GMorts Chaotica

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Four - Galerie Sanguine: San Diego

2024-08-16T16:30:00.018+01:00

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

Our primary 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. This however is the second one of several planned interludes which will centre on the expansion of Baron Michael Tomassio's 'Galerie Sanguine' franchise to other domains.

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The now obligatory warning bit - These session write-ups will contain swearing, sexual references and other references that might offend. There are however a list of potential triggers listed before the introduction. I've also used actual photographs to represent some characters which I'll give acknowledgements to at the end if I've any idea who they are.
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Links to our main campaign, with a summary of each session can be found HERE.
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Links

San Diego: Chronicle Briefing

Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - 'Part One'

Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - 'Part Two'

Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - 'Part Three'

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The PC's

Luthor Constantine - The Ministry, Conspiracy Debunker

Ethan Holst - Samedi, Mortician

Luthor Constantine and Ethan Holst

Chronicle Tenet - "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

The Storyteller

As everyone else...

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. Introductory pieces that I read to the group are in Blue. Where particular NPC's have a mention in a faction profile you will be able to reach it by clicking on their name or faction beneath their picture.

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously)

Introduction

After cutting a deal with the duskborn leaders, with an offer of feeding rights in exchange for information, Ethan and Luthor believe they have began to make some progress in their investigation. Unfortunately Baron Tara's actions almost immediately undermined this arrangement, but this was beyond their control.

They have also been informed that the recent visitors to San Diego, The Ventrue Anika Norton, and her Brujah allies, Alec Doherty and Jaime Bartlett, are expecting them this evening. Anika's name had been bought to their attention as part of the investigation into the recent murders within the city. Rumours that her preferred feeding vessels were young children needed to be investigated.

Scene Thirteen - Escalation

Josef Moyer - Caitiff
In Torpor

The pair are to undertake this visit without their guide Cecilia as she and the rest of Tara's 'muscle' are currently occupied due to recent actions by Baron Tara.

Unsatisfied with the the Caitiff and Duskborn leaders protestations of innocence, the cities Constable Absalom Hood was despatched to speak to Josef Moyer and Sapphire Khan, and tensions apparently escalated. One of Absalom's childer has been severely injured and two of the Duskborn contingent have met their final deaths, with Josef now in torpor.

Sapphire and the rest escaped the carnage and are now on the run. Tara's sweepers are in pursuit, but it seems that Sapphire had prepared for this eventuality and is proving difficult to locate.

The hunt has been further impeded by an apparent reluctance on the part of Constance Carson, The Oratory representative within the city, to join in the search. Most believe she is just holding out for a better price. Others are speculating that she's waiting to see how this effects the balance of power, before picking a side.

In light of these events Tara's emissary, Cassie Rosales, has spread the word that all visitors to the city from this night onwards must introduce themselves to the cities Constable within one night of their arrival, and furthermore that any kindred caught aiding Sapphire in any way will be severely punished.

Cassie Rosales - 'Free' Ventrue
Emissary of Baron Tara

Though the exact nature of this 'punishment' hasn't been spelt out, it's generally considered that Final Death will be Tara's 'go-to'.

Meanwhile, they have their own tasks to perform.

Anika and her followers have based themselves in a residential area of Point Loma, on the top floor of an apartment building above a real estate office. Taking control of such an area indicated that Anika must have had access to some financial resources of her own, and presumably ghouls too.

Given the current situation, Absalom has given them access to one of his armouries. Whether they avail themselves of this resource is up to them.

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Absalom seems to have been preparing for open warfare for some time. The armoury contained body armour, combat harnesses of various kinds, and a variety of light and heavy weaponry.

The pistols were divided between Sig Sauer 320's and a variety of different models of Glock, as well as some unusual weapons with built in suppressors that Ethan recognised as Maxim 9's of various configurations. There were also a number of compact sub-machineguns, including Mac-10's chambered in both 9mm and .45ACP sub-sonic rounds, as well as modern variants of the Micro-Uzi and a few Skorpion machine-pistols in their own holsters.

Mossberg 500 Pump Action 12 Gauge Shotgun

Next to these were a rack of military assault rifles, but none of these were particularly practical for their current needs. Ammunition for all these weapons was plentiful, as were the usual accessories such as laser sights, flashlights and various optical and fixed sights. Several shotguns, mainly Mossbergs and similar, were also there.

Amongst the more unusual equipment was a rack filled with wooden stakes, machine sharpened to wicked looking points, beneath a selection of crossbows. Heavy bladed combat knives and several axes and trenching shovels completed the anti-kindred portion of the displays.

"Just in case..." says Absalom.

Uzi-pro SMG

Ethan took one of the shotguns as well as a selection of both shells, and solid slugs, though opted to keep it in his car, rather than on his person. Luthor, on the other hand, took an Uzi-Pro, mainly as it was, in his opinion at least, "...the coolest looking gun they had..." he also selected one of pretty much every accessory that would fit on it, much to Ethan's amusement.

"I'm not even sure if this is worth our time..." began Luthor as he settled himself in the passenger seat of Ethan's car. "...If these three have got themselves established in the city then what's the point in rocking the boat?"

Ethan admitted that he had no idea, but if it turned out that there was something to it, and then Tara subsequently discovered that they had a lead, but had done nothing with it, then that would cause them a lot more trouble than one quick visit to a potential suspect. Baron Tara and Constable Absalom were on the warpath, so keeping on their good sides was more important than ever.

Scene Fourteen - Anika

'Katherine' - Ghoul of Anika
Personal Assistant

The offices below Anika's haven were closed, but there were lights on, and a woman was sitting in the office, apparently catching up on paperwork. There were also several security cameras on the outside of the building, but this was hardly surprising in this day and age.

Ethan parked right outside. After all, they were here by invitation.

As they approached, the woman rose and unlocked the door. Evidently they were expected. She was dressed in a sixties style skirt and blouse, her blonde hair was also styled like something from an older time and she exuded confidence. Both suspected that she was likely a ghoul, and seemed to be an experienced and competent one.

"Can I help you?"

Luthor dealt with the introductions. "I'm sure you can, we've been given permission to speak to Anika this evening. We're expected." Ethan noted that locks were sturdy and that the glass was reinforced, which would slow down any potential retreat, but not by much, but in that situation every second would likely count.

The Samedi was well aware that his ally Luthor never considered such things, he however, liked to know that there was a way out of this place if they needed one. The more they looked into this Anika person, the more he suspected that there was far more to her than first appeared.

Alec Doherty - Brujah
Ally of Anika Norton

The P.A. returned to her desk and pressed a button on an internal intercom system. "Your guests are here miss Norton. Shall I escort them up?" The question was answered by the presence of a formidable looking kindred who entered the room a moment later. "Don't worry Katherine, I'll take it from here..."

Luthor offered Katherine his hand to shake, which she accepted, and thanked her for her assistance, while Ethan Holst introduced himself and his companion to the new arrival.

Their guide was a black man, a few inches over six feet tall, embraced in his forties or fifties, and was in excellent physical condition. A handgun was holstered at his right hip, with three spare clips on his left. He introduced himself as Alec.

"You're not Tara's usual lot?"

"We're new to the city,..." explained Luthor. "...and we'd been tasked with providing some expertise to the city's Constable, Absalom Hood, and afterwards Tara insisted that we stay and help some more. You know how it is when the powers that be make a request like that. Refusal wasn't really an option..."

The Brujah acknowledged the explanation with a nod, but made no further comment.

They were then escorted into a meeting room, presumably it had some purpose related to the business downstairs. Anika was seated at the far end of a heavy wooden table. At her left shoulder was another kindred, well over six and a half feet tall, with a shaved head, beard and wearing a leather jacket. He was also armed, though his guns were in shoulder holsters, not at his waist.

Jaime Bartlett - Brujah
Ally of Anika Norton

Both of these weapons were huge, though they imagined they still looked like toys in this kindreds gigantic hands. Presumably this was Jaime Bartlett, the second of Anika's allies.

Alec indicated several chairs at the opposite end of the table, then moved to stand in one corner of the room, where he had a view of both themselves, Anika, and the door. Ethan noted his positioning with some concern, it was looking more and more like getting back out of this place was going to be a lot trickier than getting in, if the shit hit the fan that was.

"Are you here as representatives of Baron Tara of San Diego, or Baron Michael Tomassio, Arbiter of the Anarch Council of Los Angeles?" asked Anika, without pre-amble.

"At this particular instant..." replied Luthor, "...were agents of the Baron..."

Ethan, however added a comment of his own. "We're more concerned citizens at the moment." Ethan wanted the guards unsure of the relationship between them both, so as to split their focus. The deeper he got into this place, the more concerned he became, something just wasn't feeling right. Luthor on the other hand seemed oblivious to any danger they might be in.

"What brings you to our door?" asked Anika, though Luthor would have been amazed if she didn't already know.

"A curious murder has occurred..." he replied. "...I'm surprised you hadn't heard about it?"

Anika's voice and facial expression were quite neutral and Luthor was unable to get a 'read' from her as she answered. "Oh that? Everyone knows about that. As soon as they tried to keep it a secret the information became like currency to kindred. What I mean, is why are you here specifically? I Fail to see what it has to do with me."

Anika Norton - Ventrue

Luthor saw no need to hide what he'd been told. After all, it was someone else's accusation, he was merely investigating it, "Cities such as this are a rumour-mill, as you yourself just attested to. Things have been said relating to your preferences, some flattering, some not. Some of the victims apparently match your,,, tastes?

Anika, raised an eyebrow "A family.,, Yes, I see where this is going..." She then elaborated.

"My preference is for young men, but eighteen years, not eighteen months, and I'm more than capable of talking such vessels into my bed entirely of their own accord, Perhaps it's coincidental, but these unpleasant rumours came about almost immediately after I told one of this city's kindred residents that I had no desire to be his ally. I believe you've met Mr Justin Rush as part of your investigations?"

Luthor commented on how well informed Anika was, and suspected that she was about to spread some rumours of her own. Before he could continue, the Ventrue asked another question.

"So, what did you think of Justin Rush?"

Luthor decided to be noncommittal in his response. "He's a businessman and a favoured ally of Tara. It seems that he's had a run of bad luck lately. This recent incident has left him in somewhat of a weakened position. But I'm interested in your opinion of him..." Anika seemed to be anticipating this question.

Justin Rush - Brujah
San Diego Businessman

"I believe he sees the future of San Diego in different hands to those that currently hold tightly to it. I also have some suspicions that this might explain why Constance Carson isn't trying quite as hard as she might to dislodge him from his position. No-one wants to antagonise someone who might rise to power in the future. Our kind have a tendency to hold grudges..."

While talking to Anika, Luthor had been observing the reaction of the other pair of kindred associates of hers too. He had considerable experience in observing hierarchies of various kinds. Some relationships were based on fear, others on love, or blind devotion, but one thing was a constant, and that was that obtaining the trust of another took time. This was something that 'The Ministry', of which Luthor was a clan member, was well aware of.

He therefore had his doubts that the relationship between these three was as recent as the city had been led to believe. In his opinion these three had been a team for a long time. Ethan had also been making some observations of his own. These weren't neonates. They had the confidence of age, and a mutual trust based on experience.

Luthor suspected that they were a commando coterie of some description. They had learned that many believed that Tara would be best removed, and considered her to be San Diego's weak link. Someone with a working relationship with other kindred of influence might want to take over. Luthor's first thought was that The Oratory might be ready to insert their own candidate. Marius, like his sire Xaviar, had often inspired regime changes through manipulation rather than outright aggression, and Luthor was reasonably sure that Constance Carson would jump at the chance to rule the city.

Marius 'The Wolf Spider' Walker, Leader of 'The Oratory'

Luthor had also been carefully observing Anika but could discern nothing from her voice or demeanour that gave him any additional clues to her intent. He decided to see if he could provoke a reaction, perhaps prompting her to fill in some of the gaps for him.

"Many are better positioned to pull off such a coo than Mr Rush. Maybe the Camarilla, or maybe someone local. It's suspicious that he, and others, direct us to you. Who else has influence at the airport I wonder..."

Scene Fifteen - Archon

Symbol of the The Camarilla

Ethan immediately noticed the change in atmosphere as the Camarilla were mentioned, though it took Luthor a little longer as he was in full flow at the time. The Samedi was reasonably sure that Luthor had just been throwing out names for effect before getting around to his actual point. Now it appeared that he'd stumbled onto something by accident, and that something might be about to get them both destroyed.

"You're very observant..." Anika replied, her tone now much colder. "...Though perhaps a little arrogant too? A sensible individual would have kept those observations more closely concealed, until they were sure, exactly who they were actually dealing with..."

"Perhaps it might be best if these theories of yours never left this room, in case another kindred were to jump to the same wrong conclusions about us?"

Both Alec and Jaime's postures had subtly changed, and they now seemed poised and ready to act upon Anika's decision. Luthor concluded that now might be a good time to convince her of their good intentions. Ethan, meanwhile, was reasonably sure he could get to the door before any of the kindred within could stop him. Primarily because he was almost positive that they'd open fire on Luthor first.

Tara Kearney - Brujah
The Baron of San Diego

Though on the inside he was terrified, Luthor's expression exuded confidence. Now was not the time to look weak, he needed to take control of this conversation before Anika decided to act. Luckily he did his best work while under pressure.

"It would be strange if the people sent to talk to you suddenly disappeared, what if we were to walk out of here, leaving you with an ally who sympathised with your position?, the city is not exactly in a steady pair of hands currently. Sooner rather than later some kindred will attempt to change this domains leadership, and it would be easier if they had the help of someone they could trust, perhaps someone who knew where Absalom hood's armoury was kept. A relationship between us would be beneficial."

Worryingly, it seemed that Anika had already weighed up this eventuality "Tara's anger is a possibility, however, should your bodies be found next to obvious clues to Sapphire's involvement in your final deaths, then the logical conclusion is that she blamed you for Tara's actions and took her revenge. As this fits the Baron's internal narrative perfectly, I doubt any real investigation into the matter would ever be done..."

There was a pause. Anika had evidently came to a decision. "As you have guessed, I am not some Ventrue on the run from my sire, and my companions have not been driven from their havens. Mainly because anyone who attempted to do so would be very destroyed, very quickly. My name is indeed Anika, but my actual title is Archon."

Society of Leopold
Religious Arm of the Inquisitor

Ethan was still considering his potential escape. The guards were now focussed upon Luthor, who Ethan was sure must be terrified right now, yet on the outside Luthor Constantine appeared to be completely calm and controlled.

Anika abruptly changed the subject "What do you know of the Second Inquisition?"

"Not a great deal..." interjected Ethan, before Luthor got them in trouble again. "We've both been fortunate enough to keep our distance from their activities, other kindred have been far less careful and paid the price for their carelessness. I've personally cleared up such scenes. They weren't pleasant."

Anika nodded, then elaborated. "The SI and their allies in the Society of Leopold had significant success against kindred in the early days. The so-called war on terror was at it's height so any act could be justified, and the funds obtained for these actions easily signed off. Early operations against many kindred, though mainly Ventrue, allowed the SI under it's various guises, to seize considerable financial assets which gave them a certain measure of independence to act as they pleased."

"Now, however, things are a bit different. Experts in finance such as Fiorenza Savona, and security geniuses like Ambrus Maropis, have made these finances far harder to trace, and our kind have grown wise to the warning signs of an Inquisition incursion. Infiltration of government agencies has also become a priority for 'us' so our ability to make these agencies lives difficult has increased. Nothing slows down a high-spending organisation like an oversight committee filled with bean-counting bureaucrats."

Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue Power Broker

"However, a new and worrying development has come to our attention..."

The conversation now had Luthor and Ethan's undivided attention. Something that worried the Camarilla enough to provoke them to send a team of Archons into Anarch territory undercover was going to be a significant threat.

FIRSTLIGHT
Military Arm of the Inquisition

"Though it has forced a wedge between the military organisations and the religious ones, we believe that the Second Inquisition has started to create kindred of it's own for infiltration purposes. Only the weakest are allowed to exist of course, but the end justifies the means."

"We believe that the test-run for this plan involves planting one agent in a Camarilla domain, and another in an Anarch one. The Chicago infiltrator appears to have been tasked with taking over the area surrounding the city's main airport. Presumably as this enables him to be contacted and supplied easily, as well as giving him, or her, considerable power in their respective domain. Hopefully you can see where I'm going with this?"

Luthor was smart enough to see where this was going, as was Ethan, but it was Luthor who replied "Yes. You mean our mysterious kindred at the airport who seems able to bypass security with ease..."

Satisfied with the reply, Anika continued. "We also now believe that this fledgling was attempting to sabotage a competitor and succumbed to frenzy while doing so, then his handlers attempted a hasty cover-up. Given your own investigations do you have anything to add to this theory?"

The Archons were obviously fishing for info. Ethan saw no reason to hold back and shared all their discoveries so far. He too had suspected that this mysterious killer had a handler of some description, though he had suspected another kindred, not the Second Inquisition. As Ethan explained the additional mystery of the children's wounds having signs of both feeding and extraction of fluids via syringe.

Blood Sample Vial

Anika believed that she had an explanation. "Mr Rush's ghoul fathered two children while kindred vitae was within his system. Ghouls, both male and female, have trouble procreating, so it's possible that someone within the SI was curious enough to take blood samples. It's also possible, though I'm guessing at this point, that if a more religious minded member of the SI was also present, that he might have objected to such 'creatures' being spared...."

"Well this puts a completely different spin on the evening now doesn't it?" replied Luthor. "The search for the S.I. now clearly has to take priority."

Ethan was reasonably sure that Anika was holding something back. He sensed a brief moment of hesitation whenever Tara's name came up in conversation. Clearly something about Tara was a concern to her. He decided at this point that he had nothing to lose, and decided to press the point.

"We are investigating for the Baron, but in many ways what we are doing is providing a degree of comfort for those in the city. If we can't find any more information, or you can provide none, we must continue to serve Tara's needs. Whether that is good or the city, or not, is open to debate. I imagine you must have gathered some intelligence on the Baron, do you have any insights?"

Neither Luthor nor Ethan could tell if Anika was impressed, or annoyed, but they were certainly onto something. Her reply didn't exactly fill them with confidence.

"Well aren't you the observant ones. Perhaps sparing you both wasn't such a great idea after all..."

Scene Sixteen - Fugitive

Sapphire Khan - Caitiff
Fugitive

"Please join us Miss Khan..." asked Anika, as the side door opened to reveal Sapphire Khan, currently the most wanted kindred in the city. "Be so kind as to tell this pair what you told us about the night Tara met her Final Death..."

Sapphire turned to Ethan. "I understand you have considerable knowledge of anatomy and the nature of life and death? Perhaps you have an explanation for what I'm about to tell you."

She had Ethan's undivided attention. This was going to be interesting.

"Me and the rest of Jenna Cross's carefully trained strike team, systematically wiped out Tara's security guards and punched through her physical security. She'd already been shot several times when we chased her onto the roof."

It was clear to all present that the memory gave her considerable pleasure.

"As she turned to face me, Jenna gave me the honour of the kill. I emptied the contents of a .357 magnum into the Baron's face, and then the rest of our people opened fire at point blank range. If she was hit by less than fifty rounds then it wasn't by many, then we threw her decaying corpse off the roof. What was left of her hit the ground like a chunk of meat. Short of then setting the remains on fire, she was as destroyed as it's possible for a kindred to be. No way she survived... ...no... fucking... way... either she is an imposter, or something far worse."

"I've stood a few feet from this 'Tara', and looked her straight in the eye and she had no idea who I was. If I shot you in the fucking head six times and you survived, you'd sure as hell recognise me, right?"

Jenna Cross - Caitiff
Messiah, Presumed Destroyed

Anika interrupts at this point.

"It's possible, based on Sapphire's testimony, that Tara's reasons for wanting Sapphire and Josef gone, aren't because they were almost responsible for her destruction, but because they know that she couldn't possibly be Tara and that fact would like to be kept a secret."

"Absalom Hood claimed to have found Tara in torpor and moved her to safety. If Sapphire is to be believed, and I see no reason to doubt her, then he would also have to be aware that Tara is either an imposter, or something worse. This, of course, complicates the issue of the Second Inquisition as we must be careful not to become involved in both matters simultaneously. We are only three, and despite being very capable, can only be in so many places at once."

"Also, and with all due respect to miss Khan, we couldn't really give a fuck who runs San Diego, unless a new candidate would be more inclined to help us. Then we might be inclined to help them."

Luthor was sure that Sapphire Khan believed what she said, and that Anika believed Sapphire.

Luthor had no interest in getting directly involved in anything that might get him destroyed, so decided that the best plan was to manipulate someone else to do the job for them, "I imagine someone in the city who was in mind for a regime change, not us of course, not Justin either, might be the people to do this. Getting the information into their hands would be fairly simple."

Constance Carson - Gangrel
The Oratory, San Diego

Anika had considered this. "I believe you are referring to Marius's Oratory? It has been considered but for some reason he has been supporting Tara's regime, not undermining it, and his representative Constance Carson seems to have adopted a 'hands off' attitude to the airport issue."

Ethan had a question about an earlier point made by Sapphire "What do you mean by 'or something worse'?"

"I've heard that things can animate bodies other than the original occupant..." replied Sapphire.

Ethan had looked into the occult in significant detail and had has his doubts. "Theoretically it's possible, and flesh can be rebuilt, but given the calibre of weaponry you described, not to mention the fall, it would require too much effort to rebuild a body. Such a spirit would be better served taking another host."

"An imposter would be more likely. As power plays go, installing a sleeper agent is a better plan."

Luthor had something to add. "It's painfully clear that Absalom's loyalty to Tara is absolute, and love is a powerful motivator, perhaps he just couldn't let the memory of her go? Many of Tara's followers were obsessively loyal to her and Absalom. Perhaps one of those was a candidate for the Baron's replacement."

"Having Tara on top keeps Absalom in power too. So his reasons could also be entirely selfish. But whatever the reasoning, If Tara is an imposter there's absolutely no way Absalom doesn't know."

Absalom Hood, 'Constable' of San Diego

Ethan had another concern. "Given Tara's pronouncement about Sapphire, if it's revealed that we know of her location, we're all fucked." Anika then returned the conversation to the Archon's primary concern "We have a plan to oust this SI stooge, but we'll need more help than we currently have. So I have one question. Are you with us, or not?"

Luthor decided to push his luck a little. "The question should be 'are you with us', as it's our investigation..." Anika smiled for the first time since they'd arrived before replying.

"Don't make me regret not shooting you..."

To Be Continued in 'Galerie Sanguine: San Diego (Part Five)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

We're approaching the endgame and the players now need to pick a side. I wonder which way they'll go?

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

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Further 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 Luthor Constantine is Michele Morrone Michael, Ethan Holst is Bryan Cranston, Josef Moyer is Sterling K Brown, Cassie Rosales is Claudia Black, 'Katherine' is Holly Willoughby, Alec Doughty is Hamilton Cobb, Jaime Bartlett is Tyler Mane, Anika Norton is Sarah Paulson, Justin Rush is Armie Hammer, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Baron Tara Kearney is Melissa Rauch, Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis, Sapphire Khan is Uzo Aduba, Jenna Cross is Rhona Mitra, Constance Carson is Dina Meyer and Absalom Hood is Jamie Dornan.

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 Three - Galerie Sanguine: San Diego

2024-08-02T16:30:00.004+01:00

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

Links

San Diego: Chronicle Briefing

Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - 'Part One'

Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - 'Part Two'

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The PC's

Luthor Constantine - The Ministry, Conspiracy Debunker

Ethan Holst - Samedi, Mortician

Luthor Constantine and Ethan Holst

Chronicle Tenet - "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

The Storyteller

As everyone else...

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Familicide, Occultism, Suicide

Introduction

The investigation into the mysterious and brutal deaths within San Diego, and their possible connection to several kindred of influence, continues.

So far they have had meetings with the Ventrue Justin Rush, and the Gangrel representative of the Oratory, Constance Carson, and they have been accompanied in these investigations by the childe of the cities Constable, Cecilia. The primary motivation for their involvement in the investigation is, however, the insistence of Baron Tara that they do so. She is not a kindred who takes kindly to the word 'No'.

Scene Nine - Ethan's Conclusions

Having had time to consider the evidence from both the crime scenes, and after listening to the input from several other kindred with their own theories, Ethan had begun to order the information in his mind more precisely.

As they travelled to the second of the nights meetings, these theories began to evolve.

His first conclusion was inescapable. A vampire was involved. Faking those bite marks would, in theory, be possible, but the exact wound size and impact damage, and additional damage to the arteries and veins from rapid, uncontrolled blood intake would be near impossible to mimic.

Crime Scene One - Conclusions

Secondly. The lone victim, the woman from the first scene, was tortured. Looking back at the symbols carved into, and drawn upon her flesh, their locations seemed suspicious. If one discounted the poorly added occult aspects, then the majority of the remaining wounds were on the parts of her body where the most pain could be inflicted.

He was also reasonably sure that two of the marks upon her wrists that he initially presumed were hesitation marks, could easily have been bite marks. After all, why would a kindred waste the opportunity to feed if they were planning on killing the individual anyway?

He couldn't imagine that she had any information of value to a torturer, until he took into account that her lover was an essential part of the smuggling operations of Justin Rush. Theodore Woodard was killed after her, had no official records linking him to his home, and would likely have taken precautions about being followed. given his chosen profession. It was therefore reasonable to conclude that she would be an ideal source of information on Theodore's location.

Justin Rush and Constance Carson - Possible Conspirators

As he was also now sure that Justin Rush and Constance Carson were cooperating on some level, and she as a representative of Aegis, may have provided the apartment above the medical centre as somewhere for Justin's agent to stash his lover. This would make the connection to Tara and Aegis either a coincidence, or a case of 'killing two birds with one stone', by accomplishing their own goals and inconveniencing the cities Baron with a single act.

Crime Scene Two - Conclusions

In his experience as one who cleaned up after 'accidents' involving kindred, and cross referencing knowledge obtained from events in the past, the scene showed all the signs of a vampire in the throes of a hunger frenzy. The relentless assault from one victim to another, the need to pursue one attempting to escape, possibly only ending when the kindred was full once more and the beast was sated.

The children were likely collateral damage. They couldn't be allowed to live after they had witnessed the events at the home, but if this amateur had been responsible, it was clear that he was unhappy about doing it. He or she'd also have certainly been full of vitae by this point, his beast silent after killing a mortal while feeding, which made their draining at his fangs seem even less likely.

The only conclusion is that he had an ally, someone capable of quietening, or controlling the children, who they called in afterwards. Clearly he (or she) had no mental control capabilities of their own, or the woman killed for information wouldn't have needed to be tortured at all.

The needle marks were an added complication. The bites came first, the needle marks came later, not the other way around as he'd initially thought. But why would someone want samples of blood from the children of a blood-bound ghoul? That was still a mystery.

Therefore...

A vampire killed a woman for information on her lover, frenzied while killing them at their apartment, then called in an ally to help them clean-up or confuse the situation.

But why the occult symbols? He was now moving from evidence based conclusions to conjecture, and perhaps a little paranoia given the situation they were in, but a worrying conclusion kept working it's way back into his mind.

The occult symbolism, and to a lesser extent, the actual location of the crimes, accomplished only one thing. They drew the attention of the cities Constable and Census Takers, who then promptly went and visited the cities Baron. If someone new to the city, or kindred society in general, wanted to know who the power-players were, they now had some excellent intelligence on who these were. If they also had tracking capabilities, they might also now know where they made their havens.

Unfortunately, that would also include himself and Luthor Constantine...

Interlude - Sacrifice

"You failed with the almost-leeches..." stated the robed figure as he carefully honed the sword on his lap. "...it appears your charms were wasted on them. Or perhaps they're better judges of character than you thought?"

Aaron knew that Abel despised him, not for who he once was, but for what he had now become, yet he knew that without his own sacrifice, none of this plan would have been possible. He was also in no mood to be lectured to by a glorified priest with delusions of moral superiority.

Aaron felt his anger rising, a voice in the back of his head urged him to tear the fool before him into pieces. He'd need to feed soon. The beast within always spoke loudest when he hungered. With an act of will he forced it once more into the background, vocalising his anger rather than expressing it physically.

"I volunteered for this because none of your so-called hunters had the fucking balls to do it themselves. You've been at this for centuries and as far as I can see have accomplished basically fuck all. We've had more successes against the blank-bodies in the last twenty years than your fucking priesthood managed in the last two hundred..."

Abel returned the longsword to it's scabbard, rose from his seat and slowly walked towards the door to the staging area where his own warriors awaiting his commands. "You wait here..." he stated matter of factly as Aaron moved to follow him. "...while I go and sort out another of your fuck-ups..."

The door slammed shut, leaving Aaron alone with his anger. Then the whispering began once more...

Scene Ten - Suspicious Devices

Cecilia Baird - Brujah
Childe of Constable Absalom Hood

Cecilia briefed the pair before their next meeting.

"Next port of call is the duskborn... which is the main reason why I'm doing this, and not Absalom. I don't hate them just for being what they are, but if it was up to my sire they'd be ran out of the city as soon as Baron Tara gave the word. I'm not sure why she hasn't. If anyone had reason to hate them it would be her..."

The pair decided not to interrupt the briefing with any queries of their own until she'd finished speaking.

"I'm casually acquainted with one of the Caitiff under Josef and Sapphire's protection, so I have an 'in'. They'd clam up in a second if Absalom turned up. I might have more luck. Hopefully the fact that their friend got beaten into torpor for feeding in your domain won't be held against you..."

This wasn't actually the fault of either of them, this being entirely the decision of Baron Tara and her agents. Hopefully the duskborn shared this opinion. If not, things might become a bit tense.

"Anyway, we're going to need to backtrack a bit because they're currently based in a homeless shelter, off San Diego's Skid Row, just outside of Downtown. It's dangerously close to Absalom's feeding ground, but they weren't given much of a choice. I imagine the fear of accidentally wandering into his poorly defined feeding ground is why they ventured into yours..."

Both Luthor and Ethan got the impression that she felt some sympathy for the Caitiff and thin-bloods of the city but wouldn't go against her sire to help them.

Absalom Hood - Brujah
Constable of San Diego

Luthor decided to use the time to learn a little more about Tara's relationship with Absalom, though approached the subject with unusual tact, for him at least. Cecilia was clearly loyal to her sire, describing him as a "...loyal protector..." of Tara, when Luthor broached the subject of Absalom's defence and rescue of his Baron from the assault by Jenna Cross.

"It's important to do what we can to protect those around us..." agreed Luthor. "...a balance of power is also important to maintain in order to ensure peace, of course, I'm sure you'll agree that this also means that a close relationship between San Diego and L.A., is more important than ever due to the activities of The Sabbat and Camarilla both."

Cecilia's reply was noncommittal, clearly she didn't feel like she could speak for her superiors on this matter, though Luthor got the impression that she agreed with him, at least in principle.

Luthor had a talent for conversation, though often he simply went into auto-pilot while he considered other things. In this case, he was considering Ethan's suspicions, shared with him earlier, that they themselves may also have drawn unwanted attention. On a whim, he decided to have a quick look underneath their vehicle.

Luthor was no expert on cars, but he was pretty sure that the square box beneath, heavily camouflaged with dirt and oil, definitely wasn't meant to be there. Deciding this was a job for someone a lot smarter than he was, as far as gadgetry was concerned at least, so he called over Ethan.

Ethan was experienced at cleaning up crime-scenes, both legitimately, and not, and so knew his way around surveillance devices and worse. The hardware was professionally concealed, though had been done in a hurry, and was also in completely the wrong place if it was an explosive device. Even with this conclusion made, he still approached it's removal with extreme care.

"It's a tracker with an independent power source..." concluded Ethan after cleaning the crap from the contraption and examining it closely. "...it's better to connect these things to the vehicles power source so they last forever, but obviously our spies didn't have the time or opportunity. This was their next best plan, I imagine."

He then turned to Cecilia. "Do you want it destroyed?" The neonate Brujah shrugged. Clearly this was a problem she'd never had to deal with before. After some consultation between Luthor and Ethan, they decided to conceal the device on another vehicle in the carpark, possibly belonging to one of the building staff, and let the devices owners chase that around for a while instead of them. They then took an indirect route to their next meeting. If they were still being followed, whoever it was, was very good, because none of the kindred could spot any sign of a tail.

Storytellers Note - 5 Successes on the roll was a bit of a a waste as they weren't being followed at this point anyway, but at least they felt reassured...

"I wonder where we were when they planted that?" mused Luthor.

"First place we went...." theorized Ethan, though he had his reasons. "...remember how all the lights were out? It would have been fairly easy, and we were in there a while..."

Scene Eleven - Duskborn

The homeless shelter was open, but there were very few people outside. Hardly surprising considering how cold it currently was.

Daniela Merritt - Duskborn

Cecilia reveals that her contact was a woman named Daniela Merritt, and was usually on lookout due to her keen senses. Fortunately, she was indeed lurking around outside and recognised their companion. Daniela walked over and shook Cecilia's hand, though initially ignored both Luthor and Ethan. "Who are they?" she asked after a few moments delay.

"They have some relevant expertise in the matter were looking into, and then they kinda got drafted..." explained Cecilia "...They were sensible enough not to say 'No' when Tara decided they were going to continue helping... are they here?"

Daniela merely nodded, and headed inside, clearly knowing exactly who they were here to see...

Luthor lent over and whispered to Cecilia "Now we're here, we'll rely on you a little, we may not be the most welcome visitors." She subtly nodded her agreement.

Josef Moyer and Sapphire Khan are waiting for you all in an upstairs store room, half filled with boxes of food, presumably for the mortal inhabitants of the shelter. A selection of crates seemingly act as both table and chairs. Both have their backs to the walls, and seem less than happy to see you all.

"What the fuck are we being accused of now?" asked Sapphire, her hostility evident in both her tone, and her facial expression.

Cecilia explained that it was just routine. Sapphire clearly had her doubts that this was anything but 'routine' but made an effort to pretend that she believed what she was being told.

Josef Meyer - Brujah
Former Civil Rights Activist

"We're not conspiring against Tara, we're just trying to survive..." began Josef, but after hearing about the investigation, opened up a little.

"We heard that there might be a kindred operating out of the airport. Whoever they are, they're well funded and have apparently found a way round the cameras. I can't see it being related to your investigation though. If anything the last thing someone like that would want is the Inquisition turning up, surely?"

Luthor pointed out that if they had other suspects to look into, then the Duskborn might end up out of the spotlight for a bit. Sapphire seemed to consider this for a moment, perhaps deciding who exactly to throw under the bus. it seemed that someone had sprung to mind as she answered.

"That Ventrue and her two Brujah pals might be worth talking to. I hear that they're establishing a presence in the city, and that seems like a strange move for kindred who are 'just passing through'. There's also a rumour that the Ventrue, Anika I think her name is? likes her meals young and tender, so maybe dead kids are her thing too?"

The connection seemed vague to Ethan, but Sapphire seemed very keen to point them in her direction, which only made him more suspicious. Luthor was also sure that this was a distraction, even if it might be true, and that she was withholding something from them.

Sapphire Khan - Caitiff
Former Civil Rights Activist

Luthor decided that the Duskborn desire for privacy was the best weakness to exploit and so began to explain that kindred of note were now taking an interest in the airport, that this would mean more people sneaking around, and that this might draw attention to Josef and Sapphire's followers that they could do without. He also subtly reminded them that Cecilia's fairness and consideration wasn't shared by her Sire, nor the city's Baron and that co-operation now might save them some less pleasant attention later.

Ethan let Luthor talk. He usually got results, despite Ethan wishing he'd get to the point a bit quicker than he normally did, especially given the recent revelation that someone was spying on them.

"Okay..." conceded Sapphire. "...about three months ago a duskborn neonate made contact with us. They were green as fuck, or at least that's how they acted, but had cash on the hip, and wanted a place to stay... after a private discussion between me and Josef, we told them we couldn't help... " She then turned to Josef, who continued.

"He smelt like a cop, and believe me bitter experience has made me wary enough to sniff those fuckers out from a mile off. The authorities were always trying to sneak people into the civil rights movement, as either spies, 'agent provocateurs' or whatever, and this fucker had that vibe. He was definitely kindred, but he had 'personal agenda' and 'self-centred prick' written all over him. whatever he wanted, it wasn't help. It was, in my opinion at least, credibility. Acting on our instincts has kept us safe, and something about this fucker screamed 'bad news'. We fobbed him off..."

'Aaron' - Caitiff
Possible Murder Suspect

Cecilia asked for a description. This was more in her ballpark now, having become a more traditional investigation once again.

"He said his name was Aaron, but if that's his real name then I'd be fucking amazed. I took a still from one of our security cameras and printed it off so the rest of our people would know to give him the same 'no thanks' message. I'll get you a copy..."

Ethan thanked them for the information, but had a few more questions of his own.

"I'm hoping you might be able to provide a level of insight, people from my clan have an interest in more esoteric areas. Methodology differs, but something about the crime scene was especially unusual. In addition to fangs a needle was used to extract blood from some of the victims. As we're cooperating at this point, do you have any insights?"

Sapphire pointed out that some Duskborn and Caitiff lacked fangs and sought alternatives, but that none of those under their protection had that flaw. As for Alchemy, Josef lamented that they had no-one with such capabilities, as that would have been a useful resource, but despite rumours to the contrary this was a very rare ability amongst duskborn. Though disappointing, this was more or less the answer that Ethan had been expecting

Luthor, having has some success exploiting the groups desire for privacy, switched tactics.

"It's irritating that we have yet another seeming dead-end. Invisible, untraceable duskborn, supposedly in a place they shouldn't be. It would excellent to have some concrete evidence that this isn't some vagrant or straggler. If this is indeed the person we're looking for, of course,,."

Galerie Sanguine's Feeding Ground

"Now I think about it, that's the sort of thing that could make a big difference to an investigation such as this. but we need to bring them to the fore, and though that information would be worthy of reward, I can't see Tara being particularly forthcoming. We, on the other hand, would be more than willing to share our resources. Voluntarily this time. Helping those in need is a noble cause, on that point at least we can agree."

"If only there was someone who could keep an eye out for this person, and keep us informed..."

Sapphire was clearly keen to expand the Duskborn's potential feeding grounds, especially without risk, though Josef was more reticent. Apparently life, and unlife, experience had made him suspicious of any offer that seemed too good to be true. Nonetheless, he too could see the benefits of keeping the investigators informed.

"We'll keep an eye out for him for you..." agreed Sapphire. "...but we'll expect you to keep your side of the agreement if we learn anything..."

It seemed that they were making some progress.

Interlude - Alchemy

Alchemical Laboratory

Ethan actually knew a lot more about the esoteric properties of blood than he'd let on.

Broadly speaking, as far as kindred were concerned at least, mortal blood generally fell into one of four categories, or resonances as they were more commonly known. Each was associated with a mood, and, in more archaic circles, one of the four elements. Choleric, Melancholy, Phlegmatic, and Sanguine, or Fire, Earth, Water and Air from an elemental perspective.

He also knew that thin-bloods, or duskborn as they themselves preferred to be called, used alchemical principles to mimic the disciplines and abilities of vampires whose embrace had given them all the kindred gifts, rather than the pale imitations possessed by most Duskborn. He was also aware that the methods they utilised varied considerably. Some used their own bodies to mix the necessary blood, vitae and other required ingredients of each ritual, some used a human body, and others utilised actual equipment, creating laboratories like something from a mad scientists movie.

The evidence they had gathered might point to the latter method, but Ethan was sure that Josef hadn't lied, and that alchemy wasn't something these duskborn had access to. Of course that didn't mean that 'Aaron', or some other conspirator, did not.

Scene Twelve - Pressure

There was the sound of scuffling from downstairs.

One of the staff shouted up to Sapphire and Josef. "A gang of assholes are causing trouble..." Sapphire asks if they're "...the same ones as before..." according to the reply, they were not.

Homeless Shelter - Caitiff Base of Operations

Sapphire sighs, then explained. "Sometimes they're locals who think the problem needs to be moved somewhere else, sometimes they're just assholes who like picking on the weak, the worst however are the local drug dealers who see the destitute and desperate as excellent potential customers, drug mules, runners, whatever. I'd like to tear them up, but the last thing we need is local cops harassing us like the kindred equivalents have been doing..."

She looked pointedly at Cecilia "...the cops would also like to see this place closed and the homeless problem 'moved on' to someone else's jurisdiction ..."

Ethan moved to a position where he could observe the disturbance while remaining unobserved. Luthor meanwhile, just went downstairs to have a look, without any attempt at subterfuge. The 'gang' were easily distinguished from the shelters residents by the quality of their clothing, attitude, and the fact that several were obviously armed.

From his place of concealment Ethan could see that someone was watching the events unravel with considerable interest. Occasionally one of the trouble makers looked in this persons direction as if looking for directions of some kind, yet appeared to receive no reaction at all. He looked less like a gang-banger, and more like a school teacher or priest, and something about him set Ethan on edge.

Religious 'Gang' Tattoo's

Luthor was, as usual, in the thick of things and had made some observations of his own. The 'gang' didn't seem to fit the mould, like someone had dressed them for the part without really knowing what they were doing. The visible tattoos were also suspect. They were real, but were generally religious in nature. Though biblical imagery wasn't uncommon for tattoos, he'd expect a gang such as this to have gone with something a bit more 'satanic' for want of a better term.

Seeing that Luthor was in the thick of it, Ethan decided to intervene before Luthor did something to antagonise the situation.

"The police have been informed of your unauthorised presence in this area..." lied Ethan as he emerged from his hiding place, in so convincing a manner that even Luthor had to double-take. "...and I'm sure they'll be interested not only in the fact that you are refusing to remove yourself from private property after a reasonable request, but also that several of you are armed with what I can only presume are unregistered weapons. Though maybe you all have applied for the appropriate concealed carry permits required in this city..."

"Well?.."

Apparently trouble with the law wasn't something they'd prepared for, nor were they expecting someone in the shelter to be able to fluently quote to them the exact laws they were allegedly breaking, and after a brief look towards their puppet-master, left.

"Looks like 'Aaron', decided to send some guys around to apply a little pressure?" Theorised Luthor.

"There was a guy watching..." confirmed Ethan. ",,,but it wasn't this 'Aaron', and he made sure to stay out of the line of sight of the security cameras."

Luthor smiled. "So it's a conspiracy? Excellent... that's right in my area of expertise..."

To Be Continued in 'Galerie Sanguine: San Diego (Part Four)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

More clues discovered, more confusion, and some great roleplaying from the players. I especially enjoyed Ethan's player defeating an enemy by quoting San Diego firearms regulations at them...

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

------------------------------------------------

Further 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 Luthor Constantine is Michele Morrone Michael, Ethan Holst is Bryan Cranston, Justin Rush is Armie Hammer, Constance Carson is Dina Meyer, Cecilia Baird is Lynn Gunn, Absalom Hood is Jamie Dornan, Daniella Merritt is Sandrine Bonnaire, Josef Moyer is Sterling K Brown, Sapphire Khan is Uzo Aduba and 'Aaron' is Dave Franco.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Two - Galerie Sanguine: San Diego

2023-12-08T16:30:00.016+00:00

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

Links

San Diego: Chronicle Briefing

Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - 'Part One'

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The PC's

Luthor Constantine - The Ministry, Conspiracy Debunker

Ethan Holst - Samedi, Mortician

Luthor Constantine and Ethan Holst

Chronicle Tenet - "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

The Storyteller

As everyone else...

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Familicide, Occultism, Suicide

Introduction

The kindred of Galerie Sanguine have been drawn into the investigation of several murders within San Diego that may, or may not, have an occult connection.

The crimes locations have connections to various of the cities notable kindred which complicates matters considerably, and the pair have now found themselves unable to extricate themselves from the enquiry without offending the notoriously unpredictable Baron Tara.

Scene Six - Overlapping Interests

With the discovered bodies now safely hidden away at Ethan's mortuary, he and Luthor are to accompany one of Tara's inner circle to discuss with Justin Rush, exactly what business he had with the recently deceased security guard found at the second location they investigated. The aforementioned kindred, who they were to be accompanied by, was Cecilia Baird, one of the Constables childer, and his deputy when necessary.

The pair also had some time to go through some theories of their own.

Luthor was of the opinion that conspiracy theories such as the ones inspired by the crime scenes were merely there to confuse and fool the masses and, that those doing the fooling, rarely believed in the conspiracies at all. Tara had immediately concluded that the cities Duskborn population was involved, and Luthor doubted that they'd have been so careless, especially as they knew that Baron Tara was already inclined to think the worst of them. Either they were stupider than he had been led to believe, or they were being framed.

He also knew that Justin Rush had interests in the port area, and that Constance Carson was his competitor. If it came to light that one of his operators within the airport had drawn attention to the operations of the cities Baron, it would severely dent Rush's reputation. Even if only connected to the events peripherally, his involvement in a masquerade breach would make his operations a 'no-go' for any other kindred who valued discretion.

Ethan's own observations were more focussed, but along the same lines. The scene was, in his opinion. too 'noisy', and therefore possibly a distraction of some kind. There were so many clues that any investigator was still likely to be confused trying to sort out the real from the staged aspects of the crime scene,

The Samedi had also had more time to examine the bodies and gathered some new evidence.

Closer examination of some of the drain marks on the corpses, revealed that they could conceivably be made by fangs, with syringes used later to cover up the wounds, it was confusing why anyone would bother though.

The more medical evidence he gathered, the harder it was to see if this was an attack made to look like it was committed by vampires, or a vampire attack made to look like a staged event. Both possibilities seemed unnecessarily convoluted, and that's what concerned him. Perhaps the perpetrator was just insane? As things currently stood, it was as likely a possibility as any.

However, their contact and guide had now arrived so further conjecture would have to be put on hold.

---------------

Cecilia Baird - Brujah
Childe of Absalom Hood

Cecilia was about five foot seven inches tall, slender in build, and somewhat androgynous in appearance. Her eyes were dark, as was her hair, and she was dressed in black. She didn't appear to be armed, though it was difficult to tell where she'd be able hide any armament of significance. She waited for them while leaning against a Ford Explorer SUV, barely a year old, and in excellent condition.

"Are we using my car or yours?" she asked.

Ethan suggested that they use Cecilia's vehicle but offered to drive, which she accepted, though was insistent that her directions were followed explicitly.

They took a route to San Diego Docks that circumvented the International Airport by a significant margin. Apparently Cecilia had taken the warnings about it's status as 'off limits' quite seriously. As Ethan drove, she shared some information with them.

"Justin is currently in Downtown and didn't want to meet us until later. The Constable informed him that Tara will likely be quite upset if he can't make time for those investigating a matter she considers very important. After about a seconds consideration he gave Absalom this address."

"It makes sense why he didn't want us interrupting him, as the place we're heading to is one of Constance's operations, which means that he's either negotiating a truce, or trying to make an alliance, or something of that nature."

Absalom Hood - Brujah
'Constable' of San Diego

"Constance isn't the kind of kindred you just pop around to have a fucking chat with. She's a lying, two-faced, manipulative bitch, who'd stab you in the back if you turned your back on her, or the front if she was in a hurry... at least, that's the brief Absalom gave me... suffice to say, he's not a fan. He doesn't like the idea of elements not loyal to Tara having so much freedom... The whole 'Aegis' thing is a bit complicated..."

"Complicated, how?" asked Luthor. It was immediately clear to Luthor that she regretted her words and seemed reluctant to reply. He then switched tactics a little.

"As we're new to the city, and you are obviously an experienced and trusted operative of the cities Constable, any information you can give us would be invaluable, as well as treated with the utmost discretion." Said Luthor, following the statement with a smile that seemed to soften Cecilia somewhat.

After a moments pause she continued. "Aegis, the Oratory, Marius, or some combination of the lot, more or less put Tara back in power. Her enemies all disappeared or had fatal 'accidents' courtesy of the Oratory, Aegis funded all her projects and the political campaigns of her puppets, and Marius did his 'Fixer' thing, and though they were paid in boons and the like, they still control much of what they created for her. Tara seems fine with it, but some of her inner circle are worried that that must mean that she's a puppet of Marius's..."

Luthor, for whom half truths and manipulation were second nature, could see that she was holding something back, but was also sure that now was not the time to push, but rather to ingratiate.

"Thank-you for sharing that knowledge with us, I can't say that I've heard much different about Miss Carson, but overlapping interests are common amongst kindred, are they not?"

Cecilia nodded her agreement, then replied. "It's difficult to do anything in this city, without overlapping the Oratory. If it's Aegis or Oratory then it's Constance's area, so like it or not she has to be dealt with. Constance's is old-school kindred. Loyalty through fear, you know the sort? Right? So you have to be a bit careful with how far you push her. But as we're here on Tara's say so, we should have a bit more leeway."

Ethan and Luthor filed the information away. Kindred interactions were always fairly incestuous, so knowing as many connections as possible certainly helped with one's survival.

"Fear can be a powerful motivator..." agreed Luthor. "...make people afraid and they'll believe anything that confirms their biases."

Ethan noted that Cecilia had moved closer to Luthor, as the conversation had developed. whether this was a good thing or not, Ethan was yet to decide. Luthor's casual attitude to relationships had gotten him into trouble on more than one occasion.

Interlude - Frenemies

Tara Kearney - Brujah
Baron of San Diego

Constance Carson put down her phone, and turned to Justin.

"Your visitors courtesy of Baron Tara and Constable Absalom will be here in five minutes. They have questions for you that I'd be very careful about how you answer. It would be unfortunate for you to make even more enemies..."

Justin raised an eyebrow. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

Constance's tone had been vaguely threatening and Justin didn't like it. They were meant to be discussing alliances, and he had no intention of becoming another underling of this bitch. It would be an equal partnership or she could fuck off.

The look on Constance's face indicated to him that he wasn't going to receive an answer, so he tried a different question. "How much do they know?"

Constance shrugged. "I've no idea, but this 'chat' would probably be a good time to find out, don't you think?"

She'd moved from threatening to patronizing, and Justin liked this even less. He was also unhappy about the presence of this new agent of Constance's who stood in the corner of the room like a creepy statue. If the newcomer noticed the attention, then he did nothing to show it.

Constance said something that interrupted his musing "What?"

"Your guests are here." repeated Constance.

Scene Seven - Sheep's Clothing

They arrived at an office building which would initially have passed as closed for business for the night, we're it not for the lights from several windows on the second floor, and the several cars parked out front.

One of these was a Bentley Bentayga, that Luthor estimated to be worth several hundred thousand dollars, and that was said to be one of the fastest SUV's in the world. The other two vehicles however, wouldn't have looked out of place in a military base, and were quite obviously converted military vehicles, though they had civilian plates, and were presumably road legal.

A slim man, of average height and gaunt of face, wearing a suit that might once have been good quality, was leaning against one of the RV's.

"That's Garrett. He's one of Constance's childer, so I guess his bitch sire is still here..." revealed Cecilia. "...so the other pair of bloodthirsty motherfuckers will be around somewhere..."

As if on cue, a larger, but equally badly dressed, individual emerged from the right side of the building, possibly he had been patrolling the area. Both were now looking in their vehicles direction, but were making no moves towards them.

Garrett - Gangrel
'The Untamed' Oratory Pack

"We are invited, so I guess we just introduce ourselves?" said Cecilia, but she didn't sound particularly certain.

Both could tell that Cecilia was clearly nervous. Apparently Constance and her Childers reputations for brutally were enough to even worry a representative of the cities Constable.

"We are here on official business." pointed out Ethan

Luthor saw an opportunity to further ingratiate himself with their guide. "I've done a bit of talking, perhaps I can speak to them for you?" As Luthor mentioned his 'bit of talking', Ethan muttered something about that being the "...understatement of the year..." Luthor chose to ignore the comment.

Luthor understood that body language was important when trying to create the impression you wanted in a 'mark'. He moved in a relaxed, but non-threatening manner. He wanted the Gangrel to see him as harmless, yet not a victim. It was a difficult balance, but Luthor pulled off the deception flawlessly. Cecilia followed just behind, and Ethan bought up the rear.

As they got nearer, Ethan noted dried blood in places on both of the Gangrel's clothing. Either they were very messy feeders, or they hadn't changed their clothes after a recent killing. Ethan wasn't sure which.

Luthor figured that the kindred knew who they were, so skipped the introductions. "Fine night for business wouldn't you say? Thank-you for accommodating us at this late hour."

Cole - Gangrel
'The Untamed' Oratory Pack

It was obvious to them all that Constance's childer saw Luthor, as a slightly over-friendly, and harmless, visitor and promptly stopped making any effort to intimidate them. The directions they gave were to the point, and they almost seemed disappointed that the visitors seemed unlikely to cause any trouble.

"Miss Carson is upstairs, with 'Rush'. Ignore the guard downstairs, he's one of ours, use the stairs on the right. Eleanor will meet you at the top..."

Luthor winked at Cecilia as they passed the now disinterested Gangrel "See? nothing to it"

Eleanor was a head shorter than Garrett, with dark curly hair, and the same dark eyes as her two 'brothers of the blood'. She was neater than the others, but not by much.

Ethan could see that there was dried blood under her fingernails, and like the other two there were several dark stains on her clothing that also looked to him like blood that had, at some point, soaked into her clothing, but it was difficult to tell how recently this had occurred.

As they approached she knocked on the door three times, then pushed it open for them. "Be polite, and brief..." she advised as they entered.

---------------

Constance was about five and a half feet tall, with red-hair tied in a bun, and wearing dark red lipstick and eye-shadow, she had also utilised the blush of life to giver her some semblance of normality. Her jacket appeared to have chainmail woven within it though whether this was a for protection, or a fashion statement, was difficult to tell.

Justin Rush was an imposing figure. Six and a half feet tall, handsome and well dressed in an expensive suit and shirt. Constance was perched on one corner of a large boardroom table, Justin was standing opposite. In one corner, a third individual stood motionless.

Cameron 'Cockroach' Roach - Gangrel
Ally of Constance Carson

The other man was a little under six feet tall, muscular and square jawed, wearing a long brown coat over a t-shirt and trousers, and glasses. His only movement was to turn his head slightly towards them as they entered. He shifted the rest of his body slightly to match the direction in which he was now looking, and then became motionless once more. He reminded Ethan of a preying mantis.

Lying on the table between Constance and Justin was a map of San Diego which had been folded so that the airport was at it's centre.

"What's so urgent that it warrants a vaguely threatening message from the cities Constable, yet is simultaneously unworthy of his personal attention?" asked Mr Rush, not unreasonably.

Cecilia began to explain, in broad terms, the recent murders and the circumstances surrounding them. Though Justin was the focus of the conversation, Constance watched intently. Luthor studied her and attempted to see if any Cecilia's explanations elicited any reaction from Constance. Unfortunately he could detect nothing in her expression that gave him any clues.

Storytellers Note - Or to be exact, Luthor's player rolled zero successes...

Justin allowed Cecilia to finish before replying. "What leads you to my door now?" he asked, though Luthor was reasonably sure that he already knew the answer. "Because..." interjected Luthor. "...one of the victims is an associate of yours..."

This was somewhat of a guess on Luthor's part, but he made the statement with such confidence that Justin apparently believed that he had some actual evidence to support his conclusion, rather than the vague circumstantial evidence that he actually possessed.

"Theodore? Yes he was one of mine."

Luthor tried not to look too smug, and almost succeeded.

Interlude - Connections

An Unknown Observer

The second tracking device clearly indicated that the pair had made their way to this office complex, one of Constance's, of that he was sure. He absent-mindedly scraped away a spot of dried blood, that his fellow agent had managed to get on the display of the positioning device, while he considered the situation.

He wasn't sure what the connection between the investigation and the location was until he observed Justin Rush's car parked outside. Constance and Justin were supposed to be enemies, but in kindred terms that meant very little, their natures being what they were, and it wouldn't be the first time that kindred had banded together against a mutual foe, or for mutual gain.

His leader would want more information on the specifics of the meeting, but he had no intention of sneaking closer with three Gangrel on guard. Especially not those three. Undisciplined thugs they might be, but they were also on alert, and the Clan of the Beast were usually difficult to sneak up upon.

He'd been tasked with following the three on a previous night, observed their methods of hunting, and witnessed the aftermath of their feeding, and was therefore justifiably reluctant to get into a fight with them, especially as it would be three against one. Gangrel were notoriously pragmatic when it came to such things and only seemed to consider fighting on equal terms when they were settling internecine disputes. Constance herself was even worse than her childer. Some of the stories he'd heard about her excesses were difficult to believe, even when he'd had several confirmed by reliable sources.

No. It would be much better to gather information from a fairly safe distance, and then leave his boss to make the decision.

Scene Eight - Suspicions

Justin Rush - Brujah
The Docks - San Diego

"Your associate was obviously targeted for a reason, especially as no-one else resided in that building. It was highly unlikely to have been a random attack." stated Luthor. Ethan added his conjecture that the exact nature of the wounds was intentionally confusing, and that it was their intention to put the matter to bed with the least amount of trouble.

"I'm sure you realise..." continued Luthor. "...that an obviously occult based murder perpetrated against one of your own businesses, and staff, is likely to bring entirely the wrong kind of attention to your door, and to this city..."

Ethan interrupted. "Sorry to be pedantic, but it likely wasn't an occult ritual, just arranged to look like one. Of course that doesn't change the most important point just raised by my colleague, that the attention drawn by these events could be... unfortunate..."

Apparently they had laboured the point enough to make Justin open up a little about his associate.

"He used to work security for one of the logistics firms by the airport, and in return for turning a a blind-eye to certain additions to a storage crate, I made sure he was looked after. I never met his bit on the side, or his family. His death is inconvenient as he still had airport access, which is useful as kindred are banned from entering the area themselves. Not that everyone seems to be obeying that particular directive..."

He left the comment hanging, and seemed to be seeing how all present reacted to the statement. Cecilia was the first to ask for clarification. Justin however was politically savvy enough to use the question to score a point.

"I'll discuss the matter with the Constable, not his messenger girl or conscripted investigators...this isn't something he'd want spread around anyway. It might undermine the Barons authority if it became common knowledge that her authority is being flaunted..."

Constance was obviously amused by the whole exchange, and was making no attempt to hide the fact.

Constance Carson - Gangrel - Representative of 'The Oratory'

Ethan decided to clarify the situation. "In terms of the investigation into this murder, our obligations are to the Baron, but any information passed to us that facilitates this, but comprises no threat to the Baron herself would be kept between us. We have no desire to disrupt this Barony, nor impact upon the delicate nature of it's internal politics, and therefore would keep any confidences that these restrictions allow of us."

Justin's reply seemed to be phrased so as to minimise any implications that it was he who was flaunting Baron Tara's authority "The only effect it's had on me is that I can't access the airport at all. I have some mortals who work within the broad area of the airport, but they are not as reliable as blood-bound operative."

Sensing that Justin had reached the limit of what he was willing to share, the pair turned their attention to Constance. Sensing the change in focus, Constance spoke first.

"I hope my childer weren't rude. They aren't great at the social necessities, but they're handy to have around when someone needs tearing into little pieces..." Her tone was conversational, but the implied threat clearly indicated that she was used to going on the offensive during negotiations.

'The Untamed', After "Tearing several people into little pieces"

Luthor attempted to use her statement to lead her into revealing more, but met with limited success. "The murders were particularly brutal. The victims weren't exactly torn into pieces, but the killer or killers certainly left a mess."

Ethan scanned the room, assessing the best way he might vacate it as rapidly as possible. In his opinion, baiting Constance might not be the best plan, and Luthor had been dangerously close to making an accusation

"I don't make a habit of murdering children...." Constance replied. "...and I definitely don't advertise myself to the Second Inquisition, in such a manner. If I wanted some mortal and his whore dead, it would be done without the theatrics...everyone and everything I ever killed met their ends far more... efficiently, than this..."

'Efficiently'

Ethan took note of the phrasing of the reply and immediately concluded that Constance probably had killed children, just not these particular ones. He filed this disturbing information away, then continued where Luthor had left off. Though he decided that he would be a little less accusatory.

"You make a very valid point when you refer to theatrics. Of all the kindred within this city, are you aware of anyone who would be inclined towards theatrics such as these? Perhaps there is a pattern of behaviour that might point us towards a suspect."

"No-one springs to mind." stated Constance, though Ethan was certain that someone sprang to her mind when children had been mentioned.

Luthor interjected "Perhaps it was personal, but it could also be professional. I can't help wondering that if the perpetrator might eliminate one person with access to the airport, that they might try to do it to others with similar interests. Though I suppose the same effect could be gained simply through a well placed bribe."

San Diego International Airport - At Night

Constance immediately discounted the latter of these possibilities. "My people are loyal, and though fear is a factor, they are also paid extremely well." She stood up as she spoke, and the strange kindred who still stood silently in one corner of the room took a step forward. Clearly Luthor and Ethan were being informed that it was time for them to leave.

Ethan's involvement in a number of operations involving death and murder had, as an unfortunate side effect, also bought him into contact with those for whom killing was second nature. He was sure that Constance was such an individual, but she also didn't strike him as impulsive, and she definitely wasn't stupid. The whole thing seemed too convoluted for her. In his opinion she would have either just had everyone murdered, either in person or by proxy, and then just got on with her night. The elaborate cover-up seemed out of character.

Of course Luthor decided he needed to get the last word in.

"You've both given us some information worthy of further investigation. However, I can't help but considering that, maybe, some other agent could be working to destabilise the hard work and effort of worthy kindred such as yourself as you continue to work in your own, and Baron Tara's service. If I was a competitor of yours myself, I might be someone who would come after you too.... Anyway, I'm sure it's nothing for you both to worry about."

Luthor's plan was to make them paranoid as possible about people being 'out to get them'. In his opinion, the more paranoid that they were, the more likely they would be to make mistakes by overreacting. Justin was clearly considering what Luthor had said, but Constance gave no indication that she felt threatened. Given that she had, in theory at least, the resources of both Aegis and the Oratory to call upon, she probably felt that she was fairly secure.

Apparently Constance had decided that the last words were going to be hers. "I'm sure I'll be fine. I don't have enemies... well... not for very long..."

As they turned to leave, Luthor offered Cecilia his arm, which she accepted.

"Did we accomplish anything in there?" she asked, once they were a safe distance from the building.

It was an excellent question.

Interlude - The Pack

Constance left moments after the investigators had left, and joined up with her childer.

"What did you think of them?" she asked.

"The pretty one was a harmless buffoon, and his boyfriend didn't look like he could fight his way out of a wet paper bag..." said Garrett, whose value system was entirely based on how proficient an individual was in a fight. Cole, who generally followed Garrett's lead, nodded his agreement.

Eleanor - Gangrel
'The Untamed' Oratory Pack

Eleanor, who was undoubtedly the smartest of the three, and arguably the most vicious, had a different opinion.

"They're cleverer than they look. I was listening to them during the meeting and they didn't seem harmless to me. The fact that the handsome one made you think they were, tells me that he knows how to play the fool when it suits him. The other one was observing everything and everyone. They're a pack of two, and we all know that a pack is greater than the sum of it's parts. Plus I did a little checking up..."

Constance raised an eyebrow. Her childer weren't exactly known for their cognitive skills. She'd have to keep a closer eye on Eleanor in case she got any ideas above her station. Nonetheless, she allowed her childe to continue.

"...their boss in L.A. is basically running the place now and all his people are well trained, and respected. I doubt he's started hiring fucking idiots all of a sudden..."

Constance had heard enough.

"We'll keep an eye on them, but we have larger concerns at the moment. We have a logistics operation to bring under Oratory control."

Eleanor stopped talking. 'Oratory', meant Aegis, and that meant Constance's boss Marius would be showing an interest in their progress. Her own interest in the upstart investigators would have to be put on the back-burner. At least, for now.

"What's next then?" she asked.

-------------------------------------------------------

To Be Continued in 'Galerie Sanguine: San Diego (Part Three)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

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

The players skirted the line between information gathering and outright accusations with enough skill to avoid getting their characters killed... but only just. let's hope they're as successful next session.

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

------------------------------------------------

Further 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 Luthor Constantine is Michele Morrone Michael, Ethan Holst is Bryan Cranston, Cecilia Baird is Lynn Gunn, Absalom Hood is Jamie Dornan, Tara Kearney is Melissa Rauch, Garrett is John Rawls, Cole is Danny Huston, Cameron 'Cockroach' Roach is Henry Rollins, The 'Unknown Observer' is Tyler Mane, Justin Rush is Armie Hammer, Constance Carson is Dina Meyer and Eleanor is Megan Franich.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One - Galerie Sanguine: San Diego

2023-09-15T16:00:00.001+01:00

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

Links

San Diego: Chronicle Briefing

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The PC's

Luthor Constantine - The Ministry, Conspiracy Debunker

Ethan Holst - Samedi, Mortician

Luthor Constantine and Ethan Holst

Chronicle Tenet - "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

The Storyteller

As everyone else...

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Familicide, Occultism, Suicide

Introduction

Michael Tomassio - Toreador Baron

San Diego's kindred politics are dangerous to navigate. The cities Baron is notoriously unpredictable, and her inner circle have a loyalty to her bordering on fanaticism.

With this in mind, Michael Tomassio, Arbiter of the Anarch Council of Los Angeles and founder of the Galerie Sanguine franchise, has decided that what he needs in San Diego are problem solvers, rather than artists. Therefore the artistic aspects of his San Diego branch will be dealt with by mortals, rather than kindred, and the kindred politics will be dealt with by agents with more appropriate skills.

Ethan Holst, a Samedi mortician with a side-line in cleaning up crime-scenes, and Luthor Constantine, a con-man with ties to the more religiously orientated Ministry members within the city, were deemed to have the skills needed to keep the Galerie Sanguine running smoothly. Both are ambitious in their own way, and though they have very different methods of solving problems, they work surprisingly well together

Scene One - Emissary

Cassie Rosales - 'Free' Ventrue
Emissary to Baron Tara of San Diego

Cassie Rosales, the emissary for Baron Tara, had made an appearance at the gallery, along with the cities constable, Absalom Hood. They had informed the mortal staff at the gallery that they required to speak with Ethan and Luthor immediately. The manager at the Galerie Sanguine had been personally appointed by Michael Tomassio and was well aware of the nature of her employer and his agents, so took the request in her stride.

Cassie got straight to the point "It is my understanding that you both have a history with problem resolution?"

Ethan decided to air on the side of caution with his reply. "That's one of our duties that's required of us, when the situation necessitates it." Luthor was more direct. "We know our way around problem solving, sure. Do you need our help with something?"

The pair exchanged a brief look, it was obvious that they were about to get volunteered for something, whether they liked it or not.

"Your Baron requires a small service of you..." began Cassie "...A body has been discovered and the murder scene is ritualistic in nature. Tara would like one of the Clan of Death to examine the scene to, hopefully, reassure us that there is no kindred involvement in their death. Should you be able to do this then she would not be ungrateful. It's not far from here so it would also be in your best interests to confirm this for yourselves, one would imagine?"

"The crime occurred in an apartment attached to a business venture with kindred associations and so subtlety is required, as well as some measure of haste. Before I give you the details, Absalom has something to say..."

Absalom Hood - Brujah
'Constable' of San Diego

Absalom was an imposing presence and had a reputation for direct action against any threats to his Baron. He rarely spoke, but when he did it was wise to pay attention. Like Cassie, he too was direct in his approach. Apparently you didn't rise through the ranks in San Diego through subtlety.

"You find any sign of kindred involvement, and you let me know immediately. I've had a quick look myself but that occult crap means fuck all to me...." He then reached into his pocket and produced a cheap burner phone.

"Send me a message or ring me using that phone, and that phone only. Avoid kindred terminology if you can, the line is secure but it never hurts to air on the side of not getting dragged to a Blacksite by the Second Inquisition, and I'll deal with it from there if there are any complications."

Both Ethan and Luthor had a fair idea about how Absalom might 'deal' with those complications and both decided to ensure that neither of them fell into that category. Ethan was already working out what he might need to take with him to facilitate the investigation. Luthor meanwhile was more concerned about how the situation could be turned to his advantage. When the Baron, Emissary and Constable of a city were asking you for a favour, then the rewards could be considerable.

Carrie then gave Ethan an address in the nearby district of Point Loma Heights, and two keys.

"Any pertinent questions?"

The pair had several, and over the next few minutes ascertained that the authorities had yet to become involved, that the body had been discovered by 'a local' who it became obvious that they weren't going to be told the identity of, and that the kindred associated with the business would also be remaining a mystery for now. "I can..." added Ethan. "...dispose of any bodies that might need to disappear..."

Storytellers Note - Ethan's player has the Oblivion power 'Ashes to Ashes' which allows him to dissolve a corpse by adding a small amount of his vitae to it.

Absalom stated that he'd keep the offer in mind should it become necessary.

Interlude - Trust Issues

Absalom Hood's Personal Transport

Tara's representatives returned to Absalom's transport where his own people were waiting, he turned to Cassie and repeated the question he'd asked her before they'd arrived.

"Are you sure that these kindred are trustworthy enough for this task?"

Cassie knew that Absalom was suspicious of everyone, even her, and that his first response to betrayal was invariably fatal to the betrayer.

"Them?.. No..." replied Cassie. "...their employer however, would not have made them responsible for one of his projects unless they had the necessary skills, and a reasonable certain set of moral standards that governed their actions."

Absalom was one of only three kindred within the city who knew Cassie's true name and origins, and so was also aware that she had some personal bias towards the founder of the Galerie Sanguine, Michael Tomassio.

"Just because he prevented your destruction..." replied Absalom. "...doesn't mean he didn't have a personal agenda for doing so. You talk about him like he's a fucking saint..."

Marius Walker - 'Shape of the Beasts Wrath'

Arla, or Cassie as she was now known, decided to frame the conversation in terms Absalom was more likely to appreciate. "He also managed to persuade Marius 'The Wolf Spider' Walker to go along with his plan, and my survival was part of those terms."

"He faced off against one of the scariest bastards in L.A. and convinced him to spare me. Can you imagine yourself taking that risk?.. for anyone?...I should also add that he was a nine foot tall demonic bat for most of that evening..."

Absalom conceded the point. "You better be fucking right..." he concluded. "...cuz you'll be taking the fucking blame if this goes to shit..."

Cassie merely nodded in reply as she had expected nothing less. She'd begun to have a few suspicions about Absalom, specifically that he was a lot better at kindred politics than he wanted others to believe.

Absalom kept his gaze upon Cassie as she entered the vehicle. "This one..." he thought to himself "...is a little too smart for her own good...." He'd have to have her activities monitored, and he had just the kindred in mind for the job.

Scene Two - The Free Clinic

Luthor Constantine's 'Acquired' Vehicle

They decided to take Ethan Holst's car as it was far more functional and less obvious than Luthor's considerably flashier sports car. Luthor had acquired the vehicle in a confidence con that had inadvertently involved another kindred and their ghoul, and had made himself an enemy in the process.

Of course he could have resolved the issue by giving it back, but that solution had, for some reason, never occurred to him.

Being the more practical of the two, Ethan suggested that they pretended to be professional cleaners. An easy cover for the Samedi as he had a legitimate business doing exactly that. He also had a plethora of warning signs used to put off curious visitors who might think twice about entering an area containing poisonous fumes or acidic chemicals. He also took with him overalls and protective clothing so as to further lend credence to the ruse. Needles to say, Luthor wasn't a fan of the 'look like a cleaner' part of the plan.

The Free Clinic - San Diego

Ethan also had several alternate adhesive signs for his vehicle with a selection of completely fictional companies on them. He also had a box of number plates acquired from various clean-up jobs, but decided that such precautions would be unnecessary on this occasion.

The apartment specified was above a modern looking free clinic outside of which were various well designed and eye-catching signs appealing for donations of blood. That a kindred might have interests in such a concern wasn't much of a surprise. It wouldn't be the first time that a blood drive had been used as a cover for feeding.

A security camera outside had been vandalised at some point, it's lens thoroughly and completely smashed. Several street lights had similar damage despite the area itself seeming to be fairly free of detritus, graffiti and the other signs of an area prone to crime. Quite the opposite, in fact the area was quite upmarket and the clinic itself was well lit, it was just the approach to it that had been compromised.

Both noted that several of the signs had the logo of Aegis Medical is in one corner. So they concluded that this was either a business of Aegis's, or something set up by them for someone else. Given the involvement of both Tara's Emissary, and Constable, it seemed likely to them that it belonged to Tara or someone close to her.

A quick bit of research by Ethan revealed that a charitable organisation, funded by Aegis, ran blood drives around the city and had received some public support from the Mayor, who they knew was in Tara's pocket. Though not one hundred percent conclusive, this did strongly indicate that their assumption that this was a project of Tara's, was likely correct.

Ethan's extensive experience with crime scenes also led him to believe that the vandalism was certainly an attempt to cover an approach to the building by someone with criminal intent, as otherwise the damage was in no way in keeping with the area the clinic was based in.

