Vampire the Masquerade V5 - Session Seventy Nine - Veni, Vidi, Victor (Part Four)

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

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

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

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.' 

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

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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The PC's

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

The 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.

As I have written out introductions and dialogue for certain NPC's and some location descriptions I'll post these more or less as I wrote them so they'll be in a 'reading to the group' style and they'll also be in blue so you can tell them apart from the more traditional write-up sections and occasionally an obscure Premonition will turn up in purple. 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. Anything covered via player handouts will also be in blue as they're written in the same style as introductions and the like. 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.

Storytellers Note - Due to a Covid related local lockdown in the area in which I live, our group is currently unable to meet up in person. We have therefore done this session via messengers video 'room' app. 

Introduction

The coterie has discovered a potential alliance between the troublesome would-be Baron of San Fernando, Ralph Harwood and Victor Girard, advisor to the leader of El Hermandad. The coterie is now focussing all it's resources in order to undermine, discredit and if necessary, eliminate Victor. If they fail he may be able to complete his plan to unite the two remaining childer of Garcia, Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller, and also remove the gangs major rival, The Crypts Sons as a threat forever.

Regardless of who he then chose to rule from behind, Victor would be Prince of Los Angeles in all but name.

Scene Sixteen - 'Hogg'

Robson 'Hogg' Hogarth - Gangrel

Hope and Daniel had arranged for the Gangrel they had found within their territory to meet with Michael, their Baron. Robson Hogarth had been tracking a rival out of curiosity when they had ran afoul of a resident of Pasadena granted a feeding ground next to the border with El Hermandad. Max had staked both of these intruders and Hogg had been caught observing the scene by Daniel.

His explanation for his own trespass seemed reasonable and he had identified one of the staked kindred as a member of Ralph Harwoods 'Blue Bloods' gang who were currently trying to take over San Fernando. As a former member of this gang himself it was hoped that he would have some useful information for them.

Robson Hogarth, or 'Hogg' as he was commonly known, arrived at the coteries bar, promptly at the time agreed. Hope escorted him to Michael's meeting room where Daniel and Vin were also waiting. Michael listened as he explained to them what he had previously told Daniel about Ralph Harwood having a sponsor assisting him from behind the scenes. He also relayed how he had left Ralph's service after a disagreement with Ralph's childe, Theodor.

Michael asked if Hogg currently had a place to stay, which Hogg admitted he did not. "I think we can help you there..." began Michael. "...would you like a job that includes feeding rights?" 

Hogg was certainly intrigued though he pointed out that if he took a job with them that Harwood and his sponsor might consider that to be the coterie taking sides. Michael, surprised the rest of the coterie by seemingly being uninterested in the political ramifications of such a decision. Michael then laid out specifics of the offer.

"You would be required to patrol the border area of San Fernando controlled by me and ensure no trespassers were to wander in from that direction. In return you would be able to feed within that area as long as you both cover your own tracks and refrain from acts of feeding that result in the vessels death. I have a strict policy about killing mortals that is not open to negotiation. Kindred intruders and their agents however, you may deal with using whatever force you deem sufficient to get the job done. Does this seem acceptable?"

Hogg agreed that the terms were more than acceptable. Michael continued. "You will report any problems to Hope, and she reports to me any matters of importance." Daniel and Hope exchanged a glance. Both had on more than one occasion kept the Barony secure in ways that Michael would have almost certainly disapproved of. 

Ralph Harwood - Ventrue
De facto Baron of San Fernando

"As we're all on the same side now..." interrupted Daniel. "...perhaps you could give us a rundown of just who Ralph's gang consists of?" Hogg was happy to oblige.

He started with Ralph Harwood who he described as "an arrogant prick but at least he seemed to have a plan..." and explained that Harwood is "Wiping out the local criminal gangs leaders and any ambitious underlings." using the Brujah he has under his influence and a vicious Caitiff who calls himself Dante. 

Hogg wasn't particularly complimentary about the abilities of this latter individual "He's just a fucking bully, first time anyone with a bit of age stands up to him he bottles it, the prick..."

Theodor Clayton, Harwoods childe was seemingly an arrogant individual who thought Ventrue should be obeyed by default. It was he who Hogg had fallen out with. "Ralph has a fair bit of cannon fodder. There's Dante who I already mentioned. He's a bully and a thug, all front though, a fucking coward deep down if you ask me. Then there's Eboni Bernard, she's a Caitiff, she used to be a follower of Jenna Cross but was never a true believer. There's also Karl Poole, he's a thin-blood, a day drinker too so he can wander about in the sun. Likes to slit throats, preferably from behind."

Jenna Cross - Caitiff
Duskborn Messiah, Missing

"He's also recruited a few other disillusioned thin-bloods left over from Jenna Cross's brief rise and fall. He uses them for the shit jobs no-one else will do. Never found out their names, there were three, might be more now."

Hogg then moved onto the three Brujah under Harwoods command who he described as "Ralph's real muscle."

"There's Bobbie Franco, a former mob guy from New York, he's a good shot with a rifle, but better with a handgun. Kurtis Bryan, he's a smarmy fucker, charming, usually the 'good cop' in negotiations and finally there's Bartosz Harrison, a street fighter, he can really handle himself, ridiculously fast, but favours shotguns at range." Vin interjected when Bartosz was mentioned. Vin knew him from the Brujah Fight Club and Michael got the impression that Vin quite liked him. The hulking Brujah confirmed Hogg's assessment of his abilities. Hogg didn't mention Reuben, what the coterie had done with him was none of his business.

"Thanks for your candid assessment of Ralph's people." Said Michael. "Hope will show you where our border ends and give you some ideas of suitable areas to make your haven." Hogg gave his thanks and then left.

"I don't like the idea of a vampire who can walk around during the day." said Michael, echoing the thoughts of Daniel. "I'll see of our cop friend Frank can cook up a reason for putting an APB out on him. At least we can try to work out where his hangouts are."

At this point Mr Hertz arrived to join their discussion as Michael had wished to consult him about any ideas he might have for helping their project to undermine Victor.

As it happened, he did.

Scene Seventeen - A Cunning Plan

Don Maximillian Alonzo
Glass Walker Tribe

Mr Hertz put forward the idea that they go with Daniel's plan to create a story that the L.A. Horizon would try to take advantage of that would turn out to be false. Hopefully they would attempt to take financial advantage and would be ruined when the truth was revealed. Mr Hertz's addition to the plan was that they ask Don Maximillian Alonzo, of the Glass Walker werewolf tribe to provide the fake story. 

Don Alonzo had been on the verge of signing a deal between one of his own major technological based businesses and several of those belonging to Michael's predecessor as Baron, Edward Vignes. Edwards disappearance had forced the deal to be put on hold and Edwards wife Vera's embezzlement of most of the companies funds had prevented the coterie from completing the deal. The Glass Walker tribe seemed to have less prejudices against kindred than was usual for werewolves. Or at the very least didn't mind doing business with them.

Hertz suggested that they ask Don Alonzo to provide evidence of some breakthrough, which would obviously be completely spurious. Mr Hertz would then use his financial expertise to take advantage of the inevitable collapse or financial troubles of whatever companies Victor and his agent Lilly Hodgson, publisher of the L.A. Horizon, used for the investments. They could then use the profits to go-ahead with the deal with Don Alonzo. Effectively they would finance the deal with the Glass Walkers leader using Victors own money.

Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park

Mr Hertz predicted that if Michael could persuade Don Alonzo to go along with the plan that Maximillian would likely weigh the subsequent deal heavily in his own favour and that this was probably a compromise they'd have to accept.

Long-term however they couldn't help but profit from the arrangement and Victor would certainly suffer, which was the main point. Michael reached into his jacket pocket for the business card he'd been handed by Don Alonzo after their meeting at Griffith Park Observatory, and rang the number on it.

"He's willing to talk to us at his offices in Pasadena tonight." relayed Michael. "Which would indicate that he's at least willing to consider our idea." He then turned to Mr Hertz and Vin. "Though I'd be happier with you both there, and Hope too, I think that a minimal presence consisting of individuals that remind these werewolves least of what we are, will get us the best results."

Scene Eighteen - The Glass Walkers

Dion - Ghouled Agent of Fiorenza
Assigned to Michael Tomassio

Dion acted as a chauffeur while Daniel played the role of bodyguard. Michael had been informed that the guard in the lobby of Maximillian Technologies had their names and would be expecting visitors.

The building had the clean lines you'd expect from a modern structure and blended in perfectly with those surrounding it. Michael had noticed that kindred structures tended to have characterful features relating to bygone ages which tended to make them both more individual and more noticeable. He'd have to remember that potential giveaway in the future.

The inside of the building was all chrome and marble and fitted with every technological innovation you could imagine. The only anachronistic feature was a signing in book that they were required to fill in. "You'll find Mr Alonzo on the third floor. His office is straight ahead of you when you exit the elevator. it's the end office." said the guard.

Both Michael and Daniel had supernatural senses and some of the technology had a strange aura unlike anything they'd encountered before. It was almost as if something was inhabiting them. Putting it down to some werewolf enchantments beyond their understanding, they carried on regardless. Michael decided to do some research in the Neillson library later to see if he could learn more.

Interlude - The Neillson Libraries

Carmelita Neillson - Toreador
Camarilla Archeologist

Carmelita Neillson is a noted kindred archaeologist and historian who has repositories of occult knowledge hidden in various locations. These Neillson Libraries contain vast amounts of knowledge but take some time to wade through as the Camarilla have forbidden Carmelita from storing the information electronically. 

One such location is below the Hollywood Cemetery and Michael has personal permission from Carmelita to utilise it when he wishes. Marius Walker and Isaac Abrams share warden duties for this location. Marius manages it's internal security and Isaac, through his ghoul Romero, ensures the location itself is undisturbed. Though Carmelita is herself Camarilla, a number of Philosophically minded Anarchs have also on occasion been allowed access.

Marius and Isaac have both made it known that removing material from the archives will have significant consequences, usually the destruction of the perpetrator if they are caught by agents of Isaac Abrams. If Marius's people locate the culprit first then destruction is also their fate. It just takes a little longer to occur.

Scene Eighteen (Continued) - The Glass Walkers

Kiara - Glass Walker Tribe
Bodyguard to Don Alonzo

Don Alonzo was waiting in a spectacular corner office though he was not alone. Daniel recognised the other individual as Kiara. She was a Glass Walker they had encountered previously who had been searching for one of her missing kinfolk. Daniel and Hope had discovered her while investigating a separate matter and Daniel, in his legitimate identity as a Doctor, had arranged for her care. Hoping that this would be to their advantage, Daniel introduced Michael to Kiara.

"So you are the vampire...Baron?...who holds his agents to such high moral standards?" asked Kiara. "I was somewhat surprised to find your kind capable of anything approaching empathy or mercy."

"I'm trying to make a difference..." replied Michael. "...I believe my kind can become more than mere predators of mortals and I try to surround myself with others, like Daniel here, who share my visions. Of course not all of my kind have such high standards so I can understand your scepticism."

Daniel was sure that Kiara's role was that of bodyguard to Don Alonzo. Her positioning in the room, the way she stood, her seemingly casual inspection of Maximillian's guests concealing a detailed check of anywhere that a weapon could be concealed. Daniel imagined, based on his initial observations, that she was very good at her job. Daniel then introduced his Baron to Don Alonzo. After being offered a seat, Michael laid out his plan and the mutual benefits that could result from it.

Storytellers Note - He obviously did this in character but as it's basically the plan laid out in Scene Seventeen I've summarised a bit in the write-up.

Alonzo seemed to consider the proposal for a moment and then reached into a draw of his desk and pulled out a laptop. "Give me a moment." he said. "I may have something that will fit the bill perfectly."

Maximillian informed them that one of his companies called Advanced Innovations in Engineering had been developing a room temperature superconductor. The project had unfortunately been an abject failure and he was planning on closing the business completely and moving the staff to other projects. However enough initial research existed to enable them to implement the suggested plan before pulling the rug out from under any foolish investors. 

"Of course..." concluded the Glass Walker tribal leader. "...I would expect the terms for our own resulting business deal to be extremely favourable as it's a plan that can only succeed with my input." Mr Hertz had predicted this and so Michael was prepared. "Hopefully not too favourable..." he replied. "...I'd like to at least make some money out of it for myself."

"We'll see." was Maximillian's noncommittal reply. He then indicated that the meeting was over and Kiara escorted them from his office. As they were leaving Daniel asked Kiara about the condition of Marilla, the girl who he'd rescued. "She's made a full recovery." reassured Kiara. "She is particularly favoured by Don Alonzo so your part in locating and releasing her has certainly helped him to look favourably upon your request. I wouldn't push your luck though. He's still not exactly in the vampire fan club."

Escorted as they were by Kiara, the security guard in the lobby didn't ask them to sign out despite wanting them to sign in. Daniel could tell that he was wary of Kiara, though had no way of telling exactly why. "Well that went more or less as hoped." Said Michael. "Now lets go and give Isaac his gift. I have some things to discuss with him and the present should ensure I have his full attention."

Isaac Abrams - Toreador Baron of Hollywood

Storytellers Note - The 'present' was obtained in Part One of this story. Scene Seven to be exact.

Scene Nineteen - A Gift for a Gift

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Toreador Elysium

Michael had meticulously cleaned the vampiric artefact known as Martinelli's Ring that his agents had located and retrieved for him. Baron Abrams had been searching for this artefact for some time and Michael knew that giving it to Isaac would gain him considerable favour. If it also had even a fraction of the powers of mental stabilisation attributed to it then it should also make Isaac much easier to deal with.

Dion was left behind this time and Daniel took over chauffeur duties. Michael had given Daniel the option on whether to attend or not as his last meeting at a location specified by Baron Abrams had resulted in Isaac commanding Daniel to cut off his own trigger finger. Hopefully this meeting would ne less contentious. Fortunately they were meeting at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art so the chances of displays of kindred powers were less likely.

Nicholas Rowland - Toreador
Hollywood's Census Taker/Sweeper

Baron Abrams Sweeper, Nicholas Rowland was waiting to escort them to the meeting room that his Baron had requisitioned for the evening. As one of the primary sponsors of events at the centre, Abrams was given pretty much anything he requested by the Museums Directors. Michael asked Nicholas how things were going. He was informed that Harwoods actions were at least "...uniting Fortier and Abrams in their mutual hatred of Ralph..."

