Friday, 22 April 2022

V5 Chronicle - Faction Profile - The Barony of the Angels

During the course of the various stories of this chronicle the coterie has and will meet many characters so I'm therefore creating several profile pages for different groups within my version of kindred Los Angeles to help them keep track. I'll also amend these profiles as new information comes to light.
--------------------
--------------------

The Barony of the Angels
When Jeremy MacNeil originally created this Barony it was different from most. Under the agreements signed by the gang lords in 1956, no single gang ruled this area. While vampires may form into coteries for companionship and self-protection, Jeremy saw to it that no one group became powerful enough to lay claim to any part of this area.

Central Los Angeles and Downtown - 'The Barony of the Angels'

He made the whole Barony open hunting ground for any Kindred who wanted to feed here, a long as they were careful and cleaned up after themselves. However with Jeremy's disappearance, things started to change and it wasn't long before the majority of masquerade breaches, messy killings and other trouble almost universally originated in the Barony of The Angels.

Therefore the Barons that ruled the rest of the city divided it up between them and the gangs within were either forced to disband or pledge themselves to whichever leader they now found themselves under.

Storytellers Note - The disbanding of The Barony of the Angels occurred in this session HERE.

This state of affairs lasted a little over two years, but as internal disputes, political machinations and other events resulted in the expansion of Downtown, soon Baron Walkers domain encompassed what was once The Barony of the Angels and more. Then quite by surprise during a meeting of the Anarch Council, Marius announced his intention to create a new version of the disbanded Barony.

He freely admitted that it's former incarnation was badly implemented, however he stated his belief that these lessons could be learned from and a new version created that would benefit all the kindred of Los Angeles. Though most of the Barons were convinced that he had an ulterior motive, his reasoning seemed sound and so the proposal was, broadly speaking, given their approval.

Not that their agreement mattered particularly as he had already began to implement his plan. As for an ulterior motive, it was true that he had one. He admitted to Michael Tomassio, Baron of the North East that he had been asked to do so by Velvet Velour, certainly on Isaacs behalf. As he had no idea what Isaac was up to, he agreed to her request in order to let the Baron of Hollywood's plan take it's course and hopefully discover what he was up to.

As part of the plan for this new Barony, Marius withdrew the impediments he'd put in place to prevent the operation of both Club Zombie and The Taste of L.A. and additionally would offer any new arrivals to the city a Lunar month of accommodation in a basic but serviceable haven. This arrangement would also include enough animal blood, courtesy of his slaughterhouses, to keep any new arrivals in sustenance for the same period of time.

Michael Tomassio - Toreador
Arbiter of the Anarch Council
This, he claimed, should provide a variety of kindred friendly locations where the existing Barons could discuss the worthiness of their own takes on 'The Anarch Cause' and recruit any willing to follow them.

The Council was also reminded that when The Barony of the Angels was first disbanded that Michael Tomassio, Baron of the North East had negotiated for free travel through the area formerly covered by it, in lieu of territory. In other words, Michael, now Arbiter of the Council would have the right to inspect the area to ensure that things were in order.

At the meeting where the idea was first discussed amongst the other Barons, the condition was put forward by Michael Tomassio that Marius must ask for no boons in return for this hospitality. He believed, and the Council agreed, that to do so would go against the stated intention of a 'Free' area of the city for newcomers. They were also concerned about the Baron of Downtown having a hold over every potential new Anarch. Marius has kept to the letter of this demand, though not the spirit of it, as it is known that he has received boons from visitors who wanted more than the basics offered.

The new policy of free travel to the Barony has been accepted by the surrounding domains with very little public objections. Nines vocal support of the concept has certainly helped to smooth over any objections, particularly amongst the Brujah Barons.

All the various factions within have been informed that they may, if they wish, handle their own internal security, in which case Marius's sweepers won't interfere and will limit their patrols to the perimeters. The caveat being that should they fail to do so, then he maintains the right to sort out any issues that could be potential Masquerade breaches or otherwise draw unwanted attention.

Some sweepers from other Baronies under Marius's protection have been relocated to The Barony of the Angels to supplement those already in place in order to help deal with what is certain to be an increased workload.

