Crypts Sons kindred who had failed to heed the warnings given them by Marius's sweepers. 'The Circle' as the three were known, had repulsed a probe of Priss's territory, destroying those who failed to retreat in time.
Marius had agreed to a ceasing of hostilities until he had discussed the matter with Michael. Though he had many, many faults Marius could at least be trusted to keep his word once it was given. Hopefully Michael could persuade him to meet with Hank and resolve the issues between Marius, Hank and Priss.
In addition, Marius was going to make the arrangements to get the coterie permission to travel across The Wilds to The Circulatory Systems base of operation. This, to Michael's surprise had cost him nothing.
"Back to the business at hand." stated Michael. "Let's see what Miss Black has to say for herself..."
Scene Fourteen - Marcelina Black
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| Lezabel - Gangrel Scout for the Wilds Pack |
"Looks like the Wilds Pack have decided we've arrived safely." commented Vin as their escort faded into the night.
"They'll be around." replied Daniel. With his preternatural senses turned to maximum he could still hear the faint sounds of wolves and dogs in the distance. No doubt, Lezabel and her packs were still nearby and possibly at least one other member of The Wilds Pack. The other Gangrel were extremely protective of Lezabel.
The Circulatory system's base of operations within the city looks like a farm crossed with a private clinic of some kind. As before it has armed guards on patrol, ghouls, you imagine. There's a main house with several modern and well maintained looking custom vans parked outside and what looks like one of those vehicles they use to transport prisoners alongside them, near to a stable block with pairs of guards at every entrance.
There are also guards patrolling the roof space, all are equipped with sniper versions of assault rifles and are (judging from the bulges under their jackets) wearing body armour. In a slight difference from your previous meeting here, you note that several of these roof guards have higher calibre sniper weapons than before as if stopping power has become more of a priority.
Such open carrying of illegal firearms signifies that they must have placed bribes at extremely high levels as they show no sign of nervousness, exactly the opposite in fact as if they are sure they will be undisturbed. Though given that they operate in this domain with The Wilds Pack's approval, you imagine they don't get bothered much.
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| Arla Hartley - Ventrue 'The Circulatory System' |
"I apologise for the extra security, but given the circumstances we wish to ensure that our operations suffer no further disruptions. Once we are safely within, these gentlemen will resume their patrol duties."
"We appreciate the abundance of caution." said Michael, diplomatically.
Dion waited in the car at Michael's request. Vin had placed his bag containing his shotgun and it's ammunition on the passenger seat where the driver could get to it easily. "Keep the engine running." said Vin. "If we come out in a hurry, I expect that shotgun to be ready and waiting for me. You're packing too?" Dion nodded and patted his jacket. "Daniel doesn't trust these bastards..." continued Vin. "...which is good enough reason for me to not trust them either. But with this much firepower, we lay down suppressing fire if feasible, then run. None of that heroic last stand bollocks, okay?" Dion confirmed that he understood.
You are led to a different office from your last meeting at this location. This one is significantly more comfortable and seems designed to relax, rather than intimidate. Marcelina is reclining in a comfortable chair and Arla takes one near to her. There is a three-seater sofa opposite them and a two seater slightly off to one side.
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| Marcelina Black - Ventrue 'The Circulatory System' |
'Wine' and glasses are on the table.
The coterie were familiar with Blood Sommelier mixtures of blood and wine, though the creations supplied by Leanna were far more individual in nature. The bottle upon the table looked almost mass produced, though if any organisation had the facility to make such a product on mass it would be The Circulatory System.
Storytellers Note - More information on kindred Blood Sommeliers can be found HERE.
Michael took a seat, and Vin stood directly behind him. Daniel found a position within the room that allowed him to observe both doors. Mr Hertz made himself comfortable on the two-seater sofa and unbuttoned his jacket so as to give himself ease of access to his armoury. Though he was far more pragmatic than the rest of the coterie and cared little for the fate of residents of this 'Farm', something about Marcelina put him uncharacteristically on edge.
As expected, Miss Black got straight to business.
"I would like these Young Bloods destroyed. By which I mean completely, not 'reduced in number' or directed elsewhere. Dead, to the last man and woman. I presume your sensibilities about killing do not apply to kindred kidnapping rapists, thieves and murderers?"
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| The Young Bloods - Unbound Ghoul Gang |
Marcelina continued. "I'd also, if at all possible, like to retrieve their kindred prisoners intact. Some are childer and grandechilder of surprisingly influential individuals and collateral damage might cause long-term complications."