The office selected by Isaac was spacious and luxurious and contained several comfortable sofa's. "Would you like a drink?" asked Isaac, reaching for a bottle of preserved blood with one of the Blood Sommelier known as Leanna's distinctive labels on the front

Michael accepted a glass and noticed that it was a far superior vintage to that which he'd been offered at Marius's a few weeks ago. He found this somewhat amusing considering Leanna who manufactured it actually worked for Marius.

"You have something you wish to discuss?" asked Isaac.

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of El Hermandad

"I have spoken to Baron Gloria Martinez..." began Michael. "...and now have some suspicions I wish to share with you." Amongst those suspicions were his belief that Victor intended for his diplomatic plan to fail, if such a plan even in fact existed so as to give him an excuse to start a war and blame it on the Crypts Sons in general and Hank specifically. He also relayed the fact that he was now sure that Victor was Ralph Harwoods 'sponsor' and intended to appoint either Ralph or Ralph's childe as head of El Hermandad once he had outed Gloria.

This latter theory also explained why Victor was trying to find routes from San Fernando to El Hermandad's Barony so as to facilitate the movement of resources and personnel. The fact that Isaac remained silent during Michael's theorising indicated to him that Isaac had no reason to believe that he was wrong.

"I believe you may be correct on all points." said Isaac. "I also have some information to relay to you that may effect some of your decisions about what to do next." Michael and Daniel were both intrigued.

"I have advised Baron Fortier to make no attempt to prevent Ralph Harwood from taking over San Fernando and declaring himself Baron of that domain." This took them both completely by surprise. "May I ask why?" enquired Michael. Isaacs then explained. 

Louis Fortier - Ventrue
Baron of West L.A.

"San Fernando is not, nor has ever been, part of the Barony of the Angels. Should Ralph move his operations from West L.A. to this new location then Fortier would be free to act against Mr Harwood as this would mean that he had voluntarily spurned Louis Fortier's hospitality. This alone would be be enough of an insult to Fortier's dignitas. Louis is a passionate yet honourable individual. It has been many decades since I last saw him hate with the passion he has reserved for Harwood."

Michael decided that a certain measure of honesty about his objectives was in order. He revealed to Abrams that he intended to move against Victor as he saw him as a significant threat to what the Anarch Free States stood for. In particular, his attitudes to other baronies were certain to lead to open warfare and significant loss of mortal lives and kindred unlives which Michael could not simply sit by and allow to occur, Jeremy MacNeil had stood for many things in which Michael had also believed. Victor had none of those beliefs and was making a mockery of Jeremy's legacy. Isaac sat briefly in thought before replying.

"A close ancestor of mine would certainly be likely to accept that reasoning if I phrased it to him in such a manner and I doubt he would subsequently act against you should Victor be inconvenienced or even, though I would advise against it, be destroyed." 

Christopher Houghton - Toreador
5th Generation Elder

Michael knew that the 'close ancestor' Abrams was speaking of was the Toreador Elder, Christopher Houghton. He also wandered just how close an ancestor of Isaacs he was. Should he be an actual childe of Houghton that would make him sixth generation. Such levels of power both intrigued and terrified Michael. "Is there anything else?" asked Isaac

Michael then revealed his plan to meet with Hank Boyd, Baron of the Crypts Sons to try and get him to support Gloria as leader of El Hermandad over a puppet of Victors. This raised a concern for Isaac which he then shared with Michael and Daniel.

"Should that be your plan then I suggest you pre-warn Marius lest he cause you problems by acting impetuously. If, or should I say, when, he discovers the potential for a coup d'état in El Hermandad he may attack pre-emptively rather than allow Victor to have absolute control over that much territory. The Wilds Pack would certainly join him in such an assault and then things could get very messy indeed. I suggested doing so sooner rather than later"

Michael, Daniel and the rest of their coterie had witnessed an attack carried out by an allied Marius and the kindred of The Wilds before. It was not something they wished to see repeated so close to their own borders. Michael asked Isaac if he didn't mind him making a quick phone-call before they continued their discussion.

Victoria - Ghoul of Marius
Psychotic P.A.

Unfortunately Marius was unavailable which meant having the discussion with Victoria instead. After some explanation he gained her agreement to put his argument to Marius and to ensure that no-one acted before 'The Fixer' returned from wherever he was currently. she also enquired about when Michael would like his next 'lesson' in sculpting. Though they were avoiding using kindred related words over the phone-lines, Michael was well aware that she meant continuing his training in the flesh-crafting discipline known as Vicissitude. "We'll have to arrange something soon, possibly in a week or two." replied Michael without committing to an exact time. "As you wish." she said before promptly hanging up.

"Pleasant as ever?" asked Isaac, though Michael wasn't sure whether he knew it had been Victoria on the other end of the line. "Marius is unavailable." replied Michael. "I therefore passed on my request to Marius via her." This intrigued Daniel. An 'unavailable' Marius usually meant that he was attending to a project personally. Which meant something big was going on.

"Thank you once again for your council." said Michael, reaching into his pocket for the carefully wrapped ring box containing his gift. "I've been meaning to pass this onto you. A gift in return for the ring you gave me."

Isaac's eyes widened as he opened the box and discovered the artefact within. Michael was rewarded with the rare sight of the Baron caught by surprise. "Is this what I think it is?"

Martinelli's Ring
Vampiric Artefact

"Yes it is, occult experts have verified it for me. I did some digging when I heard from a mutual friend that you were searching for Martinelli's Ring. I eventually discovered it in an excavation and would like you to have it as a symbol of our new relationship." Daniel decided to keep his mouth shut despite the fact that he had been him who done all the digging. Quite literally in fact.

"It makes my gift to you seem insignificant in comparison." stated Isaac with some emotion as he slipped the gift onto his finger. The effect was immediate. Isaac Abrams seemed to physically straighten as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders and then he visibly relaxed. When he next spoke, the ever-present hint of frustration had left his voice. "It is everything I hoped it would be." said Isaac.

"We will leave you to enjoy your gift." said Michael rising to leave. As they walked out of the door, Abrams asked his sweeper to join him, apparently they had something to discuss.

"You could actually see the change." commented Daniel. Michael agreed but also had another conclusion. "Considering the tension and stress he was under I think we were both lucky to leave that previous meeting at his jewellery shop with our un-lives."

Daniel agreed that they had indeed been fortunate in their previous meeting. He had only lost a finger when he could so easily have lost his head. He also had a concern that a calm and unburdened Abrams was an unknown quantity, who knows what he might accomplish with his newfound clarity of mind.

"Now for Hank?" asked Daniel. "We'll fetch Hope and Vin first." was Michael's response. "Hank is undoubtedly on edge currently and I'd like some back-up in case he objects to my proposal."

Scene Twenty - The Sons of the Crypt

Henrique 'Hank' Boyd - Brujah
Baron of The Crypts Sons

Hank was more than happy to meet up with Michael who he considered to be one of his few remaining allies. "I'm at the house. The ranch isn't quite as secure as I'd like and I need to be at the centre of things at the moment. But if it's important then I'll make the time being as it's you..."

Michael had gathered all of his coterie with the exception of Mr Hertz and was heading to meet the Crypts Sons leader. He was travelling in his own heavily armoured vehicle. On the way the coterie discussed some more concerns. Specifically, they were contemplating how likely it was that Victor was already aware of their plans. Especially as they had previously visited both Gloria Martinez, Baron of El Hermandad and Allison Maller, Baron of Anaheim. 

