Post by Thee Independent on Jun 3, 2005 14:51:33 GMT -5
Night One
Monday
Eleven days had passed since Alex le Croix, Prince of Los Angeles, contacted the Primogency of several US “Camarilla” cities, requesting aid for his influential domain, which stood in the midst of a crisis. The Elders of many Clans scoffed aloud in their hastily called meetings, unsurprised that so young a Prince, only a meager ancilla by their record, was already floundering during his rule. Yet even while these Elders refused to take the young Prince seriously in public, their immediate private actions spoke differently. Le Croix had requested a candidate from every Camarilla Clan, one who had shown excellent support of the Camarilla, with a sparkling track record preferred. Behind one another’s backs, these Elders chose from among their Clan’s ancillae and, in some cases, neonates, though whether this was to give young childer a chance to garner prestige on behalf of the sire or to insult le Croix by sending a fledgling know-nothing is anyone’s guess. What devious arrangements or selfless sacrifices they made in the selection process are a mystery, but the chosen Representatives congregated in Hollywood on the night of August 28th, ready to work together to strengthen the Camarilla bulwark against its many enemies.
At least, le Croix thought so…
One by one, the candidates arrived, ushered in by a butler:
Judas St. Martin, a Ventrue from New Orleans, was punctual in classic Blue Blood style.
Vassily Belvakov, a rugged Malkavian, sat and played cards – all three of him.
Keanu Blake, a neonate unfamiliar with the Camarilla’s politics, came and mingled nonetheless, taking a seat at the bar in Alex le Croix’s lounge, where the candidates were gathering.
Rosalyn Du’Bois, from the Clan of the Rose, surprised those in the know upon her startling public appearance: in contrast to Keanu’s youth, Rosalyn is an Elder among the Kindred. Had she come, perhaps, to support a Prince who hailed from her own Clan?
Harameshi Keimasa, a local Gangrel, arrived to the meeting, but not alone. A woman named Laurae accompanied him, a cold and headstrong accomplice.
The gathering would have known if a Nosferatu crept out of the sewers, but unusually, none did.
Arriving in style, albeit slightly tardy thanks to a stalled flight in from New York City, Ethan Starr and Alexis Mae Tanner came. They had very little time to introduce themselves and their Clan, but Ethan, a nationally renowned Public Relations Expert and CEO of the Starr Reporting Syndicate, a PR Firm operating out of Madison Avenue in Manhattan, at least had time to get his (and Alexis’) name into the open before the arrival of the Prince.
Meanwhile, Doctor Frank Tilard, a Tremere hemotologist responsible for overseeing his chantry’s blood supply, departed from the Prince’s place while the Representatives swarmed in. He had come to deliver terrible news to the Prince: Oldriche, Regent and acting Primogen of the Los Angeles Tremere, had slipped unexpectedly into torpor! While this naturally placed unwelcome pressure on Hollywood’s Prince, now missing a dedicated member of his Primogency, it was the chantry that suffered the most. At least, Dr. Tilard got this feeling upon returning to the chantry, where he was greeted by a gimpish, cancerous butler. The odd house servant was fawning over a hiker who had stumbled upon the hidden manse of the Ducheski family, the chantry’s surface appearance, deep in the Hollywood’s western hills. A hypnotic mandala crafted in the foyer’s ceiling kept the wayfarer in a trance, but probably to his benefit, for he was spared the sight of the Ducheski’s decrepit patriarch wheeling down the stairwell on a skillfully built rotorchair, whose soul had long departed from what was left of his swiftly degenerating body. It did not end there, though. In searching for the chantry’s Adept, Dr. Tilard happened upon the Ducheski twins, a twisted set of Siamese twins whose opposite genders thumbed their nose in the face of “normal” science – but this was the chantry of the Tremere, and the Ducheski, their servants. Frank, desperate to escape to the less eerie comfort of the Central Chantry below, fled the oversized, colorblind room belonging to the Twins.
There, he was stopped by Adept Daniel Anklar, the Thaumaturgical Studies Adept now responsible for the chantry’s night to night functions.
Quick to try to pull things together, Daniel Anklar sent word through the Tremere hierarchy to locate an independent agent to help restructure the power gap left in Oldriche’s passing. Two Warlocks from NYC, Ethan Starr and Alexis Mae Tanner, already en route to Hollywood, were also tasked to support Daniel Anklar in his effort to restore the chantry to its minimum operating efficiency. While this means good news for Adept Anklar, many of the acolytes regard the visitation as a form of house arrest.