This caught the attention of all present. They had been waiting to see exactly why Marcelina had taken an interest in the gang after only a single failed incident of them interfering in her activities. It seemed that she sought to profit from the rescue of the kindred prisoners the Young Bloods had taken. If their sires were as influential as she seemed to think then their return would certainly give her the opportunity to obtain significant boons as she effectively ransomed them back to the appropriate interested parties.
Michael managed to hide his reaction though the others knew that he would never allow any rescued prisoners to be treated in such a manner.
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| Kyran Velez - Ventrue Agent of Vannevar Thomas |
"We have traced the information leak to a Ventrue inhabitant of San Francisco, who was a close associate of Vannevar Thomas. Such information was apparently the usual price for acquiring the Young Bloods aid. Now being quite without allies it was relatively simple to separate this individual from his protection and bring him here for extraction of information. Kindred, being basically corpses, albeit animated ones, are notoriously difficult to interrogate...fortunately we have a specialist of our own available for such situations..."
The requirement for secrecy now became apparent. The Circulatory System had kidnapped a Ventrue associate of the former Prince and tortured them, probably to destruction. Such actions could have political implications, even if the victim was relatively unimportant.
"The Ventrue's name was Kyran Velez, a convenient nobody go-between used by Vannevar to provide him with a degree of separation from the Young Bloods. Vannevar was his only protection and with that gone he was easy pickings. We know have all the necessary numbers, code phrases and the formula for the passwords and code generator for the Young Bloods base..."
Daniel was impressed. This was far more than they had gained from their own prisoner.
"...we can therefore leak information to them ourselves should we need to and bypass much of their base security should that be the preferred strategy, or a combination of the two perhaps?"
Daniel politely indicated his desire to interject.
"Would it be possible for us to review the interrogation? One presumes that a record was kept?"
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| 'Not exactly family viewing' |
"You may keep those. We have our own copies, though I would suggest that you destroy them once you've reviewed them. Their possession may incriminate you somewhat. Guilt by association. You understand?"
Daniel indicated that he understood completely. He had been expecting written notes or perhaps an audio recording. The fact that they had apparently filmed the entire interrogation was useful, if slightly disturbing.
Michael had noticed that Marcelina had given several curious glances in Vin's direction during their conversations. Presumably she was aware of who Vin's sire was and his presence within Michael's entourage had no doubt piqued her interest.
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| Desdemona Moore - Brujah Praetor and Red Alastor |
Michael decided to bring the conversation back to the point of the meeting.
"Presumably you have more to offer to an alliance between us than the results of this interrogation?"
Marcelina smiled before speaking. Michael was empathic enough to see that the gesture was entirely without emotion. She began to remind him uncomfortably of the Blounts.
Storytellers Note - The Blounts were completely amoral and sadistic kindred, who were also mass murderers, in the guise of sweet old ladies. Their story began HERE if you're interested.
"We are willing to put six full units of our security personnel at your disposal as long as the plan you come up with is considered to have some chance of success. We are also willing to offer, within reason, sufficient financial incentives or boons as may be necessary to hire additional 'specialists'. It is our understanding that your operatives have considerable skill in planning, organising and implementing unusually tricky operations such as this and so broadly speaking we would leave the details to yourselves."
Daniel noted that 'broadly speaking' wasn't a very specific term and he wondered just how much tweaking of their plans would be required, should they agree to an alliance. He was also dubious about having six heavily armed teams along with him ready to betray them at any moment.
"Time is of course, at a premium, we have no desire to cease our operations for more than a few days, a week at most, so we need results sooner rather than later. I'm sure you can come up with something suitable within an acceptable timeframe..."
Michael knew that Daniel was going to recommend against accepting their aid, but under the circumstances some diplomacy was going to be necessary. They were, after all, severely outnumbered and outgunned and at the centre of this particular 'Farm' and it's resources. Now was not the time to cause offence.
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| 'The Circulatory System' - Gold Membership |
Arla handed Michael a black card with a gold pattern around the edge. The logo was a stylised set of lips and a number, also in gold was on the other side. Michael noticed that the number was different from that on the bronze edged card he'd received from Marcelina last time they were here and that the quality of both the card materials and lettering were of considerably higher quality.
As Michael rose to leave, Marcelina offered him her hand. Somewhat reluctantly he shook it, though took care to conceal his distaste. Her complete indifference to the fate of those whose lives she traded bothered him a great deal. Unfortunately, dealing with creatures such as this was necessary, whether he liked it or not.