They eliminated both traditional extrasensory vampiric disciplines as unlikely and similarly rejected Blood Sorcery as a reliable tool. Daniel did point out that Victor still had some Gangrel under his influence so animal spies were entirely viable. Indeed the coterie had seen such powers used a number of times by both allies and enemies. it was also something that Hank had no defence against as he had neither Gangrel nor Nosferatu within his own gang. Michael then told the others that even if they succeeded in persuading Hank to go along with their plan, he wished it to look like it had failed, just in case they, or The Crypts Sons, were being watched.

The Crypts Sons - Mortal Gang Members

As they arrived at the neighbourhood which was Hank's base of operations, the coterie noticed a significant increase in the amount of gang members both mortal and kindred that were in the area. They were also far more on edge than previously. The security followed the usual routine of driving a car out of the way so an approaching guest could park in front of the house, and then pulling in behind them to prevent any quick exits. Rather than be escorted into the kitchen area where hank usually held court, they were instead led to the properties basement.

Weapons and Ammunition Crates

In the centre of the room is a table surrounded by a mismatched selection of seats. Maps are pinned to the wall and have had the current borders of the various Baronies added to them in different coloured pens. Crates of weapons are piled up almost haphazardly in the opposite corner of the area. The basement has seemingly bene converted into some kind of makeshift operations centre.

"Sorry about the seating." began Hank. "Not enough for everyone. Anyway, it's been a while Michael. What brings you into the warzone?"

"It's about Victor..." began Michael. The reaction to that name was exactly what he was expecting. Once Hank had ran out of expletives with which to describe Victor Girard, Michael laid out his proposal.

"I have some irons in the fire which may well allow us to neutralise Victor and gain you some breathing room. El Hermandad are a long term problem, but Victor is an issue now. Gloria was a far better proposition as leader but I have information that he will soon replace her with a puppet completely under his control." he paused for a moment to allow Hank to absorb this information then continued.

Victor Girard - Toreador
Manipulative Media Magnate

"As it stands you would damage El Hermandad in a head on assault but he is now in the position of having more resources at his disposal than you. You would hurt him but he would certainly win. You are aware of this of course?" Hank simply nodded, a grim expression on his face. "I therefore have an unusual but practical solution to both yours and Gloria's problems." Hank raised an eyebrow. This was going to be the difficult part to sell, thought Michael.

"If Victor moves against Gloria I need you to support her both politically and militarily. This gives you the best of the two options of Baron and that Baron would owe you a boon of considerable value. I'm sure you can imagine the benefits of having your greatest rivals leader in your debt..."

Storytellers Note - Thirteen successes later...

Michael breathed a sigh of relief as he gained Hank's agreement to his plan. "Victor is sure to learn of this meeting however." continued Michael. "I therefore need any potential observers to believe that this meeting ended less than amicably. how do you feel about putting on a little show?" For the first time in a while, Hank smiled.

Michael and his coterie left the house arguing loudly with Hank and his guards as the two sides exchanged threats and brandished weapons. Vin moved over to the car blocking their path and with very little effort lifted out of the way. the plan was almost ruined as Hope came close to losing her temper for real, but a restraining hand of Daniel's snapped her back to the reality of the situation.

Michael's Armoured Car - Interior

Storytellers Note - I let the players explain just how exactly their characters were faking the argument and gave each an appropriate roll to make. They all rolled fairly well though they have no way of knowing whether their show fooled any potential observers.

"Are you ready to do your part?" Michael asked Daniel. Daniel agreed that he was. The chance to be let loose without needing to hide his every move from Michael was a rare opportunity. Before Michael could let loose his fixer and agent provocateur, he received a surprising message. Apparently Aegis's specialist in kindred construction projects had a window in his schedule. Deciding that it would be a nice change of pace, he arranged to complete the evening with a meeting with one Dillan Fitzgerald

Scene Twenty One - Dillan Fitzgerald

Dillan Fitzgerald - Malkavian
Kindred Designer and Architect

Dillan was a handsome, well dressed young man. Or appeared to be youthful at the very least. Such things were difficult to judge with kindred. He carried a laptop bag, a satchel and a large portfolio case. He was escorted to the coteries meeting room and offered a seat. He seemed keen to get started. "Marius was spectacularly vague as usual. What exactly do you need doing?"

Michael began "We have recently acquired a building with a structure beneath that needs more sophisticated protection and also has several methods of ingress that we'd like removed as options for intruders."

"Do you have any existing plans?" asked Dillan. Michael deferred to Daniel who retrieved the plans they'd initially acquired on which he'd added some notes of his own.

"An old fallout shelter?" said Dillan, though it didn't seem to really be a question. As they watched, Dillan made a number of notes on the drawings and greatly extrapolated upon Daniel's own musings. "There are a lot of angles of fire that benefit both attacker and defender..." continued the designer. "...so as I see it you have two options. Either reduce the whole entranceway to a single passage with a number of defences along it's length...or...increase the complexity of the structure considerably to confuse an intruder and fill the incorrect passageways with some...surprises for the unprepared trespasser. A maze if you will..."

"Some of Dillon's designs were more elaborate than others..."

Daniel really liked the second idea and said so. His enthusiasm for the idea seemed to please Dillan considerably and he then retrieved some designs he had already prepared. Daniel considered himself to be an extremely capable problem solver, yet some of the designs were so elaborately counter-intuitive that it took him far longer to calculate a way through than it should have done. The designer also slid over a bewildering variety of what he described as 'surprises' which made the traps the coterie had encountered in the home of the Blount Sisters seem amateurish in comparison.

Storytellers Note - Their encounter within the home of The Blounts can be found HERE.

The Succubus Club

"It's nice to meet a group so open-minded." said Dillon. "Considering the eternity with which we are blessed, so many of our kind are depressingly lacking any creative impulses. While I'm here do you have any other projects imminent?" Michael mentioned his night club currently under construction. "I actually have a club designed along these same lines..." mentioned Dillon. "...only without the surprises of course."

The idea intrigued Michael in the same way that the murderous maze had fascinated Daniel. He imagined each nook and cranny to have a different theme, unusual bars hidden in different corners and other such features. He could also see the benefits of having many twists and turns to kindred who wished to feed on their blood dolls. It was a much more elegant solution than simply having private rooms. Dillon interrupted Michaels musings. "I designed the Asp Hole's kindred friendly aspects and so could easily add them to this design too. Day-rooms, sewerage access, concealed locations for private meetings and so on."

"...and the price?" interrupted Michael. "That you'll have to discuss with Marius. He deals with that part himself. Sometimes kindred pay in ways other than financial or in a combination of payment methods. I'll submit some designs for you in a few weeks time and you can discuss costings with him. I'll give you a variety of options of course."

With that he left, leaving some sample designs behind for Daniel and Michael to peruse. "Malkavian?" queried Daniel. "I imagine so." replied Michael.

Scene Twenty Two - A Summoning

Desdemona 'Demonmaw' Moore - Brujah
Camarilla Praetor, Sire of Vincent 'Vin' Ghast

Vin once more completed the ritual that allowed him to communicate with his sire. He had arranged to do so at this time as word had reached him via more traditional sources that new information had come to light. 