After giving up trying to find a way to wear the overalls that still made him look 'cool', Luthor settled for rolling up the sleeves and wearing his sunglasses instead of the provided goggles. Ethan made no comment as just getting his associate to put the overalls on at all was a win as far as he was concerned.

"It might be possible to learn who broke that camera if we can access the footage..." theorized Ethan. "...though they'd have to be an idiot, or careless, or both..." Luthor considered this for a moment before replying. "You find out where the footage goes, and I'm sure I can persuade someone there to hand it over..."

Interlude - 'Cleo'

Cleo's Prostitutes and Blood Dolls

Absalom entered the brothel through the side entrance. The bouncer recognised him and made no attempt to bar his progress. One of his predecessors had made that mistake, and he had no desire to suffer the same fate. "She's in her office..." he stated, while avoiding making eye-contact. Tara's 'Constable' ignored him, he already knew exactly where he was going.

Several of Cleo's girls were smoking in one of the rear waiting rooms as it had evidently been a quiet night. These he actually bothered to acknowledge as he had used several as blood dolls in the past, and would probably need to do so in the future.

They responded to his attention with practiced smiles, before their attention returned to their cigarettes and small talk.

He continued unopposed to the top floor but decided, in the interest of diplomacy, to knock before entering the office. "Enter, Mr Hood..." said a sultry voice from within, "....my doors are always open for you..."

Cleo, was a rare beauty. Her features were perfect, she had the poise of a supermodel, and the figure to match. She was lounging on a velvet couch, and gestured to a seat opposite her, which Absalom took. Most of the sex workers and sex trade within San Diego were under Cleo's control, and she had contacts in every level of society, both legitimate and not.

'Cleo' - Kindred Madam

As was his way, he got straight to the point. "I need you to have some of your people follow someone and let me know what they're up to. It needs to be done with subtlety as the target is quite important..." Absalom placed a card upon one of the coffee tables, with several addresses written on it. "...they'll be at one of these locations..."

Cleo raised her head slightly to look at the card, but left it where it was. "You're using me, instead of Blackwell, because he would report to Tara first and you second, and the first question asked would be 'why are you keeping tabs on the Barons Emissary?'" Absalom decided that a reply was unnecessary. Cleo had summed up the situation perfectly. "Fine..." stated Cleo after a moments consideration. "...but this is going to cost you extra."

One of Absalom's burner phones vibrated, and he looked at the message, swore, then once more addressed Cleo. "I have one more favour to ask..." continued Absalom. "...it's going to be along night and I probably won't get time to feed..."

"I'll throw that in for free..." replied Cleo. "...use one of the lazy bitches you passed on the way up. They aren't making me any money tonight so they might as well be useful for something..."

Scene Three - The Scene of the Crime

Old Damage, New Locks

The apartment's were accessed from a stairway in an alleyway alongside the clinic. The doors lock had been very recently replaced by a larger version. Where the wood had been previously splintered could be seen behind it as the new security measure didn't quite conceal the damage behind it. From the cracks in the wood it looked like someone had previously opened it with their foot. Unfortunately, when this had happened wasn't immediately apparent.

A second lock had also been added. As this showed no sign of damage, it seemed likely that it was added after the previous encounter between the door and someone's boot.

The keys they had been given fit the two locks perfectly.

"Did Absalom say where he got these keys?.." asked Luthor "...because if he had them all along then this is definitely one of Tara's places..."

The furniture within had been moved as close to the rooms walls as possible so as to free up the floor space. A carpet had been rolled up and propped in one corner. Judging from the ragged edges and remnants still on the floor, this had been accomplished quickly, or with very little care.

A poor attempt at a Warding Circle...

The floor space now contained a ritual circle surrounded by arcane symbols and words. It had been drawn in charcoal, but a significant section was missing. Judging from the lines of black in this area, something was dragged out towards the bathroom, their heels smudging out the markings as they were moved. Despite the damage, Ethan could reasonably extrapolate what the original might have looked like.

The trail led to the bathroom...

Ethan had a closer look at the markings, and was unimpressed. The symbols were from warding rituals of various kinds but weren't even close to the correct configuration to actual defend anyone.

Even if they had been correctly drawn, they would have needed to be transcribed in blood, or vitae, and would have disappeared once activated.

Luthor pushed open the bathroom door, and both kindred looked within.

--------------------

A woman lay dead in several inches of water that was now stained crimson with her blood. Her wrists had been slashed and the cuts also extended up her forearm. A kitchen knife lay on the floor adjacent to the bath, it was also covered in blood. Her body had various symbols cut into it which, like the ones in the living room, weren't even close to being correctly aligned to make a ritual work.

A bloody bathroom - Vampire attack?

There were also other marks on the woman's wrists and ankles, possibly she had been bound at some point with rope. To someone with a vague knowledge of kindred, this scene would certainly draw attention, but an actual kindred with knowledge of blood sorcery would see through it, as Ethan had. Worryingly, the Second Inquisition would certainly be drawn here should the scene hit the media.

While Ethan investigated the scene, Luthor began a search of the rest of the apartment. The bedroom contained clothing, both a man's and a woman's, and the items in the bathroom also seemed to indicate a male and female occupant.

"A sloppy attempt at subterfuge..." commented Ethan. "...none of these rituals would have worked."

Luthor, who wasn't new to scenes of suicide, due to his clans occasional tendency to push a victim a little to hard towards acts that they subsequently regretted, had some opinions about the blade work. "The knife matches the wounds on the wrists, but not the other stuff..." he remarked.

Ethan had initially arrived at the same conclusion, but a closer examination had convinced him otherwise. "No... they just pressed harder on the cuts to the wrists. You can see some bruising..." Luthor didn't bother to argue. The Samedi was generally correct about such things.

Before they could discuss the matter further, and in direct contradiction to their earlier instructions that it was they who were to ring Absalom, not the other way around, their burner phone rang.

"What did you find?"

Ethan could detect the urgency in Absalom's voice so quickly gave him an overview of the situation, including Luthor's opinion that the apartment was shared.

This didn't surprise Absalom, as his reply indicated. "I think we've found the flatmate, more correctly the dead woman in the bath was his bit on the side. I'll send you the address. One of the sweepers will be waiting for you, Rowan probably, I think Skinner is dealing with something else. Don't hang about..."

The specified address was a mere thirty minutes away in Point Loma.

"We're needed again..." commented Ethan.

Interlude - Eyes and Ears

The kindred swore as he saw movement on the stairs.

The device wasn't concealed anywhere near as well as he would have liked, and he much preferred to wire such devices directly into the vehicles own electrical system rather than place them externally.

GPS Tracking Device

To make matters worse, one of the fuckers was apparently Samedi and those guys could do all sorts of weird shit. Hopefully seeing things that weren't actually there didn't translate to detecting surveillance devices as well.

He rolled from under the vehicle and faded from sight as he moved into cover behind a nearby wall. Though invisible to mortal eyes, other kindred were often sensitive to such abilities and so he deemed it best to get some physical cover between himself and the two investigators that Absalom had dragged into the situation.

As the pair drove away, the observer tested the receiver and was relieved when he discovered that the signal was strong, and that he had a clear indicator of direction and distance. Once he handed the device over to the other agent he could get on with the other job his boss had given him. If this had been a Camarilla domain then all this sneaking about would have been unnecessary, but unfortunately he, his allies, and their leader, had no authority here. For now at least.

He hated dealing with Anarch domains, almost as much as he disliked problems that couldn't be solved by cutting somethings heart out. And now here he was, sneaking about like a fucking Nos, spying on a zombie raiser and a corrupter of foolish mortals. This wasn't even supposed to be his task, but the boss had sent the other two on some other task and that just left him.

"Fucking Anarchs..." he muttered to himself as he headed back to his own vehicle, only to notice an opportunist thief trying unsuccessfully to break into it. He loosened his blade in it's scabbard and smiled to himself. Maybe this evening would provide some entertainment after all.

Scene Four - More Victims, More Clues

Rowan Barnes - Gangrel
Sweeper for San Diego

One of the cities census-takers, presumably Rowan, was waiting for them at the new location. Rowan was a hardy looking man, embraced in his early thirties, practically dressed in jeans, t-shirt and a jacket. The hilt of a hunting knife could be seen on his belt.

"You're the art guys, right?"

"Amongst many other talents..." replied Luthor.

"Absalom wants to keep this as close to the Barons entourage as possible, but as your already involved, I guess your both now deputised..." Rowan's smile was one of amusement, not malice, it seemed that he found the idea of them both being 'volunteered' as somehow funny.

The building was an old, solidly constructed, apartment building. A large billboard on the outside showed a picture of the building, modernised and expanded, and announced a renovation project that was to begin in a few months time. The majority of the building looked to be empty and it seemed that the downstairs flat was the last set of rooms due to be emptied of residents.

The door to one of the downstairs flats had been removed from its hinges by a powerful blow, taking a cheap lock with it. Absalom was waiting for them inside.

--------------------

A man, wearing nothing more than a pair of boxer shorts, lay dead, sprawled across a cheap and well worn sofa. His throat has been torn out in what looked very much like an animal attack. A beer can had spilled it's contents on the floor and the television was still on, a repeat of some sporting event was showing, though the sound had been muted.

"He was the caretaker. Apparently he'd been given permission to remain until refurbishment began, and then temporary residents and his old job back when the project was complete. He must have had friends in the company because that's a hell of a deal..."

"It gets messier..." warns the Constable...

There are three more dead in the property. A woman, presumably attempting to escape, had almost made it to the back door before a powerful blow to her back shattered her spine. Her throat was also damaged, and the paleness of the corpse, relative to the tiny crimson pool around it, led them to believe she had been drained of her lifeblood.

"The bedroom is the worst, but I need you to look...." continued Absalom. He seemed almost apologetic. When they entered the room they understand why.

The two young children, a boy and a girl, were sitting upright in bed, as if placed there like toy dolls. Both had an expression of pure terror on their dead faces. Both also had the twin marks that horror fans associate with vampire attacks, upon their necks.

Delilah Moreno - Gangrel Sweeper

"They might as well have put up a fucking sign saying 'here be vampires'..." muttered Rowan, who had entered the room behind them.

Another kindred, who hadn't introduced themselves, was examining a selection of personal belongings laid out on a low coffee table. She had been watching them out of the corner of her eye since they arrived at the scene. "Who the fuck are these pair?" she asked Absalom, despite them standing right next to her.

"This unsociable bitch is Delilah..." began Absalom. "...please introduce yourselves to her while I work out how the fuck we clean up this scene do it doesn't look like a vampire movie was being filmed here..."

The pair introduced themselves to an unimpressed Delilah, who eventually bothered to ask them about the other scene. Ethan summarised the situation. "There's a lot of things there that make no sense at all. Charcoal isn't used to make warding circles for one, the wounds seem staged, it's just inconsistent, almost rushed..."

Luthor interrupted Ethan's report. "I think Absalom is in a hurry for us to take a closer look at the dead kids..."

--------------------

Ethan closely investigated the puncture wounds. "These don't look like a vampire made them. They might have been drained with a syringe. It also doesn't look like they've lost enough blood to kill them."

They had Absalom's attention now, and so Ethan continued.

"The deaths of the adults seems quite brutal, the children, not so much. It's possible they could have been injected with poison using same hole that blood was taken out. That would explain the precise nature of the wounds, their skin colouration and the fact that the blood loss was insufficient to bring about their deaths. In fact the children seem to have been killed far more humanely than their parents."

Luthor interjected "So whoever did this was more humane than they gave away? and pussied out when it came to the kids? That still doesn't explain why they'd point the murders at kindred. And why this family?"

"A personal connection?" theorized Ethan.

"Well they murdered his mistress too so that tracks." added Luthor "Still doesn't explain why they'd want to gain all this kindred attention."

Absalom had his own input too. "Much of what you're suggesting implies multiple attackers."

Justin Rush - Brujah Smuggler

"Yes..." replied Ethan "...but that still leaves a lot of possibilities. We can't rule out ghouls, either guided by their regnant's or unbound ones. Though if they were vampires one could do it if they had the right abilities and disciplines, but if mortals did this then we would definitely be talking about multiple assailants."

While the discussion continued, Luthor began to look through the victims belongings that Delilah had scattered over the table. It was of no surprise to anyone who knew him that the first item he selected to examine was the victims wallet.

"Is this one of Justin Rush's businesses?" asked Luthor. "I only mention it because the dead guy has one of his business cards in his wallet..."

This last observation received no reply from Absalom who had just received another message

"We've been summoned by the boss. She wants a report and we haven't a lot to tell her other than that it's a fucking mess..."

It seemed that a visit to the notoriously unpredictable Baron of San Diego was in their near future.

Interlude - As Above, So Below

'Cleo' - Nosferatu
Mistress of the Sex Trade of San Diego

Cleo made her way to the brothel's basement and opened an armoured door to which she had the only key.

The room was soundproofed, with a drain in it's centre, beneath a heavy railing from which chains and manacles hung. These were currently unoccupied as Cleo had a full compliment of playthings from which to feed, well secured within her haven below the city deep within the warrens.

She removed her expensive clothing and placed each item carefully in a wardrobe set into the rooms right-hand side. As soon as she had shed her garments, she also dispensed with the illusionary mask which hid her true features.

Cleo was not as hideously deformed as some of her clan, her skin was dark and rough, her hair consisted of dreadlocks, intermingled with some scaly patches, and her eyes glowed white, like an animals might appear when light reflected from them, but she could pass for human if she covered herself up.

However, she always compared herself to the beauty she was before, and in that regard she considered her current appearance to be hideous, in comparison at least.

At the rooms rear was a second, equally secure, door that led to a long stone staircase that descended deep into the sewers. Unselfconscious in her nakedness, she blended with the darkness and disappeared into the warrens of San Diego without making a single sound. As she moved towards her base beneath the city, her childer emerged from the darkness one by one and joined their sire.

No-one above had any concept of what she was creating below the city. Soon all beneath the surface would be hers and her rival Blackwell would be allowed to join her as her second or be destroyed. Preferably the latter.

Scene Five - The Baron of San Diego

Absalom's instructions to Ethan and Luthor had been very specific.

"You two tag along, but don't talk unless she asks you a question, or I prompt you. She's going to be pissed off as it is without anyone making it fucking worse..."

Tara's base was currently a hundred million dollar, hilltop home amongst some of the most luxurious mansions in San Diego. Security was discrete, but state of the art, and the more kindred friendly aspects of it's internal layout were alleged to have been designed by the famed Malkavian architect Dillan Fitzgerald. The building itself had been modified, modernised and extended by Aegis Construction, presumably in return for boons and favours for Marius's business interests within the city. Though the building looked open plan from the outside, clever design had left many hidden and sheltered areas deep within and the whole structure was deceptively secure.

The head of security for Tara's haven introduced himself as Mr Duffy and might as well have been wearing a sign around his neck that said 'Former special forces soldier'.

Jude Duffy - Ghoul of Tara
Chief of Security for Baron Tara

As the group were escorted through the building, staff could be clearly seen going about their duties within. To the casual observer this looked like the servants who might be working in any such place, but rumour had it that they were all blood dolls of varying resonances, depending on what 'flavour' their mistress desired that evening.

The basement of Tara's home contained a meeting room of sorts. The ornate table had half a dozen chairs around it, one of which was considerably more ornate than the others. It is on this chair that Tara Kearney, Baron of San Diego awaited them, though some whispered that she'd prefer the title 'Prince' .

Her voice was soft and without a hint of menace, but the eyes painted a far different picture. They constantly moved between those in the room, then to the doorway, and then back again. Both were aware that hyper-awareness was a sign of paranoia or PTSD. Given Tara's recent experiences, in her case it might well be both.

"Why those locations? It's not a coincidence is it?" asked Tara, the movement they approached the table.

As Absalom begins to speak, Tara quietened him with a raised hand. "I'd like to hear the perspective of an outsider looking in, or two in this case." Her attention turned to Luthor and Ethan. "What do you think is going on?"

She then started to tap on the table with a ring containing a dark red stone, the broken rhythm almost sounded like Morse code. Ethan wasn't sure whether this was subconscious or a deliberate attempt to make those speaking to her uncomfortable. Either way it was irritating in the extreme.

Tara Kearney - Brujah
Baron/Prince of San Diego

Ethan went first, as Luthor had been distracted by some of the more expensive of the mansions ornaments. The Samedi dearly hoped that Luthor hadn't pocketed any of them on the way through Tara's home.

"As you know this is an ongoing investigation and is at the early stages, however, neither of us believe that these attacks can, with any level of certainty, be blamed upon kindred. Not all of the puncture marks were have inflicted by fangs, several were morel likely made by the insertion of a syringe. All in all these scenes seems like part of an elaborate ruse. The ritualistic marks from the first site were ineffective and wrong, a performance if you will. That the two sites had a connection is certain, that it is merely the relationship between the victims is not necessarily the only one, there may be other facts yet to come to light."

Luthor then added his own observations.

"My professional acquaintance has gotten to the crux of this. I find it interesting that the janitor had been killed, as well as his mistress, one or the other would have been sufficient o create this 'vampire killer' idea. Whoever had done this also clearly felt they had overstepped the line with the children and this is a moral aspect that fits poorly with the other facts."

Luthor was clearly aware of the difference between right and wrong, he was just of the opinion that the rules didn't always necessarily apply to himself if they were an inconvenience. He automatically assumed that any kindred with a modicum of common sense felt the same way.

As Tara spoke it became apparent that she had only absorbed the information that confirmed what she already believed. "It seems obvious then that someone is trying to draw attention to parts of the city associated with myself. There is no doubt in my mind that those traitors are inhabitants of this city. Who else would have such knowledge?"

Josef Moyer and Sapphire Khan - Caitiff

"Absalom! You must find these wretches and punish them for me. Start with the thinbloods, they can't be trusted, I can feel them plotting against me. They'll have allies too...that pair who protect them Josef and Sapphire, they'll be in on the scheme to undermine me..."

"May I also offer an alternate viewpoint?" Interjected Luthor.

Ethan took a step backwards and made sure he knew where the exits were. Absalom had warned them against talking unless specifically addressed. Tara grew quiet, and very still. Even the tapping of her ring ceased.

Conspiracy Theories?

"You might well be correct..." began Luthor, either ignoring the warning signs, or just not noticing them. "...but the last thing you want to do is accidentally overlook something. Absalom and Delilah have discovered that Justin Rush had some involvement with the victim, he could be involved in the killings too. It would be a shame if a pre-emptive attack on one group allowed a second, or even a third to escape justice..."

Considering the fact that he considered himself a debunker of conspiracy theories, Ethan could apparently invent some just as quickly.

Tara remained quiet for a few more moments, even Absalom seemed unsure about what her next move might be. Then she spoke again, this time her tone was more measured.

"This one may be right, this could be part of a much larger conspiracy to undermine my position as leader. Many are jealous of me, and believe themselves to be better suited to rule. Preposterous of course. None in this city are more suited to the throne than myself..." she then turned to Absalom. "...this one has some useful insights, his assistant too. They will continue to help you in the hunt for those who would dare to commit treason against me..."

Ethan chose to ignore being described as 'Luthor's assistant', despite doing most of the investigative work. He was also was sure that separating themselves from these events was now impossible. Currently they were two of only a handful of kindred who Tara didn't suspect of treason. He imagined that crossing that line might be very simple indeed, and the consequences were not likely to be conducive to a long and happy unlife. Tara was clearly a dangerous, paranoid lunatic.

Luthor on the other hand, was already calculating the benefits of being on the side of the Baron. Her paranoia could be focussed and used to their benefit and should the situation change, then he'd just switch sides.

They were almost out of the chamber when Baron Tara spoke once more.

"Find them, find them all..."

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To Be Continued in 'Galerie Sanguine: San Diego (Part Two)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

That's things set up nicely. The players are already deep into their paranoid conjecture and I'm busy tweaking the next session based on those. These things are, after all, meant to be collaborative, right?

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

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Further 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 Luthor Constantine is Michele Morrone Michael, Ethan Holst is Bryan Cranston, Michael Tomassio is Matt Bomer, Cassie Rosales is Claudia Black, Absalom Hood is Jamie Dornan, Cleo is Bella Hadid, Rowan Barnes is Ben Foster, Delilah Monroe is Marg Helgenberger, Justin Rush is Armie Hammer, Jude Duffy is Luke Evans, Tara Kearney is Melissa Rauch, Josef Moyer is Sterling K Brown and Sapphire Khan is Uzo Aduba,

San Diego 'Galerie Sanguine' Chronicle - Briefing

2023-05-05T17:30:00.000+01:00

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

Our primary 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. This is the initial chronicle briefing pack for the second of several planned interludes which will centre on the expansion of Baron Michael Tomassio's 'Galerie Sanguine' franchise to other domains.

--------------------

Introduction

You have a hard act to follow.

The 'Galerie Sanguine' franchises in Pasadena, Hollywood and San Francisco have all been great successes and it looks like Chicago will follow this trend. Of course none of them have to deal with a cities ruler who is at best a paranoid sociopath and at her worst, borderline psychopathic.

Your Mission

Michael Tomassio has given you an important task to perform now that you are established within the city. Interested parties have began to look in the direction of San Diego and in particular at it's ruler, Baron Tara Kearney.

Michael Tomassio, Baron of the North East

Arbiter of the Anarch Council of Los Angeles

Two things concern them.

Firstly, should Tara somehow be removed from power, how the remaining forces would align themselves and secondly, If Tara was convinced to declare for the Camarilla, who would oppose that decision.

You are aware that a Camarilla power broker, Fiorenza Savona, has offered to back Michael's next Galerie Sanguine franchise and it's just possible that should you be a success in this venture that you might be able to gain employment in a city containing far better opportunities than this one.

Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue, Camarilla Power Broker

At worse you would ingratiate yourselves with an up and comer in the murky world of kindred politics where a boon is an invaluable reward and Michael Tomassio's star is certainly on the rise. His census-taker, enforcer, investigator and accountant have all ascended with him and have their peers respect and in some cases fear.

Though first, of course, you'd have to succeed in your task...

'The Galerie Sanguine'

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Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - Feeding Ground

The latest of Michael Tomassio's Galerie Sanguine franchises is based in San Diego's arts district.

Haven 2: Herd 1, Luxury, Resources 1, Security System 1.

It also includes a feeding ground that is well defined by a number of perimeter roads and the small body of water that separates it from San Diego International Airport.

The Airport itself has been declared a 'No Go' area where feeding is forbidden, due to the presence of some security systems that Tara has been warned are Second Inquisition devices designed to detect kindred. This effectively limits kindred travel in and out of the city to the ports and main roads.

San Diego - Mission Bay at Night

The galleries initial stock has been made up of works via local artists, some of Michael's own pieces and other artwork and sculptures obtained from creative kindred that Michael supports. With three well established branches already acquiring such pieces, the influence of the Baron of North East Los Angeles is spreading amongst the artistic communities of the undead.

Population

---------------------------

Kindred Population of San Diego (34)

Brujah: 11

Caitiff: 5

Duskborn: 3

Gangrel: 3

'The Ministry': 3

Antitribu

'Abstract' Toreador: 1

'Red' Nosferatu: 3

'Free' Ventrue: 1

Unaffiliated

Gangrel of 'The Oratory': 4

---------------------------------

Temporary Residents

This number varies but is rarely by more than a mere handful and all are required to announce themselves on arrival and feed only in the areas temporarily allocated to them. The majority of short-term residents of San Diego, are merely stopping there on their way to Los Angeles. Currently there are only three.

The Baron and her Inner Circle

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baron

Tara Kearney - Brujah

Tara Kearney - Brujah
Baron of San Diego

In December of 1944, when the call went out for Anarchs to assist in the Revolt, it was hoped that a few Kindred from the neighbouring cities would show up to help. It was quite a pleasant surprise when Tara, a well-known Anarch from Texas, showed up with fifteen Brujah fighters, many of them veterans of the American Civil War. Their support was a major factor in the defeat of Don Sebastian's forces.

When the Anarchs needed a strike team to go to San Diego, Tara immediately volunteered. She found Maria, the Prince of San Diego, already destroyed. Tara immediately declared San Diego a member of the Anarch Free States and, in the first land grab in the brief history of the States, claimed the area as her own. The Revolutionary Council was too busy to argue with her, and then Tara strengthened her grip on the Barony of San Diego. Many Anarchs believed she had plans to completely break away from the Free States and declare herself Prince of San Diego, which would probably have precipitated a war with the rest of the Free States.

Jenna Cross, Duskborn messiah, and her followers made these rumours irrelevant when they stormed her penthouse apartment before any such plan could be implemented. Once the battle made it's way to the rooftop, Tara was riddled with bullets and shells from a dozen handguns, assault rifles and shotguns, then fell thirty stories to the ground below. Though Tara's followers retrieved the body, no-one was in any doubt that she'd met her final death. Unfortunately the duskborn were unable to capitalise on this victory and instead returned to Los Angeles where they took over Santa Monica pier and claimed it as their own domain.

However, she somehow survived. But with her forces scattered and her influence significantly reduced, she needed allies to regain her former power.

Over the next year her enemies, and those who were happier without her as ruler, began to suffer a series of misfortunes. Some of these merely disappeared, others met their ends in arson attacks, explosions and violent ambushes. All the scenes were then expertly cleaned. Business interests and political contacts were also targeted and within twelve months, Tara was once more the only significant kindred in San Diego, and once more claimed the position of Baron.

San Diego at Night

The hand of the Los Angeles 'Fixer' Marius Walker was suspected. A fact more or less confirmed by the campaign of the cities, then soon to be, new Mayor being funded by Aegis sponsors, and his subsequent granting of significant city contracts to that same company when he entered office. That the Mayor is a blood-bound thrall of Tara is more or less common knowledge amongst the kindred of San Diego, but his public persona makes acting against him a potential masquerade breach. Her hold over the political decisions made within the city gives her a significant advantage over her rivals.

Her experiences have created a mercurial ruler who sees all her subjects as potential rivals, traitors or otherwise plotting against her in some way. Staying in her favour is difficult, but those who manage it can pretty much do as they please within San Diego as Tara considers any actions against her 'confidants' as an act against her.

As far as Tara is concerned, to know her is to love her, to oppose her is to die.

Haven

Having had bad experiences with multi-storey buildings, Tara's base is now a 100 million dollar, hilltop home amongst some of the most luxurious mansions in San Diego. Security is discrete, but state of the art, and the more kindred friendly aspects of it's internal layout were designed by the famed Malkavian architect Dillan Fitzgerald. The building itself was modified, modernised and extended by Aegis Construction.

Tara has her own herd, in the guise of an extensive staff at her home and therefore has no need to put herself in danger when feeding. She has additional protection in the form of security teams, the leaders of which are blood-bound to her. Their leader is her ghoul, Jude Duffy, a former special forces commander who was recruited for her by Mercury Security Solutions.

'Emissary'

Cassie Rosales - 'Free' Ventrue

Cassie Rosales - 'Free' Ventrue
Emissary of Baron Tara

Cassie Rosales acts as Emissary for Tara when other domains are dealt with or if Tara simply deems the message beneath her notice to pass on personally. She is a recent addition to Tara's inner circle but is considered by most to be an excellent choice for the role. Of course, criticising Baron Kearney's choices in any area isn't exactly a great idea so maybe their private thoughts are different.

Cassie is beautiful, intelligent and hungry for power. Being this close to the throne has given her a taste of authority and she likes it. Though she is far too smart to make a play for the top job, she's not above creatively interpreting the messages given in order to curry favour or inconvenience potential rivals.

She is used to navigating the whims of a morally ambiguous and unpredictable superior. If anything, Tara is less dangerous than her previous employer was.

Haven

Cassie has an apartment in Downtown San Diego. This central location facilitates her role within the city. Her financial needs are taken care of by Baron Tara and she has been granted several surrounding blocks as feeding ground.

------------------

Cassie is a common sight in the various feeding grounds of San Diego and has therefore been to the Galerie Sanguine many times to relay Tara's dictates.

The representatives of the gallery know something that only Baron Tara and Blackwell are also aware of. Cassie Rosales is actually the presumed destroyed Arla Hartley, former assistant to Marcelina Black of the Los Angeles 'Farm' of the Circulatory System. It has also been made clear to them that 'Cassie' is a potentially invaluable source of information on both the Circulatory System and other powerful organisations and therefore her position is not to be put in jeopardy.

A change of hair style, and a more casual style of dress has been her only attempt at disguise. It has however been surprisingly effective. Camarilla visitors are rare in San Diego and The Circulatory System has no presence there.

------------------

'Spymaster'

'Blackwell' - 'Red' Nosferatu

'Sticky' Malone - 'Red' Nosferatu, Childe of 'Blackwell'

'Blackwell' - 'Red' Nosferatu
Spymaster for Baron Tara

Dennis Blackwell was, in life, a financial expert and investigator for a powerful investment firm. Embraced in 1929 during the worst stock market crash in history by a Nosferatu desperate to keep the fortune on which their influence was based, Dennis took to his new existence with surprising ease. His sires investments were, unfortunately, already doomed and he, like many destitute investors of the time took his own life. Or unlife in this case.

Never a handsome man, and with little interest in pleasures of the flesh, Blackwell's hideous new appearance made little difference to him. This was fortunate as he has received the curse of his clan in a most extreme manner. His skin is black and blistered, in many ways resembling a burn victim, and even other kindred sometimes find his appearance unsettling. That disadvantage aside, his own spy network is quiet, efficient and ensure that Blackwell always has access to the most up to date information available. He is also unusually tech savvy for a kindred who didn't even see a computer for the first eighty years of his existence.

Blackwell has a single childe who also was somewhat unfortunate with the curse of his clan. 'Sticky' Malone, was recently rescued from captivity at the hands of an Unbound Ghoul gang known as 'The Youngbloods' and returned to his sire. This return has allowed Blackwell to get back to the business of being Tara's spymaster and advisor, and as a side-effect has ingratiated the one deemed most responsible for his liberation. Michael Tomassio's latest Galerie Sanguine franchise within the city was allowed to occur without interference, largely due to Blackwell vouching for them, and Tara's, probably temporary, gratitude at the assistance given to her chief advisor.

Unfortunately, the chance of this goodwill lasting indefinitely is unlikely. Eventually Tara's attention will turn to them, likely with suspicious eyes.

Haven

Blackwell makes his home beneath San Diego in the Nosferatu Warrens that run below the existing sewer system. He shares this network with his own childe and 'Cleo', the only other Nosferatu in San Diego.

------------------

Blackwell meets only Baron Tara, his closest agents, and on rare occasions the domain's census-takers, in order to pass on information about their targets to them.

------------------

'Constable'

Absalom Hood - Brujah

Laurance Truman and Cecilia Baird - Brujah, Childer of Absalom

Absalom Hood - Brujah
Constable of San Diego

Though Anarch domains look down upon many of the Camarilla badges of rank, if San Diego had a Sheriff, it would be Absalom Hood.

A veteran of the American Civil War, and many wars since, Absalom is an imposing individual and rather handsome in that rugged way that many women seem to like. As Tara's favourite enforcer he is as ruthless as you'd expect. Politically unambitious, and content merely to crack heads without caring about the 'why', Absalom is a perfect choice for Tara's hatchet man.

He is a formidable hand to hand combatant and his focus has always been upon the physical aspects of the innate disciplines of his Clan. His only interest in their more esoteric abilities is their usefulness for purposes of intimidation.

It was he who retrieved Tara's body from where it lay after her attempted destruction at the hands of Jenna Cross and her followers, a fact reflected in his opinion of any thin-blooded residents of the city. Caitiff are largely tolerated, but a thin-blood within San Diego can expect their every action to be closely observed and analysed.

Absalom has two childer, Laurance Truman and Cecilia Baird, who have fought at his and Tara's side for over a century. Their loyalty to their Baron is absolute and should Absalom require aid, it is his childer who will be the first to come to his assistance.

However, when it comes to hunting down those who break the Baron's rules, it is the sweepers who do the majority of the dirty work.

Haven

Absalom's haven is somewhere near Seventeenth street in the East Village, though considering his job, he is careful to keep it's exact location to himself. The surrounding blocks along the outskirts of Downtown are known as San Diego's Skid Row and provide easy feeding considering the hundreds of homeless encampments that line the streets. Many kindred feed here and it isn't considered to be Absalom's feeding ground, though he has been authorized by Tara to deal with any kindred whose careless feeding there might draw undue attention.

------------------

The representatives of Galerie Sanguine have met Constable Hood on several occasions. On first arriving at the city, when allocated their feeding ground and after a minor dispute with a neighbour over where exactly the border between their respective territories actually were. On that final occasion, Absalom ruled in their favour, and dealt with the other kindreds objection to his decision by breaking their arms and legs and delivering their torpid form to their closest acquaintance in a body bag.

As messages go, it certainly made a point about questioning the rulings of the cities Sheriff.

------------------

'Sweepers'

Raphael 'Skinner' Hoffman - Gangrel Pack Leader

Rowan Barnes - Gangrel

Delilah Moreno - Gangrel

'Skinner' - Gangrel
Sweeper for San Diego

The pack of 'Skinner' Hoffman have been together since they were neonates and all have the same sire. An Elder Gangrel known simply as 'Jac'

'Jac' met his destruction a year ago in a mysterious fire that ravaged his haven. It's widely suspected that his allegiance was in question and rightly so. His plan to use his childer as a weapon to take control of San Diego was pre-empted by Blackwell, passed onto Tara, and a phone-call from her to a certain 'Fixer' was all it took to seal his fate.

Like Absalom, the three have no ambition outside of their next hunt, and the rewards given to them after each success. The pack are well aware of their sire's cause of final death and have taken the entire matter in typical pragmatic Gangrel fashion. He picked the wrong side and paid the price. His childer have no intention of making the same mistake. They have feeding grounds, respect, and are left to their own devices unless needed.

Though they have been approached by the Oratory representative a number of times, they have made it clear that their loyalty is to Tara, and unless she does something to destroy that relationship, that is how it's likely to remain.

Haven

Each of the sweepers has been granted their own park within San Diego as feeding ground, though they tend to all go to ground in the same area and rotate between them. This makes them both difficult to locate and more importantly, to challenge one is to fight them all.

------------------

The representatives of Galerie Sanguine are yet to have a direct meeting with the Census-Takers of San Diego. This can only be considered to be a good thing. Though they have been seen within their domain, this is part of their job and isn't therefore something that can be objected to without raising Tara's suspicions about what they might be hiding.

------------------

'Baron Tara's Brujah'

Of the fifteen Brujah who followed Tara to Los Angeles and then to San Diego, only nine survive into the modern nights. Four lost their unlives attempting to defend their Baron from the assault by Jenna Cross's overwhelming forces and a fifth was destroyed by Absalom when questions were raised about Tara's competence to rule before her resent ascension. He was granted trial by combat, but against Absalom that was effectively an execution, as his skill in combat exceeds that of his fellow Brujah within the city by a considerable margin.

Absalom, and his two childer make up a third of the remaining nine. The other six have been granted some of the best feeding grounds within the city as reward for their continued loyalty.

The Oratory

------------------------------

As would be expected considering Marius Walkers pivotal involvement in Tara's return to power, The Oratory and Aegis acquisitions have a strong presence in San Diego. The price for Marius's aid in her return were exceptional favourable terms for his own business interests as well as access to the port, associated transport links and some infrastructure.

Though their arrangement was complete upon Tara's rise once more to the rank of Baron, it is in both of their interests to continue to support the other.

Constance Carson - Gangrel

Constance Carson - 'The Oratory', San Diego

The Oratory representative within San Diego is Constance Carson. A fiery red-head considered something of a loose cannon amongst the hierarchy of the Oratory for three reasons.

Firstly she is unrelated to Marius Walker and therefore immune to the strange influence he has over his bloodline. Secondly she isn't Bahari so isn't guided by either of Marius's proxies within the Chosen of Ennoia, Mary or Aviana, and thirdly, the Gangrel pack allocated to San Diego are all her childer and therefore are loyal to her first and foremost.

However, she is also ruthless, efficient and very careful to ensure that her plots benefit both 'The Oratory' and herself in, broadly speaking, equal measures. She maintains her position with a formidable success record, and what might be considered excessively generous terms when undertaking tasks for Baron Tara.

Ingratiating herself with those who can help elevate herself is one of her many talents and she is unusually politically minded for a Gangrel. Possibly this is why she got the job in the first place. Marius does like surprises and one thing that Constance can never be accused of being, is boring.

Haven

Constance and her Pack are based at one of Aegis's logistics hubs in the financial centre of the city, though their exact sleeping places are unknown.

'The Untamed' - Gangrel

Cole, Garrett and Eleanor make up the appropriately named 'The Untamed' Gangrel Pack.

All are childer of Constance, number only three and are a blunt tool at best. Information gathering is mainly achieved through traditional surveillance methods by ghoul led teams who answer to Constance, with The Untamed being held in reserve for what might be diplomatically called 'Sweep and Clear' operations, though the original military term 'Search and Destroy' is more appropriate.

There is somewhat of a rivalry between this Pack and Tara's sweepers. As the only two Gangrel packs in the area, they'd really like to know which is the dominant one. Unfortunately, the local situation makes this difficult to achieve without a lot of political fallout. 'The Untamed' are older, more experienced and more potent in the blood, but are predictably direct in their methods. This lack of tactical acumen on their part might be enough to give the pack of 'Skinner' Hoffman an edge.

---------------------------

The Galerie Sanguine's representatives have had no need to deal with either Aegis or the Oratory so what they know of them is merely hearsay.

---------------------------

Other Kindred of Note

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'Cleo' - Nosferatu

'Cleo' Nosferatu
'Cleopatra', Madam and Sex Worker

Given it's usefulness as a convenient food source, the Sex Industry of any city is always much contested amongst kindred. Within San Diego, the majority of the prostitution is controlled by a Nosferatu named Cleo.

'Cleopatra' is a derogatory term used by the Nosferatu to describe those of their clan that were Embraced because of their extraordinary beauty. Cleo has taken the term and turned it into a badge of honour, and few in the city even remember her real moniker. In fact she was a pornographic film actress and model for many years. Drug use forced her into prostitution and by the time she was discovered overdosing in a back alley, she was a shadow of her former beauty. Some might have believed that she had suffered enough, however the Nosferatu who embraced her apparently did not.

Her sire survived just long enough to teach his childe the skills she needed to destroy and diablerise him. The black veins have long faded from her aura, but her bitterness remains and she has very little time for others of her clan.

Cleo controls several brothels and the majority of the cities street girls, via a series of proxies who extort protection money from the cities pimps. Those who refuse to pay don't stay in business for very long and currently over half of the sex trade in San Diego pays tribute to Cleo, whether they know it or not.

Cleo is a master of Obfuscate and uses this discipline to disguise herself as the sexual beauty she once was in order to feed. If a client proves to be particularly unpleasant then she may well show them her true form, before draining them dry and disposing of their exsanguinated corpse.

Haven

Cleo makes her home somewhere in the Warrens below San Diego. It's also rumoured that she keeps a herd of imprisoned former 'customers' there on which to feed, draining them dry when she grows bored of them and replacing the dead one with a new candidate.

'Dr Moses Lyn' - The Ministry

Clarence Hanna - The Ministry, Childe of Dr Moses

Naomi Reid - The Ministry

Dr Moses Lyn - The Ministry
'Preacher'

A conman in life and an evangelical preacher after his death, some might say that his career hasn't actually changed much.

His congregation is substantial, though access to his more intimate ceremonies is reserved for those with money, influence or both, which gives him a considerable herd from which to feed. It also allows him to gain power in the mortal world through manipulation of those who listen to his words.

Given the many scandals surrounding his chosen profession, Moses is careful to ensure that enough money finds it's way into the coffers of local churches to justify his claims as a benefactor of the community. Of course this is a mere fraction of the actual donations.

His words have, to his disappointment, had little effect upon the cities Baron who has little time for religion, kindred or otherwise. As far as she's concerned the only figure in San Diego worthy of worship is herself. In light of his failure to place himself as advisor to the Baron, he has instead turned his attention to her emissary. If he can't manipulate Tara directly, then perhaps he can do so via another route.

He is assisted by two Ministry Neonates. Clarence Hanna is his childe, and the other, Naomi Reid, has effectively been adopted as such. Between them they run the more mundane aspects of the cult that Moses has begun to establish.

If an alternate, and more malleable, candidate for leadership was to emerge then the Ministry might well lend them their support instead. It's also likely that Tara is aware of this, which makes it all the more important that they do nothing to draw her wrath upon them as she is certain to be looking for an excuse to do so.

Haven

Moses and his followers have a number of churches and halls of congregation around the city. Where they lie at night is unknown but they probably have resting places beneath one or more of these.

Justin Rush - Brujah

One of the few Brujah within San Diego who isn't directly beholden to Tara, Mr Rush is about as far from a warrior philosopher as is possible. Many mistake him for a Ventrue on their first meeting though it would be wise not to make such a comparison to his face.

Justin controls a logistics business, based at the Port of San Diego, that has branches at most of the major routes in and out of the city.

Smuggling is his main source of income, though he has a side-line in providing transport services for kindred with the need to travel outside of the city limits. He keeps his Baron on side by providing services for her for free and by providing for the needs of his own clan at, slightly, more favourable rates than he does for the rest.

He and Constance Carson have a begrudging but stable working relationship as both have interests in the port area. Justin is steadfastly resisting her attempts to muscle him out of the logistics business and some have theorized that for some reason she isn't trying as hard as she could be to eliminate him as competition.

Haven

Unknown, but likely within the dock area.

Josef Moyer and Sapphire Khan - Caitiff

Given the ties between Sire and Childe it isn't surprising that guilt by association is a common problem amongst kindred of dubious heritages. Josef and Sapphire have been careful to distance themselves from any association with the forces of Jenna Cross and make a point of continuously pledging their loyalty, and that of their followers, to the Baron.

The truth is less straightforward as Sapphire was one of the very followers of Jenna who riddled Tara with gunfire and watched her plummet to her apparent final death. More surprising to her is that Baron Tara has stood no more than an arms length away from her, and looked her straight in the face, without any hint of recognition.

As mortals, both were veterans of the civil rights movement within America and so are accustomed to prejudice. They hoped that unlife as an Anarch would be different yet once again they find themselves fighting for the same rights as their peers. Though disappointed, neither was particularly surprised.

The pair currently have two caitiff and three duskborn under their protection, and all are struggling to feed consistently given that their allocated feeding grounds are undisputedly the worse in the city. One of their number, a third Caitiff, was beaten into torpor by Absalom for venturing into another's feeding ground.

His body is being stored in a secret location just in case Absalom decides to pay them a visit to finish the job. None of them have potent enough vitae to bring an end to his torpor and, without outside assistance' will just have to wait for enough time to pass.

Havens

Unknown, but given the quality and size of their feeding grounds, probably wouldn't take much finding.

Tianna Bartlett - 'Abstract' Toreador

Tianna Bartlett - Toreador
San Diego Zoo

San Diego's Zoo is the domain of Tianna Bartlett, a Toreador who sees beauty in the natural world, rather than in the artistic creations of mortals or kindred. She is also what kindred refer to as a 'Farmer', feeding only on animal blood.

She has no time for other members of her Clan as she finds them to be shallow and petty.

A laboratory on the Zoo's grounds extracts blood from a variety of exotic creatures under the guise of research into disease, though they are careful to cause no harm to the donors as Tianna reacts poorly to any who might bring such natural wonders to a premature end. Tianna will occasionally allow kindred to feed from the more mundane of the zoo's fauna, and sometimes it's visitors, in return for minor boons and favours.

Baron Tara has granted Tianna the area as her feeding ground, mainly because no-one else particularly wanted it, and partially as Tianna seems to be one of the rare Kindred within San Diego capable of navigating Tara's increasingly erratic moods.

Though many suspect that Tianna influences her Baron by use of disciplines, others point to the fact that she is highly empathetic and may simply just be better at reading her than the rest of the cities population.

Haven

San Diego Zoo. Given the amount of buildings, enclosures and rarely used storage areas, finding a place to sleep within would give her little trouble.

Temporary Residents

----------------------------------------------------

Anika Norton - 'Free' Ventrue
Temporary resident of San Diego

There are currently three temporary residents within the city. All arrived less than a month ago, but not at the same time.

Anika Norton, Alec Doherty and Jaime Bartlett each arrived separately but were allocated temporary feeding grounds in the poorer areas of the city which were within a few blocks of one another. They have therefore pooled their resources in order to make unlife a little easier for them.

Anika is a 'Free' Ventrue, with the usual tale of one seeking a path were age and heritage are less of a factor and where one is judged as an individual. Alec and Jaime are Brujah who left the Camarilla when the majority of their clan did, pushed out of their havens and domain by several new Banu Haqim arrivals.

Each has stated their intention to continue their journey to Los Angeles and they plan to travel together. Though they act as if they are equals, outside observers have commented that old habits die hard and that the pair of Brujah seem to look to the Ventrue for guidance. They are also showing no real signs of leaving, leading some to believe that perhaps they might petition Baron Tara for permanent residence.

With the reins of power within the city firmly in Tara's favour, a tight unit such as this could easily upset the balance if they were to pick a side other than that of the Baron.

Outside Threats

----------------------------------------

The Second Inquisition

The Second Inquisition is a name guaranteed to make any kindred in the modern nights pay attention.

Though they have yet to make their presence known in San Diego, some of the standard precautions they employ have already been noted. XScopes designed to detect kindred have apparently been recently installed in San Diego airport.

The Second Inquisition - Assault Team

In response, Baron Tara has declared the area to be completely off limits to kindred for both travel and feeding. She has made it clear that anyone breaking this rule will be executed by the cities Constable in order to ensure that no repeat offenses are possible. If one must meet their Final Death to ensure her safety, and that of her city of course, then she will do so without mercy.

Rumours of a new 'Special' unit based at San Diego Naval Base, that in many respects matches SI units seen in other cities, may turn out to simply be paranoia on behalf of some inhabitants.

The Sabbat

The Sabbat are seemingly focussed upon Los Angeles, rather than smaller domains such as San Diego, and there are currently no indications that this is likely to change. Of course, anything is possible.

-------------------
Acknowledgements
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 Matt Bomer, Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis, Tara Kearney is Melissa Rauch, Cassie Rosales is Claudia Black, Absalom Hood is Jamie Dornan, Raphael 'Skinner' Hoffman is Richard Norton, Constance Carson is Dina Meyer, 'The Untamed' are some of the cast from 30 days of Night, Dr Moses Lyn is James Marsden, Justin Rush is Armie Hammer, Josef Moyer is Sterling K Brown, Sapphire Khan is Uzo Aduba, Tianna Bartlett is Paz de la Huerta and Anika Norton is Sarah Paulson.

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Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Solo Session - 'The Mithras Seal' - Part Two

2023-04-28T16:30:00.030+01:00

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. After over four years of plotting, one of their number is now leader of the Anarch Council of the Free States and the rest have privileged places within the Anarch hierarchy.

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

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five,

Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part Six, Seven, Eight and Nine

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Solo Session - 'The Mithras Seal' - Part One

This Sessions PC is...

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood, Imprisonment, Slavery, Torture.

Introduction

Farouk - Banu Haqim
Silsila, 'Keeper of the Blood'

Dr Daniel Matthews identity as one of the Banu Haqim, rather than the Brujah he has claimed to be, has been discovered by a senior member of his Clan.

However, he has been offered an alternative to an unlife hiding from his sire. If he retrieves an item held by one of The Circulatory system within L.A., then Farouk will use his authority as one of the Silsila to cut Edward Kaya loose. Without the rights of judgement, and the resources of his Clan, he will be a greatly reduced threat to Daniel.

Having accepted the contract, Daniel has penetrated the outer defensives of the Circulatory System's 'Farm' and now needs to search within for the Seal of Mithras, sought after by Ur-Shulgi, Eldest of the Banu Haqim.

Scene Six - The Farm

Having evaded the guards, and bypassed the exterior locks, Daniel has managed to enter the main building of The Circulatory System's 'Farm' without being detected.

The office he found himself in was luxuriously decorated, containing a single desk, chairs for customers and a sofa against one wall for additional guests to use. The only other exit was a door in one corner with a single round window in it's upper section. There didn't appear to be a lock on this side. The only decorations were a landscape painting of Los Angeles viewed from the water and a plant on the desk, which looked to be a Venus-fly trap. There was also a closed laptop on the desk.

Marcelina Black - Ventrue
Director of the L.A. Farm

Daniel recalled that on the coteries previous visit, Marcelina had opened the side door without leaving her desk. Presumably there was therefore some way of opening it near where she had been seated. He utilised the various scanning devices he'd acquired from Marius's armoury and located a signal emanating from the desk, which seemed to be synched to the door.

Beneath the desk he found a single button. After debating with himself about the possibility of it alerting every guard in the building, he decided his options were to try it, or abandon the mission. He was therefore very relieved when a small keypad slid from the front of the desk, rather than the room flooding with guards. The keypad had a digital display on which were three buttons. They were labelled 'Access', 'Seal' and 'Alert'.

After first checking that there were no guards in the other room, he made an educated guess and pressed the button marked 'access', and heard a satisfying click as the door unlocked.

On the other side of the door was a small antechamber with a set of double doors on the opposite side. Several locked filing cabinets were to the right, in addition to a pair of fridges to the left, alongside a counter on which was a wine rack. Daniel wasn't exactly a connoisseur of the vintages created by the Blood Sommeliers of the 'Elite' of kindred society, but he imagined that these were probably good ones, perhaps even Marcelina's own stock.

The Blood Sommelier's Craft, Blood Wine

The filing cabinets were sorted alphabetically, but were also quite empty. Possibly they were part of an early filing system that had been modernised, computerised or moved. The fridges contained blood bags, carefully labelled by blood type. Several of these were quite rare. Less than one percent of the population had AB Negative blood, yet this stockpile contained several bags of it.

Daniel resisted the urge to help himself. The less items he disturbed, the less likely he was to leave any clues to his presence there.

Interlude - Doppelganger

Jane 'Mannequin' Doe - Gangrel
Childe of Marius Walker

If Victoria was surprised to find two Marius's sitting in his living room, she didn't show it. Ignoring the one on the sofa, she instead walked directly to the one standing nearby.

"Just because you fooled Farouk for an hour or two, doesn't mean that you're tricks work on me..." began Victoria. "...and I believe you have a task to perform?"

Jane Doe, occasionally known as 'Mannequin', second youngest of Marius childer, allowed her cloak of obfuscation to drop, and simultaneously used her powers of Vicissitude to restore her original appearance, or the default one at least. Within moments, Victoria stood opposite a woman who was average in every way, with features designed to be instantly forgotten.

"My 'Marius' is apparently better than my 'Victoria'..." Janes voice, like her appearance, was equally forgettable. "...as it fooled Mr Matthews, and Yukio..."

Victoria conceded the point. "Well we're here now, so you can continue with your previous assignment, if you'd be so kind?"

Marius's eldest ghoul had a way of phrasing requests, that made them feel like orders, and in a way they were. All his childer knew that Victoria Anezka had access to all the keys to the kingdom. A word from her, to all intents and purposes, was an order from him. Nevertheless, on principle, Jane waited for Marius's nod before leaving.

"I may need to reinforce my authority with that one..." stated Victoria, once the two of them were alone once more.

Florence 'Fox' Mercado, Gangrel - After a 'Lesson' of Victoria's

"Like you did with Florence?" replied Marius. Victoria paused for a moment, not sure if the question was for confirmation, or an admonishment.

"Not quite. Something a little more creative will be in order for Miss Doe."

Marius didn't ask, though he decided to have a quiet word with his childe about the level of deference she should show to his most loyal follower. If she didn't listen, then the consequences would be on her own head.

Scene Seven - Cattle

The Circulatory System - Cell Block

The corridor beyond the doors was flanked on both sides by cells, each had a heavy duty door, with only a small viewing window in the centre. Each door was protected by a keypad entry system.

In each cell, an unfortunate man or woman, and one girl barely out of her teens, had been fitted with a device attached to their wrist which seemed to be for the extraction of blood.

Evidently these were 'stock' rather than subjects provided for 'lease'. Their cells contained a bed, a chair, and some scattered belongings, though judging from the remnants on the plates in several cells, the occupants were well fed. Each had a vacant facial expression, that might indicate that they had been drugged, or more likely have been dominated into subservience, by a powerful kindred mind.

Vitae Extraction Tool

As Daniel carefully navigated the corridor he had a closer look at the 'vessels', and decided that they hadn't been drugged. He knew that any chemicals in the victims bloodstreams would effect the drinker. In fact there were many kindred who fed exclusively from drug addicts so as to experience highs not available to them in any other way.

He also made certain conclusions about the food and drink.

The drinks appeared to be pomegranate juice, the foods were fatty fishes and leafy greens, all of which were regarded as being good for blood flow and circulation. The rest of the meals provided were rich in iron, another staple of good blood health. If Daniel had hated the Circulatory System before, the feelings reached new heights now. Keeping humans as brain dead cattle, albeit well fed ones, made Daniel very angry indeed. The fact that he could do nothing about it without compromising his mission, made it even worse. Despite these provocations, he forced the Beast within back down using tricks learned from the Bahari during his brief stay with them.

'Mary', 'The Mother' - Gangrel
Bahari, The Chosen of Ennoia

He had been given tuition in their methods by Lia, one of the childer of Mary, known as 'Mother' and high priestess of L.A.'s Bahari, as a favour to Marius, who was Mary's sire. Daniel had been grateful for the teachings, but certainly didn't consider himself one of them. In many ways they were as worthy of judgement as The Circulatory System, but at least they were honest about it.

A double door at the opposite end was the only other way in or out of this area.

Sure that there would be security nearby, Daniel extended his preternatural senses and listened for anything that might give him a clue to what was ahead.

There were at least four men inside, having a discussion about how boring their night shifts were, what an asshole their boss was and how they weren't paid enough. then, a far more commanding voice cut the rest off and began issuing orders.

"Seth. Go check on the vessels in 'economy', Reid. Go make sure the other guest is still behaving himself. And for fucks sake don't go inside whatever you do. You saw what was left of Ellis, right? Bastard didn't even try to escape, just turned him inside, fucking out..."

A moment later the door opened and a guard, presumably 'Seth' entered the corridor. the door had a mechanism that began to slowly close the door a moment after it was released by the guard. realising that he might not get another opportunity, he slipped through the gap a moment before the door slammed shut.

Interlude - Mirror, Mirror

Jane was one of the few of Marius childer who had permanent rooms in Hallowbrook, the others preferring their own Havens.

A Wall of Mirrors, Jane Doe's Quarters at Hallowbrook

An outside observer might have thought her vain, as her rooms had mirrors on every wall. Some were simply squares of reflective material, others were elaborate and ancient, but all were scrupulously clean. The only other decorations were placed on several long shelves upon one wall. These contained masks from a myriad of cultures.

A Wall of Masks, Jane Doe's Quarters at Hallowbrook

Masks for celebrating the Mexican day of the dead stood next to Venetian Carnival masks, Chinese new year masks, and many others from Japan, Africa, Austria, Venezuela, and other locations, as each jostled for position on the overcrowded racking. Five masks of similar style had a shelf of their own, one was made of plain ash wood, while the others were gold, white and obsidian, with a final one seemingly carved as a replica of some ancient kindred. Above all of these was a single featureless white mask without any holes of any kind.

Cappadocian Masks of The Clan of Death

She entered a room at the rear, and stood in the centre. This had five mirrors allowing her to see herself from any angle, with one behind her to complete her view of herself, that also doubled as monitors. A pair of keyboards were set to allow her to operate them from any angle, and she activated the state of the art computer system that had been installed there at incredible expense. She entered her password and the screen ahead was filled with biographical data, as the screens began to stream pictures and voice samples of her next target.

This one was going to be complicated, but she had accomplished much more difficult duplications than this.

"Yes we have..." said another voice in her mind, and a dozen others agreed. She took comfort in their encouragement, then continued with her work.

Scene Eight - Special Guests

Fancy but Impractical

The room Daniel now found himself within, contained a console area with security screens, one observing each cell and another pointing down the corridor itself. A guard was sitting behind a desk in the opposite corner with one foot resting on the top. He had a coffee in one hand and was idly playing with a combat knife with his other. In Daniel's opinion the knife was completely impractical, though he had to admit it wasn't bad to look at.

A weapons cabinet mounted on the wall behind him contained assault rifles, submachine guns and shotguns. All except the shotguns were fitted with suppressers. Presumably any actions within the facility were expected to be done quietly.

There was another door opposite, and a third on the left. Daniel made a brief mental assessment of the buildings dimensions and concluded that the third door likely led to the heavily guarded door he had observed from the outside of the complex.

The guard observing the security screens turned to the other man, presumably his superior and pointed out something on one of the screens. Then checked a list on a tablet to his right. "Hey Luke. The kid...Haylee? hasn't eaten again. We might have to have her force fed again..."

The Circulatory System - Security Room

Luke didn't seem particularly interested, but replied anyway. "Let 'days' know during the handover, they can deal with it..." He then returned his attention to his coffee.

Daniel was once again frustrated by the fact that executing them all wasn't an option currently available to him.

The opposite door opened and the guard identified as 'Reid' returned. "He doesn't look that dangerous..." he commented as the door slowly closed behind him. "That's what Ellis thought too..." replied Luke with a grin. He didn't appear to be particularly concerned about the fate of the aforementioned Ellis, but then Daniel hardly expected an employee of The Circulatory System to be particularly compassionate.

Once again taking the opportunity provided, he slipped by 'Reid' and entered the next section of the complex.

This area was broadly similar to the cell block described as 'Economy' by the guards, though the rooms were much larger and considerably more luxurious. However a cage was still a cage, no matter how expensively decorated it might be.

Of the four rooms within, only one was occupied. It contained a neatly groomed Bangladeshi man in

his late thirties. He was sitting at a desk, sketching something, he appeared oblivious to Daniel's presence. Considering he had apparently recently sliced to pieces one of the guards, presumably in this very room, the Banu Haqim could see no evidence of the act within his cell.

The outside of the room however revealed to him several signs of what had been done. A spot of blood here and there had escaped the cleaning efforts, and given their locations, Daniel could only imagine that the unfortunate Ellis had ended up in a lot of pieces.

Daniel could see that the picture was an anatomical study of a man sliced into sections and had been expertly and vividly drawn. To the doctors expert eye, it was anatomically correct and indicated a detailed knowledge of anatomy, or possibly, based on the fate of Ellis, a very good memory. As he observed, Daniel heard the man speak and it was clear that he was addressing him. "Are you a new interrogator, or a representative of Marcelina's with a better offer?"

Daniel was an expert at obfuscation, so the casual way that his shields had been bypassed, was somewhat disturbing.

The prisoner, seemed to be patiently waiting for a reply.

Interlude - The Path of Blood

Victoria had given Farouk access to a well equipped and secure set of rooms, blood dolls when he requested them, and his movements around the 'guest' areas of Hallowbrook were fairly unrestricted. As hosts went, Marius's hospitality couldn't be faulted, though at his prices, one expected a certain level of service.

Victoria Anezka - Revenant, Ancient Ghoul of Marius

He had been informed that Daniel had began his infiltration of the Circulatory system 'Farm' and Victoria was confident of his chances of success. She too was of the opinion that is was only matters of morality that limited this individuals chances of success, and he had no such feelings about these traders in vessels.

Dr Daniel Matthews intrigued him. He had successfully convinced the majority of the cities Brujah that he was one of them, even gaining membership to the Brujah exclusive fight clubs of Spicilus, or 'Ike' as he currently went by. This showed a considerable talent for subterfuge, impersonation and infiltration that matched, or in some cases exceeded, that of Farouk's own agents.

Edward Kaya - Banu Haqim
Sire of Dr Daniel Matthews

Daniel's sire was another matter. Farouk didn't use the term 'traitor' lightly, but Edward Kaya had put his own needs above those of his clan, and Ur-Shulgi himself had ordered Farouk's Silsila's to ensure that the clans judges were without reproach. It was the Eldest's intention that the Path of Blood, and the teachings of Haqim, be the sole religion of the Banu Haqim. Word had also reached Farouk that Kaya had had dealings with the demon worshipping kindred bloodline known as The Baali. He had kept this information from Daniel, as it was currently unconfirmed, but given what else he had learned about Edwards activities, he wouldn't be surprised to discover that it was the truth.

If Daniel succeeded in retrieving the Mithras Seal, then Farouk would keep his word, and sever the clans ties to Edward Kaya. Daniel's sire would certainly seek revenge against his childe for his part in this, and Farouk was interested to see who would emerge victorious. If Daniel survived then he might be worthy of serving his Clan in a more significant matter.

His musings were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Marius would like to know if you'd be interested in another training session?"

Farouk confirmed that he would. It would occupy the next few hours at least.

Scene Nine - Doctor Banerjee

"Perhaps if I knew who you were, I might be able to answer your question..." stated Daniel, though he was reasonably sure he knew exactly to whom he was talking.

Doctor Henry Banerjee - Hecate
Surgeon and Psychopath

"I am Doctor Henry Banerjee, formerly of London, now a humble traveller selling my skills when and where they are required. Currently I am a guest of Marcelina Black and the pretty new girl, to whom I'm yet to be formerly introduced."

Something about his tone bothered Daniel. He was a little bit too calm, too friendly, as if his outward personality was an disguise behind which his true nature hid. Daniel decided that he might as well be honest. Concealing his true purpose would gain him nothing at this point.

"I'm looking for an item, a seal that once belonged to a kindred of importance. I'm informed that it is in this place, in your possession in fact. Though in all honesty, I expected you to be on the other side of one of those cells." replied Daniel. It seemed that Dr Banerjee had also decided to get straight to the point.

"I have the item. The price offered was insultingly low considering it's unique nature, and so Miss Black has now resorted to less hospitable tactics. Quite impolite of her considering the many services I've provided for The Circulatory System on a freelance basis over the last decade, and directly while in their employ over the last year." he then continued.

"I currently find myself in a poor negotiating position and, apologies if this sounds petty, I'm inclined to take a considerable loss on this deal just to inconvenience Miss Black. Of course, my freedom would be an integral part of any arrangement..."

Daniel had figured as much, though he wasn't about to free what was quite probably a psychotic mass murderer, without proof some proof that they could hold up their part of the bargain.

Vampiric Artifact - The Mithras Seal

A small disc of pure darkness appeared in the centre of the doctors hand and a moment later it was replaced by an ornate seal, like those used on old documents and letters. "Not often one gets to handle something owned by a god?" stated Banerjee. A moment later the process was reversed and the seal disappeared back into the Abyss. "The item for my freedom. Transfer to be completed once I'm out of this complex and somewhere that would be objectively considered to be safe...do we have an accord?"

Daniel reluctantly agreed, though he had taken some time to consider the consequences. "I presume that the guards in the next room will be alerted the moment that cell door opens?"

The prisoner shrugged, though whether this indicated that he didn't know, or didn't care, wasn't immediately apparent.

"The code to my cell is 1876. A fact revealed to me by the unfortunate Mr Ellis, a few nights previously. It needs to be entered in that tiny little box on my cell door, It is warded against my abilities so I'm unable to activate it remotely, and I have no access to it from within my confinement..."

Daniel drew one of his pistols, deactivated the safety, and ensured that it was fully loaded and ready to go. Then he carefully typed the number into the keypad. He heard several heavy locks disnegage, then the door slowly opened. His heightened senses immediately heard the sound of an alarm coming from the security room. Apparently the doctors escape had indeed been noticed.

A moment later the doors flew open and three of the four guards from the ante room entered the two doctors location. Without hesitation they raised their weapons. At the same time Daniel noticed the room growing darker despite being well lit and the the few shadows within grew darker and began to spread like oil across the walls and floor. Two of the guards pointed their weapons at Dr Banerjee, the last pointed his assault rifle at Daniel.

One Shot, One Kill - Unerring Aim

Before the guard targeting Daniel could even pull the trigger, the Banu Haqim had put a 10mm round through their forehead.

Murky tentacles had emerged from those shadows that hadn't existed a moment before, and the two remaining guards find themselves constricted in their grasp. Henry was quite still, his eyes as black as the Abyss, he stretched out one hand and began to slowly close it into a fist. As he did so, the tentacles wrapped tighter around their victims, slowly suffocating them. Within moments they lost consciousness, alive but incapacitated. The doctor then produced a scalpel from somewhere within his clothing and walked towards the incapacitated men.

Had Daniel been unsure about the guards morality then he might have interfered, but he had heard these bastards talk about their prisoners and so had no sympathy for their fates. The first guard received a cut along the femoral artery that would result in death within minutes, the second had the blade slipped beneath his body armour, convulsed, then died instantly.

Doctor Henry Banerjee, 'Tools of the Trade'

"They were very unpleasant..." he explained, as if this was sufficient reason for their deaths. "Shall we depart before the others arrive?"

Daniel mentally added Dr Banerjee to his list of kindred who the world would be better without, before heading to the security door. As he stepped over one of the dead guards he noticed that they had a security pass on a lanyard around their neck and he ripped it free, just in case it was needed to get through any of the doors between them and the way out.

Trying to both look ahead, and keep an eye on the former prisoner, he headed back through the cell blocks towards the office.

Interlude - Round Two

Farouk made no attempt to block the last few blows as slowing their momentum would have been almost impossible. Marius was wielding a two-handed weapon almost nonchalantly in one hand, and Farouk had been forced to elevate his level of effort considerably from their previously encounter.

Two-Handed Sword - Marius's Personal Armoury

He had modified his technique to compensate for the level of power he was facing, and an almost equivalent increase in ability with the blade. Farouk knew he was still the superior swordsman, but on this occasion he was actually having to use more of that skill. Marius apparently wasn't simply playing anymore. This was a real test between two warriors. Farouk decided that it was time to show this Gangrel who he was really up against.

Farouk's Ornate Curved Blade

Farouk moved at supernatural speed, and attacked Marius from the side, forcing his opponent into a defensive posture with a weapon poorly designed for such manoeuvres.

The great-sword moved in a figure of eight and Farouk appreciated how the 'Fixer' wielded his weapon so as to leave little gap for an opposing blade to slip through. The Banu Haqim however had centuries more experience than his foe, and knew exactly what to do next.

The master swordsman found the tiniest gap in his opponents defence, and slipped his blade through. As Marius tried to deflect the attack, Farouk twisted the blade in such a way that Marius had to switch back to a singlehanded grip, and the assassin sliced into the Gangrel's wrist forcing him to drop the heavy weapon.

Gangrel - Feral Claws

Moving from a low attack to a high one, he aimed for the neck of his host.

Farouk found himself slammed against a wall, Marius's good hand was at his throat, claws digging into the flesh. The Banu Haqim's blade meanwhile rested upon the edge of his enemies neck. Farouk was somewhat surprised to find that Marius released his grip first. After a moments pause he lowered his own blade.

"Thank-you for the lesson..." said Marius, as he repaired the damage to his wrist with a thought. "...it seems that I need to practice a little more before meeting one of your skill on equal terms. Perhaps I can offer you some sustenance while we wait for Daniel to return?..."

Farouk had learned something too. If he ever did decide to have Marius assassinated, he would have it done from a good safe distance.

Scene Ten - Celia

Celia Monroe - Malkavian
The Circulatory System, 'Recruiter'

In the office ahead, Daniel and Henry discovered a pretty young lady, possibly in her late teens when embraced, the security chief Daniel had encountered earlier was at her feet mumbling incoherently to himself.

"I think we should talk, before the thirty-five heavily armed gentlemen outside enter here and shoot you both to pieces...if you'd please take a seat?"

Daniels curiosity had been aroused, so he took the seat as offered. Dr Banerjee meanwhile had remained standing, his bloody scalpel held lightly in one hand.

"The way I see it, I have two potential courses of action..." began Celia "...One. I foil your escape attempt, and gain favour with Marcelina Black, who will in turn use the item you possess to enhance her own position considerably. Or two. I help you to escape, embarrassing Miss Black who has promised the item to several very important kindred who do not reward failure, an act for which I cannot be held responsible as I'm definitely not here. You have two minutes to convince me that the second course is preferable to the first..."

Seeing little alternative, Daniel began.

"I'm no friend of the system, nor have I any interest in its politics or power-plays, but I see no benefit to you should Marcelina's position become more secure, unless perhaps she gets promoted out of this job, and you take her place. That however will take time, and you don't strike me as a particularly patient individual as indicated by your presence here..."

Celia's expression remained impassive, so Daniel continued.

Mithras - Ventrue
Methuselah, The Prince of Light

"...but should Miss Black be suitably embarrassed by her failure, then that will effect her reputation indefinitely, and make any moves by yourself to undermine her seem less like internal politics, and more like further incompetence by Marcelina. The fact that the kindred ultimately involved are so powerful and well known should make that impact upon her reputation even worse..." Daniel then played a hunch. "...but this is all just another power-play isn't it? You'd already made your decision..."

Celia smiled, but Daniel could see that there was nothing genuine about it. Over the years he'd encountered many kindred who manipulated others, and who enjoyed watching their victims dance to their particular tune, and Celia was certainly such an individual. He wondered if The Circulatory System sought out kindred such as this, or if the very nature of their trade attracted them to it.

"You're correct of course..." replied Celia. "...I just wanted to see what you'd say. If it's any consolation, you were quite convincing. Not that Doctor Banerjee seems to be listening..." The surgeon had been occupying himself with the incoherent security guard, and the unfortunate mortal was now bleeding profusely from a dozen incisions, and would likely be dead within a few more minutes of the surgeons attentions.

Celia moves to the wall on which the landscape had been placed, and traced her hand along the skyline. A section of the wall then silently moved backwards revealing a stairway behind.

Incendiary Device

"The tunnel emerges about fifty metres outside of this complex. There's an incendiary device on the exit hatch so be careful on your way out. Needless to say this Postern will be rendered useless as soon as you've left so don't be silly rabbits and try to come back in this way..."

Seemingly bored with his 'game', the doctor finished off the doomed guard with a single scalpel thrust, and joined Daniel.

The tunnel was exactly as Celia had described, and the device was easy enough to deactivate, from this side of the exit at least. Soon the pair found themselves out in the open.

--------------------

Once free, the doctor handed Daniel the Seal, with only the merest moment of hesitation. "Tell Farouk, that I'll be in Hollywood should he have any questions on that particular artefact. I think it's time that I joined the family reunion..." With that he stepped backwards into the shadows and was gone.

Worryingly, Daniel didn't recall mentioning Farouk at all.

Epilogue - The Mithras Seal

Daniel handed over the innocuous, yet ornate item to Farouk, who examined it briefly before slipping it into a velvet pouch and placing it within his jacket.

"Dr Banerjee asked me to inform you that he'll be in Hollywood, with the rest of the Hecate, should you wish to meet with him. I didn't mention your name, so he must have already been aware of you." said Daniel.

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Oratory'

Farouk gave his thanks for the item, and the information, and confirmed his intention to fulfil his promises to Daniel regarding the status of his sire. Then, without further comment he was escorted out of Marius's quarters by Victoria.

Daniel noticed that Marius didn't seem particularly pleased.

"What's the matter with you?" asked Daniel, somewhat more aggressively than he'd intended.

"If I was actually Marius, it's likely that your tone would have got you into trouble." replied the individual, who Daniel now realised must be Jane Doe. "But as your asking, the reason I'm slightly perturbed is that if I was to compile a list of kindred whose attentions I'd like to avoid, then Mithras and Ur-Shulgi would be high on it and now we're apparently involved with both. Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

The sudden change of subject threw Daniel for a moment, and Jane spoke before he had a chance to reply. "Do you ever wonder how easily you could have become like Banerjee?"

Daniel didn't reply, and as he turned to leave, Jane made one final comment.

"If anyone happens to ask, Marius isn't in L.A."

Daniel remained silent. Marius's plotting wasn't his concern, well, not at the moment.

To Be Continued in 'Galerie Sanguine: San Diego - Part One'

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

Well that went remarkably well considering how much could have gone horrendously wrong. It also now nicely lines up the inevitable future confrontation between Daniel and his sire. As the players characters grow in power and influence, It makes sense that their activities will come to the attention of more significant power-players within the World of Darkness.

Even if they don't turn up, it gives the players something to worry about, and I'd hate for unlife to get boring for them...

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

------------------------------------------------

Further 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 Dr Daniel Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Farouk is Faran Haroon Tahir, Marcelina Black is Carrie-Anne Moss, Florence 'Fox' Mercado is Camila Fox, Victoria Anezka is Lilith May, Edward Kaya is Laurence Fishburne, Doctor Henry Banerjee is Sudhanshu Pandey, Celie Monroe is Elsie Fisher and Marius Walker is Tony Curran.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Solo Session - 'The Mithras Seal' - Part One

2023-04-22T15:30:00.002+01:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five,

Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part Six, Seven, Eight and Nine

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This Sessions PC is...

