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[IC] Vampire: The Masquerade - Dividing The Quarter
cj iwakura
The Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
The Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
The bonfire is everything a pack should be: roaring, practically unchecked, and capable of setting anyone careless enough to get too close aflame.
Barely five feet away sits an older man in a low-worn hat, his hunched frame supported by a cane and his posture upon a large rock, waiting for the promised candidates.
Andrei is a patient man, but that will not last. If the pack members do not arrive past midnight, they will not be allowed to join the Hunt.
Also, once their Hunt begins, as will his. For their heads.
He smiles as he checks his pocket watch, withdrawn from a pair of worn formal slacks. Ten minutes left. The Fiend is giddy at the notion of having no company.
The less, the merrier. Too long has it been since there he was provided an enjoyable Mark.
If the dossier was any indication, these six would indeed make for a fun night. Andrei would have to be sure to savor the activity, lest he kill them too fast.
Oh, but he surely was getting ahead of himself. They were either well known in the South, or came recommended by the Bishop.
They would arrive. And much blood would spill.
Or not. Either way, the river would soon run red.
________________
This is the IC thread for a V:TM Sabbat Chronicle. All posts here should be IC, with dice rolls and OOC questions posted in a spoiler as needed, or in the OOC thread.
The Players:
Alejandro Tirón Vega(OminousLozenge), Benjemen Morhouse(Grunt's Ghosts), Chidi Panders(DyasAlure), Otto Eichelberger(Auralynx), John Skias(Boozer), and Hermenegildo(jdarksun).
Let the long night begin.
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He stops about 9 feet away from the fire, eyes lost in the flames for a moment before breaking away. He glances around the area before finally facing the man with the cane, giving him a deep bow.
"My name is John Skias. Forgive me, but I wasn't told how to address you."
PSN: Boozer_777
The same hand rose to withdraw the hat and bring it close to his chest in form of a subdued bow. "Andrei, my boy. From the old country." The particulars of age didn't matter. More likely than not, this visitor was still a boy in comparison.
"Let us pass the time waiting for our common companions, should the next minutes prove fruitful. Fancy an old man with a tale of your homeland, if you would be so kind."
"So, my homeland... until recently it had been New York City. I was born, raised, even embraced there. I had been a young man, troubled by voices that I assumed were the signs of a diseased mind. It wasn't until I met my Sire that she showed me my gift for what it was. A window into eternity."
"The years passed quickly, as I tried to understand the little my uneducated mind could absorb. Until the Camarilla came. They destroyed our Haven. Centuries of knowledge and research, lost in the flames. None of our beautiful patients could be saved. We were overrun, overwhelmed by the surprise attack."
John lowered his head in shame. "We fled. With only the clothes on our back, and the few valuables we could take in time. We settled in Miami, where my Sire, Lorena Piper, still resides. That was almost 14 years ago. We've been trying to reproduce her work ever since."
He picked his head back up, eyes drawn to the flames again. "She told me to come here for my education. That I've been ensconced in the safety of the laboratory for too long. Teasing out the meaning of death from viscera, and truth from pain."
He looks Andrei in the eye. "But there is also a debt that must be paid, an old shame erased. And so it shall be."
PSN: Boozer_777
"Guten morgen. I am Otto. I understand there is work to be done here?"
The old businessman stepped forward from the darkness, eyes alert and ready for anything. Even after saying he would join the Sabbat, the other members, the Feral Sabbat, as he called them, still hounded him. Who was to say this gathering wasn't just another way for the Sabbat to get rid of another "Camie". Benjamen listened to John's story, briefly aware that he had once joked about those "Filthy Sabbats" in New York and how they earned what they had gotten, once. Long ago when The Prince wasn't a dirty backstabber. Or before he knew the Prince was one. Once John finished his story, Benjamen spoke.
"There is indeed a debt they must pay. As I paid mine, so shall the Prince. I am Benjamen Morhouse, of Clan Ventrue. And until recently, a proud member of the Camarilla. I had believed in it's ideas, it's message of peace. But now I know it to be a lie. Just has humans will never find true peace until they die, neither shall we as vampires. I care not for keeping up the Masquerade, the veil of ignorance they love, nor do I care for the ideas of the Sabbat. I'm here for one reason. Revenge. Against the Prince, and his Camarilla, and all that he holds dear. After that, I don't give a damn who left standing."