"Vincent," she began. No-one else called him that, to everyone else he was always Vin. Not even Michael had ever bothered to call him by his full given name."...It seems that circumstances have given your coterie some leeway in the timescale of their plans." "How so?" asked Vincent, direct as ever.

"Two of Fiorenza's rivals have met their final deaths, apparently at the hand of the Second Inquisition. One was of the group advocating for the support of Prince Vannevar and another was pressuring for an increase of the pace of your endeavours and also considered Vannevar to be a potential option." Vincent queried how kindred of such rank had been caught in such a manner.

Second Inquisition - Sniper Team

"One was destroyed by a sniper." Desdemona explained. "The killer managed to put a high-explosive incendiary round into his forehead, through the tinted window of his armoured car, while it is was in motion and from an estimated distance of over a mile. Speculation is that such a kill would require extensive military training and state of the art equipment. I pointed out that I knew of at least three kindred who could have done the same, but my theory was rejected." Vincent could feel her doubt through the psychic link created via the ritual. She then continued. "The second was apparently taken in his haven by Second Inquisition military teams. The modus operandi does match S.I. operational tactics but such techniques could also be copied by others."

"You think Fiorenza was responsible, don't you?" said Vincent. Desdemona said nothing but Vincent knew that was her suspicion. Eventually she replied but was somewhat noncommittal.

Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue
Camarilla Power Broker

"Fiorenza's opinion was that the two destroyed Ventrue were as impetuous and impatient in their personal dealings as they were in their ideas about Los Angeles and that this carelessness and arrogance led to their downfall. She is arguing that this is the very reason why the subtle and gradual approach is the best. Of course Prince Vannevar is fuming as the two main advocates for supporting him are now out of the picture permanently. Fiorenza is now firmly back in the driving seat and for now that suits both myself and your allies."

"There's something else too." stated Vincent, it was not phrased as a question. Desdemona commented on her childe's increased levels of perceptiveness and then continued.

"Marius's brood is certainly being drawn to Los Angeles though some have stopped to settle old scores as they travelled. Every enemy that the Gangrel Marius has ever made has suffered some misfortune over the last few months. Many have been destroyed or have entered torpor, the lucky ones have merely had their resources crippled. Of course this hasn't been without some cost to his childer. Many have been destroyed alongside his enemies. Relatively few will reach the city but they are the strongest and most vicious of his progeny." 

Vincent's interest was in exactly how many survivors there were. After all he may have to deal with them on the coteries behalf should anything go wrong between Michael and Marius in the future.

Xaviar - Gangrel
Destroyed Former Justicar

"Three packs of varying sizes, maybe a fourth if they've survived their rampage through Mexico and perhaps half a dozen individuals of varying age and ability. Unfortunately his bloodline is unpredictable so I can give you no real idea of what to expect. His sire Xaviar was hardly a typical Gangrel and neither is Marius. The aptitudes of both of their childer vary wildly, perhaps a side-effect of Marius's addiction to diablerie, though I'm just guessing at this point. The most proficient of his childer and grandechilder are already in the city as you know so hopefully this new influx of Gangrel won't have too much of an effect on the balance within the city."

Vincent was becoming more familiar with the ritual and had began to become more adept at reading his sires emotions through the link. "That wasn't the 'something else' though, was it?" probed Vincent

"The Inner Circle and the Justiciar's have been having more meetings than is usual during such turbulent and dangerous times. I am concerned that some power player has awakened from torpor or returned from the Middle East and is imposing their own agenda. The fact that I can find out nothing is a concern. Carmelita has also been kept in the dark which is unusual should an elder have awakened. Anyway, this is unlikely to concern you. Please relay to your coterie that they have more time than I recently stated to implement their schemes and to expect Marius to have more cannon fodder than previously." Then she was gone.

To Be Continued in 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' (Part Five)

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 coteries plans are beginning to come together. They've unravelled most of the plots relating to the current which is why I've begun to feed in plots relating to other things in preparation for later stories. We have reached a point where I really need to give Daniel's player a solo session so he can do his investigation, disruption, murder thing and see if he can put the final nails into Victors coffin.

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

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Michael Tomassio is represented by Matt Bomer, 'Vin' is Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope is Deborah Ann Woll, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Robson 'Hogg' Hogarth is Nick Frost, Ralph Harwood is D.B. Woodside, Jenna Cross is Rhona Mitra, Don Maximillian Alonzo is Stacy Keach,  Dion is Clark Gregg, Carmelita Neillson is Salma Hayek, Kiara is Felisha Terrell, Isaac Abrams is Gary Oldman, Nicholas Rowland is Matthew McConaughey, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Victoria is Lilith May, Henrique 'Hank' Boyd is Michael Clarke Duncan, Victor Girard is Bob Hoskins, Dillan Fitzgerald is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Desdemona Moore is Amanda Donohoe, the S.I. Sniper Team are Jean Reno and Natalie Portman and Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis.

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.

Vampire the Masquerade V5 - Session Seventy Eight - Veni, Vidi, Victor (Part Three)

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

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

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

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.' 

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

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

Story Twenty One - 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' - Part One and Two

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The PC's

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

The 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.

As I have written out introductions and dialogue for certain NPC's and some location descriptions I'll post these more or less as I wrote them so they'll be in a 'reading to the group' style and they'll also be in blue so you can tell them apart from the more traditional write-up sections and occasionally an obscure Premonition will turn up in purple. 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. Anything covered via player handouts will also be in blue as they're written in the same style as introductions and the like. 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.

Storytellers Note - Due to a Covid related local lockdown in the area in which I live, our group is currently unable to meet up in person. We have therefore done this session via messengers video 'room' app. 

Introduction

The coterie has discovered a potential alliance between the troublesome would-be Baron of San Fernando, Ralph Harwood and Victor Girard, advisor to the leader of El Hermandad. The coterie is now focussing all it's resources in order to undermine, discredit and if necessary, eliminate Victor. If they fail he may be able to complete his plan to unite the two remaining childer of Garcia, Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller, and also remove the gangs major rival, The Crypts Sons as a threat forever.

Regardless of who he then chose to rule from behind, Victor would be Prince of Los Angeles in all but name.

Scene Twelve - The Baron of Anaheim

Christopher Houghton - Toreador
5th Generation Elder

Michael had heard from at least two sources that the fickle Toreador Elder, Christopher Houghton had taken an interest in his activities. He intended to use this favour to mitigate any issues that Houghton might have with their interference in the activities of his grandechilde Victor Girard. Unfortunately this meant that he had to become personally and to a certain extent, publicly involved in disrupting Victors rise to power. 

His first port of call would be Allison Maller, Baron of Anaheim and much of what was once the Barony of Santa Ana. He had concluded that as the weaker of the two, territorially speaking, that she might well be the easiest to manipulate into distrusting Victor.

He informed Allison that he would be in the area and would like to talk to her, though didn't ask permission in any tangible way. Allison either didn't notice or chose to overlook the trivial breach of protocol. He also failed to specify a time. These breaches were an intentional part of Michael's strategy as he wished Allison to believe that a lack of respect for her had began to develop due to her association with Victor. He was however, still being careful to avoid anything that could be construed as a direct insult.

Tom Weaver - Brujah
Destroyed

On this occasion Michael took Daniel and Vin with him. Daniel due to his relationship with Allison as an ally during her war with Tom Weaver and Vin as many Brujah in Los Angeles respected him and were far more likely to open up to him with information.