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood

Introduction

The plot to infect the Barons of Los Angeles with the blood plague has been foiled, with the destruction of Brother Kanker as an unforeseen bonus. Yet the cult still exists and though it has been weakened, it, and 'The Vector' that it harboured, are still out there somewhere.

In the wake of this, Gloria Martinez has made the foolish mistake of attempting to eliminate Baron Myranda of The Wilds, resulting in chaos in her own domain and a considerable shifting of the borders of all the territories involved.

Unfortunately the situation needs to be handled politically, rather than physically and Michael has given strict orders to hold off on any impulsive actions until he has bought everything back to some semblance of order. Daniel's primary concern is the fate of Leo Frost, and though Michael insists that he hasn't been destroyed, his exact location is still unknown.

It is therefore, possibly, almost a relief when Daniel's phone rings. The number was Victoria's, however it was Marius on the other end of the line.

Scene One - Hallowbrook

"I need you to meet me at Hallowbrook. I have someone who wants to speak with you and I have agreed to facilitate the meeting. It's not something I can explain over the phone I'm afraid. Can you be here within the hour?"

One Of Daniel's Custom Handguns

Daniel didn't like the mysterious overtones, and as he liked to be prepared, armed himself with every concealable weapon in his possession.

He also carried his three primary handguns, a pair of custom Colt M1911's concerted to 10mm, and a Browning Hi-Power that had been illegally converted to fire fully automatically. All had suppressors.

He also used his own car, that had been subtly armoured, and also contained a small arsenal concealed in it's trunk. Not that he suspected that Marius himself meant him any harm. Had that been the case then 'The Fixer' had many far more convenient ways to eliminate someone, than inviting them to his base of operations.

-------------------

Hallowbrook held the headquarters of Aegis Acquisitions, several of it's subsidiaries, and floors of residential apartments that were the homes for many of the companies executives, as well as a near army of security personnel.

Hallowbrook House - Downtown
Aegis Acquisitions HQ

The top floors were reserved for Marius's multiple level home, including an extensive garden, and advanced communications hub, and four luxurious apartment levels inhabited by his ghouls and other notables.

The lobby had it's own security checkpoint and cameras were everywhere, though were relatively unobtrusive, and the security staff were universally ex-military. All were armed, as security guards in California were allowed to carry weapons when on duty, but Daniel knew that extensive, and quite illegal, armouries were concealed around the building. As Marius had spent considerable resources to infiltrate, influence and bribe a great deal of the cities organisations of government, it seemed unlikely that he would ever have his premises investigated without him receiving a great deal of advance notice. In his cover identity as the major shareholder in Aegis Acquisitions, he was also incredibly wealthy, so that also tended to make organisations reticent to annoy him unduly.

Yukio, one of Marius's two ancient ghouls, met him in the lobby and escorted him through a side entrance. This was also guarded, and equipped with several scanning devices, which Daniel was sure had selected some, if not all of his weapons. The athletically built security guard made eye-contact with Yukio and nodded towards the monitor in the security consol. Yukio shook her head and opened the door on the other side for Daniel. Whatever the meeting was about, him being armed was apparently not considered to be a concern. Daniel wasn't sure whether this was a good or bad thing.

He was then escorted to Marius's rooms by an unusually subdued Yukio, she was tense and not particularly talkative.

"Should I be worried?" asked Daniel.

Yukio smiled, but it seemed forced, before replying. "Yes. But not right now. You'll be safe during the meeting. After you leave? Well that depends on how things go..." but she refused to elaborate. Daniel suspected that the elevator contained listening devices as well as cameras, and it seemed that Yukio had been instructed not to discuss the matter.

Scene Two - Farouk

Victoria Anezka - Ancient Ghoul
Psychotic Personal Assistant

Marius was seated with Victoria, his other ancient ghoul. standing behind him. She was leaning casually on the back of the sofa. The only other person in the room was presumably the 'someone' who wanted to meet Daniel. He was an athletically built and handsome man with middle eastern facial features, dressed in a shirt, jacket and trousers. He watched the newcomer closely as Daniel entered, and Marius then offered him a seat.

Daniel carefully analysed Victoria. He was sure that not every 'Victoria' he met was the original, but this seemed to be the real deal. She was also quite obviously unhappy about the presence of the other guest.

Marius then made the introductions.

"This is Farouk, a warrior priest of the Banu Haqim. He wishes to speak to you regarding your sire and some associated matters. He is well aware of who you are, and your reasons for being in Los Angeles, information he already possessed, not that he received from me. I have agreed to host this meeting on the condition that you survive it..."

Daniel took a seat. There wasn't a lot else to do except listen to what this 'Farouk' fellow had to say.

"You are the childe of Edward Kaya, yes?"

Edward Kaya - Banu Haqim
Sire of Dr Daniel Matthews

Daniel had been on the run from his sire for quite some time. He had hidden his true clan from the majority of the kindred of Los Angeles and had been pretending to be a Brujah philosopher. The handful who knew his real identity would have been unlikely to betray him, which meant that this Farouk had to have put considerable effort into locating him. Either that, or he was very good indeed.

Daniel merely nodded. Now was not the time to give this kindred any more information than he already possessed.

"He hunts for you, and has been using significant amounts of the clans resources to do so. This has become an issue, as information has begun to filter back to the Silisia that many of his personal goals have less to do with the advancement of the Laws of Haqim and much more to do with the advancement of Edward Kaya. I am therefore willing to make you an offer that Marius here seems to think will be acceptable to you. If you wish to hear it?"

Daniel had recently spent some time with the only other Banu Haqim in the city, Charlie 'Chick' Abbott, who had passed onto him some knowledge about their Clan.

The Silsila were the spiritual elite of the Children of Haqim, a small warrior priesthood composed of those whom the Du'at and the Eldest felt were the truest adherents to Haqim's teachings.

Farouk - Banu Haqim
Silsila, 'Keeper of the Blood'

Spiritually, their duties were the advancement of the Laws of Haqim (and, depending on Alamut's political climate, the Path of Blood). However, they were also keepers of Alamut's library and museum and the core of its defences should the Mountain ever come under assault.

"I don't appear to have much choice in the matter." replied Daniel. "And I guess there's no harm in listening to your offer. Consider me a captive audience..."

Farouk's emotional state was unreadable, even to one with Daniel's skills at profiling, so he couldn't yet get a handle on him. This lack of information was an annoyance to Daniel who liked all the intelligence he could gather. Farouk continued.

"Ur-Shulgi has shown an interest in the fate of an old acquaintance of his, known as Mithras. You are aware of both these names, yes?"

Daniel nodded again. "I don't think there's a kindred on earth who hasn't heard of one or both of those names. Mithras ruled London, and Ur-Shulgi is the most efficient warmage on the face of the planet."

Farouk then spoke again "An item, something of importance to Mithras, and which Ur-Shulgi seeks, has made it's way to this city. If you agree to assist in its retrieval, then I will, in return, ensure that Mr Kaya, and his childe, are no longer considered to possess the right of judgment over others."

Ur-Shulgi - Banu Haqim
Leader of the Children of Haqim

"In fact any of the clan who aid them will share their exile, this I can guarantee in Ur-Shulgi's name. I however cannot guarantee that they will not still seek you out, but if they do so then they will do so as individuals, with only their own means to assist them."

"Do you wish to take on this task?"

Daniel had a questions of his own first. "If I agree, and you fulfil your part of the bargain, will I truly only have to deal with Kaya and his childe, or has he accumulated other assets as well?"

Farouk confirmed that to his knowledge, Edward had only one childe, and limited financial assets of his own. Should he come after Daniel, it would be two to one, but that would be Edward Kaya's only advantage. Based on this assurance, Daniel agreed to take on the mission.

With this settled, Farouk, laid out his problem.

"An attempt to restore Mithras several years ago, ultimately failed due to one of the items containing his essence being replaced with a substitute. The genuine item was kept by one of those trusted to assist with the resurrection. His name is Doctor Henry Banerjee, and he, along with a ghoul has made his way to this city and into the service of the organisation known as The Circulatory System. You are aware of this group?"

Marcelina Black - Ventrue
Director of the L.A. 'Farm'

Daniel was well aware of the Circulatory System and disliked them a great deal. He found their trade in mortal vessels to be morally bankrupt. He also had a personal distrust for their leader within the city, Marcelina Black, who he considered to embody all the worst traits of the organisation she led. Daniel chose not to share all this, and simply confirmed that he knew of them.

"We are unsure of what these traders in vitae require the item for. It would take a master of blood sorcery far greater than any in their service to accomplish anything with it. Indeed, Ur-Shulgi may be the only kindred with such a level of potency in existence. especially with the destruction of the Tremere's leadership after the Vienna attack."

"Regardless. Politics tie even the hands of a judge such as myself and agreements regarding The Circulatory System are in place which would take time to navigate and the Eldest one is not blessed with patience. To complicate matters..." he nods in Marius's direction. "'The Wolf Spider' will not undertake this task as he informs me that this would break a non-interference pact between his grandechilde and Marcelina Black, current director of the L.A. 'Farm'. This leaves me in need of an agent to perform the task on my behalf and I am informed that you have considerable skill in this area of expertise?"

It was clear that Marius's refusal to help was an irritation to Farouk, in fact this was the first genuine sign of emotion that Daniel had detected. He extrapolated that Marius had done similar work for them in the past and that it had been expected that he would do so again. Likely then, the deal Daniel was being offered had been concocted at the last minute, and Farouk didn't look like the kind of kindred who liked to leave things to chance.

Myranda Maria - Gangrel
Baron of The Wilds

It was also of no surprise to him that he would prioritise the needs of his grandechilde Myranda, Baron of The Wilds, a she was a particular favourite of Marius's.

"I've been reluctantly involved in some problem solving within L.A." answered Daniel, noncommittedly. "But on those occasions, I had a lot more to go on than you've given me. What other information do you have?"

Farouk did indeed have more information

"Marcelina, and her new recruiter Celia, will be absent from the 'Farm' for two nights, beginning tomorrow evening and this would be an excellent window of opportunity to make the attempt. Of course if you have no fear of them and feel you need more time to prepare then that would be your decision. Ideally the item will be removed with minimal collateral damage, but we understand that sacrifices are sometimes necessary..."

Marius then interjected "I can't assist directly without breaking my word on the matters already mentioned, but I can equip you with anything you might need that is within my power to provide."

Daniel accepted Marius offer of equipment, but first wished to do some advanced reconnaissance in order to determine just what he might need.

"It looks like we have a deal." concluded Daniel and left to make his initial preparations.

Interlude - Old Hands

"How do you rate his chances of success?" asked Farouk

The Circulatory System

Marius took a while to answer, seemingly giving the question some consideration.

"High. He's a meticulous planner, and doesn't like the Circulatory System, so there's no moral objections which are generally the only thing that gets in his way. He'll do some recon, gather whatever intelligence he needs and then hit the location, with whatever of my equipment he requests."

"And you definitely won't take the contract?" continued Farouk.

It was Marius's turn to look irritated, but he replied anyway.

"I'm spread too thin at the moment to make an enemy of The Circulatory System, as you well know. I'm already having to surrender too much control to the local leaders of The Oratory, which is why I'm engaged in several projects to recruit leaders of skill to delegate such tasks to. I've just expanded into Chicago, and at least one of the founders of the System, in it's modern form at least, resides there."

Bronwyn - Malkavian
The Circulatory System Founder

"This makes the situation with them even more politically sensitive. So, No, I won't intervene. Once I'm established in Chicago, and Theo Bell has given me the information I seek, then I'll happily go back to transporting your assassins, stealing things for your sorcerers, and murdering people you can't be bothered to kill yourselves, but as the situation currently stands, you're on your own."

Farouk conceded the point, then changed the subject. "The item?"

Marius smiled. At least on this point he could be helpful, without breaking previous agreements.

"Dr Banerjee had the item when he approached me about employment and when I referred him to The Circulatory System to fulfil their vacant post as 'surgeon'. So he's definitely there, which means the seal is also there. He considers it to be his 'Get Out of Jail Free' card, should Mithras's agents catch up with him that is, so he'll keep it nearby. Protected in some way I'm sure, but near."

Farouk then raised his final concern. "And Daniel can be trusted to return the item to us once it's located?"

"Of course." answered Marius. "Mainly because he has no idea about how dangerous it is, nor the ramifications of letting Ur-Shulgi get his hands on it. Now onto other matters. Do you require accommodation and sustenance?"

An Ancient Seal, Vampiric Artefact, The Cult of Mithras

"Presumably there's a price." replied Farouk.

"There's always a price." confirmed Marius. "But under the circumstances I might give you a discount."

Farouk had decided that Marius would need to be watched. 'The Wolf Spider', like his sire Xaviar, was far too ambitious, and in terms of personal power, far too potent, to be left to his own devices. Hallowbrook was well defended, but no fortress was impregnable. At the very worst, planning Marius's assassination would be an amusing diversion for an hour or two.

Scene Three - A Test Run

The Circulatory System - Security Cameras

The Farm consisted of a large main building, centrally located within the complex. On the right side, when viewed from the entrance, was a long building that looked to be a garage facility where the armoured transports and escort vehicles used by The Circulatory System were stored. On the left was a square building that had the look of a barracks of sorts albeit a fairly luxurious one.

A stable block, the only remnants of the farm that this once was, was also on the left, and currently being converted into offices or similar. No workers could be seen as presumably they didn't work at night.

The exterior wall was about eight feet tall and topped with spikes designed to put off anyone attempting to scale the structure, as well as motion detectors and security cameras in armoured housings.

The security precautions themselves within were also the very definition of overkill. Every corner had a wide-angle security camera on it, all in armoured domes and their placement indicated overlapping fields of vision. Apparently anticipating more modern intrusion methods, there were also several devices designed to detect and neutralise drones.

The Circulatory System - Armed Guards

All the guards patrolled in pairs, and though the exterior guards lacked the heavy armour of those that sometimes emerged from within, they were still sporting body armour and military grade weapons. They also appeared to have some less lethal items of equipment such as batons and handcuffs, but Daniel presumed that these were for use on escaping 'vessels', not incoming threats.

In Daniel's opinion, many of the guards appeared to be on some form of stimulant, presumably to keep them alert even when working at these late hours. He imagined that their long-term health wasn't a great concern of Marcelina's given that her trade by definition considered mortals to be expendable assets.

The rooftop gunmen were equipped with M110A1 Sniper rifles and the more heavily armed of the security people were armed with M4's with M26 under-slung shotgun attachments and side-arms. Unusually their side-arms appeared to be revolvers not automatics but were all high calibre models. Several were even carrying M249 SAW's with brass and link catchers. All this firepower didn't even take into account the equipment on board the vans and escort cars which he knew had concealed heavy weapons within.

The Circulatory System - Security Cameras

Daniel mentally ran through several scenarios for testing the guards reaction time, before deciding that the simplest plan was often the best. Drawing upon his powers of Obfuscation he faded from sight, and simultaneously the area around him became completely silent. Clearing the wall was a simple matter and he landed on the other side of the wall, waited for a moment then retreated back the way he'd came.

An alarm had sounded from both the barracks and main building within a second or two of his landing, and the first pair of guards approached within thirty seconds, followed fifteen seconds later by several others. Evidently there were other systems within the walls that he hadn't observed during his perimeter reconnaissance. It was clear that he'd need a distraction to split up the security, as he doubted that he'd get very far by simply making a break for the house. The under construction exterior buildings were the closest to the outer wall, and should provide good cover as long as he could lure the guards to another location.

Now he needed to borrow some equipment, and practice his skills a little. Hopefully Marius's offer of materiel aid had been a genuine one.

Scene Four - Hallowbrook, Again...

Victoria, Victoria, and Victoria...

His visit was expected, and so security at Hallowbrook had already been informed to let him through. His escort this time was Victoria, though he wasn't convinced that this one was the genuine article, a suspicion that was confirmed when he met another Victoria inside Marius's rooms. This one gave him the creeps, so was probably the original.

He had originally suspected that one of Marius Childer, known somewhat unoriginally as 'Jane Doe', or occasionally 'The Mannequin' sometimes stood in for Victoria Anezka. Now he was sure that the duplicates were Vicissitude creations, and that there were a lot more than one of them.

Daniel had been in Marius's equipment room before, though last time equipment had already been laid out for him. This time Marius had apparently decided to give him freedom to select whatever he wanted. He had to admit that he was spoiled for choice.

It was also obvious that this equipment had been collected over many years, and that Marius seemed to have difficulty in throwing things away. The weapons room had bows and crossbows ranging from the most up to date models, made with modern materials, to those that looked like they hadn't been used in centuries. The firearms were also a curious mix. Black powder weapons, together with a modern recreation, were racked right next to a selection of powerful revolvers and automatic pistols, obviously selected with stopping power in mind. There was also a selection of assault weapons and rifles, but it was clear that when it came to ranged combat, Marius's preference was for short range engagements.

Daniel was more than happy with his own weaponry, but he never missed an opportunity to gain any insight he could into other kindred. Not that 'up close and personal' and 'Marius', were exactly ground-breaking conclusions.

The bladed weapons were also of interest to Daniel and covered an even wider range of eras and archetypes than the ranged weapons had. These looked to have been regularly cleaned and maintained, and more care had been taken in their storage than the other weapons.

He noticed Marius watching him. "Professional curiosity..." explained Daniel before moving to the equipment section of the armoury. He did however select several flashbang and smoke grenades which he put to one side for later collection. He planned on doing this stealthily, but it never hurt to be able to facilitate a tactical withdrawal.

The technical section also revealed a lot to Daniel about Marius's nature. Though carefully arranged and catalogued, he doubted that anything in this section had ever been used. Likely it was maintained by one of 'The Fixers' more technically minded operatives.

"I need signal jammers, an RF scanner, and those grenades." stated Daniel. Marius merely shrugged, and Daniel had a feeling that the ancient Gangrel wouldn't have known which one was which, if Daniel hadn't pointed to them. After selecting several more items, including a couple of hardwood stakes from a bandolier in the weaponry section, he made his second request.

"I need a little practice with approaches, and your roof garden is about the same size as the area I need to cover. Any chance I could borrow Yukio for an hour? If she can't see me coming then the Circulatory System guards will be no problem."

--------------------

Though she was indeed a worthy opponent against which to test his skills, he did have an ulterior motive. He was hoping that, as one of Marius's closest allies, Yukio might have some insights into Farouk. Unfortunately she wouldn't be drawn into a conversation on that particular subject.

Her verdict on his abilities was also fairly complimentary, and in all honesty, the practice hadn't been altogether a waste of time.

"I nearly had you that last time..." quipped Daniel.

Yukio Hayashi - Ancient Ghoul, Assassin and Enforcer

"You would have, but I cheated..." admitted Yukio. "...I can see through those tricky talents of obfuscation that you use, but I doubt very much whether any of Marcelina's guards have such talents."

Daniel sincerely hoped that she was correct.

Interlude - One With the Blade

Farouk's Curved Blade - Damascus Steel

The curved blade, forged of Damascus steel, was a deadly work of art by the standards of any age, and Marius couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship, even as it threatened to remove his hand at the wrist. His own weapon was a bastard sword, made using modern materials and techniques, but which would have been familiar in appearance to a swordsman from as early as the twelfth century.

Marius nodded in appreciation at Farouk's attack, then responded with straight thrust that forced his opponent backwards. Switching to a two-handed grip he forced the Banu Haqim to retreat further with a series of powerful blows that Farouk simply avoided rather than blocking. A skilful feint was anticipated by Marius, But it then became a feint within a feint, and the Gangrel once more found himself on the defensive.

-------------------

Yukio turned as Victoria joined her on the balcony overlooking the training area. "How long?" she asked.

"Two hours so far..." replied Yukio. "...no disciplines. Just skill versus skill, though to be honest it's actually brute force against skill at the moment. Farouk is slightly faster, Marius is slightly stronger, and the whole fight is largely irrelevant as both are holding back."

Marius Walker - Protean, 'Mythic Form'

"Farouk is actually significantly faster than he's pretending to be, and Marius has five times the strength he's actually using. If it was a real contest to determine who was best with a blade then Farouk is clearly a better swordsman. Of course if it was a real fight them Marius wouldn't use a sword anyway, so I'm not sure what either of them is trying to prove..."

Victoria placed her hand lightly upon Yukio's shoulder. Victoria Anezka showed affection to only three individuals, Marius, Yukio, and the manager of Marius's various L.A. clubs, Venus Dare, so a casual observer might have been surprised at the tenderness of the gesture.

"They were both deciding whether to destroy the other." stated Victoria. "Not here of course, but later. Both saw the other as a potential threat, but now they have a begrudging respect for each others abilities, and their potential usefulness to one another. Respect leads to fear, but not the fear of being punished, rather it's the fear of disappointing the one you respect. I doubt they'll ever reach that stage, but as long as we're not at war, I'll call it a win."

"Of course fear and respect can easily be mistaken for one another, if you're not paying attention...or are a slave..."

'Bastard Sword' - From Marius's Personal Armoury

"How does that truism apply to one such as Ur-Shulgi?" asked Yukio.

"The rules don't apply to gods..." replied Victoria. For a moment the younger ghoul thought she was making a joke, but one look at her eyes showed that she was completely serious. "...and anyone who doesn't fear the Herald of Destruction is too stupid to exist for long. Marius fears him too, and that should tell you all you need to know." Yukio said nothing. If Marius was afraid of something, then it was likely to be very, very dangerous indeed.

Suddenly the effort being put into keeping Farouk on their side, despite Marius's previous agreements making direct aid impossible, made perfect sense.

Scene Five - Distractions

Daniel's Karambit

Several members of the coterie had been to the Circulatory Systems 'Farm' before in the past, so Daniel knew that the office used by Marcelina to receive guests had a single entrance to the main facility. The only other obvious entrance to the facility he'd observed was flanked by two pairs of armed guards. The roaming patrols checked the office periodically but it had none permanently stationed there.

Daniel checked his equipment one last time, called upon all his powers of stealth, then cleared the wall once more. This night however, he did so near the stable block, and then paused to see how the guards dealt with the intrusion. As they emerged from the barracks and main structure, Daniel covered the distance to the closest cover in a second, then paused once more.

The guards were thorough, but Daniel knew how to make the best of cover, and weaved his way through the construction site that would eventually be offices.

Daniel Matthews - Waiting...

A single individual briefly looked in his direction, and for a moment he became concerned that perhaps this guard was more than he appeared to be. Unfortunately, eliminating them would be a clear sign to the defenders that an infiltrator was amongst them, so he waited. A few seconds later they moved on, and then Daniel made his move towards the barracks.

He heard one guard muttering about "The sensors going off every time a leaf landed on the fucking lawn..." but nonetheless they still searched the area in a systematic fashion. Whatever their personal opinions, they seemed to take their job seriously. Daniel theorized that fear of the consequences of failure was a factor in this. He didn't imagine The Circulatory System to be very considerate employers.

Two pairs of guards remained and did a sweep of the area where Daniel had initially entered the complex, and another pair checked out the stables. The others returned to their posts. Taking advantage of a gap between two groups, Daniel circled the barracks area, and awaited his opportunity. In spite of the danger, he was quite enjoying himself.

Daniel's Lockpicking Kit

A handful of seconds passed, and he decided to make a break for the office door. It was possible that a better opportunity might present itself, but in Daniel's experience, this was rarely the case. Invariably one ended up lamenting the chance they'd missed.

He arrived at the entrance to the facility unobserved, and examined the lock. It was sophisticated but mundane, and seemed to have no electronic components aspects to it's structure. Figuring he had about thirty-five seconds to pick the lock before company arrived via a patrol, he started work immediately. Twenty seconds later a satisfying click indicated that he had succeeded.

Carefully, but quickly, he entered the office to begin his search.

To Be Continued in 'Daniel: Solo Session (Part Two)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

As long-term readers are probably aware, Daniel's player likes investigation and infiltration sort of sessions, but sometimes these can be a bit boring for other players who'd rather just find the enemy and punch them repeatedly in the face, or whose talents are more political. Though I tend to balance sessions to give every player something to do, it's occasionally nice to let a single player indulge themselves a little.

Plus this session will allow me to explore Daniel's origins a bit more, and remind him of the threat that his sire still represents...

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

------------------------------------------------

Further 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 Dr Daniel Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Victoria Anezka is Lilith May, Edward Kaya is Laurence Fishburne, Farouk is Faran Haroon Tahir, Marcelina Black Is Carrie-Anne Moss, Myranda Maria is Shannyn Visceral and Yukio Hayashi is Jamie Chung.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Thirty Two - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Nine)

2023-04-14T16:30:00.006+01:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five,

Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part Six, Seven and Eight

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'

Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable of the North East'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood

Other Possible Triggers: Disease (Plague)

Introduction

With a cure for the plague being worked on by both mortal and kindred specialists, the coterie has only one lead left to investigate. A location had been discovered for a potential base of the originators of the plague, who called themselves the Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle.

Scene Thirty Five - Overkill?

Though likely already evacuated, it has been suggested to them by Pisha, that if the Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle had a significant base there, that they might have, at the very least, left some clues behind.

Pisha - Nagaraja
Necromancer, Cannibal, Occult Expert

She had also pointed out that if the area was being used to produce the plague, or enact certain rituals to enhance it, that they would need to prepare a new base before moving, and that that would take time.

In light of this, Vin, Hope and Daniel had gathered to discuss a scouting mission into the warrens below Downtown Los Angeles.

"We'll need a good guide and tracker. I think we should get Max to join us." suggested Hope. Given how useful she had been to them during their last investigation into the sewers, Daniel agreed. Hope began to make the arrangements for her to meet up with them, while Daniel and Vin continued their discussion.

"Do you think they'll still be there?" asked Vin. It was a good question, and Daniel wasn't completely sure. Pisha certainly seemed to believe that the blood sorcery paraphernalia necessary for their rituals couldn't just be picked up and moved on a whim. She had however also pointed out that given the nature of Hope and Daniel's interference in their activities, that they might have had considerable notice and perhaps this had been all the time they needed.

One of Vin's Fully-Automatic Shotguns

"We need a reserve force, just in case me and Hope turn up and find a dozen plague ridden Sabbat there." decided Daniel. "You up for that?"

Vin had been carefully cleaning the second of his automatic shotguns, while the first sat, already reassembled in a canvass carrying bag. Six drums of solid slugs, and four of standard buckshot lay next to them, in their own ammunition case, custom made for just such a purpose. Above ground and in public he was more circumspect, but in the tunnels beneath L.A he could be significantly more overt. A normal individual would have struggled under that much weight, but to Vin it was no effort at all. Vin was also an exceptional hand to hand combatant, but he saw the advantages that came with the ability to punch bloody great holes in enemies at longer ranges. It was also a useful way of clearing away cannon-fodder.

"I don't think my normal security guys will be much use..." replied Vin. "...other than to provide these fuckers with extra plague bearers. Perhaps I should talk to the nutter in the sewers? She might be up for a scrap and you said that her swarm assholes were looking for the Brotherhood themselves..."

The Blossoms - Toreador, Downtown Madams

Daniel had to jump through hoops to meet the self-titled Mistress of the Swarm, so wasn't sure how easy it would be for Vin to make contact with her. He said as much to Vin.

"Don't worry about that. The Blossoms can get me a meeting, pretty quickly. They have their ways..."

Daniel knew that three Toreador, known somewhat to their irritation as 'The Blossoms', ran the sex work, and sex trade, throughout Downtown, it's surrounding domains, and also had their grip on similar operations in other areas of the city. Quite why such a trio would have need of the services of a horde of sewer dwelling lunatics and their insane mistress, didn't really bear thinking about. It was enough to know that Vin could do what he had claimed.

Hope then interrupted. "Max is on her way. She says she knows the sewers and warrens below the Barony of the Angels, I didn't ask how, I just told her to come armed."

'Max' - Gangrel
Sweeper for the North east Baronies

Daniel wasn't surprised. Max had hinted at underground havens, and an unlife within the sewers, once before. She was also obviously at home in such environments.

"I was thinking about making a few Molotov Cocktails, Just in case." added Hope.

"Petrol bombs?" enquired Daniel, somewhat incredulously.

"I was an I.E.D. tech for a long time, Daniel." replied Hope. "I think I can do a bit better than just petrol. I was thinking of something a bit more... sticky..."

The thought of Hope, already nicknamed 'The Hand Grenade' by many, carrying around bottles of napalm, didn't exactly fill him with optimism for a stealth mission. Once things went south, Max wasn't exactly known for her subtlety either. This was also a lot of preparation for what ultimately might be a journey to an abandoned enemy base.

Daniel had no ability for either premonition or precognition, but something made him believe that where they were heading would be anything but abandoned. He wasn't sure whether he wanted to be right, or wrong. Either result would have it's consequences.

Interlude - Perspectives

Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez - Brujah
The Last Round - Downtown

Nines wasn't sure why this message had been sent by one of Rudi's Bear Pack Gangrel, rather than one of Theo Bell's own Brujah. It didn't help that this particular 'Bear' didn't seem like he wanted to be there either.

He was correct. 'Moon', actually Mahtab, but his fellow Bear Pack members never pronounced it correctly so he now went by his name's meaning instead, wasn't particularly happy to be in L.A.

Considering the Anarch Free States were meant to be the pride of the Anarch movement, Moon wasn't impressed. The Anarch Council seemed very similar to a bunch of Primogen, and their 'Arbiter' might as well have called himself Prince, he even had his own Scourge for fucks sake. At least this 'Nines' guy seemed to be the real deal. He knew his shit, and Moon had to admit that he was impressed.

He also noted that his own earlier attitude, and opening comments, had pissed this guy off, which probably wasn't the most sensible thing he could have done. Annoying kindred who could go toe to toe with werewolves wasn't real smart.

"Didn't mean to come across as a dick." said Moon, backtracking a little. "It's just I've had to ask permission to cross through two lots of Domain just to get here and that didn't feel very 'Anarch' to me."

'Hatchet' - Gangrel
Sweeper for Santa Clarita

That wasn't strictly true. A gnarly looking Gangrel called 'Hatchet' had intercepted him as he skimmed the border of Santa Clarita, but once he'd explained his business, had allowed him to pass without issue. It was when he passed through Hollywood that he'd got given shit.

Nines decided to accept the pseudo-apology, rather than throw the Gangrel through the window, which had been his initial plan.

"We've always respected each others feeding grounds and despite his look, Baron Abrams is an Anarch through and through. And to your earlier point, Arbiter wasn't a title that Michael picked, it was something he earned. Leading an attack on a fucking Methuselah wasn't exactly a fun day out. I know. I was fucking there too..."

Moon conceded the point. He had a feeling that the alternative would involve him leaving via a window rather than the door, and therefore his native Gangrel pragmatism had kicked in. "Hey, I'm just a visitor, It's you who has to live here, well, not live, but you know what I mean..."

"The message?" prompted Nines. As Moon spoke, Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez began to weigh up what he was being told.

This was going to get complicated.

Scene Thirty Six - Coven

Downtown Warrens - Entrance

There were several entrances to the Warren's below Downtown, and some were closer to the target area than others. Max had selected an entry point that would save them a great deal of underground travel, but should also be far enough out for them to be able to survey the area a bit before committing to any actual actions.

Daniel was far better at moving quietly than Hope, but both understood the importance of a stealthy approach to, what might well be, an enemy stronghold, and neither made any unnecessary noise. Max moved through the tunnels as if born to them. Compared to her they might as well have been announcing their arrival via loudspeaker.

Max slowed down, until Hope and Daniel were parallel with her, so she could speak to them without making too much noise. "I've basically been following the stench of decay, and it's getting stronger. Either there's some plague bastards still here, or they left a hell of a mess behind them. If we find anything it'll be soon."

As they approached the target area, the air seemed to become thicker, and the signs of death and decay increased. Dead insects and vermin littered the tunnels and some had mutated before their demise. One had seemingly exploded and strange dark mushrooms were growing in what was once the rats stomach.

Downtown Warrens - A Choice

There was also something else, echoes of voices from ahead, but distance was difficult to ascertain this far below the ground.

The words were indistinct, and seemed to fade into silence whenever they attempted to discern the actual words. The stench of decay had become steadily worse and the only tunnel from which no talking could be discerned angled slightly upwards, though in the same direction as the other signs of activity.

Max scouted ahead, then returned a few seconds later. "There's one guy, human, and quite alone up there. Looks like he found himself a good vantage point to watch whatever the rest are up to."

Daniel gestured to Hope to wait at the the junction of the higher and lower tunnels and moved in the direction that Max had just returned from.

A Precise Blow

A single cultist had found himself a good view from a high area overlooking the proceedings below. He was blissfully unaware of Daniel's presence as he leant against a low rocky outcrop, partially shielded from below. The Banu Haqim drew a blade, killed the cultist with a single precise blow, and lowered them to the ground slowly so as not to alert any other enemies or sentries.

Daniel then took their place so as to observe for himself what the dead man had found so interesting.

A Nosferatu, powerfully built, and with significant piercings and scars, stood before an altar consisting of rotting corpses, held together in a container of bones, in turn held together by knotted sinew. It was topped with skin and judging from the size of the sections used, these had been extracted from human victims.

On the altar, centrally placed and flanked by candles, was a bowl from which foul vapours were rising in an unnatural manner, as if being disturbed by a breeze that was clearly not there and twisting into what might be runes or arcane symbols.

Blood Rituals of the Brotherhood

The walls, ceiling and floor of the chamber were covered in arcane symbolism, mostly drawn in blood, though some were carved into the rock and brick, and others seemed to have been made with excrement or rotting matter of some kind. Daniel was also reasonably sure that the candles were made from body fat. It might be animal fat of course, though he doubted it.

In an approximate circle around the chamber were thirty or so cult members recognisable due to their filth coated weapons and sickly appearance. Most were mortal, but given their degradation, some may have been kindred, it was difficult to tell.

Kneeling facing the altar were thirteen more individuals, also seemingly human. Each had a weapon in their hands, though unlike the brutal weapons he had seen used by other cultists, these were both easily concealable, and clean. They were also distinguishable by the fact that they were dressed in normal, albeit simple, clothing.

The Nosferatu began to speak...

Brother Kanker - Nosferatu
Paladin of the Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle

"You thirteen have been selected for a mission of upmost importance. Each of you has a special trait which will enable you to get close to your target, and infect them with the essence of the Vector. Each of your targets will then be given the honour of joining the Brotherhood. Those who refuse our generosity will not be granted the secret rituals which allow the Vectors chosen to endure, such will be the agony suffered during the final deaths of the first to be infected that the others will surely see the benefits of survival..."

"Any of you that die during your holy mission, will become part of the one, the vector, the lord of the plague. Those that survive will be granted immortality on the material plane, as one of The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle...failure is unacceptable to myself and to your god..."

Apparently, as Pisha had theorized, the rituals required to prepare this location had prevented them from leaving. This seemed to be the climax of this cells plan, and Daniel doubt they'd stick around long after this ritual was complete.

A Carefully Selected Cultist

The first cultist, A beautiful woman with Native American features and long dark hair, approached the altar, dipped an ornamental cup into the bowl and drained the foul mixture within in a single gulp.

Unlike the other cultists he had encountered she showed no signs of disease, or decay, or that matter, neither did any of the others. She then moved to one of the many other exits to the chamber, stopping only to pick up a leather bag, as she moved towards the exit another individual stood.

Daniel was certain that this first cultist was on their way to ingratiate themselves with Baron Louis Fortier, who had long suspected could only feed from women such as this. Daniel had a great deal of respect for Louis's intelligence, but could easily see how such a beauty could attract his attention.

Though the Anarch Free States would be disrupted by an an attack on any of the Barons, certain of them were more critical than others. Baron Fortier was the Anarch Councils Warleader, as well as one of the most influential of the cities Anarch leaders.

Though completely outnumbered, Daniel realised that he needed to act immediately, even if it meant his own destruction.

Now resolved to act, he drew one of his suppressed pistols, and took careful aim. As Hope came up behind him to see what was going on, Daniel pulled the trigger.

Interlude - Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?

'Skelter' - Gangrel
Enforcer for Nines Crew

Nines had requested that Skelter and Damsel join him. He was going to need all the help he could get.

"So here's the situation. The Camarilla assholes are suddenly all concerned about our well being, by which I mean, are worried about this blood plague spreading to one of their cities and potentially fucking up some up-himself Ventrue Prick..."

Damsel smiled. Nines certainly had a way with words.

"...so to protect their own asses they've got Theo Bell to act as liaison between them and us. Unfortunately the Second Inquisition have recently punched some holes in the Pony Express's routes to L.A., so they've had to fill the gap with some cross-country routes, courtesy of Rudi's Bear Packs. There's also another concern..."

Skelter's attention had been piqued by the mention of Rudi. He was a champion of Gangrel kept out of havens and feeding grounds by sprawl, stood up for female Kindred in cities run by traditionally misogynistic elders, and encouraged the adoption of progress over tradition wherever possible. Though, in all honesty, Skelter was of the opinion that he sounded a little bit too good to be true.

"...with me, Salvador Garcia and Theo Bell all in the city at once, that's a lot of Anarch leadership that certain bastards might like to see wiped out all at once. So security is going to be a major headache..."

'Damsel' - Brujah
'Den Mother' of Nines Crew

Damsel chose this moment to interrupt.

"Isn't this usually the time that someone speed-dials Marius and gets overcharged by him to sort all this shit out?"

It was Nines turn to smile. Damsel thought Marius was a manipulative prick who would stab you in the back, and the front, if it got him what he wanted. Therefore the fact that she even mentioned him as a possibility, showed how problematic the situation was likely to become.

"That's another problem..." continued Nines. "Theo has made it very clear that he doesn't want 'the Fixer' involved in this at all. He and Theo have some beef dating back to not long after the Gangrel left the Camarilla. Something to do with him, Karsh and Xaviar. No idea what it was, but there's enough bad blood for Bell to have real concerns about putting Marius in a position where he has any fucking influence over his safety." Skelter had heard rumours about that, but now wasn't the time to share unsubstantiated gossip.

Damsel had another suggestion.

"You're going to need Michael then. He can get you the help you need, provide a safe haven for Theo, and he's got a weird talent for getting Marius to be marginally less of a cunt than he normally is..."

Nines had been considering this option himself. "Fine. But, we'll see what we can do ourselves first. Agreed?" He took their silence as agreement.

'The Last Round' - Nines Haven, Skid Row, Downtown

Skelter left the Last Round a few minutes later. He needed to make some enquiries of his own, and he knew just where to start.

Scene Thirty Seven - No Retreat...

Daniel Matthews - A Perfect Shot

The ten millimetre round hit the woman in the back of the neck, severing her spinal column where it met the skull, and killed her instantly. Before she even hit the ground, Daniel turned and yelled at Hope to run. He then turned his attention to the altar and took aim once more. The foul concoction needed to be destroyed and he hoped that he might be able to destroy the bowl and scatter the mixture.

Hope knew Daniel well enough to realise that he intended to sacrifice himself to end the ritual, but had no desire to do the same to herself and Max. His Gangrel ally, however, had no intention of leaving him to his fate. Lighting one of the three pre-prepared Molotov's she carried in a satchel at her side, she hurled one at the altar. Fate seemed to be on her side and the impact engulfed the bowl, and the Nosferatu behind it, in home-made napalm. His scream was more one of rage than pain, as the cultist leader charged towards the chamber exit closest to Hope and Daniel's vantage point.

A quick mental calculation led Daniel to the conclusion that the Nosferatu, and possibly some of the cultists who had followed his lead, would likely reach the junction before they did, effectively cutting off their retreat.

Homemade Napalm filled Molotov Cocktails

Channelling his vitae, Daniel covered fifty metres in a fraction of a second, as Hope followed as fast as she could. Daniel 'blinked' again, arriving at the junction between the tunnels, just in time to see Brother Kanker approaching. His flesh looked blackened, but not burnt, and he moved with a speed that belied his bulk. Seeing no other option, Daniel drew his blades and attacked.

Max's shotgun was ill-suited to the kind of precision necessary to hit Kanker, but not Daniel, so she instead took cover as best as she could and waited for the first of the cult members to catch-up.

Storytellers Note - I don't mind NPC's being helpful, but I don't like them to 'Save the Day'. That's the PC's job, or they die trying, cuz that happens sometimes too.

Daniel caused several superficial wounds that his opponent didn't seem to even notice. He stumbled backwards, avoiding a powerful blow to his head that instead destroyed a large chunk of the tunnel wall. The Banu Haqim had no doubt that such a blow would have decapitated him had it struck it's target.

'Max' - Gangrel, Shotgun at the Ready

Max had caught several cultists by surprise, and whatever she had loaded her shotguns with had tore them apart. Daniel however needed her to warn Michael of what they had found, and yelled at her to retreat. She hesitated for a moment, then turned to obey.

Hoping to lure the Nosferatu away, he used his powers of supernatural speed for the third time, then drew his pistols once more and opened fire. The rounds seemed to flatten against the Nosferatu's flesh, doing no damage that he could discern. Daniel had seen Hope, other Gangrel, and on one occasion a Ventrue, use such gifts but had never encountered a Nosferatu capable of doing so. His second surprise came a moment later as Kanker covered the distance between them with a speed that matched Daniels own and struck him an inhumanely powerful blow.

Hope arrived at the battle, just in time to see Daniel hurled through the air by the force of the impact, and land at her feet. Most of the right side of his chest had been crushed, and his arm hung limply at his side. He was still with them, but only just. Max had seemingly decided to ignore Daniel's order and was now reloading after emptying her shotgun into the increasing number of advancing cultists.

Hope Romero - Gangrel
'Not a Kindred you want pissed off at you...'

"Drag him the fuck out of here..." screamed Hope. Then leapt at the Nosferatu who had maimed her friend.

Though Max was happy to interpret an order from Daniel as a request, one from Hope was a different matter. Gangrel established a pecking order very early on in any relationships between them, and Max was well aware that Hope could take her in a fair fight. Or an unfair one for that matter. She also respected her abilities a great deal. After quickly holstering her weapon, she grabbed Daniel by his one good arm and ran.

Daniel felt a tug on his arm that brought him back to reality. He found himself being dragged along the ground at a surprisingly fast pace by the deceptively strong Max. It was clear that she was attempting to get him to safety, but to him, abandoning Hope was unacceptable. He dug in his heels and twisted from her grip.

"I'm staying..." he grunted as he scrambled to his feet and drew a pistol with his remaining good hand. Max shrugged and drew her shotgun once more. If they were all going to meet their final deaths in this place, then she was going to make it worthy of a tale or two.

Hope retreated a few steps to give her time to think, her claws were covered in the Nosferatu's vitae. It was far darker than normal and reeked of decay, more like that of an actual corpse than that of a kindred. She had torn out a large part of his throat, and lost a chunk of flesh from her left side in return. Neither Gangrel nor Nosferatu showed any signs that they cared about their injuries.

"Round Two?" said Hope, then charged forward without waiting for a reply.

Interlude - Helter Skelter

Rosa - Duskborn
Visionary and Occult Advisor

Rosa sat in a fortune tellers booth in one of L.A.'s many night markets. She was a popular attraction and much in demand, for unlike many in her trade, her gifts of precognition were genuine.

Of course you were as likely to learn where you'd left your car keys as the identity of your true love, but this eccentricity was also part of her appeal. She rotated between the half-a dozen or so such markets in Downtown and made a decent 'living', and the opportunities for feeding were plentiful.

Marius Walker, Baron of Downtown, provided for all of her needs in return for her precognitive talents, yet she felt the need to share her gift. Besides which, her gift needed to be shared. Well, that's what the voice said anyway. And she always listened to the voice. It told her such fascinating things.

--------------------

Third time lucky. It was the same stall that she'd used on Santa Monica pier back before Marius, Michael and their allies had ended the so-called Cross Rebellion and Baron Therese Voerman had reclaimed the pier as her own. Rosa's betrayal of her fellow duskborn had been an entirely pragmatic decision, as she was one hundred percent certain that they were going to lose, or so she said.

Skelter waited for a young couple to leave. They seemed happy with whatever Rosa had shared with them, though judging from their light-headedness, she'd probably fed from them too. As he pushed the curtain aside, he flipped the sign outside to 'In Session' and entered.

Jenna Cross - Caitiff
'Messiah', Presumed Destroyed

"Hello Mr Helter Skelter. It's been a long time, but I was expecting you. I see it's the past that interests you this evening, not the future. Not your own past either?"

Long before Jenna Cross had declared herself messiah of the duskborn and gathered an army, there had been a mere handful of thin-blooded kindred in Los Angeles. 'E', Lily and Julius now resided in the Barony known as 'The Liberated' with many of the cities remaining duskborn and some Caitiff.

Storytellers Note - The Risa and fall of Jenna Cross began in this story HERE.

Copper had disappeared long ago, and Rosa now resided with Marius's inner circle at Hallowbrook House. Skelter had helped the thinbloods out a few times in those early days, especially when the Camarilla had temporarily controlled the city and their bullies had attempted to purge the city of the thin bloods that legend said would herald the beginning of Gehenna. Skelter had cracked a few skulls on their behalf, and in return Rosa had shared with him anything she felt he might need to know.

Without preamble, Skelter got straight to the reason for his visit "Theo Bell, Xaviar and Karsh."

Rosa smiled. It wasn't reassuring. "You missed out a name. You want to know what Marius would be willing to do to acquire what Mr B has, and why..."

Skelter nodded, and Rosa began.

If he had been hoping for reassurance, he was about to be disappointed.

Scene Thirty Eight - ...No Surrender

Daniel swore as for the third time in a row, his bullets flattened against the Nosferatu's marble flesh. Hope wasn't doing much better. Both her and her foe were now suffering from multiple, and severe wounds, and neither had the vitae spare to heal the damage in any significant manner. To complicate matters, more and more of the cultists were now closing on them, and Max was now dangerously low on ammunition.

Max dropped her empty shotgun and pistol, and drew a sub-machine gun from beneath her coat and emptied it into a cultist armed with a rusty axe, dripping in gore. She had never used the weapon before, and had only one magazine for it, but figured what the hell, they were about to be torn to pieces anyway.

Daniel could hear noises from behind them, and for a moment thought that some of the plague cult must have left the ritual chamber by another exit and circled around behind them.

The Swarm - Kindred, Ghouls, and Bloodbound

Fortunately he was mistaken.

Rage filled screams were soon followed by cries of alarm as a ragtag band of the underground dwelling kindred known as 'The Swarm' charged along the corridor and hurled themselves at the enemies that were on the verge of overwhelming the trio.

They moved with a level of agility, that such debased followers of the swarm mistress should not possess. Their strength had also been enhanced to inhuman levels and they shrugged off wounds that should have killed them twice over.

Daniel had seen this before, and Hope herself had experienced it when the Mistress of the swarm had given her some of her vitae.

Tilly had the ability to pass on some of her powers to others by sharing her own vitae with them, and though they gained only a fraction of her abilities, it was often enough to give her cannon-fodder the edge they needed.

Blake - Gangrel
Childe of the Mistress of the Swarm

The first wave entered combat without thought of tactics, though those who followed were more careful and had ranged weapons at their disposal. They made some attempt to avoid shooting their own, but collateral damage was inevitable. These others were guided by Blake, one of Tilly Kelly's 'firstborn' as she called them.

Despite the chaos, none interfered with Hope and Daniel's battle with Brother Kanker.

Kanker backhanded Hope into the corridor wall and she felt her ribs splinter. His focus on her was absolute, hardly surprising considering that after his initial success, Daniel had managed to accomplish little more than flatten ammunition against the creatures back. As the creature gripped her by the throat, her lifted her from the ground and drew his other hand back for a finishing blow. Hope had enough strength left to block the punch, but it was now only a matter of time until he crushed the unlife from her.

Daniel had reached a similar conclusion. It was time to get up close and personal. He moved past Max, who was reloading her shotgun with ammunition provided by Blake, who seemed to be carrying enough shells, bullets and other gear on his person to equip a small army, and attacked Kanker from behind.

A brutal kick to the back of the leg bought the Nosferatu to one knee as Daniel attempted to saw off it's head. His grip upon Hope loosened only a little, but it was enough for her to pull free.

Brother Kanker is no More...

Driving her claws into the neck wound she'd first inflicted, she pulled the necrotic flesh apart before tearing at it's throat with her fangs. A fatal blow for most foe's, yet this monstrosity still clung to unlife, but the tide had now turned. As Daniel's blade met the gaping wound inflicted by Hope, Kankers head fell backwards from his body, now hanging by a mere sliver of undead flesh.

Quinn - Gangrel
Eldest Childe of the Swarm Mistress

Hope continued to chew at the creatures throat, but it had long since exhausted it's reserves of vitae. Seeing that his Gangrel ally was on the verge of Frenzy, he picked up the body of an unfortunate, and now deceased, mortal member of The Swarm, and hurled it in front of her. As she drank deeply, Daniel did the same. The swarm didn't care about their own fallen, so why should they?

As the swarm, turned the tide of battle with their cannon fodder, the destruction of Brother Kanker was the final straw and the cultists fled, their faith in their leader now absent. The Swarm cared nothing for the enemies retreat and happily shot and stabbed them in the back, dragging those close to them to the ground where they beat them to death with whatever weapons they had to hand.

The battle however had been far from one-sided and dozens of the Swarm also lay dead.

At some point during the battle, Quinn and Melinda, The Mistress of the swarm's other two childer, had arrived and now began to calmly execute several of their own wounded. Presumably they knew which of the swarm had been gifted with their mistresses vitae, and which had likely expended her gifts in their frenzied attack and were therefore now vulnerable to the plague.

Then, unexpectedly, Quinn shouted for silence, "Did you fucking hear that?"

Unfortunately Daniel and Max could hear it to. Something was approaching, and it was coming not from ahead, or behind, but from below.

Interlude - Lost and Found

Skelter wasn't easily frightened, yet when Rosa began to use her gifts he always felt like he was in the presence of something far more powerful that had wrapped itself within the pretty young woman seated across from him. Nonetheless, he listened intently to her words and tried to separate the facts from the less coherent bits that he hoped would make sense later.

Theo 'Killa-B' Bell - Brujah
Notorious former Archon

"The Killer Bee had a suspicion. He suspected that the Ivory Tower's Lord of War had other masters, the Patriarch agreed and together they confronted him...." Rosa then made a gesture that was either her randomly shaking her fist, or someone being stabbed or staked. He decided it must be the latter.

This was fairly coherent for Rosa. Killa-B was Theo Bells' nickname, Karsh was the Camarilla's Warlord and Xaviar had often been referred to as the Patriarch before his destruction.

"...The Lord of War was unmoved by the Patriarchs talk of their clan's history and of the portents that their legends held for their future. He was angered by his alliance with Mr Bee, who the Warlord considered a traitor to the Tower. Many of their allies fell, then...THUNK!"

Had Skelter been asked to describe the sound a stake made while impacting upon undead flesh, 'THUNK' wouldn't have been very high on the list, but he chose not to interrupt.

"Theo, had another suspicion, this one was wrong, or should I say was wrong at the time, had he suspected it a millennia ago he would have been correct. But he wasn't born then so he didn't..." Skelter's blank look, was seemingly noticed by Rosa who, in her own fashion, elaborated. "...Mr Bell thought that the Warlord of the Camarilla and the last of the Black Hand's Seraph's were one and the same. Of course, the Khan still being active after the staking proved him wrong. They were once the same but that was a long time ago, then they became separate, and then they weren't anymore..."

Marius Walker - Defeated and Staked

Skelter had never doubted Rosa, but some Ninth Generation Brujah, even one as notable as Theo Bell, managing to stake a kindred as potent as Karsh seemed unlikely. He voiced this to Rosa.

"...It wasn't an ordinary stake, silly. Marius bought three back from one of his little tasks for daddy. He bought them back stuck in his chest. He still occasionally searches for the one who kicked his arse that night, but I digress..."

She reached over and tapped Skelter on the chest with her forefinger, middle finger and thumb, forming a triangle. "...if you're ever fortunate, or unfortunate enough to see The Wolf Spider in his true form, you'll see the scars. They never heal...not fully...."

Though this was all very interesting, it didn't really answer his original question. He was about to ask again, when Rosa replied to the question that was still in his head.

Karsh - Gangrel
Former Warlord of the Camarilla

"...Oh, didn't I say? I thought I had but then I remembered that that hadn't happened yet. They threw Karsh's staked body into the Atlantic ocean and now Marius's daddies dead, Theo is the only kindred who knows exactly where he went splosh..."

Skelter leapt to an understandable conclusion. Marius was a known diablerist, and it was obvious to him what the bastards intentions were. As before, Rosa replied to a conversation that currently still existed only in Skelter's mind.

"...No, Mr Skelter. That's not it at all. Marius already surpasses the Warlord in generation and raw power, but he can't be everywhere at once, The Oratory is just the beginning. What he needs are generals of his own...Karsh will be the first, then there will be others..."

Before Skelter could ask anything else, Rosa stood up, and opened the curtain behind her guest. "Time to go now. Nines is looking for you..."

The Gangrel knew he'd discover nothing more. Not tonight at least.

Never doubting for a moment that Rosa had been correct, he headed back to The Last Round to discover why Nines was looking for him.

Scene Thirty Nine - The Vector

The ground began to vibrate in a dozen places as if being struck from below by some powerful force. Cracks formed along weak points in the cavern floor and a red mist flowed through them, slowly then with increasing speed as the cracks were widened by the pressure from below. Tendrils sought out the fallen cultists and the mist thickened as they were exsanguinated by whatever was coalescing within. Amongst the red, were strands of dark green and black, the infections drawn out along with the blood.

A humanoid figure coalesced in front of the shattered altar, formed of blood and vitae, and a primitive circulatory system made of corruption could be discerned within. Though it's lower form was indistinct, the upper body was androgynous, and specific facial features were impossible to identify as the liquid form constantly changed shape, seemingly on a whim. In certain locations the blood was so dark so as to almost resemble shadows.

The Swarm parted to allow Tilly Kelly, their mistress to move forward. As she approached, the Vector looked in her direction. A gurgling voice emerged from somewhere in, for want of a better term, it's face.

"It seems we were wrong to fear you. I had forgotten how small and insignificant you are..."

Tilly started to giggle. The claws that appeared at her finger tips were like needles, and dripped with some dark red liquid. Hope and Daniel weren't sure what she intended to do against an enemy with no physical form, but she was insane, so who knew what went on in her head?

"Have we met?" asked Tilly, conversationally. she seemed to genuinely have no idea what it was she was facing "You'd think I'd remember a big red splat..." She showed no fear whatsoever.

Melinda appeared at Daniel's shoulder, her look of childlike curiosity out of keeping with the situation. "Well this is unusual, any idea who you destroy a fucking great puddle made of blood?"

"Last time I encountered an animated smear..." replied Daniel. "...a Brujah friend of mine exploded a truck in the middle of it. Of course that was shadow, not blood..."

Hope approached them and produced one of her remaining two petrol bombs. As soon as she saw them, Melinda seemed delighted.

Melinda - Gangrel
Pyromaniac

"Fire? Fire I can do..." She slid her jacket to one side and revealed a primitive bandolier of Molotov cocktails, and offered Daniel one, as well as a lighter, half filled with fluid. At some silent signal, the survivors amongst her followers also produce similar devices. "...and this seems like our kind of party..."

"You're sire is still a bit close to the target." warned Daniel.

"That's okay..." replied Melinda. "Tilly likes fire..."

As Hope and Melinda hurled their flaming projectiles at the creature, Melinda's own followers began to do the same. Blake and his own faction opened fire with their projectile weapons, but this was ineffectual when compared to the effect of the flames. Where orange flame touched red blood, the fluid began to blacken. More blood flowed to repair the damage, but stopped where the fires still burnt brightly.

Flames also flowed around Tilly, but she seemed not to care. As her clothing smouldered she patted out the flames with her bare hands and watched the writhing form before her with rapt interest.

Within the writhing form, several creatures could be seen forming, rapidly coalescing into vermin and within seconds a pulsating mass of rats with blood-red eyes exploded outwards from the thin cocoon of remaining blood, each made their escape in a different direction...

--------------------

An Escaped Blood Rat of the Vector

Many of the rats were killed, but some had certainly escaped. No doubt 'The Vector' had been weakened, but certainly not destroyed. Vin had been following behind the swarm after passing his warning to their mistress and had been hunting any of the cult that may have slipped through the assault. He too had killed many, but was sure that some enemies had eluded them.

On examination, the chosen cultists, each had identification on them which was certainly fake. Their belongings however painted a much different picture.

Each possesses a file on a particular Baron. Their known bases and favoured haunts, how they fed and where, and significant biographical information. None of it was exactly secret, but would certainly be all a mortal would need to get close enough to a kindred to make their status as a blood doll almost inevitable. A surprisingly subtle scheme, considering the overt nature of the plague itself.

A beautiful redheaded young woman, with the distinct features likely to attract anyone of an artistic persuasion was certain to have been Michael's 'Typhoid Mary'. Samples of his art are within her files together with notes about their meanings and the techniques needed to produce them.

More worryingly, it didn't take much investigation to discover that three bodies were missing. Which three Barons these were intended for however would require a detailed search of their belongings and a little detective work. That however would take some time.

For now, perhaps this could be called a victory.

To Be Continued in 'The Mithras Seal' (Part One)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

Well that was the closest we've been to losing a PC in a while, and in this session we nearly lost two.

To be honest, after the climatic battle with Brother Kanker, the Vector reveal felt like a bit of an anti-climax. They were well prepared, so I suppose it'll just have to come back, stronger, more resilient and a bit sneakier...

The interludes have been a bit of world building and the players seem to like them so those will be continuing too.

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

------------------------------------------------

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

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Thirty One - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Eight)

2023-04-07T16:30:00.006+01:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five,

Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part Six and Seven

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Hospitals

Other Possible Triggers: Blood, Disease (Plague)

Introduction

The coterie have obtained a sample of blood from a kindred who it seems has an immunity to the plague, and one that can be passed onto those who have consumed her vitae. The so-called Mistress of the Swarm, who gifted them her blood has claimed that it seems less effective against this new strain.

Dr Daniel Matthews now needs to find someone who can enhance the attributes of this vitae and hopefully formulate a cure.

Scene Thirty Two - The Oathbreakers

Luthor Hyde - City Gangrel
'The Oathbreakers' Pack

Luthor Hyde, who guided Daniel and Hope to their meeting with the Mistress of the Swarm, was waiting for them by the Gallery. He was accompanied by a woman they recognised as Scarlet Carson O'Toole, the Sabbat member supposedly taken captive by Marius, who subsequently turned out to be one of his grandechilder's own childer and a spy. There was also a girl with them whom they hadn't met before.

The girl looked like a China doll, perfect in features, though the eyes clearly showed that she was something more. The three might look like a family group out for a stroll, if not for the lateness of the hour.

Daniel was aware that Scarlet, and several other 'former' Sabbat, were now an Oratory Pack, known as 'The Oathbreakers'. Generally they were distrusted by the Anarchs, but had been given equal status by Marius to his other Oratory Packs. Moral questions apparently meant very little to 'The Wolf Spider' as most Sabbat called him.

"Do you have somewhere less public where we can talk?" asked Miss O'Toole

They were escorted to a meeting room, and politely informed that much of the rest of the gallery was warded against intruders and so it would be in their best interests to not "Wander about..."

"So..." began Scarlet. "...you require information on The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle?"

Scarlet Carson O'Toole - City Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Oathbreakers'

Daniel confirmed that this was so, and then the leader of 'The Oathbreakers' began to pass on what she knew.

"The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle are a dark legend even amongst the monsters of the Sabbat. Patient, yet Brutal, careful, yet capable of insane levels of collateral damage if necessary. Not for them are the raiding parties, and shovelhead onslaughts of the others, except possibly as a feint or distraction. They are dangerous in the extreme..."

"The rank and file are fairly fluid, attrition rates being especially high amongst them, but the leadership is quite stable."

"Bishop Vick is their leader. A Toreador by clan, though easily mistakeable for a Lasombra, or Tremere antitribu given his knowledge of their disciplines and rituals. An efficient leader, and fiendishly intelligent. A plan of this sophistication is certain to be his, though I doubt he handles recruitment. That would be the department of Jezebel Locke. They generally refer to her as 'Sister' but she's also a Bishop..."

"Sister Locke, is an excellent recruiter to the cause. Charisma, manipulation, sex, whatever it takes, then she worms her way into their minds and makes them believe that her desires are theirs. It takes an incredible force of will to do that to even a single individual. Locke can do it pretty much on demand and on mass. She's also a Toreador antitribu, though she had a Malkavian confidante for a while. She learned all they had to teach, then ate their soul...she wasn't particularly sane before, the diablerie has made things significantly worse..."

Sister Maladie - Banu Haqim antitribu

"Then there's Brother Kanker. He's a Paladin, entrusted with protecting Sabbat leaders from Final Death. Bishop's aren't generally considered important enough to get one as protector, though it does happen occasionally, which goes to show how highly thought of Vick and Locke are. He is, to utilise an overused term, a killing machine. Even if you can hurt him, he wont care. He feeds upon the pain like it's vitae and takes great pleasure in destroying any kindred not of the Sabbat. There's none of the usual Sabbat habit of 'playing with his food', he just destroys..."

"Sister Maladie is another of their favoured killers. Not toe to toe like Kanker. She's a 'poison coated knife in the back' kind of girl. She likes to watch and learn, then strike. Patient assassins are rare in the Sabbat and though not exactly respected, she is feared. She's also what mortal profilers would call a 'Family Annihilator'. Not her own 'family' of course. The Vinculum takes care of that impulse, so she's transferred those urges to the loved one of their targets. She's been known to cause such mayhem that her victim has nothing left to lose when she comes for them, and they're almost grateful for their end...at least it's quick. she's usually tired of the game by then..."

"There's one exception to this methodology. Sometimes she creates a family of her own, just so she can tear it apart...anyway...if she knows your coming then protect your loved ones, because she'll make them suffer, and watch you suffer through what she's done to them..."

Serpents of the Light
Bloodline Symbol

"The final core pack member is the appropriately named Brother Serpentine. A Serpent of the Light, A Setite, sorry 'Ministry' antitribu effectively. Manipulation by seduction is the usual tool of choice for the Serpents of the Light, so he pairs well with Locke. They like to play a dangerous game of attack and counterattack against their rivals, usually with mortal pawns. Members of that bloodline wield weapons of addiction and decay. They are expert at discovering a target's weakness and using that tool – be it drugs, sex, power, or whatever – to gain control of the target or targets."

"These pair relish the opportunity to bring down a Prince or Baron's city from the inside out, like any dedicated Sabbat. A Serpent set loose in a major metropolis can magnify the drug-trade substantially, entice many innocent victims into prostitution and much more. They prefer to operate behind the scenes, extending their control through human, ghoul and Kindred underlings, without becoming an obvious target themselves. Rooting out a Serpent of the Light from a city is much like peeling an onion - you must slice away many layers before you get to the core...and that core is inevitably rotten..."

'Max' - Gangrel
Sweeper for the North East Baronies

Hope and Daniel exchanged a knowing look that Scarlet picked up upon. Daniel explained that he, Hope and one of the Baronies sweepers known as Max, had likely encountered this 'Sister Maladie'. He then relayed to her their encounter in the sewers, where they came across members of the swarm who were hunting someone. He also shared the opinion of Max that their prey had tried to lead them into a trap.

Storytellers Note - That event happened in Scene Ten of a Story that can be found HERE.

"There has been mention of a Brother Cor." added Daniel. "Is that name also familiar?"

"No idea. Must be someone new..." was the reply

Hope stayed quiet, making mental notes about the warriors of this group and how she might best deal with them. Daniel, meanwhile, had some theories that he chose to share.

"The people smuggling operations we've encountered might easily have been masterminded by this 'Brother Serpentine' as they seemed to have many of the hallmarks that you've attributed to him. If it was him, then he's already removed anything that might have connected himself to them. If there were any clues left, then we certainly didn't find them." He continued. "He and the other Sabbat didn't pop their heads up at all during the clean-up. It was all go-betweens and expendable assets."

Miss O'Toole made no comment on this theory and it was quite obvious that she now intended to leave.

"You now have all the information that I have to share. Do with it what you will..." she said, and then she and her companions began to leave.

Alice Menard AKA Cherubim - Brujah
'The Oathbreakers' Pack

Daniel had some more questions, but as he moved to intercept them, the childlike figure of Cherubim stepped between him and them and smiled sweetly. "You've had enough of our time...so I imagine you'll want to get out of our way now..."

Deciding that forcing the issue would create more problems than it would solve, Daniel stepped aside.

A few moments later a car arrived to pick up the three, and from the scratches around the lock, Daniel was reasonably sure that it had been recently stolen.

Daniel turned to Hope. "So what did you think?"

"I think you were about to get your ass kicked by a six-year old..." quipped Hope.

Daniel chose to ignore the comment. "That's not what I meant as you are well aware..."

"I think that we have at least two pretty dangerous kindred to deal with who aren't going down without a fight, and several others who will be busy trying to outwit us in the meantime."

Daniel agreed, but also had another issue. "Scarlet meant what she said about Sister Maladie, so we're going to need to protect anyone we give a shit about whose vulnerable in any way. Mortals, ghouls, kindred acquaintances...everyone, basically..."

Hope agreed, and the pair briefly separated in order to pass the word to all that might be affected. Humanity was difficult for most kindred to maintain, and little bought the beast to the surface as quickly as the loss of a mortal touchstone.

Interlude - Reunion

Grafton - Brujah
Ally of Theodore Bell

Grafton hated waiting.

Over a century of unlife had, if anything, made him even more impatient. Besides which he had his eye on a replacement for his blood doll. The current one was getting a bit clingy and beginning to cramp his style, and he needed to start working on the new candidate. If he had to wait for this contact much longer, the potential blood doll's shift at the club would be over, and he'd have to wait until tomorrow to make his move, and he fucking hated waiting.

To add to his irritation, the kindred drug dealer that they used for their profitable little sideline, had decided to use an Oratory Pack as an intermediary. This was becoming increasingly common as kindred who would happily fuck over a rival were a bit more careful about pissing off an organisation with several hundred Gangrel in it. Especially as they seemed to have adopted an 'all for one, one for all' policy, which meant that making an enemy of one came with a whole heap of trouble. Plus Gangrel were, in his experience at least, the very definition of pragmatism, and so the chance of getting a fair fight from one, unless you were another Gangrel, was basically non-existent. After careful consideration he decided that he fucking hated Gangrel as well.

His internal monologue was interrupted by a nudge in the ribs from one of his partners in crime. "Grafton! The bastards have finally turned up..."

--------------------

Florence 'Fox' Mercado - Gangrel
Childe of Marius Walker

It couldn't fucking be. He had to be seeing things. No, that was definitely her. Blood doll number twenty something. Three? Was standing in front of an armoured car, gun in hand, asking where the payment for the merchandise was. This was going to get awkward. Still, she'd never been that smart. He'd talk his way out of it.

"Floella? It's great to see you. You just disappeared that night. I spent months looking for you, but you'd vanished. You got the gift anyway, I guess. Shame it wasn't me who embraced you. I'd planned to do it the very night you went missing..."

She seemed to be smiling, so he relaxed a little, apparently unlife hadn't made her any smarter. He'd drop a few names into the conversation, just to show her what she'd missed out on, then he could get out of here with the heroin that funded the mundane pleasures that made eternity tolerable. Theodore Bell may have been a legend, but fame by proxy wasn't very profitable. Hopefully he'd still have time to drop in on the bitch at the club.

"I was just saying to Theodore. You know? Theo Bell. Yep, that Theo Bell, That when we're in L.A. we should show the locals how Killa-B and his posse, party..."

The conversation was abruptly ended as a burst of armour piercing rounds punched holes in his body armour, travelled through his heart, and continued out through his back. "You couldn't even remember my name, you fucker...." said Florence, as she moved closer. This time she aimed carefully at his forehead and fired a second controlled burst that vaporised his skull. Yukio had taught her well.

Yukio Hayashi - Ancient Ghoul, Assassin and Enforcer

While the other Gangrel covered Grafton's allies with their own weapons, she loaded a new, full magazine, and aimed the fully-loaded SMG at the crotch area of the Brujah who looked most afraid for his continued existence. "So tell me about this trip to L.A..." she asked.

--------------------

Victoria Anezka - Ancient Ghoul
Psychotic Personal Assistant

"His execution had already been arranged. Remember? and was to be done after he was no longer of use, and at a time when one of his own people would be presumed responsible..."

Florence nodded, and briefly regretted her actions. Yukio was a stone-cold killer, but Victoria was scary as fuck, and she hated having to be this close to her. She had no idea how her sire put up with her, let alone why he fucked her.

Victoria touched Florence's cheek almost tenderly. 'Fox' tried to pull away, but the ancient ghouls living flesh now seemed bound to her undead form. A moment later the long dead pain receptors within the Gangrel's nervous system all awakened simultaneously. She found herself paralysed as the pain levels began to increase steadily.

"You can't fall unconscious, and you can't die, and I can increase the magnitude of this sensation indefinitely..." stated Victoria, almost conversationally. "...Marius would not wish me to destroy you, however it's important that you understand that my requests are not to be interpreted creatively. You haven't earned that right, yet..."

Fortunately the pain-wracked Neonate had some information that might get her back in the psycho-bitch's good books. Struggling to find her voice through the waves of agony, she managed to spit out the words. "We don't need Grafton to get to Theo Bell. Killa-B will be coming to us..."

'Nines' Rodriguez - Brujah

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Really? Please elaborate." The pain subsided enough to enable her to speak more clearly.

"Yep, Really. He's been asked to liaise between the Camarilla and The Free States about this blood plague and the likelihood of it becoming a wider threat. Theo's going to making the arrangements through someone called 'Nines'. You know who that is, I'm hoping. An exact time hasn't been agreed on, but he's definitely coming."

Victoria smiled, which was somehow more disturbing on her than the anger had been. "Fine. I'll pass the good news onto Marius and be selective about the 'how'. Now go find Yukio. I believe she has some more training in mind for you. Hopefully it'll be in the area of not going off script..." Florence felt a brief sensation, like needles being pulled from her flesh, and then the pain was gone. Victoria didn't say anything else, and Florence left quickly. At least Yukio had a sense of humour. She wondered briefly if her sire was fucking her too, then decided she didn't care. She'd had her revenge, and that was all that really mattered.

Victoria reached for one of the the three encrypted burner phones she carried and began to send some messages.

First Marius would need to know about L.A. Then she'd need to arrange for Theo to find out that his ally Grafton had been supplying heroin to the very communities that he was supposedly defending, actually no, he'd almost certainly find that out himself. Instead she'd need to ensure that the trail of clues led to the Ventrue who had hired them for the initial job, as he knew nothing about their broader aims. Hopefully it would be enough to keep Theo from looking too deeply into other potential reasons for the final death of his ally.

And Miss Mercado would need to watch her step, or her next lesson would have to be more...educational...

Scene Thirty Three - Waste Not, Want Not

Daniel had made arrangements, through the usual channels, to visit Pisha. She was an expert on the occult, and despite an unfortunate need to consume flesh, as well as drink blood, Daniel considered her to be a reliable source of information.

Aegis Medical, a division of Aegis Acquisitions

The Aegis Haematology and Bacteriology Research Centre was no longer a building site and had expanded significantly from the two functional buildings that existed there on their last visit.

It now consisted of several large linked buildings with a number of smaller facilities scattered around its exterior. There was a security barrier across the entrance, next to a solid looking building manned by a couple of security guards.

As they drove next to the window they saw a bored looking, balding man in a uniform with the logo of Mercury Security Solutions on it in several locations.

"Is this a scheduled appointment?" He asked

Daniel explained that he had a meeting at the waste recycling facility.

"...and your associate?"

"She carries stuff..." replied Daniel.

"Please show me your medical identification and look at the camera for me." He indicated a small camera lens in a box in one corner. It looked fairly mundane.

After about thirty seconds he handed Daniel a laminated ID card, with his picture on it, his official title, a number of allowed guests which matched the number of his companions, and a grid of letters which seemed to indicate he had 'Level B, C and D' clearance, but not 'A'. "There you go Dr Matthews. Please keep that with you at all times." "Are you aware of our clearance level protocols?"

Without even waiting for a reply, he began to explain. From his tone they imagined that he'd given the following monologue many times.

"Level D, covers all public areas, including reception and the canteens, and restrooms. Level C is for qualified staff and visitors only and allows access to their own rest and recreational facilities as well as the research library and observation areas. Level B allows access to all other research areas, that are not currently classified as potentially dangerous. Please ensure that your associate stays with you at all times to prevent any issues with security."

Daniel asked about Level 'A'.

"Level A? Those are special project areas and are carefully controlled. To access those you need to be accompanied by someone with appropriate clearance. Waste disposal is a Level B area, except for quarantine, which is A."

