VtM Part Two - The Owl's Debt

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

Louis stands with him and they head to the lift. Louis is about to press the button when the ghoul turns.

"Don't won't do, you can't press the button, the Mistress said it must be the glutton"

Louis looks sharply at Lysander.

"That's quite a strong accusation ghoul. I would kill you on the spot, but I defer to Mr Karpov"

OOC: Glutton is local slang for a Kindred who kills his victims in a Masquerade threatening way

Lysander regards the ghoul with a cold stare.

'Accusations like that could start wars. I can only assume no offence was intended, ghoul. I will allow it to pass due to the circumstances surrounding tonight.'

He presses the button.

Fourier

Necrominus wrote: »

Lysander regards the ghoul with a cold stare.

'Accusations like that could start wars. I can only assume no offence was intended, ghoul. I will allow it to pass due to the circumstances surrounding tonight.'

He presses the button.

"It was of the Necromancers' mansion I spake, word among the Kindred is there your thirst you most foully did slake"

Louis grabs him by the throat.

"I know you are Voerman's ghoul, but shut it with the rhymes or I will break your neck"

The ghoul goes silent, but with a smile.

The lift opens and they step in.

A short trip up on floor and the doors open. They walk out into a hall with poorly painted red walls and a single small desk.

Sitting on the only chair is Maximillian Strauss, the Tremére Primogen.

"Mr Karpov, I hope you know that Mr Carson was actually quite helpful to me. Saved me some embarrassment with a reporter. Hard to think he went so wrong"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

Sitting on the only chair is Maximillian Strauss, the Tremére Primogen.

"Mr Karpov, I hope you know that Mr Carson was actually quite helpful to me. Saved me some embarrassment with a reporter. Hard to think he went so wrong"

Lysander nods.

'Carson was useful, this is true. That whole business in the Sabbat palace was certainly beneficial. But the means by which he sought to do so...'

He shrugs.

'The rules are clearcut. We had no choice.'

Fourier

"Yes of course, I think..."

He is cut short as the owner of the night club and one of the city's two Malkavian Primogens opens the door. Therese Voerman.

"Well come on in Max, Louis and of course Lysander"

She holds the door open.

OOC:
Therese in the games:


Therese in the books:

Necro

Lysander gestures for the two Primogens to enter through the door before him.

He bows lightly to all 3.

'My manners desert me sometimes. It is an honour to join you at this meeting, to be alongside those who guide the Kindred of our city.'

Fourier

Therese smiles leading him in and sitting down.

The large room has the same shabby red walls as the corridor. At its front, a simple desk with a PC and phone at it and next to the desk, a mirror.

The rest of the room is taken up with the various Primogens and their right hands.

The Primogens are:
One Tremére (Maximillian)
One Ventrue (Louis)
One Gangrel (Adriano)
Two Toreador (Teresa and Deborah's replacement Melissa)
One Brujah (Lysander has never met her)
Two Malkavian (Therese and her sister Jeanette)
One Nosferatu (Gary)

The Sheriff, Damsel, is present. As is Cock Robin. They sit at the front of the room with Jacqueline seated on an expensive Ivory chair. Beside Cock Robin there is a seat, which he gestures for Lysander to take.

Necro

Lysander nods at Louis and makes his way to his seat beside Cock Robin.

He murmurs to Rob.

'All the royalty is here I see... hope it's not on my account.'

Fourier

Necrominus wrote: »

Lysander nods at Louis and makes his way to his seat beside Cock Robin.

He murmurs to Rob.

'All the royalty is here I see... hope it's not on my account.'

"Well..." he smiles "...only partially"

"Right..." Jacqueline shouts, then speaks more normally when she has everyone's attention.

"...three matters of business. First, the government is in the city looking for us. They're calling us 'BlankBodies' apparently. One word for some reason. Please read through the reports that Damsel will hand out. Ten minutes and I open the floor"

Lysander is handed a report. It is a collection of documents taken from government labs, experiments on Kindred.

"Look at this Lysander..." Cock Robin leans in pointing to one piece and reads "...'most likely the blankbodies form the basis for the vampire myth'...they never think that perhaps we are vampires"

The report is a detailed test of Kindred weaknesses and abilities.

The most obvious errors are:

1. They don't know Vitae differs from blood
2. They don't seem to understand Disciplines at all. Just noting weird effects and they were obviously dominated at points without their knowing. The Ventrue subjects were never tortured being a clear case.
3. They don't know of the non-Camarilla clans
4. They think staking kills, rather than just placing you in Torpor
5. They believe it is the UV in sunlight that harms Vampires, despite the Kindreds they experiment on literally telling them the truth
6. They seem to not have captured very old Elders or Thinbloods, the reports mention none of their unusual features

"Well, thoughts?" Jacqueline says.