Downtown
Baron: Marius 'The Fixer' Walker, Kindred Population: 30+
Marius Walker - Gangrel
Baron of Downtown
Aliases and Nicknames
Malaki Walker, Marcus Walker, Martin Walker, 'Father', 'The Fixer', 'The Wolf Spider'.
Clan
Unknown Generation Gangrel (Claims to be 8th or sometimes 9th but is at least 6th and possibly as low as 4th)
Haven
Haven 5: Hallowbrook Apartments (Armoury 5: Multiple, Cell 4, Hidden Armoury 5+, Occult Library 5+, Laboratory, Luxury, Postern 4: Private Elevator, Tunnel Access, Resources 5, Security System 5+, Surgery, Watchmen 5+)
Backgrounds 
Allies 1-6 (Multiple), Ally 2 (Jan, Death-From-Below, Bone Gnawer), Contacts 1-6 (Multiple), Fame 3 (Kindred Only), Influence 5 (Downtown), Influence 5 (Los Angeles), Herd 5 (Kindred), Herd 6 (Kine), Mawla 4 (Jeanette Voerman: Anarch, Malkavian), Mawla 3 (Therese Voerman), Mawla 3 (Catherine DuBois), Retainers (Alice 5, Clara 4, Daedra 4, Heather 2, Leanna 5, Melissa 3, Mercurio, Roxanne 3, Sylvia 4, Venus 3, Victoria 5, Yukio 5), Status 5 (Gangrel), Status 5 (Los Angeles)
Merits
Bloodhound, Iron Gullet, Linguistics 5 (French, German, Japanese, Latin, Spanish, many more), Unbondable, Unholy Will 4
Flaws
Armour of Terra (Visceratika), Beacon of Profanity, Black Vein Permanency (The evidence of diablerie never leaves Marius's aura), Dark Secret (Multiple...), Dark Whispers, Enemy 5 (Sabbat), Enemy 3 (Giovanni), Enemy 3 (Fatima al-Faqadi), Infamy 5 (Diablerist), Infamy 4 (Unpredictable), 
Lore
Carmelita Neillson (3: Neillson Library), Descendent of Xavier (1: Martyred Ancestor, 2 Where the Bodies Are Buried, 4: Monstrous Bat, 5: Experienced the Antediluvian), Fiorenza Savona (1: On Fiorenza's List, 2: Breakfast with Fiorenza, 3: Friendly Benefits), FIRSTLIGHT (1: Evasion Tactics, 2: Branch Office, 3: What Do They Know, 4: No Records Found, 5: Friends On The Inside), Jeanette/Therese Voerman (1: Asylum Membership, 2: Performing Monkey, 3: Jeanette’s Favorite, 4: Therese’s Favorite), Kindred Duelling (1: Honourable Combatant, 2: Stake Fighter, 4: Fire Eater, 5: Trials of Death), Lupine Expert (1: Huntsman, 2: Tactician, 3: Soldier, 4: Trophy, 5: Ambassador), Sect War Veteran (1: Survivor, 2: Active Participant, 3: Trophy Kill, 4: No Vampire’s Land), The Anubi (1: Argent Fury, 2: What Big Eyes You Have, 3: Strange Bedfellows), The Bahari (1: Dangerous Reputation, 2: Ritual Scarification, 3: Sacrifice the Children, 4: The Womb’s Blood, 5: First-Cursed), The Book of Nod (3: Scholar).
Derangement's 
Claustrophobia (Severe), Diablerie Addiction (Severe), Megalomania (Mild), Paranoia (Moderate)

An unlife of diablerie, frenzies, Vicissitude modifications and the side effects of a century of hunting Gargoyles has not been kind to Marius's physical appearance. He utilises his supernatural abilities to disguise his appearance upon rising each evening.


Animal Features
Bat Ears (Perception +4), Claws c/w Venom Glands (Feral Claws, Necrotic Venom), Enhanced Senses (All), Wings c/w Venom Glands (Prehensile, Spikes, Necrotic Venom)
Vicissitude Improvements
Armour, Efficient Metabolism, Improved Detoxification, Pheromones, Regeneration, Unihemispheric Sleep.

Marius Walker expanded his domain by absorbing what was once the Barony of the Angels into it and has extended the limits of his borders, by various means, several times since. Marius's allies and enemies amongst the other Barons vary wildly based on which of them he has 'fixed' problems for and which others have suffered as a result of his machinations.