--------------------

The facility was busy but not crowded and waste disposal had its own carpark. Three spaces were reserved for staff and a large area had been allocated as for the use of disposal vehicles only. There were several empty spaces for visitors.

As before, an intercom at the door was the only contact with those inside. This presumably kept Pisha's haven below it more secure but without drawing any suspicions. After all, if anywhere was going to be secure, it was waste disposal facility in a hospital that dealt with infectious diseases and blood disorders.

As with their previous visit, two women and a man were the only staff within the facilities reception.

The man was wearing a generic security guards uniform with a Mercury Security Solutions logo on one shoulder. It seemed that security was still a concern as the guards armament consisted of a Glock handgun, a 'Tonfa' style baton, and a taser as well as cans of mace, pepper spray and tear gas.

Nikita Taylor - Ghoul of Pisha

The taller of the two ladies addressed them as they entered. "Miss Pisha is expecting you. The layout is the same, head down the corridor to the stairs to the basement area, then to the lift at the end of that room, and hit the button for the sub basement..."

Nikita, Pisha's ghoul, nodded at them as they entered the Nagaraja's lair but continued with her task. She was currently cleaning, repairing and organising a selection of antique medical tools. Many looked like museum pieces.

Daniel noted that one of the devices was an Osteotome, from about 1830, it had a spike, which, once driven into the patient’s skull, anchored the device so the doctor could saw through the bone using the crank. That turned the small saw-toothed blade, something like a mini-chainsaw. He decided not to think too much on why Pisha, or her ghoul for that matter, would be interested in such an item.

Pisha's lab was empty of 'projects' and she herself was sitting casually in her office reading a strange looking book. A book that Daniel recognised as one of those he retrieved for the Salubri who helped to partially restore his humanity. Unsurprisingly, it was the most disturbing of the three as it was bound in what Daniel was sure was human skin, and had an intricate lock fastening a band of dark metal which kept the book closed. The lock was lying on her desk.

Storytellers Note - The story mentioned in the above paragraph, can be found HERE.

"How can I assist, the agents of the Arbiter?" She asked, barely even looking up. Daniel briefly considered not mentioning the tome, but eventually his curiosity got the better of him. "This? A Salubri named Kalpini traded it to me in exchange for a locket from my collection. As the artefact could only be opened by one of her clan it was of limited use to me. All things considered it was a fair exchange..."

Kalpini - Salubri 'Healer'

Daniel then changed subject to the matter that had bought them here. Namely the samples of Vitae acquired from Tilly Kelly, leader of the underground kindred known as The Swarm.

"Exactly what materials do you have? Please be specific..."

Daniel proceeded to itemise what they had, while Hope made a brief attempt to look interested, and then promptly gave up once it became apparent that most the words they were using were Latin.

"We'll need some mundane technological assistance initially. Give me a moment to change and I'll accompany you to viral research..." concluded Pisha.

Pisha emerged a few minutes later. The dark patterns on her skin were absent and she was now 'Blushed' and could more easily pass as a human, her clothing was also now far more traditional in nature and she had an identification card on a lanyard. It had her picture in one corner and the name on it was 'Dr Pamela Isha'. Pisha noticed them both scrutinising her identification and explained it's origin.

Pisha - Nagaraja, Before and After 'Cleaning Up'

"The name? Marius thought it was funny...though my spurious identity is qualified in a great many areas which makes navigating the facility above far simpler..."

As they walked to the other laboratory buildings, Pisha asked them if they'd made any other pertinent discoveries. Given how busy they had been, this was going to take some time to explain.

Interlude - Killa-B

Theodore 'Killa-B' Bell - Brujah
Anarch, Formerly Camarilla

"You want to run that by me again?" growled Theodore 'Killa-B' Bell, Notorious former Archon and the kindred almost single-handily responsible for the majority of the Brujah Clan abandoning the Camarilla in favour of the Anarchs.

As the only neonate in Theo's crew, Duante had been given the unenviable task of telling Theo that his friend was gone, and why. "Grafton got whacked. He was doing some side-deal and got lit up by some freelancer. It was a hit, but we've no idea who put out the contract, but it looks like it was okayed from up on high. Some-one didn't want no new dealer sliding into their smack business."

"Fucking heroin? He was dealing heroin and I'm just finding this out now. Who the fuck else knew and who the fuck else was involved?"

Duante hoped the question was rhetorical, cuz he had no fucking clue. Judging from the silence, Theo was expecting an answer, and Duante had none to give.

"Fine..." spat Theo when no reply was forthcoming. "...I'll find out myself..."

--------------------

Theo Bell had been involved in Camarilla politics at the highest level for nigh on a century before finally getting sick of their shit, and so could see through kindred bullshit at a hundred yards. Unfortunately, the gist of what he had been told was turning out to be true, itself a rarity in kindred circles, which ironically made Theo even more suspicious about the veracity of what he was hearing.

Some Brujah 'Friends' of Theodore Bell...

The rival dealer, a Ventrue as it turned out, was keen to placate the angry Brujah that turned up at his club with half a dozen equally upset fellow clan members at his back. They were well aware of what happened to the last Ventrue who pissed off Theo, and were understandably keen to avoid a dragonsbreath round to the face.

He had told Theo that Grafton had been getting 'product' shipped to him whenever the crew stopped anywhere for more than few months, muscling out any local dealers, making one or two big sales and then blowing the profits on partying and hookers. To make matters worse, Theo's people usually made their havens in the poorer communities of his own people, so Grafton had mainly been selling to them. Given that Grafton had been dropping the name of Theo as a deterrent to getting fucked with, his rival had intercepted the latest shipment and contracted out the meeting to an Oratory Pack who were to warn Grafton off. He admitted that finding someone who was willing to take on the job had been tricky as no-one really wanted to risk making an enemy of the legendary Theo Bell.

The Ventrue was also quick to point out that any of his drugs that found their way into the slums was the locals doing, not his. He also claimed not to have put out a contract on Grafton. Theo believed him. He'd been too scared to lie convincingly, even if the bastard had wanted to. Obviously the Oratory bastards had taken the drug deal job so as to facilitate the assassination.

Clearly Grafton deserved what he fucking got. In fact, had he found out earlier, Theo would have blown his head off himself. Even so, something about this stank, and once this 'plague' business was sorted, he'd get back to cracking heads until he found out exactly what that was.

Scene Thirty Four - Root Causes

Daniel had been explaining what they had discovered to Pisha, and had been doing so in a fairly systematic fashion, and had now reached the part about the laboratory that he and Hope had discovered.

The Plaguebearers Laboratory

Storytellers Note - The lab was discovered in Scene Twenty Three of this story HERE.

There was a vague hint of irritation to her tone after Daniel informed here that they had destroyed the laboratory. Evidently she'd have preferred that they hadn't put it to the torch.

"The fire was unfortunate. Reverse engineering is so much simpler when you have access to the equipment used to create a thing. I hope you at least took pictures and catalogued the items there before you destroyed everything?"

In fact, Daniel had taken extensive pictures and notes, and this information seemed to placate Pisha somewhat. After a little while longer he mentioned that they may have found the Brotherhoods base of operations.

"When did you discover this information?" she asked. Daniel informed her that it had been several nights ago. Again, this revelation didn't please Pisha.

"A pity. We could have learned much, but given your intensive investigations up to this point, it's likely that they know that you know about them and have already made their escape. Unless they had a great deal of equipment to move? Perhaps then they might still be there, but I doubt that will be true for more than another night. This enemy has proven to be more sophisticated than the average Sabbat pack..."

Daniel and Hope were forced to agree. Once they had dealt with this evenings business, then they would need to look into the suspected enemy base as a matter of urgency.

The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle

"You've apparently been very busy. Was there anything else?"

There pair relayed some other information. The fact that the plague may have had it's origins in Paris, the 'rotting thing' that had apparently took more time to realise that it had been destroyed than Hope would have liked, and the involvement of the Sabbat Pack known as The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle.

Pisha seemed to only responded to one of the additional pieces of information, and that was the name of the Sabbat Pack, but made no actual comment. Daniel hoped that she merely recognised the name, and that there wasn't a more sinister connection. Pisha wasn't the sort of creature that one wanted as an enemy.

Pisha guided them to one of the main buildings which also had a security post at its entrance. The guards didn't even ask for the newcomers ID's and barely even looked at Pisha's. Evidently they either know her face, or in Daniel's opinion at least, weren't great at their jobs.

Eventually they found themselves at a pair of double doors, next to which a was a man sitting at a desk. He was the first guard they'd encountered so far who looked like he might actually be dangerous. His uniform was neat, his hair cut in military fashion and he wore his gun like someone who not only knows how to use it, but would be more than happy to do so. To one side of his station was a locked cabinet containing several sealed suits with rebreather style masks, and another containing several loaded military shotguns and boxes of ammunition.

The Nagaraja Symbol

He acknowledged your guide "Dr Isha. Good to see you again." Then promptly unlocked the cabinet and retrieved an appropriate amount of protective clothing, before gesturing to a doorway opposite. "There's a place for you to change in there..." Daniel noticed a slightly odd tattoo on his neck which, after a little research, he discovered was a symbol sometimes used to represent the Nagaraja bloodline of which Pisha was a member. It made sense to him that Pisha would have her own people in useful positions around the hospital. In her position, he'd have done exactly the same.

The changing room had six cubicles within that could be sealed for privacy with a plastic curtain. Lockers lined the far wall, presumably for personal belongings and there were a pair of showers in one corner. It was basic, but clean and functional, and was exactly the sort of thing that Daniel would have expected to find in a facility that needed quarantine protocols.

They were first required to navigate a pair of sealed doors, which acted as an airlock of sorts. Before they entered the laboratory, Pisha spoke to them all.

"Blood bonds and the process of creating ghouls can sometimes have a negative effect on creative thought, and come with other complications. Therefore the scientists inside are exactly what they appear to be, though they have had some implanted directives, for ours and there safety, of course. Therefore if you can avoid any supernatural elements to any questions then that would be preferable."

"Marius would be less than happy if we had to...retire...any of them..."

Marius Walker, Gangrel, 'Pack Leader of The Oratory'

The facility was a wet dream of researchers everywhere.

The area was spacious, well lit, air conditioned and seemed to be equipped with every state of the art piece of medical research equipment available. Three doors in the far wall were individually labelled with the legends, 'Quarantined samples', 'incubation' and 'storage'. Another door off to one side seemed to be a simple restroom of sorts. There was also a surgical room, which seemed out of place, possibly this area had been designed for multiple types of research.

The lab was inhabited by four scientists in lab coats and two junior looking individuals, one male and one female, in basic 'scrubs'. All carried on with their work with the exception of a woman, about forty years of age, maybe a little older, who turned to greet them as you entered.

"Pamela. How nice to see you. Do you have something new for us? We're making precious little progress so far. If I didn't know better I'd think this virus was fighting us back." she smiles, but it's not particularly cheery. It's clear that her failures are weighing heavily upon her.

Dr Tasmin Jane - Mortal
Medical Expert, Aegis Medical

Pisha gestures in your direction and then addresses the woman, whose name badge identifies her as Dr Tasmin Jane.

Daniel knew the name. Dr Tasmin Jane was a leading authority in the field of viral mutations, credited with quantifying several protocols for evaluating data on pathogen evolutions and predicting the possible variations that might occur. Her secondary area of expertise was haematology, so Daniel could understand why she'd be heading the team doing the investigations. According to her bio, she was also a former Marine core medic, so definitely had practical knowledge to match the theoretical. None of the others names rang a bell to him.

"This is Dr Matthews and his team." began Pisha. "They work for Aegis medical and have recovered some unusual samples from a crime scene that also involved several plague victims. I'm afraid I can give you no further information, as with the other samples you've received, we'd like you to look at them without any preconceived biases. I'm sure you understand?"

Daniel could tell from the expression on the woman's face that though she understood, she wasn't happy about having information withheld from her.

He had taken the precaution of transferring the samples to containers that more closely matched what a medical professional might expect to be handed. He imagined that handing her a toy baby bottle filled with kindred blood, or one of the dirty hypodermic needles he'd been forced to use to gather samples from the Sabbat laboratory, might have raised a few questions.

The Blood Plague

The doctor seemed keen to explore these new options. "We'll get onto these straight away. Can I call in additional personnel?" Pisha, nodded. "Only those on the approved list. Do you have an estimate on when we might see some useful data?" The doctor shook her head before answering. "I'll work day and night if I have to..."

"Have you learned anything yet that might be helpful?" Asked Daniel.

Though disappointed in their lack of a cure, Tasmin seemed keen to discuss their few successes.

"The virus is quite unique. It mutates rapidly in response to any traditional vaccine, and, to state the mechanisms simply, draws energy from cells within the blood. Its basically a vampire..." She smiled after this last comment. Had she been aware of her audiences true nature's she might have reacted differently. "The virus also has a strange reaction to oxygen exposure. Within the host body it has very different properties to when it's removed. Why this should be has eluded us."

The Vector - Kill or Cure?

All of the kindred present made the connection to kindred vitae. When within a vampire's own body, blood became vitae and acted as fuel for their continued existence as well as their supernatural abilities, Once outside of their bodies, however, vitae soon became indistinguishable from it's state before consumption.

Daniel began to suspect that the plague was intrinsically linked to the 'Vector' mentioned in the notes they'd discovered in their investigations. It was his theory that this mysterious individual could influence their vitae even while separated from their own body, and that somehow they were not only the source of the plague, but that they had some measure of control over it.

If he was correct, then the destruction of the Vector would weaken the disease, and perhaps destroy it altogether.

He decided to share this theory with Hope as soon as possible. He knew that a solution to their problem, based around brutally destroying something, would appeal to her far more than the sneaking about and investigation that had been their focus so far.

That's if there was anything left to find that is...

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Nine)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

So...unless I write some other stuff, the players have basically been everywhere that I wrote in conjunction with this story, with the exception of the location they know of to have been the base of their prey some time in the recent past. For some reason they seem reticent to go there, so I have decided that if...hypothetically...their foe had an evil plan about to be implemented, it's going to just happen and instead of pre-empting it, they'll have to deal with the fallout of it...

...unfortunately for them, we'll have completed that session before this write-up appears, so this isn't exactly a spoiler, lol.

Song Lyrics

Also, the quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested.

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

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Seven)

2023-03-31T15:30:00.001+01:00

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.

---------------------
Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'

Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable'

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Imprisonment

Other Possible Triggers: Blood, Disease (Plague)

Storytellers Note - This one took a little longer to write as it needed to include some interludes that tied up number of loose ends and added context to some of what the players had learned. It's also longer in length than the last few write-ups so I'd get a beverage and some snacks before you start.

Introduction

The coterie now had a potential location for the Sabbat 'Pack' who called themselves The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle. Unfortunately, before they could act they'd need to deal with two urgent matters.

Firstly, they needed to prevent a war between Baron's Myranda of The Wilds and Gloria Martinez of Whittier which could well weaken the Anarch Free States enough to make the Sabbat's plans far easier to implement. Secondly, they needed to investigate a possible antidote to the plague, which unfortunately meant visiting Tilly Kelly, the so-called 'Mistress of the Swarm', a dangerous and quite insane Gangrel who ruled much of the area below the city.

Scene Twenty Seven - A Social Call

Michael's phone began to ring. It was the number he had logged for Marius's psychotic ghoul assistant Victoria, but something told him that on this occasion it wouldn't be her on the other end of the line.

Marius Walker - Gangrel, Leader of the Gangrel Packs of 'The Oratory'

"Evening Marius..." guessed Michael. quite correctly in fact "Is this a social call?"

If Marius was surprised about this, it didn't show in his voice.

Eric Moore - Nosferatu
'Vigilante Hacker'

"Michael. You can skip the coded speak. My tech guy has been in touch with Eric, we are 'end to end encrypted' whatever the fuck that means."

Michael decided to let this comment go. He was well aware that Marius was technically savvy enough to know exactly what that meant, but the Toreador Baron was now quite used to Marius changing his personality to suit his immediate needs, and in order to make getting his own way more likely. Michael was also mildly amused that despite the Nosferatu computer expert Eric being a former operative of Marius's, that he had instead contacted him through an intermediary. Having been forced to deal with Eric himself on several occasions, he understood completely. Eric was almost as irritating as he was useful, perhaps more so on a particularly bad day.

"It is actually a social call...or a close approximation. I'm informed that Myranda has been in touch in regards to a delicate matter involving broken agreements and alternate travel routes?"

Michael was also well aware that Myranda Maria, childe of Aviana Maria, and therefore a grandechilde of Marius, was well favoured by him. It was therefore almost inevitable that he would take a personal interest in this turn of events. He also knew better than to give Marius too much information until he knew what angle he was playing. He therefore decided not to reply immediately in the hope that Marius might let something slip that he could use.

Storytellers Note - Watching Michael's player gradually become better and better at dealing with Marius has been quite satisfying.

Myranda Maria - Gangrel
'The Wilds Pack'

"I was curious about the generosity of your offer. Yes, I know that Myranda offered to return the favour but I'm reasonably sure that was unprompted, but I can't see what you can possibly gain by potentially drawing yourself into a conflict that doesn't concern you so I'm going to presume that this was one of those 'doing the right thing' events that you occasionally do, or am I missing some factor yet to filter to me via the usual channels?"

Michael concluded that Marius was simply 'fishing' for information and so decided to give him only what he was happy for him to know, or probably already did.

"Gloria seems to be posturing and helping out Myranda was the best way of buying everyone some time. It also gives me an ally who might be of assistance when it comes to breaking the unity of Salvador Garcia, Allison Maller and Gloria Martinez. Three united Barons, led by one with firm ideas of his own, are going to make it more difficult for me to 'guide' the council into making the correct decisions."

This reasoning seemed to satisfy Marius, for now at least.

"In return for this service you have done my grandechilde, I'm going to do something uncharacteristic and give you some information for free, twice in fact... ...if one of your more tactical followers are around you might want to put me on speaker..."

Michael waved over Daniel, who had been not so subtly eavesdropping on the conversation anyway, and Vin who had arrived earlier to exchange some information with Mr Hertz, the coteries Nosferatu accountant. Michael then asked Marius to continue.

Leo Frost - Brujah
Lieutenant of Baron Gloria Martinez

"I am reliably informed that Baron Martinez has moved a group of her followers to her border, which also happens to be your border, at a small warehouse unit, which is coincidentally in striking distance of the closest point between the road you allowed Myranda to use, and Gloria's own domain. Possibly she's just curious..."

Daniel had been instrumental in deciding upon Myranda's route through their domain and so it took him mere moments to calculate the location that was being referred to.

"What's the strength of the strike group?" asked Daniel.

"Four Brujah, led by Leo Frost, you know him, he's one of the few competent agents she has left and one of the few of those useful ones that's still unconditionally loyal to her. Of course a constantly reinforced blood bond does that, even if the feelings are pathetically one-sided. Their sweeper scouted the location but she won't be there...too busy scouting an entire border on her own now that Owen's no longer with us..."

Vin had a tactical observation of his own. "Gloria's lot are going to get themselves fucked up if they try anything. They'll run into half of the Wilds Pack, and likely our own sweepers too. If we're forced to get involved then the shit's going to really hit the fucking fan..."

Daniel knew that Leo was attracted to Baron Martinez, though the blood bond explained a lot too. He also knew that Vin was quite correct. Sneaking up on Gangrel wasn't easy, and surprise was the only way that such a small force of kindred would stand a chance against Myranda and her inner circle.

Nicodemus - Gangrel Methuselah, The Wilds Pack

Their most powerful ally, the ancient Gangrel Nicodemus, was unlikely to be travelling with them, but even the last amongst them would make mincemeat of most attackers.

Marius then shared his second piece of information.

"Somewhat related is that Salvador Garcia was well aware of his childe's plan to prohibit access across Whittier. He didn't encourage her...I'm told...but he didn't exactly try to dissuade her either. Makes you wonder what he'd have to gain by a conflict that drew everyone North and likely got his childe torn into pieces. You'd think he'd want her protecting his Eastern border, or someone at least..."

Harvey Caplan - Ventrue
Baron of the South Coast

Daniel had some theories on this.

Garcia could be using Gloria to draw out a conflict in the north so as to relieve some pressure on his own forces from Priss, of the Barony of the Angels, who was pressuring his northern border. Garcia's eldest childe Valeria was certain to be given control of Whittier should Gloria be destroyed, which couldn't help but strengthen that domain, making that border far more secure than it currently was under Gloria.

Another worrying possibility was that with the north distracted, and the east secured, the weakened South Coast Barony would be his next logical step. Then he'd need to merely cut a deal with Fortier that would give him some of the territory seized to the west in return for not contesting the rest, or something similar at least.

Effectively Gloria's sacrifice could well solve a lot of Salvador Garcia's problems. However Daniel was unsure about what Gloria had done to make Garcia so willing to throw her to the wolves. Garcia could be ruthless but he wasn't completely amoral either. So either Daniel was wrong in his assumptions, or Gloria had fucked up massively in some way that the rest of L.A. had yet to hear about.

"While I have you on the line..." began Daniel. "...I'd like to ask you a favour...I need to speak to Tilly...in person..." All present were then rewarded with the rarity that was a Marius caught completely by surprise. "You want to do what? Why?" asked Marius, incredulously.

Daniel explained that several leads they had obtained pointed to Tilly as being a possible source of information on the Plague. There was also mention of a kindred with curative vitae whose description could match the Mistress of the Swarm.

"
The Blood Plague - Origin Unknown
Tilly was in Paris when the Plague hit. That one was widely regarded as a Sabbat project...it had all their hallmarks...but now you mention it, no, I don't think any of her brood caught the plague. I've lost a few to it over the centuries but as far as I know, Not Tilly..."

"On the subject of a meeting, remember she has the emotional maturity of a capricious child, I mean child without the 'e' by the way, and is about as predictable as British weather, and nothing I say to her is going to make a fucking difference if she decides to eat whoever you send. Just so you know the risks...but if you still want me to make it happen then I'll see what I can do..."

Daniel felt the need to clarify his position a little. "It's not that I want to meet her. I need to know what she knows, and confirm some suspicions. If I could do that from a safe distance I would, but that doesn't seem like an option. I'm going to see if Hope will accompany me, as I'm hoping she'll be more cooperative if I have a Gangrel with me..."

Marius agreed that this was a good idea.

"Fine...head to Hallowbrook. Someone will escort you into the sewer access area and a guide will take you as far as they dare. then you're on your own...good luck, I guess..." Then the phone went dead as Marius abruptly hung up. "I'm going to need Hope." stated Daniel.

"I presume you mean the person, not the concept?" clarified Michael with a smile. "First we meet up with Salvador Garcia. Then you can take your trip into the sewers."

"Just us?" asked Daniel.

"No." replied Vin, as he loaded a twenty-round drum of solid slugs into one of his fully automatic shotguns and placed the loaded weapon into a canvas carrying case. "I'll be coming along too."

Interlude - 'Fox'

Isaac 'Ike' Griffiths - Brujah
AKA Spiculus, the Immortal Gladiator

Isaac 'Ike' Griffiths, The Immortal Gladiator', and guiding force behind the many kindred fight clubs around the world, had kept his word. The Gangrel prisoners held captive in one of his 'Fight Clubs' had been released, and their captors had been punished for an act that went against the core concept of Ike's clubs, namely honourable combat. The 'punishment' had been severe, and none had survived it.

Eight of the nine captive Gangrel had been handed over to Marius. One of the former prisoners had told Ike that he didn't give a fuck what Marius wanted, he had his own unlife to get back to, and Ike had simply let him leave. He had no intention of letting him swap one subjugation for another. Three had already had to be staked for transportation , driven mad by their ordeal, but those were now Marius's problem.

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Leanna - Duskborn 'Daydrinker'
Manipulator and Seductress

The staked kindred had been moved to a secure location and were currently under the care of Leanna, one of Marius's agents who, amongst many talents, was an exceptionally capable deprogrammer and influencer of minds. If they could be bought to a semblance of coherency, then they would.

The alternative, unfortunately would be a necessity to ensure that they were no threat to the masquerade, and that would mean their destruction. In the shadow of the Second Inquisition, such loose cannons could not be allowed to exist.

Two of the remaining five had accepted places in existing Oratory packs, a third had a military background that made him useful for some of the organisations less well publicised activities, and a fourth had been granted safe passage back to his former home city. It was the last that was the problem. One of Marius's 'lost' childer. A childe who clearly had good reason to hate her sire.

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Jagged claws left a barely noticeable crease in Marius's cheek as Florence lashed out at her sire. A second and third strike were equally ineffective, yet Florence persisted. Marius let her continue for several more seconds before casually blocking the next few strikes.

"Did that make you feel any better?" he asked, as his childe stepped back.

Florence 'Fox' Mercado - Gangrel
Childe of Marius

"You took my life away you fucking bastard." she spat. "And why? I was fucking happy with him. He'd have made me into one of us anyway. You embraced me just so he couldn't have me you petty minded fuck. You ruined everything..."

"That..." replied Marius. "...isn't entirely accurate. I gave you the gift of unlife because I saw some potential in you. To Grafton you were a toy. The momentary plaything of a Brujah whose only credibility was gained via his association with another far more notable member of his clan. Once he'd got bored he'd have drained you dry and found himself another blood doll. You were his slave and I set you free..."

It was clear that she had her doubts, but something about what Marius had said rang true. "You abandoned me too..."

"True..." he agreed. "...and I'd like to make it up to you. Give me an hour of your time, and if after that you're not convinced then I'll arrange for you to be transported anywhere in the world you please, with enough resources to ensure that you never need to rely on another kindred...ever..."

Victoria watched them both leave the room to continue their discussion, with Florence still believing she was making her own choices and possessing her own free will. But unfortunately for her it was already too late. Marius's needs and desires were already supplanting the girls own and soon she'd be just enough extension of his will, just like his other childer had now become.

Through her they'd get to Grafton, and through Grafton to one of only two kindred who knew the location of what Marius currently sought. Xaviar was gone, destroyed years ago, but the other still remained.

Theodore Bell was the lock, and Miss Florence 'Fox' Mercado would be the key.

Scene Twenty Eight - Salvador Garcia

Daniel's Armory - 'Just in Case'

Daniel drove them to the meeting in his own vehicle. Though lighter armoured than Michael's, his was faster, and they might need to leave the meeting in a hurry. It also had an armoury of weapons concealed within. Michael sat in the back, while Vin rode 'shotgun'. Literally in this case.

Garcia's chosen meeting place was a community centre within a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood of central Los Angeles. The area was slightly run down but relatively tidy and also fairly quiet at this time of night. The community centre had four cars parked outside, as well as a flatbed truck and a van, and the lights were on. Two guards flanked the door, and though casually dressed, had the mannerisms of men who were quite capable of defending themselves.

As they approached, one moved his jacket aside to reveal a handgun tucked into his waist band. The other watched them impassively.

Salvador Garcia - Brujah
Anarch 'Icon', Revolutionary

"Qué deseas?" he said.

"I'm sorry...." replied Michael. "...I don't speak Spanish."

"I do..." interrupted Vin, to both Michael and Daniel's surprise. "He said 'What do you want?' But I'm reasonably sure he speaks perfect English and is just being a prick."

Michael informed the guard that he had an appointment to speak with Salvador Garcia. As Vin had predicted, the guard understood perfectly.

The guard escorted them through an empty communal room, up a flight of stairs and into a meeting room of sorts. Posters and pin-boards advertised some local events, but otherwise it was quite unremarkable.

Salvador Garcia was sitting at a table in one corner, his eldest Childe Valeria was sitting next to him. In each of the other three corners of the room a kindred bodyguard had been stationed. All were heavily armed and making no effort to conceal the fact.

"Take a seat Baron. or do you prefer Arbiter?" asks Salvador. Michael noticed Valeria audibly scoff at the second honorific.

"Arbiter is my title at meetings of the council, Baron will do here if you require something official, but Michael is fine too." He then decided to test a theory about Valeria's reaction and added. "The title wasn't picked by me, and I didn't seek out the position either. Ones actions are more important than their perceived rank, don't you agree?"

Valeria - Brujah
Iconoclast, Eldest Childe of Garcia

Garcia's reaction was noncommittal, though Michael noticed that Valeria was looking at him with marginally less scorn than she had done initially.

He also observed that the guards were more interested in Vin, standing in the doorway, than they were in him. Given his reputation for violence and intimidation, this was quite understandable. Daniel was standing just behind his Baron, and was certain to be unobtrusively armed.

Daniel had assessed the guards, though he doubted they really noticed. He was a good profiler, but they weren't giving much away. Their pistols were all biased towards stopping power, though the submachine guns they wielded seemed to have been selected for rate of fire rather than accuracy. One had a shotgun, but it was a pump-action model rather than the full-auto versions preferred by Vin, and now also carried by Hope. They were alert, but not exactly standing at attention. Daniel classified them as 'casual killers'. Talented, no doubt, but not formally trained.

"Putting discussions about the relative merit of Anarch hierarchies aside, I'm sure you have a good idea of what I'm here to discuss?"

Garcia, of course, did. "My childe is breaking agreements, though the specifics of their original deal haven't been discussed with me, so I'm not sure if she's within her rights to do so, or not."

"That..." clarified Michael. "...would be less of a problem, if she wasn't also interfering with a solution I provided. I have granted the Baron of The Wilds, Myranda, an alternate route through my own territory in order to give everyone a little thinking time. However, I have discovered that she has, what could reasonably be described as a strike force, stationed very near to my border, and at exactly the point where Myranda's people will be closest to Gloria's domain. Wars have started over much, much, less."

Jesus Ramirez - Ventrue
Garcia's 'Right-Hand' Man

Valeria then interrupted. "Perhaps she is simply observing them to ensure that they don't themselves do, exactly what you are implying that Gloria is considering?"

Michael paused for a moment before replying. "Her past actions haven't exactly inspired me to believe that she has the best intentions, or judgement for that matter. This would be last in a long line of errors, including, but not limited to, conspiring with Victor Girard against your own right-hand man Jesus Ramirez, and refusing to help with the expulsion of a Camarilla supported Methuselah of the fourth generation."

The Toreador Baron could clearly see that Garcia was becoming irritated with this line of reasoning, though Valeria was actually interested in the failures of Salvador's second youngest childe. Michael concluded that making his point might well end up alienating Garcia, so he'd need to be careful how he phrased his next statement.

"Gloria has been granted a certain amount of leeway due to her bloodline, and her association with yourself, but we all know that Anarch Barons should be selected for their abilities, not their ancestry. If she starts a war with Myranda, it is my opinion that she believes that both you and Allison will come to her aid. If the opening attack occurs in my domain, then that complicates matters even further. I'm inclined towards diplomatic solutions, but I will act if necessary. I have done so before..."

Michael let the comment hang there for a moment. He was sure that Salvador Garcia would have looked into his history, and would be aware of what the forces at his disposal were capable of when unleashed.

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of Whittier

Garcia's reply was unusually vague. He had a reputation for directness, even impulsiveness on occasion, and so the fact that he was erring on the side of caution made both Michael and Daniel suspicious. Garcia had an agenda, that was certain, but discovering what it was might prove difficult.

"My support is not guaranteed, though it would definitely be something I may consider if the circumstances warranted it. After all, as you have pointed out, an Anarch should be held responsible for their own actions, regardless of who they are descended from."

Michael then voiced another of his concerns.

"I am also aware that 'Nines' Rodriguez has voiced his opinion that Gloria is in the wrong. I am therefore concerned about the damage to the Anarch Free States should two of it's legendary figures find themselves on opposite sides in this potentially explosive situation. You have a legacy that might be affected negatively by such a conflict. You led the charge against Don Sebastian, your Anarch manifesto is required reading for any who consider them selves to embody the ideals of an Anarch, and therefore your association with Gloria in this petty feud would provide a great deal of ammunition for our enemies. The Camarilla's propaganda machine would have a field day..."

Michael let this sink in for a moment while he observed Garcia and Valeria's reactions. He could almost see the wheels turning as Salvador rethought whatever he had planned in light of what Michael had said. Valeria on the other hand seemed to have no interest in the conflict, rather he detected some scorn about her sires past achievements. It was clear that it was the 'now' that concerned her, not past glories.

Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez - Brujah, Anarch 'Icon'.

Garcia seemed to have come to a decision.

"You have a way of relaying information in a manner that brings clarity to the situation. You are correct of course. A war over something as trivial as this serves no-one, and can only harm what I, sorry...we, have built here..."

Michael didn't believe a word of this, but didn't interrupt. In his opinion a war was exactly what Garcia wanted, but he still wasn't sure why.

Allison Maller - Brujah
Baron of Anaheim, Childe of Garcia

Garcia continued. "...and though it goes against my principles to interfere in the affairs of another Baron, I might be in a position to give Gloria some guidance. Perhaps, along with the assurances you've gained from Allison, she might see how fragile her position is. I can't promise that she'll listen, but I'll see what I can do."

With both of Baron Martinez's allies now far less likely to offer their unconditional aid, Michael decided that he'd done all he could, and hopefully could get back to worrying about the more important matter of the Blood Plague. Or more accurately, Daniel and Hope could get on with it and he'd deal with any political fallout.

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"He's definitely up to something, and I'm still not entirely sure what." confessed Michael.

"I already gave you my thoughts." replied Daniel. "If he gets rid of Gloria, then replaces her with Valeria, he ends up with two competent Barons as allies instead of one good one and one liability."

Michael could see the logic in that theory, but something still didn't sit right. "Vin? Anything to add?"

"The guards were combat veterans and used to Garcia's moods. They tensed when he did, relaxed when he calmed down. If we end up on opposite sides it'll get bloody. These aren't like the pussies who work for Gloria, these are the real deal."

Michael had to smile at that. Vin's low opinion of Gloria and her bullies was well known. Now he just needed Daniel and Hope to get a solid lead on the plague so he had something to tell the Anarch Council at their next meeting.

Interlude - The Port of Hueneme

Shantelle - Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Water Rats'

"So, why the fuck are we guarding this fucking shipment?" asked Kaya, for the third time. "...it sounds like mortal work to me..."

Shantelle, Pack Leader of the Water Rats, had no desire to explain the situation again, and to be honest hadn't been given a lot of information herself. Word had trickled down to her that smugglers, well pirates really, had gotten word of an expensive shipment of equipment entering the port, and were going to attempt to acquire it.

That shipment happened to be theirs, so needed protecting. Unfortunately the cargo vessel also contained weaponry, and drugs, amongst other dubious and illegal items and so was arriving without the required paper work or custom inspections.

The proximity of a naval base to the Port of Hueneme meant that Marius, and by extension The Oratory, hadn't been able to take full control over it, as that might draw suspicious eyes in their direction. They could influence the authorities, and had customs pretty much under the thumb, but the military were off limits. This meant that sometimes they had to do things the hard way.

"We've got the easy job, so shut up..." replied Shantelle. "...we just protect it from here. It's the others who are going to get messy..."

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Vinicius Santos - Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Hunters'

Vinicius cut the engines of his boat and allowed it to drift towards the smugglers vessel. Subsonic ammunition was loaded into suppressed weapons, and The Hunters prepared for a boarding action.

This was a routine matter for them. His pack was as comfortable on the water as they were on the land and were veterans when it came to smuggling operations. Admittedly they were usually the ones doing the smuggling, but times were changing.

Three guards died to bullets that barely made a sound any louder than the ambient noises of the sea. The shots needed to be precise as the damage of such rounds was far less than he would have normally liked, but his pack had done their jobs.

Daryl, Filip, and Fiona leapt from their own boat, and landed near silently on the deck. Gilbert was covering them with a sniper rifle, having drew the short straw, and was still upset that he wouldn't get to feel the blood of his enemies on his claws.

Three minutes later the pirate vessel was filled with only the dead, and Vinicius ghouls had boarded and taken control. It was a nice boat, and in the absence of orders to the contrary, he had decided to keep it.

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Sirena - Gangrel Aquarri
Pack Leader of 'The Corsairs'

Further down the coast, the rest of the pirates were waiting to unload the captured vessel, and spirit the expensive equipment on board to an awaiting buyer. Unknown to them, they, and their buyer, were going to be disappointed.

Sirena and her childe Marabbecca, glided through the water as if born to it, their approach beneath the water completely unobserved by their targets.

The rest of her pack 'The Corsairs' were approaching via the nearby cliffs, not being blessed with the aquatic gifts of the pair of Gangrel Mariners, they had to approach in a more mundane manner.

The Aquarri, burst from the water and dragged the two lookouts beneath the surf. A moment later the water became red with their victims lifeblood, and the pair assumed a more appropriate form for traversing the land, leaving their prey for the sea to claim.

By the time they reached the main group of mortals, Sirena's pack had already torn the unfortunates to pieces.

"Are we keeping the ship?" asked Pierre.

"Vinicius will likely keep the smugglers assault vessel, so we'll keep this one." she replied. "I'll let 'Father' know so he can have the appropriate documentation created."

"...and the clean-up?" he continued. Sirena shrugged. "Make the call to Husna in reclamations. We only create the bodies, we don't tidy-up as well..."

Pierre didn't envy whoever got that job. They'd made quite a mess....

Scene Twenty Nine - The Downtown Warrens

Hallowbrook - Downtown L.A.
Marius's Base of Operations

Hope and Daniel were met in Hallowbrook's lobby by an impatient looking security guard. Likely one of Yukio's given the military bearing, concealed weaponry and thousand yard stare. "Follow me..." Is all the greeting they got.

Daniel's attempts at making conversation were rebuffed.

"'Take them to the sewer entrance, make sure the guide is there, leave them to it'... were my orders. Making conversation wasn't in the brief..."

They were escorted down several flights of stairs, and along corridors where eventually they found themselves in front of a heavily armoured freight elevator. There were no buttons, only a pad for a handprint scanner, which the guard used.

"This is as far as I go. Your guide will be at the bottom..." as soon as the doors opened, the man left them alone.

They estimated that the elevator has gone down about four floors before it opened into a concrete walled loading area with a ramp that led into some unpleasantly murky looking water. A walkway off to one side led into the distance and was separated from the water by a metal rail that was beginning to corrode in some places. Leaning against it was a casually dressed man, just over six feet tall with a nasty scar down the left side of his face.

Luthor Hyde - Gangrel
'The Oathbreakers' Pack

"I'm Luthor. I've got the wonderful task of guiding you past two werewolf packs, and a half a dozen death-traps so you can have a chat with an insane, totally unpredictable, diablerist, cannibal and her kids? Any questions before we commit, fucking, suicide?"

As it happened, they didn't. This seemed to suit Luthor just fine.

Their guide seemed to know where he was going as he walked ahead of them without hesitation, ignoring some passages, then suddenly turning down others. He made virtually no sound as he moved, though he occasionally walked in a crouch low enough to indicate that he'd much rather be on all fours. Apparently conversation wasn't in his 'brief' either.

After about half an hour of this twisting, turning route through a mixture of areas that might have been built yesterday, and others that looked like they'd been carved from the earth itself, their guide eventually came to a stop.

"Okay. We're now going to skim the edge of the turf of a couple of dozen werewolves who call themselves Bone Gnawers. They're are seen by the other werewolf tribes as little more than mongrels who sift through the waste of mankind. The Bone Gnawers see themselves as underdogs, waiting to triumph against overconfident foes. I see them as nine-feet tall killing machines that we don't piss off under any circumstances...cool?"

'Jan, Death-From-Below' - Lupine
'Mother', The Bone Gnawers Tribe

"We could go round but it's a massive detour. Besides which their leader 'Jan' is the closest thing to neutral to vampires. By which I mean she doesn't attack us on sight, but would still be much happier if we didn't fucking exist..."

"A fair assessment..." said a female voice from just ahead. The woman who emerged from the shadows was wearing tattered combat bottoms, and a top that might once have been white. Her outfit was decorated in a random variety of randomly coloured cloth, leather jewellery and bits of chain. A heavy wrench hung from a loop on her belt. It had various trinkets hanging from it, so seemed to have some meaning to her.

Both Hope and Daniel recognised her as 'Jan, Death-From-Below', one of the werewolf leaders who had joined together to destroy the Black Spiral Dancers in Griffiths Park. What was of concern to them both was that neither had heard her approach. Had she wished them harm, she would have been upon them without any warning.

She proceeded to give them some basic instructions. "Straight through. No detours. Anyone you see on your way through will be one of mine, so stopping for a snack will be immediately fatal. Are the terms acceptable?"

Daniel nodded in response. There wasn't much else to say, and he wasn't going to risk causing offense, by saying the wrong thing. Hope said nothing, Jan had the confidence of someone who was completely comfortable in her environment, and Hope knew that she would be a far different prospect in combat to the 'metis' she herself had slew when the werewolf tribes of L.A. had joined together to exterminate the Black Spiral Dancers. Still, she couldn't help but be curious about the outcome of a contest between them.

The Bone Gnawers Tribal Symbol

They saw no-one as they moved through the Bone Gnawers territory, but they were definitely there. They felt uncomfortable for about thirty minutes of travel, then Luthor ran his finger beneath a strange symbol spray-painted onto one wall. "The good news is, were out of Bone Gnawer turf. The bad news is..." he then points to a word in, what you initially take for red paint, on one wall. "...is that once we pass that corner we're in swarmland."

Interlude - Traitors

Louis Fortier - Ventrue
Baron of West L.A.

Louis Fortier, Ventrue Baron of West L.A. and amongst the wealthiest and most powerful kindred in the city, held court over his three childer, who were incidentally also his mistresses. Though technically speaking Mariel St. John was merely adopted into his family, she was given the same consideration as his actual childer, much to the irritation of Catherine Dubois. Miss DyBois was formerly his favourite though now had fallen somewhat out of favour.

Fortier had divided his domain more or less into three parts and given one to each of them to control, though in his name of course, and he carefully monitored their victories and setbacks. Mariel, Catherine and his other childe Elena were therefore now in a three-way competition for their Barons attention.

Mariel and Catherine had completed their overview of their various interests and had been engaged in a game of one-upmanship during the entire briefing, much to Louis's amusement. Elena had said very little, but seemed unconcerned about being in third place, which might have alerted the other two if they hadn't been so interested in undermining each other. When she eventually spoke, it was clear that she had been scheming in a very different direction to the others. They had pursued material gain, while Elena had chosen another path.

"There is something that I believe you should be made aware of..." began Elena. "There is a rumour, that seems to be verifiable by reliable sources, that there is a representative of the Justicars within the Anarch Free States." Her 'sisters' immediately stopped their bickering and paid attention. Louis asked her to elaborate.

Catherine DuBois and Mariel St. John. - Ventrue

"Gloria Martinez, Baron of Whittier, and former El Hermandad leader, is in fact a tool of the ancient vampire Petrodon, the former Nosferatu Justicar of the Camarilla. As you know he had been fighting the Anarch movement in general, and Salvador Garcia in particular, since the nineteenth century. Knowing that the Camarilla will eventually wish to move against the Free States, Petrodon had kept Gloria as a fifth column for when the inevitable battle begins."

The Venture Baron, who kept track of such things, pointed out that Petrodon had been destroyed. Elena continued.

"He was, in an inevitable act of Camarilla nepotism, replaced by his own childe, a Nosferatu with the moniker of 'Cock Robin'. He was briefly supplanted by one Molly MacDonald, who died in Paris during the Ministry's failed petition to join the Camarilla, but he is now once more Justicar."

Cock Robin and Alonso Petrodon - Nosferatu Justicar and Former Justicar

Catherine inevitably tried to cast doubt upon this information in order to discredit her rival. "You're talking about a childe of Salvador Garcia. Do you really think that one such as this would have fooled him for so long?"

Elena's tone became patronising, as if she was lecturing some foolish neonate. "True, if Petrodon was an idiot. Fortunately he created the best kind of spy...one that doesn't actually know that they're a spy until it matters. As a member of Clan Ventrue I would have thought that you'd be aware of such techniques? Or have I overestimated your abilities?"

Mariel's question was more pertinent. There was no point in discrediting the information if it was true. Instead she needed to see if she could take advantage of it herself. "How did you learn of this plot?"

Elena Gutierrez - Ventrue
Childe of Baron Louis Fortier

Elena then played her trump card. "Oh. didn't I say?" the pause was deliberate, and all present knew it. she was savouring the moment. "Marius has stretched himself particularly thin recently. So thin, in fact, that much of the information that comes to him from the Inner Circle does so in the first instance, via a single trusted kindred." the way she said 'trusted' made it clear that they were anything but.

"This kindred and I have come to an arrangement whereby his information comes to me first, and I decide what, if any of it, continues on it's way to 'The Fixers' ears. Though he will eventually hear of it through other sources, I will by then have used any that is useful, for my own purposes."

It was obvious that the rumour about Gloria was secondary to the revelation that she had access to some extremely high level information before Marius did.

This was a considerable advantage, and now she had made Louis aware of it, the other two couldn't sabotage the source without making it obvious that they had put personal agendas over what was a massive benefit to Louis and their Barony.

"You have done very well." complimented Baron Fortier. "Catherine. Mariel. You may leave. I and Elena will discuss this matter further...and privately..."

As childe and adopted childe watched their master leave with their rival, they exchanged a look. Unbeknownst to each other, they were formulating a similar plan. Namely, how to inform Marius of the leak while ensuring the blame fell upon the other.

Elena Gutierrez had won this battle, but the war was far from over.

Scene Thirty - Swarmland

They could feel new eyes upon them almost as soon as the trio stepped across the division between the two underground domains. "No-one's attacked us yet so I guess that's good, right?" commented Luthor, though he did so very quietly.

'The Swarm' Underground Iconography, Red 'Paint'

As they travelled, the group picked up more and more shadows, many of which were no longer bothering to conceal themselves. As 'Swarm' went, these were fairly presentable though as usual, blood-bound mortals, ghouls and kindred mingled as, if not equals, then as those definitely at the bottom of the pecking order. The only thing that appeared to indicate that they were all from the same faction was that all had burn scars on them somewhere. In fact these almost seemed to indicate rank within the faction as those with the greatest number of scars seemed to be the leaders.

Georgiana Landry - Brujah
Advisor to Melinda, 'Sister' to Vin

Luthor lowered his voice and moved closer to both Daniel and Hope. "Melinda, controls this bit. The fact that one of the mistresses childer is a fucking pyromaniac vampire tells you all you need to know about the sanity levels down here. She has an advisor whose been adding some actual tactical acumen to her factions arsenal. She's not Gangrel, this advisor, but she's apparently bastard hard...ex-Sabbat they say..."

Daniel and Hope both knew that this advisor was Georgiana Landry, who shared a sire with Vincent 'Vin' Ghast, of their coterie. Georgiana had been tasked with infiltrating the Sabbat, as Vin had been with The Anarchs. Though Georgiana's assignment for Desdemona 'Demonmaw' Moore had apparently ended, Vin's was still very much a work in progress.

Luthor also seemed about to say something else then didn't, apparently thinking better of it. Daniel noticed his reaction and decided to probe further.

"Was there something else? You trailed off a bit at the end." Luthor ignored the comment for a few moments then replied.

"I used to think that there was no such thing as an 'ex' Sabbat. You joined them because you believed that the masquerade was a joke, and that we were destined to rule over mankind. No-one leaves the Sabbat...which is of course bullshit...fuck...there's a dozen former Sabbat in the city right now, though some of them were spies anyway. But I guess you knew that?"

Scarlet Carson O’Toole - City Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Oathbreakers'

Daniel did indeed know that Marius had placed several agents in the Sabbat, but claimed that all had now returned to the fold. Daniel didn't believe that for a second. He respected Marius, but he didn't trust him, not really. This also confirmed to Daniel that this 'Luthor' was Luthor Hyde, who had betrayed his Sabbat Pack, the Misery Lords, and facilitated their destruction.

Only Luthor, and the Packs leader Scarlet Carson O’Toole had survived, mainly due to the fact that had already received a better offer from Marius and had been intending to betray the Sabbat for a long time. They were also of Marius's bloodline, but were so far removed from him that his influence over them was virtually non-existent. Or so he claimed. Regardless, he had protected them from reprisals, and even found them a place within his own organisation, 'The Oratory'. Scarlet in fact now led an Oratory Pack that mainly consisted of former Sabbat, either actual or former double-agents.

The route they then traversed was as counter-intuitive as most of their journey had been up to this point. They went up and down levels, appeared to back-track unnecessarily, and then emerged in an area far different in appearance from the previous one, though almost without any transition between the new well constructed location and the improvised messiness of the previous one.

Daniel had noticed that the corridors and tunnels were seemingly getting wider, and looked more frequently used. He concluded that they were definitely heading somewhere that the swarm used with regularity.

Melinda - Gangrel
Faction Leader of 'The Swarm'

Ahead was a set of double doors, secured by heavy duty chains, in turn secured by half a dozen locks of differing sizes and ages. A kindred, naked from the waist up, and covered in burns and scars was reverently unlocking each in turn, under the watchful eye of this factions leader Melinda, who sized up the three as they moved closer.

Melinda was slightly built, and perhaps a little below average height, with short dark hair. She also lacked the burn scars that marked her followers, so apparently this was a case of 'do as I say, not as I do'. Melinda and Luthor briefly made eye-contact, before he declined his head slightly, seemingly in deference.

There was definitely some relationship between the two, presumably this was why he was selected as their guide and why this particular route was selected.

Meanwhile, the guardian of the keys had completed the elaborate unlocking ritual and the doors swung open.

Melinda's followers waited for her to take the lead before any moved forward. It was clear that they were used to doing so, and Daniel didn't want to think too hard about what might have happened to any who had made the mistake of advancing ahead of her. Though she was clearly a lunatic, Daniel at least had to give her some credit for leading from the front.

Luthor gave out a low growl, and those behind Melinda moved out of his way and allowed him to stand just behind her. Hope joined him, and then a moment later, so did Daniel.

"I guess your an honouree Gangrel for the Night." quipped Hope, as the group moved forward in the wake of their leader, and the trio advanced along with them.

Interlude - Manifesto

Michael Tomassio - Toreador
'Power-mad, Pretty-boy'...apparently...

"Well he wasn't at all what I was expecting..." said Valeria to Garcia, as Michael Tomassio and his security drove away from the meeting.

"And what exactly..." queried Salvador Garcia. "...were you expecting?"

"In all honesty, and based on your description I hasten to add, a power-mad pretty-boy who talked a lot but said nothing of importance, while busily fooling the other Barons into believing he had their best interests at heart, while meanwhile trying to turn himself into the Baron of L.A."

The Anarch revolutionary raised an eyebrow at the doubt in Valeria's voice. Nothing in that meeting, with the so-called Arbiter, had changed his assessment, yet Valeria was talking as if he himself was somehow at fault. This was not why he had summoned her to the city. She was to take the place of Gloria, before some implanted objective turned the Baron of Whittier against his Anarch Free States, not second-guess his opinions.

Of course he had his suspicion's that Gloria was already fulfilling the wants of a long destroyed Justicar. Bizarre changes of mind that negatively effected the city seemed to occur with increasing regularity. Michael had given some examples during the meeting, and Garcia himself knew of several others that had escaped Michaels notice. She needed to go, and it had to happen in a way that didn't reflect badly upon himself. As a committed Anarch, he was happy to sacrifice her if necessary for the future of the Free States. In fact her destruction was now more or less inevitable. Only the timing had changed, in no small part due to Michaels interference.

Priss - Lasombra
'The Shades', Barony of the Angels

Of course this wasn't the only thing that needed to be done. The plan to use Gloria to create out a conflict in the north so as to relieve pressure on his forces from Priss in the Barony of the Angels would now need to be scrapped, and another reason concocted. This was necessary so Valeria could take control of Whittier as this would strengthen the domain, making that border far more secure than it currently was under the increasingly unpredictable and unreliable Gloria.

Irritatingly this also meant that he would need to delay the deal he'd made with Baron Fortier that would give him some of the territory seized by Louis, in return for not contesting the rest. With the north distracted, the east secured and the west's border agreed upon, the weakened South Coast Barony would have been his next logical step. Now all that needed to be reconsidered.

Even Allison was beginning to show reluctance to follow his dictates. It was beginning to look like his childer were losing sight of what it meant to be an Anarch, as were many others who were looking to Michael for leadership. Perhaps it was time to wipe the slate clean and start over with childer who truly embodied his ideals, not some untested version of them that existed only as theory in the minds of kindred who had never been truly tested in the crucible of open warfare with the Camarilla. The continuation of the Free States was now his only concern, and it was clear to him that it should continue exactly as he and Jeremy MacNeil had envisioned it

He noticed Valeria looking at him, presumably awaiting his response to her statement. "You were deep in thought..." she said, and to him it almost sounded like an accusation.

"I think we need a Plan B." He replied and something in his tone sent a chill down Valeria's spine. There was normally no dishonesty in Garcia, his stance or his nonverbals. Everything was on the surface, unhidden. Yet now Valeria could tell that he was keeping things to himself, manipulating rather than confronting, and using others instead of acting personally. Who knew what a kindred with Garcia's skills and allies might accomplish, if he believed that only he knew what was right, and what he might do to any who opposed this view.

"Whatever you think is necessary." she replied. Though she had begun to fear what that might be.

Scene Thirty One - Champions

They found themselves in a vast amphitheatre, a structure that had no right to exist this far below the city, yet did. It's original purpose was unknown, and they doubted that the swarm ever had the capabilities to construct it themselves.

Blake - Gangrel
Faction Leader of 'The Swarm'

They counted around a hundred and fifty 'swarm' within the circular structure. Stone pillars held the domed stone ceiling in place and there were three entrances in addition to the one from which they had entered. A rough division of individuals could be discerned. Those on the side from which they entered all had the distinct burns of Melinda's followers.

A smaller group by the entrance to the left were better dressed and had far more weapons and armour, though the armour was mostly improvised. Their leader was a muscular man in a tattered suit, with military style body-armour over the top. He had been embraced later in life than Melinda and appeared to be in his late forties. This must have been Blake.

By far the largest faction dominated the right side of the room and fit the image of the first swarm members they'd met. Most wore torn, blood-stained clothing, though some had on work outfits, mainly from organisations that worked underground. They conspicuously parted as Quinn moved between them, avoiding making eye-contact with their leader.

To the rear had been constructed a raised platform, on which sat a throne of sorts. The steps below it were scattered with otherings to the swarms mistress. Piles of jewellery sat next to children's toys, human skulls and other detritus distinct only because of it's silver or gold colouring. Upon the throne was Tilly Kelly, Mistress of the Swarm. She stood a little over five feet tall and was slightly built, Her clothing was tattered and blood-stained and from the look in her eyes, sanity had left her behind, many years ago.

Tilly Kelly - Gangrel
The Mistress of The Swarm

Their guide beckoned them forward and the crowd parted as they approached to seek an audience. "I'll be outside..." whispered Luthor. "...let her speak first, even if it takes a while...and if it looks like the shit is gunna hit, then I'm out of here. Melinda might give me a head start at least..." He then walked slowly backwards, his head bowed. He was evidently taking zero chances with causing offense.

And so Daniel and Hope were now in the presence of the Mistress of the Swarm. She watched them closely but other than that showed no sign that she even knew that they were waiting for her to address them.

About ten excruciatingly slow minutes passed, before Tilly seemed to remember that they were there. She stood up and skipped down the stairs, like a child might. "The scalpel and the hand grenade? is the ice-pick busy or just late?" she giggles to herself as if this was somehow a joke that only she got.

Hope and Daniel both smiled as if this was actually funny, but it was a joke that they had grown tired of. Though the original source of the comment was unknown, many of the other Barons enforcers referred to Vin, Daniel and Hope as The ice-pick, the scalpel and the hand-grenade, respectively. Though probably a fairly accurate assessment, the targets of it had stopped finding it amusing years ago.

"Vincent is otherwise engaged..." Replied Daniel. "...Though I'll be sure to let him know that you enquired about him. I'm sure he'll be honoured..." he was careful to keep any hint of sarcasm out of his voice. This was not the time to try to be too clever. He then made an attempt to more formally introduce themselves but was interrupted by Tilly.

Quinn - Gangrel, Eldest Childe of The Mistress of the Swarm

"Oh I know who you are. One of you sneaks, the other kills." she then turned her attention fully upon Daniel. "You were wise to bring a champion, I might want you to prove yourself worthy of my time...my childer are a bit boring...Quinn always wins...he cheats, but I suppose that's my fault for indulging him so...every time I decide to eat him he does something entertaining and I forget to do it..."

"Ask your questions. And don't be tedious. I'm far too important to have my time wasted..." there are some murmurs of agreement from the swarm.

Daniel decided to start by mentioning Paris.

The Paris Catacombs
Former Haven of The Mistress of the Swarm

"Paris? I don't miss Paris, I died there you know..." Daniel did know this but decided that the question was rhetorical and moved onto the theory that The Swarm Mistress's vitae might hold a cure to the plague. This line of enquiry got a slightly longer response, but not by much.

"I don't get sick. None of my brood get sick. I used to be able to make the sick better too, but not now...this new sickness is different. My flock won't get ill, that's my gift to them, it's why they all love me...everyone else will have to fend for themselves..." It was clear that getting a sample of her vitae, via hints about it's usefulness, was going to be trickier than he had considered. He decided upon the direct approach and to simply ask for it. In retrospect this might have been a mistake

"Are you worthy of carrying my essence with you, that's the question. Will your champion prove it to me...yes, that's a brilliant idea. Your champion fights my champion and if they aren't boring I'll give you a gift...I'll even let you pick..." All eyes turned to Hope.

Quinn approached his sire. "Do you want me to pick someone for this challenge?" It's obvious that he'd already prepared for the reply. "No silly rabbit..." said Tilly with a sly grin. "...I want you to fight her..."

As they both approached one another, a circle began to form around them and the crowd began to throw weapons into it. Guns. blades, improvised clubs and everything in-between now littered the floor. Quinn ignored them all, shook his head and growled, the tentacle like protrusions on his head extended and his mouth becomes a gaping jaw of jagged fangs.

Quinn - Gangrel
Champion of the Mistress of the Swarm

Claws extended from his fingertips, and though not as long as Hope's own, something foul dripped from them, smoke rose from the floor as droplets of this liquid hit the ground and began to dissolve the stone, filling the air with an acidic odour. Seemingly noticing this for the first time, Quinn removed the excess toxins with a flick of his wrist and no more flowed onto his talons to replace it. "Unless you can do that too..." commented Quinn. "...poisoning you isn't exactly me playing fair now is it?"

Hope raised her hands and displayed her own raven-like talons to demonstrate that she had no such mutation, then leapt into the air, before driving her claws downwards towards her opponents chest. His reactions were lightning fast, but the unorthodox nature of the attack caught him a little by surprise, and Hope dealt him a glancing blow across his side. It was a mere scratch, but at least she had claimed first blood.

As she retreated backwards to give herself some distance, Quinn slid a weapon from the floor a little closer to him with one foot. Quinn then flicked the weapon, an axe of sorts, it's cutting edge made from a sharpened circular saw blade, into the air with his right foot, caught it with his left hand and hurled it at Hope's head. As she sidestepped the weapon slid across her cheek, her flesh becoming hard as marble in response, causing the blade to deflect into the crowd behind her. One of the swarm, a little slower than the rest, fell backwards as the blade split his sternum.

The Swarm - Mutated Ghouls of Quinn

Several of the crowd began to laugh, and those nearby fell upon them, uncaring of the death of one of their own. Daniel noted that many of Quinns faction were mutated in some way. Either they had been mutilated, or Quinn's vitae itself passed on some of his own mutations to them.

After the failed attack, Quinn made no further moves. He seemed to be waiting to see what happens next. It was Hopes move, it seemed.

Her second attack was less successful, blocked by Quinn in somewhat more of an elaborate manner than necessary. It seemed that he too was putting on a show for the amusement of his sire. He then ducked under her guard, and sliced deeply into her flesh. Hope, so used to the invulnerability that her abilities had given here, was expecting the blow to fail. The fact that there was a limit to her ability to absorb damage was something she'd need to be aware of in future fights.

He took advantage of her momentary distraction, and switched to a grapple, then swept her feet out from underneath her.

The technique showed a knowledge of martial arts that seemed unlikely for one of the swarm, and had clearly been practiced extensively. Though he temporarily had a dominant position, he inflicted only a trivial wound upon her, designed for maximum effect, with minimal actual harm.

As they grappled, Hope heard Quinn whisper something to her. "I don't want to destroy you, let's make this entertaining enough so we both survive..." he then rolled over and flipped Hope into the crowd with considerable force, causing several of the swarm to collapse under her weight. Daniel noticed that not all of them got back up again, some of the stronger amongst them had taken advantage of the distraction to cull the weakest of their number.

Hope covered the distance between her and Quinn and attacked once more. Though putting on a 'show' was unnatural to her, she tried her best to follow her opponents lead, and judging from Tilly's reaction, she was doing a more than adequate job. After what seemed like an eternity, but was probably no more than a few minutes, they heard a shrill voice, that silenced the crowd.

Tilly Kelly - Gangrel, Mistress of the Swarm, Entertained

"Enough. That was suitably entertaining. If you eat her then she won't get to be entertaining again next time..." Hope was slightly offended at the implication that she was going to lose, but covered it up fairly well. Quinn stepped back and bowed his head as his mistress approached Hope, opened a vein in her wrist and offered her a drink.

Hope had tasted the blood of other kindred before. She had consumed the vitae of her sire, Marius, and many others and had never felt the sensation of subservience and loyalty that were the usual indicators of a blood bond. As far as she knew, she was completely immune to such things, though she kept this knowledge to herself as she took the offered gift.

'To the victor, the spoils'

Tilly then began to search through her 'treasure trove', discarding some items, and places others back more carefully, until she eventually produced a bag of child's toys and other similar items. This included a baby bottle, into which she dribbled some more of her vitae, and then offered it to Daniel with a flourish. Despite earlier indicating that he could pick his own 'prize', he decided that implying that this wasn't good enough would likely get him and Hope eaten on the spot. Besides which, this was exactly what they needed.

"You can go now...my children have a feast planned and I doubt you want to be the guest of honour..." She then smiled. It was not reassuring. He imagined it was how a lamb felt when a wolf approached. In the brief time they'd been here Daniel had seen her personality and moods change half a dozen times, and it looked like another change was imminent, and he had his doubts about whether it would be for the better.

He decided that now would be an excellent time for them to leave.

----------------------

As Luthor guided them back the way they had came, with only a few minor variations of route for reasons he didn't explain, Daniel decided to ask him what he himself knew about the plague. Given that his pack were all former Sabbat, they might know something about The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle which could prove useful. He told them that he'd ask the question, but was noncommittal about whether the pair would get any answers.

Luthor activated the lift below Hallowbrook with his palmprint and then disappeared back into the darkness.

"I wonder if you're now immune to the plague?" mused Daniel. Hope shrugged. She certainly hoped so, but wasn't willing to bet her unlife on it.

"And now?" she asked.

"Now..." replied Daniel. "...we find someone who can use this vitae to help us find a cure..."

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Eight)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

Michael's player did his usual good job of manipulating other characters to see things his way, though Daniel's player was unusually unsubtle in his enquiries. Hence the fight...

But now they have what they came for, or at least they hope they do, so now they just need to decide what the hell to do with it...

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested. In the interests of full disclosure, I'm not exactly the worlds biggest Metallica fan, but in my opinion this is one of the best and most underrated tracks they ever produced.

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Further 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 Matt Bomer, Johnny 'Roach' West is Kurt Kobain, Vincent 'Vin' Ghast is Scott Adkins, Dr Daniel Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope Romero is Deborah Ann Woll, Marie is Eva Green, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Sofia Rivera is Eliza Dushku, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Myranda Maria is Shannyn Visceral, Leo Frost is Danny John-Jules, Harvey Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Isaac 'Ike Griffiths aka Spiculus the immortal gladiator is Jason Statham, Leanna is Leeanna Vamp, Florence 'Fox' Mercado is Camila Fox, Salvador Garcia is Antonio Banderas, Valeria is Elsa Pataky, Jesus Ramirez is Javier Bardem, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Armando 'Nines' Rodrigues is Luis Carazo, Allison Maller is Chloe Grace Moretz, Shantelle is Marsha Thomason, Vinicius Santos is Liev Schreiber, Sirena is Eline Powell, Luthor Hyde is Tommy Flanagan, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Catherine DuBois is Margot Robbie, Mariel St. John is Kate Moss, Elena Gutierrez is Emmanuelle Vaugier, Georgiana Landry is Mila Kunis, Scarlet Carson O'Toole is Natalya Rudakova, Melinda is Alice Pagani, Priss is Sofia Boutella, Blake is Dave Bautista, Tilly Kelly is Anna Paquin and Quinn is Oliver Parker.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Twenty Nine - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Six)

2023-03-17T15:30:00.003+00:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'

Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Accountant'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Drug Use, Sex Trade, Sex Work

Other Possible Triggers: Blood, Disease (Plague)

Introduction

The coterie have put all their resources into deciphering the information gathered from the various locations traced to the development of the plague currently infecting the city of Los Angeles. These include the base of the people smuggler and pornographer 'Dreads', the location where his violent films with their unwilling participants were made and the laboratory where dozens of victims were used to develop new and deadlier strains of the blood plague.

Meanwhile, their Baron Michael is dealing with some kindred politics that may, or may not, be connected.

Scene Twenty Four - Myranda

Allison Maller had agreed to meet Michael later this evening, though early morning might be more accurate, as long as the meeting occurred within her own domain. Salvador Garcia would also meet him, but not tonight, as he claimed to need to take extra precautions when having a meeting in a Barony on a "war footing", as he called it. This may be true, or might just be a power-play, but either way there's not a lot Michael could do about it other than wait another night.

While assimilating this information, his phone rang, the number was not one that he recognised.

Myranda Maria - Gangrel
Baron of 'The Wilds'

"Michael?"

Michael recognised the voice of Myranda Maria, Baron of the Wilds, and leader of it's most dangerous Gangrel Pack.

"I wonder if you might find some time to meet me this evening on a matter of some importance. It's related to your duties as a local leader, not your...broader responsibilities..."

As the line wasn't encrypted, it was clear she was avoiding using kindred related buzzwords.

"There is a place just across the border from where your areas of influence and mine meet. It recently belonged to 'friends' of a certain uninvited guest within our city who you helped to remove. I can be there in under an hour? I'll have only one of my people with me, though feel free to bring as many of your own people with you as your comfortable with. I'll text you the address if that's agreeable?"

--------------------

The meeting place was a large, but not excessively so, home within it's own grounds. It had a wall guarding it's perimeter but it was clearly not defensive in nature and the gates were unlocked. A single vehicle had been parked out front, it was a sturdy off-road vehicle that looked like a civilian version of a military model. There were a couple of security cameras mounted out front but these were clearly domestic models and not the usual security you'd expect from one of Marius's brood. The location seemed to have been carefully selected to be as non-confrontational as possible.

Lezabel - Gangrel
Member of 'The Wilds Pack'

Lezabel, possibly the most amiable member of The Wilds Pack was waiting by the door, playing with a tatty looking dog with a bandage around it's midsection while another sat on the step watching them both. The other was larger and more wolf-like but also looked somewhat worse for wear having lost an ear at some point. Half a dozen healthier, and far more dangerous looking specimens, were patrolling the grounds.

Daniel noticed that the young pack member had found a place with a good view of the gate, her back was to a wall, and her eyes were darting about constantly. Hyperawareness was one of many common signs of PTSD and she was exhibiting them all.

They were met inside by Myranda.

"I'm sorry I have no refreshments to offer you. This is just somewhere convenient to meet, it's not very well equipped for our kinds needs, it mainly housed mortal agents of Lubbock's."

The Wilds Pack had been assaulted by a veritable army of Lubbock's followers during his ill-fated attempt to take Los Angeles. Evidently he had considered them a major threat and had allocated his forces accordingly. Fortunately for Myranda, her mother and sire Aviana had come to their rescue and slaughtered Lubbock's army to the last man.

"I have a favour to ask."

Michael made himself comfortable. Dealing with her grandesire Marius had made him wary about the word favour. Hopefully his grandechilde's schemes were less insidious. As it turned out, Myranda was nothing if not direct and, for a kindred at least, refreshingly honest.

The agreed route between The Wilds and Downtown, via El Hermandad

"I need permission to travel from here, to Downtown, via your domain. I and some of my packs and their associates have business there and our agreed route is currently unavailable. Oh, fuck this diplomacy shit. Can we just ignore the politics and I'll talk plainly?"

Michael smiled to himself. Myranda was definitely not the same as Marius. Of course, brutally honest individuals tended to expect the same in return, so Michael would have to amend his usual strategies that he utilised when dealing with kindred. I seemed that Marius, like his sire Xaviar, weren't exactly typical members of their clan. "Please do..." he replied. "To be honest it'll be a refreshing change."

Mary 'The Mother' - Gangrel
Leader of L.A.'s Bahari

Myranda seemed to relax a little, and then began to lay out her problem.

"I lead my own pack and control at least five others, but I'm neither the physically strongest, nor the most cunning and certainly not the most vicious Gangrel in my domain. I am however the best leader, by far. But even so, I lead by consent, because I get things done and look after my people. Unfortunately this Gloria thing is going to be something I need to deal with sooner rather than later. Having an alternative route to Mary's temple buys me some time to think, and that's what I need...otherwise more...conservative elements are going to want me to do something more confrontational..."

Michael had already spent some time considering what to do about Baron Gloria Martinez breaking an agreement that she'd made, and without a particularly good reason. Gloria had agreed to allow travel between The Wilds and Downtown, through her territory, so as to allow the Bahari, within Myranda's domain to keep in touch with Mary, or 'The Mother' as many of her followers called her. Mary was based within the Barony of the Angels, specifically Downtown L.A. and Myranda had kept to Gloria's terms for travel exactly.

Michael decided that supporting Myranda was the best move in this situation. Gloria was arrogant and prone to making rash decisions, but Myranda seemed to have a much better grasp on what it took to be a leader. All in all, Myranda was going to be the better ally if it came to a choice between the two.

"You're more than welcome to travel via my domain..." he began. "...especially as Gloria clearly reneged on her deal, making you the wronged party. I myself have begun to take steps to persuade her to re-think her decision, but I'm afraid I can't really discuss them until my negotiations are further along, I'm sure you understand that I wouldn't want to give you false hope of a solution only for it to come to nought."

'Max' - Gangrel
Sweeper for coterie's Eastern Border

Myranda merely nodded, so Michael continued.

"I shall inform my own sweepers of our agreement." He then turned to Daniel. "Do you have any input?"

Daniel spent the majority of his spare time planning on how to deal with threats to Michaels Barony, both actual and theoretical, and so had detailed knowledge of the borders of the North Eastern Baronies. It therefore only took him a second to calculate a route between the two domains via several roads that ran almost parallel to The Wilds. He specified these to Myranda who agreed to utilise these, and these alone.

Michael could sense there was more on Myranda's mind and so reassured her that the more he knew about the situation, the easier it would be for him to provide a solution. It then became obvious that Myranda was planning for the worse case scenario.

"If I go to war, I'll have the unanimous support of every kindred in my domain, as well as pledges of aid from Meredith Lang, Blanche Johnson, the Gangrel in Simi Valley and Santa Clarita, and whatever aid my grandsire pledges, which is likely to be significant. But that's not all. After I've wiped out Gloria, then I'll have no choice but to take out Salvador Garcia, who I don't give a fuck about, and Allison Maller, who unfortunately I actually fucking like...and obviously there will be knock-on effects from that...none of which are going to be pleasant. Most of the other Barons think I'm crazy, but I assure you I'm not, but if we go to war, then I can't afford to leave any survivors..."

Meredith Lang - 'Ennoia's Hunters', Blanche Johnson - 'The Butchers'

Michael indicated that he understood. "I understand that from your point of view that mercy would be considered a weakness in this case, and Gloria certainly needs to be punished, but I'd also ask you to give me as much time as you can to come up with a peaceful end to this. It is my intention to stop a war, but that in no way means that I disagree with your point of view, I merely wish to prevent the destruction of many kindred who might get caught up in this conflict whose only crime is their association with a Baron with poor impulse control..."

He then continued.

Salvador Garcia - Brujah
Baron of El Hermandad

"It is my intention to speak to those who may have some influence over Gloria, namely Salvador Garcia and Allison Maller, and see if they can persuade her to be more reasonable. I of course have no intention of speaking to Gloria herself as she's already proven herself to be incapable of thinking rationally on this subject. It's possible that she believes that her sire and 'sister' will fight at her side regardless, but I think we both know that Garcia hasn't gotten where he is by picking the losing side in battles. Should I be able to convince her few allies to be less supportive, then she might see sense."

Myranda seemed to accept this reasoning, and after a few seconds thought spoke once more.

"As I'm asking for a favour, I presume you have a price?"

This threw Michael for a moment, as the very act of granting Myranda safe passage suited his needs, so he hadn't considered payment.