The Primogens begin to talk. Laughing at the errors, the emerging consensus is that this is of no concern, given the poor knowledge displayed in the report. The Brujah Primogen cautions that this will change given time...

OOC: Lysander may speak if he wishes

Fourier

Maximillian Strauss yawns in an exaggerated manner.

"Really, I mean what can they do to us. Worst case scenario shall we say, a swat team descends into my penthouse suite..."

A few roll their eyes at the obvious boasting.

"...I have the place protected by a ritual that causes blood to become explosive. These reports indicate they have no idea about normal disciplines, let alone sorceries, so I have nothing to worry about"

Louis Fortier nods.

"Exactly, a simple sentence when they arrive and I could have them shoot each other. A mortal that can resist Ventrue domination is rare beyond words"

The Brujah Primogen, an old looking woman with red hair and dressed in a tracksuit sits forward with a focused look on her face.

"Then their superiors notice the entire team was killed and head in next time with incendiary rounds, flamethrowers or who knows what. Mortals outnumber and outgun us and they'll eventually learn what works and what doesn't. Don't be arrogant. Only clan I can see be reasonably safe is the Nosferatu. They can go invisible, no technology around that and you live underground" she says across to Gary Golden.

He smiles "Learning Obfuscate will come at a premium my fellow Kindred, you understand of course"

Necro

Lysander watches the Primogens debating back and forth, considering a response but sees Cock Robin also staying silent so leans back in his chair and takes it in.

Eventually he decides to speak.

'There is the Obfuscate method. However... there might be another. One that would not involve any types of fighting.'

He looks around.

'We could ghoul one of the leaders, have him provide us information on their movements, what they know, when they learn it...'

He shrugs.

'Dangerous, perhaps... but very beneficial - and less... confrontational.'

Fourier

Jacqueline smiles.

"You volunteering?"

She looks in Gary Golden's direction.

"Only joking Gary, I know this is a Noz job, send three of your boys to the bunker to the south, the one they think nobody knows about.

I largely agree with Lysander, easier to just manipulate them. They know so little about us, we could feed them fake vampire corpses"

Nobody objects to Lysander's plan, though it is obvious many of the Primogens consider themselves above it.

"Now, onto our second order of business, Mr. Karpov..."

She looks in his direction.

"...we have an unusual opportunity here. Something that could make us stick out from most Camarilla cities. A..."

Teresa, the Toreador Primogen, stands.

"Absolutely not"

Louis looks across at her irratated.

"Your clan has two, what are you complaining about, the territory will be minimal to start with"

"And was this your idea Fortier" she scowls as she asks.

"No. I simply assisted Jacueline with the details, it is a good opportunity for our city, it's not just the the Wan Kuei we have to be careful of. Eventually we'll rid ourselves of them and the straggling Anarchs in San Fran, the whole of California will be Camarilla. Then we'll need to stay competitive with other Camarilla cities"

"What is this idea?" Ardiano asks.

Jacqueline hands out another dossier.

"Inside is a couple of ideas for territories and primary siring candidates. It's time to become the first Camarilla city in the United States with a Lasombra clan. Lysander will be its Primogen"

Necro

Lysander looks around the room, in a little bit of shock, but careful not to show it.

'Teresa, fear not. As I have... hopefully proven thus far, the Lasombra under my control will avoid their savage, primal urges. This is a good thing for all of us... and of course, the Camarilla.'

He flicks through the dossier once he gets his hands on one.

Fourier

Necrominus wrote: »

Lysander looks around the room, in a little bit of shock, but careful not to show it.

'Teresa, fear not. As I have... hopefully proven thus far, the Lasombra under my control will avoid their savage, primal urges. This is a good thing for all of us... and of course, the Camarilla.'

He flicks through the dossier once he gets his hands on one.

The dossier suggests two possible locations for the new Lasombra territory. Either Longbeach or Pasadena.

Also inside the dossier are the profiles of eight individuals Louis has selected as having Lasombra aligned personalities.

Most work in tech or financial services companies, though one is a local politician.

OOC: Siring will tend to fail on individuals who are too far from the clan "personality". Even people close enough to it to be sired but still a bit off will have a hard time improving their disciplines. Hence clans look for mortals with the typical traits.