As before, Daniel was impressed with the defences of Allison's warehouse base of operations. At the lowest point in her campaign against Tom Weaver she had been forced back and had created this Haven as a final bulwark against her enemy.

From the outside it simply looked like a very secure structure, perhaps a bonded warehouse or similar. However an expert eye could easily discern the many offensive and defensive measures that had been cleverly inserted to turn the place into a virtual fortress.

Though the ground floor housed a semi-legitimate distribution business, the upstairs was for kindred and their ghouls only. 

Allison Maller - Brujah
Baron of Anaheim

Daniel recognised very few of the kindred in the area. Allison's Gangrel Sweeper who he'd last seen with an arm torn from the socket was sitting alone in the corner, his missing limb restored. One of the other kindred was vaguely familiar too. Vin moved to speak to the handful of Brujah also milling about, as Michael and Daniel entered Allison's office.

Allison gave Daniel a friendly nod before addressing Michael. "So I presume you have something on your mind? I don't get many surprise visits from other Barons."

Michael raised his concerns about the rising tensions between El Hermandad and it's neighbours, pointing out that his Barony shared a border with El Hermandad's Barony which also made it potentially his problem.

"Do you know something I don't?" said Allison to Michael though it was clear that the question was also intended for Daniel. "Not in the least." replied Michael. "But if we can be honest with another I do have some issues with the driving force behind these recent problems..." Intrigued, Allison asked him to continue.

Salvador Garcia - Brujah
Noted Anarch Revolutionary

"I have communicated with Victor on a number of occasions, one clanmate to another. He has ingratiated himself with Gloria and has stated his intention to unite both childer of Garcia under one banner. He claims to have strengthened the ties between you and Gloria as Garcia would have wanted but I sense that he sees one of you as of secondary importance..."

Allison's reaction was difficult to read as she replied with a question "...and what exactly do you know about my sire and Victor that makes you such an expert on what they both want?"

Deciding to ease into his point, he spoke of his reading of Garcia's works and how he had chose to live by some of them, but not all. He also told her of his belief that change bought about by strength alone had a tendency to be short-term. Change bought about by belief in something greater, was however, far longer lasting.

"Victor however believes only in Victor." continued Michael. "He is a skilled advisor no doubt but it is a career to him. He has no loyalty to those he advises." He then began to speak of matters which might be more dangerous to himself should Allison take offense. However that was, unfortunately, a necessary part of the plan.

El Hermandad and Anaheim

"I see more of Garcia in Gloria than in yourself, but I mean that not as an insult. Gloria is acting as Garcia might have done under similar circumstances. You however have forged your own path, which is far more difficult. I doubt Victor sees it that way though."

"How exactly does he see it?" asked Allison. Irritation and a measure of anger entering her voice. "He sees Gloria Martinez as the leader and you as a convenient source of extra manpower." Replied Michael. Allison was now genuinely angry but was keeping herself under control. Michael was also empathetic enough to see that much of the anger was focussed on Victor, not himself. Now was the ideal time to push his own agenda.

"I think Victor is completely wrong." Said Michael in as genuine a tone as he could muster. The change of focus threw Allison for a moment. "You have fought against near impossible odds before and triumphed. You defeated an opponent who outmanned, outgunned and out resourced you. I doubt you did all that just to become the follower of another?"

"You are the second person to use the word 'follower' in conjunction with myself." responded Allison. "Though Marius was far more direct than yourself and got to the point quicker." she continued.

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Baron of Downtown

Her tone was steady and Michael firmly believed that he had succeeded in putting doubts in the mind of Anaheim's Baron about both an alliance and Victors motives. It was now Michael's turn to ask a question. "What exactly did Marius have to say for himself?"

Allison was surprisingly candid. Perhaps in response to Michael's own directness.

"He pointed out that Victor always benefitted from his own advised actions. He gave several examples of recommendations from which he gained far more than myself and that alternate suggestions would have been better for me, but would have done nothing for Victor. He also told me in no uncertain terms that he wouldn't allow the Free States to have another Prince, whether they were a de facto one or not."

Marius had relayed that latter piece of information to Michael also. Whatever Marius's long-term plans were, they were definitely not aligned with those of the Camarilla. After considering the dangers of delivering his next statement, he decided to go for broke.

"Victor told me that should it come to open war that El Hermandad outnumbered the Crypts Sons three to one. That maths only works if he includes the kindred of Anaheim. Clearly he sees your resources as his own, to do with as he pleases..."

Amethyst - Caitiff
Destroyed baron of Santa Ana

Allison leaned back in her chair, clearly deep in thought. It was almost a minute before she replied. "I will not hand my domain over to Victor acting through Gloria after fighting so hard to keep it from Tom Weaver, acting through Amethyst."

Storytellers Note - Twelve successes on his role to persuade Allison of his sincerity was more than enough. especially as the players argument was pretty good anyway.

"Should you require a second opinion on any of Victors...advice...then feel free to call upon me." concluded Michael.

Daniel had been watching Allison's reaction and had nodded in agreement at several appropriate points which Allison had certainly noticed. His previous support of her, and his current support of Michael had certainly been a factor in her willingness to listen.

"If you require any 'refreshments' before you leave then be sure to let me know." said Allison as Michael rose to leave, but he and Daniel politely declined. Though he made no reaction at the time, he was privately amused that the Camarilla version of the tradition of Hospitality seemed to be spreading through the Anarch Baronies. It was a small thing but he counted it as yet another of his subtle contributions to the undermining of the Anarch Free States.

Victor Girard - Toreador
Kindred Influencer and Seneschal

As Michael left the office he could see Vin, standing before a semi-circle of half a dozen Brujah, having an intense but seemingly amicable conversation. The level of respect they had for him was tangible and he was clearly becoming far more adept as a leader of men than he had been a mere two years ago. Daniel moved over to tell Vin they were leaving and noticed several Brujah stop talking as he approached. "It's Okay..."said Vin. "...Daniel thinks Victor is a prick as well."

As they all got into the car to leave, Michael asked Vin if his conversations with Allison's Brujah had been enlightening. Vin confirmed that they had. "None of Allison's Brujah have a good word to say about Victor." Michael then asked him to elaborate, which he did.

At least half of Allison's forces were veterans of the war against Tom Weavers forces, backed as he was by Amethyst, and understood the harsh realties of war between kindred. The rest were the survivors of David Geduld's gang and also understood the devastation that vampiric disciplines added to a conflict. Allison's Sweeper Zakaria, who had been tasked with monitoring the border, shared the opinion of the gangs Brujah. Though Vin didn't know Zakaria's history he had a certain respect for the pragmatism of the average Gangrel so took his opinion at face value.

"Their loyalty is as absolute as I've ever encountered amongst kindred and they'll fight for Allison without question." concluded Vin. "But they wouldn't trust Victor as far as they could throw his mangled corpse. They don't think he shows Allison adequate respect."

Michael then told his driver to take them to see Gloria Martinez, Baron of El Hermandad.

Scene Thirteen - The Baron of El Hermandad

Josie Parrish - Brujah
El Hermandad Lieutenant

Daniel was less impressed with Gloria's security measures. The mortal bike gang who used the bar below her base were no doubt loyal to Baron Martinez but Daniel doubted they'd be able to stop a kindred assault. Though there were security cameras on the building and secure locks on the doors and gates, there were several blockages to line of sight and a number of blind spots that could, in Daniel's opinion at least, be exploited.