Myranda was a very practical individual and seemed to have a fairly straight-forward way of dealing with problems so it made sense that she would expect there to be a cost. From Michael's point of view this was also too good an opportunity to pass up. After all, she had made the offer, he was merely taking her up on it.

"I too may find myself in need of allies. Gloria has a habit of taking things personally and may see my interference as a personal affront. In addition, should a war result in territorial gain then I would appreciate any that is adjacent to my existing borders being granted to me. I hope you find these terms acceptable?"

Myranda smiled, then stood and offered Michael her hand. He accepted, then left promptly. He had a lot left to do this evening. He also made the decision to visit Baron Allison Maller alone. Daniel's expertise would be needed to decipher the many files seized so far in the coteries investigations into the plague cult.

Interlude - The Immortal Gladiator

Issac 'Ike' Griffiths - Brujah
AKA Spiculus, the Immortal Gladiator

The arena in which they met was the property of one of the many sporting franchises owned by Isaac 'Ike' Griffiths, under one of his many pseudonym's.

Spiculus, Ike's real name, was a two millennia old Brujah of the fifth generation who had established so-called 'Fight Clubs' in many kindred cities across the world. His love of gladiatorial combat had never faded and so he had adapted such contests to suit each new era. The Fight Club was it's most recent incarnation and catered, in the majority, to those of his own clan though he had other similar organisations devoted to other clans and sects. Clubs existed where the Tzimisce battled their Szlachta servants against one another and wagered on the outcome. There were also duelling associations where Ventrue pit their sword skills against like-minded clan members and many, many others. Spiculus was now wealthy beyond the dreams of avarice in terms of both mundane finances and kindred boons.

Even taking all this into account, he still saw the benefits of a home-field advantage and had therefore scheduled his meeting with Marius 'The Fixer' Walker in the carpark beneath one of his own enterprises. This also allowed him to clear the area of unwanted observers.

Ike had a dozen vehicles with him, each filled with many potent fighters who answered to him, and many mortals armed with a variety of powerful ranged weapons. He was taking no chances that the Gangrel leader of 'The Oratory' would play fair. When last they had fought, several centuries previous, Marius had picked a time when Spiculus had already fought several times before, and was dangerously low on vitae. Though the immortal gladiator had still been victorious, he still considered Marius to have been less than honourable with his tactics. Gangrel were generally pragmatic, but in the gladiators opinion Marius was, to use modern parlance, a complete fucking asshole.

Marius's Security Teams and Convoy Escort Vehicles

Marius arrived exactly on time and was accompanied by five vehicles of his own. All were armoured and bore a remarkable similarity to vehicles of The Circulatory System that were usually bristling with concealed weaponry.

Several teams vacated these cars and took up tactical positions, but though their weapons were to hand, Ike noted that they kept them conspicuously pointed away from his own forces. Marius himself was accompanied by a pair of ghouls that Ike appraised carefully as the three walked towards his position.

Yukio Hayashi - Assassin and Ancient Ghoul of Marius

The Japanese girl moved with a grace and poise that revealed much to the ancient gladiator. She was undoubtedly a master with the sword she carried, though the gun beneath her jacket showed a familiarity with more contemporary killing methods. She reminded him of the samurai, and given her gender he correctly presumed that she was once an Onna-bugeisha, a female trained in martial arts in spite of the significant transformation of the social acceptance of women samurai in Japan at the time.

Victoria Anezka - Ancient Ghoul
Psychopathic Personal Assistant

The other was a different matter. Victoria was well known to any who had dealt with Marius over the centuries and few had fond memories of those meetings. She might have been considered beautiful, but the corruption within her was almost tangible, and one look at her eyes revealed the truth about her. Yukio might have been a killer, but this one was monster.

Then there was Marius.

He was an inch or so taller than Ike, but lacked the athletic physique of the gladiator, which of course meant very little where kindred were concerned. He shifted his senses to the supernatural and looked with distain upon an aura that was almost completely saturated with the black veins that indicated the consumption of many kindred souls. Worse, there was something malignant about what remained of the aura beneath and even the ancient Brujah was disinclined to probe deeper as he began to feel a dull ache behind his eyes. For the briefest moment Ike considered ordering his men to open fire, to cut down this creature as he approached, for the world couldn't help but be a better place without Marius in it. Spiculus had, however, given his word that no harm would come to this Gangrel during the meeting and he hadn't broken his word once in two thousand years.

"You saw the files my assistant provided?" asked Marius, without preamble.

"I did..." replied Spiculus

Marius 'The Fixer' Walker - Gangrel
Leader of 'The Oratory'

"So what the fuck are you going to do about one of your clubs being used in such a manner?" interrupted Marius, as for the second time that evening, Ike considered breaking his word and destroying the bastard on the spot. Unfortunately, on this subject at least, the Gangrel had every right to be angry, as Ike himself had watched the footage provided with anger and disgust.

The kindred in the club were indeed using captured Gangrel in pseudo dog-fights, and one-sided contests within which those captured were given not even the slightest chance of victory. The clubs were there to allow fighters to test themselves against one another and to do so with honour. What he had seen was nothing of the sort. Regardless of those facts, he had no intention of being spoken to like some Neonate.

"Think yourself lucky that I gave my word that you'd survive this meeting..." snapped Ike. "...or I'd kill you where you stood based merely on the lack of respect in your tone..."

"Really?" replied Marius, feigning surprise that he'd caused offense. "Then I free you from your promise." he continued. "Because my Final Death is the only thing that's going to stop me kicking down the door of your club and freeing those of my Clan chained up in there like fucking dogs for the entertainment of cowards who lack any honour at all..."

Ike had begun to reappraise his assessment of Marius. Despite his nature he did have a reputation for keeping his word, and the anger at the treatment of those of his clan was seemingly genuine. Nonetheless, he couldn't allow any kindred to threaten himself, or one of his organisations.

This, somewhat unfortunately, left him with only one solution.

Scene Twenty Five - Origins

The files, paperwork and experimental notes had been difficult to organise due to their convoluted manner. It had therefore been necessary, broadly speaking, to split them up into more manageable sections. These included diary style entries, notes and information clearly laid down by various members of the organisation, experimental notes, and some files on the subjects of their tests.

Storytellers Note - The Players were given handouts containing many clues, some of which were contradictory. Through roleplaying, in and out of character discussions and a few dice rolls, they sorted through it all. The following information consists of their conclusions written in narrative form.

The Diaries

The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle

Amongst the many research notes were the ramblings of one of the, presumed, creators of the disease currently affecting Los Angeles.

They clearly identify themselves as of "...The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle..." and their symbol was the now familiar white skull within an eight-pointed red star. So at least that could now be confirmed.

Their notes on previous locations that had weathered 'The Plague' taught them little factual information that they did not already know. The writers primary focus appeared to have been Paris, and it is clear that they, and their followers, had spent considerable time at that location unearthing previous victims of the plague.

They had apparently made notes on both kindred and mortal victims retrieved from graveyards, sealed up havens and clumsily concealed mass graves hidden in obscure areas of the city. Samples were extracted, then the remnants and records destroyed. Whether this was to prevent competitors from duplicating their research, or to hamper any attempt to formulate a cure, was not mentioned.

Mention was made of a kindred referred to by a variety of derogatory terms including, 'doxy', and other slangs for prostitute or sex worker. It was clear that the writer was relieved to find this individual and her 'dregs' absent from the city of Paris. They seemed to consider this kindred somehow a threat to their plans and hint at their responsibility for the ultimate failure of the plagues previous incarnation. Passing mentions to their 'curative vitae' at least gave them some hope that a cure existed. It was also clear that the author of these diaries was afraid of this kindred as an individual, and not just of their potential as a cure.

Of more concern is another that was referred to as 'The Vector', a kindred who allegedly carried the plague and could infect others with it, though remained unaffected themselves. The writer implied that they had discovered this 'Vector' and that they had allied themselves with them. Unfortunately they did not elaborate.

To add to their list of concerns, the diaries also spoke of an advanced party sent to Los Angeles to field test early versions of the plague to small test groups. He referred to the leader of this 'trio' as 'Sister Maladie', though also occasionally 'Sister C'. From the complete lack of interest he had in, or respect for, the other two members of this group, it's possible that they were ghouls rather than kindred.

The Experiments

The language and handwriting changed in these other notes indicating that the mastermind of this operation, and the mind behind the plagues evolution, were likely not the same.

To a doctors mind, the terminology was familiar, but strangely combined. Modern terms were interspersed with those relating to techniques not used for centuries. The diagrams of equipment and tools also zigzagged between the past and present, with occult imagery interspersed. They were also, quite clearly, sociopathic and psychotic in the extreme and many of the experiments were unnecessarily cruel. It is almost as if the mind behind these notes believed that the level of the suffering of the subject enhanced the resulting disease.

Some of the diagrams matched the equipment in the so-called 'Free Clinic' they discovered a night or so ago. Unfortunately as they burned it to the ground, they couldn't compare them directly.

The first phase was apparently implemented by this advance group. Two mortals were described as 'infected' which seemed to confirm that only one of the three was kindred. These then passed the disease to a number of others via sexual congress and deliberately infected drug paraphernalia. Sister Maladie oversaw this initial operation as well as another involving a small time pimp and his 'girls'. It's likely this second group was the deceased small-time pimp, Denzel Rush, and his drug addicted stable of girls.

--------------------

It didn't take much research to discover that all six of these girls were dead or missing.

Three died of the Plague or something with suspiciously identical symptoms.

Another died of a heroin overdose, the cause so obvious that no autopsy was done, so may also have been infected.

A fifth was found dead, from an apparently self inflicted gunshot wound from a .38 pistol she wasn't known to possess.

The sixth was still missing, but no real investigation had taken place. Junkie sex workers not been considered a priority. Especially when there was no-one to miss them.

--------------------

It seems that the results of the first phase were deemed unsatisfactory, as they then required a larger number of subjects. Though it seemed certain that 'Sister Maladie' also continued with her own experiments.

Sister Maladie - Toreador Antitribu?
The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle

The focus now moved to this new, and larger phase, which also needed an increase in agents to oversee it. The three that are mentioned are 'Brother Kanker', probably the leader, and a 'Brother Cor' and a 'Sister Dilara'. This was obviously where Edan 'Dreads' Finney came into the picture.

'Dreads' had already been utilised by them in the past, if the notes were to be believed, and facilitated movement of their people around Los Angeles. These dates, though approximate, could easily coincide with the previous wave of Sabbat operations in L.A. Though it's highly unlikely that he understood how dangerous those with which he was dealing truly were.

However, according to the information revealed within the obtained files, 'Dreads' had far more extensive criminal contacts than either the authorities or Harvey Caplan were aware of. It is clear that someone with extensive resources has been funding 'Dreads' for some time. Whether this 'sponsor' knew about the Sabbat connection or not is unknown.

The Sabbat allowed him to continue with "...his petty mortal concerns..." so as to avoid drawing the suspicions of any of the cities kindred who had criminal interests who might notice a change in behaviour.

The abandoned water-works was mentioned several times and progress seemed to initially be satisfactory, then less so as time went by. Talk was of an "...unforeseen mutation..." The main symptoms were listed as "...rotting flesh, blood like tar, a complete absence of fear, ecstasy in the face of pain..."

Brother Pestilent - Nosferatu Antitribu
The Brotherhood of the Ninth Circle

The chances are that 'Brother Pestilent', whom Hope destroyed, was one of these 'unforeseen mutations'.

Though considered a dead end, as far as the grand plan was concerned, it was noted that those infected with what is referred to as "...the cadaverous strain..." made useful "...shock-troops and cannon fodder...". There was also some occult language used when referring to mortals with this strain as "...upon death the plague allows them to be raised once more as aggressive corpses with negligible effort..." Several variations of rituals were sketched into these pages, but these were somewhat different to normal blood sorcery rituals, and may have been based around the discipline of Oblivion instead. Of course, an unfamiliarity with necromancy by anyone in the coterie, made this mere guesswork.

It was a surprise to learn that the writer was well aware that they were at some point being observed by "...some animal from the entourage of Garcia's bitch..." Likely this was Gloria Martinez's sweeper, Owen Frazier. It now seemed obvious that they saw neither he, nor her as any kind of threat to their plans.

Several angry rants were interspersed between the medical notations on the subject of 'The Paris doxy' and these were written by at least two authors. One seemed to suspect betrayal from within their own organisation as the only reason why this threat to their plans had pursued them to L.A. The other was convinced that this enemy had been in the city for quite some time and that their inconvenient presence was just bad luck or inconvenient timing.

It was also clear that some internal debate had been going on within the organisation about the viability of a pre-emptive strike against this possessor of potentially curative vitae. Again, the information revealed about this 'other' was vague at best.

The Subjects

Edan 'Dreads' Finney - Mortal
People Smuggler, Deceased

The files on the various smuggled victims of 'Dreads' were extensive, but mundane, medical records obtained from a variety of sources. Those victims provided via the alternative source of the 'Free Clinic' were more convenient as they bought their medical records with them. From the added notes it's clear that previous blood diseases, blood type and overall health were the plague developers primary concerns.

Given the amount with red lines through their pictures and files, it's also clear than most were eliminated for one reason or another, or failed to survive their exposure to the disease.

--------------------

Trying to find a connection between the subjects, particular areas from where they might have been seized, and other similar search criteria had proven ultimately futile as the results give them a search area of 'the entirety of L.A.' Zipper and Eric, the coteries associated hackers, were still begrudgingly checking, and rechecking, but were extremely negative about the chances of success in finding an exploitable pattern.

The subjects were apparently carefully selected for their expendable nature.

--------------------

However, one subject in particular stood out. A subject 'acquired' from somewhere in Downtown had raised a large amount of 'red flags' within the Brotherhoods ranks as they showed a considerable immunity to the plague. Surviving repeated applications, even after being weakened through starvation, dehydration and constant physical abuse and bloodletting.

Jay Olsen - Mortal
Possibly Blood Bound or a Ghoul

Eventually the subject did succumb, but even then suffered greatly reduced effects from the plague.

One of the Brotherhood theorized that he had been a ghoul or heavily blood bound individual and that only when his regnent's vitae was exhausted did he succumb. This hasn't pleased their leaders as this theory implies that there may be other kindred who have an immunity. The idea seems to have been generally rejected by their leadership, though it looks like it persists with some of the group.

The anomaly, 'Jay Olsen', worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power as an inspector in charge of surveying potential leaks within the system, specifically below Downtown, and then allocated teams to their repair. He was reported missing six weeks ago after a routine call to a pressure drop below a Downtown hotel.

To add to this disaster, his wife and three children died in a house fire four weeks later, and his mother and father were killed when their car was pushed off the road in an unexplained suspected 'road-rage' incident that same week. His family line, as far as you can trace, has been completely eliminated.

As for Mr Olsen, his ultimate fate wasn't mentioned, but it seems unlikely that he would have been allowed to survive.

A Target

Compiling clues from all the information at their disposal had been a mammoth task. A photograph here, a familiar description there, travel distances, known connections with those dead and missing and a myriad of other trivia had formed themselves into references to a single location.

Disappointingly it had not led to the identity of either the 'vector' nor the 'cure' but perhaps this final clue would lead them to one or the other.

Downtown Los Angeles at Night

Travelling to Downtown as a Sabbat or pseudo-Sabbat pack, even taking it's location within the Barony of the Angels into account, and kidnapping someone, then killing their family, and escaping without a trace was unlikely. The coterie was well aware that it's status as 'Free' was a lie, and Marius and his people had as tight a grip on it as they ever did, perhaps even more so.

This made it highly likely, though a tremendous but calculated risk, that at least one Sabbat team had been beneath Downtown all along, while kindred eyes looked outwards, they operated from beneath it, most likely from within the area beneath created for Nosferatu visitors, that was currently vacant.

There was, however, a tactical problem.

If they were correct about the base of his single Sabbat pack, then there were literally a hundred ways in and out of their chosen location, and if they had successfully remained hidden beneath Downtown then they must have had ways of detecting any approaches to their adopted territory.

In short they had two diametrically opposing options.

One: A simultaneous attack by every kindred they could muster, which would still leave avenues of escape open but at least minimise them, but that would give the attackers overwhelming numbers with which to subdue the enemy.

Unfortunately that strategy could also potentially result in the infection of many of the assault teams. There was a further issue. The other aspects of the Brotherhood of the Ninth Circles infiltration had shown an ability to avoid detection by the majority of the cities Barons which implied that they had excellent intelligence on their locations and movements. This would likely make moving the necessary numbers of kindred to the target location, so obvious as to give plenty of time for them to escape or prepare defences. Downtown's own kindred were likely to be the most closely monitored.

Two: An extremely small but elite strike team, that could sneak past any exterior detection defences while still having the ability to take on a determined and evidently tactically proficient enemy.

The flaw with this plan was that any losses would greatly impact on it's chances of success and that balancing the numbers would be tricky without knowing exactly how many enemies they would have to face. Too many infiltrators and they risked detection, too few and their forces may be insufficient to get the job done, should they manage to penetrate the enemies defences.

Another factor worth considering is, for the first time in many nights, they were slightly ahead of their enemies attempts to remove all loose ends. This advantage would not last long, so time was of the essence and both of their primary options would take time to organise if kindred from outside of their immediate coterie were utilised.

Interlude - Honour

Spiculus, the Immortal Gladiator - Brujah

Ike stood in what had once been the arena of the 'dog-fighting' club that had traded on his name, and looked around at the carnage he'd wrought.

He had ended the existences of seventeen kindred and fourteen mortals in a few minutes, the heavy doors behind the immortal gladiator were the only way in, or out, and none of the honourless kindred had made it past Spiculus.

Some of the destroyed and dead had fallen near the cages containing the Gangrel and several were tearing chunks off of those nearby and taking what vitae that remained. This seemed an appropriate end for their jailors and Ike casually tossed several more bodies to within a claws reach of the cages and let the prisoners feed.

Now he just needed to decide what the hell to do with the nine Gangrel prisoners...

--------------------

'Crow', who went by no other known name, scouted out locations for Ike and was the only member of Clan Gangrel within his employ. She had waited outside for her employer to meet out the justice that the bastards within deserved, before being invited within to act as a sort of liaison with the former prisoners.

'Crow' - Gangrel, Greek Bloodline
Freelance Scout

"Your conclusions?" asked Ike. He was standing in a back room that contained cages for dogs, cats and other animals both domestic and feral that they had apparently used to feed the Gangrel. All had died of blood-loss, shock or neglect of some kind except for one pathetic looking puppy cowering in a corner. He breathed in the air and detected the scent of kindred vitae on the surviving creature. Evidently one of the prisoners had used their dwindling supplies of vitae to ghoul the creature. Possibly this is what had given it the strength to survive, but it was a surprisingly sentimental move. Gangrel were usually far more pragmatic than that.

"Five are coherent now they've been fed..." replied Crow. "...and are suitably grateful for their freedom. That's the good news..."

Ike, now gave Crow his full attention. "and the bad?"

"Two of the others are feral as fuck, either they were nuts to start with or their experiences have driven them over the edge, and a third was definitely Sabbat at some point, so I'm not sure how you feel about releasing them all back into society, but all three will need staking if you want to transport them anywhere and keep your promise to Marius about bringing them to him."

"There's also a young female who seems relatively unharmed but hasn't spoken yet. Her vitae is very strong, you can smell the potency of it, well, if you know how. I think she might be the reason Marius became interested in this club to start with."

Florence 'Fox' Mercado - Gangrel
'Lost' Childe of Marius

Ike didn't seem surprised by this revelation.

"She's one of his childer. I suspected as much from the beginning. All that fake anger at the fate of a handful of kindred he'd never met almost fooled me. He acted how I would have done in the same situation in order to encourage my cooperation. Not that it matters. This is a problem I'd have dealt with regardless, but for some reason he couldn't wait and needed to manipulate me into dealing with it more promptly..."

"And you let him?" prompted Crow.

"Of course..." replied Spiculus with a smile. "...because now he owes me a favour...and a fucking big one too. And all it cost me was doing something I was going to do anyway...maybe he's slipping...as schemes go it certainly isn't one of his best..."

Crow nodded in agreement, but secretly had her doubts.

In her experience Marius's plans were rarely this transparent or unsubtle. In her opinion they'd overlooked something, and it was probably important. Hopefully it wasn't going to come back and bite them on their respective arses. Spiculus may have been a billionaire with a private army, but she was most definitely not....

Scene Twenty Six - Allison Maller

After the unscheduled meeting with Myranda, Michael headed to his appointment with Allison Maller, Baron of Anaheim. He had Dion, his chauffeur, drive him to the meeting.

Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue
Camarilla Power Broker

Dion was an agent of the Ventrue power broker, Fiorenza Savona and though he had been pushed into Michael's service against the Toreador Barons will, he had turned out to be a useful asset. As long as one only discussed in earshot of him matters that you were fine with Fiorenza hearing about.

Allison's meeting place was new, and far more comfortable than the converted warehouse that was her base during her prolonged war with Amethyst and her proxy Tom Weaver.

It was however, still a place of business, rather than a more traditional home, though was based in Anaheim Hills, a particularly expensive neighbourhood. It was also certainly an enterprise that once belonged to Amethyst, given her heavy investment in logistics and similar businesses, mainly to cover up her smuggling operations.

They were greeted by Maikki, one of Allison's most loyal Brujah followers and a formidable hand to hand combatant. She was an imposing figure, but offered Michael her hand in greeting and escorted him to a board room on the top floor.

Allison was sitting at a chair adjacent to the one in which you'd expect the chairman or leader of the meeting to be sitting in. Two of her sweepers who he recognised as Zakaria and presumably Ameer were stationed in opposite corners of the room by the windows, A third individual was by the door from which he entered, but wasn't a kindred with which he was familiar, and moved outside after Michael entered. Presumably he was a sentry of some kind.

Allison Maller - Brujah
Baron of Anaheim

"Please take a seat. I don't have any of that expensive wine that you like, but I can summon a vessel if you're hungry?"

Michael noted that the seat at the head of the boardroom table was vacant, but he avoided taking it. He sensed that Allison had done this deliberately to see if he would sit there, perhaps as a test to see how he saw their relative positions in the Anarch hierarchy. His suspicion was perhaps confirmed as Baron Maller smiled slightly as he conspicuously walked around it, and took a seat opposite her instead.

"I'm afraid that this isn't a social call." Began Michael. "I have two problems that I'd like to discuss with you. The first is the blood plague, the second is Baron Martinez..."

Allison smiled faded, replaced instead with a far more serious look. "Go on..." she replied.

"Daniel is currently following a number of leads which will, hopefully, lead us closer to the source of this plague. This requires a certain amount of stability within the Free States to accomplish, as I need him one hundred percent focussed upon this mission, and he in turn will need my total support. Any actions will need to be implemented instantly and without distraction. Unfortunately your sister of the blood, Gloria, has chosen this exact time to pick a fight with Myranda Maria, Baron of The Wilds."

Despite having no need to breathe, Allison let out a sigh. Evidently Gloria's actions didn't have her wholehearted support. Michael took her continued silence as an invitation to continue.

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of Whittier

"I have offered Myranda an alternate route through my own Barony, but this is a temporary solution at best. A Baron can ill afford to demonstrate weakness, and a Gangrel Baron even less so. If it becomes necessary to act in order to maintain her position then she will do so. Presumably Gloria would then expect you to support her in the inevitable conflict as, to speak plainly, that is a fight she's unlikely to win."

Michael's empathetic talents were near supernaturally acute and Allison's thought process might as well have been written on her face, to Michael's eyes at least.

Storytellers Note - Especially when you roll the amount of successes that Michael's player did on his test.

The idea of being dragged into a war not of her making clearly annoyed her. She had only recently gained full control over her Barony, after her resources were severely depleted fighting against both Amethyst and Tom Weaver, and had no desire to go through another war of attrition. It had taken her several years of work to establish the stability she currently enjoyed, and it was clear that she resented Gloria for potentially putting all she had worked for at risk. Michael could also detect that in spite of this resentment, she would not let Gloria fight alone. Her own experiences of fighting against overwhelming odds without allies had shaped her attitudes. She would not let Gloria face Myranda alone, despite the consequences.

Valeria - Brujah
Eldest Childe of Salvador Garcia

"My 'sister' as you call her, believes herself to be in a three-way fight for the attention of our mutual sire. Valeria's appearance at Salvador's side has altered the dynamics of the relationship somewhat. Perhaps her judgement is clouded by these personal concerns."

Michael had suspected as much, and this conversation was showing quite clearly that Allison was the most reasonable of the two. "Perhaps you might speak with her on this matter?" prompted Michael.

Allison's reply was also exactly what he was expecting,

"She told me she was planning on closing her border. I reminded her of her commitment and the potential consequences of breaking her word. She then did it anyway, so you may be overestimating the influence I have over her decisions..."

Michael decided to change tack.

"Perhaps some of her belligerence is a direct result of her belief that you and Salvador will support her in a conflict. If she was to be informed that such aid was not guaranteed, she might be a become more...reasonable..."

Allison then beckoned over her sweeper Zakaria. "You and the other baronies sweepers still exchange pertinent information between one another?"

Zakaria Barrera - Gangrel
Sweeper for Anaheim

It was more statement than question. It was well known that the majority of the census-takers and sweepers within the Anarch Free States were Gangrel, and despite having different loyalties, often shared tactical information that might effect their neighbours. It was somewhat ironic that a clan known for it's loners, was also one of the major sources of the cities gossip.

Allison took Zakaria's shoulder shrug as a 'Yes'.

"How long could Gloria survive an assault by the Gangrel Packs of The Wilds, and what forces would she face?"

Zakaria's assessment made for grim listening. "They have some of the best trackers in the city, and that's if they don't already know where all Gloria's hide-outs are, which I'm betting they already do. So Gloria's forces would survive about as long as it took The Wilds Pack to get to them, which would be pretty damn quick..."

Allison then prompted him again about the numbers that would be involved.

"Forty Gangrel within a few hours, sixty if she calls in favours from the San Gabriel Mountains and the Gangrel in Simi Valley and Santa Clarita and that's without giving grandad a call, Cuz if Marius turns The Oratory loose then you're looking at three figures, not two. Imagine what would happen if 'Nines' called the Brujah of this city to come to his aid? Same thing, right? and there's now as nearly as many of us in the city as them..."

Michael noted the use of the word 'us' but made no comment.

"If this goes down, Gloria is fucked. If we go in too, there's going to be a lot of bodies on the ground and most of them will be our baronies. You think any of us are going toe to toe with Nicodemus? We might initially have the edge in firepower as The Wilds Pack aren't big on guns, but if Marius gets involved then that advantage goes out of the window. Guns he ain't fucking short of..." he concluded.

Nicodemus, Ancient Gangrel, Wilds Pack Ally

Michael was sure that Marius's involvement wasn't even a debatable point. He didn't like Gloria, and Myranda was his favourite by a large margin, favoured even over his actual childer in many cases. The information furnished by Zakaria seemed to prompt a decision from Allison.

"You've made your point Michael. I'll make it known that my assistance comes with conditions. Presumably you're going to use the same argument with Garcia?"

Michael smiled.

"I haven't really thought that far ahead." he lied.

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Seven)

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Storytellers Conclusions

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

The players did a lot of investigation and research, but for the purposes of the write-up I compiled most of it into scene twenty five. Other than the meeting with Salvador Garcia I have no idea what the players plan to do next.

I see a lot of 'winging it' in my immediate future...

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested...

------------------------------------------------

Further 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 Matt Bomer, Johnny 'Roach' West is Kurt Kobain, Vincent 'Vin' Ghast is Scott Adkins, Dr Daniel Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope Romero is Deborah Ann Woll, Marie is Eva Green, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Sofia Rivera is Eliza Dushku, Myranda Maria is Shannyn Visceral, 'Max' is Milla Jovovich, Meredith Lang is Jaime Murray, Blanche Johnson is Kathy Bates, Salvador Garcia is Antonio Banderas, Isaac 'Ike Griffiths aka Spiculus the immortal gladiator is Jason Statham, Yukio Hayashi is Jamie Chung, Victoria Anezka is Lilith May, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Sister Maladie is Sheila Vand, Edan 'Dreads' Finney was Lenny Kravitz, Jay Olsen is Joaquin Phoenix, Florence 'Fox' Mercado is Camila Fox, Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis, Allison Maller is Chloe Grace Moretz, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles and Valeria is Elsa Pataky.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Twenty Eight - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Five)

2023-02-24T16:00:00.002+00:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two, Three and Four

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'

Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Accountant'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Drug Use, Sex Trade

Other Possible Triggers: Blood, Disease (Plague)

Introduction

Hope and Daniel have defeated one of the kindred responsible for spreading the new plague around the city. Though they were too late to save the apparently unwitting mortal allies of these kindred, much of what they have discovered has led them to believe that they probably weren't saving.

They have retrieved many boxes of files, and the corpse of the kindred plaguebearer they destroyed, and now they intend to investigate the rest of the warehouse.

Scene Twenty One - Supply and Demand

The Amateur Movie Set and it's Aftermath

Someone had set up an improvised film studio in the back of the warehouse.

Digital film cameras were mounted on tripods pointing at several beds soiled with blood and other fluids. Shackles, ropes and other medieval looking restraints were on a nearby shelf. A nearby office had been converted into a basic but adequate area for editing the resulting productions.

The area also contained equipment for copying DVD's as well as electronic storage devices. Master copies of many of the films line a shelf along one wall, sorted alphabetically by the names of their 'stars'. A catalogue of lives destroyed by greed, lust and a complete indifference to the fate of their victims.

It seemed certain to Hope and Daniel that had the mortals survived, they would probably have executed them themselves anyway.

Various Drug Paraphernalia

Drug paraphernalia similar to that found in 'Dreads' warehouse was also present, presumably to keep the victims of this foul trade compliant during 'filming'. It was also likely the place where the woman in the film viewed by Daniel, earlier in their investigation, had died.

Piled up nearby were several canisters of gasoline, oily rags, lighter fluid and other tools of the amateur arsonist. It seemed likely that 'Dreads' death had spooked his fellow smugglers and they sought to destroy the evidence of their connection to him.

A quick look at the files and documents discovered clearly showed that there was far too much information to search through quickly. Extracting what they needed to know would take some time.

However, even to a casual observer the files contained enough evidence of people trafficking, and drug dealing, to guarantee a conviction for even the most incompetent prosecutor. Unfortunately those who had most to fear were now dead. Not to mention the small matter of the inevitable connections to kindred that their reveal would bring.

Brother Pestilent - Nosferatu Plaguebearer

Hope had another problem.

The battle with their enemy, who had called himself 'Brother Pestilent', had forced her to draw considerable amounts of vitae from her system, and she could feel the Beasts whispers within become louder. The merest provocation might be enough to drive her into frenzy, and the only target near enough to satiate her thirst was sure to be Daniel.

To complicate matters Hope gained next to no sustenance from mortal blood, instead requiring kindred vitae. She had minimised this problem by recruiting a duskborn alchemist who could 'thicken' the vitae of other duskborn sufficiently to sate her hunger. A small number of kindred volunteers donated their vitae in return for a haven, and Hope's protection. The arrangement suited all concerned, but unfortunately they were based back in Pasadena, and that was a long way away. Despite the dangers that came with talking about kindred matters on a mobile phone network, for the Second Inquisition watched for such things, she had little choice.

"Rosalind? I'm in trouble, I need you to work your magic on some blood and do it quickly. Then meet me somewhere neutral. Probably the Barony of the Angels. Can you do it?""

Rosalind Perkins - Duskborn
Alchemist

Rosalind Perkins, duskborn alchemist, could detect the tension in Hope's voice and so was careful with her reply. "I can do it, but it won't be as potent as the stuff I usually prepare. That takes time, and it doesn't look like time is something we have, but it'll stave off the hunger log enough to get the good stuff ready. Where exactly do you want me to meet you?"

Hope thought about this for a moment. In her brief employment with Marius, four years ago now, she'd learned the locations of many safe houses, bolt-holes and semi-legitimate homes that Marius rented to kindred newcomers to the city for surprisingly reasonable fees. She sent the address of one to Rosalind, then spoke to Daniel.

"I need the car..."

Daniel didn't ask why, He was reasonably certain that he knew the answer, though he did remind her to put some clothes on. Fortunately one of the dead mortals was roughly her size, and having been killed by a blow to the back of the head, hadn't bled much on the blouse.

He also had a call to make. Michael Tomassio, Baron of the North East and Arbiter of the Anarch Council, had a ghoul who worked in the L.A. police force. Franklin Atkins, now Captain Atkins, whose career had greatly benefitted from the information that had been passed to him, was always happy to help. Especially if the information helped him on the way to his next promotion.

"Frank? It's Daniel. I have some information for you..." Frank listened as Daniel listed the locations where 'gang rivalries' had broken out, emphasising that the dead had "...killed each other in an internal dispute of some kind..." and had connections to people smuggling, the sex trade, violent pornography and drugs, amongst other crimes. Frank knew the drill, having received tipoffs from the coterie before.

Captain Franklin Atkins - Ghoul
Ghoul of Michael Tomassio

"...and let me guess. There will be some evidence missing, but looking for it will be pointless. I guess it was taken by the remaining gang members and we'll never find it?" queried Captain Atkins, though the question was clearly rhetorical. "...and when am I likely to discover this carnage?"

"Give me an hour." replied Daniel.

Meanwhile, Hope had reached the safehouse and was pleased to see that it was still much as she remembered it. Finding a location shielded from observers she waited for Rosalind. She arrived fairly promptly with a cooler containing several containers of dark red liquid.

"It's not my best work..." she admitted. "...and Christian and Gemma weren't exactly overjoyed about the impromptu blood-letting, but they didn't complain too much. They've made the hotel fairly comfy now, and I don't think they want to find an alternate place to live...."

Hope was barely listening as she drained the three containers dry, and began to feel herself once more.

Back at Carlton Logistics, Daniel had rolled up the decaying corpse of the kindred they'd fought in a rug in the office, and after a bit of a squeeze, managed to fit it in the trunk of the mortals car. The documents he put on the back seat. Realising that the mortals van had a human sized dent in the side, he realised that he'd need a little help. Mr Hertz was happy to assist.

Fifteen minutes later, the car was being driven away to one of Hertz's auto shops, where the Nosferatu's gang members were under strict instructions to lock it away and stay the fuck away from it. They completed their task in the nick of time as Captain Atkins and several FBI task force vehicles passed them on the way to the scene.

Reuben Hart - Ghoul
Ghoul of Mr Hertz

Hertz made sure that the vehicle was locked away, and the entire workforce in that particular location were warned of the extreme consequences that would apply to anyone who ignored this directive. The van meanwhile had been thoroughly cleaned and the damage repaired. Hertz saw no need to destroy a vehicle that could still be of use, though his auto shop technicians removed any connection to it's former owners and gave it a respray. He then delegated the task to the leader of the Apostles gang, his ghoul Reuben Hart. He had more important things to do than babysit a car with a corpse inside.

--------------------

Hertz then returned to his current project. A shopping mall with kindred adaptations that had been conceived of several years ago by the Malkavian 'Roach'. Hertz had coerced a designer who was desperate to keep their kneecaps, but who had considerable gambling debts with the Apostles gang, into doing some redesign of the less practical of Roach's ideas.

The main expense had turned out to be the kindred sections below the main building. The foremost expert on designing kindred friendly structures and havens was another Malkavian named Dillan Fitzgerald. Like many of Marius's agents and operatives, Dillan was free to work on private projects as long as they didn't interfere with those of 'The Fixer' himself. Unfortunately this made the available time of Mr Fitzgerald both difficult to claim and very, very expensive to purchase.

--------------------

While waiting for news from Hope, Daniel flicked through the list of names they'd acquired from the warehouse of the people smuggler and pornographer, known as 'Dreads'. The locations listed included a free clinic a few miles away. It was as good a place to start as any.

Interlude - The Unseen

Flynn Jacobs - Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Unseen'

Flynn Jacobs, Leader of the Gangrel Pack known as 'The Unseen' due to their talent for infiltration and assassination, watched Marius, and his ghoul Victoria, carefully from the corner of the warehouse.

Technically speaking he worked for 'The Fixer' now that Xaviar had been destroyed, but he still didn't trust him particularly.

His pack had, in part, been created as a weapon to quietly remove Marius should Xaviar's eldest childe move against his own sire. Though he had never done so, to Flynn's knowledge at least, the fact that Xaviar had considered it a possibility was enough for Flynn.

'Precious' Beaumont stood at his side. She was the youngest member of the pack, both physically and chronologically, and was her pack leaders lifeline when it came to technology. Jacobs was archaic in the extreme, and surveillance in the modern world had moved on, so Precious handled this side of things on his behalf.

"We might as well get this done..." she said. "...he knows we're here."

--------------------

'Precious' Beaumont - Gangrel
'The Unseen' Gangrel Pack

Marius watched the recorded footage on Precious's laptop impassively. One of the advantages to working for the owner of a billion dollar company, she thought, was that you got access to some pretty cool gear.

The footage showed several kindred, all Gangrel, held in cages in an arena of sorts. Primitive dispensers on the outside gave them access to just enough blood to stave off torpor, but still ensured that frenzy was the likely result of any negative stimuli. Other kindred bet on the outcomes of the battles and occasionally pitted themselves against their prisoners.

These fights were heavily biased in favour of the jailors, and once the battles were complete the frenzied Gangrel were restrained with loops of steel cable on long poles. Cables were looped around necks, arms and legs and the unfortunates were dragged back into their heavily secured cages.

"It's definitely one of the kindred Fight Clubs." added Precious. "I thought the Circulatory System bitch was lying, But her information was spot-on...so what's next?"

Marius closed the laptop. "You did well. Maintain your watch and let me know if they change location."

"You didn't answer the question..." prompted Flynn. "What are we going to do about nine of our clan locked up in cages like dogs while a load of assholes take bets..."

Marius's facial expression quietened Flynn immediately, and Precious found herself looking for the fastest way out of the area while simultaneously being rooted to the spot. The leader of The Oratory was obviously as angry about the situation as they were, perhaps more so.

"I need to speak to Spiculus. Tell him it's urgent..."

New York at Night - Current Location of Marius Walker

Victoria nodded. "I believe he calls himself 'Ike' now. I'll contact his agent in New York, but he's not going to be easy to persuade. Last time you met the you didn't exactly part on the best terms and his personal assistant finds me objectionable..."

"Do what you can..." he replied. "If I have to kick down the doors I will, but for now we'll try diplomacy. I'm not keen on going to war with the immortal gladiator, not if it can be avoided that is..."

Victoria doubted this would go simply, but Marius had obviously made his decision.

Scene Twenty Two - The Clinic

Hope had returned to Daniel slightly better fed, wearing a clean change of clothes provided by Rosalind, but still in a less than hospitable mood. Her own background had made her highly intolerant to any abuse of women, as many men had found to their cost. The evidence that many of Dreads victims had been forced to partake in violent pornography, and the further evidence discovered at Carlton Logistics still played on her mind. She and Daniel had killed four of those responsible, but she was sure that there were others out there in need of punishment.

The clothes she was wearing also happened to belong to Rosalind, and she and Hope had very different styles of dress. At least the dress would help her to blend in a little with Daniel.

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim
Surgeon and 'Fixer'

Daniel too had tidied himself up a little, well, a lot actually. He always carried a spare set of clothing and his medical credentials as both came in useful. He was slightly concerned that despite cutting away the excess flesh, and cauterizing the wound caused by plaguebearing kindred, it still itched slightly. The hurled fire-axe had been smeared with the creatures own infected vitae, and having seen the effects of the plague on other kindred, Daniel had no desire to be it's next victim.

-------------------

The clinic had clearly seen better days. A steady flow of unfortunates were coming and going, guided by a harassed looking nurse and her assistant, both of whom were clearly in dire need of some sleep.

Daniel exchanged a few pleasantries and then broached the subject about patients that might have made their way to the clinic. The nurse seemed like she wanted to help but was obviously far too busy to check through the clinics records.

"Perhaps I could help out for a few hours, while my assistant has a look through your files?" It was of no surprise to Daniel that she leapt at the suggestion.

For a surgeon of Dr Daniel Matthews skills and experience the complaints of the patients at the clinic were child's-play to diagnose and treat. He cleared a nights backlog of minor infections, wounds, and common maladies in a couple of hours and helped himself to a couple of blood bags while he did so. His own supply had been seriously depleted by recent events and he considered them to be fair payment for the few hours sleep the nurses had managed while he took over their duties.

Hope Romero - Gangrel
Clothing Borrowed from Rosalind

Hope's knowledge of hospital procedures wasn't even close to Daniel's so she made little progress with the records. Once Daniel joined her they managed to cross-reference a few more names from 'Dreads' lists, to references to a medical trial. After clearing a few more patients who had appeared while he investigated the clinics records, he gently woke one of the sleeping staff and asked them about this 'trial' that many had signed up for.

"Oh that? Yes, a lot of our less fortunate patients have opted for that..." she then handed Daniel a leaflet. "...in return for a blood sample, and trial of some new flu vaccine, they'll give you three meals a day, 100 dollars and a place to sleep for the duration of the trial."

"We've had no complaints so I guess it's working out for them?"

Daniel and Hope exchanged a knowing look. Both had a feeling that the offered vaccine was neither prevention nor cure, but in fact something far more deadly.

"Do we have enough time to visit this 'trial' place, or is it a job for tomorrow?" enquired Hope.

Storytellers Note - Actually this question was aimed at myself. I decided that there was enough time to visit the next location, mainly because I wanted their characters to have more information available to open up their options for the subsequent night.

"It's not far..." replied Daniel. "...so we might as well look at it now..."

Interlude - An Eternity of Servitude

Victoria Anezka - Ancient Ghoul
Personal Assistant and Psychopath

Victoria disliked pandering to the demands of others, with the exception of Marius of course, and so having the terms of her meeting with Spiculus's ghoul laid out in such a non-negotiable manner had been somewhat irritating.

Quintus was even more ancient that Victoria, having been ghouled in the first century. He had been gifted to Spiculus by the Emperor Nero as a mortal and had served him loyally for two millennia. He considered himself superior to all other ghouls, and if truth be told, most vampires, based on his age and the manner of his appointment to his role.

Victoria sat in the meeting room of a legitimate sporting business headquarters owned by Isaac 'Ike' Griffiths, as Spiculus was now known. She had now waited for nearly two hours past the time of her scheduled appointment. Quintus was no doubt delaying his arrival on purpose. She passed the time by coming up with inventive ways of torturing him to death. Had he known why she was smiling when he eventually deigned to meet her, he might have been more polite.

"Miss Anezka, I apologise for the delay, but I have many important duties to perform and your presence here quite slipped my mind." began Quintus, with no small amount of scorn. "I understand that the Wolf Spider wishes to discuss matters that he considers important with Mr Griffiths. However if I am to arrange a meeting then you will have to convince me that they are as important as he thinks..."

Victoria met her opposite numbers gaze and was pleased when he failed to hold eye-contact for more than a moment. Older he might be, but she considered him inferior to her in every other way. It was time to teach this fool that age meant nothing when compared to intelligence and a superior force of will.

"
Isaac 'Ike' Griffiths - Brujah
Spiculus, the 'Immortal Gladiator'
Mr Walker has discovered that one of Ike's Fight Clubs is ignoring the guidelines of it's founder, and that several of his own clan are bearing the brunt of their dishonourable methods. He would like to resolve this in a manner as mutually satisfactory as possible..."

"...and if I choose not to arrange such a meeting?" interrupted Quintus with a sneer.

Victoria smiled as she replied. "I don't deal in hypotheticals. You will arrange this meeting because if you fail to do so your omission will be directly responsible for starting a war between Marius and Spiculus. This war, even if your employer wins, which is no means certain, will destroy in nights what took him centuries to build. Of course this will mean nothing to you as you will never see it's conclusion..."

"...and what makes you think that I wont see this through to the end?" asked Quintus, feelings of doubt entering his mind for the first time in centuries. He couldn't put his finger on exactly what it was, but something about Marius's ghoul made his skin crawl.

"Because my dear, should I not leave this meeting with a satisfactory reply, my instructions are to slit your throat before I go..."

Victoria watched his bravado and confidence drain away. It was clear that he believed her. This was fortunate as she would have taken great satisfaction in carrying out her threat. She guessed that he would now attempt to twist the narrative to make it look like he wasn't the weakling she'd made him appear. She was, of course, quite correct.

She quickly sent a message to Yukio, who had driven her here tonight, that she would be ready to be picked up in a few minutes. Almost on cue, Quintus made his decision.

Yukio Hayashi - Ancient Ghoul of Marius, Assassin and Enforcer

"I will arrange this meeting..." he stammered, before gaining a little self control. "...but not because of your threats, but rather that my master will want to investigate these claims for himself and see what evidence you have to back them up." Victoria stood up and offered her hand to Quintus, who took it reluctantly. "I'm glad we could come to an accord." she said, squeezing just hard enough to make Quintus wince slightly, her pleasant tone in direct contrast to her earlier threats.

Within minutes she was back in the covertly armoured vehicle in which she'd arrived. Yukio, Marius's second oldest ghoul was in the driving seat. "Are we at war?" she asked

"No..." replied Victoria. "Well...not yet, anyway..."

Scene Twenty Three - The Trials

Abandoned Factory Unit - The South Coast

The location specified in the leaflet received at the clinic was a factory unit which seemed to be abandoned. Unusual as the nurse had told them that they had referred patients here as recently as a week ago.

The loading bay doors were chained shut and all the windows had heavy gauge steel welded over them to form bars within that were mere inches apart. There were no alarms, no security cameras, nothing.

The main door had been welded shut from the outside but the joints shattered as Hope put her shoulder to it. Daniel entered, weapons drawn but there was no need, the building was devoid of activity.

The stench of death hit them both as soon as they entered. Something unpleasant had occurred here.

-------------------

A dozen medical gurneys with attached I.V.'s lined one wall. All had some form of restraints either intrinsic to their construction or, in some cases, added later. They were stained with blood, urine and excrement.

Opposite was a laboratory of sorts that looked more like the lair of some mad scientist. Next to it were some fridges like those used in hospitals to store samples. However the worse smell was coming from several large, wheeled refuse containers in the far corner.

The Plaguebearers Laboratory

Daniel moved towards the fridges, They contained, vials and bottles inside which were what appeared to be bodily fluids. Some were labelled with names, dates and times, others had had these removed.

The refuse containers were filled with corpses and medical waste. It looked like at least twelve bodies had been discarded within. Half a dozen bloated rats were feasting on the corpses, but unlike most vermin they showed no fear of them and made no attempt to scatter, merely continuing to chew on the flesh and bones within.

"Next time you take me somewhere..." commented Hope. "...it better smell nice and have no dead things in it, or I'm not coming..."

Now Daniel had some time to consider the scene, he begin to notice some details that had escaped him initially.

Firstly, The gurneys had curtains between some of them, seemingly separating them into sections. The gurneys in each section had different varieties and quantities of excreta upon them indicating that, perhaps, there were different strains of virus created here. Of course to be sure, he'd have to have a closer look.

The first section reminded him of conventional, though extreme, illnesses that he had encountered over the years. At least judging by the various stains on them, that was. The next section however was quite different.

These gurneys were soaked in every form of internal waste imaginable, and a few that escaped even his keen eye, They also reminded him of his unfortunate wartime encounters with gangrene and other conditions where a loss of blood supply caused body tissues to die. Both the smell, and the mess, reminded him of the kindred that Hope had despatched earlier and who gave him the wound in his shoulder.

Medical Gurney with Restraints

Though horrific, it was hard to imagine that this strain would suit the enemies needs. The creature Hope despatched, while undoubtedly a useful soldier, showed none of the signs of insanity, frenzy and loss of control that would be fulfil their enemies desired effect of causing chaos within kindred communities.

The last section was the most interesting.

Though all the gurneys had restraints on them, these had multiple, and several looked like they'd been torn from their mountings and then subsequently reattached. The stains on these were also, in the main, blood, from what he could surmise, these were caused in the following ways.

Firstly, there was blood, skin and other signs of attempted escape on the restraints. He'd worked in many medical facilities over the years and are therefore was well aware of the immense physical strength that would be required to escape from such bondage. Yet it appeared that several victims had, though for how long was still a mystery.

Secondly, many of the blood stains corresponded, very roughly, to areas of the human body where blood vessels were close to the surface and where haemorrhaging would be most likely to occur.

Thirdly, and possibly of most concern, is that his years as assassin as well as doctor had given him an insight into the differences between mortal blood, and the same once it left a kindreds body. In short, at least two of these last set of victims were likely not mortal. Of course to be one hundred percent sure, he'd have to taste some. He sensibly decided not to do that, and instead took samples by more traditional means.

Something Hidden Below?

Hope, like Daniel, had the ability to see beyond the mundane, and while Daniel was concentrating upon the physical clues, she couldn't help but feel, for want of a better word, anxious. Something terrible happened here, and she was sure that sorcery of some kind was involved.

She also find herself drawn to a certain area of the floor. The feeling got stronger, the closer she approached.

The concrete floor had cracked in several places. The epicentre showed all the signs of a powerful and precise impact and the hole was about the size of a fist. She got the uncomfortable feeling that something had slept below, something that needed access to natural ground.

Meanwhile, Hope had another worrying thought. "We know a few kindred who use animals as spies and the like. Hertz, Alonzo, some of packs in The Wilds, right? So I'm not sure we should leave those rats in the dumpsters to wander about. Just in case..."

As Daniel approached their location, one leapt from the pile of bodies and made a dash for a gap in the warehouse wall. Not sure whether this was primitive survival instinct or an impulse guided by an external mind, Daniel put a round through it's back. Coagulated blood, already filled with decay began to seep from the wound, yet the rat kept on moving. This time he aimed more carefully and blew it's brains out. Disconcertingly it ran another few feet before it realised that it was dead. The rest were significantly easier to kill and both Hope and Daniel began to have doubts about whether they were anything more than vermin who had discovered a free meal.

"If the authorities find this place they'll have a fucking field day." observed Hope.

Once more they needed the help of Mr Hertz.

Johnny 'Roach' West - Malkavian
Missing, Presumed Destroyed

The Nosferatu who ran the majority of the coteries illegal activities had access to many criminal contacts, as well as his own gang 'The Apostles'. He'd inherited them from former coterie member known as 'Roach' who had disappeared over a year ago, but had expanded their activities considerably since then. Roach had mainly been interested in soft drugs such as Cannabis and it's variants, while Mr Hertz saw anything that could turn a profit as a viable option. Their Baron Michael forbade anything in the area of the sex trade and modern slavery, though had no issue with prostitution in general, so Hertz had a lot of room to manoeuvre when it came to crime.

Specifically Daniel needed the files and samples to be boxed up and moved somewhere more viable to work on, and for detailed photographs to be taken of all the equipment. He then needed an unfortunate accident involving fire, to make the whole scene go away.

Fortunately, Mr Hertz knew many people who were happy to do the job. Well maybe not 'happy' to, but willing if the price was right. the Nosferatu could be very persuasive if he needed something done.

Fortunately the coterie now had access to an impressive selection of samples, notes and other, currently, incomprehensible scribbles. Though these would need some time to wade through, along with the files gathered previously they should, hopefully, find some tangible clues within.

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Six)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

Before the next session the players will be given a massive handout containing information they've accumulated from a variety of sources. Some of it will, of course, be complete bollocks as we wouldn't want to make it too easy for the players now would we?

As for this session, well, it went roughly how I was expecting, but the players were fairly tired from real world activities, like work so it was a fairly tight session. I've therefore included some world-building background material as interludes to make the write-up a bit more substantial.

The players enjoy the interludes, so hopefully other readers will too.

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested...

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

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Twenty Seven - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Four)

2023-02-17T16:15:00.002+00:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One, Two and Three

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Drug Use, Modern Slavery, Sexual Assault, Torture.

Other Possible Triggers: Blood, Disease (Plague)

Storytellers Note - As well as being quite dark in tone, this session was also fairly long.

Introduction

The Blood Plague is spreading and as expected, all the signs point to a deliberate supernatural origin. Unfortunately for Daniel it is the job of the Arbiter of the Councils 'Sherlock' to investigate matters such as this, that could effect the entire of the Anarch Free States.

With no further clues forthcoming from Gloria Martinez's domain, it is time to look into the activities of a people smuggler known as 'Dreads' who operated from within the domain of the Baron of the South Coast, Harvey Caplan.

Scene Sixteen - History Repeated

"An unusual choice of delivery service"

The books given to them by the Verbena Mages, and some further documentation that arrived in a small backpack attached to a vary large rat, have allowed them to draw some interesting parallels between this and the plagues in other cities. Daniel would have to thank Alonzo for the additional information when he saw him, even if his own Baron, the Toreador Michael Tomassio, wasn't particularly pleased with the method of delivery.

Unfortunately the useful parts were sometimes contradictory and mainly hearsay, leaving what is fact and what is fiction, for the reader to decide. Or in this case, for Daniel and Hope to wade through.

A Blood Plague, sometimes known as 'the Curse', swept through the undead society in the late 20th century, decimating domains and striking down vampires no matter their clan or status. This they already knew, fortunately some of their other information elaborated.

Also sometimes referred to as 'The Blood Curse' this mysterious plague plunged numerous Cainites into madness before destroying them between the years of 1997 and 1999, but was most prolific in Berlin and Atlanta. Paris, which was effected a century before, seemed to survive this re-emergence, though there were some cases, these were easily contained and controlled. For unknown reasons, only the younger kindred were affected by this. The Ancillae and Elders seemed strangely immune. Daniel began to suspect that age might provide a measure of immunity but after reading further found evidence to the contrary.

Gustav Breidenstein - Ventrue
Former Prince of Berlin

Gustav Breidenstein, former Prince of Berlin and a powerful elder, was one of the highest profile victims of the contagion that brought countless kindred to frenzy and forced vitae to escape from every orifice until the victim withered and died. This strain of the disease was especially virulent in the cities of Berlin and Atlanta. That certainly put the 'elder immunity' theory to bed.

Other cities were effected but to a far lesser extent and these managed the problem through quarantine of those infected. Some victims recovered, but most had to be 'disposed' of. It's lesser form could often be cured by the complete exsanguination of the effected kindred, but even this was sometimes not enough. In it's most primitive form, this treatment involved suspending the infected kindred upside-down and slitting their throat, therefore allowing all the vitae to drain from their system. They were then quickly 'fed' before entering torpor. Neither Daniel nor Hope could see many volunteers for this particular cure.

In many ways it reminded Dr Daniel Matthews of the great plague epidemics of the Dark Ages.

A possible vector, they discovered, was a virus artificially bred by the Sabbat. It was conquered in a way as yet unknown by Owain ap Ieuan. Sometimes known as Owain Evans, Kinslayer and The Wanderer. Daniel had never heard of them

Owain Evans - Ventrue antitribu
Healer

The virus bred by the Sabbat was known to them as Project Angharad, interestingly 'Angharad' was the name of a former lover of the aforementioned 'Wanderer'. The Sabbat virus was traced to a City Gangrel of the eleventh generation, called Carlos. He was a member of a Sabbat pack called The Talons, originally based in Montreal. All except their leader 'Mercy' were allegedly destroyed under mysterious circumstances, possibly they were victims of the very plague that their member had created. Daniel believed that 'created' was possibly the wrong word, as it was more likely that he discovered it and amplified it in some way.

Information on the earlier plague that struck Paris seems to have suffered from what, in modern times, might have been called censorship, as if the cure was somehow something that the cities leaders did not wish shared. Vague references to 'the one from the sewers' and 'the doxy' are all that had survived.

This current plague seemed to have emphasised the loss of control, though they were yet to know of any who had met final death as a result of plague induced blood loss. Likely it was only a matter of time.

All in all this was not much to go on really. Especially as the news from the other Baronies was not good.

There has been more kindred victims of the plague, and these had been quarantined by their respective Barons. In the Hollywood Warrens, several Nosferatu had been quarantined, including Gary's childe Caleb. No deaths or Final Deaths had yet been reported above ground however.

Amara Martins - Duskborn
Elected Baron of 'The Liberated'

The Liberated had suffered some casualties, including at least one Final Death and there was another that might not survive another night. Those infected had also been quarantined, but Amara, leader of the Duskborn and Caitiff of The Liberated had forbidden their destruction, citing that their purpose was to protect her people from outsiders, not turn on those amongst them who most needed help.

The South Coast had also lost one kindred, though this was thought to be an isolated incident as no others with the South Coast had shown signs of infection.

Gloria Martinez's camp meanwhile, had lost two Brujah, with a third, 'Arissa West' being in critical condition. In response Gloria had closed her borders completely and issued warnings that any kindred who crosses into her domain will be destroyed on sight. Myranda Maria of 'The Wilds' had announced that this prohibition went against a previously negotiated route between her domain and The Barony of the Angels, and that any attack against kindred along this route would be considered an act of war.

Within The Barony of the Angels their own council had agreed to support The Wilds should Gloria break her agreement. Even Nines Rodriguez has pledged his support to this proclamation, much to the surprise of many Brujah.

As expected Salvador Garcia has pledged his support to Gloria for her decision and has agreed to come to her aid if she calls for it. Allison has so far remained silent, but is unlikely to abandon her sister, or her sire, should a conflict break out.

Scene Seventeen - 'Dreads'

Harvey Caplan - Ventrue
Baron of the South Coast

Harvey Caplan had passed a message to Michael Tomassio, informing him that if another plague death occurs within his domain that he too would have to consider border controls, and that if any of his operatives wished to investigate the docks then it would be better to do so sooner, rather than later.

They were aware that Edan 'Dreads' Finney was a prolific people smuggler, using the usual method of promising his victims a better life, before taking their money and passports then making them work to 'pay their way'. This inevitably involved sweat shops, sex work or crime.

Permission to investigate within Baron Caplan's domain had been freely given, for in truth, Harvey was stretched too thin to investigate the matter himself.

Preliminary enquiries had revealed that 'Dreads' operated out of a small office unit and attached warehouse in one of the seedier areas of Long Beach Docks. His ship was a functional, but poorly maintained, small cargo ship. Its passengers were usually crammed into cargo containers, with next to no facilities, and the minimum of food and water.

His employees consisted of a number of hired thugs, ships crew, a couple of mechanics and a front man, all of which had sensibly made themselves scarce since their bosses death.

Harvey had arranged for all prying mortal eyes to be elsewhere and security cameras to be 'offline for testing' in preparation for them to investigate the location for themselves.

--------------------

Hope's Shotgun - Saiga 12 c/w Folding Stock

Daniel was once again accompanied by Hope. This time she carried both a pistol and a shotgun. Taking a leaf from Vin's book, she'd gone with something capable of fully-automatic fire.

Though lacking some of the raw strength of the hulking Brujah, she'd selected something a bit more compact. Like Vin she'd also split her ammunition between solid slugs and buckshot, though unlike him, wasn't carrying a Duffel Bag full of drum mags.

Though in theory Daniel was authorised to investigate anywhere in the Free states, the reality was somewhat different, especially given the current tensions. After driving through the Barony of the Angels, he then decided to skirt around the outside of the former Crypts Sons territory, now held by Salvador Garcia.

Louis Fortier - Ventrue
Baron of West L.A.

There was a sort-of DMZ between Baron Fortier's domain and Baron Garcia's where Louis had repeatedly and without much effort, managed to repulse Garcia's attempts to reclaim territory seized by the Baron of West L.A. before his arrival in the city. Daniel knew this would be a safe enough route, and then from there reaching the South Coast docks was a simple matter.

The part of the Docks specified was as unpleasant as they had been led to believe and 'Dreads' unit was in the worst part of it. The sign above the door said 'Finney Distribution'. Daniel parked behind a disused storage container that now appeared to be used as nothing more than an oversized trash dump. He made sure to park facing the exit, in case a swift getaway should become necessary, as something about this place put him on edge.

To an infiltrator of Daniel's skills the warehouse looked to be very simple to break into. The locks were quite ordinary, there was no alarm system, and a single security camera over the main entrance. Hope watched as Daniel located a camera blind-spot, then found a fairly sturdy drainage pipe and climbed swiftly, and skilfully, to a window on the upper level and peered inside.

Thirty or so mattresses and sleeping bags were piled in one corner and there was a single toilet cubicle whose door was hanging by a single hinge. Several fridges lined one wall next to an old workbench on which sat two microwaves and a battered kettle.

Daniel could see another security camera inside. He curled his arm around the post for stability, drew a handgun left-handed, and put a silenced round into the lens of the camera via a gap in one corner of the shattered window he was observing through.

"Taking care of the security cameras."

He slid to the ground and walked back to Hope. "Camera's taken care of, so we can use the side entrance. But be warned..." added Daniel. "...the place smells almost as bad as you..."

"I see your continuing the trend of taking me to all the nicest places..." replied Hope. Her eyes began to glow faintly red, and the darkness of the night faded, as her vision became preternaturally acute. It took Daniel a mere second to pick the crude lock on the side door, before he indicated that Hope could go ahead.

"Why is it always 'ladies first' when we're heading into a shithole that might be full of monsters?" she asked, but entered first, regardless. Up close, the warehouses conditions were even more primitive. The wiring would have given any health and safety representative a fright as it mainly consisted of wire, looped around nails or screws wedged into power sockets. Hope was then also treated to the smell of stale urine, excrement and sweat.

Chained Prisoner

Daniel's attention was drawn to some dark stains in one corner. They were bloodstains and other traces of blood could be seen on the wall near several chains, hanging from a girder in the roof. In Daniel's opinion several people had been beaten quite badly here, he guesstimated that this had occurred over many weeks, possibly even months.

They also noted that a barrel fire seemed to have been used to burn a significant amount of paper and similar documents, judging from the scorched metal remnants of ring binders and folders.

"Well this is fucking grim. Remind me what we're looking for?" asked Hope.

"Well Watson, I'll know it when I find it." he replied, then added. "I think the plague might have been bought to the city by this bastard..."

Of the contents of the barrel nothing could be salvaged. Whoever had done this had been very thorough, but it did look like some of the items burnt may have been passports.

With no discoveries of note within the main area, Daniel and Hope moved to the single door in the far corner which led to the attached office.

Scene Eighteen - A Trade in Lives

The lock on this one was far better quality than the ones on the buildings exterior and took a bit more time to bypass. "Want some help with that?" asked Hope, amused by Daniel's initial failure to open the door.

Daniel's Lock-Picking Set

"I wouldn't want you to break a nail." he quipped back, as the lock clicked open on his second attempt. He swung the door open in an exaggerated manner and bowed slightly. "M'Lady?" Hope wiggled the raven-like talons that permanently tipped her fingers under his nose as she walked past. "These don't break..." she said with a smile.

The office was fairly clean, though not particularly tidy. It contained a desk, several filing cabinets, an empty book shelf, a sofa, a safe and a stairway to an upper floor.

The safe had both key and combination locks but the door to it was slightly ajar. Unfortunately, It was quite empty. "Looks like Dreads knew he was in the shit." commented Daniel. "He's had a clean out. I'll search the desk, you look at the files." Hope made a mock salute and then did as she was asked.

The desk contained shipping manifests and other documentation necessary for the legitimate aspects of this business.

"A shipment of 'cargo'..."

It seemed that Edan 'Dreads' Finney received a 'shipment of cargo' approximately every eight weeks. This put his last delivery sometime after the virus was already within the city, and his previous one about a week before the first cases appeared. Perhaps there was something to Daniel's theory.

The cabinets had been emptied of all documentation except for a small scrap of paper apparently overlooked. Only the header remained, this was for a company called Carlton Logistics. "I've found something for you to add to your conspiracy theorist pin board." Hope remarked, as she handed him the header.

The stairs to the upstairs rooms ended in a securely locked door. It had the same style lock as the downstairs door, so Daniel opened it easily this time. The upper room was a living quarters of sorts, with a small seating area complete with a combination television and dvd player, a compact but well equipped kitchen and a bedroom containing a double bed and a side table.

It seemed that Edan lived far better than his customers.

Several DVD cases were piled nearby, with hand written labels. Each had a girls name upon it though all the boxes were empty.

"I don't think that's going to be security footage." stated Daniel, as he tossed a case aside. It was then that he noticed that the DVD player had a disc still inside it. "If you're going to watch that, I'll check out the other room." said Hope, clearly agitated.

"I don't want to, but it might contain something important, so it looks like I'm going to have to..." replied Daniel. It was probably for the best that Hope was absent during the viewing. Her relationship with her sire had given her strong feelings about abusers of any kind and Daniel needed her thinking straight.

The film started with a shot of a clearly terrified young Hispanic woman, flanked by several men wearing studded leather masks and the scene got a lot worse, very quickly indeed. Though Daniel couldn't see his face, one of the men was clearly Edan 'Dreads' Finney.

It seemed that violent pornography was one of his side-lines and that the 'actresses' were taken from those people he trafficked. Daniel was also extremely concerned about the woman in the film. Judging from her breathing and other factors, he could see she had some underlying breathing and health problems. A fact confirmed when she began to have a fit, right there on the screen. Daniel stopped the film before Hope re-entered.

Edan was lucky he was dead, because Daniel had no doubt about how Hope would have made him suffer had she caught up with him with knowledge of what the film contained. He would have been tempted himself, in all honesty.

-----------------

The double bed within the adjacent room was stained, and some of these marks were clearly blood. Drug paraphernalia, including several needles and narcotics were nearby. Hope was no medical expert like Daniel but she'd spent enough time in deprived areas to recognise Heroin when she saw it.

The top draws contained clothing, the bottom one contained two sets of bloodstained handcuffs, more drug paraphernalia and a snub-nosed .44 calibre revolver with the serial number removed. There were also four sheets of paper, three of which were stapled together, on which were lists of names. The first sheets names were exclusively female and some matched names on the DVD cases from the other room. Each had a brief and lurid description of the woman in question. Some had ticks next to their names.

Hope manage to push the Beast down for now, but could hear it whispering to her. Some of it's ideas were pretty good...

The stapled together sheets contained a more comprehensive list of names of both men and women and the descriptions were instead related to age, height, weight, build and similar factors. Some forty plus had been underlined and numbers were written next to each one.

These numbers appeared to group these fortyish individuals into five groups of varying sizes, each consisting of a variety of genders and body types. At the bottom of the last sheet was the name 'Carlton', circled several times.

Hope re-entered the office and noticed the frozen image on the television screen a moment before Daniel hit the off button. She felt the Beast rising again, this time it was a little harder to quieten. She handed Daniel the lists without saying a word. He wisely decided that now was not the time to try to be amusing. He'd seen the Gangrel census-taker like this before. It usually meant that someone was going to die.

He briefly examined the lists and concluded that these could well be control groups for testing the plague or some variant of it.

Daniel's preternatural senses then detected a door opening in the adjacent building. It seemed that someone in the organisation, still living, had a key

Interlude - Coyote

The Circulatory System 'Escort' Vehicle

Celia Malone waited patiently for their contacts while Haris paced back and forth behind her. Three vehicles worth of security personnel were there too, but her bloodhound was always nervous when they had to meet other kindred, despite the overwhelming firepower at their backs.

"Stand still or I'll have to have one of the guards kneecap you..." stated Celia, in her usual conversational manner. Haris stopped pacing immediately. He doubted she was joking.

Exactly on time, the Gangrel Pack known as 'The Coyotes', arrived in one of their armoured transport vehicles. Celia recognised the design as being an almost exact copy of one of the Circulatory Systems own vehicles. An old Circulatory System vessel, and later 'bloodhound', called Leanna, worked for Marius now, and the Coyotes in turn worked for The Oratory. It made sense that some sharing of information had occurred given the System's expertise in this area.

Their leader Kellan Best exited from one side, the other Gangrel in the pack, Logan Velez, emerged from the other. The back doors then opened and the three Caitiff who completed the pack also emerged. The three were armed with Heckler and Koch MP7's and Glock 20's, though the two Gangrel appeared to be unarmed, and probably were. Despite being outnumbered six to one, the Coyotes, showed no signs of nervousness.

Haris inspected each of the two men and seven women that made up the shipment to ensure they were the specified resonance and blood type. He noted that they seemed dazed, and unusually compliant for people effectively being sold into slavery.

"I see Leanna has been busy with some programming of their minds..." stated Celia. "...I hope there's nothing hidden in those directives that might cause me a problem?"

Leanna - Duskborn
Formerly of The Circulatory System

Kellan produced a flash drive from his jacket pocket. "All the triggers are listed on here and it's all yours, once we're paid." Celia nodded at Haris who scurried over with a brief case, that Kellan immediately opened. "Don't you trust us?" asked Haris.

"No." replied the Gangrel, who then continued to verify the payment was correct. A few moments later he closed the case and flicked the flash drive to Haris, who fumbled the catch, but managed to avoid dropping it.

As the Coyotes drove away, Celia noticed Haris lurking in that way he did when he was working his way up to asking something. "Spit it out or go away..." she said

"This buy wasn't with Circulatory System money. You used your own funds to fulfil Marcelina's list, so I was expecting you to, well, double-cross the Coyotes so you didn't have to pay..." speculated the Caitiff bloodhound.

Celia shook her head. "One. It's best to avoid making enemies of Gangrel packs, unless you really have to, especially if they also trade with your boss. Two, You don't fuck over the employees of a fourth generation killing machine with the ear of the Justicars without getting yourself dusted, and three, I didn't pay them in cash. It was a trade."

"What did you trade?" asked Haris, deciding to push his luck just a little.

"The Wolf Spider has mislaid two of his bloodline, and I happen to know where one of them is." she replied. "And now he knows too..."

Scene Nineteen - Wrong Place, Wrong Time

"We've got company." stated Daniel. "Company who seem to be familiar with the place..." Hope smiled. It wasn't in any way, shape, of form, even remotely pleasant.

Hope Romero - Gangrel
"Someone's going to die..."

Daniel faded from sight and took a position by the door. Not blessed with such abilities, Hope moved to behind a filing cabinet, that would at least partially obscure her from view.

Four men could be heard talking as they climbed the stairs, one was obviously the leader.

"I don't give a fuck what you think. We had some fun but now it's over, we need to make sure there's nothing that connects us to the films and then get the fuck out of town. Have you forgotten already that the one bitch fucking died and that asshole Edan still filmed it. It wasn't amongst the copies we found so it might still be here..." There was some muttering of begrudging agreement from the others.

As the first pair entered the room, Daniel gently placed the barrel of his 10mm pistol to the side of one of their heads. "Stay very still..." he said. The second raised a pistol and pointed it at Hope. "You pull that trigger and your bitch gets it..."

"Good luck with that..."quipped Daniel as they fired. It was a good shot. Fatal to a mortal, but not even an irritation to Hope. Her flesh hardened reflexively and the 9mm, hollow-point round flattened against her forehead.

"My turn..." she growled, clearing the distance to the gunman in a fraction of a second, aiming low, she sliced through their femoral artery. Without slowing she continued the slashing blow and tore through the throat of the one with Daniel's gun to his head.

Familiar with the Gangrel's brutal fighting style, Daniel was already in motion and avoided being bathed in the arterial spray of either scumbag. The Banu Haqim rolled neatly to the stairway, propelled himself off the wall with one foot and neatly flipped over the two remaining gangers in the stairway. The first died instantly as Daniel's bullet took him in the back of the head. realising the need for someone to question, he instead put a round through the back of each of the remaining man's kneecaps. Fortunately Hope also saw the wisdom in having a prisoner.

As the sole survivor attempted to crawl away, Daniel placed a foot on their back. "Stay right there and stop screaming..." he advised. The thug with the leg wound wasn't dying fast enough for Hope's liking so she quietened them with a single crushing blow to the throat. This didn't kill them either, but at least now they'd die silently.

Daniel improvised some bandages for their prisoners ruined legs. They were going to die one way or another, but they didn't need to know that. Not yet. Besides which, they had questions. Hope dragged them to the bedroom and tossed them onto it, then retrieved the handcuffs from the draw. The bed already had attachment points for them. Neither Hope nor Daniel were surprised.

"I'm going to fetch my medical bag..." stated Daniel to the restrained prisoner. "...I'm sure my colleague will look after you until I return."

Hope gripped them by one shattered knee and squeezed experimentally. The scream gave her the answer she needed. "My friend can save you. But whether he does or not will depend on how helpful you are..." It took some probing of the wound with a talon before they decided to be cooperative.

"'Dreads' said they were just acting. How were we to know the dumb bitch had something wrong with her...it wasn't meant to be real..." Hope raised an eyebrow. The acting comment was clearly preposterous. The prisoner sensed her doubt. "Okay, maybe we knew he was talking shit..."

Hope turned her attention to the other knee. "I'm not convinced..." she said as she pushed a talon through the bone. Once the screaming stopped, a little more information was forthcoming.

"The cunt at Carlton Logistics did the distribution, we just had some fun with the girls..."

Daniel heard this last comment as he returned. One look at the mess gave him a fair idea of what Hope had been up to. "Don't worry doc. He's explained it all. He 'just had some fun with the girls'...so that's everything cleared up then..."