"She's still a fucking bitch..." said Vin after they'd left. No-one disagreed.
Scene Fifteen - Tabatha
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| Tabatha Meyer - Brujah Seneschal to Myranda Maria |
Two more individuals, a man and a woman remained inside the vehicle a moment longer before also leaving and walked around the vehicle on opposite sides. They imagined that they were this woman's guards or allies.
"Hi, I'm Tabatha, I'm your escort out of The Wilds"
"We weren't expecting an actual escort." commented the naturally suspicious Daniel.
Tabatha laughed. Unlike the faked conviviality of Marcelina, this seemed genuine.
"You got me. To be honest I just wanted to meet you all after hearing your names so often. Myranda said it would be okay..."
She proceeded to shake everyone's hand, though made contact with Vin for slightly longer than was strictly necessary. Daniel had a brief glimpse of a piece of paper changing hands which Vin then swiftly slipped into his pocket. He decided to keep this information to himself for now, though surmised that it was to do with the missing Georgiana Landry, another childe of Vin's sire that he had been tasked with locating.
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| Myranda Marie - Gangrel Baron of The Wilds |
Tabatha Meyer acted as a Seneschal of sorts to Myranda Maria, Baron of the Wilds. She had formally been the leader of the Brujah of Covina, a domain that had become absorbed by The Wilds some time ago after the Wilds Pack had assisted them when Covina's supposed allies in El Hermandad, had not. Though Brujah, not Gangrel, she had Myranda's complete trust and in all honesty the surrounding baronies much preferred to deal with Tabatha than the notoriously aggressive Wilds Pack.
"Hopefully we live up to your expectations?" enquired Michael.
Tabatha laughed once more.
"Vin's a bit taller than I was expecting, and you're definitely prettier. I'm not sure what I was expecting Daniel to look like but he definitely wasn't what I was expecting. Mr Hertz however looks exactly how I thought he would."
Mr Hertz tipped his hat in response though it wasn't clear whether the statement was a compliment or merely a statement of fact.
With the pleasantries out of the way, Tabatha's vehicle escorted them towards the border of Myranda's domain. Though Michael and Myranda's territories were mostly separated by the Barony of El Hermandad, they did share a small border. It was here to where they were guided. Once in sight of the imaginary line that divided their feeding grounds, Tabatha and her guards turned around and drove back the way they had came.
The shared border between Pasadena and The Wilds
"What's next?" asked Hertz conversationally.
"Nothing this evening." replied Michael. "I need to get some rest and you all should do the same. Tomorrow night we need to see Marius and persuade him to have peace talks with Hank, which I imagine is going to be hard work. I also need time to consider how much of the Circulatory Systems help I'm willing to accept..."
With this decided, they each returned to their respective havens to prepare for the next evening.
Scene Sixteen - An Expert at Work
Daniel sat in his Haven and with some trepidation placed the first of the disks provided by The Circulatory System into his computers drive.
The interrogator had no less than four camera's focussed upon the subject of the interrogation. One was purely on the unfortunate's face, two more were covering the victims full body, left and right and a fourth was looking downwards over a table of medical tools and chemicals. Presumably this latter was to document which tools had obtained the best results.
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| Antique Medical Equipment |
Daniel hit pause, then took a screenshot of the occult symbols. When he had time he'd show them to other occult experts of his acquaintance to see if they could discern their purpose.
He noticed that a strange pump had been attached to the subjects neck and chest which appeared to be connected to a supply of blood. There were also several valves and additional tubes which seemed to be there to allow other substances to be added to the mix. Daniel guessed that this was designed to keep the individual from slipping into torpor though the purpose of the additional chemicals were unknown to him as they weren't labelled in any recognisable manner.
What he could tell, however is that this device has been manufactured with extreme precision and if not so outlandish could easily be presumed to be a professional piece of equipment. It certainly wasn't improvised or 'thrown together' at all.
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| 'An Expert at Work' |
The interrogator had an upper-class British accent with a slight lilt that might indicate a different cultural origin, a theory somewhat confirmed by their darker skin tone. He was, however, careful to keep his face out of shot despite the extensive camera coverage. Whoever this was, valued their anonymity despite their meticulous record-keeping.