"I don't know if any of you know me, but I seem to get it at times were I go that people have heard. I'm sure by now you noticed anyway. Yes, my left side is burned. I will leave it at that." Turning his left side to the fire everyone gathered around is able to see the extent of the burns. Inexplicably, While you saw that his right arm had a sleeve, his left does not. Almost as if he wants to show off the burned skin of his left arm. This is not true of his jeans, which while well worn, at least have two pants legs. The left side of his face is also badly burned, but it hardly seems to faze the individual.
"Well I'm glad to meet you all, did I say that all ready? My, My, I'm ahead of myself. Of if you think of it backwards I'm behind myself that is ahead of me that is behind? Yes, names. I mentioned I'm terrible with them. Did you get mine? I mean, that small fame thing, maybe you know me. But maybe not. I do spend lots of times in bars and all. Chidi Panders at your service." With what is another flurry of words, throw as if not said in a few seconds they will die, Chidi finally introduces himself.
"So, a hunt?" Chidi again raises his right hand to shake. This time leaving it long enough that anyone could if they wanted.
"Yes, much has been taken from us all, but debts are meant to be paid back in kind, and so shall it be. Sooner rather than later, most likely."
A side-long glance to the next arrival, and that time the disappointment was well masked. "Greetings, Alejandro. Venga aqui, por favor. Converse as you see fit, I find the tongue of the Old Country rather comforting in these wild lands." Andrei's own Spanish was fluid and well-practiced, a trademark one was expected whenever in the care of Madrid, though a practiced ear could make out the hint of a Russian accent.
"'War Party' may not be quite accurate, but time will tell on that front. However you describe your roles in tonight's undertakings, yes, there shall most certainly be more. Or so I have been lead to believe."
As for Otto, well, Andrei was not quite so fluid in German. So for him, a simple nod would have to suffice. "Far from the dawn, ser Otto. Much work, yes. But before we can work, we must discuss. Not a fondness of mine, either, but a requirement, just this once."
Benjemen received a look that was equal parts intrigue and amusement, the sort with which one would regard a new specimen to dissect.
"Spare me your rhetoric, Antitribu. Your Ventrue tongue speaks much of your devotion to speeches and passions. You will have need of neither tonight."
Then, to the burned one, a fanged smile. Andrei knew much of that sort of agony, having both received and inflicted its sort. Many times over.
"Yes, Chidi, if you would prefer. A... hunt. We are but one short, but time enough for that." Five minutes by his count.
"There may be some miscommunication of your understandings of the Camarilla's, ah, foundations in the Bayou, as they call it.
I would have each of you tell me what you know of them. In broad strokes or specifics. If you know names in power, all the better. If you know merely of how they operate, or vague rumors of potential truth, that will suffice as well."
"As you say, however, I am not simply to introduce Fraulein Rebecca here to some people. This city is the seat of governance for the kine in Louisiana, and is the second in the esteem of the area's Kindred. Due to our recent reversals in the South we must counterattack, and it is not enough simply to turn new recruits loose on the Camarilla, though I believe that is being tried in New Orleans, no?"
Not waiting long for an acknowledgement, Otto runs a hand through his hair, barely disturbing the slicked-back strands, and ends by rubbing his neck. With the other hand he releases his club and begins counting off objectives.
"I speak broadly, but the situation is as follows: One, we locate the principle Kindred of the area. I assume this job falls to myself and Herr Morhouse, for starters, as many will believe we number among their fellows. Two, we disrupt whatever sham of a court they have assembled, causing confusion in the ranks. Three, we eliminate their elders. Four, we seize the reins of power and use this city as a staging-ground to reclaim this mosquito-infested mockery of civilization from the Camarilla. Five, the rest... beitreten oder sterben; in English it is join or die, ja? And those of us who survive the campaign go on to another front in the Jyhad."
Otto pulls out a battered cell phone.
"I have some contacts among the Camarilla, and I have been here for a week already. They believe I wish to be Sheriff of this backwater. One moment while I collect my thoughts; I know some things already."
Geth roll 4d10h8 for Contacts
Geth roll 4d10h8 for Investigation
John had been staring at the former Camarilla member since his speech. Finally John got up, and brushed a bit off dirt from the back of his coat. He turned to Alejandro. "Quite a long-winded way to say you don't like to talk. We have no idea where to stalk yet, so plan it is. I'm sure you'll get your chance soon." He gave Alejandro a smile that never reached his eyes.
He turned to Otto. "That's an excellent start Otto. Hopefully our other double agent" he turned to Benjamen "will have some useful information to provide as well. Though I doubt it." He turned away from him.
"Unfortunately, politics is not my forte, especially that of the Camarilla. However, there are only so many suitable places for an Elysium in Baton Rouge. It will be in a place of artistic or intellectual worth. Possibly in a place with a rich history or one of occult power."