Daniel then spent the next fifteen minutes pointing out sensitive parts of the human body to Hope before her victim finally passed out. He'd been sure that he knew nothing, but had decided that he needed punishing for his actions. "I thought he was holding something back." lied Daniel. "Apparently I was wrong."

"I suppose we should make this look a bit less like these buggers were clawed to death..." suggested Daniel. Using one of the thugs knives, he made the claw wounds look like they were inflicted with that weapon instead. It wasn't a perfect job but good enough to fool any casual examination by someone who already knew the answer.

Hope handed him the pistol she'd found in the drawer and Daniel shot the handcuffed rapist in the stomach, placed the gun in another's hand and fired again so as to ensure there was gunshot residue. After some more strategic swapping of weapons, they had created a plausible 'falling out amongst criminals' scenario.

Daniel made a quick phone call to one of their two resident hackers to get them to look into Carlton Logistics. While they did their thing, Daniel and Hope headed to the address on the scrap of a document discovered by Hope.

Scene Twenty - Carlton Logistics

This company seemed to be more legitimate than Finney's and was located just outside of the docks. All indications were that this was a respected and well known company with a proven track record. Hardly the kind of place that would associate with the likes of 'Dreads'.

Carlton Logistics - Likely a 'Front'

The header on the scrap of paper was, however, not for their headquarters but instead for a logistics hub within the Docks. Further cross-referencing indicated that this part of Carlton Logistics was, on paper at least, closed down six months ago and sold due to it being too small for their needs.

The hacker, Zipper's own enquiries also indicated that the purchaser had sold the building on almost immediately, and it had been left empty since as the subsequent owner went bankrupt. Technically the building was now in the hands of the bank.

The structure itself was in surprisingly good condition, for an abandoned building, and still had the Carlton Logistics sign on its side. A white transit van and an old but well maintained BMW were parked outside. Light were on in the reception despite the lateness of the hour.

Daniel parked out of direct view and moved in for a closer look.

A Mysterious Cloaked Figure

A large, slightly overweight man appeared carrying a file box and placed it on the backseat of the car. As he turned to head back into the building, a cloaked figure appeared, as if from nowhere, grabbed them by the throat and slammed them into the side of the van with bone crushing force, before then snapping their neck like a twig. This took barely a second before the perpetrator faded once more. The brief second before they disappeared led Daniel to believe that they were heading towards the reception area.

Cautiously, but as quickly as possible, the pair advanced on the building. The van had a dent in one side, and the victim's head was facing in entirely the wrong direction. In Daniel's opinion this had been a waste of effort. The initial impact had clearly killed them instantly.

Within the reception area were two dead men. One had a fist sized hole in his back through which his heart has been ripped out, the seconds back had been broken, their body folded almost in two. Scattered files indicated they were in the process of leaving with boxes of files when ambushed.

"Not fast enough..."

A woman's scream echoed from within the building, cut suddenly short, and then the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard running in their direction.

A large, muscular man, clearly unused to moving quickly, got almost to the doorway to reception before being pulled back into the room from which he emerged. A slight delay, followed by a sickening crunch seemed to indicate that he, like the first victim, had been thrown bodily into something sturdy.

Daniel drew his handguns and entered the room alongside Hope. Unfortunately, as they had believed this to be a legitimate commercial venture, Hope had left her bulky shotgun behind.

The figure within was waiting for them as they entered. Their bulky form, wrapped in a cloak that had clearly seen better days, showed signs of disease and decay. The smell of rotting flesh and necrosis was difficult to ignore.

"You don't look like potential recruits or vessels, but appearances can sometimes be deceptive..."

"So, do we fight? Or will you stand aside?"

The foul smelling kindred slid a large two-handed fire-axe from beneath his cloak, though held it casually in one hand. Gore coated and jagged fingernails tipped each finger of his free hand. It seemed clear that his preference was for option one.

"Not the most subtle of weapons..."

"It's unlikely that we'll be joining you..." responded Daniel. "...but an introduction might help..." This figure seemed to find this amusing. "My Brothers and Sisters call me Brother Pestilent." he replied.

Daniel continued. "...and why exactly did these people need to die?"

Pestilent looked towards one of the dead. "They knew things, secrets that weren't theirs to share. Now they know nothing, which is how it should be..." Then, without missing a beat, he hurled the fire-axe at Daniel.

Caught by surprise, Daniel hesitated a moment too long, and the weight of the weapon drove the blade into his chest, close to the right arm. The impact drove him backwards against the wall, and he slid to the ground, leaving a bloody smear against the white paint.

Storytellers Note - That was a bad time to botch a dice roll...

Hope wasn't keen on engaging in close combat with a creature such as this, but the only available weapon was a fire-axe in a cabinet, about five metres behind the plague cultist. Deciding that neither she nor Daniel had any time spare she launched herself at the monster, enhancing herself with as much vitae as she could spare, she attacked with berserker fury.

The onslaught forced her enemy back, but each wound she caused began to fester almost instantly, the corruption within seemingly matching the corruption without, but even the most severe wounds were ignored. He almost seemed to gain pleasure from the pain and draw strength from it. Hope stepped back, gore covered and awaiting the response of her foe.

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim
"Not having a great night..."

Several seconds passed, then Brother Pestilent fell backwards with a crash and lay still. The hunger began to cloud her judgement, and the Beast screamed at her to feed, yet she pushed the emotion back down. Feeding on something that took ten seconds to realise it had been destroyed didn't seem like a great idea. She turned to Daniel who was pulling the axe from his body with considerable effort.

"I need to clean this shit off me." said Hope as she looked at her gore soaked clothing. "Are you going to be okay for a few minutes?" Daniel nodded in response and threw the axe to one side. The wound had begun to itch, the flesh around the wound already looked infected, and the doctor realised he'd need to do something extreme to ensure he wasn't about to become another plague victim.

As Hope picked gore from her talons, Daniel drew one of his karambit blades and began the gruesome task of cutting away the undead flesh surrounding the wound. Had he been mortal, the damage would have been fatal, but even to an undead creature such as himself the removal of so much flesh was a risk. He had years of experience as a surgeon but this was the first time he'd ever had to operate on himself.

Still unsatisfied, even after the precise, but self inflicted wounds, he emptied powder from several of his handgun rounds, placed it in the wounds, closed his eyes, then ignited the powder, cauterizing his dead flesh. Training with the Bahari had taught him many techniques for controlling the Beast, and he was pleased that even the fear of the close proximity of fire was something that could be overcome with sufficient willpower.

Hope emerged from the offices bathroom naked, but free of gore, just as the gunpowder exploded in Daniel's shoulder. "What the hell are you doing?" she asked as he staggered to his feet. "Taking precautions..." he replied.

The kindred who had called himself Brother Pestilent still lay where he'd fell. Before investigating the building further, Hope took the fire-axe from the cabinet on the wall and removed the plaguebearer's head with it.

"Taking precautions..." said Hope, mimicking Daniels tone.

"Let's see what was worth this many lives..." muttered Daniel to himself as they began their search of Carlton Logistics.

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Five)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

So...I nearly killed a PC this session...Well, in actual fact, the players own dice nearly killed their character this session...

Some of the point of this session was a reminder that not all of the evil in the World of Darkness is vampire related, though many kindred certainly take advantage of that factor of human nature. Also, their enemy is now aware that someone specific is looking for them. They'll be better prepared for interference next time. Hopefully the players are equally inclined to plan ahead.

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested...

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

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Twenty Six - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Three)

2023-02-10T16:30:00.280+00:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One and Two

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Vincent Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable of the North East'

Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'

The Storyteller

Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Modern Slavery

Other Possible Triggers: None

Introduction

Daniel and Hope's trip into the sewers has prompted more questions than answers. Concerned of meeting the same fate as Gloria's destroyed Gangrel census-taker Owen Frasier, the pair have sensibly decided to withdraw without continuing the pursuit of a mysterious female Nosferatu who was following them. The tracker 'Max' had ascertained their approximate heading but was ordered not to pursue.

Now Michael must inform Gloria about their discoveries, and who is to blame for the loss of her operative.

Scene Eleven - Gloria Martinez

With Hope and Daniel busy with their investigations, Michael instead chose to take Vin with him as bodyguard. Many of Gloria's own soldiers were intimidated by the hulking Brujah and he was a very effective deterrent to any overly aggressive reactions to the news he was about to relay.

The address given for their meeting was not in Gloria's customary gang warehouse, but rather an address of a home within the centre of Whittier.

The address turned out to be within a small gated community in a particularly well-to-do area of Whittier. The walls were decorative, but also solid and high, topped with spikes concealed within a fairly traditional looking railing along the top. The guards within the compound were definitely not the normal biker types she utilised as troops. They instead had the look of professional mercenaries.

After checking their names matched those on a list within the security cabin, a solid looking gentlemen with a military haircut directed them towards the largest house within the gated community. Though not exactly a mansion, it was quite large.

Vin's 'Cleaver' - A Gift From His Sire

The coterie recognised several of those guarding the front door as Brujah from Gloria's gang. As one approached, Vin exited the vehicle and opened the door for Michael. The advancing guard stopped in his tracks and looked at his comrade who joined him.

Vin turned to the first guard and casually raised one hand to indicate he should stay where he was. "If you were going to ask us to surrender our weapons, the answer will be 'no, fuck off', given what's happening in the city, only an idiot travels without weapons. You don't think were fucking idiots do you?"

The tone was conversational, not threatening, but Michael could sense Vin's anger. Vin had always shown the Brujah under Gloria's command a significant level of contempt, yet was very different in his attitude to members of his own clan who represented Allison Maller. Michael had his own theories about why this was, but decided to confirm his suspicions later. Now was clearly not the time for interrogating his own people. The guard sensibly read between the lines and stepped aside.

As they were escort inside, Michael heard Vin whisper "What a fucking pussy..." he was also periodically checking the cleaver-like weapon he kept beneath his jacket. This wasn't usually a good sign.

-------------------

Allison Maller - Brujah
Baron of Anaheim

Gloria was sitting on a well worn but comfortable sofa. Somewhat surprisingly Baron Alisson Maller was also there. Vin inclined his head in greeting to Allison, but ignored Gloria and then moved to guard the door.

"Make yourself comfortable..." said Gloria, to Michael "...I imagine we've got quite a lot to discuss. So how goes the investigation?"

"I have my best people investigating the abandoned water works that seemed to be one of the primary areas of concern. They ran into Owen, who was apparently observing the area..."

Gloria interrupted. "He hasn't reported in."

Michael continued. "There was, and likely still is, a cult operating beneath your Barony. The ones encountered by my agents were human, but I'm informed were also ghouls which proves they were influenced by at least one kindred, possibly more. I'm afraid that they had already destroyed your sweeper by the time that Daniel and his team arrived."

Gloria said nothing, so Michael carried on.

"Why he chose to take the course of action that he did, is unknown, but it's likely that he was taken by surprise and destroyed while outnumbered. Perhaps his perceptions were altered in someway, or he was lured in using a subterfuge of some kind? It's possible that we will never know..."

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of Whittier

Gloria's reply did nothing to change Michael or Vin's opinion of her.

"Owen was a good sweeper. I've no idea why he'd take such an unnecessary risk. He'll be difficult to replace. Finding a Gangrel whose not in Marius's pocket is becoming more of a chore recently..." Michael got the distinct impression that she was more concerned about the difficulty of replacing him, than the the fact that he'd met his final death. "Allison has offered to lend me 'Ameer' but I think I'd like to recruit someone of my own..."

The name 'Ameer' meant nothing to Michael. Likely he was one of Allison's own sweepers.

"It would be easy for us to become complacent..." added Michael. "...as we tend to consider the domains beneath us to be either a separate entity or of no value to our Baronies. This new enemy may simply be nomads passing through but this seems unlikely. When Daniel returns with more information I'll be able to brief you in more detail. He did however relay to me that this particular enemy was fond of traps as well as ambushes, and coating their weaponry in their own diseased blood. To complicate matters, The Swarm were also apparently there..."

It was clear to Michael that Gloria wasn't happy about this last bit of news. Her and Allison exchanged a look, but it was difficult to discern any information from it, even for a kindred as empathetic as Michael.

'The Swarm' - Kindred, Ghouls and Blood Bound

"I'm going to have to do something about 'The Swarm'. I can't have an unknown and unpredictable element lurking beneath my feet. If I have to use force then I will...as a last resort of course..."

One of Gloria's guards who was seemingly keeping an eye on Vin made some comment about "...kicking the shit out of them, if they got in the way...", which got a laugh out of Michael's Brujah bodyguard. It was clear that Vin had his own thoughts about how that particular battle might turn out. He'd encountered the underground dwelling Gangrel known as The Swarm on at least two occasions and though he had no fear of any of them as individuals, he'd seen what they were capable of if they assaulted an enemy en masse. It was not a pretty sight. In Vin's opinion, anything short of a werewolf pack would eventually fall just to their sheer weight of numbers and complete disregard for their personal safety.

Michael decided not to comment on this and instead carried on with his warnings.

Salvador Garcia - Brujah
El Hermandad, Anarch Revolutionary

"If this is a cult that is, or has, began a widescale infiltration of our city, then it might be wise to ensure that any new recruits to your barony are carefully vetted."

During the conversation, Michael had been carefully observing both Gloria and Allison's reactions, as well as the interactions between them. It was clear that there was some issue between them. Whatever it was evidently wasn't serious enough to prevent them supporting each other. For now at least. He suspected that it might be something to do with the presence in the city of their sire, Salvador Garcia.

Michael decided he'd done, and observed, enough so concluded his briefing. "If there's anything I can do, then don't hesitate to ask." he concluded.

Gloria then stood up, clearly indicating that she considered it time for Michael to leave.

In their past interactions, the Toreador Baron might well have acquiesced, but not this time. He was Arbiter of the Council of the Anarch Free States, not some neonate who could be dismissed on a whim. "My offer of assistance also applies to you Baron Maller, should you find yourself needing an ally, or simply someone to bounce ideas off. The position of Arbiter, in my opinion at least, puts me at the service of all the Barons of this city..."

Then, once he was ready, he himself stood and walked towards the door. Vin dropped into place behind him. The mouthy Brujah moved out of Vin's way with such speed that he almost tripped over his own feet. Vin merely smiled.

Michael's Armoured Cadillac Escalade

As they left, Michael spoke to Vin. "Gloria still seems to think she gets to dictate to me where I can go, and when I am required to leave. Those nights are long passed, but she's still going to be a problem. She pushes unnecessarily in situations where a more sensible kindred would first evaluate the best course of action. I believe she may use Owen's destruction as an excuse to do something aggressive, and likely stupid and poorly thought out." He then changed tack. "You don't like her do you?"

Vin confirmed Michael's suspicions. "She rules through fear and intimidation, and recruits bullies who do the same. That's not how leadership should be done. Your followers should obey because you are right, not because they're afraid to ask questions. Real leaders listen to their advisors. They might not take the advice, but they still listen. The handful of kindred under her command worth a shit are having their voices drowned out by the yes-men. They can no longer mitigate her bullshit and it's beginning to show."

'Amethyst' - Caitiff
Destroyed Former Baron

Vin wasn't usually particularly loquacious. In fact this might have been the most words Michael had heard him say in one go. He decided to take the opportunity to delve a little further. "You don't feel the same way about Allison, though do you?"

"Allison? She held off a concerted attack by an enemy backed by Amethyst, who led one of the largest Baronies in L.A. at the time, and prevailed. Her people are battle hardened and would risk their unlives for her in an instant."

"You don't get that kind of loyalty through shouting at people and being a cunt, you fucking earn it. Gloria and Allison aren't in the same league. It's not even close."

As they reached their vehicle, one of Gloria's henchmen was leaning on the hood. Two others were making a vague attempt at looking intimidating.

"If that hand is still on that car in two seconds I'm fucking keeping it." growled Vin. Michael didn't think Vin was joking, and neither did the Brujah, who quickly backed away.

On the drive back, Vin was silent once more. Michael decided not to push. Dealing with Gloria and her people always made the Brujah irritable.

Scene Twelve - Victoria?

Blood Samples - The Blood Plague

Dr Daniel Matthews had taken blood from the plague cultists beneath Gloria Martinez's domain and had acquired other samples from kindred plague victims.

Convinced that the plague was supernatural in nature, he decided to seek assistance from the Ghouled Verbena Mages who served Marius as occult advisors, as well as giving him a certain measure of defence against any mage who might interfere in his business. The relationship seemed to suit them both and had endured for nearly a century.

Blood was also one of their specialities and so they seemed ideal candidates to mine for information.

The contact information Daniel had for Aegis and 'The Oratory' was still the number most often answered by Victoria, though he hadn't used it since the Lubbock situation.

Somewhat surprisingly, it was Victoria who answered.

"It's been a while Daniel. What do you need?"

Fortunately, given the circumstances, Victoria was willing to help.

Victoria Anezka - Ancient Ghoul
Personal Assistant to Marius

"I can arrange for a meeting but it'll have to be brief. Their sister is in town for a few nights and I doubt they'll want to interrupt their reunion for very long.. Be here in an hour and twenty minutes, I'll ask them to spare whatever time they can manage..."

Daniel noted that Victoria said 'ask', not 'tell'. It was clear that despite their blood-bound loyalty to Marius, Victoria still considered them to be somewhat independent operatives.

He then rang Hope. "Fancy a road trip to see some witches?"

--------------------

Hallowbrook was much as Daniel and Hope remembered it, The unobtrusive but extensive security was till in place, the guards were alert, and a steady traffic of residents and Aegis staff were making their way through the security checkpoints in both directions, even at this late hour.

Victoria was waiting for them just inside the gate and had apparently already informed security that they were authorised to enter.

"They can give you half an hour, an hour at most, so I'd get to your point straight away. I'd also air on the side of diplomacy. Daedra is far more powerful than her sisters and has as close to zero patience as it's possible for one without a Beast to have..."

Marius Walker, Baron of Downtown L.A., Pack Leader of the Oratory

As they rode the elevator to the higher floors reserved for Baron Walker and his agents, Daniel decided to ask where Marius was. Victoria and him being in separate locations was unusual as the Gangrel 'Fixer' rarely travelled without his most favoured ancient ghoul.

Berlin at Night - Camarilla Domain

"Marius? He's currently in Berlin, negotiating with what's left of the Camarilla there and the various Anarch gangs about establishing an office for 'The Oratory'. The city is overpopulated, perhaps even more so than L.A., so the Masquerade is in more danger there than in many places. No-one wants to see it turn into another London, so they're open to the idea of an organisation that can help with that. It's just a matter of convincing them all that he's not going to pick a side..."

Daniel asked who was "...running the show..." in New York.

"There's a Tremere Regent there whose now the defacto leader of the Camarilla remnant that Marius is having to deal with as well as the two largest Anarch gangs, Red Liberation and the Stirner Gang I believe they're called. It's a juggling act, but he's very convincing...even more so recently..."

Sir Matthew Lubbock - Toreador
Diablerised Methuselah

"Last time I saw Marius he'd just finished a wrestling match with an Abomination." quipped Hope, but Victoria made no comment.

Daniel had concerns. He knew Marius had diablerised Sir Matthew Lubbock, who was both powerful and ancient. Such creatures subsequently possessing their diablerist was not unheard of. "How is he generally?" asked Daniel, attempting to approach the subject of his concern by a less direct path. Victoria, however, had read between the lines.

"Well he hasn't started kidnapping blonde boys, rather than seducing naïve goth chicks, so I imagine he's still himself..."

Daniel knew Victoria very well and had dealt with her even before entering Michaels service. Something was definitely different about her. She looked and sounded the same, but her mannerisms were just a little...off...

He began to suspect that this was not Victoria, but was instead been Marius's youngest childe, 'Jane Doe', an expert infiltrator and impersonator of others. He decided to test his theory.

"I acquired this from one of Marius's childer..." he said, pulling out the heavy revolver handed to him by 'Mannequin' after she had impersonated another of Marius's ghouls, Heather. "...perhaps you could return it to her for me?" Victoria took the weapon but showed no signs of recognition.

Interlude - Recruiting

Celia Malone - Malkavian
Circulatory System 'Recruiter'

Celia Malone watched from the upstairs office as her 'Bloodhound' walked along the line of workers. Occasionally he nodded his head in the direction of one of those working on one of the many sewing machines lined up in the poorly ventilated factory unit. By the time he returned to her, he had identified some twelve women, three children and a single man whose blood had the particular resonances she had specified.

Some mortal people smuggler named 'Dreads' had supplied these women and children to the owner of this textile mill as slave labour. Each churned out cheap copies of designer clothing lines that would likely last only marginally longer than they took to make.

Celia was reasonably sure that the so-called Arbiter's investigators would investigate this location last, if it all. By then she'd be long gone. The mortal owner stared blankly at Celia. She had told him to wait quietly and he had obeyed without question. He'd likely do so until he starved to death, but that would take far too long.

Haris, a toadying Caitiff, useful only for his ability to smell the Resonance of a human’s blood without tasting it, and with the supernatural senses to do so over a considerable distance, knocked on the office door before entering. Circulatory System security were already escorting the new vessels to transports awaiting outside.

'Haris' - Caitiff
Circulatory System 'Bloodhound'

"Got about two thirds of what you need. We're a bit short of Sanguine ones though. This place doesn't exactly make it's workers happy or horny." commented Haris, conspicuously avoiding looking at the place where the modern slaver who ran this factory, had once had a face.

"I don't think I'll keep this one..." she said, holding up the flayed skin of the mortals face. "...it has too many imperfections, don't you agree?"

The Caitiff merely nodded. He made a point of never disagreeing with Celia. His predecessors face was neatly pressed in a folder in Celia's office and he had no intention of his own features finding a place alongside them. "What about the others?" he asked.

"Give them some cash each and tell them that this business is closed indefinitely. Their passports are no doubt in one of these cabinets, then have the building torched."

Haris was somewhat surprised. "Seriously?" he asked.

Celia smiled sweetly. "Of course not you idiot. Torch the place? Yes. Let the people go? Don't be silly. They've seen our faces and I've got better things to do than rewrite thirty seven memories..."

As the building burned, Haris drove Celia Malone back to the L.A. 'Farm' of the Circulatory System where their new recruits would begin their short careers as blood dolls. His Malkavian mistress was still smiling, but about what he decided he'd rather not know...

Scene Thirteen - Three Sisters

The pair were escorted to the floor containing some of the spacious living quarters provided for Marius's ghouls. Victoria knocked politely, but entered without waiting to be invited in.

Diedre 'Daedra' Drake - Mage
Verbena Tradition, Elder Ghoul

The Verbena mages quarters appeared to have been refurbished since they were last there. There was now considerably more shelving and display cases, as their literary collection and stockpile of artefacts seemed to have expanded considerably. The central seating area was focussed upon a large table which contained a bewildering array of books, scrolls and other occult paraphernalia whose purpose meant nothing to them.

Seated within were the two sisters they knew and a third who they had never met before. It was immediately apparent who was the dominant one of the three. Daedra had a personal presence that was almost palpable.

"So what's so important that it interrupts the limited time I and my sisters have together?" she asked.

Daniel decided to get straight to the point. This 'third sister' didn't seem like one for superfluous niceties. "This blood plague is a concern to everyone, both mortal and kindred, I'd like to learn it's origin, and I'd like your help..."

Once more, Daedra spoke for her sisters. "Blood is our speciality. So yes, we can probably help but we'll need a physical sample of the fluids associated with this plague. I presume you realised the need for such, being a doctor?"

Daniel confirmed that he did. Hope meanwhile had found a comfy chair in one corner. In this particular situation she would follow Daniel's lead. Regardless, she still wanted to keep her eye on everyone as something about Daedra rubbed her up the wrong way. Meanwhile, the Verbena had continued with her enquiries. "Be warned, this examination will likely consume the sample. I'd reconsider it's use unless you have others?"

Sylvia Drake - Mage
Verbena Tradition, Elder Ghoul

"I have multiple." replied Daniel. "If you can't help then I'll need them to look into alternate methods of investigation."

Sylvia cleared some space on the table, while Clara fetched an intricately carved silver bowl from a crowded shelf of similar containers. Daedra emptied the contents of the sample container into the bowl and held her hand over it. There were no words said, nor gestures made. The fluid simply begins to bubble and separate, before beginning to glow intensely, first red, then a sickly green. The stench of decay filled the air though seemed to be coming, not from the mixture itself, but from the very air around you.

Sylvia and Clara silently observed their older sister as she worked. There was a sudden flash and the fluid turned to ash before everyone's very eyes.

"An unpleasant little concoction..." was Daedra's first comment. "Would you like the bad news or the other bad news?" was her second.

"I don't think it really matters. Do you?" asked Daniel. Though the question was clearly rhetorical.

"Someone has infected a creature, some lower form probably, with a mundane blood disease and added vitae to the mix. They have then used some of your relatively primitive blood magic to bind the two, increasing the potency of the disease itself, and also tying it into the addictive properties of your kinds vitae. They have then likely, though this next part is conjecture on my part, introduced the resulting plague to a human host and repeated the process."

"I detect many layers of sorcery, some old, some recent, and though I am no expert on the magic of your kind, I can only presume that such levels of power require a blood mage of considerable potency."

Clara Drake - Mage
Verbena Tradition, Elder Ghoul

"If there is a cure, then it will need to come from within the vitae of one of your own. Someone whose blood is potent, or unique, enough to resist the disease and neutralise it. Effectively they would create a vaccine from their own blood..."

"However, I wouldn't recommend randomly infecting vampires until you find one that's immune, they're likely to be extremely rare..."

She then clicked her fingers at Clara who seemed to instinctively know what her elder sister required. A few minutes later she returned with a leather bound book, held together with cord and handed it to Daniel.

"This contains several histories involving blood plagues that have infected vampires in the past. It's one of Marius's, not ours but we'll still need it back when you're done with it. Perhaps you can discover a common thread about how exactly they accomplished what I have laid out to you as a solution."

"Now, I imagine you'd like to leave and continue your investigations?"

Hope was tempted to stay a bit longer just to be annoying, but tales of mages conjuring fire and sunlight from nothing, made her think that perhaps it would be safer to just do as asked. Daniel thanked the trio, and then left.

"Doesn't Marius employ anyone normal?" asked Hope as they left. "You used to work for him didn't you?" replied Daniel with a smile. "Fuck you, so did you..." was Hope's witty comeback.

"Where to now?" asked Hope, changing the subject. "I need to speak to Alonzo." replied Daniel

"Great..." grimaced Hope. "...another fucking sewer..."

Scene Fourteen - Beneath Hollywood

Abandoned Sewer Network - Hollywood

Daniel knew of only one safe and quick route into Alonzo's territory and that was via Hollywood. The only other alternative was to make the entire journey underground.

Thanks to Nosferatu interference in it's construction, the entire sewer network of the city was connected. However, such a journey would be time consuming in the extreme.

Unusually it was Hope, not Daniel, who first detected that they were being followed. Something or someone was stalking them. They were moving parallel to them and there were at least two groups. Whoever they were, were very good and without supernatural senses they doubted they'd have detected them.

They then caught a glimpse of several humanoid figures as they slipped back into the darkness. Confrontation was apparently not currently on their minds. Daniel then caught sight of a figure ahead. He was making no effort to conceal himself and was clearly waiting for someone.

Quinn - Gangrel
Eldest Childe of the Swarm Mistress

They recognised him as Quinn, eldest surviving childe of the Mistress of the Swarm, unusually he seemed to be alone. Even more surprisingly he was armed. As well as the handgun at his side, An unusual looking gun was laid across his lap, it looked like shotgun, but with extra barrels. Several thin stakes were in a custom harness at his side, perhaps these were it's ammunition.

It was ornately decorated and Daniel had his suspicions that it may have once belonged in the armoury of a Vampire hunter. As The Swarm had once overran and murdered their way through a Second Inquisition base, this was an entirely plausible theory.

"It's beginning to seem awful crowded in this sewer. Is your Baron planning on exhibiting some exiting new exhibition down here?" asked Quinn

"We're heading to the home of an old friend of mine..." admitted Daniel. "...you know of Alonzo?"

Quinn nodded. "His pet has satiated it's appetites on several of ours who underestimated it's territorial nature. It never consumes more than a couple at a time and it certainly weeds out the stupid ones, but it would have nice if he'd put up a sign..."

Eula - Alonzo's Guardian

"Beware of the Dog?" suggested Hope

The tendrils on Quinn's head rippled slightly, but Hope wasn't sure whether this was something they just did, or if it was a response to her comment. Quinn had manifested a number of animalistic features over the decades, and like Hope, some had become permanent. Hope blamed this on the potency of her vitae having being enhanced through several diableries, possibly Quinn had the same problem.

Daniel watched as Hope and Quinn had a brief stare-down as they sized each other up. Hierarchy was important to Gangrel. Most of their Clan meetings began with rituals to decide on who was in charge via fighting and boasting, but mainly fighting. Hopefully this wasn't how this particular encounter would play out. Both break eye contact at about the same time, so Daniel decided to distract Quinn with a question about what exactly The Swarm were doing under Hollywood.

"Some of my expendable followers are attempting to drive an uninvited guest in this direction so I can 'invite' them to a meeting with Tilly. She'd like to know what they're doing down her and has made it clear to us that not knowing is putting her in a bad mood..."

Tilly Kelly - Gangrel
Mistress of the Swarm

Tilly Kelly, Mistress of the Swarm, was an unpredictable lunatic, who led her followers with a mix of motherly care and mindless violence. Which one she selected was decided based on whatever whims were bubbling through her mind that minute.

Quinn continued. "All internecine conflicts between her 'firstborn', Me, Melinda and Blake to be specific, are forbidden until this matter is resolved, so for the first time in several decades we're all on the same side...and if you believe that 'same side' nonsense then I have a bridge I'd like to sell you..."

Several swarm members emerged from the shadows, with their heads downturned, clearly avoiding making eye-contact with Quinn. "You lost them?" asked the Gangrel, with considerable menace in his voice. As one of them attempted to speak, Quinn interrupted.

"One of you will have to pay the price for failure, I'll let you decide who, while I speak to these two."

The rest of Quinn's followers then disappeared into the darkness, to obey their leaders brutal directive.

"Do you have anything else to share?" asked Quinn, as if the current situation was completely normal.

Daniel then relayed the events of the previous night in case Melinda, another 'Swarm' leader, had failed to supply all the details to Quinn.

Quinn then beckoned for Hope and Daniel to follow him. He moved towards an old yellow box on one wall with an old style phone wired into it. It appeared to still be wired into the remnants of an electrical system.

"The Nosferatu have been connecting the old communication system down here back together and some of our smarter recruits have been doing the same. There's still massive holes in the network, and you're never quite sure who might be listening, but nonetheless if you pick up one of these receiver's, there's a chance you'll get through to either us or one of Gary's postmen."

Neither Daniel nor Hope, who both had military backgrounds, were sure about the wisdom of having an unsecured communication network, but it was useful to know it existed.

As they left, the remaining Swarm members returned. Several had torn clothing, and others had blood dripping from unevenly fanged maws. They definitely numbered one less than they had previously. Apparently the blame had been attributed.

Scene Fifteen - Alonzo's Lair

Alonzo Guillen - Elder Nosferatu
The Ancient Hollywood Warrens

Alonzo's lair has expanded once more. The laboratory area has extra tanks within filled with blood red-liquid, one was considerably larger than the others but appeared to be empty. The tubes and tunnels that allowed Alonzo's vermin spies and messengers to enter and leave the area were now everywhere.

His library too had expanded. The documents looked like those he had discovered when he first located the ancient and abandoned Nosferatu haven, and he seemed to have put considerable effort into sorting out those that were salvageable. His new guard was absent, presumably on some task for Alonzo.

"Given the problems on the surface, I imagine this isn't a social call?" asked Alonzo, though it was clear that he was pleased to see Daniel, who was likely his only actual friend.

"It sort of is..." replied Daniel. "I do also need some advice, so I wouldn't mind picking your brains a little while I'm here." he continued.

"We've learned that the plague, the one that's just jumped to kindred, was probably originally created using an animal host, then a kindred one. I just wanted to warn you to be vigilant. We're sure that those responsible are in the city, and are using the sewers to travel. The swarm have been seen too. I imagine Gary has a lot on his plate right now. I can't imagine he's missed this much activity in the warrens?"

'Gorgeous' Gary Golden - Nosferatu
Baron of the Warrens

Alonzo then enlightened them on what was going on with 'Gorgeous' Gary Golden, Baron of The Warrens.

"Gary's concerned of course. He's given that Swarm lot a bit of latitude to cross through the Warrens if they need to pursue any of the intruders. What's really concerning is that we just can't find the bastards. I've got spies everywhere but they seem to lose the trail as quickly as they find it. Any of my creatures that get close just disappear. We've found a few rats drained, others dead from some unknown pestilence, but there's no pattern to it. It's a mystery, that's for certain..."

Daniel then asked if any Nosferatu had been infected. It turned out that several had and that Gary was taking security seriously..

"Two Nosferatu have gone missing, which, given the circumstances is certain to be connected, but as far as we know, none of the swarm have disappeared or turned up diseased yet."

"Gary sees The Warrens as his and recent events have made him consider the importance of defence and security. He figures that the more territory he controls, the more advance notice he'll have of threats, which is not an unreasonable assumption."

"Gary, well Barabus actually, has negotiated borders between Gary's domains and theirs, there's a few neutral areas, de-militarised zones you might call them, in zones without firm areas of divide. It was fairly amicable a such things go. Of course there were more compromises on Gary's side than he night have liked but he lacks the numbers to push his luck too much..."

Daniel and Hope thanked him for the information and asked him to be careful.

"So the sewers are full of assholes and everyone's paranoid..." commented Hope. "...sounds like everything's totally normal. So what now?"

"Now..." replied Daniel. "...we see if people were all that the South Coast smuggler was bringing in..."

Hope shrugged. At least that job would be above ground...

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Four)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

They're piecing things together fairly well. They missed a couple of clues but they can probably progress without them.

Next time I'll introduce them to the dubious business network of the recently deceased 'Dreads' in the South Coast docks, and they'll begin to discover that death and depravity aren't exclusive to kindred interests.

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested...There's also about a minute and a half of feedback before the lyrics start...

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

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Twenty Five - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Two)

2023-01-27T16:30:00.017+00:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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Story Thirty - 'A Plague of Blood' - Part One

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Vincent Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable of the North East'

The Storyteller

Garreth - Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Incest, Sex Work.

Other Possible Triggers: Rats.

Introduction

Having decided that advancing through the sewers without the aid of a tracker, and with innumerable locations for booby-traps and ambushes, wasn't a great idea, Hope and Daniel have withdrew to the surface to reconsider their options.

Meanwhile, other information has become available to the coterie.

Scene Five - Little Black Book

Ammaarah Weaver - Tzimisce
Census-Taker for Hollywood

The Little Black Book' belonging to the recently deceased Dominatrix, 'Mistress Sabina' has been obtained by Isaac Abrams Census-Taker, Ammaarah Weaver, who recently replaced Sofia Rivera who was given 'other duties'. The acquisition of this item was apparently done quietly and efficiently and so should be fairly free of consequences.

The clients within are referred to by gender, first initial and a surname, most of which are obviously made up. Each name is also followed by a set of abbreviations which quite obviously indicate their sexual preferences. It seems that Sabina McDonnell was a woman with a wide variety of talents.

Miss J.L. is the only name that doesn't fit the format and is seemingly a fairly recent customer, and a very well paying one at that. There is also no mention of her preferences, which is unusual as all other entries have at least one note next to them.

Ammaarah has also obtained a palmtop computer which Sabina used as an appointment book, and which the coteries resident team of hackers have already broken into and decrypted. An attempt had been made to format it's hard drive but Eric and Zipper have managed to salvage some fragments of information from it.

Most of it is fairly routine and unsurprising.

The final entry refers to a 'Miss J.L.' who apparently paid extra for personal visits, though the location is just referred to as "The usual place..." It also looks like she'd been a customer for less than three months, though her visits were seemingly weekly. Cross referencing her time of death leads you to believe that Miss J.L. would have been the last person to see Sabine alive, though probably not free of illness, given what you know of the diseases progress.

Daniel was hoping for more, but has filed the information away in case it becomes relevant later.

Scene Six - First Clues

Max's quite obviously stolen motorbike

Max, a Gangrel who patrolled their Eastern border within the North Eastern Barony of Pasadena, arrived on a Kawasaki Ninja H2 motorbike, a street legal version of a racing only bike. This version was still capable of reaching over two hundred miles per hour and with a price tag of over thirty thousand dollars they imagined that it was probably obtained dubiously. When last they saw Max and her ghoul 'Izzy' they were using an off-road Honda, so this was definitely a recent acquisition.

Daniel noted that Max was armed with a short barrelled, pistol grip shotgun in what appeared to be a handmade custom shoulder holster. This appeared to be her only weapon though Daniel didn't rule out easily concealable bladed weapons too.

"Nice wheels..." commented Daniel

"I stole it...." replied Max "... but don't worry, no-one is going to come looking for it." Daniel decided not to ask about the fate of the previous owner. He nodded at the weapon. "You came prepared I see." Max patted the shotgun almost affectionately "It's one of Izzy's, she made the holster too. She's good with her hands."

'Max' - Gangrel
Sweeper for the North East

Max then approached Hope and inclined her head in deference, though kept eye-contact. "What's the job, boss?" Hope explained that they needed someone who could track a target through a sewer.

Max's answer was quite reassuring "I can track through sewers alight. Once you get acclimatised to what smells are meant to be there and which ones aren't, it's not that tricky. I had a Haven in a sewer once. Izzy hated it though..."

"We're just looking for now..." clarified Hope, who was well aware that Max had a tendency to confront threats head-on. Normally this was fine, but on this occasion Hope wanted to make sure they knew what they were walking into before acting. "...so you wait for my go-ahead before doing anything impulsive. Clear?" Max confirmed that she understood completely. Hope Romero had considerable status with the city's Gangrel and an enviable count of victories for a kindred with only a decade of unlife behind her. Subsequently, the sweepers under her command tended to defer to her authority without too much resistance.

Daniel then added his own warning "Whatever we're after apparently stank of decay and might have something to do with this Blood Plague so we're being extremely careful about what and who we get into close contact with."

After being shown to the sewer entrance, Max dropped through the sewer hatch and into the water below without bothering to use the ladder, she looked comfortable in the unwelcoming environment, almost at home in fact. Hope shrugged and followed her down, though used the ladder. Daniel did the same.

Gary Golden - Nosferatu
Baron of the Warrens

As they prepared to move on, Daniel sent a message to Michael, to let him know that they were going underground and that there was a real possibility that they'd need to speak to Gary Golden, the Nosferatu Baron of the Warrens, at some point. Last time they'd journeyed this way they'd lost phone signal very quickly so Daniel sent the message while they were still near the entrance.

Hope's eyes glowed a dull red as she activated her ability to see in the darkness below. She also noticed that Max also was showing no signs of being hindered by the lack of light, though her eyes lacked the distinctive internal glow that usually indicated the use of this talent.

Daniel meanwhile used his preternatural senses to find his way ahead. He also sought out defensive positions along their route, should they need to fall back at some point. There weren't many, and those few wouldn't last against a concerted attack, but something was better than nothing.

"How long ago did you travel through here?" asked Max, causing the other two kindred to pause.

"About an hour ago." replied Hope. "Why?"

Max reply raised some concerns "There's been a kindred through here since then. Mortals think they can get clean but they always smell of something, with kindred you can smell their stuff but not them, unless they've fed, then they stink of their prey. This one hasn't fed recently but they're clean too, so I doubt they're your giant smelly mystery man. Did you say there was meant to be someone on guard, cuz there wasn't anyone watching us arrive..."

The Mysterious Plaguebearer?

Daniel needed this clarifying and so asked if Max was sure.

Max then proceeded to list all the individuals who had been within the water works, and their exact locations, despite not actually entering the buildings at all. "So yes. I'm sure..." she concluded. she then pointed out several areas where she was sure another kindred had walked. Neither Hope nor Daniel could really see the disturbances that she had noticed, but had no reason to doubt her abilities.

Daniel mused through the possibilities for a while before speaking. "Owen was fairly neat and tidy. He didn't strike me as the 'wading through the sewers on a whim' type of kindred. He seemed more than happy to let us do that on his behalf."

Max's assessment was somewhat more direct. "He's a shit tracker. He's left a trail any fucker could follow."

"Is it possible he entered these tunnels after us and got ahead?" queried Daniel. "No." replied Max. Apparently deciding that an explanation about why was unnecessary. "If there's no other signs of movement down here, then follow Owen's trail." Instructed Daniel.

The tracker listened to the command, but still waited for a nod from Hope before indicating that she understood.

Ria - Gangrel
Census Taker for Downtown

"We've met some other talented Gangrel trackers over the years." began Daniel. He was pretending to make casual conversation but really he was trying to confirm a rumour he'd heard that Max was a childe or grandechilde of one of the kindred census-takers of Downtown L.A. known as 'The Circle' "One of The Circle helped us follow a trail in one of the Gangrel Protectorates up in the North West. Have you encountered them yourself?"

Max was quite open in her reply. "One of the Circle is my sire, Ria to be specific, but I only found that out quite recently. She had no idea I existed. I was a pity-siring I think. I came from a shithole, and my dad was an abusive asshole, I think Ria was hoping I'd kill them but I didn't. I just grabbed Izzy and fucked off. I don't think Marius even knows I exist so it's not like the family connection is any use to me anyway..."

"And Izzy?" prompted Daniel. Curious about the ghoul that Max seemed so attached to. He regretted asking the question immediately after getting the answer.

"Izzy is my daughter. I had her young. She's also technically speaking my sister. Do you need me to draw you a picture or is that enough digging into my past to keep you going?"

Max was obviously angry, though Daniel could tell that the target of this was not himself, despite her comment. She seemed to be bitter about her past but her anger was focussed elsewhere. Likely at her father.

Hope, who had been listening to the conversation, made a mental note to look into Max's father. Maybe she and Max could pay him a visit together at some point in the future...

Scene Seven - Surprises in the Dark

Max stopped for a moment, bent down and placed one hand lightly on the water. "Just rats. Weird, I can smell tar as well..."

Tar? Or something else?

This comment triggered something in Hope. In her mortal life she had worked in the army with IED's and all manner of similar devices. One of the common misconceptions was that plastic explosives smelt of almonds. Though this was true for very early versions, modern plastic explosives like C4 had a 'faint bituminous odour, like pitch...or tar...

"Stay right there Max..." said Hope, as she lay a restraining hand on her shoulder. "It might be nothing, but that tar smell could be something more dangerous. Stay behind me for now. If anything goes bang I'm more likely to survive it than you." The tracker didn't argue. Daniel meanwhile moved behind some improvised cover.

She was somewhat relieved to find a barrel, clearly leaking tar, had floated down the sewer from somewhere ahead. Max seemed to be content that this was the source of the smell, though Hope had a closer look at the container in case this was some kind of elaborate double-bluff.

As they reached another junction, Max didn't even pause before turning to the right. Before turning the corner she explained what she was doing.

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of Whittier

"Our mystery clean guy went this way, so did someone else, looks like Mr Clean was following six, no seven mortals. They smell odd...not beggar odd, diseased and dying odd...they came from that way..." she indicated the tunnel that would have taken them straight ahead. "The walking dead were down there, just waiting I think...just guessing though..."

Daniel had a theory. "Do you think Owen is trying to solve the problem himself so as to not look weak in front of us and Gloria?"

Hope wasn't sure. "Gangrel are usually quite pragmatic so I'd like to think not, but like any clan we also get the occasional idiot so it's a possibility I guess..."

After another fifteen minutes of travel, Max stopped again, but said nothing. She raised a hand behind her and spread her fingers giving the standard military signal for wait, then moved backwards slowly towards Daniel and Hope. "Mr Clean has stopped, but here's the worrying bit. I can smell his stuff in several different places, traces of vitae too. I think he'd dead. Not 'us' dead', actually dead dead."

"Lets slow our pace a bit." suggested Daniel, drawing one of his silenced pistols as he did. "No sense in rushing into trouble."

Hope slid a shotgun from beneath her jacket. Daniel raised an eye-brow as Hope rarely used firearms, but he understood the need. No-one with any sense wanted to go toe to toe with a potential carrier of the plague. Especially as Hopes preferred combat style usually ended up with her covered in bits of whoever or whatever she was fighting.

Max unclipped the retaining strap that secured her own shotgun, but left it in place for now.

Hope Romero's Shotgun - Mossberg Shockwave

Slowly, and with senses on high alert, the trio advanced.

What they presumed, based on the scraps of clothing, was the torso of Owen Frazier, was hanging from a chain crudely wrapped around his body and slung over a pipe running along the sewer roof. His limbs had been similarly displayed, each strung up individually. His head however was missing.

"Whoever he was following isn't very far ahead..." says Max, apparently having decided that silence was no longer necessary. "There's nine now, no idea how I missed the other two, unless they came from further down this tunnel...their blood smells sanguine...odd really, the scent doesn't match...people aren't usually happy about being sick...they're all ghouls too, not that that's going to help them much against us, but I thought you'd like to know..."

A Sewer Rat and/or a Tasty Snack

Both Daniel and Hope were curious about how she could tell such things merely by smell, and at such a distance, but took her at her word. She'd proven that she knew what she was doing several times already. A moment later a rat scurried up to Max, as if it had been drawn to her. As she reached down and bit into it before draining it dry, this theory was confirmed. "Got hungry..." she explained.

Daniel wasn't sure how much of Max's vitae had been used to power her abilities up to now, but apparently it was enough for her to have felt the loss. "I didn't hear a fight..." commented Daniel.

"Neither did I..." replied Max. "...they must have took him quickly and real quiet like..."

While this debate was going in, Hope was observing what was left of Owen. She noticed a wire wrapped around the body and threaded through the chains. It looked like equipment wire. Booby-trapping dead bodies was not unheard of in her wartime experiences. She wasn't sure whether there was anything to gain from defusing it, as long as they didn't set it off.

The device itself was strapped to the back of Owen's body, though wires attached to his severed limbs would likely trigger the device if it was moved. It was unsophisticated and clearly improvised. The explosives could have been made by anyone with access to the internet, of possessing even basic chemical knowledge. The core explosive had been surrounded by nails, screws and small pieces of jagged metal which appeared to be coated in a sickly looking mixture of coagulated blood.

"Oh, shit..." muttered Hope, as she realised that there was a mobile phone attached to it too. Hoping the others would follow her lead, Hope shouted "Get Down!" and promptly hit the deck.

The detonation obliterated the remnants of Owen's body and filled the air with shrapnel and fire.

Interlude - Replacements

Marcelina Black - Ventrue
The Circulatory System, L.A. 'Farm'

Marcelina Black, head of the Circulatory Systems 'Farm' just outside Los Angeles, scrutinised Arla Hartley's replacement. Hopefully this one wouldn't be so stupid as to get herself inconveniently destroyed. "You are aware of the fate of your predecessor?" enquired Marcelina, despite already knowing that they would have been thoroughly briefed.

The pretty young thing, in appearance at least, smiled sweetly before replying. "She failed in a fairly simple task, and paid for that failure with her unlife. Though it was no great loss, from what I'm told, she won't be a very hard act to follow..."

This one would definitely need watching, thought Marcelina. Ambitious, arrogant, and a personal recommendation of Bronwyn, an original founder of the Circulatory System. In it's current modern form that is. She almost certainly already had her eye on the big chair.

Marcelina didn't necessarily consider this a bad thing. Arla had been too stupid to be a threat and Miss Black had to admit that it was possible that this had blunted her own edge. With any luck this new one would help to keep her sharp.

"As you may or may not be aware, a plague of sorts is spreading through the mortals of this city and has now made the transition to kindred. I therefore anticipate an exponential increase in the need for our services from those keen to avoid a polluted food chain. I will, of course, start you off with some less demanding customers and a number of simple tasks to start. It would, after all, be inconvenient in the extreme if I had to replace another subordinate..."

Celia, smiled once more. "What's first?" she asked

Celia Monroe - Malkavian, The Circulatory System.

"First we need to acquire enough vessels to keep up with the increased demand. Do you have any ideas about how to accomplish this?"

"A few..." Celia replied.

Scene Eight - Bang, You're Dead(er)

The whispers of Hope's Fae charm failed to quieten the voices within, and she fled from the flames as the Beast that all kindred carried within their souls succumbed to fear of the fire, and she entered a state of frenzy. All that mattered to her now was escaping the source of her fear.

Storytellers Note - The Fae Charm is an occult item Hope gained many sessions ago. In mechanical terms we decided it gives her an extra die to resist Frenzy. Apparently this time that wasn't enough...

Max's Shotgun - Remington Tac-13

Techniques of control taught to him by the Bahari, enabled Daniel to overcome his own beast, but barely, as he emerged from behind the pile of detritus he'd used for cover. Max seemed unaffected as she rose from beneath the water, shotgun already to hand.

From the chaos emerged the nine ghouls who presumably somehow ended the unlife of the Gangrel Owen Frazier. Their clothes were ragged and dirty, and their armament consisted of a variety of close combat weapons, many of which were improvised. Alongside machetes and combat knives were kitchen implements such as carving knives, cleavers, hatchets and what looked like one half of an enormous pair of shears. They moved towards the two remaining kindred with surprising speed and vigour.

Max's Ammunition

Daniel heard a shotgun being discharged and the closest of the attackers was torn apart by the blast. He wasn't sure what load she was using but whatever it was made a terrible mess of the target without overpenetration, well, not much anyway. Daniel aimed his own pistols and with uncanny accuracy put a 10mm round neatly through the heads of four more enemies.

Now a safe distance from the source of the explosion, Hope forced the voice of the Beast back down and managed to come to her senses. Reasonably sure that Daniel was never going to let her live this down, she turned back.

The remaining foes selected their targets. three headed towards Daniel, evidently deciding he was the greatest threat, while a single figure charged towards Max. A long range shot from the returning Hope came from way beyond the optimum range of her weapon and only slightly wounded one of those approaching Daniel.

His view somewhat obscured by a stocky enemy to the front of the three, Daniel decided to focus his attention upon them and emptied both magazines into them. His satisfaction turned to irritation as they ignored what should have been fatal damage and continued forward. Max's single opponent was nearly upon her, and she raised her weapon once more and fired it into their face at point-blank range. As their skull exploded, she turned away closing her eyes and mouth to avoid being tainted by any disease they might be carrying.

Daniel Matthews, Banu Haqim - Showing off a Bit...

Hope closed the distance at speed, firing as she did. Daniel's closest foe was torn apart by multiple impacts as Daniel himself dived aside to avoid being covered in blood and body parts. As he leapt away he aimed both weapons in mid air and finished off the last two ambushers. His elation at the two kills subsided as he landed in the dank sewer water. He then attempted to style out the clumsy landing with a combat roll, but noticed Hope watching him and grinning.

"Nice shot..." quipped Daniel, somewhat sarcastically. He then looked at the multiple holes in the sewer wall by where he'd been standing only a few moments earlier. "Not your best idea though..."

The Cultists Symbol

Each of the mortals had the same symbol somewhere on their bodies. Some had merely drawn it upon themselves in a variety of unmentionable substances, others had carved it into their flesh and yet others had tattoos made in the prison-style, done with only black ink and had dark outlines with little or no interior detail or shading.

The symbol was a star with eight wavy points and a skull in the middle missing a lower jaw. The teeth on the upper jaw were jagged like a vampires. They had seen this symbol before. It was on the wall outside the former crack house where they had taken Sofia and were subsequently ambushed by Lubbock's followers.

While Max and Hope reloaded their weapons and Hope kept watch, Daniel began the unenviable task of looking through the pockets of the dead. Several still had identification on them, though most did not. One name leapt out at him, the identification named the corpse as Calvin David, the male escort who went missing from Downtown. Though his sister, also missing, didn't appear to be amongst the dead.

Daniel noticed that Max liberated a few small items of jewellery from the deceased, including a particularly nice bracelet, but turned a blind eye to it. It wasn't like it mattered much at this point anyway.

Max then got up suddenly and looked around "I think the explosions attracted some attention. There's movement from ahead of us, and also from behind us..." A moment later, Hope and Daniel also heard the sounds.

Once more the trio found themselves forced to find some cover.

Scene Nine - Melinda

Melinda - Gangrel
'The Swarm'

They then heard a woman's voice call out.

"You down there. Some nosey cunt has phoned the police to report an underground explosion, so whoever you are, come with us. We'll deal with damage limitation later...or you can take your chances with the mortal authorities I guess...or I suppose we could kill and eat you but that isn't exactly going to help with the whole 'masquerade breach' thing now is it..."

Hope and Daniel vaguely recognised the woman as one of the three kindred who accompanied Tilly Kelly, Mistress of the Swarm, to the Council meeting after the Lubbock incident. As she definitely wasn't Quinn, or male, they could only conclude that this was Melinda. They also knew that Melinda was being advised by Vin's 'Sister of the Blood' Georgiana, though Vin hadn't mentioned her since that revelation many months ago.

The rag-tag group behind her had the now familiar mix of fear, hatred and low cunning that they associated with the Swarm.

"We'll take option one.." replied Hope. "...as soon as we know what you're doing down here..."

"We're investigating the Blood Curse of course. Tilly is concerned about it spreading to our Herds, and most of us are concerned about Tilly culling us if food supplies run low. Score some points, avoid being lunch, pretty much the normal night to night concerns of having a sire whose both clinically insane and more cunning than all her offspring combined...Consume or be consumed is basically the Swarms raison d'etre..."

Tilly Kelly - Gangrel
The Mistress of the Swarm

It seemed that all the Swarm members of note were well aware of their leaders fragile grip on reality and were all, to one extent or another, playing the game of survival.

Melinda gestured to one of the more intelligent looking of her followers and he handed her a cloth, satchel-like bag. She removed several explosive devices from it. Four looked like they were incendiary grenades, the fifth and sixth were high explosive ones but from a different manufacturer.

"At least we can make it difficult for the authorities..." commented Melinda.

Daniel could see that Melinda was clearly pleased at the idea of blowing something up, the incendiary aspect seems to be particularly pleasing to her.

Hope was more concerned about the placing of the devices than where they had been acquired. She noted that Meinda placed them fairly optimally, though Hope also noticed what seemed to be a gas pipe whose utilisation might well make the destruction more complete, though this would also need them to get further away from the resulting explosion. Gas explosions weren't exactly what you'd call predictable. It's also possible that the detonation would trigger such an explosion anyway and in her experience controlled explosions were far better than uncontrolled ones.

"We might need to leave a bigger space between us and the explosives when they're triggered, than it might first appear." stated Hope, fairly diplomatically. "Just in case that gas pipe has actual gas flowing through it..." Melinda looked where Hope indicated and nodded.

One of 'The Swarms' rank and file muttered something under their breath and their leaders expression changed almost immediately. A clawed hand grasped them by the face with preternatural speed.

Taking Criticism Somewhat Badly...

Talon's punched through eye sockets, and cheek bones, then she twisted and pulled their face from the rest of the skull, watching with glee as they fell forward into the water.

"What the fuck was that about?" Hope asked Daniel, but quiet enough so only they both could hear. "I think..." answered Daniel. "...that they said something along the lines of 'I told you so', and Melinda apparently doesn't take criticism particularly well. That's not the worst thing though..."

Hope waited for Daniel to elaborate.

"That wound, though nasty, probably wouldn't have killed them outright. It's more likely that they drowned in the sewer water..." Max who had been eavesdropping had another concern. "I hope that rat I ate wasn't one of her pets..."

"Are you going to risk going back the way you came or do you want to follow us to an alternate way out?" asked Melinda, between licking blood from her fingertips.

As they made the decision to follow Melinda and her pack, a detonation rocked the corridor as the explosives went off, followed by a chain reaction as the gas-line added to the magnitude. Hope doubted there'd be anything left for the authorities to find, so that was one positive at least.

Scene Ten - Follow the Leader

'The Swarm' - Kindred, Ghouls, Blood Bound

Unlike her sire, Melinda led from the front, and had a level of confidence bordering on arrogance. Swarm members were directed to investigate anything even vaguely suspicious and it was clear to them all that she saw them as little more than cannon-fodder. Max scouted ahead without prompting and Melinda seemed content to let her do so while continuously reinforcing the point to her horde that it's she who was in charge.

The tunnels become more derelict as you travelled, as well as becoming narrower, but the Swarm seemed to be becoming more confident and relaxed as if they were within familiar territory. They imagined that Gloria Martinez would be less than happy to discover their level of comfort while traversing the warrens beneath her very feet.

Max then appeared from behind them, which was somewhat of a surprise as when they last saw her she was ahead. "I thought you might like to know that we're being followed." she announced.

Daniel asked for more detail,

"One individual, kindred certainly, very sneaky, very careful, Nosferatu I'd guess though obviously there are other Clans with a knack for moving quietly, anyway they're not smelly, so probably aren't the one you came down to look for..."

Both Daniel and Hope slowed their pace, gradually falling back towards the rear of the pack. As soon as a suitable hiding place was passed, he silently moved behind it to wait for their follower. Hope advanced a little further, then she too found a place of concealment.

Sister Maladie - Clan Unknown
Sabbat?

The approaching figure paused before any ambush can be triggered, laughed in a high pitched female voice, then turned and headed rapidly back they way they came, blending expertly into the darkness and fading from sight.

Realising that their one lead was escaping, Hope called for Max, who appeared at their side a second later. "Track them, but don't go to far. Ambush's seem to be these fuckers favourite game..." As she moved swiftly along the indicated route, Daniel followed. Unfortunately he soon lost her in the darkness. It was another ten minutes before he discovered her location.

The tracker was sitting on an old crate waiting for him to catch up.

"They went that way..." she said, indicating a narrow side passage, it's entrance half obscured with a pile of bricks. "...so I decided to wait. It looks like an excellent place to get murdered in, don't you think?" Max handed Daniel a piece of thread.

"This was caught by the entrance. A little too high to have been left there by accident in my opinion." observed Max.

"What do you think?" asked Daniel, deferring to Max's superior tracking skills.

"I think..." replied Max. "...that Owen had a similar conversation with himself a few hours ago, and made the choice to go after them...and then ended up as an explosive laden jigsaw...and Hope did tell me to be careful..."

Daniel desperately wanted to follow their mysterious pursuer, as he hated leaving loose ends, but Max was correct. This had 'ambush' written all over it. "We head back." he concluded.

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After another hour or so of travelling, Melinda pointed them towards a doorway concealed within a dark alcove filled with boxes.

"Head through there and we'll close it up after you. It leads to some stairs topped by a hatch into an industrial unit basement. Once you hit the surface you can make your arrangements to get back to Pasadena or wherever you're heading. It'll be light in about two and a half hours so you should have plenty of time to get to safety..."

Hope thanked Melinda, and the three headed to the surface.

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Three)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

I'm not going to make this easy for them. They apparently have a well prepared enemy, implementing a scheme that may have been many years in the planning.

And now that enemy knows that someone's onto them...

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song, should any-one be interested...

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V5 Chronicle - Faction Profile - The Circulatory System (Updated)

2023-01-27T16:00:00.001+00:00

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...

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The Circulatory System

'The Circulatory System'

The exploration of blood and its Resonances has spawned networks of Kindred eager for knowledge, power, and profit. The international human trafficking network known as the Circulatory System smuggle important vessels between domains and chronicle the powers of the blood vintages they move.

The organisation was formed by a Malkavian known as Bronwyn and four other kindred. Though the group initially trafficked vessels of rare or sought-after vintage throughout Chicago, they soon moved beyond. Other similar organisations had existed in the past and these were soon absorbed into the modern, and more efficient new organisation.

The System is at the forefront of kindred research in the area of analysis of blood and can refine and amplify taste, resonance and other more esoteric features of it. This has granted them a customer base consisting of the highest levels of kindred society, who either crave new experiences or whose particular blood requirements are normally in short supply. Many ancient Ventrue with particularly rare feeding requirements would find themselves slipping into torpor without access to The Circulatory System's resources.

They have also perfected the art of the Blood Sommelier and can bind blood to a liquid medium, usually wine, and offer a variety of vintages of such.

The Circulatory System uses armoured vans and armed ghoul drivers to transport vessels from location to location. These protected modes of transit are more than simple security vehicles as they bristle with concealed weapons.

The Circulatory System - Concealed Weapon Systems

Such precautions are necessary when these transports sometimes contain incredibly valuable vessels destined for important buyers.

'Farms'

Their primary bases of operations are known as 'farms' and contain valuable vessels with the most potent blood. These are something between clinic and prison and though some of their guests are willing participants, or believe themselves to be, the majority are not. The system also has contacts within the mundane human trafficking operations of mortal criminal networks which allow them to obtain a steady supply of new potential candidates. Of course, those who don't have blood of sufficient interest or quality find themselves either put back into the hell from which they were obtained, or quietly disposed of.

The Unfortunate Victims of 'The Circulatory System'

Operational control of a farm is only given to the most ruthlessly efficient of The Circulatory Systems senior representatives. Those given such an honour are also given authority over a veritable army of ghouls and blood bound mortals to protect each site as well as access to a fleet of heavily armed and armoured vehicles for transportation purposes. As long as the profits keep rolling in, each Farm Director is given free rein to run their facility as they please.

The Circulatory System - Haematology

Of course The Circulatory System care little for the long-term well-being of their vessels, beyond the dip in profits they suffer when such kine die prematurely. Though the occasional farm director runs their clinic with compassion and care, they are extremely rare, the majority see their charges as little better than cattle. Many Kindred can look past such minor issues to the pioneering studies the System makes possible by unlocking new and valuable features of the Blood.

Though the majority of it's customers are of the Camarilla, The System will supply to anyone who has the resources to pay their exorbitant fees, recognizing that even Anarch domains contain Ventrue Barons with identical issues to their Camarilla counterparts.

Membership level is indicated by a simple colouring system upon the membership cards themselves and the level of authority of the contact that the number upon the reverse gives you access too. These follow the traditional hierarchy of Bronze, Silver and Gold though the most important customers are rumoured to have a Platinum Card giving them direct access to a particular farm's director.

Certain individuals have let slip that a card of pure black also exists, though what services this gives access to is a matter of much conjecture.

The leader of a particular farm is known by the title of Director and she will have under her control several Recruiters. Recruiters methods vary wildly from kidnapping and brainwashing, to people smuggling, modern slavery and any number of other methodologies depending upon their contacts and areas of expertise. Recruiters may also have their own retainers who assist in these recruitment drives. The most common title for these is Bloodhound, though local variations exist for all ranks.

Los Angeles Farm

The Farm in Los Angeles is based a few miles into the San Gabriel Mountains at the extreme point of a Anarch Barony known as 'The Wilds'. It's safety and security are ensured by hefty bribes, blackmail and blood bonded officials. It's area of responsibility covers Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and the newly acquired Camarilla domain of San Jose though it will operate further afield if necessary.

The 'Director' of this particular facility is named Marcelina Black.

Marcelina Black

Aliases and Nicknames

'Director'

Clan

8th Generation Ventrue

Haven(s)

Los Angeles 'Farm' (Haven 3: Armoury: Military Grade, Cell 5, Laboratory 5: Haematology, Library 5: Medicine, Luxury, Postern 5: Escape Tunnels, Security System 5+, Surgery, Watchmen 5, Warding 3)

Backgrounds
Ally 4 (Catherine DuBois), Ally 4 (The Blossoms), Ally 3 (Leanna, Blood Sommelier), Ally 3 (The Coyotes, Gangrel Pack), Allies (Ghoul Security Teams: Effectiveness 5, Reliability 3), Contacts 1-5 (Various Useful Officials), Herd 5 (The Circulatory System's Vessels), Influence 4, Mask 2, Mawla 5 (Joshua Lang, Sire, the Shattered Spear), Resources 5, Status 5 (The Circulatory System), Status 4 (Camarilla), Status 3 (The Shattered Spear), Status 1 (Los Angeles),

Merits

Linguistics 1 (French)

Flaws

Disliked, Ventrue Feeding Restriction (???)

Lore

Descendant of Hardestadt (1: Voice of Hardestadt, 2: Supreme Leader), High Clan (1: Peacock), Plagues of Gehenna (1: Blister Marks), Pure Ventrue Lineage (1: Sire of Renown, 2: A Lineage of Title, 3: Recitation), Spear of Orthia (1: Tip of the Spear, 3: The Enduring Faith), The Circulatory System (1: Tap Into the System, 2: Little Black Book, 3: Farm Upstate, 4: Secure Transit, 5: Blood Sommelier), The Pony Express (1: Access to the Network)

Derangements

Empathy Deficit Disorder (Severe), Intermittent Explosive Disorder (Severe), Megalomania (Severe)

Biography

Though the Anarch domains are considered a much less lucrative market, The Circulatory System is making subtle inroads due to the influx into these domains of displaced kindred from clans that have now left the Camarilla. The Los Angeles farm is very much a test case in the viability of maintaining such a facility under the rule of Barons rather than Princes.

Control of this facility has been given to one of their most ruthless up and coming operatives, one Marcelina Black. If anyone can make this new direction a success then it's going to be her. Aided by her assistant, she has already established contact with the areas human traffickers, created trade routes for her important cargoes and has lined up a surprisingly lucrative, if currently relatively small, customer base within all four domains allocated to her.

Marcelina comes from a long line of renowned Ventrue and can trace her lineage all the way back to Hardestadt the Elder. A fact she will be more than happy to relay to anyone who questions her suitability for any role. Though many of her clan have a tendency towards arrogance, Miss Black takes this to new extremes. She has complete and utter confidence that every decision she makes is the correct one, and woe betide any who question her or fail to obey her dictates instantly and enthusiastically.

The unfortunate kindred who was initially required to assist Marcelina Black in this venture, was Arla Hartley. Arla is currently believed to have been destroyed, but this was actually an elaborate ruse in order to free her from her service to both Marcelina, and The Circulatory System. She now resides in the Anarch Barony of San Diego, with a new identity.

Should Marcelina ever discover this deception she is likely to hunt down and destroy both Arla, and those who aided in her departure.

Arla's replacement is a Malkavian named Celia Monroe. A significantly more ruthless and ambitious operative than her predecessor.

Celia Monroe

Aliases and Nicknames
'Recruiter'
Clan

9th Generation Malkavian

Haven(s)

Los Angeles 'Farm' (Haven 3: Armoury: Military Grade, Cell 5, Laboratory 5: Haematology, Library 5: Medicine, Luxury, Postern 5: Escape Tunnels, Security System 5+, Surgery, Watchmen 5, Warding 3)

Backgrounds
Ally 3 (The Coyotes, Gangrel Pack), Allies (Ghoul Security Teams: Effectiveness 5, Reliability 3), Contacts 1-4 (Various Useful Officials in L.A., Chicago, and other cities), Herd 3 (The Circulatory System's Vessels), Herd 1 (Personal Vessels), Influence 1, Mask 2, Mawla 4 (Bronwyn), Resources 3, Retainer 3 (Haris, 'Bloodhound') Status 3 (The Circulatory System)

Merits

Beautiful

Flaws

None Known

Lore

The Blue Velvet (1: Est. 1072), The Circulatory System (1: Tap Into the System, 2: Little Black Book, 4: Secure Transit), The Cobweb (2: Shared Condition, 3: Across the web, 4: Pluck the Strands), The Pony Express (1: Access to the Network)

Derangements

Psychopath (Sadistic Personality Disorder)

Biography

Celia Monroe is a favoured agent of Bronwyn, one of the five founders of The Circulatory System.

Her youthful appearance and disarming smile cause many to underestimate her, and this is a mistake she's more than happy for mortals and other kindred to make, for behind that smile is a mind unburdened with concerns such as mercy, remorse or limitations of morality.

Her ability to acquire vessels has made her a valuable 'Recruiter' for the system, and she is often sent to underperforming 'Farms', or ones who need an increase in vessels 'no questions asked'. Should the organisation ever extend it's trade to include kindred vessels, it is likely that she will be put in charge of their acquisition.

She has recently been assigned to the L.A. as a recruiter for it's current Director, Marcelina Black, due to Bronwyn's concerns about the aforementioned directors split loyalties.

Haris - Caitiff, Bloodhound for Celia Monroe

Should it become apparent that Marcelina's loyalties to The Shattered Spear in any way negatively effect the Circulatory System, then Celia is certain to get a promotion to Director, quite literally over Marcelina's dead body. Of course Miss Black is well informed enough to be well aware of this fact.

Celia is aided in her acquisitions by her Bloodhound Haris. A Caitiff with unusually acute senses and a gift for sniffing out particular resonances or mortals with unusual blood types. He has no great love for his job, or his employer, but is now far too involved to back out.

Also, and most importantly, he knows that Celia would never allow him to leave her service. The last Bloodhound who attempted to do so lost his unlife, several hours after Celia had already removed his face. It now resides with other similar trophies in the collection of Miss Monroe.

Former Employees

Arla Hartley

Aliases and Nicknames
Cassie Morales
Clan

9th Generation Ventrue

Haven(s)

~~Los Angeles 'Farm' (Haven 3: Armoury: Military Grade, Cell 5, Laboratory 5: Haematology, Library 5: Medicine, Luxury, Postern 5: Escape Tunnels, Security System 5+, Surgery, Watchmen 5, Warding 3)~~

Backgrounds
~~Allies (Ghoul Security Teams: Effectiveness 5, Reliability 3), Contacts 1-3 (Various Useful Officials), Herd 3 (The Circulatory System's Vessels), Influence 1,~~ Mask 2, ~~Mawla 4 (Marcelina Black), Resources 3, Status 3 (The Circulatory System)~~

Flaws

Bond Junkie, Long Bond, Ventrue Feeding Restriction (???)

Lore

~~The Circulatory System (2: Little Black Book, 5: Blood Sommelier)~~

Derangements

~~Dependent Personality Disorder (Marcelina Black),~~ Paranoia (Severe)

Biography

Arla had been at the beck and call of Marcelina in one role or another for just under a century. She was the only long-term associate of Miss Black who seemed able to tolerate her complete lack of empathy and utter indifference to her underlings. How she had tolerated ninety-five years in her service was a mystery to all.

The truth was that Arla had an unfortunate susceptibility to the Blood Bond that once discovered by Marcelina was exploited to it's upmost. The Bond felt so much sweeter to Arla than was the norm and took far longer to fade, making it's upkeep simple. In short, Arla was as much a slave of Marcelina's as the vessels in which The Circulatory System traded.

On the rare occasions she was allowed to act for herself she was an ambitious and efficient individual who had demonstrated that she would have little trouble advancing herself within the organisation. Unfortunately, this was something that her superior was never going to allow. Any individual responsible for removing this impediment to her ambitions would have find themselves with an eternally grateful ally. An ally, in fact, who would be sure to inherit control of the L.A. Farm.

Unfortunately the only way out of Marcelina's service was to fake her own destruction. She accomplished this with the assistance of Baron Tomassio of the North East. She currently resides in San Diego where, under an assumed identity, she acts as Emissary to it's Baron, Tara Kearney.

Storytellers Note - Stories featuring 'The Circulatory System' can be found HERE and HERE

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Should you be interested in the chronicles and stories associated with these pages then links to them all can be found HERE.

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Acknowledgements
I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Marcelina Black is Carrie Anne Moss, Celia Monroe is Elsie Fisher and Arla Hartley is Claudia Black.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Twenty Four - 'A Plague of Blood' (Part One)

2023-01-20T16:30:00.002+00:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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Chronicle Five - Introduction

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Accountant'

Vincent Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable of the North East'

The Storyteller

Garreth - Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Drug Use, Sex Trade, Sex Work.

Introduction

A strange fever-like condition has occurred in a number of slum areas around the city and the reports have now made it into the public eye via several local news reports. The early symptoms seem to be no more than lethargy and a slightly raised temperature though this rapidly turns into a fever that robs the victim of the ability to do anything other than lie in bed. Death has followed for a third of the victims and the medical professionals of the city seem unable to pin it down to a specific medical cause. Rather it seems to share the traits of a number of haematological conditions.

Though anything that threatens the feeding patterns of kindred could be considered a concern, a more pressing problem has occurred. The plague seems to have now spread to the kindred themselves. Several temporary residents of The Barony of the Angels have been the first victims, though how they contracted it is a mystery. They have been 'taken into isolation' by Priss as they were in her feeding ground at the time, though what that actually means is open to interpretation.

No firm connection between their feeding grounds and already sick mortals has been discovered though that doesn't mean that one doesn't exist. Though many of the Barons have ignored the problem due to it being fairly localised, last night cases of the disease cropped up in Hollywood, Long Beach, and La Hermandad.

With the issue now appearing in multiple domains, attention has turned to the Arbiter and his 'Sherlock' to do something about it.