They were met at the side door that led to the upstairs rooms used by Gloria's Brujah, by Josie Parrish, one of the Barons most trusted lieutenants. "Victor says that any visitors have to surrender their weapons before entering..." said Josie, seemingly embarrassed by having to ask. "As you wish." replied Michael, handing over his revolver.

Daniel took significantly longer to disarm himself. Two custom 10mm colts were handed over as well as a Browning Hi-Power converted to full-auto, a folding crossbow, a pair of Karambit's and several bladed weapons disguised as credit cards as well as a miscellaneous selection of other concealed weapons. Then it was Vin's turn.

Vin opened his jacket to reveal a SIG Sauer P320 handgun in a holster and the handle of the two-handed machete that he habitually carried at his back. "If Victor wants my weapons then he can come take them from me his fucking self." Said Vin, deadly serious.

Several nearby Brujah looked up at this point and noted the identity of the refuser. Vin's reputation as a 'Giant Killer' was well deserved and he had survived several assassination attempts by brutally destroying the attackers and had also accounted for many enemies of the coterie. It was obvious that any attempt to take his weapons would result in violence. Josie looked to Michael for support but received none. Though Vin would have disarmed himself should Michael give the order, it suited the Toreador at the moment for his bodyguards to remain armed. He was also sure that Daniel still had weapons on his person.

Josie then tried to hold Vin's stare and failed spectacularly before backing down and stepping aside. "That's what I fucking thought." said Vin before following Daniel and his Baron upstairs.

Evie-Grace Leach - Gangrel
One of El Hermandad's Sweepers

As they entered the upstairs room, Daniel noticed that El Hermandad's two sweepers were deep in discussion. Enhancing his senses, he listened in. They were griping about the size of the border they were expected to patrol and that Victor's expectations of what they could accomplish were obviously those of a kindred who'd never had to do the job himself. Making a mental note of the conversation, Daniel looked around to see if he recognised any-one else. His friend from the Last Round and Ike's Brujah Fight Club, was sitting in a corner playing cards with a striking looking woman. Uncharacteristically, Leo didn't seem to be cheating. This was a rarity worth noting.

Vin told Michael that he wanted to discuss the border issues with the Brujah there but both Michael and Daniel asked him to avoid the subject. How the meeting went would decide whether it was safe to ask such a question. "Fine. I'll just feel them out a little about the current situation instead." replied Vin. Michael indicated that that would be useful and gave his go-ahead.

Josie then escorted Michael to Gloria's office. Michael was relieved to discover that Victor wasn't present. This had been something he had feared might undermine his plan but he could hardly have asked Gloria for a private meeting without arousing suspicion.

Michael intended to adopt a similar tactic to that he'd used with Allison and focus on the differences between the two childer of Garcia. First however, he'd need to lay some groundwork. Gloria could be far less reasonable than Allison and more prone to violent retaliations to perceived insults.

Priss - Lasombra
Baron of 'The Border'

Michael pointed out that Hank was currently staying on his side of the border and this was despite a number of provocations. He also reminded her that Priss had also kept the peace and had been less threatening on the territorial borders between her and El Hermandad. Both these were signs that a peaceful outcome could be achieved, as long as Victor's 'plan' didn't do anything to get in the way. Gloria's reaction to Michael's mentioning of Victors plan made it clear to him that though aware of it's existence, she had no idea what it actually entailed.

Storytellers Note - Michael's player has invested heavily in abilities related to kindred politics and persuasion. Michael is also very empathetic, which means he excels in these sort of negotiations. Having Presence 5 helps too of course.

He told her of Victor's boast that 'his' forces outnumbered Hank's three to one but also expressed his doubts that Allison's forces would blindly follow where El Hermandad led. He reminded her that Allison's forces were all veterans of vicious kindred conflicts and were unlikely to be in a hurry to enter another war, especially to defend a border not their own.

"I see traits of Garcia in you." continued Michael. "Though not in Allison. She is obviously not the natural leader you are. Her forces are loyal to her because of their shared experiences in numerous conflicts between our kind. She has however, fought hard to keep that barony. I doubt very much that she would wish to be perceived as 'South El Hermandad'. Especially as just another puppet of Victor."

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of El Hermandad

Michael detected instantly that he'd made a mistake. Gloria had tensed at the use of the word puppet and he realised that he'd implied that both she and Allison were puppets of Victor. Subtly backtracking he once again spoke of Gloria's natural skills as a leader and added some compliments about how she had united the disparate elements within El Hermandad. He could see her relax as his comments made her doubt that his earlier slur had in fact been aimed at her. Once she was calm once more he shifted the conversation to Victor's lack of trustworthiness.

"Victor is no doubt a skilled advisor. Close as he has been to both Anarch and Camarilla leaders..." Gloria reacted to his reference to the Camarilla as Michael had hoped she would."...but for all his honeyed words, and guidance while safely behind the lines, his goal is always his own self aggrandization. The one at the forefront means nothing to him as is evident from how often those he advised have suffered while Victor went to ground, only to emerge later and start over with another."

Michael concealed his satisfaction as he saw Gloria's doubts rise. He was certain she would now analyse Victors recommendations before acting. He was also certain that enough of Victors advice could be traced to his own projects so that Gloria's suspicions would increase without any further input on Michael's part.

"I say these things to you only as I have no desire to see another, preventable war explode in Los Angeles. Also, should you ever need a second opinion on one of Victor's recommendations then feel free to call on me as I can be trusted to give you an independent viewpoint. After all, I have nothing to gain by misleading you as in no areas of influence do we compete against each.

He then rose to leave. Hopefully Daniel and Vin had also been as successful.

Scene Fourteen - On a Knife Edge

Arissa East - Brujah
El Hermandad 'Harpy'

Daniel moved to speak to his friend Leo, who was playing cards with a striking looking, fashionably dressed woman. Daniel had thought he'd recognised the game but some of the rules seemed different from what he was expecting. Apparently his confusion was evident on his face as the woman spoke to him. "He's adding rules as he goes along because I started winning the moment he stopped cheating."

"So this is your friend from The Last Round and the Fight Club?" she said, addressing Leo but looking at Daniel. Leo introduced the woman to Daniel as Arissa East. After some small talk she left them to chat taking quite a lot of Leo's money with her as she did.

"Watch out for her." warned Leo, but without any malice in his voice. "She's very clever, quick too." He raised his had to indicate a freshly healed red mark on one side, then turned it to show a similar one on the other then placed his hand back on the table in line with a hole, seemingly caused by someone driving a blade through it.

Daniel realised what had happened instantly and smiled. "It's lucky you were reaching for the card up your sleeve, not the one tucked in your trouser pocket." remarked Daniel. "Or you might have had to grow something back rather than just heal a stab wound." Leo smiled. "Can I talk about something a bit more serious?" asked Daniel.

Leo Frost - Brujah
El Hermandad

Daniel then spoke of his Barons concerns about Victor's actions leading to war. After receiving assurances that Victor would hear nothing of what he was about to say, Leo opened up to Daniel about his own concerns.

"Victor is making some of these bastards feel like they're fucking invulnerable." began Leo. "But most of this lot are wannabe revolutionaries. It's all theory, they've never seen the realities of a war of any kind, mortal or kindred." Daniel had never seen the serious side of Leo before, so let him talk without interruptions.