Not all of the Camarilla was in a tizzy over Los Angeles’ problems, however. Paulie Quin, a resident Kindred involved in Hollywood’s “sporting” society, kicked up his feet and enjoyed life at his little slice of heaven, Davis Lanes. Paulie enjoyed a game of poker while his buddy, Colin Nicholson, who also made sure that everyone at the Lanes was having a good time…in his own in-your-face, eat-my-fist-you-SOB kinda way.
Connor McMannus, an unknown in the city, stepped from the shadows with the familiar gleam of vengeance in his eyes. His subtle anger, projected for the time being onto those who proved themselves to be poor caretakers of dogs like his faithful Cerberus, showed no sign of abatement, save with the end of his life. It could last a hundred lifetimes.
In the Oriental District, Jun’ko Morimoto, an alarmingly attractive young Asian grease monkey, bid good night to a well-known Yakuza boss after “detailing” his Acura with an entirely new paint job. It was just another night for Jun’ko, until three Amerasian bikers arrived: Chris, Taka, and Xang, otherwise known throughout Chinatown as the members of the infamous MotorDragons. She knew them because of her specialty in repairing – and driving – motorcycles. With great excitement, they told her they had been let in on a top-secret mission by an unknown yet high-paying contact, and offered to cut her in on the deal. It would take place the following night at midnight, they said. Ever the thrill seeker, Jun’ko Morimoto could not refuse…
Back at the Prince’s lounge, Alex le Croix introduced himself and thanked the representatives for coming. Kindly, he invited them to enjoy a night on the town before he had to divulge the bad news. Ethan Starr asked the Prince about specific rules of Camarilla conduct for his city. The Prince responded eloquently:
“The Masquerade is our ultimate protection and weapon. It must be observed at all possible times.”
“We live in a diverse city. The human population is diverse and so are the Kindred. Here, you will find vampires of all walks of life. Our friends, our enemies, and many kinds that are barely known by most. At all times, keep your manners and watch where you step. There are many domains within these streets and even in the wilderness, and they are not all sanctioned by me. Regardless, they are held ruthlessly. Particularly, practice caution in the Barrios, within the Western hills, and amongst the wealthy.”
“No Kindred may create progeny without my permission. In the odd event that I allow it, you will be fully accountable for your Neonate’s actions, even after he has been to Elysium and until he has established himself. His mistakes will be your own.”
“Because of the variety of creatures that call this locale home, hospitality is key to keeping relative peace. Should another come to your abode or clan’s haven, I expect you to ensure that their visit is safe and satisfying. Do not cause problems without indicative reason.”
“If any Kindred takes the life of another, they can expect swift justice and it will rarely be in their favor. The laws of Elysium control such matters and they will be brought before a council, their very life debated and pandered over. Do not make this mistake.”
Once the Prince had made his points, he and the other Representatives departed, some to furnished bedrooms in the Prince’s own home and others out to the city life. Vassily, Keanu, and Rosalyn du’Bois remained at the Prince’s mansion. Judas St. Martin went hunting at a fabulous local club, the Mirage[, when he was sniffed out by an agent of the local Ventrue Primogen, Christian Sanders. His agent warned Judas, in a friendly bedside manner, to respect the territory of this “senior executive” during his stay in Los Angeles.
Ethan Starr and Alexis Mae Tanner returned to the Tremere chantry. Outside, they noticed two young men standing suspiciously by a parked Beetle. When they pulled up, the boys ran off, but not before leaving an intriguing object behind, which Ethan quickly pocketed for further inspection before moving into the chantry. There they met Adept Daniel Anklar and a new promotion within the Warlocks’ ranks: Quincy Banes, an impetuous new Security Adept to handle safety matters at the chantry.
While Ethan and Alexis disappeared into Anklar’s office to discuss matters pertaining to the chantry’s situation, an unexpected resident visited Frank Tilard. Vespit Chauntashay, a Nosferatu lurking seemingly unnoticed in the chantry, made himself known to Frank. But for what purpose? To befriend him? To beguile him with further mysteries about the Tremere that even he doesn’t know?