Marius Walker is covered in more detail HERE

The Hallowbrook Building
Marius's Base of Operations
Downtown, Los Angeles
Marius was to maintain exclusive control over the area of Downtown which had effectively been his domain for many years.

This contained Hallowbrook Apartments a former hotel and high-rise complex that acted as both his headquarters, haven and accommodation for his own inner circle. The office building Venture Tower, which incidentally was also the location of the meeting place of The Anarch Council, and the tallest building in Los Angeles. 

It also contained Club Confession, one of two Clubs operated by Marius within The Barony of the Angels. An abandoned hospital renovated by Aegis Construction which now now housed a world famous centre for haematology research, as well as the Nocturne Theatre, Skyeline Apartments and The Empire Arms Hotel.

Though travel through these areas was permitted, operation of businesses, and feeding within Downtowns boundaries was not. As no kindred really expected what was always Marius's domain to be included in any policy of an open Downtown, this is just business as usual. 

He also maintains control of a myriad of businesses across the whole of what is now the Barony of the Angels as well as having the area's sex trade almost exclusively to himself. Add to this his grip upon local politics, and various public services, many feel that he hasn't actually relinquished control in any meaningful way. 

As far as those who need his services as a 'Fixer' are concerned, there are no changes.

Chinatown
Dragons Head: Lyko Wu, Kindred Population: 3+
Lyko Wu - Ventrue
Blood Dragons Triad Leader
Clan
8th Generation Ventrue
Haven 
The Red Dragon Restaurant (Haven 3: Hidden Armoury 3, Location, Luxury, Postern 3, Security System 5, Watchmen 3,)
Backgrounds
Allies (The Blood Dragons: Effectiveness 4, Reliability 3), Domain: Chinatown (Chasse 4, Lien 3, Portillon 3), Herd 2, Influence 1 (4 Within Chinatown), Mask 1, Resources 3, Status 2 (5 Within Chinatown)
Merits
Linguistics 3
Flaws
Clan Feeding Restriction (???)
Lore
Descendent of Lodin (3: Black Sheep of the Family), Lupine Expert (1: Huntsman, 2: Tactician), The Anubi (1: Argent Fury, 3: Brick House)

Lyko Wu, Dragons Head
Lyko was embraced into the Ventrue Clan almost a century ago. His sire wished to use his mixed Chinese and Caucasian heritage to build a bridge into the Chinese community. Lyko has never spoken his sires name claiming that he was without honour and therefore unworthy of being remembered, implying that they no longer exist.

Chinatown was for many years the domain of the Kuei-jin, or 'Vampires of the East' and it was only their departure that allowed Lyko Wu and his two childer to begin to re-establish their presence and power within the area. His control over the areas Triad gang known as 'The Blood Dragons' had given him a significant, but not dominant presence.

The Baron of Downtown and therefore also of Chinatown, Marius Walker had an arrangement with the Blood Dragons regarding his properties and club which was basically a simple pact of mutual none-interference. It was Marius and his allies who drove their Eastern competitors from Chinatown but as he did so for his own needs, Lyko Wu considers him to merely have their gratitude rather than them being in his debt. Especially as Marius's legitimate companies bought up more than half of the businesses in the area vacated by the Kuei-jin which Mr Wu considers to be more than enough compensation for the deed.

After bringing the former Barony of the Angels territory back into the expanded Barony of Downtown, Marius made Lyko Wu an offer. Lyko would guarantee the protection of all his business interests within Chinatown and in return, Marius would declare Chinatown to be Lyku Wu's domain to do with as he pleased. He, of course, accepted.

Though Chinatown is only a square mile, the area that Marius specified as the boundary of their domain extends into a number of residential areas surrounding it. Within three months of the agreement, the Blood Dragons were the only gang remaining in their domain and every business not belonging to Marius came under their 'protection'. It remains to be seen whether this is enough for Lyko Wu and his childer.

Chinatown
Chinatown was for many years the domain of the Kuei-jin, or 'Vampires of the East' and it was only their departure that allowed Lyko Wu and his two childer to begin to re-establish their presence and power within the area. His control over the areas Triad gang known as 'The Blood Dragons' had given him a significant, but not dominant presence.

The Baron of Downtown and therefore also of Chinatown, Marius Walker had an arrangement with the Blood Dragons regarding his properties and club which was basically a simple pact of mutual none-interference. It was Marius and his allies who drove their Eastern competitors from Chinatown but as he did so for his own needs, Lyko Wu considers him to merely have their gratitude rather than them being in his debt. Especially as Marius's legitimate companies bought up more than half of the businesses in the area vacated by the Kuei-jin which Mr Wu considers to be more than enough compensation for the deed.