"I've fought in two world wars so I'm well aware of leaders who talk of 'overwhelming odds', 'easy victories' and all that bullshit. But they're not on the front-lines doing the dying. That's going to be us." "Three to one odds sounds great until your watching your comrades torn to fucking pieces and you realise those odds just mean their side runs out of cannon-fodder before your side does..."

Daniel began to suspect that Victor was using vampiric disciplines to effect the minds of the more easily influenced of El Hermandad's kindred. Also he was apparently doing a lot of preparation for a war he claimed he was going to avoid with some mysterious 'plan' that no-one had actually heard properly explained yet. Daniel's musings were interrupted by another telling comment from Leo. "They're also beginning to look at Victor like he's in charge, not Gloria."

Daniel was a good judge of people and he knew Leo well. It was quite obvious that his loyalty was to Gloria and Gloria alone. However it seemed that he was beginning to be in the minority, not the majority. Daniel decided to just come out and ask his next question and hope he had judged Leo correctly. "How many of the kindred would side with Gloria over Victor if it came to it?"

Alessandro Kaye - House Ipsissimus, 'Velme' - Daughter of Cacophony

Leo leaned in close before answering. "Me for a start, and Josie, both the Gangrel Sweepers, the House 'whatever the fuck they're called' guy Alessandro and Velme are definite. If I had to put money on it then I'd say Arissa too. That would be it though. The rest are definitely on team Victor."

Daniel thanked his friend for his honesty and then looked around for Vin.

Scene Fifteen - Suicidal Tendencies

Vin's Favourite Educational Aid

Vin was clearly agitated. The conversation between him and several of the other Brujah had become much louder and Daniel could clearly see his right hand clenching and unclenching. The Banu Haqim had seen this before and it usually meant that Vin was either going to punch something's head off or use his machete to lop bits off of them. Sometimes one, then the other.

As he moved to see if he could defuse the situation he heard Vin raise his voice once more. "If you believe that then you're even stupider than you look. Which is a fucking achievement in itself." Daniel sighed inwardly. This was going to be interesting.

Vin was growing increasingly frustrated with the majority of El Hermandad's Brujah population. Their grasp of the realities of open war were naïve at best and dangerously arrogant at worst. Even more frustrating was their seeming complete inability to accept even the most reasonable constructive arguments. Victor had apparently filled their heads with a certainty of victory that reason was unable to penetrate. Several of their number had also began to imply that Vin's reticence was due to cowardice. 

Vin - Brujah 
'Not Particularly Helping the Situation'

It was at this point that he had decided they needed a practical demonstration in what happened when overconfident assholes annoyed another kindred who was really good at killing fools. Perhaps this might enlighten them of the actual consequences should they assault the Crypts Sons head on. As he reached behind him and gripped his trusty machete and had just began to slide it from it's scabbard, Daniel appeared at his side.

"Michael's ready to leave." said Daniel, deliberately placing his hand on the arm about to draw steel. He disguised the gesture as one of comradely friendship though also placed himself between Vin and the most vocal of El Hermandad's Brujah.

The tension was almost palpable as Michael left Gloria's office. The Toreador could see from Vin's posture that it was only Daniel's presence that had prevented him from destroying some-one. He knew that the provocation must have been serious. Unlike the explosive Hope, Vin was a casual killer. He would kill if necessary, or if ordered, but not merely on a whim. He was also loyal. Michael hoped that would be enough on this occasion.

"Vin. We are leaving. Please lead the way." Vin seemed to consider the situation for a moment, then turned and headed towards the door. Michael and Daniel exchanged a look then followed Vin downstairs to retrieve their weaponry.

A member of El Hermandad who was a fraction to slow in vacating the doorway, found himself pinned against the wall by an extremely angry Brujah as Michael and Daniel headed towards the car. The unfortunate target for Vin's anger sensibly avoided making any attempt to retaliate as he was slowly lowered the necessary distance so his feet once more touched the ground.

"Well what was all that about?" asked Michael. Daniel on the other hand was reasonably sure he knew exactly what it had been about. He wasn't to be disappointed.

Vin explained that much of El Hermandad had suddenly become suicidally overconfident. Brujah who he had spoken to on previous occasions who had been fairly sensible were now almost looking forward to a war with The Crypts Sons. All Vin's reasonable points about Hank's personal prowess, his gangs extensive combat experience and his access to several thousand loyal mortal gang members had been casually dismissed. "They're acting more like a cult, than a gang." he concluded.

"Leo said more or less the same thing." added Daniel. "Victor is certainly in the ascendant and Leo believes that only six, maybe seven of the gang would side with Gloria should it become a choice between her and Victor." This latter point had clarified several ideas of Michael's which he then discussed with the rest of the coterie.

Michael now believed that Victor had set up his own plan for peace to be a failure. This way he could attack the Crypts Sons and still place the blame firmly on Hank, claiming with some justification, that he'd tried his best to avoid a war. It also seemed likely to him that he intended to replace Gloria with a more easily manipulated figurehead.

Ralph Harwood - Ventrue
Pawn of Victor Girard

He theorised that the trespassers in his own domain had not been looking for a safe route from El Hermandad to San Fernando but rather exactly the opposite. On the back of a successful campaign against the Crypts Sons, Victor would remove Gloria and replace her with either Ralph Harwood or perhaps Ralph's childe. Whichever one not appointed the puppet-leader of El Hermandad would take over San Fernando with Victor's support. Transported safely to their new domains using a pre-planned route across L.A.

Between them the idea also occurred that given Allison's reticence to join El Hermandad in a random war that perhaps Victors 'three to one' odds were including Ralph's forces with his own, rather than Allison's.

Daniel interrupted their musings with a piece of pertinent information. "Hope has appointed Max as a de facto sweeper, covering our border with El Hermandad. She's effectively prevented any further incursions from that direction so Hope thought that formalising her role would be a suitable reward for her assistance." Michael agreed that this was reasonable. Of course that meant that Victor would need to find another route for transporting his kindred figureheads.

Cashing in a favour with Hollywood's Sweeper, Nicholas Rowland, Michael asked him to keep an eye out for any kindred using the outer borders of Isaac's domain to skirt the cities kindred domains. Nicholas, who effectively owed Michael his unlife, was happy to oblige.

To Be Continued in 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' (Part Four)

In Conclusion

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

This particular story has been very politically biased which has given several normally combat orientated characters a chance to broaden their horizons a bit. Of course if they really screw this one up then they're in the middle of a massive war that will be partly their fault and for which they'll certainly get the blame. So, no pressure then...

I'm also probably going to have to run a solo session for Daniel's player as he has a lot of sneaking about, investigation and morally dubious stuff to do. It's also fun for me when I follow it with a full session and the intro is the devastation that Daniel has caused while his player tries to look innocent...

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

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Michael Tomassio is represented by Matt Bomer, 'Vin' is Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope is Deborah Ann Woll, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Allison Maller is Chloe Grace Moretz, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Amethyst is Paula Patton, Victor Girard is Bob Hoskins, Josie Parrish is Rebecca Ferguson, Evie-Grace Leach is Zoe Saldana, Priss is Sofia Boutella, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Leo Frost is Danny John-Jules, Velme is Annie Henley and Ralph Harwood is D.B. Woodside.

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.