His questions were to the point, repeated for clarity and then cross referenced later to see if there was any variance. Varying methods of pain infliction were utilised and none were pleasant. Nerve clusters were exposed with a precision Daniel doubted that even he could match. Skin, muscles and bone were removed in precise layers and exposed to a variety of chemical concoctions both mundane and exotic.
Needles, also coated with various substances were inserted into bodily locations at various depths. At one point these were attached to electrodes from another strange device and used to cause muscles to convulse violently. This latter act however seems to be more experimental as the accompanying questions were seemingly pointless, merely going over old ground.
The victim was given just enough time to stop screaming, and later begging futilely for mercy, to answer the questions before the process continued. It took about an hour for all the information mentioned to the coterie by The Circulatory System to be extracted. The cross referencing, however, took a further three.
Though Daniel had a certain measure of admiration for the interrogators skill, his own medical training and lingering humanity ensured that he was nonetheless horrified.
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| 'More Antique Medical Equipment' |
The final act of this portion of the process was the information retrieval specialist informing Arla Hartley, Marcelina's assistant that he had completed the task to his own satisfaction before handing over to her the detailed notes he had meticulously taken. He then casually disconnected his apparatus from the victim before removing their head with a bone saw.
The final words you hear before the screen goes blank is the gentlemen confirming with Arla that he gets to keep the head which inexplicably seems to be showing none of the expected signs of rapid aging or decay.
Daniel had no desire to watch the process a second time having taken several screenshots of pertinent features as he went. He was reasonably sure that he could use his mastery of his clans disciplines to copy the appearance and voice of the subject should it be necessary, though he had no chance whatsoever of copying the interrogator.
If the Young Bloods didn't know that their contact had been compromised then his identity might be useable to enable them to infiltrate the facility. It was one plan at least, but Michael was currently focussed on preventing a war from breaking out between Hank Boyd and Marius Walker and Daniel had to admit that that needed to take priority.
Whether Marius would be receptive or not was a problem for tomorrow night.
Interlude - The Price of Power
Storytellers Note - One of the players guessed something about one of the main background characters that was supposed to be a future reveal, so I figured what the hell, I'll write it as an interlude now it's not going to be much of a surprise. He had some other theories too, many of which were also correct. Plus this is the hundredth(ish) session so a bonus 'reveal' is probably appropriate.
Victoria entered Marius's private garden, near the Summit of Hallowbrook House and headed towards the altar at it's centre. Curled up at it's base was Marius's Famulus, Ylva, surrounded by a litter of puppies.
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| Alonzo Guillen - Nosferatu The Ancient Hollywood Warrens |
Breeding ghouls, both animal and human, was notoriously difficult and all of the large dog's previous litters had been stillborn, much to their mothers distress.
Alonzo Guillen, a Nosferatu elder who lived in the most ancient part of the Hollywood Warrens was an expert in breeding a variety of creations. These ranged from those rats of superior intelligence and senses that acted as his messengers and scouts, to gigantic monstrosities such as his guardian Eula, an amphibious monster of ferocious appetite.
In Victoria's opinion, Alonzo's price had been excessive but he had been as good as his word and Ylva's next litter had survived and prospered.
The four males, three females and their mother had the run of the garden, though Victoria made a mental note to allocate a blood doll to both feeding and clean-up duties. Eight canines made far more of a mess than one did and the puppies apparently liked to dig.
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| Victoria - Ancient Ghoul of Marius Psychopathic P.A. |
It was a few minutes shy of an hour before dusk and so the ancient Ghoul knew that Marius would soon be awakening.
The teachings of the Bahari had taught him to weaken many of the curses that limited other kindred, though beyond the hour before dusk and the one after dawn, sunlight became just as deadly to him as to other kindred. Well, almost.
The heavy spiral staircase led to another door. This one resembled that of a vault, though unlike modern equivalents, this had no electronic aspects that could be bypassed. One either knew both combinations or not. They were also designed to only be useable by an individual with extremely high levels of strength. Fortunately, Victoria was far stronger than her appearance indicated. The benefit of over a millennia of consuming potent kindred vitae.
Marius lay on a simple slab within, to all intents and purposes he, like all kindred during the day, was quite, quite dead as far as any medical technology would have been able to determine.
The room was unadorned except for a rack containing two swords. One had an ornate silver hilt and a blade like red glass. The second was difficult to quantify. The hilt and blade were both black and seemed to change shape like smoke.
Marius's Personal Armament - Origins Unknown
Marius had little need of conventional weapons but these were far from mundane and he liked to be prepared for anything. Using either of these weapons came with a cost, and neither were to be utilised on a whim.