Probably just a wild goose chase but couldn't think of much else I could contribute besides Toreador snark.
Geth, roll 6d10h8 for Int+Etiquette to find Elysium suitable spots in Baton Rouge
Geth, roll 6d10h8 for Int+Occult to find places of old power in Baton Rouge
If there's an overlap of locations that may narrow things down.
PSN: Boozer_777
"I know Natasha, mostly from brief social gatherings or Camarilla business meetings. And of course the one private meeting we had where she told me it would be better for me if I left the city. She has a flare for the dramatics like any of her kin, but she also has a strong, stubborn, unwavering drive and dedication you see in my clan as well. Getting to her isn't going to be easy. If you want to destroy the Camarilla presence here, you are going to have to get the Anarchs and independent vampires like myself involved. And keep the Sabbat name out of it. I've had some time to think about why she took my transport company from me. It has always been the perfect way to sneak questionable goods around the country without having to explain why. Most of what I was doing for Kindred was no questions asked. But I feel that its some sort of power play, either to gather dirt on the other members of the Camarilla or to increase her power here in the South and even the United States. If we can find out what she is hiding, we could use that as a weapon against her."
John then turned back to Benjamen, listening to his theories with interest. "I stand corrected. She must've made enemies on her climb to power. No gathering of Kindred will be without divisions and rivalries. As Otto says, we must discover these fissures and exploit them. Turn them against one another, implicate Natasha in the process. As for Anarchs and Independents, I doubt they could be trusted to become knowingly involved, unless they join us. But certainly we could use them to sow chaos. Secrecy is our greatest advantage, we must maintain it at all costs."
"Who are chief rivals to Natasha's power? Are there any groups within the Camarilla that would only need a small excuse to fight?"
PSN: Boozer_777
Alejandro speaks up from the shadows somewhere behind Chidi. "Benny-boy, you ain't independent, not if you're standing here with us. You want to pick a different word, mijo?"
Then, moving along in his pacing, he says to John, "Now, you talking about wearing the skin of the sheep? Blending in? The blind prey will probably take me for an independent. I'd be rude to correct their assumptions. Might be useful, and I come from a long line of wanderers, so it's true enough for the prey."
"If Natasha is allowing Independents to operate freely as Benjamen suggests, then I agree it may become useful. We could feed dissent and misinformation among the Anarchs and Independents. But better still if it cannot be traced to you."
PSN: Boozer_777
Andrei gave another glance to his watch. One minute. Maybe the night would prove enjoyable after all.
"Your estimation is a sound one, Otto. And your contacts seem to do you credit. Yes, there is an artiste shepherding the flock, to whatever foolish ends.
I trust you'll find it most easy to showcase some truly enticing art she will find to her liking."
Putting Chidi's comments aside for the moment, Andrei instead regarded John's observations with a light tap of his cane to the ground.
"One would most swiftly assume a group of conflicting interests to be the local Anarchs, though I have not happened upon anything suggesting they have a strong presence in the region, if any at all. Perhaps they merely lie low in waiting for an ideal opportunity, but that would be for your gathering to discern."
Then Benjemen received his full attention. "Oh, the soft-hearted Belle is most welcoming of independents, any who will flaunt their decrepit banner against the tides of darkness and all such foolishness. Ideally to her downfall. But yes, do tell us. Are you one such lost dog, attempting to conceal its tattered fur in the pelt of a wolf?
That would be most unfortunate if my resources proved mistaken. If that is indeed the case, it should prove easy enough to rectify."
The cane tapped the ground again, with a firm grip upon its hilt, set in place as Andrei waited for an explanation most patiently.
It would not take long at all for him to respond.
Benjamen only gave it a seconds thought. "Oh, never question if I'm on your side or not. As the saying goes, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' I want to see the Prince taken down, her power stripped from her the way she did it to me. After that, I can not if the whole city burns or who is in power then. This is more of a personal thing for me then some power struggle or holy mission. My 'Banner' is my own. My purpose is similar to yours."
PSN: Boozer_777
Otto quietly, but not at all subtly, opens the trombone case atop the oil barrel, withdraws a hunting rifle, and begins checking it to be sure it's in working order.
The sixth drifts forward from the shadows, coming to rest at the edge of the firelight. The light flickers over its skin, making the arms seem longer, the head seem oddly swept. From the edge, he bows to the subject of attention and eyes. "My apologies, padre, for my neigh-delinquency. I was recently unhomed and find it somewhat distracting."