After bringing the former Barony of the Angels territory back into the expanded Barony of Downtown, Marius made Lyko Wu an offer. Lyko would guarantee the protection of all his business interests within Chinatown and in return, Marius would declare Chinatown to be Lyku Wu's domain to do with as he pleased. He, of course, accepted.

Now under the umbrella of the new Barony of the Angels, Lyko Wu's domain has taken on the responsibility of any kindred refugees fleeing the so-called Kindred of the East and has been expanded to cover several local neighbourhood's with a similar ethnic background.

Though he receives a percentage of the profits, much of the sex trade within Chinatown is still under the broad control of The Blossoms. Any businesses within the confines of Chinatown are controlled by Monique Kim, also known as 'Creamy Jade'.

Consolidated Chantry of Los Angeles, The
Chantry Regent: Vanessa 'Ruby' Rubeus, Kindred Population: 10
Vanessa Rubeus - House Carna
Regent
Clan
9th Generation Tremere
Haven
Haven 5: The Chantry (Cell 5, Library: Occult, Luxury, Surgery, Warding 10+, Watchmen ?: The Chantry)
Backgrounds 
Influence 3, Mawla 5 (Carna, the Princess Witch), Mawla 4 (Luna Demian), Resources 3 (Independently Wealthy), Status 4 (Tremere), Status 3 (Barony of the Angels), Status 2 (San Francisco)
Merits
Linguistics 3
Lore
Carna (1: Embrace the Vision, 2: The Rebel Trail, 3: Unorthodox Rituals, 4: Reimagined Bond), The Pyramid (3: Regent)

Vanessa Rubeus, Regent
Rumoured by some to be a childe of Carna herself the blood mage known by her closest friends as 'Ruby' has fully embraced the vision of Carna and her fledgling House of a 'new' clan Tremere free of the restrictions it once inflicted upon it's members.

A member of Clan Tremere for nearly four centuries she had a reputation as an innovator in the field of ritual blood magic though many of her discoveries over the centuries had been attributed to her superiors within the pyramid to increase their own standing. With the abuses of authority suffered by her at the hand of those above her in the pyramid she was an easy recruit for Carna and had been one of her most loyal and overt supporters. This support would no doubt have resulted in her destruction along with the rest of Carna, the Princess witch's fledgling rebellion if not for the Second Inquisitions destruction and scattering of the Tremere hierarchy via the bombing of the main chantry in Vienna.

Now, along with her own followers and the somewhat selective support of the other houses within she is the de-facto Regent of the new Consolidated Chantry of Los Angeles. It's only a matter of time before the higher powers within what's left of the clan contact her to gauge her intentions and in anticipation she has reluctantly took on the title of Regent so as to maximise their negotiating position.

The Chantry
The Consolidated Chantry of Los Angeles is the former base of Maximilian Strauss, a Camarilla Tremere who disappeared some twenty years ago. Several different Houses of Clan Tremere sought it out and eventually formed an uneasy alliance.

Each 'House' resides in it's own areas within the Chantry which inexplicably always seems to have exactly the number of rooms necessary for its inhabitants requirements. With the arrival of a fourth House, the Chantry's residents discovered a new wing within the building that all are willing to swear was never there before.

Though all but one of the four Houses within are nominally loyal to the Camarilla, the Chantry has agreed to stay out of Anarch politics, and despite its connection to its sister Chantry in the Camarilla held domain of San Francisco, has kept to its word.

Marius has granted it an expanded feeding ground as part of the new Barony of the Angel's, as long as it continues to accept any neonates who wish to join it. The Chantry currently has seven blood sorcerers as residents and three neonates. Marius leaves them to their own devices and has appointed his childe Eleanor as liaison.

More information on the Consolidated Chantry of Los Angeles can be found HERE.