'Galerie Sanguine' Franchise News

With Michael's 'Galerie Sanguine' franchise now opening branches in cities other than L.A., the coterie potentially now has to deal with the concerns of his other agents and navigate the politics of cities other than L.A.

Chicago

The Toreador Primogen, Annabelle, has highlighted with the rest of the Primogen and Prince Kevin Jackson that many areas of cultural significance in the city seem to be closing down and therefore kindred who promote such concerns should be encouraged as these, for many, facilitate kindred influence and therefore power.

Kevin Jackson, Ventrue Prince - Annabelle, Toreador Primogen

Your agents within the city believe this is an excellent opportunity to 'make a friend', however by doing so they would also gain Annabelle's enemies. Fortunately she has few of these but does have a tendency to annoy the other Primogen who she quite obviously considers unworthy.

Michael is yet to make a decision on this matter as he is currently unfamiliar with the cities factions and which of those are currently in the ascendant.

Tara Kearney - Brujah
Baron of San Diego

San Diego

Tara is growing increasingly paranoid about enemies within San Diego attempting to undermine her leadership, despite the fact that Marius eliminated them all over two years ago, in return for significate boons. Unfortunately, paranoid kindred have a tendency to discover traitors, whether they exist or not, so the kindred of San Diego are being very careful with their activities.

Michael has informed his agents within the city that being too careful will likely make them seem even more suspicious to a particularly paranoid leader. They have therefore been instructed to go about their normal business but to avoid making alliances with any San Diego residents who are currently on Tara's shit list.

San Francisco

The Eastern kindred of Chinatown seem to be increasingly testing their borders and unless the Prince intervenes, there's going to be bloodshed between them and their immediate neighbours. Given their relative independence, it's only a matter of time before someone approached the 'new' Anarchs of Galerie Sanguine to act against one side or the other.

Michael currently believes that it's too early to pre-emptively pick a side, but he is definitely considering getting ahead of the curve. As soon as he can work out whose going to win that is...

Blanche Johnson - Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Butchers' Pack
San Jose

There has been a minor skirmish between 'The Butchers' Pack and a pair of Nosferatu who act as Scourges for San Jose's recently appointed proxy leadership. Blanche Johnson, pack leader of the Butchers, claims that these Nosferatu were dangerously close to the San Gabriel Mountains and therefore far from San Jose. Leon "8-Ball" White, a Ventrue given nominal control over San Jose by Prince Winder claims exactly the opposite.

Whoever was in the wrong, the main surprise is that 'The Butchers' chose to spare their opponents. Politically this was, of course, the right decision, but it's still unusual behaviour for them.

Leon is backed by a local Ventrue, T.J. McMillan, who in recent times has pushed passed his rivals in the bay area and has his eye on the position of Ventrue Primogen. It is widely believed that he has pushed for Leon to be given control of this area stating his 'Gangsta' connections as being perfect to run a territory half-filled with Anarch troublemakers. His success will elevate McMillan, his failure will accomplish the opposite. McMillan is also suspicious that he's been 'set up to fail', which is a distinct possibility given the current Ventrue Primogen's close relationship with the Prince...

Vera Vignes, Ventrue Primogen of Chicago, Former Anarch Baron

Michael is now considering 'helping' Leon along the path to failure him, in order to make Vera Vignes less likely to consider them an enemy. Daniel has agreed, but only so as to lure Vera into a false sense of security in case she needs to be dealt with.

Scene One - Vin's Club

Somewhat unexpectedly, Vin had asked Daniel to meet him at one of his 'establishments' to discus a matter of some urgency.

The classiest of Vin's three 'gentlemen's clubs' was located just across the Ventura Freeway from North Arroyo. South Arroyo offered many of the same benefits as its neighbour, along with its own style and amenities. It was considered one of Pasadena's best neighbourhoods.

Vin's Gentlemen's Club - Los Angeles

Arroyo's executive lounge, was a converted apartment block with the club itself occupying the first three floors with three more floors of rooms above for 'entertainment'. It had it's own off-road parking and Vin had made a point of keeping the area free of crime so as not to draw attention to the shadier aspect of the business. His haven was underneath it so he had other reasons for keeping the location 'under the radar'. As the business itself was currently putting approximately a hundred thousand dollars a week worth of cash into the coffers of the coterie, Mr Hertz was involved only in making everything look good on the tax returns.

Sarah - Ghoul of Vincent 'Vin' Ghast

The carpark was crowded, but there were reserved spaces for 'staff', and it is one of these that Daniel had been told to use. Security cameras and alarms were subtle but well laid out.

Daniel was met at a 'staff only' entrance by Vin's ghoul Sarah, an attractive dark-haired young lady wearing a business like suit and jacket, paired with a red blouse. She looked every inch the 'executive assistant'.

"If you care to follow me, I'll take you to Vin...sorry...Mr Ghast's office..."

The bar area could easily have passed for that of any executive club, containing leather sofa's and chairs, oak tables and a bar stocked with a wide variety of exotic and expensive beverages. The bar staff, waitresses and the few ladies making small talk with potential customers were universally attractive and covered a wide variety of body-types and ethnicities. Several Daniel recognised as former 'employees' of Garfield Bentley, a brothel owner and pimp who was killed by one of his own security guards several years earlier. Or at least, that was how Daniel had made it look. There was also a small restaurant within that Daniel imagined was also gratuitously overpriced.

Vin's Club - Stage Area

The second floor bar was smaller as this area has been set up for exotic dancers, strippers, pole dancers and the like with curtained off areas for private dances. Regardless of it's function, it still maintained the classic styling of the lower floor.

As with the carpark, security camera's covered all the necessary areas of the club. The doormen were all short-haired, well built and had military bearing. Weapons were present, but well concealed, and Daniel doubt that the average person would have noticed that the guards were armed at all. He also knew that Mr Hertz has mentioned that the place could make "...at least another twenty K a week, if Vin wasn't so obsessed with security."

It's only when he reach the third floor that the less legal aspects of the business become apparent as this was where the clients select their 'partners', before moving upstairs. It is on this floor that Vin had his office. His door was flanked by a pair of guards which was amusing as Vin could have killed every one of them without breaking a blood sweat, so Daniel imagine the guards were for appearances sake.

There were three kindred within the room when Daniel and his escort arrived.

'The Blossoms' - Downtowns Sex Trade

In addition to Vin, Daniel recognised Karla Bray, enforcer for 'The Blossoms' who ran the sex-trade of Downtown and Justine Chen, a kindred from Chinatown recently recruited by Vin from her sire and boss Monique Kim. Vin had agreed to take Justine off her hands in return for some drugs and cash, both of which he had in considerable quantities, and that the newcomer to the city required to help consolidate her own operations.

Justine Chen, to Daniel's surprise seemed to be somewhat of an innocent and possessed of a naivete that he imagine some might find strangely attractive. Hertz wasn't convinced about the logic of the deal as Vin seemed to have taken an instant liking to Justine for no reason he could immediately discern or explain. Hertz has been somewhat reassured after learning through his Triad sources that Chen had no great love for her sire, and that Monique used her almost exclusively as a lackey. In Hertz's opinion she was either one of the most talented spies he'd ever met, or was exactly what she seemed to be.

Scene Two - A Spreading Problem

Vin got the formalities out of the way immediately.

"Thanks' for coming so quickly. Do you want a drink? I can bring you a girl or we have some of that wine that Leanna overcharges for somewhere..."

Daniel politely refused the offer.

"You've heard about this blood plague, right?" began Vin. Daniel nodded, and the Brujah continued.

Karla Bray - Toreador
Enforcer for 'The Blossoms'

"There's a connection between the mortal victims that not many people know about yet, but me, Karla and Justine here have come up with one but it's a bit tenuous. And as it's not a problem we can stab or punch in the face...yet...so I need you to do your investigator thing. cool?"

Daniel smiled. Vin was a lot smarter than he liked to let people think, but the assessment was correct, this was a problem that needed the kind of investigation that Vin was unsuited for.

Karla then interjected. "One of the poor bastards who died is, sorry was, a pimp. Small time so we'd left him alone, another was a girl of his, but this is where it gets a bit vague. One of the fuckers who dropped dead in Downtown isn't involved in the sex trade, but his roommate is. I don't deal with the male escort stuff much, but Lottie does. It's not as a big a business for us as the rest of our interests but it makes enough for Lottie to make sure we collect our cut. Well, I do the actual collecting, but you know what I mean. Anyway, This male escorts sister hasn't been seen for a while either so we're basically just waiting for her and him to turn up dead based on what happened to the roommate."

Vin then continued "The Hollywood corpse was a dominatrix type, the Long Beach fucker was a people smuggler, so I guess that's possibly a sex trade connection. The only one we can't get a handle on is the La Hermandad one as Gloria is still pissed with us for dropping her in it with the other Brujah for not helping with the Lubbock thing..."

Justine Chen - Toreador
Ally of Vin, Childe of Monique

Justine also had some input. "Monique hasn't had any problems in Chinatown yet but she's promised to let me know if anything comes up, though whether she actually does will depend on what way the winds blowing that night."

Vin concluded "Like I said, it's all a bit patchy but you've worked with less and put something together and given the amount of us that rely on sex workers for sustenance, this could seriously impact on not just business, but our herds too."

Daniel could see that Vin seemed genuinely concerned that such a taint could spread to the coteries own herds. The meeting also confirmed a fear of Mr Hertz's, namely that Vin was involving himself more and more with kindred from outside of the immediate coterie. That, however, was a problem for another time

They then shared then information that they had gathered on the current crop of victims.

One of the Downtown victims was Denzel Rush, small time pimp with about six streetwalkers in his stable. Most of his girls were junkies, and this was actively encouraged by Denzel. He used to be based on Skid Row, but had to move to an adjacent block when the area was renovated. The other was Calvin David, a male escort, with generally male clients. He had an apartment in one of the residential towers in Downtown, and hadn't been seen for several days. His roommate, and probably lover, Heath Rich, died in hospital so was a confirmed plague victim. Calvin's sister Claire was also missing.

Mistress Sabina - Mortal
Plague Victim

The Hollywood victim was Mistress Sabina, actually Sabina McDonnell, who worked out of a studio apartment off of Hollywood Boulevard. Her clients valued their privacy so obtaining information on them would certainly be tricky.

As for Long Beach, Edan 'Dreads' Finney was a prolific people smuggler, using the usual method of promising immigrants a better life, taking their money and passports then making them work to 'pay their way'. This inevitably involved sweat shops, sex work or crime.

Daniel had some questions.

"This 'Dreads' character. Did he smuggle anything else?"

As far as Vin and Karla knew, his sole interest was in transporting people, though as he had the infrastructure it was possible that he supplemented his income in other ways. He also wanted to know if he dealt with any of the other known smugglers of immigrants, to which the answer was also, no, though Vin elaborated a little.

Marius Walker, Gangrel - Catherine DuBois, Ventrue

"Marius and Catherine both have big interests in the people trade, but I doubt they'd deal with Edan. If they did they'd probably just have killed the fucker and absorbed his operation into their own. Neither of them are really the 'sharing power' types..."

Daniel promised to investigate and keep them informed.

Scene Three - Plague Politics

Venture Tower - Downtown

With the blood plague problem spreading, many were looking to Michael for leadership, guidance, and inevitably if it all went wrong, someone to blame. His presence had been requested at a meeting to include several of the Barons whose domains had been effected by the potentially devastation to kindred food sources, that this new disease might bring about.

Nines was representing the Barony of the Angels and it had been suggested that as 'ground zero' for the problem that it made sense to have the meeting there. As she had custody of a number of kindred victims of the disease, Priss was also going to be present. The Last Round being a somewhat unlikely place for a kindred summit, Venture Tower had instead been selected as it already has security and a meeting area.

Isaac Abrams was journeying from Hollywood, Harvey Caplan from the South Coast and Gloria Martinez was sending one of her lieutenants, Josie Parrish, rather than attending personally.

--------------------

The meeting room seemed somewhat sparse with only six kindred and their security present. Nines took the seat for 'Downtown' and Priss remained standing. The rest took their own seats or that of their respective Barons.

Michael Tomassio - Toreador
Arbiter of the Anarch Council

As Arbiter of the council, Michael spoke first.

An important part of his role was to ensure that the notoriously opinionated Anarch Barons actually spoke to one another rather than shouting over each other then having a punch-up. He therefore tended to lay out a rough framework for any meeting and then play it by ear. Supporting the voices of reason, while not appearing to take sides, was his real talent. Of course if he could gain something for himself, or his own barony, then that was fine too, as long as it didn't look that had been his purpose all along.

"I appreciate the necessity of calling this meeting. This plague appears to be spreading, and we must respond quickly. Any new disease may draw the attention of mortal authorities whose interference we can do without. The less eyes upon us the better."

"Daniel is investigating this matter at ground level, and is, as I speak, gathering more information on possible connections between the victims that may assist us in finding the source. However, it is the job of the Barons to ensure that our responses are balanced and measured. Our followers look to us not just for leadership but guidance too."

'Nines' Rodriguez - Brujah
Barony of the Angels

He then gestured to 'Nines' Rodriguez. "Perhaps you can be the first to share what you know?"

Nines was happy to oblige, though his information was quite limited. "The two kindred victims are a gangrel named 'Gizmo', no idea what his real name is, I don't think he remembers either and a Caitiff drifter Kristie. neither had feeding grounds so I guess they fed from the usual suspects, bums, hookers, someone they picked up in a club. You know, the usual...unless they've told Priss anything more since she's had them locked up?"

Priss then elaborated on what Nines had already said. "I've got them locked away in a basement of one of my apartment blocks. They're isolated as we've no idea who this spreads. We're guessing they got it from feeding but that's just educated guesswork. We don't actually know..."

"Both have, what in mortal terms would be a fever, but it's a bit more messy for vampires. They're sweating blood, hallucinating and 'The Beast' is really close to the surface. The Gangrel we've had to stake. He nearly tore up Della, one of my Brujah, just flipped out and went for the throat. Fortunately Taslima was there to restrain him...remotely...but it looks like kindred in the later stages of this condition are going to take some restraining. This thing has 'masquerade breach' written all over it if we can't get a handle on it..."

'Priss' and Taslima, Lasombra - 'The Shades', Downtown

"Kristie isn't being a great source of information. She was an alleycat, you know an ambush predator basically. She'd stalk, overpower, and drink from whomever she could, when she could, make it look like a mugging or similar. I've asked for information on reported muggings that fit her M.O. but it'll be a night or two before Aegis's representative gets back to me..."

Michael knew, via Hope, that Priss stayed in touch with two former sweepers of hers named Arbaaz and Ophelia, who now worked for Marius's organisation. It seemed likely to him that these were the contacts that Priss was using.

Arbaaz and Ophelia, Gangrel - Barony of the Angels, Sweepers

"Does this 'Kristi', drain her prey completely dry?" asked Michael. Murders would be far easier to trace than muggings. Priss hook her head, before replying. "No. She just takes what she needs. She's not a killer."

Isaac Abrams - Toreador
Baron of Hollywood

Baron Isaac Abrams then spoke. As the most powerful kindred present, he was unlikely to be interrupted and obviously believed he needed no introduction before speaking..

"I have only a single case amongst the mortals of my domain. The lady in question was, I believe the term is dominatrix, so her clientele are likely to be cautious about their identities. I can't imagine anyone with those preferences broadcasting them far and wide, well...unless their Bahari, but we can't blame them for everything..."

"I have arranged for her 'little black book' to be retrieved from police custody by my newly appointed census-taker Ammaarah. No disrespect meant to those who employ more direct Clans in the role, but in Hollywood I find subtlety to be more important."

"Miss Weaver has a number of talents in this area and given the assistance she provided both during, and after, the Lubbock mess I could see her potential. As soon as it is in my possession I shall make it available to the appointed investigator. Daniel, one presumes?"

Michael confirmed that Daniel was heading the investigation on his behalf.

This left only two kindred who had yet to speak. Josie was no Baron, so Harvey Caplan spoke before her. "In my Barony the victim was a people smuggler somewhat unoriginally nicknamed 'Dreads' due to his Jamaican heritage. I'm currently having Knowles look into his cargoes but I'm a little short on manpower now that I'm without Shantelle's pack or Vinicius's lot and as I'm sure you're all aware, I have a large domain to manage. If I discover anything new I'll pass the information on, however I have no objections to the Arbiter sending in his own investigator if he thinks this will get the job done quicker?"

Harvey Caplan - Ventrue
Baron of The South Coast

Michael saw straight through Baron Caplan. He was trying to make it look like he was doing everyone a favour by allowing an investigator into his domain, but it was obvious to Michael that he needed the assistance. Harvey's resources were currently stretched very thinly indeed. Michael took the diplomatic option and decided not to point this out.

"We appreciate your magnanimity on this issue." replied Michael. "Your docks are a vital part of our city and it is important at a time like this for us to focus on every entrance and exit to this city. Control of our borders is of great importance at times like these."

He then turned to Josie and noticed that she was extremely nervous. All except her were Barons, former Barons, or in Nines case, had the same level of authority. He decided to politely encourage her. "I understand that you are new to this setting, but any information you provide will be helpful to us. Please share whatever you know?"

Michael's natural charisma was amplified to supernatural levels by his own powers and Josie immediately became comfortable in his presence, and eager to please him. Michael also realised that he may have overdone it slightly based on the looks she game him throughout the rest of the meeting.

Storytellers Note - Thirteen successes were made on that dice roll. So I think Michaels going to have a new fan.

"Well our corpse is actually three. I got word of two more just before I set out. All three were beggars who hung around near one of old water works. Don't worry, it's a disused one so this disease isn't in the water supply, as far as I know anyway. Looks like one got sick and the others were trying to look after them and caught it too."

"
Josie Parrish - Brujah
Lieutenant of Gloria Martinez
They weren't exactly physical specimens so it took them pretty quickly. I've stationed an observer to keep an eye on the area but so far nothing unusual has turned up, and no more corpses either..."

This was the first solid lead that Michael had heard that could actually be acted upon immediately, but he decided to speak to Daniel first. This was his field of expertise after all.

"I thank you all for your input. It is clear that this threat must have a source and that finding it must be our priority. If you are all agreeable then I shall consult with Daniel about which of the areas you have pointed out to me that he believes are the most likely to give us the results we require."

"Then, of course, he'll need to make a personal investigation of these areas. Baron Caplan has already given his permission for an agent to enter his domain for just such a purpose. One presumes that the rest of you here would be equally flexible?"

All agreed, though it was clear that Josie had her doubts. Michael presumed that her reticence was due to her own Baron's adversarial nature. He decided to address this immediately, rather than have to deal with it later.

"Josie. If you wish me to speak with Gloria directly on this matter, rather than use you as a go-between, then I can do so?" Michael could see that she would have loved to avoid the task, but this urge was battling with her desire to avoid showing any weakness in front of the others. In the end, the latter won out. "Thank-you, but no. I'll pass the message on personally. I'm sure she'll see the importance of cooperation..."

Michael wasn't convinced that Gloria even knew the meaning of the word, but wisely kept the opinion to himself.

Scene Four - The Whittier Water Works

Gloria Martinez - Brujah
Baron of Whittier

It didn't take much discussion between Michael and Daniel to establish that the water works in Gloria's Barony would be the best place to begin their investigation.

Hollywood might be a possibility once the 'little black book' had been retrieved, but wasn't going to be worth a visit until then. In Downtown their only real clue was a dead mans apartment, not exactly likely to be a hive of information. The water works however was the 'freshest' lead they had.

Storytellers Note - I obviously over-sold this option as I'd written scenes for the other places mentioned as well, but the players had zero interest in them....

Gloria had reluctantly agreed to allow them access to her domain, apparently at Josie's insistence. In theory, the Anarch Council had agreed that Michael could deploy his 'Sherlock' anywhere in the city, but some political niceties were still necessary as Gloria was notoriously easy to offend.

On the way, Daniel picked up Hope, the Baronies Census Taker, just in case they encountered any trouble. Daniel could handle himself, but Hope was useful to have around for tasks that required a hand grenade, rather than a scalpel. His greeting of "Come on Watson, the games afoot..." had set the tone for the conversation and Hope had been making Sherlock Holmes references for the entire journey. "We're here." stated Daniel, somewhat unnecessarily.

"Great detective work..." responded Hope sarcastically. "...how do you do it?"

The obsolete former water processing plant, now awaiting demolition after a modern replacement was built, is surrounded by metal fencing, with the obligatory 'no entry' signs. The fencing has quite obviously been there for several years indicating that it's demolition is definitely not a priority to any of the local authorities.

Several buildings are still intact, though the smell of sewerage still lingers which is likely to be off-putting to all but the most desperate.

As they approached, they heard footsteps from behind them.

Owen Frazier, a Gangrel Sweeper who they'd met before was apparently the kindred given the duty of observing the area. "Sup, 'Sherlock'. looking for clues?"

"Don't fucking encourage him..." interjected Hope.

Daniel gave her a sideways look before continuing as if nothing had happened. "Something like that, yes. What's the current situation?"

"There's seven people sheltering inside. Two women, five men." replied Owen, then indicated one of the buildings. "The plague dead were found there." He then pointed out a slightly more intact structure near to a pair of empty water tanks. "But the bums are avoiding it like...well, the plague, I guess. I'm no doctor but the other lot seem healthy enough, No fever that I can see and there's been no kindred feeding here, that I'm sure of. Can't testify to what might have happened here previously though..."

Daniel noted that he seemed to be thorough at least. Hope, on the other hand, could see him sizing her up. She wasn't offended. Gangrel liked to know where they were in the pecking order, and though usually this was decided in a physical confrontation, reputation also played a strong part. Hope's reputation for causing carnage was well known and well deserved. Owen sensibly decided not to push his luck and left Daniel and Hope to their investigation.

"I think I'll start off with a bit of recon." decided Daniel. Hope shrugged. Sneakiness wasn't her strong suit and so she took this to mean that she wasn't invited. "I guess I'll make sure we don't get any uninvited guests then?" she replied.

After first checking that there were no witnesses nearby, Daniel faded from view and stealthily approached the camp. There were indeed seven individuals inside. Five were asleep, and two were awake.

Daniel's Medical Bag

From what he could see, none of them showed any signs of disease, though one of the men was clearly a meth addict and one of the two women was on heroin. They also showed none of the usual signs of lethargy and anaemia that indicates that they might have been fed upon recently. Daniel decided that he might as well take the direct approach and pulled out his medical bag and clipped his medical ID badge onto his jacket.

He then backtracked a little, and deactivated his powers of obfuscation, before re-entering the building. Hope observed this from a vantage point nearby. "So now you're Dr Watson..." she muttered to herself.

"Don't worry..." Began Dr Daniel Matthews. "...I'm not here to kick you out. I heard about the recent incident here and I'd just like to give you all a quick once-over for your own peace of mind. perhaps I can get a little background information too? For our files..."

Storytellers Note - For the benefit of new readers. Daniel is a legit doctor, but a fake identity had been provided for him by an L.A. 'Fixer' so he could continue to do the job he had when alive without explaining why he looks thirty despite being born in 1952. He's Intelligence 3, Medicine 4 giving him a healthy dice pool of seven for medical related tasks.

Daniel noted that one of the junkies was eyeing up his medical bag. He was quite capable of defending himself against a handful of mortals, but hoped this would be unnecessary.

A Mysterious Hooded Figure

It turned out that the bums knew practically nothing, not even the names of the victims. They did however see a 'big smelly guy in a dark hoody' talking to the plague victims, but presumed he was just another down and out. They claimed that they hadn't seen him since and Daniel had no reason to doubt them.

He could however tell that the heroin addict had something to say, but was almost certainly working out what it was worth. After a little negotiation, and the exchange of some methadone, The addict revealed to him that they'd seen the 'smelly guy' by one of the disused water tanks and that it was usually they first noticed him. It wasn't much, but he'd have a look there anyway.

"If any of you fall sick, then I advise you to seek medical help immediately. This is a nasty disease and spreads quickly..." concluded Daniel. he had no great hopes that they'd listen but felt that he'd at least made the effort.

A brief look revealed nothing of interest, but he decided to see if Hope would have any more luck. She approached with her hands in her pockets. This looked innocent enough to the casual observer but was actually to conceal the raven claws that tipped each of her fingers. Most animal features that a Gangrel gained during their frenzies faded within a night or two. These had not.

Protean - Gangrel Feral Claws

In fact she'd had them for several years now and had grown accustomed to them. She knew that such permanent features were far more common with elder Gangrel and figured that it had something to do with the potency of their vitae. Thanks to several acts of diablerie, Hope's own vitae was unusually potent for one of her age and generation and she presumed that this was a factor in her own permanent mutation.

"I've looked all over but I can't see anywhere or anything that might be a secret entrance or anything remotely like one." confessed Daniel. Hope then began to laugh. "What's so funny...Watson?" asked Daniel with not a little irritation.

"You're standing on it, worlds greatest detective..." replied Hope.

Storytellers Note - Daniel's player had botched his investigation roll spectacularly...

There was indeed a sewer entrance near one of the water tanks. The hatch was old, but scratch marks indicated that it's been opened and closed several times within recent weeks.

A Poorly Concealed Sewer Entrance

The sewer hatch led to a tunnel filled with debris, and about an inch of stagnant water. It would take a tracker far beyond their skills to follow a trail in such conditions, though there seemed to only be a single, relatively straight tunnel ahead as far as they could see.

"Ladies first..."

"How come every time you take me anywhere we end up in a fucking sewer..." countered Hope, before dropping down into the depths.

After two hundred metres the tunnel split into three equally unpleasant looking corridors. All contained detritus of various kinds and had the same layer of filthy water in the bottom. This was becoming deeper, the further in they went and was now close to six inches in depth. They also noted that they now had zero signal on their phones...

Hope wasn't happy with advancing any further, She was afraid of very little, but nonetheless possesses a healthy dose of Gangrel pragmatism. "Much as I hate to be the one to have to interject with a note of caution...perhaps we should see where the tunnels go before getting lost in a tunnel potentially filled with disease?"

"Who are you and what have you done with the real Hope?" asked Daniel, with a smile. Though, he had to admit that she was right. Even to the casual observer there were many places from which to launch an ambush within these corridors. Though the splashing within the water might alert them to movement, any already positioned ambushes or traps would be very difficult to detect. Someone with actual tracking skills would be an asset if they planned on continuing.

Hope's experience with IED's also set off warning signals about the routes ahead. With so much rubbish about, and with water covering the floor, there were a hundred ways to booby-trap this area.

Amongst the Sweepers under Hope's command within the North East, the best tracker was Max, though in her experience she was also the one most prone to acts of pre-emptive violence, well, after Hope that is. Hogg was a distant second, while Carla and Orla were far more suited to urban environments. the Gangrel had to admit that they were all better trackers than her though.

"Let's get some help then." agreed Daniel, and they both returned to where they could get a phone signal and call in a tracker.

Little did they know that this decision had likely saved their unlives...

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part Two)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

And so it begins...

Though if they carry on being sensible they're going to ruin all my fun...

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song on the off-chance any-one is interested...

------------------------------------------------

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 Matt Bomer, Johnny 'Roach' West is Kurt Kobain, Vincent 'Vin' Ghast is Scott Adkins, Dr Daniel Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope Romero is Deborah Ann Woll, Marie is Eva Green, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Sofia Rivera is Eliza Dushku, Tara Kearney is Melissa Rauch, Blanche Johnson is Kathy Bates, Vera Vignes is Helen Mirren, Sarah is Natalie Martinez, The Blossoms are Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs, Justine Chen is Joan Chen, Marius walker is Tony Curran, Catherine DuBois is Margot Robbie, 'Nines' Rodrigues is Luis Carazo, 'Priss' is Sofia Boutella, Taslima is Shruti Haasan, Arbaaz is Naveen Andrews, Ophelia is Krysta Rodriguez, Isaac Abrams is Gary Oldman, Harvey Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Josie Parrish is Rebecca Ferguson and Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session One Hundred and Twenty Three - 'Chronicle Five' (Introduction)

2023-01-06T16:30:00.002+00:00

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

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Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.'

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Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

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

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

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

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

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

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

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

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Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

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

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

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

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

Interlude Session - Recon

Story Twenty Four - 'Resistance' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Interlude Session - Damage Limitation

Interlude Session - The Killing Spree

Story Twenty Five - 'Personal Agendas' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Six - 'Strange Bedfellows' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

Story Twenty Seven - 'The Fiorenza Sanction' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Twenty Eight - 'Hunters Hunted' - Epilogue

Solo Session - 'The Barony of the Angels'

Solo Session - 'The Salubri Tome'

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

Story Twenty Nine - 'Methuselah' - Epilogue

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Galerie Sanguine - 'San Francisco'

'Anarchs' - Zero, One, Two, Three and Four

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Chronicle Five - 'Blood Cults of L.A.'

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'The Cast' - Past and Present
This Sessions PC's are...

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'

Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Sherlock'

Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Accountant'

Vincent Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable of the North East'

The Storyteller

Garreth - Everyone else...

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

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously).

Storytellers Note - This session was effectively a 'Session Zero' for the next Chronicle to inform the players what had been happening in the city in the aftermath of the Lubbock incident.

Introduction

Sir Matthew Lubbock - Toreador
Destroyed

With the increased powers granted him by the Anarch Council, Michael Tomassio has set about fixing the damage inflicted upon the Free States by the vengeful Toreador Methuselah, Sir Matthew Lubbock.

Lubbock's few remaining agents were hunted down by Marius's childer, even as Michael led the attack upon the Methuselah's stronghold. Their destruction was as thorough as one would expect from the brood of 'The Fixer' and no trace has been left of their presence. The likelihood that many were also diablerised has been quietly ignored, given the circumstances.

Similarly, Michaels charismatic presence and personal leadership of the counterassault on Lubbock's fortress, had Nines and his followers so eager to purge their city of this foe that there were no survivors amongst their enemies once they had finished. Michael has expressed his regret at the wholesale slaughter, but nonetheless understood the strong feelings of the Anarchs who followed him back into the mansion and has therefore not admonished any involved for their zeal.

Only one of Lubbock's agents was unaccounted for. The mysterious individual, known only as 'Verus', who had escorted Michael to his meeting with Lubbock had not been found amongst the destroyed. Perhaps he was now no more than dust, though none amongst the attackers remember being involved in their destruction, and none of Marius's childer have claimed the kill at the locations of their own purges of Lubbock's agents.

Verus

'Verus' - Clan Unknown
The Last of Lubbock's Agents

Michael had very little information about this ‘Verus’ who guided him to his meeting with Sir Matthew Lubbock. The coterie did however have a portrait of him painted by Michael that gave them a good idea of his facial appearance. The only other information that Michael could provide was that his accent was English, though he also detected a hint of an Italian. It’s possible he was of Italian origin but had spent significant time in the United Kingdom.

As for his physical appearance, he was about 5’8”, athletically built and walked with "...military bearing..."

Zipper and Eric had also drawn a blank. Facial recognition had failed to pick up anyone who looked like Michael’s painting anywhere in L.A. either before or after the battle. Traffic cameras had drawn a blank too. In Eric's words "Either this fucker was destroyed or he’s the sneakiest bastard ever, cuz we can’t find him…"

Those of Marius’s brood that they had managed to speak to had given them other pieces of information gained while infiltrating Lubbock's organisation. The accuracy of these was questionable, but it’s all they had. The fact that some of these pieces of information were contradictory was also somewhat unhelpful.

"Sir Matthew Lubbock bought him to L.A. from somewhere in Tunisia"

"Lubbock loaned him from some Gehenna Cult of ancestor worshippers"

He previously worked for another ancient whose service he left after they "Disappeared during World War II"

This other ancient might have been his sire.

"He was definitely Ventrue…"

"He was Toreador, of that I’m sure…"

"Brujah…must have been…"

He was said to have seen "Two millennia of warfare…"

"Sometimes he used old words for tactics. Latin? Some old shit like that…"

All things considered, it wasn't a lot to go on.

The Changing Face of the Free States

Nines has compared Michaels attack to the purging of the Camarilla Prince Don Sebastian by Salvador Garcia, an act which led directly to the creation of the Free States.

Armando 'Nines' Rodriguez - Brujah

Though Salvador Garcia's followers have been less than happy with the comparison, Nines has also stated that despite all his power and influence, Don Sebastian was no Methuselah and therefore Michaels willingness to sacrifice himself was, if anything, even more worthy of praise. Amongst the more philosophical Brujah this is the current 'hot' debate and has split the cities Brujah more or less down the middle, with Nines and Damsel's supporters on one side, and Garcia's on the other.

Ammaarah Weaver - Tzimisce
Hollywood Fleshcrafter

Those individuals with appearances altered to serve Sir Matthew Lubbocks 'needs' have had their appearances restored by Ammaarah Weaver, a Tzimisce who was allegedly once part of the Sabbat, who is currently under Isaac Abrams protection and Victoria, Marias's most favoured ghoul.

The recovered children have had their memories subtly altered in order to remove both the trauma and anything that might indicate the presence of kindred. Those whose homes can be traced have been returned with plausible cover stories, those who could not have unfortunately had to be placed in care.

Though their elimination had been suggested by some, Michael has spoken against this course of action, and the kindred involved have chosen to take his lead.

"If we were to casually dispose of these victims of Matthew Lubbock, then we become no better than he himself. Are we not meant to be better than the Camarilla? Kindred who fight for what is right, not dictated to by the whims of ancient monsters?"

Christopher Houghton has quietly faded into the background once more and is rumoured to be under Isaac's care. The Baron of Hollywood has also made it clear that the fate of Christopher is no-one's concern but his and that he will take any interference in this matter, very personally indeed.

Christopher Houghton - Toreador
Presumed to be in Torpor

Inexplicably, the memory of Christopher's presence is fading far more rapidly from the minds of those involved than the passing of time can logically account for and many are even having trouble recalling his name. Michael however is quite unaffected...

Salvador Garcia's presence within the city has created some issues with the balance of power as with two of his three surviving childer also with their own Baronies, he effectively has three votes on the Council. However his takeover of the former Crypts Sons domain has not gone as smoothly as he would have liked which has lessoned the impact of this advantage.

Before his arrival, several other Barons pushed their boundaries into this territory and have been reluctant to give up the feeding grounds that they claimed. Barons Harvey Caplan and Louis Fortier as well as the Lasombra of 'The Shades, led by 'Priss', have all made inroads which they are refusing to surrender. Though Garcia holds the central portion of this domain, and it's Eastern border is mostly secure being adjacent to the Barony of Gloria Martinez, he has still lost considerable potential feeding grounds. Even some of his Eastern flank has been eroded as the newly independent group known as 'The Liberated' have pushed against the line that was traditionally considered their border.

Though confrontations between the Baronies forces have been minimal, it is only a matter of time before a Final Death occurs and plunges the area into a full scale war. Michael's careful diplomacy is currently keeping a lid on this but most consider it merely a matter of time before this is no longer sufficient.

The Thirteen Baronies of L.A.

Baron Fortier - West L.A.

Catherine Dubois's fall from favour has equalled the playing field between Baron Fortier's three Mistresses for the first time in decades.

Catherine DuBois - Ventrue, Childe of Baron Fortier

Catherine is attempting to regain her place at her sires side, but Elena and Mariel are doing everything in their power to elevate themselves in Louis's eyes. Fortier has made it clear to them that he will not tolerate acts of sabotage that impact upon his Barony, but outside of that broad prohibition has made no other edicts.

Elena and Mariel, Childe and Adopted Childe of Baron Fortier

Fortier seems to be keeping neutral and also appears to be enjoying his childer and adopted childe's newfound motivations. He has divided his domain roughly into three and has granted each of his mistresses the authority to act in his name within these defined areas. As long as their efforts keep expanding the power and resources of West L.A. he seems content to let them fight it out while reaping the benefits.

Louis Fortier - Ventrue
Baron of West L.A.

The one area in which he still takes sole responsibility is the defence of his expanded Western border against the attempts by Garcia's forces to retake it.

Fortier's skills as a battlefield commander are second to very few, and he has pre-empted every attempt by Salvador Garcia to reclaim ground.

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*Mr Hertz*

Hertz has also been looking into the business ventures of other kindred Barons within L.A. He has shared certain conclusions about some of them.

Though Fortier has indeed split his territory in three, the split isn't exactly equal, and is partially based on interests that Catherine and the others already controlled. It is his opinion that eventually Mariel and Elena would need to ally, in order to gain any meaningful victory over Catherine, in the absence of any external influences that is...

Baron Abrams - Hollywood

Isaac Abrams - Toreador
Baron of Hollywood

His name cleared by Michael Tomassio, Isaac Abrams has rebuilt his Hollywood interests to far beyond their previous levels. Having inherited a portion of the financial resources that Matthew Lubbock had put into taking Isaac's empire for himself he has begun an aggressive expansion into new technologies like never before, his passion for the movie world seemingly rekindled.

Though the Ventrue power broker Fiorenza Savona seized the majority of Lubbock's assets, those already invested in Isaac's empire and others were beyond her reach.

Isaac has also allowed several kindred of the Hecate to reside within his domain, and they have based themselves at the former Giovanni mansion stronghold, which they have begun to rebuild.

The head of this group is one Zane Giovanni, though at least four other Hecate also reside within the mansion. So far they have kept their activities within the confines of their own stronghold so little is known of their motivations or activities.

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*Mr Hertz*

The media industry is basically off-limits now, not that Hertz cared much for it anyway. Karen and Isaac are actively cooperating in business ventures now, whereas it seems that Marius's only involvement is financial, though the numbers involved are considerable, it isn't 'hands-on'. Marius's focus seems to currently be on logistics and construction.

Fiorenza Savona - Ventrue, Camarilla Power Broker

Hertz has also used his familiarity with Fiorenza to make some subtle enquiries into the scope of her newly acquired assets. He has discovered that there was somewhat of a scramble by interested parties and associates of Lubbock, to grab what they could of his vast, though unfocussed wealth. Fiorenza has retained the majority of the resources that she was in the process of converting to more easily negotiable means, though much of the rest was out of her reach. Without Lubbocks looming presence as a driving force, the money invested in attempts to take over the businesses of the kindred powers within L.A. has, somewhat ironically , ended up in the hands of the very businessmen he was trying to undermine. This has certainly assisted Baron Fortier, as well as Isaac, and possibly Marius too.

Baron Anatos - Burbank

Karen Anatos - Gangrel
Baron of Burbank

Isaac has recently met with Baron Anatos of Burbank, herself a multi-media mogul, to discuss cooperating, rather than competing with one another.

The two ageless icons of cinema have discovered that they have much in common and this business relationship shows all the sign of going from strength to strength. With Karen Anatos already cooperating with Marius on similar ventures this makes the media empires of L.A. pretty much insurmountable by any other interested entities.

Karen Anatos has recently been acting as host for the Waelkyrige, or simply Valkyries, a group of female Gangrel. The leader of the Waelkyrige is an ancient Gangrel named Brunhilde, who is also rumoured to be the sire of Karen Anatos. Though Brunhilde is apparently not present, she is certain to be aware of the Valkyries visit.

These four visitors have created quite an impression with the local Anarchs, tall, blonde and dressed to kill in the latest European Anarch fashions as they are. They are finding California much to their liking, and are having little trouble gathering a group of men and women (and vampires) interested in the old Viking ways.

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*Mr Hertz*

It is Hertz's opinion that Karen Anatos's next logical move is to take over or create a social media platform. He only mentions it as, in his opinion, that might be something that you might want to put her off due to the profound potential risks to the Masquerade. Though Isaac's influence might be a mitigating factor.

Baron Gary Golden - The Warrens

Gary Golden - Nosferatu
Baron of the Warrens

'Gorgeous' Gary Golden has taken on the title of Baron and has formally claimed the Warrens below the city as his domain and though primarily based beneath Hollywood, he has expanded his influence considerably in every direction. Most of the Barons have let this slide as they care little for what goes on below their domains.

Barons Garcia, Maller and Martinez have all made attempts to minimise any encroachment but the war to hold onto the Crypts Sons turf has left all but Allison with minimal resources to spare.

As has become her usual approach to problems in the last six months, Allison has simply laid out her terms for a peaceful outcome, and the consequences should her terms not be met. Gary Golden is apparently currently pondering Allison's terms, though what these are is known only to Allison and Gary.

The Warrens below the Barony of the Angels, created by Marius for Nosferatu who wish to avoid pledging themselves to a specific Baron or Gang, have kept their neutrality, enforced as it is by 'The Swarm'. Though many saw the forces of the so-called 'mistress of the swarm' as an effective deterrent to any expansion by Gary Golden, they have seemingly come to some kind of arrangement.

Tilly Kelly - Gangrel
'Mistress of the Swarm'

Quite how each of the three Gangrel factions who serve the Swarm Mistress, and the Nosferatu of the Warrens know where each's influence ends is known only to them. These borders do however seem to be well defined, and honoured. For now at least. The areas kept clear for the werewolf Tribes below Downtown known as The Bone Gnawers and The Uktena are also avoided. Their territories were clarified long ago by Marius and he has shown no sign of wishing these terms altered. Regardless of agreements, they are quite capable of defending themselves and are therefore given a wide berth by the kindred of The Warrens.

Alonzo, who resides in the most ancient section of the Hollywood Warrens is in theory under Gary, but is effectively independent.

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*Mr Hertz*

As far as Hertz can see, Gary's has no source of income outside of whatever tribute the beggars and dregs below the city pay to him. His primary weapon is blackmail, which he uses to influence mortal institutions, though there is a limit to the scope of this. Financially, Mr Hertz doesn't consider Gary as a threat or rival, as long as you don't let him get hold of anything he can use against you...

The Barony of the Angels

Marius hasn't attended a Council meeting since stepping down as Co-Warleader of the Anarch Council. Instead, the principle faction leaders within the Barony have been taking it in turns to take his chair, allegedly with Marius's blessing. None of the other Barons have complained...probably because they see Marius's absence as a blessing rather than a curse...

Marius Walker - Gangrel, Diablerist, Leader of 'The Oratory'

These 'leaders' have also began to have meetings between themselves, presumably so as whichever represents them at the Anarch Council can speak for them all. This 'Downtown Council' in theory consists of seven kindred though for practical purposes this number is five.

Lyko Wu, Vanessa Rubeus and 'Priss' - of The Downtown Council

These are Lyko Wu of Chinatown, Vanessa Rubeus, Regent of the Consolidated Chantry, Priss of 'The Shades', Nines Rodriguez of Skid Row and Quinn, eldest childe of the Mistress of the Swarm who enforces the neutrality of the areas 'Warrens'. A seat is left available at these gatherings for 'The Nameless One' who rules Koreatown, but he has never yet made an appearance and 'Mary' of the Bahari, who has also shown no interest in joining any of these gatherings. Nonetheless, as a courtesy, their seats are kept available.

'The Nameless One' and 'Mary', Potential Downtown Council Members

‘Nannie’ Gray, a recent addition to Priss's forces has been frequently seen in Hollywood with members of the Giovanni family who have reclaimed their former base of operations there. It now seems likely now that she was supporting Priss as a hired mercenary and has now changed employer. As her loyalties were always to the Hecate, this has surprised few.

Quinn - Gangrel
The Downtown Warrens

Nines Rodriguez took Marius's seat first, followed by Lyko Wu, Priss, Vanessa Rubeus, then Quinn before rotating back to Nines. At his most recent appearance Nines has insisted on the reinstating of the 'Rants' in order to ensure that the Anarchs of the city can still have their say and to prevent the Council becoming isolated from the kindred they are meant to represent. It was difficult to refuse such a request without confirming the very thing that Nines was subtly accusing the Barons of.

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*Daniel*

A suitable location is currently being sought out, and security considerations are under discussion. The Barons have collectively decided that as this is a matter that potentially could effect any of their domains and is primarily a matter of scouting a location and organising security that this is a job for the Arbiters own investigator, Daniel.

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*Hertz*

Mr Hertz has no doubt that the Barony of the Angels is still effectively a Downtown ruled by Marius or one of his proxies, in practical terms at least, as all the powers within pay tribute to him in some way. His own base of operations, whether he's resident there or not, is still slap bang in the middle and he has shown exactly zero signs of relinquishing his grip on any of them. Though 'The Fixer' may be gone from L.A. the majority of the time, his organisation still has considerable power that they can wield in his name. If anything, his control is increasing, not diminishing.

The Wilds

Myranda Maria - Gangrel
Baron of The Wilds

The area within the mountains identified as a possible Sabbat base has been found abandoned.

The hung, drawn, quartered and decapitated body of a kindred thought to be Sebastian Bradley, the Caitiff that the Anarchs hoped would lead them to the Sabbat was found at the mine entrance. presumably having been 'reward' for his mistakes. The area had been heavily booby-trapped but fortunately this resulted in only a few superficial injuries to the investigators. The skilled trackers of 'The Circle', found most of these devices and only a few overzealous Gangrel who surged ahead triggered any. Fortunately the unnatural resistance of the Gangrel Clan saved these unfortunates from Final Death.

The corpses of many missing persons including campers, park officials, sex workers, transients, migrant workers and other victims had been discovered. Their drained bodies were left in such states of mutilation and degradation that even some of the most hardened Gangrel who found them were sickened by the sight. Many had been staged in obscene scenes, presumably for the Sabbat's amusement. Some mass graves were also located and those 'shovelheads' who had failed to dig themselves out were cleansed along with the rest of the evidence of kindred activity.

Subsequently, The Wilds Pack have expanded their domain to encompass the San Gabriel Mountains and have declared it as their own. Given that the area has little in the way of resources, no-one has disputed the claim and several Gangrel Packs have been given large tracts as feeding grounds on the condition that they also defend them. This also effectively makes them responsible for protecting Los Angeles from incursions from the Camarilla who now control San Jose.

The San Gabriel Mountains at Night

The Pack's experiences during the expulsion of Lubbock's forces from their territory has bought a return to their militant attitude about respecting their borders and they have become, if such a thing was possible, even more aggressive in their dealings with outsiders. Myranda has informed all the Free States Anarchs, via their Barons, that they have been granted free passage through the expanded domain of the San Gabriel Mountains as long as they stick to the main roads and paths and avoid careless feeding. However, should they stray from the paths then they are to be considered intruders and will be dealt with accordingly.

Tabatha Meyer - Brujah
Seneschal to Baron Myranda Maria

She has neither confirmed, nor denied, her packs involvement in a number of disappearances involving kindred travelling to and from San Jose. Invariably her response is something along the lines of "...If they stayed on the path they would have been safe..."

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*Daniel*

There has been considerable movement between the 'temple' of Downtowns Bahari, and The Wilds, This has been via Gloria Martinez's Barony, this being the shortest route between the two areas. Specifically via The Pamona Freeway, or California State Route 60. You have discovered, via Allison, that this has been agreed with Baron Martinez as long as no detours are taken.

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*Mr Hertz*

Mr Hertz has already ensured that any routes you may wish to use through The San Gabriel Mountains have been pre-approved and confirmed in order to prevent any misunderstandings, as what exactly is a 'main road or path' is somewhat open to interpretation. His meeting was with Tabatha Meyer, a Brujah and former leader of the Covina Barony. She is now the primary contact for anyone wishing dealings with The Wilds.

The Liberated

Amara Martins - Duskborn
Baron of 'The Liberated'

True to his agreement during an Anarch Council meeting, Marius had made available several Duskborn experts in the field of Alchemy to ensure the Liberated were better prepared against their then Camarilla and Sabbat enemies and apparently hadn't rescinded this edict before vacating the city. Despite the current absence of these threats, Leanna still occasionally visits this domain to teach useful skills and methodologies to those with the innate talents necessary to utilise them, though the exact terms of this arrangement are unknown outside of Amara's closest advisors.

Meanwhile, the Duskborn and Caitiff of 'The Liberated' have severed many of their ties to Gloria Martinez and Allison Maller stating their desire to 'forge their own path'. Some within now talk of Amara Martins as the spiritual successor to Jenna Cross, though Amara herself is careful to publicly distance herself from such comparisons, behind closed doors it is rumoured that the reality is much different.

This has had the knock-on effect of making the other Baronies reluctant to accept Duskborn or Caitiff residents in case they are 'spies' for Amara and the Liberated, which has in turn increased The Liberated's desire for complete independence as their membership increases.

Baron Allison Maller is attempting to soften this attitude as she is apparently concerned about 'The Liberated' having only one regular outside contact, and that being an agent of Marius. It is also known that several prominent duskborn were, and may still be, in 'The Fixers' debt. She has therefore been unusually generous with support and is the only Baron with which The Liberated willingly meet, outside of Council meetings.

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*Mr Hertz*

Mr Hertz has no idea whatsoever what is going on in this area, but has noted that any day-drinkers among Amara's people would give her a considerable advantage in business that need watching during the day.

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*Daniel*

Daniel is equally in the dark about activities within the Liberated's territory as they seem to have no primary base of operations to investigate. Like Hertz he also likely has concerns about Amara's access to Day-Drinkers...but for very different reasons...

Harvey Caplan - The South Coast

Harvey Caplan - Ventrue
Baron of the South Coast

Harvey has increased the prices of his dockyard services to kindred by a considerable margin citing increases to his own costs in the areas of security and logistics.

His business relationship with Marius has also soured, possibly as Baron Walker recruited The Water Rats as an 'Oratory' pack within a few nights of Harvey evicting them from the South Coast for what he believed to be an unforgiveable act of betrayal. Though most agree that he had every right to punish them in some way, the fact that recent events portray the gangs actions as understandable, even necessary given the circumstances, has some of the cities kindred believing that Baron Caplan overreacted.

Regardless of this, Marius has moved the majority of his port logistics and shipping assets to The Port of Hueneme, to the West of Simi Valley and Santa Clarita, both of which are protectorates under The Downtown Barons protection. How much control he has over the port is debatable, given the strong military presence there, but it could be considerable considering it's proximity to areas nominally under his influence.

Vinicius's 'Hunters' have also moved many of their operations to Hueneme which has further impacted upon Harvey's defensive capabilities, which he has now had to compensate for from his own resources. Harvey is blaming Marius for the circumstances resulting in his price increases, while Marius agents insist that their operations didn't relocate until after the price hike, and did so because of it.

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The Port of Hueneme at Night

*Mr Hertz*

Harvey Caplan has definitely taken a hit in terms of manpower and resources, and Mr Hertz is of the opinion that the timing of both Baron's Walker and Voerman's partial withdrawal from using the Port of L.A. smacks of a coordinated effort to weaken the South Coast.

What they would gain isn't immediately apparent to him outside of the mundane economic benefits of breaking Harvey's monopoly. The Port of L.A. is still much more convenient and Hertz doesn't like the idea of disrupting his 'imports' by changing supply routes. His advice has been to pass any extra costs onto the end user and just pay Harvey's inflated prices...for now...

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The Port of Hueneme

The port of Hueneme is the only deep water harbour between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area and is the U.S. Port of Entry for California's central coast region.

It serves International businesses and ocean carriers from the Pacific Rim and Europe. The Port of Hueneme ranks among the top seaports in California for general cargo throughput. The niche markets that Hueneme serves include: the import and export of automobiles, fresh fruit and produce. Its unique positioning near the Santa Barbara Channel has also made the Port of Hueneme the primary support facility for the offshore oil industry.

Gata, 'The Cat Lady' - Gangrel
The Port of Hueneme

As an official port of entry into the United States and being adjacent to a Navy Base, the facility maintains a high level of security including monitoring those entering and leaving the port complex.

Aegis's expanded logistics division has been heavily investing in container ships of various sizes and has began to build several support facilities within the area. This investment has been welcomed by local authorities as when complete these facilities will bring close to six thousand new jobs to the area.

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*Mr Hertz*

*A news story about the area caught Mr Hertz's attention.*

A volunteer group has special permission to feed feral cats that take care of rats at the port. The group manages the cat population to keep it at about 250 and feeds them three times a week at different locations around the port property. Once a month, volunteers trap cats that are new to the colony, take them to a 'spay and neuter clinic' to be sterilized, given shots to prevent feline diseases, and get their right ears clipped so they can be identified. The cats are then returned to where they were found and allowed to live out their lives.

Hertz suspects that this is an attempt to remove one of the primary kindred methods of spying on the domains of others, namely vermin.

Gloria Martinez - Whittier, 'The Sisterhood'

Baron Martinez has started to refer to 'El Hermandad' as Whittier once more, though most kindred are calling the domain 'The Sisterhood' and Garcia's, 'The Brotherhood'. The fact that the majority of the kindred within Gloria's domain are male, has seemingly made no difference to the rest of L.A.

Gloria Martinez - Brujah, Baron of Whittier, 'The Sisterhood'.

Of Garcia's two childer in the Free States she is the biggest supporter of her sire in the areas of both manpower and supplies.

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*Mr Hertz*

Hertz analysis of the situation is that as long as a supply route exists between Gloria and Garcia that the war could go on indefinitely, though Gloria is likely to need Allison's help if she wishes to continue funnelling weapons and the like to Garcia. Even in the USA one needs to take care when transporting weapons, especially illegal ones, and to do so is not cheap.

Allison Maller - Anaheim

Allison Maller - Brujah
Baron of Anaheim

Allison has, now that there are no external threats to her domain to consider, after three long years finally taken total control of all assets formally belonging to her destroyed rivals Tom Weaver and 'Amethyst'. She has also successfully completed a number of projects that her rivals had began but that their Final Deaths meant they had failed to complete. Allison now has money and resources far in excess of her needs and is now, arguably the most powerful of Garcia's brood, in economic terms at least.

Despite this her support for her sire Garcia has been mainly political in nature as she seems less willing than Gloria to antagonise the four Baronies currently in conflict with The Brotherhood, especially as she shares a considerable border with Harvey Caplan, Baron of the South Coast. It seems that now she has had a taste of peace and stability she has no desire to become engaged in yet another war of attrition. Especially considering how close she came to defeat during previous similar conflicts.

Some unconfirmed rumours that Allison has met with Harvey at their domains border at least twice are being spoken of by the two domains sweepers. It is possible that a non-interference agreement is being discussed, though this may be completely unfounded rumourmongering.

That she would join her sister and sire in battle should outright war break out is not in doubt. Though it is likely that she would do so reluctantly given her past experiences.

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*Mr Hertz*

Hertz has informed you that he has approached Allison to offer his financial assistance in properly utilising her newfound wealth. She is currently considering his offer but it is the Nosferatu's opinion that the answer will eventually be no.

Salvador Garcia - El Hermandad (The Brotherhood)

Salvador Garcia is currently holding the central portion of the former Crypts Sons domain with minimal effort, though regaining control of the outer reaches of it has proven difficult. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, Garcia seems to be enjoying himself considerably.

Salvador Garcia - Brujah, Anarch Revolutionary, 'El Hermandad'

Though a diplomatic solution may yet be possible, the kindred involved are only likely to consider it if they believe it is the only path to victory or survival and that moment is still a long way away. Garcia's forces are all battle-hardened, experienced, guerrilla fighters to whom conflicts like this are second nature.

Valeria - Brujah
Childe of Salvador Garcia

He has also been joined by his eldest childe Valeria.

Valeria is an Iconoclast of Italian origin, and a prominent figure of the Anarch Movement in Southern Europe.

As of the turn of the millennium, she was resident in Marseilles, but has moved to Los Angeles to support Garcia believing that the future of the Free States should be in the hands of Salvador Garcia and not those who follow watered down versions of his doctrines.

She apparently finds the idea of an Anarch Council intriguing but has her doubts about whether it's the best way forward for the Free States...

Her own followers are trickling into the city via various methods, and such reinforcements may be indictive of a planned 'push' by Garcia to reclaim lost territory.

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*Mr Hertz*

Hertz is actively avoiding poking his nose into a warzone involving seven different Barons and has advised Michael to defer such investigations to Daniel if he really wants to know.

Therese Voerman - Santa Monica

As usual, the upheavals that effect the rest of the city have seemingly bypassed Santa Monica entirely and the business interests of Baron Voerman have continued as if nothing happened. She, like Marius, is spending an increasing amount of time outside of Los Angeles and so is less concerned about anything that doesn't specifically impact upon their own domain.

Baron Therese Voerman and her sister Jeanette - Malkavian

It is worth noting however that some of her business interests have began to appear in the Santa Monica Mountains area, a part of the city that up until recently was considered a no-go area due to the presence of the Black Furies Lupine Tribe. Specifically she has started using routes through it to transport goods to the The port of Hueneme where she has recently opened a warehouse from which to ship items to her various 'Asylum' club franchises.

The Asylum - Santa Monica

This is another blow to Harvey Caplan's monopoly on kindred port activities as Therese's Asylum clubs give her access to tremendous amounts of cash, much of which is now being invested elsewhere.

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*Daniel*

Therese has allowed Daniel unrestricted access to Santa Monica if he is visiting Chick, though still expects to be informed if he's doing anything else there. The Barons may have decided 'officially' that the Arbiters 'Sherlock' may go where he wishes, but the political reality is somewhat different.

Chick has offered to teach you a ritual known as 'One with the Blade' whenever you are ready, she has also been teaching you much of the lore of the Banu Haqim.

Chick was as good as her word and Daniel has learned a great deal of Banu Haqim lore from her over the last few months

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*Mr Hertz*

Therese's businesses are, much to Hertz's surprise and as far as he can tell, completely legitimate and are funded by the vast amounts of cash that flows through her Asylum franchises. She has expanded into other areas of the hospitality industry such as hotels and high class rented accommodations.

The North East

The kindred of L.A. are now routinely referring to Pasadena and Glendale as a single entity, namely the North East Barony and consider San Fernando to be a protectorate of it. Though technically speaking the area is part of Hollywood, very few Anarchs now see it that way, particularly as Baron Abrams routinely leaves any decisions regarding it's inhabitants to Baron Michael Tomassio. This state of affairs suits the Brujah Idealists perfectly as Michael is seen as a far more progressive kindred than Isaac and considerably less demanding of his subjects.

'The Blossoms' - Madams of Downtown's Sex Trade

Vin has already began to make moves on the areas sex trade and Mr Hertz has also relocated some of the Apostles across the border to look for 'business opportunities'.

Monique Kim - Toreador
Chinatown Madam
*Mr Hertz*

Hertz has some concerns about Vin's associates in the cities sex trade as he seems to be more and more intertwined with the organisations of 'The Blossoms' in Downtown and Monique 'Creamy Jade' Kim in Chinatown.

--------------------

The Galerie Sanguine

The first franchises of the Galerie Sanguine have launched with moderate success in all locations. Cai Arias who is currently managing the Hollywood branch has turned out to be surprisingly good at picking up on new trends in order to get ahead of the curve. Success has yet to go to his head but it's probably only a matter of time.

The San Francisco branch is also going well, with only some minor initial drama to complicate matters. Fortunately this bit of notoriety has actually helped as the Camarilla of that city were apparently in the mood for something to break the monotony. The Harpies, and the new Keeper of Elysium, have been most supportive of the kindred artists utilising the gallery. As these are the vampires who decide what's 'in' and 'out', Art has become the new benchmark for style and status, with fashion trends still being important, but being pushed somewhat into second place. For now at least.

Tara Kearney - Brujah
Baron of San Diego

The other two new branches in Chicago and San Diego are also doing well, though are experiencing some minor difficulties as avoiding kindred politics within these two cities is impossible. San Diego's issues are mainly in the area of avoiding the attention and ire of the increasingly mercurial Baron Tara Kearney who seems to distrust everyone with equal measure and is the sole individual of power and influence worth mentioning.

Chicago on the other hand has too many active factions for one to remain neutral without making everyone your enemy. Unfortunately sides have to be picked and each decision comes with it's own consequences. It is only a matter of time before those responsible for the gallery will have to pick their allies and by default gain their enemies...

Michael's Cult

Michael's inherited blood cult has shown no signs of fading in it's dedication to him. Unravelling their implanted directives and altered memories has proven to be impossible, implanted as they were by an ancient with abilities far beyond any possessed by the Anarchs of Los Angeles.

Nine survived the purge of Lubbocks followers and the subsequent return by Michael to the mansion, and these have been recruiting others, though have been relatively subtle in doing so. The group now numbers twenty and it is rare to find less than half near whichever of the coteries interests Michael is currently utilising. Their 'leader' if they can be called that, was heavily wounded in their assault of Lubbock's childe, and it seems that the others see this, in some strange way, as a sign of this individuals devotion. In the absence of any orders from Michael, it is Alma who directs their recruitment activities, confined to a wheel chair as she is, recruits are bought to her for assessment. What happens to failed candidates would need some looking into, but it's likely that Michael doesn't really want to know.

Getting rid of them would seem to be impossible without ending their lives, and there are now enough of them that something needs to be done with them. But what?

To be Continued in 'A Plague of Blood' (Part One)

------------------------------------------------

Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

That should be enough plotlines to keep them going for a while...and Cults have barely even been mentioned...yet...

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song on the off-chance any-one is interested...

------------------------------------------------

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 Matt Bomer, Dr Daniel Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Sir Matthew Lubbock was Michael Douglas, 'Verus' is Armand Assante,

Armando 'Nines' Rodrigues is Luis Carazo, Ammaarah Weaver is Stefani Germanotta, Catherine DuBois is Margot Robbie, Elena Gutierrez is Emmanuelle Vaugier, Mariel St John is Kate Moss, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Isaac Abrams is Gary Oldman, Fiorenza Savona is Jamie Lee Curtis, Karen Anatos is Christina Hendricks, Gary Golden artwork by Vetarmora, Tilly Kelly is Anna Paquin, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Lyko Wu is David E Collier, Vanessa Rubeus is Leila Lunatic, 'Priss' is Sofia Boutella, 'The Nameless One' is Gary J. Tunnicliffe, Quinn is Oliver Parker, Myranda Maria is Shannyn Visceral, Tabatha Meyer is Michelle Rodriguez, Amara Martins is Indira Varma, Harvey Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Gata 'The Cat Lady' is Angela Molina, Gloria Martinez is Ariadne Artiles, Allison Maller is Chloe Grace Moretz, Salvador Gracia is Antonio Banderas, Valeria is Elsa Pataky, The Voerman sisters are Whitney Moore and Whitney Moore, The Blossoms are Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs, Monique Kim is Viann Zhang Xinyu and Tara Kearney is Melissa Rauch.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Four - Galerie Sanguine: San Francisco

2022-12-30T16:00:00.002+00:00

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

Our primary 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. This however will be the first one of several planned interludes which will centre on the expansion of Baron Michael Tomassio's 'Galerie Sanguine' franchise to other domains.

Links

Session Zero, Session One, Session Two and Session Three

---------------------

The PC's

Thomas Caldwell, Ventrue

Francis Maranzano, Lasombra

Thomas Caldwell and Francis Maranzano

The Storyteller

As everyone else...

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously).

Introduction

Word has been given to the kindred of San Francisco that their presence is required at a meeting at Elysium for several announcements direct from the Prince, that will apparently effect all of it's residents.

San Francisco at Night - A Camarilla Domain

Most rumours point to this being the appointment of several of the cities kindred to the few remaining positions not yet allocated by Prince Winder, or that were missing under former Prince Vannevar. These roles are also to take into account that San Jose is effectively now a Camarilla domain albeit one without a Prince and so roles taking into account an increased population seem like likely additions.

These titles are likely to be....

Herald

The Herald, who proclaims decrees to Kindred subjects and carries messages to and from other rulers. The Herald acts as the Prince’s voice, making the Prince’s edicts known to the domain when the domain is too voluminous that the Prince could do it themselves, or simply appoint their Seneschal for the task.

For example, a Herald recites the domain’s policies at Elysium, and speaks the results of any formal convocations where a Prince and her court define new laws. As well, a Herald announces the arrival of august and titled Kindred at formal events and at Elysium. This function can be abused, as a Herald may deliberately delay or misspeak the policy in question. Such Heralds rarely hold on to their positions after such treachery, however. If a Herald hasn’t spoken a policy aloud, that policy does not yet affect the Kindred. A Cainite can’t be retroactively held accountable for something he didn’t know broke the laws of the domain, especially if the policy recently changed or had been decided but not yet communicated.

Shadow

The Shadow, is a formal advisor to a coterie, assigned by the Prince to shepherd them through the minefield of Kindred society. In light of the many new dangers that a neonate kindred could be exposed to, or even worse, draw to their elders, it has been deemed an important addition to the ranks of a Camarilla domain.

Principle Of Faith

Also, in light of the many new kindred religions coming to the fore in the modern nights, a Principle of Faith is likely to be appointed. Though the strict definition of the role is that they are advisors in 'matters of the soul', it is widely considered to simply be a way of avoiding the Prince having to, or appearing to take sides when such kindred religions come into conflict.

Primogen

Less likely rumours are that more Primogen are to be appointed, however this seems unlikely as amongst the 'official' Camarilla clans only the Banu Haqim and Lasombra are unrepresented and neither of those are required given the extremely limited numbers of those clan members locally.

Though there have also been hints that a Toreador Primogen might be appointed this has been deemed unlikely. As the Seneschal is already of Clan Toreador it is supposed that them also having a Primogen may give them too much influence. Anyone wandering why this reasoning doesn't also apply to the Ventrue, are discouraged from voicing this opinion by older, and wiser, kindred.

It is also considered likely that several new 'hounds' will be appointed to assist the cities Scourge.

The meeting is to take place tomorrow evening at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, an Elysium petitioned for by Anya Bloom, which was granted.

Scene Seventeen - Beneath Chinatown

Chinatown - San Francisco

Thomas and Francis decided to visit the only other Anarch they knew of within the city to discuss the possible consequences of their plan to undermine Anya, the cities Keeper of Elysium.

Unfortunately, Maximus resided beneath Chinatown, an area under the control of the so-called 'Kindred of the East'. Maximus was in active opposition to these vampires so Chinatown was unlikely to be welcoming to allies of his. Nonetheless they needed his council so they decided the risk was worth it. Just in case they did encounter trouble, Francis went well equipped for a fight.

They knew that Maximus's haven was accessed via an abandoned subway station though it's exact location within was a secret he had not shared with them. After leaving their vehicle at a nearby carpark, they headed to the approximate location of Maximus's haven.

The subway station was dark and decayed. The barrier across it's entrance was still intact, though the wire fence on either side had several holes within, easily accessible by anyone willing to make the attempt. With a shrug, Francis entered first and held the flap of fencing aside to ease Thomas's entry.

Abandoned Subway Station - San Francisco

The area was inhabited by a sorry looking selection of down and out individuals as well as the usual predators who preyed on them. A group in one corner eyed them up as they arrived. Thomas was reasonably sure that they made their living as muggers, and equally sure that Francis could handle them all without effort.

It wasn't long before one of the areas beggars approached them. Francis moved between them and Thomas.

"What ya doing down 'ere?"

This wasn't an unreasonably question under the circumstances, so Francis decided to reply.

"I lost my wallet. Thought I might have left it with a friend of mine named Maximus who lives around here. Any idea where I might find him?"

The beggar responded exactly as Francis expected. "I might...for a hundred dollars..."

Thomas decided to leave the negotiations to Francis. Thomas was an expert manipulator himself, but with these kinds of people, Francis's brand of intimidation unusually worked better.

'The Beggar' - More than he seems?

"Sounds reasonable" replied Francis. "Payment on delivery though. Not a moment before..." The beggar seemed slightly disappointed and Thomas noticed that the muggers lost interest a little when no money changed hands.

The beggar guided them down a flight of stairs that had been partially concealed from view by a pile of junk. Thomas used the light on his phone to illuminate the route so as to avoid stepping in anything unsavoury. Francis, who was used to navigating the dark, needed no such assistance. Several other unfortunates were using this lower area as shelter but they paid no heed to the newcomers. Minding their own business had always served them well.

Their guide then stopped abruptly before another flight of stairs. "He's down there. We don't go further than this." The fear in the tramps voice convinced Francis that he was probably being truthful, yet he was still suspicions. The beggar seemed just a little to confident to be merely what he claimed to be. Francis thumbed out six twenty dollar bills and handed them over. "Call the extra a tip." said Francis as their guide then disappeared quickly back the way he'd came.

San Francisco Warrens - Maximus's Lair?

"I guess I'm going first." quipped Francis to Thomas. As the Ventrue moved to illuminate the route with his phone, Francis pushed his hand back down. Though he only touched the phone lightly, it instantly began to malfunction and went dark.

"If I'm going first then I need the shadows." Stated Francis matter of factly.

The door at the bottom was unlocked and led into an abandoned office, possibly originally attended as an administration area of some kind. It contained a desk, several battered filing cabinets and a settee that had clearly seen better days. On the opposite corner was a heavy duty with an old analogue keypad which the pair correctly presumed was locked.

"I guess we wait." said Thomas.

Francis gestured at a vent in the wall behind which a surveillance camera had been poorly concealed. "Well he knows we're here, anyway." he replied.

Scene Eighteen - The Rumour Mill

"I wonder how long he keeps people waiting for?" asked Francis conversationally, though Thomas could hear the slight edge to his tone.

Thomas, who had used similar tactics to make people uncomfortable, had some ideas about that. It was an excellent way of seeing how important the reason for the meeting was, as well as revealing a lot about the person. When frustrated, people defaulted to their natural inclinations, and knowing these made people easier to manipulate. Of course it was also possible that Maximus was just an asshole.

The lock on the heavy-duty door clicked loudly and the door swung open to reveal Maximus. "Social call?" he asked, before inviting them into his inner sanctum.

Once more they were struck by the fact that, in appearance at least, he had none of the deformities associated with the Nosferatu Clan. Up close however, the greyness in his skin was more obvious, as was the copious use of scent to cover up the reek of decay clinging to his body.

Beyond the door was a larger room, with two other rooms leading off it. The furniture was mostly salvaged but was of decent enough quality and might be considered comfortable if ones standards weren't particularly high. Power had been redirected to the room from somewhere above and crudely spliced into an old junction box, attached to one corner. This provided light to the room, and power to a number of old computers wired together atop several desks as well as what looked like a box for a telecommunications connection.

The door to the room on the left was open and within could be seen rows of filing cabinets and shelves laden with file boxes and folders. The other room was protected by a door that appeared to have been salvaged from an old vault. Presumably this led to his sleeping area.

Maximus Sun - Nosferatu
San Francisco Anarch

"This is better than I expected." commented Thomas. Maximus chose to take this as a compliment, though Francis wasn't sure that it actually was. "We'd like your opinion on something. Specifically the 'favour' requested of us by Prince Winder."

Maximus lent back in his chair and grimaced. "You mean the shit task you were given so you can get the blame if it all goes fucking wrong?" he snarled. Though it was clear that his anger was with the machinations of the Camarilla, not his fellow Anarchs.

"That's the one..." quipped Francis

Thomas ignored the Lasombra's comment and continued. "We've gathered evidence of whose behind Malaki's rise, and we have a culprit, as well as a way of removing their support. Unfortunately they have enough influence to make direct action untenable. But that's the way it is, and we're going to have to find a different way to ruin this kindred's night."

"The culprit?" asked Maximus.

On hearing Anya's name, the Nosferatu seemed very pleased indeed. "I'd love to fuck up that stupid bitch for eternity, but I guess a bad night will do for now. What do you have in mind?"

Thomas then deferred to Francis to lay out their scheme.

"We intend to provoke a reaction from Anya. Hopefully one that's extreme enough so the rules of Elysium are broken in spectacular fashion. I imagine that the Camarilla can't let someone be Keeper of Elysium if they can't keep to their own rules...well...as long as we can make her break them publicly so she can't squirm her way out of it..."

Anya Bloom - Toreador
Keeper of Elysium and Harpy

Maximus had his own take on this. "If she flips out in an Elysium, or even better, actually frenzies, then Miriam will stake her through the heart right there and then. She won't risk harm coming to the Prince. Anyway, you still haven't told me what you want me to do?"

"It would help a great deal..." clarified Francis. "...if she was already on edge before we play our trump card. Some unpleasant rumours, backed by evidence that we will provide you with, would do the trick nicely." he then handed over copies of the documents they'd obtained by the mage they had met at Malaki's exhibition.

"So we use her own petty little methods against her? Excellent. There's a delicious irony to fucking her over using her own favourite tools. Count me in..."

Thomas still had some extra points to make.

"Others within the Camarilla will certainly gain from this, but that can't be avoided. In fact, in the long run, it might help us undermine the system and gain some more ground. For now, however, it means we get to fulfil our obligation to the Prince and inconvenience Anya at the same time."

Maximus seemed to accept this as inevitable. Every Camarilla kindred had twenty others behind them ready to take their place, but generally they were far less competent than their predecessors. If they were any good then they'd already have taken the job for themselves. He than said as much to Francis and Thomas.

"How does the current Prince fit into that assessment?" asked Thomas. For a moment Maximus didn't say anything, seemingly thinking the question over before replying.

Vannevar Thomas - Ventrue
Former Prince of San Francisco and San Jose
"Miss Sara Anne Winder might be an exception to that rule. Prince Vannevar Thomas held all the cards, yet Winder was still close to dragging him off the throne. It was only a matter of time before she got her fangs into the top job. We need to be careful of her."