Benjamen didn't even so much as flinch at the vampires gearing up for a fight. He'd been here before and still was standing. "I spent sixty plus years tip toeing around in the Camarilla, trying not to make any enemies, trying to rise to the top of the social order there, only to have that bitch screw me over. Then everyone turns their backs on me. In Detroit, one of your Sabbat cities, I was attacked almost nightly, had at least five homes destroyed in a year, all because I use to be a part of the Camarilla. Then one day, out of the blue, someone decides that I've passed his test and I'm ready to join the Sabbat. While I would have normally told him to go fuck himself, the possibility to get revenge was too good to pass up. So now do you see why I'm a little hesitant to trust anyone blindly? I'm still not sure this isn't a trap. And grabbing guns and sharping your claws isn't doing much to convince me otherwise." Benjamen looks at each person around the fire. "I'm on your side. Period. I'm not going to jump back to being one of that bitch's pet any time soon."
"Very well, then. The silver tongue sounds uncertain of where his loyalties should lie."
Andrei's gaze swept to each of the other five. "As you all will be traveling with our resident turncoat, I put it to you. Were it up to me I would have one of you test his mettle through combat and claim his blood should he prove unworthy, but perhaps that is a rash sentiment."
John made no outward sign, but he bent his will to use his most potent ability. The power to read thoughts.
Geth, roll 9d10h8 for Telepathy to read his true answer to this question (Intelligence (3) + Socialize (3) + Auspex (4) - subject's Resolve (1)). Not sure what if any modifier there should be on this roll.
PSN: Boozer_777
Benjamen looks around and at the fire. Life. Does he? Is revenge worth being a part of this pack of wolves? This is how it is. You are either with them or dead. No middle ground. Its amazing how much they think like the Camarilla they hate so much. The thought brings a chuckle from him.
"Seems there is no choice here. Fine, I'll join."
"It is as he says, Herr Morhouse: we are not interested in an ally of convenience. With the Sabbat it is join or die, verstehen? There is no room for uncertainty or personal vendettas; our cause is of too great importance for dickering about these things. I feel, however, that I should point out that there is a solution besides killing available to us: the blutsbande. It is a tool of the oppressors but these are just the circumstances where it is... useful, ja?"
PSN: Boozer_777
If your loyalties are found lacking, I gather you need not be told what to expect." Andrei sat back, his posture settled once more.
"So, I believe you all know all that you need to. By my estimation, you should be able to reach Baton Rouge or at worst New Orleans by daybreak. How you get there is of little consequence, more what you do upon your arrival." A meeting without some blood spilled was seen as a bad omen. Hopefully it would prove false this once.
"I would advise you to keep low profiles, or at least alternate ones. If you go forth crushing the skulls of the kine and starting riots with reckless abandon, I expect the Camarilla and their national guard lapdogs will descend on your pack with remarkable swiftness. Now, should you succeed in disrupting their rule..."
The fiend allowed himself a renewed smile. "...by all means, then, do as you will."
Pen and Sword. Benjamen thinks to himself. "So I gather this is where we part ways or is there more to this? Its been too long since I left Baton Rouge and I'd like to catch up with the latest news with my sire, if that is alright with everyone. She is respected in the Camarilla and should know about some of what's currently happening among them. From there, we can find a nice place to start our unraveling of the Camarilla's foundations."
PSN: Boozer_777
Otto looks at John in surprise. "Blutsbande - the bond of vitae. Herr Morhouse would barely suffer the notion of betraying us if compelled by it, though it is an extreme measure. I did indeed drive here, and those without their own transportation are welcome to share mine for the moment."
Supposing the subject of introductions closed for the moment, Otto re-packs his gear.
"The first things we must do are to establish a system of communication and perhaps a headquarters or rally point. If we move together we will be found out easily. I have rented a small apartment already; I suggest that we obtain prepaid telephones and use them to relay messages only to one another. If you have a regular telephone, as I do and others must, do not use it to speak with the rest of us."
Otto scans the group, noting that Hermenegildo, Chidi, and Alejandro are not precisely fit for formal society. He indicates them with a sweeping gesture.
"You three should focus on learning all you can of the fringes of the Kindred's society in this city. Locate the anarchs, the sewer rats, and other such riff-raff; focus on learning where they feed and their pecking-order. Herr Morhouse can re-establish contact with his acquaintances while I attempt a formal entry into Natasha's court. They will watch the two of us closely; our behavior must be above reproach. John, you are neither obviously an outsider nor a known quantity; you must either keep to the margins or invent a history for yourself, perhaps as an anarch. I leave it to you."
"It shall be as you say. I shall consider which are the better of these two option as we drive."
PSN: Boozer_777