Koreatown
Master of the Domain: 'The Nameless One', Kindred Population: 4
The Nameless One - Clan Unknown
Defacto Baron of Koreatown
Clan
Unknown
Haven
Somewhere below Koreatown
Backgrounds
Domain: Koreatown (Chasse 5, Lien 1, Portillon 4), Resources 1 (Scavenging), Status 2 (4 Within Koreatown)
Flaws
Infamy 3 (Destroys trespassers without warning), Obvious Predator 2, Prey Exclusion 1 (Innocents), Repulsive 2, Stigmata.
Lore
Sect War Veteran (4: No Vampires Land), The Labyrinth (1: Tunnel Access)
Derangements
PTSD

'The Nameless One'
The creature without a name has claimed Koreatown as his domain for close to thirty years though it's likely only it's residential centre that he truly controls. However few are willing to put that hypothesis to the test.

When the Barony of the Angels was divided between it's neighbours, Koreatown became briefly part of Louis Fortier's Barony of West Los Angeles and soon after was absorbed by Marius Walkers Barony of Downtown. Marius visited the territory only once, personally and quite alone. On his return he declared Koreatown, both above and below ground, to be the Nameless Ones domain to manage how he pleased.

Casually giving away nearly three square miles of the city, containing over one hundred thousand potential feeding vessels raised many questions. However only Marius and the Nameless themselves truly know what occurred between them. The fact that Marius was apparently unwilling to fight for the area has enhanced the Nameless One's reputation considerably.

For such a densely populated area, incidents of violent crime are remarkably low, in the main because such criminals have very short careers. Petty crime seems to be tolerated up to a point, but rapists and murderers are given no leeway and any that remain in the confides of Koreatown are hunted down, mutilated, then brutally murdered.

Those who claim to have caught a glimpse of the creature describe him as male, wearing a bloodstained suit and shirt and wearing round dark glasses. His skin is criss-crossed with deep cuts, some of which still seep blood. Though no firm evidence to the creatures identity has been gathered, there is at least one theory that seems to have a vague hint of truth to it.

William Hendricks - Mortal
Missing
In the late ninety-eighties a vicious gang controlled the area, running protection rackets and controlling both the drug and sex trade. Any who opposed them were tortured with knives and forced to watch their families defiled and killed before they themselves were murdered too. Law enforcement received a tip off that a warehouse off the market was being used by the gang. What they found there was a wholesale slaughter. Seven members of the gang were discovered. Each killed by the gangs own preferred method of execution, some were cut so deeply that little blood remained within their bodies. Chains and shackles were found within a cellar where their victims were beaten and tortured, though one set was found broken in the rooms corner seemingly ripped from it's mounting.

Evidence in a handbag found at the scene led them to a house in the residential district where a woman, and her son and daughter had been defiled then killed in a home invasion. Of her husband there was no trace. The rest of the gang were never seen again, the first vigilante attack occurred six months later. If William Hendricks, estate agent and loving father and husband is indeed the killer known as The Nameless One then his experiences, embrace, or both must have driven him insane as Mr Hendricks hadn't been in as much as a loud argument in his entire life. Of course the timing could be coincidental. If however this origin is true then his sire must have been of low generation for the Nameless to grow so powerful, so quickly.

During the Sabbat incursion of two-thousand and four, a single pack entered Koreatown and was never seen again. Three others followed and shared the same fate. After that, even the Sabbat decided to leave him alone.

Koreatown
Koreatown is the domain of a creature known as 'The Nameless One', who mercilessly hunts any kindred who cross the border into his feeding ground. However he has recently agreed to give any trespassers a single warning before taking action, which should prevent any fatalities resulted from misunderstandings about the new borders within the Barony of the Angel's.

The Voiceless Ones - Clan Unknown
The three cannibalistic kindred of unknown clan, known as 'The Voiceless Ones' who hunted below the city have also now made their home beneath Koreatown, though the circumstances behind this are unknown. It is however of some relief to the kindred populace of the city that these two very different, but equally dangerous threats are now in one place.

Rumours abound that The Nameless One is actually an impulsive embraced childe of one of the more powerful Los Angeles kindred residents. His power and potency are far beyond what one would expect of a kindred of his suspected age, making an ancient sire the only reasonably likely explanation.

'The Voiceless Ones', named for the complete silence with which they hunt their prey, are rumoured to be serial diablerists, from a line of kindred also notorious for such. As they have never been known to utter a sound, this is a secret that may never be verified. On the rare occasions that an observer survives the experience they have been seen communicating with one another in a form of sign language, possibly of their own invention as it matches none of the conventionally recognised ones.