Maximus sounded sincere, and his opinion matched Thomas and Francis's own.

"If that's all..." continued the Nosferatu. "...then I'll escort you out."

They were met at the top of the stairs by the beggar from earlier. Francis was now even more sure that he was more than he seemed. Maximus's conversation with him confirmed their suspicions. "How much did you grift them for?"

The beggar smiled , then looked at his feet. Something in his subservient nature reminded Francis of how his own ghouls reacted. He was now sure that this individual was either a ghoul, or blood bound to Maximus. He kept the thought to himself.

As they headed to the surface, Francis turned around and noticed that rather than head back down to his lair, Maximus had made his way down the disused tracks and into one of the tunnels beyond.

"I'm concerned that he didn't ask for payment of some kind." said Thomas, interrupting the musing of his fellow Anarch. "I'm sure the bill will arrive later..." replied Francis. The Ventrue nodded in reply. Francis was almost certainly correct.

Interlude - Kristi

Kristi Pittman - Toreador
Social Influencer, Harpy

Kristi, social influencer and media expert, sat behind a multi-screen computer system where several dozen bot identities would soon be busy pushing a new trend that would greatly benefit the Keeper of Elysium's own fashion empire. All It needed was her to push a single key and social media would begin to be flooded with a gradually escalating series of spurious identities spouting bullshit that fit Anya's current agenda.

Personally, Kristi thought this particular idea was stupid and that was probably why she was hesitating to start the various coordinated programs running. While she was contemplating the social suicide of defying Anya Bloom, Sarina Harrington glided into her office. She'd always been slightly jealous of Sarina's effortless style and natural beauty, but this always faded once Sarina actually spoke to her. She talked to her like she was an actual person, which was more than Anya did.

"What awful trend has Anya got you pushing this time?" she said, peering over Kristi's shoulder.

"It's terrible isn't it?" she replied. Then panicked a little as she realised she'd said that out loud.

Sarina moved an imaginary hair from the forehead of the concerned influencer before gently stroking her cheek. "Don't worry, I'm not going to tell on you. I haven't told her that you're having second thoughts about being Herald, now have I?"

Sarina Harrington - Toreador
Harpy

It was common knowledge that Anya wanted the job of Herald to go to someone under her control, and that she was doing everything in her power to prevent the job going to the Gangrel 'Fixer' Lilliana Swann.

"I think I have a solution to that problem." continued Sarina. "How about I put a word into the appropriate ears that you're not really up to the job? That way when it goes to Lilliana, it'll look like internal politics and you can look all disappointed so Anya can't blame you? Personally I think you'd be great at it, but if it's not for you?"

Kristi's look of gratitude was all the reply that was necessary and Sarina left. Of course there was no need for her to do anything else. What she'd suggested to Kristi had already been put into motion. She did however need to make a quick phone call.

"Lilliana? The job is basically yours. Now you won't forget about our little agreement will you?"

Lilliana, currently sat in a spacious office at Aegis's San Francisco office, put the landline down and picked up one of half a dozen burner phones scattered across her desk. "Fucking Toreador..." she muttered as she began to make the arrangements necessary to settle the boon with Sarina, that had been necessary get her the job she'd been tasked with obtaining by her own 'boss'.

Sometimes she missed the nights where all that concerned her was where to hide the body of whoever had been her lunch...

Scene Nineteen - Mort

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The Museum is currently closed for 'routine maintenance', and visitors are being directed to appropriate parking areas by ghouls and blood-bound mortals dressed as security guards, construction workers and maintenance staff.

Francis reluctantly left his weapons in their vehicle under the care of one of his ghouls. His experiences as both kindred and mobster had taught him that trusting security to others invariably meant they were armed, and you weren't.

You are informed that the museum itself is open for you to 'browse' but that any disruption, damages or items discovered 'missing' will be treated in the same way as breaking the rules of Elysium would be. This dictate has come direct from Anya Bloom and is well within her rights as 'Keeper of Elysium' which also means that she could insist that any transgressors be punished by the Sheriff.

The official meeting place is a cavernous basement, seemingly running the full length of the museum, that has been cleared for the occasion. A raised 'stage' area has been created in one corner and a selection of paintings, sculptures and other installations have been moved here from displays in the museum proper. Various screens and drapes, each colour coordinated to the one next to it, have been used to cover up the no doubt normally bland basement walls.

With the actual event still some time away, the pair decided to have a look around.

Mort Sheaffer - Nosferatu
Bay Area Resident

Ahead of them was a kindred whose wardrobe was blandly simple. He was wearing a long, dirty trench coat, blue jeans, shitkicker boots, and a Harvard University sweatshirt. In one hand he held a battered fedora. Presumably he normally wore this to partially conceal his features as his face looked like a prune that someone had left in a microwave for a week.

He was possibly the most hideous Nosferatu the pair had ever seen. At six feet, three inches tall he also had the build of a professional footballer or similar. One imagined that he could dominate a room with his physical presence, with little effort. He turned as they approached and immediately held out his free hand in greeting.

Francis immediately presumed that this was a test of some kind. He was sure that a Nosferatu who looked like this inspired a certain amount of revulsion in more image focussed clans. Ones initial reaction was sure to flavour his opinion of them from then on. Thomas accepted the outstretched hand without pause, much to the Nosferatu's surprise.

Thomas introduced himself and the Nosferatu responded, introducing himself as Mort Sheaffer "...from the Bay Area." The large grin on his face was strangely disarming though his voice was deadpan, making it difficult to discern whether any comment he made was serious or not.

"So I guess this place is your sort of thing? Running an art gallery?" enquired Mort, who clearly knew exactly who they were. "Though events like this aren't very 'Anarch' I imagine?"

"Not really..." replied Francis. "...we normally just stand in a big room and shout at each other, then have a fight..." This comment got a laugh from Mort that seemed to be genuine. With the ice broken a little, Thomas decided to see what the Nosferatu thought about what was likely to occur tonight. He was surprisingly forthcoming and Francis got the impression that he was a lot more 'street level' than most Camarilla.

"
Lilliana Swann - Gangrel
Representative of 'The Oratory'
The big debate is who gets the Herald job. It doesn't matter much to the high ups, but the rest of us will be effected if some uppity prick gets the job. Or to be fair, if the puppet of an uppity prick gets the job..."

Neither of the Anarchs interrupted and let Mort continue.

"...Kristi is being pushed forward by Anya. Lilliana is the other candidate but she doesn't seem like she gives a fuck. I feel sorry for Kristi. She's basically a nice person, which in the Camarilla means you get treated like a sucker, and Anya can cause a lot of shit for anyone not kissing her arse."

"Who would you like to see get the job?" asked Thomas. His tone was conversational, but the connection between Anya and Kristi meant that this could effect them long-term if their plan failed. However he didn't want the Nosferatu to know that the question was important to him.

"Lilliana." he replied without even thinking about his answer. "She keeps her word, and her only concern about status is if you can afford her prices. She doesn't play favourites, so out of the two she's the one least likely to use the role to fuck anyone over. Anya on the other hand..."

There was no need to finish the sentence. All three knew that Kristi, as a puppet of Anya, would twist any direct to suit her own agenda based upon the whims of the Keeper of Elysium.

"True enough..." responded Thomas. "...and besides that, Anya's too busy with that artist guy...Malaki, is it? to have time to run another job by proxy..." Not wanting to push their luck or overplay their hand, Thomas left the comment hanging, Then the pair thanked Mort for his time and moved on.

Scene Twenty - Roland

The next room of the museum contained a number of sculptures. Several kindred were there, but only one seemed to actually be interested in the works therein. He was surrounded by a semi-circle of individuals who seemed to be in considerable awe of him.

Roland Stolzfus - Toreador
Sculptor and Teacher

He was quite handsome, in a slick, Euro-guy kind of way. Five and a half feet tall and starvation thin, he had a smooth face but a sculptor's calloused hands. His dirty-blonde hair was slicked back and pulled into a shoulder-length ponytail. He wore a hand-tailored white shirt and a slate grey suit, both of which were clearly of the highest quality. There was a diamond stud earring in his right ear, and he wore expensive sunglasses as well. Whoever he was, he clearly had access to considerable wealth.

The sculpture he was observing was modern and consisted of jagged metal welded together at unusual angles to form a pair of stylised figures, entwined in an embrace. Though whether they were engaged in combat or lovemaking was open to debate.

"What do you think?" he asked, as Thomas and Francis approached.

The first thing Thomas had noticed was the expensive suit. Francis on the other hand had noticed the hands. Despite his stick-thin form, he had hands that looked like they could crush bones with ease.

"No idea. Are they fighting, or fucking?" asked Francis. This comment created a fresh debate among the man's followers who had apparently already been discussing this point at length.

"One of yours?" asked Thomas on a hunch.

He nodded then introduced himself, though didn't offer a hand to shake as Mort had done. Thomas looked down and saw that the work was attributed to a Roland Stoltzfus.

"I'm afraid so..." he replied. "...I was quite proud of it initially but now it feels like it's lacking...something..." This comment inspired several of, what Thomas now presumed were his students, to immediately leap to the works defence.

William Butler - Brujah
Los Angeles Sculptor

Thomas didn't really care one way or another, but he had seen works by this sculptor sell for considerable profits, so considered him worth having a conversation with.

"I have some works in my gallery from an artist who works in a similar medium. Your own works and his would compliment each other well. His name is William Butler, though he shapes the metal with his own hands, not that we advertise that fact to the kine, of course. I imagine your own process is a little more dangerous, considering the limitations of our kind?"

Roland nodded. "A certain amount of suffering is good for the inspiration." he replied. "My own students are yet to fully grasp the benefits of this though." A few of his students seemed embarrassed at this assessment. Thomas sympathised. If he had a choice of medium, he'd also be unlikely to chose one that involved fire.

Francis decided this was a good time to divert the conversation towards their own aims.

"It's a lot different than the sort of work that Anya favours, I imagine? She seems more interested in painters than sculptors..."

Thomas noted a brief look of irritation cross Roland's face. It was clear that he agreed with the assessment. Francis also saw the look and decided to press the point a little.

"...which is a pity. I'm only an amateur myself, Thomas is the salesman, I'm more the muscle. But it's clear that Anya's interests are less in the art, and more on than whatever trend she can ride this week. Though I've often been told that Toreador are divided as a Clan between the true artists and the poseurs..."

'Daphne' - Toreador
Missing Presumed Destroyed

This last comment was risky, and could possibly have been interpreted as an insult to Roland's clan as a whole. Fortunately, Francis had calculated correctly. As Roland's answer confirmed.

"Sad but true." he agreed. "It's a shame that those embraced for their talents must bow to the whims of those who wouldn't know true art if it fell on them. The former Elder of Clan Toreador within this city, Daphne, was a far better judge of what mattered and what didn't. Unfortunately she disappeared at about the same time as Anya rose to power."

Thomas and Francis exchanged a brief look. It was growing more and more obvious that Anya's position was built on a house of cards. Fear was her main weapon, and should she no longer be feared, her support would disappear. Their plan might just work.

"I suppose that means some of those rumours we've been hearing might be true..." said Thomas, almost casually. Roland smiled, and his students began to pay attention to what their teacher had to say on the subject.

As Roland spoke, it became clear that Maximus had been playing his part well. The rumours spreading about Anya and Malaki had already began to be twisted and exaggerated. Roland repeated them without comment, and it was clear that he saw himself as someone who was above mere politics. Of course when the politics effected the perception of his own work, it seemed he made an exception to that neutrality.

Scene Twenty One - Melmoth

Tex Cainen - Toreador
Cowboy Poet, Bodyguard of Melmoth

Deciding that with the meeting imminent they'd cover more ground separately, they headed in opposite directions to see what else they could learn before implementing their plan to bring about Anya's downfall.

Francis found himself in an exhibit dedicated to Oscar Wilde an Irish poet and playwright of the late eighteen hundreds. Evidently not particularly popular a location with the cities kindred, as only a single individual was in the room, though another, who had the look of a bodyguard, was at the entrance keeping an eye on any who entered.

Real predators knew each other instinctively and Francis had a talent for sizing up the opposition. This cowboy looking fucker could handle himself, and had obviously made the same assessment about Francis. No words were exchanged but both were experienced enough to know what remained unsaid. Francis gave the guard a nod of acknowledgement and received one in return.

As Francis drew closer, he could see that the kindred was obviously a fan of the poet. His dress was similar in style, though more modern, to that which Oscar Wilde's was wearing in a number of the photographs and the kindred even looked superficially similar in appearance.

"Not much information to cover a mans entire life." commented Francis.

"Agreed." replied the kindred. "I am Sebastian Melmoth, and considered somewhat of an institution with San Francisco...and you are one of the Anarchs. Francis, is it?"

Oscar Wilde - Irish Poet

Francis confirmed his identity and then continued. "Are you a fan of Oscar Wilde?" he asked.

"You could say that." was the somewhat vague reply. "Though when I heard that the museum was having an exhibit about his life, I was expecting something a bit more comprehensive. What brings you here?"

The Lasombra admitted that he was just browsing, while waiting for the Prince's upcoming proclamations. Francis had heard of Sebastian Melmoth. His club was one of the most famous places of Elysium in the world

Storytellers Note - The Player hadn't heard of Melmoth, but his character would have done so I furnished him with some information.

Francis knew that Sebastian had come up with the idea of using a luxury yacht in the possession of then Prince Thomas Vannevar for the construction of a club exclusively for vampires and their chosen retainers. Melmoth had remained the owner of the Vampire Club through the era of Prohibition, various earthquakes, the Great Depression, the recent fall of Prince Vannevar, the declarations of the Anarch Free States, and the incursion of the so-called Kindred of the East, and he never found his customers wanting.

Sebastian Melmoth - Toreador
The Vampire Club

"I find you interesting." stated Melmoth, pretty much out of nowhere. "There is to be a celebration of the hundred and twentieth anniversary of the Vampire Club in a few months. Consider yourself and, Thomas, is it? invited. I'll arrange for formal invitations closer to the date. Some 'new blood', so to speak, might liven the event up somewhat."

Francis was suspicious about the unprompted invite, but had to admit that it was an excellent opportunity for them to get in with the right people and as The Vampire Club was an Elysium at least they'd be in no danger. Well, until the left the yacht that is.

"I look forward to it." replied Francis and surprised himself by actually meaning it.

As Francis left he nodded once more at the bodyguard who he knew had been observing him the whole time and decided a formal introduction might be in order now that he and the bodyguards 'boss' had made each others acquaintance.

"Francis Maranzano of the Galerie Sanguine..." he said, and offered his hand. The gesture was reciprocated. "Tex Cainen. Night Manager of the Vampire Club...and head of security for Mr Melmoth."

It was clear that this was all the conversation he was going to get and to be honest if the positions were reversed he wouldn't have volunteered any more information himself. Besides which he needed to catch up with Thomas.

Scene Twenty Two - Politicking

Miriam Caravaggio - Toreador
Sheriff of San Francisco

Thomas hadn't gotten far before being intercepted by Miriam Caravaggio, Sheriff of San Francisco. She and the Ventrue were standing in a relatively sheltered area on a balcony, by an area not meant for public access containing files and paperwork. As Francis arrived, Miriam had just asked the pertinent question.

"Have you made any progress with your task?"

"Some." replied Thomas as he carefully considered just how much to share. "Unfortunately, our enquiries have led us to believe that one of the Harpies. One might actually say 'The' Harpy, has been encouraging a somewhat unhealthy business practice. Unhealthy to the kindred of this city I mean."

Miriam, paused to consider this. "Rumours are spreading which say as much. But I don't pay that much attention to rumours. One never knows who started them, and what their agenda for doing so was or is..." Thomas wasn't sure whether Miriam knew something specific or was talking generally so tried to keep his expression as neutral as possible as she continued speaking. "However, these rumours, if true, would make Anya's position untenable given her role. It would also show a monumental lack of judgement. I would also need evidence on which to act."

Thomas waited until he was sure the Sheriff had finished before replying.

Sara Anne Winder - Ventrue
Prince of San Francisco

"Evidence we have, but the source isn't exactly in a form I can march in as a witness. I'm also unsure about the correct etiquette for what we have planned. In an Anarch domain, the reaction to such an accusation would certainly involve violence, but that's not the case here, correct?"

Miriam became very serious. "If you raise a hand to anyone within Elysium then I'd be obliged to prevent that in the most efficient way possible..."

"I have no intention of raising my hand to anyone. But what happens if someone raises their hand to us? I presume that you'll be too busy protecting the Prince to leap to the defence of some lowly Anarch?"

For a moment, The Sheriff looked offended and Thomas wasn't sure what he'd said that bothered her.

"I take the role of Sheriff very seriously. Any breaking of the rules of Elysium under my watch, reflects directly on me and my reputation, which I also take very seriously indeed. Who you are is irrelevant to me. The rules are the rules. If a kindred within Elysium attacks you I'll drop them just as hard as I'd drop someone who threatened one of the Primogen or the Prince herself."

She seemed serious to Francis, but Thomas also detected something else. It was the potential damage to her personal reputation that had triggered her. It was obvious that she considered herself superior to other kindred and was eager to prove that if given any opportunity for a physical confrontation. The fact that she was armed also cast some doubt upon 'the 'Rules are the rules' statement. Apparently there were exceptions to even seemingly absolute rules.

Mirko Mirkonen - Gangrel Primogen

All Francis's research led him to believe that 'one on one' Miriam was one of the two most dangerous kindred in the city, though was easily surpassed in age, generation and raw physical power by Mirko Mirkonen, the Gangrel Primogen, who was undoubtedly the most dangerous.

"So does that mean we have permission to act or not?" asked Francis.

"I'm not even fucking sure." replied Thomas, his frustration evident by the rare use of profanity. "It looks like it's okay to provoke violence, as long as it isn't perceived as intentional, but even then the response is what's important. And despite Miriam's assurances, It most certainly does matter who you are when you do it..."

"Camarilla politics is a fucking minefield of bullshit." summarised Francis. "Every action has three meanings, and the actor doesn't actually mean any of them, then some other poor bastard gets the blame for not guessing what they actually bloody meant..."

His musing was interrupted by an announcement that the Prince was ready for them all.

Scene Twenty Three - New Blood

Suzanne Rochelle - Toreador
Seneschal to Prince Winder

Prince Winder, dressed in a simple yet elegant black dress, approaches the stage accompanied by both her Sheriff Miriam Caravaggio and her Seneschal Suzanne Rochelle. Gustavo, the Scourge is already standing to one side of the raised area and is watching the crowd closely.

"As many of you have no doubt already heard, San Francisco is lacking several roles that are considered necessary in the difficult times in which we currently find ourselves. The first such role is that of Herald..."

There are some murmurs from within the crowd. It is largely expected that the job will be given to Lilliana Swann as her role within Aegis and The Oratory already gives her access to the necessary communication channels. This would also have the added benefit of ingratiating the representative of an expanding and influential organisation to the Prince.

Anya Bloom however had been pushing for the job to be given to one of her close followers Kristi, a Toreador with considerable influence within social media circles.

"...though many fine candidates have been recommended to me, I offer this important role to Miss Lilliana Swann, if she would be willing to take on this burden?"

Thomas observed a brief expression of frustration crossing Anya's face, though the expected look of disappointment didn't show on Kristi's at all. In fact she almost seemed relieved. Lilliana didn't seem particularly happy about the offer either, though definitely wasn't surprised.

Thomas suspected that Sarina had put the Seneschal off Kristi with various hints about her unsuitability, which would have been passed onto the Prince. Though Suzanne probably vetoed her just to get back at Anya.

Kristi and Lilliana - Competing Candidates for 'Herald'

"My thanks..." replied Miss Swann. "...and I accept, though I'm sure you understand that this acceptance must be provisional. I have considerable commitments and those to whom I answer may have...reservations..."

Prince Sara nodded as if in understanding, and both Anarchs got the impression that she was expecting exactly this response. She then replied. "An understandable and reasonable response. We shall consider the role yours, but if you wish to abdicate the responsibility in the future then we will reluctantly look for another candidate."

Neither of the Anarchs knew what to make of this turn of events. Though Anya's disappointment would certainly help their plan, neither knew enough about Lilliana to decide on the long-term implications.

Perry Commons - Brujah
'Shadow' for San Francisco Neonates

After the expected insincere congratulations and commiserations from the crowd, The Prince moved on.

"The position of Shadow, is another of considerable responsibility as those neonates who join together need guidance from their elders so as to ensure their safety in these tumultuous times. Perry Commons, a Brujah who has remained loyal to us despite the actions of others of his clan has agreed to take on this responsibility..."

Almost blended into the corner of the room, was a kindred that in all honesty they didn't even realize was there until others looked in his direction. An inch over six feet tall, he had sandy blonde hair that has just started to recede.

Maximus said something quietly to another nearby kindred that they don't quite catch all of. The only words they picked out were 'White Knight' and 'Lone Ranger'.

The Prince continued.

"Some of you have petitioned for the appointment of a 'Principle of Faith', but I have deemed this unnecessary. There are few kindred religions represented within this city and none that one might consider to be forbidden by Camarilla laws. We also believe that the policing of such things should be managed internally by the appropriate groups. Should their activities become a threat to the traditions, then that becomes a matter for the Sheriff or Scourges..."

"...and on the subject of the Scourge. Zakaria Tate, a newcomer to our city has agreed to serve under Gustavo in order to assist him with hunting down those who transgress against the Camarilla and are therefore a threat to us all. Miriam will, of course, still mete out any punishments that we deem necessary to ensure that others do not misunderstand what is required of them."

Anya seemed to still be upset about her chosen candidate for Herald been ignored in favour of a mere Gangrel and both could see kindred avoiding her gaze lest they become a candidate on which she might take out her frustrations. Though it was more then that. Francis could see something else, an anger bubbling beneath the surface. As someone who was normally in control, the loss of such was clearly not a situation she was used to dealing with.

Scene Twenty Four - Breaking Traditions

Caspian Smith - Brujah
Warrior Philosopher

"On a final note, Sarina has asked for a moment to speak to you all." Prince Winder then stepped back as Sarina approaches the stage with what was quite obviously a covered painting carried for her by Caspian Smith, The Brujah 'Warrior Philosopher' she had pointed out to them at The Hammer night club.

"In thanks for the work Anya has put into preparing yet another perfect venue in which we can meet. We would like to prevent her with a gift...."

Anya lacked some of her usual swagger as she moved towards Sarina, clearly she was still irritated but was covering it up, but barely.

As she approached the stage, Sarina pulled away the cover to reveal the painting produced by Malaki. Immediately Anya dropped any pretence of covering up her anger and to all present it looked as if it was the gift herself that had angered her. She did however seem to be maintaining control, if only by the merest thread. The barest push might easily put her over the edge.

To those present Anya looked to be ungrateful, which surprised those present who knew what a notable artist Malaki was. Others who had heard the spreading rumours, leapt to other conclusions.

"I'd like a moment to speak on the task we were given..." interrupted Thomas. Now was time to see if their carefully orchestrated hatchet job on Anya could be forced to the desired conclusion.

The Six Traditions

The Prince, looked to her Seneschal who spoke on Sara's behalf.

"It is usual for advance notice to be given should one wish to address the Prince, Primogen or gathered kindred at an event such as this. Nonetheless we shall make an exception on this occasion. You have shown a willingness to learn our rules and follow them, so some flexibility on our part would seem to be in order."

There were a some murmurs from the crowd, broadly split between approval and disapproval, but only a minority had responded in any way. Most were sensible enough to not rock the boat over a minor issue, involving a couple of unimportant Anarchs.

Thomas began.

"I apologise if our investigation has been subtle and un-Anarch of us, I assume this has disappointed many here who were expecting fireworks. Anyway..." Thomas carefully gauged the reaction of the crowd. Several did actually look disappointed. If things went as he expected, that was likely to change.

"This cult can be removed, however it seems that other interested parties have been providing Malaki and his followers with a certain measure of protection. I'm sure their intention was not to draw attention to us, perhaps they were blinded by obsession or are merely a sycophantic fan."

'The Evidence'

Those kindred who had paid attention to the rumours were beginning to cast their eyes in Anya's direction.

"...My acquaintance has some other information that is pertinent." He then allowed Francis to elaborate.

"Though Thomas would like to give this individual the benefit of the doubt, I, unfortunately have evidence that shows a more than casual involvement. Several ghouls were keeping an eye on Malaki, and blood sorcery had also been utilised to prevent any interference in his activities. This has likely made the terms 'blood cult' and 'vampire', in association with these cultists, even more profound."

Thomas then walked over to the Seneschal with the documentation, though made a point of pausing by Anya Bloom. "Perhaps Miss Bloom has an explanation? At least with the dismantling of his cult and him hopefully fading into the background, it will make Anya's gifted painting all the more valuable..."

Scene Twenty Five - Frenzy

Anya lashed out with her fingernails, slicing through the air, mere inches from Francis's cheek who had moved between her and Thomas in anticipation of her reaction. Another lunging attack was easily fended off by the Lasombra former mobster, who had faced infinitely more dangerous enemies than this temperamental prima donna.

Zakaria Tate - Gangrel Scourge

As reason left her eyes, and before a second attack could be considered, another kindred barrelled into her and hurled her into one of the basements supporting pillars. Gustavo, Gangrel Scourge, quickly recovered his balance as Zakaria moved to cover his back. The new recruit being forced to act in his new role, far sooner than anyone, especially himself, might have expected.

The new Scourge was also armed, further putting Miriam's assurances about the equality of the rules of Elysium into doubt.

Anya got no chance to move far as Miriam appeared from nowhere, grabbed her by the throat and slammed her back into the pillar, leaving her feet dangling some six inches from the ground. She slashed her fingernails ineffectively against the sheriff's flesh and though Miriam's skin could be seen to crease slightly, there was no penetration.

Francis noticed that where Anya's nails tore into Miriam's outfit a glint of something could be seen below, as if the material of her dress was layered with some kind of protective material.

Miriam turned to her Prince who tapped her own chest in the area of the heart. Without any comment, Miriam produced a hardwood stake and drove it through Anya's heart with such force that it pinned her to the pillar.

"It's just like being back home in L.A." quipped Francis.

The Prince didn't even miss a beat as she spoke over the noisy crowd. Sensibly the gathered kindred fell silent as their ruler spoke.

"It seems that I also need a new Keeper of Elysium..." she turned to Sarina. "...Congratulations, the role is yours..."

For a moment, Thomas thought he saw a look of satisfaction in the expression on the face of the Toreador Seneschal, Suzanne Rochelle. The thought crossed his mind that Sarina had also been manipulated and this scheme had bene carefully orchestrated, not by Sarina, but by Suzanne.

He'd probably never know, and this was probably for the best. It was possible that the strings of the city were been pulled by someone other than the Prince, or the Harpies, and such a person was unlikely to leave loose-ends.

Interlude - The Deep

Vera Vignes - Ventrue
Ventrue Primogen of San Francisco

Vera Vignes and her guardian Henry Waters left the meeting as soon as the drama had finished playing out. As Ventrue Primogen she had been obliged to attend but as she had had no part in any of the appointments, or if the truth be told, any interest in who was appointed to the roles, she considered it to be a waste of her valuable time.

The Lilliana Swann appointment would be useful though. Vera used many of the services of Aegis, or the Oratory as it was now, and it would make any meetings between their organisations less notable. This time however she had required a meeting with Lilliana's bosses, the deal she needed to make was significantly above the pay grade of Miss Swann.

--------------------

"I'm surprised you attended this meeting personally." Vera began. "I thought you'd be upset about the manipulations that occurred due to 'her' machinations."

Storytellers Note - This refers to events in our main chronicle. The start of the story can be found HERE, though the actual session where the 'issue' occurred is HERE. Though if you skip to the second link you'll spoil the actual story for yourself. the choice is yours.

Marius had allowed Lilliana to retain her seat and stood behind her, using her chair as an armrest. It was clear to Vera that she was uncomfortable in the presence of her employer. Marius had that effect on many, but his own clan seemed particularly susceptible.

"I must admit I was curious to see if my agents were correct or if your personalities were still in conflict. Had I been required to make a wager on the victor in such a contest it wouldn't have been Vera. I'm pleasantly surprised to have been mistaken..."

Henry Waters - Ventrue
Presumed Destroyed

Vera smiled and tapped the side of her head. "She's still in here, but I only let her out when I need something unsavoury doing. She shouldn't have hurt Henry, that was a mistake which gave me all the strength I needed to regain complete control of my own mind..."

Marius made no comment at the term 'hurt'. He knew that Vera's other personality had destroyed Henry Waters. Of that there was no doubt. Quite what the kindred stood in the corner of the room had once been was a curiosity to be sure. Flesh-crafting, mental conditioning and perhaps some creative uses of the Ventrue's powers of Domination had evidently been combined to create an idealised version of the deceased Henry. Slightly more rugged, definitely more muscular, a little older too and more interestingly, he clearly believed himself to be the Henry Waters. Of slightly more interest, was that Vera herself seemed to believe that he was the original. Such self delusion said much about what little of the Primogen's sanity still remained.

None of that was as important as the satisfactory outcome of this deal, so he put the thoughts aside.

"I can accomplish all that you require. My organisation knows more than enough about the Second Inquisition's methodology to protect your financial assets and the physical security is simple enough to implement. I'll have plans made available for the havens you require for yourself and...Henry...so you can make any last minute alterations that might suit you."

On the other matter, do you wish your competitors removal to be done subtly? suicides, accidents and the like or would you like a particular message sending?"

Vera smiled once more. "Subtle will be fine. The criminal elements of the docks already know who is in charge. 'Messages' as you call them have already been given to the uncooperative ones. As I stated earlier, 'She' sometimes still comes in useful. However I have an issue with the stated price...though it might be considered slightly excessive, it is within my means...however it will put back other projects and so I wonder if there's something else you might require?"

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Pack Leader of 'The Oratory'

Vera wasn't stupid. Marius Walker, childe of Xaviar and head of The Oratory, didn't drag himself to San Francisco for a simple trade deal. She had made enquiries of her own and knew that Aegis was investing heavily in logistics, though she suspected that some of that was a cover for other schemes.

"Now you mention it..." he replied.

--------------------

"Why on earth does he want those particular companies?" asked Henry.

It was a good question, but Vera wasn't particularly concerned. The deep ocean salvage companies she'd acquired as part of other dockyard takeovers, had been of no use to her logistics empire. Their equipment had been put into storage and the staff moved to other more immediately useful projects.

"We got the required security projects for half the original price and all it cost us was a spurious sale to Aegis of three companies that we have no need for. The shareholders might quibble a little at us basically giving away seventy-five million dollars worth of businesses, but that's a small price to pay for our personal safety..."

Vera kissed Henry tenderly on the cheek, which he knew was an indicator that she considered the subject closed "Be a dear and fetch the car will you?"

To be Continued in 'Chronicle Five' (Introduction)

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Storytellers Conclusions

I sometimes 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....

We'll be leaving San Francisco for a while and returning to our main chronicle, but we'll be back at some point.

Sometimes the players will come up with a plan that is nothing like you expected. The key is, in my opinion at least, to go with it. Especially if it's better than what you had planned, or is something they're very excited about. Plot twists are part and parcel of the World of Darkness, and I'm not advocating making it easy for them as life as a vampire is meant to be problematic, but...

Adapting their plan into your overall scheme and at least giving it a chance to be implemented will result in players who are invested in your chronicle and the world you created and that's great for them and for you.

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song on the off-chance any-one is interested.

------------------------------------------------

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Thomas Caldwell is Oscar Isaac, Francis Maranzano is a young Al Pacino, 'The Beggar' is Jason Mantzoukas, Maximus Sun is Ye Liu, Anya Bloom is Zendaya, Vannevar Thomas is Bryan DeChart, Kristi Pittman is Thora Birch, Sarina Harrington is Joan Smalls, Lilliana Swann is Liv Tyler, Roland Stolzfus is Alex Petteyfer, William Butler is Dolph Lundgren, 'Daphne' is Jemima Kirke, Tex Cainen is Sam Elliot, Oscar Wilde was Stephen Fry, Sebastain Melmoth is Stephen Fry, Miriam Caravaggio is Sasha Luss, Sara Anne Winder is Saoirse Ronan, Mirko Mirkonen is Nathan Jones, Suzanne Rochelle is Amelia Rose Blaire, Perry Commons is Owen Wilson, Caspian Smith is Chad Michael Murray, Zakaria Tate is Noah Centineo, Vera Vignes is Helen Mirran, Henry Waters is Henry Cavill and Marius Walker is Tony Curran.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Three - Galerie Sanguine: San Francisco

2022-12-16T15:30:00.001+00:00

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

Links

The 'Session Zero' of this mini-chronicle can be found HERE,

Session One and Session Two

---------------------

The PC's

Thomas Caldwell, Ventrue

Francis Maranzano, Lasombra

Thomas Caldwell and Francis Maranzano

The Storyteller

As everyone else...

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously).

Introduction

Thomas Caldwell is to be Sarina Harrington's +1 for the exclusive exhibition of the newest work by the artist 'Malaki'. She has also obtained an extra invitation for Francis Maranzano who is down as her 'security'. Apparently this has raised no objections from the Exhibition organisers, which raises some questions about just how influential Sarina really is.

Scene Twelve - Image

The name 'Harrington' rang a bell with Francis so he has renewed some old acquaintances in order to see what he can find out about her, and so had done a little research. She had a brief tenure as a harpy in Chicago, where he had a few contacts from his days as a mobster.

Bret Stryker - Toreador
Sire of Sarina Harrington

Sarina was the childe of a Chicago kindred named Bret Stryker. She was, as a mortal, a well known ballet dancer of the nineteenth century, which is likely where she caught Stryker's eye.

Bret worked toward helping other young dancers by supporting them monetarily. He was the patron of a number of burgeoning dance studios, one for kids from lower-income households, one for aspiring ballet dancers, and another for pole dancing and strip acts.

Sarina had followed his example and similarly sponsored a number of such establishments around the city, as well as dancers in many exclusive clubs around San Francisco. It was likely this which had helped her gain ground as a Harpy. Having contacts in the club scene of a city was a good way to ingratiate oneself with a cities kindred as this was an easy path to social situations that facilitated feeding.

She also had a working relationship with Patrick Hodge, so presumably some of her 'dancers' had a side-line as escorts, and presumably she got a 'cut' of their earnings.

Her loyalty to Anya was well known, almost too well known, in fact. In his experience the only reason for standing behind another kindred was to make it easier to stab them in the back.

They had also learned that Malaki's gallery was called the Angelico, presumably after the famous Gothic painter of the 14th century Fra Angelico and was in a sturdy old brick building in the centre of the district in which their own establishment was based.

Security was to be tight as virtually every celebrity worth knowing would be there on the night. This would virtually guarantee a police presence which was likely to be a concern. Photographic equipment had been banned from the opening, as had mobile phones. Evidently Malaki wished to keep his collection exclusive for as long as possible.

A parcel had arrived for Francis Maranzano. The note simply read "Mr Maranzano ,Some suitable attire for the upcoming occasion, Sarina x."

It contained a suit, two pairs of trousers, two shirts and ties. They had been tailored, yet fit Francis perfectly. Apparently Sarina had an eye for detail.

Thomas recognised the suits as from the 'House of Bijan', an expensive clothing outlet on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. It was familiar as his own suit came from the same place. He was also aware that their suits start in the region of 9,500 dollars and were made to order. This made the acquiring of one, and a tailored one at that, within such a limited timeframe, all the more impressive.

House of Bijan at Night

Such a 'gift' was worth a minor boon at the very least and the fact that this gift had arrived without prompting demonstrated one of two things. Either she was attempting to ingratiate herself with them, or, it was easy for her to do, perhaps both.

A third possibility occurred to Francis. "It looks like she doesn't want us to embarrass her at the event..."

Francis then summoned one of his ghouls and sent them to search for pictures of Malaki, and if possible, his entourage. He was keen to put names to any faces that might be at the unveiling, or at the very least identify any of Malaki's cult that were also in attendance.

"What's so fucking special about this guy anyway?" asked Francis conversationally. "A hundred and fifty thousand dollars a painting." replied Thomas, before elaborating. "He did a lot of borderline sacrilegious paintings. Reimagining biblical stories in a less than flattering manner. His most infamous was a rendition of 'The Judgement of Solomon' where the baby actually gets cut in half, rather than it just being threatened..."

Painting with Blood

"He also uses blood in his paintings, usually from whoever commissioned the artwork, but sometimes from donors who embody some aspect of the picture itself. This apparently caused some problems with a kindred in L.A. and Michael and Co. had to sort it out..."

Storytellers Note - That is from one of the first stories we did. You can read it HERE but it's a bit rough as I wasn't as tight with the formatting as I became later...

Francis's ghoul reappeared with several pictures of Malaki and his followers that he had printed out for his regnant. He'd given up sending things to Francis electronically as invariably something went wrong as soon as his Lasombra master touched a phone.

"He looks like a pretentious twat..." commented Francis.

"When people pay the price of a small house, or a big car, for some paint you throw at a canvass, you can afford to look a bit smug..." countered Thomas.

Scene Thirteen - Last Minute Surprises

Elissa Ballard - Ghoul?
'Friend' of Sarina Harrington

A Limousine arrives outside your galley at the agreed upon time. The driver opens the door and a beautiful and elegant blonde woman exits and waits for you. You vaguely recognise her, but she doesn't appear to be kindred.

"Sarina apologises but there has been a slight change of plan..." she hands you an invitation. "...I am to be your escort for the evening and Sarina will join us later. Her presence has been required by her...friend, Anya, it was a matter of some urgency apparently..."

"My name is Elissa Ballard, I am a close friend of Sarina and am therefore aware of the needs of her 'special' friends. My throat is off-limits though..." she winked, then smiled. "...our driver is similarly well informed, though much less talkative than I..."

Francis drew a blank, but Thomas recognised Elissa as an up and coming model in the San Francisco' scene. The fact that she got an invite wasn't a surprise. He imagined she was on a lot of peoples 'must have' guests lists. What Francis did notice was that the driver had a scar across his throat. It looked deep and the Lasombra suspected that the driver couldn't talk at all.

"So how do you know Sarina then?" asked Thomas

"We're old friends, she helped me move from dancing into modelling, and we've become very close since then. So are you both from Los Angeles?" she said, quite obviously wanting to change the subject.

Thomas answered first. "I've been there quite a while, but this opportunity seemed to good to miss..."

Horatio Ballard - Ventrue
Childe of Lodin

Realising that the conversation probably wouldn't go any further, and lose them the chance to learn anything else, unless he also replied, Francis spoke briefly. "I'm not a native of Los Angeles. Actually I'm from New York originally. And you?" he prompted.

"Me? I'm from Chicago originally. My family has some dubious connections and I wanted to separate myself from them as much as possible. Of course, I keep in touch, making enemies of such people is a bad idea, they're old school gangsters to be honest so they have a code of sorts. Anyway, enough about me..."

Maranzano concluded that it was possible, though maybe a longshot, that she was a mortal ancestor of Horatio Ballard, a kindred businessman from Chicago who had had a recent fall in status due to considerable financial losses by his company Ballard Industries.

Francis decided to try and confirm or deny his own conjecture with some probing of his own.

"I knew some Ballard's in my old career. They had a reputation as tough businessmen who it was a very bad idea to cross. Sometimes fatally so..."

Elissa's reply confirmed what Francis had suspected.

"They're not that bad if you're family..."

David Geduld - Ventrue, Sire of Thomas, Presumed Destroyed

This also got Thomas's attention. His sire, David Geduld, was a childe of Lawrence Ballard, who was, in turn, a childe of Horatio Ballard. Thomas didn't really believe in coincidences and had now became suspicious that Sarina might be playing a larger game than he had originally suspected.

He had also heard a rumour that Horatio Ballard could only feed from members of his mortal family, which might explain why the beautiful Elissa was keen to distance herself from her 'Family'.

Scene Fourteen - Angelico

Angelico's Underground Parking

You are directed past the press and reporters outside, to an underground carpark to which those hangers on have been forbidden access.

Four security guards, presumably selected for their size as each has the physique of a powerlifter, are keeping interlopers from getting into the parking area and ensuring that once within, that only those with invites make it through to the reception area.

Francis noted the guards were keeping a particular eye on him. Apparently his new suit, did nothing to conceal his natural swagger. It seemed they knew how to spot a dangerous individual when in ones presence.

As they left the vehicle, Thomas offered Elissa his arm and she accepted.

The reception area is adjacent to the main gallery and contains a table overflowing with expensive wines and delicate foodstuffs.

Angelico's - Champagne for Everyone

Those mingling are a veritable 'whose who' of San Francisco's art scene and those celebrities who support it. Though Elissa gets some attention, you are generally being ignored as in celebrity terms you haven't the status necessary to make you worth networking. Yet.

Thomas used this to his advantage, effectively using Elissa as 'bait' to lure in individuals of significance who he then used his considerable charisma and powers of persuasion upon. He acquired several new contacts and a few promises to 'check out' the gallery. Francis on the other hand decided to take the advice of a biblical proverb. "Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent."

Francis also took advantage of an unusual trait he possessed and helped himself to some food and drink. It was rare for a kindred, but Francis could consume food without effort and sometimes even enjoyed it, though it gave him no nourishment and unfortunately needed to be expelled before resting for the day. The advantage was, of course, that it made any casual observer highly unlikely to see him and think 'vampire'.

Malaki - Mortal
Notorious Artist

It's not long before the double doors to the exhibition are opened and Malaki makes his appearance.

He is just over six feet tall and surprisingly well built considering the usual artist stereotype. He is dressed in a black suit, shirt and tie and says nothing for several moments. Though not classically handsome he exudes charisma and you can understand how he might attract a certain type of individual to him. The only colour to his outfit comes from a ring on his finger containing a large red stone, which he plays with seemingly unconsciously.

"Welcome to my exhibition. You have been carefully selected as individuals with the necessary imagination to appreciate the message I'm attempting to convey." He then stands aside to allow entry.

From the way he stood, Francis imagined that he had had some military training. Something in his bearing just gave that impression.

The works were striking. Simplistic yet powerful, and each inspired an emotional reaction, not all of which were positive. Certain celebrities seemed to be drawn to particular works. Mingling with the guests were men and women, also dressed in black, handing out drinks to those who required them. From the way these servers continuously turned to see if Malaki was watching them in turn, they both presumed that these were part of his cult.

You each find your own attention caught by a particular image, though this is different for each of you.

Storytellers Note - Each player was then given a picture...

Thomas found himself focussed upon a painting of a man on what he interpreted as seated upon a throne. The light shone from behind him and seemed to be forming a crown or halo. The view was from below as if the figure was viewed by an adoring crowd and Thomas began to visualise himself upon the throne. The people below were insignificant, only he mattered...

Francis looked upon a creature of shadow, free from all mundane restrictions of the physical plane. Dark wings spread from their back, blocking the light, shielding him from it, from fire, from the sun. The darkness flowed from beyond this reality, a steady flow of infinite power that waiting for him to take it...

Both realised at the same time that the paintings, and whatever resonated within, was speaking to their darkest impulses, in the case of kindred this meant the voice of the beast that most sane kindred kept locked away. Simultaneously they realised the danger these works of art held for kindred and managed to tear their gazes away from the image

Very few others present had their strength of will, though the effect upon mere mortals was far less invasive than they themselves had felt.

One such individual of will was an elderly Asian man with glasses. He noticed their attention and crossed over to them, then leant in as if sharing a secret.

"What does a vampire want with Malaki? You might as well be honest, I'll know if you're lying." he smiled, but Thomas could see that it was forced. "Perhaps we can find a quiet corner and discuss the matter further?"

Scene Fifteen - Li T'ien

As Thomas accepted the invitation, Francis moved to his side. Once out of earshot of those gathered around the revealed exhibit, the mysterious man spoke once more.

Father Li T'ien - Mage

"My name is Li T’ien. I am what your kind might call a mage. Not in the crude sense of your clan of blood manipulating hedge wizards, but an actual manipulator of reality. Malaki is awakening to his powers and without guidance has began to draw unwanted attention. One presumes that you have been drawn here by him also?"

Thomas nodded, then replied. "He's drawing some attention that might prove to be harmful to both himself and other interested parties. We're here to make an assessment of the potential dangers..."

Thomas could sense that Li T'ien seemed dubious about his reasoning, but the 'mage' nonetheless elaborated

"We will not allow him to be harmed, however our attempts to bring him into the fold are being interfered with by one of your kind. Bodyguards infected with your blood, crude rituals designed to attack those with abilities such as mine, and so on. If you can remove these impediments to our access, then I can arrange for him to learn to control his abilities and focus them in a way that's less likely to summon interference. You call them the Second Inquisition, I believe? They exploit your weaknesses, weaknesses that we don't possess...however...any observation of you, might lead them to Malaki, and this we would like to avoid..."

Francis moved in closer.

He detected the hint of a threat in the mages tone that irritated him. He, like many kindred, had heard tales of what one such as this was capable of when in danger, but was also reasonably sure that punching his head from his shoulders was a good way of ending them as a threat.

Li T'ien, it seemed, picked up on Francis's change in mood.

"You are stronger and faster than I, that is certain. I do however have precautions in place to prevent myself coming to harm. One imagines you suddenly finding that eight hours have passed and that your now in a room filled with daylight might be an inconvenience? I understand that fire is an issue too?"

Thomas decided to turn the conversation back to their problem. He too was annoyed by this mortal's tone, but this was not the place for violence.

Anya Bloom - Toreador
Keeper of Elysium, Malaki 'Fan'

"You mentioned 'one of our kind'. Do you have a name?"

Li T'ien did indeed.

"Who? Her name is Miss Bloom. She has invested a great deal into Malaki's gallery, image and protection. If she were to be out of the picture, if you pardon the pun, then we can solve the problem for you and you can return to ravishing virgins, or whatever it is your kind do to pass the time...and we can return to being blissfully unaware of each others existences..."

The scorn was evident in every word uttered by this wizard, or whatever he called himself. It was quite obvious that he didn't like vampires, for some reason.

"I've taken the night off from ravishing..." replied Thomas. "...I presume, as you're here, you've taken a night off from card tricks and street magic?"

Francis smiled at the look of irritation that crossed the mages face, and that they then tried to hide. He decided that now was the time for his own input.

"It seems to me, that we're going to be doing a lot of work that benefits you, and also do all the grunt work for? Unless you have something to offer of use, I don't see how this relationship benefits us?"

The old man produced a folder, as if from nowhere and handed it to Thomas.

"Not exactly a card trick..." quipped Francis "...but pretty impressive nonetheless. Do you do children's parties?" Thomas noted that the oriental gentlemen ignored the comment, but he doubted that they were doing much to improve his opinion of kindred in general.

Li T'ien continued speaking as if Francis had said nothing.

"That folder contains documents that tie Malaki's...vampire...sponsor directly to his business ventures as well as other peripheral information about associates, guards, followers and the like. Certainly enough for blackmail purposes, or other methods that might facilitate the removal of...impediments..."

Thomas noticed the pause. He suspected that the mage was going to use the word 'leech' instead of vampire. Francis also needed a point clarifying. "You say Malaki is off limits. What about his little cult? Do you care about their fate?"

"They are nothing." said Li T'ien, without stopping to think about his reply even for a moment. This was pretty much what Francis had figured the answer would be. This mage might not be a fan of kindred, but Francis wasn't exactly becoming a fan of mages either. Especially this arrogant bastard.

"We'll see what we can do." replied Thomas and then turned away, indicating that it was he, not Li Tien, who would decide when the meeting was over. Francis completely approved of the action, but nonetheless watched the mage out of the corner of his eye as they walked away.

Scene Sixteen - Fashionably Late

Sarina Harrington - Toreador
Harpy, Artist, Schemer

Sarina had arrived mere moments ago, fashionably late perhaps?

The actual reason for her tardiness turned out to be more serious than mere pandering to stereotypes.

"My apologies. Anya has discovered that we met and is having a hissy fit about it. I explained that I was merely manipulating you so I could get my work exhibited and then she had another tantrum about me allowing you access to Malaki. As he is, and I quote directly, 'My toy, and no-one else's...' I, of course, wish to support her in any way I can, but her obsession with Malaki is, some are saying, getting in the way of her duties as Keeper of Elysium. One hopes she manages to keep her cool, in the unlikely event of someone confronting her about the issues with her arrangement with this artist..."

Both Anarchs could see that Sarina was pissed off and barely in control. Whatever Anya said had definitely touched a nerve. Thomas also suspected that they had been given a heavily edited version of the conversation so Sarina wouldn't lose face.

However, it had given Francis an idea. "Hypothetically, If the Keeper of Elysium was to lose her cool during an actual meeting at an Elysium. She'd likely lose the job, correct?"

Sarina raised an eyebrow, then replied. "It would depend on the how and the why, but any actual act of violence or use of disciplines, except in self defence of course, would unlikely to be easily forgiven."

A 'Gift' For Anya

Francis and Thomas exchanged a look. Both had felt their emotions heightened dramatically by one of Malaki's paintings. It occurred to them both that if a painting could be found that had a suitably negative effect, especially on one as emotional as a Toreador, then it wouldn't take much of a 'push' to send them over the edge.

"We'd like to buy Anya a gift..." began Thomas, much to Sarina's surprise. "...one of Malaki's paintings. Perhaps we could present it to her at the next gathering of kindred that occurs? You could present it to her yourself, but unfortunately a present of such a generous nature is beyond our resources at the moment."

They both saw Sarina leap to the same conclusion as they had done, though she did well to hide it, instead opting to display an expression of confusion. Thomas waited for the plotting Harpy to come up with something approaching plausible deniability. He didn't have to wait long.

"I have no idea why you'd wish to do such a thing, but I'll purchase a painting on your behalf and have it sent to your gallery. Which one did you have in mind?"

Elissa and Sarina
A Ghoul and her Regnant

Already prepared for the emotional onslaught that viewing the works of art was about to inflict upon them, they were better prepared this time. After some thought, they picked one that inspired feelings of both jealousy and rage. A mere glance had begun to effect Sarina, so hopefully the effect would be amplified when used upon Anya.

Elissa, who had been mingling while the kindred went about their business, reappeared and brushed past Sarina before taking Thomas's arm once more. She pouted a little and then feigned irritation at Sarina being late and then ignoring her in favour of other business. Thomas played a long for a while, before all three became bored of the 'game'. Elissa and Sarina began to mingle with the crowd and Francis reappeared at the side of his Ventrue ally.

"Are we done here?" he asked.

Thomas agreed that it was time to leave. The Harpy and her ghoul were now entirely focussed upon each other and the Anarchs had much to consider before the next Elysium.

"Do you think this is going to work?" asked Thomas. With the earlier feelings now fading he was having his doubts about whether the painting had really had such a profound effect upon him as he had at the time.

"Well as it was my plan, I fucking well hope so..." replied Francis. "...and as our transport appears to be no longer available, I'll give you my drivers number and you can get him to pick us up."

Interlude - Mages

Leon Arness - Mage
Virtual Adept

Li T'ien entered the room where several others of his kind had agreed to meet. The old building had been purchased by one of Leon's companies and quietly removed from all records and to a certain extent, reality itself, making it an excellent location for private discussions.

The other three were not of his own tradition, but nonetheless were the closest thing to independents amongst the Mages of this city and those nearby, and so had all gravitated towards the 'Orphan' Malaki.

They had been somewhat sceptical of his suggestion that they use the blood-suckers to solve their problem, but had nonetheless accepted his council. Not only was he the oldest of them, but certainly the most powerful.

"How did it go?" asked Leon.

Despite his Western name, Leon was actually of Chinese descent, and therefore automatically one step above the others in the estimations of Li T'ien. He was also capable of doing things with modern technology that Li T'ien was more than happy to know nothing about. He was a traditionalist in many ways and had a dislike for the modern, though understood it's usefulness.

Bink - Mage
Sons of Ether

"As expected..." replied the eldest mage. "...they were likely planning to simply kill Malaki, and I have ensured that they no longer seek this 'easy' path. The information you obtained will help them remove the minor impediment to our observations, and then we can go back to ignoring them."

As Bink had remained quiet, rather than talking at something approaching a million miles an hour, Li T'ien assumed she approved. She was the polar opposite of Leon in the areas of technology, her devices having a somewhat baroque feel that the eldest one felt more comfortable with. It was these with which they'd monitored the kindred and she who had warned him of their imminent meeting with Malaki.

"So they get to live?" asked Timer, a short, slender woman dressed in grey. Her skin was so pale that Li T'ien made a mental connection between her and the unsavoury creatures he'd dealt with earlier. The fact that she too was, in his opinion at least, an indiscriminate killer, also reminded him annoyingly of the leeches.

The Timer - Mage
Euthanatos Barabbus

"Strictly speaking, they aren't alive. But if you mean can they continue to exist, then yes. So you may leave that where it is." he gestured towards the silenced Heckler and Koch pistol that she thought was totally concealed beneath her jacket. She shrugged. If someone was not on her hit list or threatening her endeavours, then they were not worth thinking about. As these vampires were neither, she put them from her mind.

"You still haven't told us why this Malaki is so important and why we simply didn't solve this issue ourselves. We were more than capable of doing so. Weren't we?" asked Leon

The mage smiled at the folly of youth, but decided to answer anyway.

"Because others that were also looking into Malaki would also take an interest in him, if we were to show how important he potentially is. The leeches however are beneath their notice and so we get what we want, and our intentions stay hidden."

This wasn't strictly true, but the others didn't need to know every detail. Everything was going to plan, his plan that is, and that was all that mattered.

To be Continued in 'Galerie Sanguine: San Francisco (Part Four)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

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

The players plan is certainly interesting and caught me a little by surprise, so I had to wing some of the latter part of the session.

Okay...all of the latter part of the session...so now I'm off to completely rewrite the finale...

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song on the off-chance any-one is interested.

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I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Thomas Caldwell is Oscar Isaac, Francis Maranzano is a young Al Pacino, Elissa Ballard is Doutzen Kroes, David Geduld is Zachary Quinto, Malaki is Adam Driver, Father Li T'ien is James Hong, Anya Bloom is Zendaya and Sarina Harrington is Joan Smalls. Malaki's paintings are images from 'Pickmans Gallery' in the Fallout 4 game by Bethesda Softworks.

Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Two - Galerie Sanguine: San Francisco

2022-12-09T16:30:00.004+00:00

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

The 'Session Zero' of this mini-chronicle can be found HERE, Session One is HERE.

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The PC's

Thomas Caldwell, Ventrue

Francis Maranzano, Lasombra

Thomas Caldwell and Francis Maranzano

The Storyteller

As everyone else...

Trigger Warnings for This Session: Blood (Obviously), Scarification.

Introduction

Sara Anne Winder - Ventrue
Prince of San Francisco

Your first meeting with the kindred movers and shakers of San Francisco went without any embarrassing incidents or breaches of etiquette.

The example of Michael's work was graciously received by Prince Sara Winder and you have discovered that it was subsequently gifted to her Seneschal Suzanne Rochelle.

The rumourmongers are already implying that Suzanne requested the painting as it was the work of her paramour Baron Tomassio, though the official line is that the Prince gifted it to her loyal follower due to the roses within the design.

Another less savoury rumour you have heard is that the painting contains a secret message from Michael to Suzanne. Though, as far as you know, this is complete bollocks, some kindred seem to be using it to undermine the Seneschal.

You have been granted temporary access to the feeding ground promised you when you resolve the 'Malaki' issue, though Miriam Caravaggio, the cities Sheriff has made it clear that for this situation to continue, progress will need to be made sooner rather than later.

Scene Eight - Malaki

Malaki - Mortal
Artist Cult Leader

Their research into the artist known as Malaki had revealed certain information to them.

Malaki, real name Malcolm King, had moved away from his more controversial early religious work into bright, yet disturbing works in mainly reds, blacks and yellows. Though somewhat simplistic in style, they had to admit that they had a power about them that drew the eye and held the attention.

The feeling was not unlike that exhibited by kindred using the disciplines of Dominate and Presence, though slightly less focussed. They were both experienced enough with such powers to be reasonably sure that though the effect was similar, it was not the same, but was almost certainly unnatural, of that they were sure.

What was also certain was that the paintings contained a considerable quantity of blood within them, enough for them to, if not necessarily awaken the beast, certainly get it's attention.

Malaki himself played the role of tortured soul to perfection and was apparently never alone. By day he was surrounded by toadying sycophants and by night accompanied by the most beautiful and interesting of his male and female fans, giving equal attention to both genders.

Malaki's Cult of Blood

Though it's possible that his image may have been an act, his cult was very real and bordered on the fanatical. These included mere fans of his work, as well as social media influencers and a few minor celebrities. Any criticism of him was drowned out by vocal art critics and a fan base guaranteed to fill the comment section of any internet thread featuring him.

Like themselves, Malaki had a grand opening planned to exhibit what he was referring to as 'Wave Two' of his new direction. This opening was to be held in three evenings time and the guestlist was exclusive in the extreme. Getting an invite wasn't going to be easy at this late time and security was sure to be tight. This would however be their best chance to both meet the man himself and do some reconnaissance of his gallery, and apparent home.

Though they needed to act upon this intelligence as soon as possible, they also had their own exhibition to plan.

Scene Nine - Artistic Integrity

Sophia Bartholomew - Toreador
Los Angeles Artist

Shipments of art had arrived in anticipation of the galleries grand opening courtesy of their patron Michael Tomassio.

These included a small quantity of his own works as well as those of other notable Los Angeles kindred artists such as Sophia Bartholomew, Marianne Palmer, and Michaels protégé Cai Arias, as well as a number of sculptures crafted by other members of the Bartholomew Family. There was also a large statue crafted from twisted metal by a sculptor called William Butler.

They had also received a package via messenger containing several works by Sarina Harrington, one of Anya Blooms harpies, together with a handwritten note addressed FAO Thomas Caldwell.

It said...

"Here is a small sample of my work for your consideration, if you wish to discuss featuring it in your upcoming opening I would be happy to meet at your convenience." The note contained a rose coloured business card featuring the name Sarina and a phone number embossed in dark red.

Thomas decided to cast his professional eye over them. This was a good opportunity to ingratiate them with one of the cities harpies, but he had no intention of damaging the galleries reputation if they turned out to be substandard.

Marianne Palmer and Cai Arias - Toreador Artists from L.A.

Fortunately she was actually fairly talented. The paintings were abstract, and though perhaps not particularly original, certainly showed a knowledge of light and colour which elevated them to a higher standard than might be considered average. But most importantly to Thomas, they were sellable, and that meant that he'd be happy to give them a place in the galleries grand opening.

Michael Tomassio - Toreador
Kindred Influencer and Art Patron

"So we've already reached the 'bribery' stage of Camarilla politics? That didn't take long..." commented Francis. "...are we meeting her then?"

Thomas seemed to think it was a good idea. "If anyone can get us tickets to Malaki's show it's going to be one of the Harpies. Worse case we'll trade off of Michael's reputation as a power player when it comes to publicising kindred works of art, though knowing this lot she already has taken that into account."

A single phone call was all it took for a meeting to be arranged. The location was a club called 'Hammers' that neither of them had ever heard of. Fortunately in the modern age, information was only a button press away. Though In Francis's case it was his ghoul who pressed the buttons as Clan Lasombra often had an unfortunate effect upon technology.

Storytellers Note - I tend to let players design their ghouls very loosely and allocate abilities to them on the fly. Though obviously once they've used an ability in session then it's cast in stone. This also has the benefit of tying ghouls more closely to the player characters and the story.

Scene Nine - Hammers

South of Market - San Francisco

Hammer’s was in South of Market. Although part of the forty-nightclub stretch, Hammer’s was a warehouse disco that was open by invitation only. Most Kindred knew at least one other vampire who could provide the initial invite, and once invited, you automatically became a member.

Hammer’s was best described as a fetish nightclub, but not in the traditional sense, if tradition and fetish were ever mutually exclusive that is. The dress code ran from suit and-tie to PVC, but the entertainment was certainly 'unique' and not for the prudish or those with refined sensibilities. Hammer’s hosted various interest groups and clubs nightly, offering them free admission and three complimentary drinks if they "do their thing" in the nightclub’s spectacle cages. Most of these groups were exhibitionist by default and always looking for new members, so they had few reservations about being on display.

On any given night, Hammer's patrons may find modern primitives in the bar conducting scarification and brandings on one another, or a local chapter of Baccae, which caters to large hedonistic men, women and their fans, who paraded around naked, cavorted and even lap danced for admirers.

On the specified evening the dress code was to be 'suit and tie' and the entertainment was described as 'modern primitives'.

Francis Maranzano's Personal Armoury

One of Francis's ghouls acted as driver and Thomas's vehicle was expensive enough to not stand out amongst the cities movers and shakers. One of Francis's ghouls had a talent for forgery and had faked permits for an M1911 handgun and a snub-nosed .38 that the Lasombra carried in an ankle holster. They weren't the ghouls best work however as the curse of Francis's Clan kept messing up the camera that he used to take the appropriate pictures. Still, they were good enough to pass a casual inspection.

--------------------

'The Hammer' Nightclub Security

The main entrance was busy but not excessively so and was flanked by a pair of large doormen, accompanied by a smaller gentlemen who appeared to be in charge as their body language implied respect, despite the other man being considerably less fearsome in appearance.

"Do you have an invitation, or are you here as someone's guest?" he asked as they approached.

Thomas managed to look suitably offended that anyone would imply that he'd turn up somewhere without an invite. "We and my acquaintance are here as guests of Miss Sabrina Harrington."

The head doorman ran his finger down a list of names handed to him by one of the larger doormen. "Miss Harrington? Yes, she has you both listed as her guests. I feel I should mention that tonight's entertainment is neither for the squeamish or prudish."

He then handed them each a laminated card with the clubs name and logo on it and a membership number.

Extreme Scarification - 'The Hammer'

"Once invited..." he explained. "...you're automatically granted membership. Hammer’s isn’t about degradation, however, but pride. The participants are all proud of their interests or bodies, and Hammer’ s ensures it invites patrons who appreciative their diversity. Our security have been instructed to immediately remove anyone who insults or derides members of the showcased club. I trust that is satisfactory?"

"I'm sure the experience will be suitably interesting..." replied Thomas somewhat noncommittedly.

The music playing was loud but not excessively so and this evening appeared to alternate between hard electronic sounds and industrial metal. Cages along each side of the club and above the bar contained men and women conducting scarification and brandings upon one another, observed with varying degrees of interest by the well dressed patrons. It was an unusual mix, but they could see why the venue would be popular with kindred.

The gentlemen at the front entrance informed you that Sarina can normally be found in the upstairs VIP area towards the rear and that your names will be on that list also. He also lets you know that your membership doesn't cover that area so you would have to ensure that anyone you meet there has added your name to the list.

Scene Ten - Sarina Harrington

Sarina Harrington - Toreador
Harpy and Artist

Sarina is a tall and elegant Puerto Rican woman who permanently seems to move like she's on a catwalk. Her clothing is expensive and, as you'd expect, the height of current fashion trends and all present seem to be unable to keep their eyes off her.

It's obvious that despite her protestations, and casual attitude to being the focus of so many, that it is this attention that she existed for. Playing second fiddle to Anya Bloom must be something that was constantly eating away at her.

A kindred capable of such a balancing act would be a great ally, and a deadly opponent if wronged. This meeting would be critical if they were to gain the approval of those who really decided who was on the inside and who remained on the fringes of society, living on the scraps.

Unsurprisingly she had a booth reserved.

"I'm so glad you could make the time to join me. What did you think of my work?" Francis decided to remain silent and let Thomas reply.

"You're clearly very talented. My employer Michael Tomassio, an artist and patron of artists that you may have heard of, is always on the lookout for new talents amongst the kindred artistic community. I'm sure he will be as impressed as myself when he sees your work..."

Anya Bloom - Toreador
Keeper of Elysium

Francis held back a wry smirk. This was a far more glowing assessment of her work than Thomas had given when he'd looked at it at the gallery. He understood the necessity, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

"Forgive my directness..." replied Thomas "...but I have a feeling that other interested parties may have attempted to gain some influence over what we discuss tonight. Anya perhaps?"

"And I appreciate your candour. " said Sabrina. "Anya is certainly interested in how you intend to resolve the issue of Malaki. She's a big fan of his work and so how you deal with him will certainly illicit a response from her, one way or another. His little cult has been an issue for some time but no-one wanted to risk the social backlash that might occur should the solution be not to her liking."

"As Anarchs I'm sure you find these games of status to be an unusual path to power but I assure you that the Camarilla take these social conflicts very seriously. Though Anya wouldn't attack you physically, as might happen within an Anarch domain, she can certainly make it impossible for you to conduct business within this city."

Francis had suspected that this would be the case, though if the Camarilla thought that Anarchs were unable to fight in the social arena as well as the physical one, they were going to be in for a rude awakening.

Suzanne Rochelle - Toreador
Seneschal to Prince Winder

As Thomas was being 'good cop', Francis decided to play the other role. "She struck me as being a bit of a bitch." he interjected. "But despite what you may have heard about us Anarchs, we're more than aware that a well placed word can be as effective as a well placed bullet. Even if, speaking for myself of course, I find a bullet to be preferable."

Sabrina began to smile then caught herself. Both Thomas and Francis saw it though. Sabrina switched effortlessly back into her role as a loyal follower of Sabrina as she replied. Neither anarch believed it for a second. "Anya has a way of doing things which antagonizes certain of the cities kindred. Some have said that the role of Keeper of Elysium might be better served with a more delicate and reasonable hand behind it. I, of course, wholeheartedly support Anya, nonetheless many hold the opinion that for a Toreador she lacks...nuance..."

"The current target of her ire is the Seneschal, Suzanne Rochelle."

"Some bad blood exists between them from the nights when Vannevar Thomas held the title of Prince and of course, Anya dared not act against one who was so close to the cities ruler. Now, in my opinion at least, she feels more comfortable taking her on. Her position being more tenuous under Prince Winder..."

"I suppose..." theorized Thomas. "...that not being the Princes lover has weakened her position considerably." Sabrina merely nodded before continuing. "Sara is a fair leader, something the city needed after the ego driven mistakes of her predecessor, but it's unlikely that she entirely trusts an advisor who served her predecessor so closely."

Scene Eleven - Status

Tjun Tjun Afiff - Tzimisce
Kindred of the East

After you've spoken for a while, Sarina stands and walks to the edge of the balcony, indicating that you should follow.

"Even in a place such as this, an Elysium where all kindred are supposedly welcome, and membership is trivial to obtain, there exists a division between those with power and those without."

She gestured below to several groups in turn.

"See the athletic looking Indonesian woman in latex down there, the one with the chrome jewellery and the body piercings?" That's Tjun Tjun Afiff. A monster amongst the Eastern kindred. She's both whore and madam and gains her pleasures from the infliction of pain. Fortunately there are many mortals within the city willing to pay for such personal attention. I'd stay away from her if I was you. Even Patrick Hodge leaves the sex trade of Chinatown to her though he has resisted her attempts to expand outwards...in fact he donates generously to this club in order to ensure that none of Chinatowns kindred get access to this area...her included..."

She moved on.

"Kodi, The pretty boy Toreador holding court with that group of suspiciously young ladies, sees himself as important but he's a no-one. A single block feeding ground in the slums and zero influence. I could destroy him with a single sentence in the correct ear, Anya could do it with a single word. We might do it just to remind our rivals that we're to be feared, respected or both, it might even happen on the merest of whims and there's exactly nothing he could do to prevent it.

Caspian Smith - Brujah
Warrior and Philosopher

"The loner in the corner there, Caspian Smith, with the pair of goth ghouls, is one of the few remaining Brujah in San Francisco, He might make it up here one day, his unique blend of 'philosopher' and warrior has some appeal. But he has a secret, one known to few and that I wouldn't be sharing with you even if I knew what it was, which I don't. Anya's keeping that one close to her breast. Anyway, whoever holds that knowledge has him on a leash. Even if he made it all the way to the Primogen, or even Prince, he'd still be someone's slave..."

Both Thomas and Francis got the feeling that she was building to a point of some kind.

She turned from the crowd below and addressed them both directly.

"You two are something different. You can break rules and be forgiven because you're Anarchs who don't know any better. It won't be a surprise, it will almost be expected."

"The fact that you navigated your introduction to the city so skilfully surprised many, Anya included. She lost a boon or two betting you'd fuck up and that's made you interesting, for better or worse. Many now see you as a threat to the balance, others see you as a potential weapon, the strong amongst the influential see you as a pair whose destruction would elevate their reputation as...dangerous..."

"I'm more pragmatic than most and I'd like to think, less short-sighted. I'd like you to consider me an ally, and I'll be happy to reciprocate. You're going to need friends, and I'd like some too. Specifically I'd like friends willing to bend a rule or two...and perhaps break one once in a while...and I, in turn, can spin the narrative in your favour..."

Thomas smiled. This sort of politics he understood perfectly. Get someone else to do your dirty work and your hands are clean if it goes wrong, yet you still gain if they succeed.

"Were not here to cause any problems." replied Thomas. "But we can be creative..."

Scene Twelve - Reciprocity

It was obvious to Francis that Sabrina saw Thomas as the leader and himself as the 'Hatchet-Man'. In many ways this was a fair assessment, but even with that in mind, Francis disliked being underestimated. In the distant past it had been the Ventrue who were the warriors and the Lasombra who led.

Francis decided to add something of his own to the conversation.

"Those who rule have to have a different perspective. They need a mix of fear and respect but they also need to be right often enough so that their orders cease to be questioned. Anya seems to rely entirely on fear, and that can only last so long before someone tests them. If, hypothetically of course, some 'other kindred' decided to do just that then they'd need to be sure that whoever we, sorry they, did such a thing for, understood the value of a reciprocal arrangement."

Sabrina paused for a moment before replying. Francis could see her mentally reassessing him as something more than just a bullet in Thomas's gun. "...and what exactly would this hypothetical 'other' want in return?"

Thomas then took over the conversation.

"On an entirely different note. We were wondering how difficult it would be for you to get us tickets to Malaki's grand opening of his new exhibition? For research purposes of course, relating to the task trusted to us by Prince Winder."

As expected, Sabrina was happy to cooperate.

"You can be my 'plus one' as I already have an invitation. I can probably stretch that to two companions, if we call Francis our bodyguard or something along those lines." She then made a scathing visually assessment of Francis's suit. "Perhaps before that we can consider updating your associates wardrobe to something more befitting the occasion?"

Francis Maranzano - Lasombra
"What's wrong with my suit?"

Thomas nodded. "I may have something that can be adapted..."

Sabrina interrupted. "I'll provide something for him and, meaning no disrespect to your present transport, I'll send a limousine to pick you up so as to create the right impression. There is one other small matter." Sabrina gestured towards Francis's left side and ankle. "Any outfit I provide will need to be less aggressively accessorised..."

Francis had to admit that Sabrina was observant. He wasn't sure how she had noticed his armament as as far as he was concerned they were very well concealed. Perhaps she was just particularly well informed.

"I have another minor issue..." added Francis. "My Clan has an issue with technology, that might cause us problems in an area filled with camera wielding newsmen covering Malaki's exhibit..."

Sabrina had some good news on that front.

"No press will be present inside and cameras are forbidden, plus we'll all be in the limousine as we drive past any who might turn up. Malaki apparently wants word of his genius to be spread via those he has invited. The press will get their own viewing in a few days time. Though make sure you've fed beforehand. There will be no kindred friendly beverages there. The wine will be quite normal."

After a little more diplomatic small-talk, the Anarchs made their goodbyes and left.

"Did we learn anything other than the fact that the Camarilla are all plotting against each other all the fucking time? Which isn't really a surprise now is it?" asked Francis as they left.

Thomas considered the question before replying. "We get to choose who we betray to who. Do you prefer Sabrina or Anya?"

It was an excellent question.

To be Continued in 'Galerie Sanguine: San Francisco (Part Three)'

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Storytellers Conclusions

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

The players are diving into the local politics now and they're navigating them rather well. It'll be interesting to see if they betray Sabrina to Anya or aid Sabrina in her own schemes. They also have the small matter of completing a task given to them personally by the Prince.

Now it's going to get interesting...

Song Lyrics

Also, The quote in the header is from the following song on the off-chance any-one is interested.

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I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Thomas Caldwell is Oscar Isaac, Francis Maranzano is a young Al Pacino, Sara Anne Winder is Saoirse Ronan, Malaki is Adam Driver, Sophia Bartholomew is Sophia Myles, Marianne Palmer is Jemima Kirk, Cai Arias is Brian Molko, Michael Tomassio is Matt Bomer, Sarina Harrington is Joan Smalls, Anya Bloom is Zendaya, Suzanne Rochelle is Amelia Rose Blaire, Tjun Tjun Afiff is Kelly Tandiono and Caspian Smith is Chad Michael Murray.