Altogether, it wasn’t the worst Monday night anyone had faced. Yet no one ever expected a Tuesday night could be worse…
Monday
Eleven days had passed since Alex le Croix, Prince of Los Angeles, contacted the Primogency of several US “Camarilla” cities, requesting aid for his influential domain, which stood in the midst of a crisis. The Elders of many Clans scoffed aloud in their hastily called meetings, unsurprised that so young a Prince, only a meager ancilla by their record, was already floundering during his rule. Yet even while these Elders refused to take the young Prince seriously in public, their immediate private actions spoke differently. Le Croix had requested a candidate from every Camarilla Clan, one who had shown excellent support of the Camarilla, with a sparkling track record preferred. Behind one another’s backs, these Elders chose from among their Clan’s ancillae and, in some cases, neonates, though whether this was to give young childer a chance to garner prestige on behalf of the sire or to insult le Croix by sending a fledgling know-nothing is anyone’s guess. What devious arrangements or selfless sacrifices they made in the selection process are a mystery, but the chosen Representatives congregated in Hollywood on the night of August 28th, ready to work together to strengthen the Camarilla bulwark against its many enemies.
At least, le Croix thought so…
One by one, the candidates arrived, ushered in by a butler:
Judas St. Martin, a Ventrue from New Orleans, was punctual in classic Blue Blood style.
Vassily Belvakov, a rugged Malkavian, sat and played cards – all three of him.
Keanu Blake, a neonate unfamiliar with the Camarilla’s politics, came and mingled nonetheless, taking a seat at the bar in Alex le Croix’s lounge, where the candidates were gathering.
Rosalyn Du’Bois, from the Clan of the Rose, surprised those in the know upon her startling public appearance: in contrast to Keanu’s youth, Rosalyn is an Elder among the Kindred. Had she come, perhaps, to support a Prince who hailed from her own Clan?
Harameshi Keimasa, a local Gangrel, arrived to the meeting, but not alone. A woman named Laurae accompanied him, a cold and headstrong accomplice.
The gathering would have known if a Nosferatu crept out of the sewers, but unusually, none did.
Arriving in style, albeit slightly tardy thanks to a stalled flight in from New York City, Ethan Starr and Alexis Mae Tanner came. They had very little time to introduce themselves and their Clan, but Ethan, a nationally renowned Public Relations Expert and CEO of the Starr Reporting Syndicate, a PR Firm operating out of Madison Avenue in Manhattan, at least had time to get his (and Alexis’) name into the open before the arrival of the Prince.
Meanwhile, Doctor Frank Tilard, a Tremere hemotologist responsible for overseeing his chantry’s blood supply, departed from the Prince’s place while the Representatives swarmed in. He had come to deliver terrible news to the Prince: Oldriche, Regent and acting Primogen of the Los Angeles Tremere, had slipped unexpectedly into torpor! While this naturally placed unwelcome pressure on Hollywood’s Prince, now missing a dedicated member of his Primogency, it was the chantry that suffered the most. At least, Dr. Tilard got this feeling upon returning to the chantry, where he was greeted by a gimpish, cancerous butler. The odd house servant was fawning over a hiker who had stumbled upon the hidden manse of the Ducheski family, the chantry’s surface appearance, deep in the Hollywood’s western hills. A hypnotic mandala crafted in the foyer’s ceiling kept the wayfarer in a trance, but probably to his benefit, for he was spared the sight of the Ducheski’s decrepit patriarch wheeling down the stairwell on a skillfully built rotorchair, whose soul had long departed from what was left of his swiftly degenerating body. It did not end there, though. In searching for the chantry’s Adept, Dr. Tilard happened upon the Ducheski twins, a twisted set of Siamese twins whose opposite genders thumbed their nose in the face of “normal” science – but this was the chantry of the Tremere, and the Ducheski, their servants. Frank, desperate to escape to the less eerie comfort of the Central Chantry below, fled the oversized, colorblind room belonging to the Twins.
There, he was stopped by Adept Daniel Anklar, the Thaumaturgical Studies Adept now responsible for the chantry’s night to night functions.
Quick to try to pull things together, Daniel Anklar sent word through the Tremere hierarchy to locate an independent agent to help restructure the power gap left in Oldriche’s passing. Two Warlocks from NYC, Ethan Starr and Alexis Mae Tanner, already en route to Hollywood, were also tasked to support Daniel Anklar in his effort to restore the chantry to its minimum operating efficiency. While this means good news for Adept Anklar, many of the acolytes regard the visitation as a form of house arrest.