Shades, The
Overseer: 'Priss', Kindred Population: 8
'Priss' - Lasombra
Former Baron of 'The Border'
Clan 
Unknown Generation Lasombra
Haven
Haven 3: Apartment Building (Armoury 5, Hidden Armoury 5, Library: Occult, Postern 3: Linked Basements, Security System 5, Watchmen 3)
Backgrounds
Ally 3 ('Nannie' Grey, Hecate), Allies (Gang Members: Effectiveness 4, Reliability 3), Herd 3 (Building Residents), Influence 3 (The Shades), Mask 1, Mawla 4 
(Marius Walker), Resources 3 (Crime), Status 3 (Lasombra), Status 1 (Anarch)
Merits
Beautiful 2, Bond Resistance 3
Flaws
Despised 1 (Former Barony of the Angels Gangs), Infamy 2 (Unpredictable)
Derangements
Antisocial Personality Disorder (Suspected), Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Psychopathy (Suspected),
Lore
Descendent of Montano (2: Siblings in Darkness, 3: Abyssal Apprentice), High Clan (2: Sway the Low), Kindred Iconography (1: Iconographer, 2: The Writing on the Wall), The Bahari (1: Dangerous Reputation, 3: Sacrifice the Children, 4: The Womb's Blood), The Labyrinth (1: Tunnel Access)

Priss
Though the former gangs of the Barony of the Angels would be happy to see Priss staked and left in the sun, her association with Hank had ensured that fear kept them at bay, for a while at least. With the Barony of the Angels gangs now effectively absorbed into other domains, destroyed or disbanded this is now a more trivial issue.

The only two members of her gang not of the Brujah clan are Arbaaz and Ophelia, Gangrel Sweepers inherited from another Barony of the Angels gang who were pragmatic enough to know which way the wind was blowing. Though the rest of her gang doesn't really trust them, they are good at their jobs, so are tolerated. Priss however seems to hold no prejudices against them and treats them as the equal of any other gang member.

Arbaaz and Ophelia - Gangrel Sweepers for 'The Shades'

Priss, and her new followers, ruled a border barony that acted as a buffer between Hank and his immediate neighbours and was initially well equipped by the Crypt's Sons in the weapons she needed to defend it on their behalf. However as Priss's influence increased, Hanks supposed ally, Kayne, began to poison him against her. This was in spite a number of successful 'jobs' on behalf of Hank which included a pre-emptive strike by her gang which set back the progress of The Crypts Sons rivals, 'The Blood' significantly. Her crippling of a significant amount of their vampire hunting 'cells' is a blow from which they have yet to fully recover.

With the threat of having her hard won domain taken from her she turned to Marius Walker, Baron of Downtown for aid. He was happy to oblige. He also put her in touch with a talented freelance kindred bodyguard, named 'Nannie' Gray, a specialist in close-protection duties with over a century of experience, in return for a small commission.

The Shades
The former Barony known as 'The Border' has now been absorbed by Downtown and subsequently made part of the new Barony of the Angel's. This is somewhat ironic as Priss came to prominence as a gang leader within the Barony of the Angel's original incarnation.

'The Shades' is now where Lasombra who have abandoned the Sabbat, but have no wish to place themselves under the strict rules that the Camarilla places upon the Lasombra that join it, can make a home.

Atarah and Taslima - Lasombra Residents of 'The Shades'

The area is still nominally under the control of Priss as it is her loyal Brujah followers who act as security, led by the mysterious 'Nanny' Gray. Currently there are two other Lasombra residing there. Atarah, a Lasombra elder who up until recently made her haven in West L.A. and a defector from the Sabbat named Taslima O'Connor. Priss's two Gangrel sweepers now fall under the control of Baron Walker, though patrol roughly the same area as they did under the leadership of Priss.

Each Lasombra has a feeding ground of their own with the rest of the domain being deemed communal. Should any other Sabbat defectors, or Lasombra antitribu, wish to join them they may well find that the most choice areas have already been claimed.