Seven centuries of diablerie, combined with hundreds of frenzies had not been kind to Marius's physical appearance. He was taller and more obviously muscular than he had been as a mortal, but these were minor compared to his other changes.
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| Marius Walker - Gangrel His 'True' Appearance |
His skin was like stone. A by-product of campaigns against the Tremere of the Sabbat which had resulted in the destruction and diablerie of countless of their gargoyle servants. He had gained their invulnerability, amongst other abilities, but their distinctive discipline of Visceratika had it's downsides. The effects upon the appearance were just one. The ability of flight was some compensation but dangerous to utilise in an age where virtually everyone carried a video camera in their pocket.
Marius's sire Xaviar had also acquired several bat related mutations and the ability to change into a gigantic hybrid of bat and vampire. It seemed that Marius had inherited this inclination, albeit in a far more inconvenient manner.
The claws on his hands and feet were long, black, razor sharp and secreted a necrotic venom of deadly potency. This latter ability was a creation of the Tzimisce discipline of Vicissitude, another talent acquired via the draining of kindred souls. Many gifts could be granted with this power and Marius and his servants were willing recipients of many.
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| The Sun - Bane of all Kindred |
He had also nearly walked into the sun on at least three occasions as he lost track of the time, presuming because he was active that it must be night. Old habits died hard and Victoria now, more than ever, had to keep a close eye on her regnant. His destruction would likely bring about her own and she was anxious to avoid having eleven centuries of time catch up with her.
Marius awoke as she entered. His predatory aura hit her like a sledgehammer and only centuries of acclimation prevented her from reacting. As he rose, she quickly ensured that her ability to sense the auras of others was inactive. Even after all this time, the void-like cloak of darkness that made up his aura, punctuated only by the hellish balefire that illuminated the eyes, disturbed her.
Though the demonic creature that he had traded with in order to infiltrate the Baali on his sire's behalf was long gone, the effects upon his soul remained. Unfortunately this profane aura was like a beacon to those who possessed True Faith and several mortals had needed to be quietly disposed of in order to prevent this becoming common knowledge. The Second Inquisition also had several agents from the Society of Leopold with the abilities to detect such things and so secrecy was paramount.
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| Marius Walker - Gangrel 'Wearing his Mortal Guise' |
"What do we have scheduled for tonight?" he asked as he dressed.
"Arrangements need to be made with Aegis Construction to fulfil the final part of Alonzo's fee, You have a meeting with Priss to discuss the terms of her recent offer, and then we need to return here in time to meet Michael. You agreed to discuss a meeting with Hank, remember?"
Marius inclined his head slightly, which Victoria took as approval. "Leanna has three blood dolls awaiting you and a fourth just in case. You're unlikely to have time to feed during the rest of the night so I'd make sure your hunger is sated as much as possible."
Marius left his chamber without another word and his faithful ghoul moved into place behind him. Leanna had good instincts when it came to pre-empting his changing preferences and he was interested to see what she had found for him to feed upon this evening.
Victoria knew that Michael had a habit of irritating Marius and so she wanted him to be as stable as possible when the two met. At least if he was well fed, then there would be one less factor to consider.
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...
Two torture sessions in a row...yeah, sorry about that...
Not much to say about this one, other than it being a significant milestone. It's not strictly speaking the hundredth session as there have been a number of interludes and solo sessions but the fact that it's still going strong is pretty amazing. The players have been roleplaying their characters developments very well and it's been interesting to see them develop over the last three years and four chronicles.
There's still quite a few stories to resolve in this chronicle so this one will be slightly longer than the other three were. Hopefully the players won't be so sick of L.A. that they don't want to do a fifth..
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, Kingsley Barker is James Franco, Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis, 'Nines' Rodriguez is Luis Carazo, 'Damsel' is Irina Delnova, 'Dion' is Clark Gregg, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Dollie Parker is Carla Harvey, Yukio Hayashi is Jamie Chung, 'Hank' Boyd is Michael Clarke Duncan, 'Priss' is Sofia Boutella, Arla Hartley is Claudia Black, Marcelina Black is Carrie Anne Moss, Kyran Velez is Stephen Macht, Desdemona Moore is Amanda Donohoe, Tabatha Meyer is Michelle Rodriguez, Myranda Marie is Shannyn Visceral and Victoria Anne is Lilith May.
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.
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