Not all of the Camarilla was in a tizzy over Los Angeles’ problems, however. Paulie Quin, a resident Kindred involved in Hollywood’s “sporting” society, kicked up his feet and enjoyed life at his little slice of heaven, Davis Lanes. Paulie enjoyed a game of poker while his buddy, Colin Nicholson, who also made sure that everyone at the Lanes was having a good time…in his own in-your-face, eat-my-fist-you-SOB kinda way.
Connor McMannus, an unknown in the city, stepped from the shadows with the familiar gleam of vengeance in his eyes. His subtle anger, projected for the time being onto those who proved themselves to be poor caretakers of dogs like his faithful Cerberus, showed no sign of abatement, save with the end of his life. It could last a hundred lifetimes.
In the Oriental District, Jun’ko Morimoto, an alarmingly attractive young Asian grease monkey, bid good night to a well-known Yakuza boss after “detailing” his Acura with an entirely new paint job. It was just another night for Jun’ko, until three Amerasian bikers arrived: Chris, Taka, and Xang, otherwise known throughout Chinatown as the members of the infamous MotorDragons. She knew them because of her specialty in repairing – and driving – motorcycles. With great excitement, they told her they had been let in on a top-secret mission by an unknown yet high-paying contact, and offered to cut her in on the deal. It would take place the following night at midnight, they said. Ever the thrill seeker, Jun’ko Morimoto could not refuse…
Back at the Prince’s lounge, Alex le Croix introduced himself and thanked the representatives for coming. Kindly, he invited them to enjoy a night on the town before he had to divulge the bad news. Ethan Starr asked the Prince about specific rules of Camarilla conduct for his city. The Prince responded eloquently:
“The Masquerade is our ultimate protection and weapon. It must be observed at all possible times.”
“We live in a diverse city. The human population is diverse and so are the Kindred. Here, you will find vampires of all walks of life. Our friends, our enemies, and many kinds that are barely known by most. At all times, keep your manners and watch where you step. There are many domains within these streets and even in the wilderness, and they are not all sanctioned by me. Regardless, they are held ruthlessly. Particularly, practice caution in the Barrios, within the Western hills, and amongst the wealthy.”
“No Kindred may create progeny without my permission. In the odd event that I allow it, you will be fully accountable for your Neonate’s actions, even after he has been to Elysium and until he has established himself. His mistakes will be your own.”
“Because of the variety of creatures that call this locale home, hospitality is key to keeping relative peace. Should another come to your abode or clan’s haven, I expect you to ensure that their visit is safe and satisfying. Do not cause problems without indicative reason.”
“If any Kindred takes the life of another, they can expect swift justice and it will rarely be in their favor. The laws of Elysium control such matters and they will be brought before a council, their very life debated and pandered over. Do not make this mistake.”
Once the Prince had made his points, he and the other Representatives departed, some to furnished bedrooms in the Prince’s own home and others out to the city life. Vassily, Keanu, and Rosalyn du’Bois remained at the Prince’s mansion. Judas St. Martin went hunting at a fabulous local club, the Mirage[, when he was sniffed out by an agent of the local Ventrue Primogen, Christian Sanders. His agent warned Judas, in a friendly bedside manner, to respect the territory of this “senior executive” during his stay in Los Angeles.
Ethan Starr and Alexis Mae Tanner returned to the Tremere chantry. Outside, they noticed two young men standing suspiciously by a parked Beetle. When they pulled up, the boys ran off, but not before leaving an intriguing object behind, which Ethan quickly pocketed for further inspection before moving into the chantry. There they met Adept Daniel Anklar and a new promotion within the Warlocks’ ranks: Quincy Banes, an impetuous new Security Adept to handle safety matters at the chantry.
While Ethan and Alexis disappeared into Anklar’s office to discuss matters pertaining to the chantry’s situation, an unexpected resident visited Frank Tilard. Vespit Chauntashay, a Nosferatu lurking seemingly unnoticed in the chantry, made himself known to Frank. But for what purpose? To befriend him? To beguile him with further mysteries about the Tremere that even he doesn’t know?
Altogether, it wasn’t the worst Monday night anyone had faced. Yet no one ever expected a Tuesday night could be worse…