'Skid Row'
Defacto Baron: 'Nines' Rodrigues, Kindred Population: 3+
Clan
Unknown Generation Brujah
Haven
The Last Round (Haven 2: Hidden Armoury 3, Postern 1, Security System 3, Watchmen 2)
Backgrounds
Allies (Mortal Revolutionaries: Effectiveness 3, Reliability 2), Herd 1, Influence 1, Mawla 5 (Theo Bell), Mawla 4 (Salvador Garcia), Mawla 3 (Smiling Jack, possibly deceased), Resources 1, Status 5 (Anarchs), Status 4 (The Barony of the Angels)
Lore
Anarch Revolt (2: Speak the Words), Lupine Expert (1: Huntsman, 2: Tactician, 3: Soldier, 4: Trophy), Ruins of Carthage (1: Clan Historian), Salvador Garcia (1: A Way With Words, 2: Old School, 4: The War of Ideas, 5: Rise Up), Sect War Veteran (1: Survivor, 2: Active Participant) Theo Bell (4: Bell's Circle)

Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez
As one of a poverty-stricken family of nine, Armando learned responsibility at a young age, working hard to support his family at an early age. Still, a series of crises brought about by the state of the world during the Great Depression taught Rodriguez that hard work is not everything when the system itself is working against you. This lesson was reinforced when his younger brother died from an illness because the family could not afford the price the local doctor was demanding for treatment. His Embrace finally gave him the power he needed to fight back against oppression. At some point he began going by the nickname 'Nines', possibly as a reminder of his family.

Nines is a rising star among the L.A.'s Anarchs and in the modern nights, the main reason a lot of young Kindred join the Anarch Movement. He would probably be welcomed as a Baron if he chose, but he eschews those sorts of leadership roles. Maximillian Strauss during his tenure as Regent during the brief period the city came under Camarilla rule hinted on several occasions that, were it not for his stated political affiliations, Rodriguez would be a useful ally of the Camarilla.

Despite the Anarchs re-establishing themselves in Los Angeles, the war over the territory continues: The Camarilla, the Eastern vampires from their base in San Francisco and possibly even the Sabbat. While Rodriguez does not believe any vampire should rule another – including Barons – he finds himself beginning to see the need for someone to assume the mantle of leadership in the wake of MacNeil's disillusionment with the Free State experiment and possible Final Death. Still, he is no field tactician, and would no doubt find himself uncertain about where to direct his forces first.

Skid Row
Though once one of the poorest and most derelict areas within the city, a recent renovation project has revitalised it considerably. Located centrally within this area was The Last Round, a bar where noted Anarch 'Nines' Rodriguez could be found along with his close allies Skelter and Damsel.

Damsel and Skelter - Nines Crew

Though still well equipped with homeless shelters and soup kitchens, the general condition of the streets and buildings has increased tenfold. The redesign, courtesy of Marius's Aegis Construction, also included many kindred friendly areas, havens and dayrooms.

Nines has been granted this entire area, and several adjacent blocks, as his feeding ground and domain. The hope is that 'Nines' bar and the newly revitalized skid row will be a perfect place for the idealistic neonates to learn what it means to be Anarchs from one that most agree is an exemplar of what that actually stands for.

Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez has embraced his role as mentor to the cities neonates, while Damsel acts as a kind of 'Den Mother' and Skelter ensures that all who enter are aware that even amongst the Anarchs, there are some basic rules to be followed.

This arrangement has suited Marius as some of Nines more lofty ideals have been mitigated as he becomes more aware of the pressures of actually running a domain. His idealism now being tempered by the realities of leadership.

Warrens, The
Overseer of the Warrens: Quinn, Kindred Population: Unknown
Quinn - Gangrel
Childe of Tilly Kelly
Clan 
8th Generation Gangrel
Haven
Haven 2: Downtown Warrens (Armoury, Cell 1, Creepy, Postern 1: Rear Entrance, Security System 1, Shrine 1, Watchmen 2)
Backgrounds
Allies (The Swarm: Effectiveness 4, Reliability 3), Herd 3 (The Swarm), Mawla 4 (The Mistress of the Swarm), Resources 1 (Tribute), Status 3 (Gangrel), Status 2 (Barony of the Angels), Status 1 (Anarch)
Merits
Bloodhound, Iron Gullet
Flaws
Infamy 3 (One of The Swarm), Rival 2 (Blake, The Swarm), Rival 1 (Melinda, The Swarm)
Derangements
Paranoia (Mild)
Lore
Kindred Iconography (1: Iconographer, 2: The Writing on the Wall), Low Clan (1: Thick Hide, 2: Cursed with Pride), The Labyrinth, Los Angeles (1: Tunnel Access, 2: Boxcar Blues)
Animal Features (Permanent)
Sight (Eyes of the Beast), Skin Colouring (Chameleon), Tentacles (Head)

Quinn
Next to nothing is known about Quinn other than the fact that he is the eldest surviving childe of the Mistress of the Swarm. As his sire is a notoriously capricious, and quite insane, diablerist, his continued unlife is a testament to his highly tuned survival instincts.

The only competitors to his position as second in command of the swarm are two other surviving childer of his sire, though they are both considerably more recent additions to 'the family' than himself. Blake and Melinda both have control over their own factions of the swarms followers though even combined their forces pale when compared to those of Quinn. Their sire believes that the competition between the three strengthens them all, though 'competing' with Quinn is often quite fatal and both of his siblings are well aware that other would-be rivals have fell to the claws and fangs of their older 'brother'.

The Downtown Warrens
Tilly Kelly - Gangrel
The Mistress of the Swarm
The sewers, subway lines and abandoned stations beneath Downtown are the home of Tilly Kelly, 'the Mistress of the Swarm', and her bloodthirsty offspring, ghouls and bloodbound servants. There is also a tribe of werewolves called the Bone Gnawers, and the Utkena allies who make a home there.

In order to provide any Nosferatu, or similarly inclined kindred, a home within the Barony of the Angel's, several areas have been cleared and made available should they be required for habitation. Currently there are no takers as it seems that few are convinced that 'The Swarm' will actually keep to their own feeding grounds. Only time will tell.

There are also a small number of access points to the mysterious area known as 'The Labyrinth'. This area is uncannily similar to one beneath Chicago, leading some to believe that both are the product of the same creator. The tunnels of the Labyrinth contain many secrets, and many dangers too, and already has it's own inhabitants.

The Malkavian architect Dillan Fitzgerald has a Haven near one of the entrances to The Labyrinth which he uses as a base for his own obsessive explorations of this unpredictable and mysterious location. He is willing to pay generously for any information about, or artefacts from, this locale and it is this, rather than a desire for a home that is most likely to draw newly arrived kindred underground.

The kindred given responsibility for keeping an eye on the situation under Downtown is Quinn, longest surviving childe of the Mistress of the Swarm. Though his sire is undisputed as it's most powerful resident, she is far too unstable for any role that requires nuance. Hence responsibility for the monitoring of any future residents has been allocated to him.

The Clubs
The Last Round - Base of 'Nines Crew'
There are now five vampire friendly meeting places within the Barony of the Angels. Marius's Club Confession in Downtown and Glaze in Chinatown, Fortiers Club Zombie, El Hermandad's A Taste of L.A. and Nines bar, The Last Round.

As Downtown is now the first port of call for new kindred arrivals to the city, the other Barons have begun to see it as fertile ground for recruitment. In light of this, many Barons now send their most charismatic and persuasive followers to attempt to sway newcomers to join their own particular corner of the city. 

'Recruiter' has now become as accepted a role in Anarch domains as Baron, Census-taker or Sweeper.

With the number of Baronies sending their most charismatic recruiters into the bars and clubs of Downtown, some tensions are likely. Never one for complicated diplomatic solutions, Marius has put forward a simple one. Or more specifically, Victoria has put one forward on his behalf.

Each Barony is to specify exactly who they are allocating the role of 'recruiter' to, if anyone, and any representative who causes trouble will be prohibited from returning to the Barony. Any who resist eviction will be staked or destroyed, based on what's most convenient at the time. No action will be taken against the victim of any transgressions as Marius, according to Victoria, has stated that "...self defence is entirely acceptable if someone's fucking with you, or just run away and I'll fuck them on your behalf..."

Currently only three Baronies have given any of their number the role of 'Recruiter'. These are Deacon of The Crypts Sons, Velme of El Hermandad and 'E' and Lily of The Liberated. Though technically speaking, Nines and Damsel are also fulfilling the same role, it is presumed that as they are recruiters for Los Angeles as a whole they are therefore free of any limitations to their movements.
--------------------
Acknowledgements
I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Michael Tomassio is Matt Bomer, Nines Rodrigues is Luis Carazo, Lyko Wu is David E Collier, Vanessa Rubeus is Leila Lunatic, Priss is Sofia Boutella, Quinn is Oliver Parker and The Nameless One is Gary J. Tunnicliffe.
--------------------

No comments:

Post a Comment