Necro

Lysander reads the dossier of the politician in particular.

He makes a note beside the Pasadena location to see if it aligns.

Fourier

Necrominus wrote: »

Lysander reads the dossier of the politician in particular.

He makes a note beside the Pasadena location to see if it aligns.

The area to be given in Pasadena is filled with the rich and powerful. It was primarily Louis's idea that Lysander be given here according to the dossier. It centers around Old Pasadena and the Caltech Insititute. A gateway to the tech elite and old money.

The politician has been tailed by Louis. His name is Bruce Garron, the son of wealthy Mexican immigrants and is currently a member of the city council.

Louis's informants describe a man who in private sessions with his inner circle shows a shark like obsession with improving his standing and position, targeting events to attend, minor positions to hold, so as to raise his influence. However he takes no joy in the lifestyle benefits that go with this, nor does he socialise outside these 'targets'. For this reason Louis had long eliminated him as a possible Ventrue. As a Lasombra though, there is potential.

Necro

Lysander nods to himself. He checks over Longbeach as well just to be certain.

Fourier

Necrominus wrote: »

Lysander nods to himself. He checks over Longbeach as well just to be certain.

Longbeach is growing in wealth and a younger area than Pasadena. It seems Jacqueline selected it as she can grant a much larger territory there, it has no wolves unlike Pasadena (who Louis doesn't mention in his report on Pasadena) and can be developed as Lysander wants, manipulation of the mortals and local businesses being less obvious.

The wealth and power of the mortals present is lower however, by a good margin.

Necro

Lysander closes the dossier.

'The Pasadena option... whilst holding slight risks - would be my preference. It is more... in line... with how the Lasombra under my guidance would be able to operate and be of aid to the Camarilla cause.'

He looks around the room.

'Of course, major objections to the plan I am happy to discuss.'

Fourier

Maximillian Strauss gives a slight chuckle.

"I approve, if only to make things a bit exciting"

A lengthy debate then breaks out. Most are favour, but Teresa and Adriano cite Lysander's status as an unknown.

Cock Robin argues that Lysander is trusted by high ups in the Camarilla, but doesn't go quite as far as revealing himself as a Justicar.

Therese Voerman is the only one silent.

Necro

Lysander looks to Teresa and Adriano.

'I understand the trepidation amongst you. The Lasombra are primarily rivals and key members of the Sabbat...

However, consider this - a Lasombra clan amongst the Camarilla may drag some of my kin... those who may have even slight doubts - out of the cruelty and horror the Sabbat offer.

Approval... could be a new dawn for the entire Lasombra clan - and a death knell for the Sabbat worldwide.

And.. of course... your concerns of my own.. standing.

Well, I will be a prime target for elimination by other members of my kind... so one way or another, I may end up self-resolving.'

He sits back into his chair and allows the debate to continue.

Fourier

Teresa and Adriano cease their disagreements shortly after Lysander speaks. Teresa seems slightly impressed. Adriano however simply seems outnumbered and not happy.

"Good..." Jaqueline declares "...Lysander I'll speak to you about this a bit more. Our final bits of business concern both Lysander and his opposition here"

She gestures to Teresa.

"Me? What?" Teresa is visibly uncomfortable with Jacqueline's attention.

Necro

'Opposition... I would hope not. Whilst there may be disagreements - we are all allies here, I would hope.'

Lysander looks at Cock Robin, slightly perplexed.

Fourier

Necrominus wrote: »

'Opposition... I would hope not. Whilst there may be disagreements - we are all allies here, I would hope.'

Lysander looks at Cock Robin, slightly perplexed.

"Just spicing things up Lysander, no in truth you both have guests we need to discuss.

Isn't that right?"

Teresa blushes. Very unusual for a vampire, only the Toreador are capable of it.

Necro

Lysander nods.

'Yes. Of course. Perhaps a dangerous move by myself, but time will tell. But other guests? I would be interested in hearing of these.'

Fourier

"Well Teresa here has had four neonates flown in from Europe"

The crowd turns to look at her.

"It was cleared by the Greek office of the Camarilla. I have the paperwork" she explains.

Jacqueline nods.

"She does. Can you explain yourself? I know, but the others should too"

Teresa glances around nervously.

"I have brought them in for their beauty and talent...such is the Toreador way......."

Strauss makes a disgusted face. Therese Voerman laughs a little.

Jacqueline turns to Lysander.

"And your guest? He just flew in right?"

OOC: Toreador are rumoured to still have a body functional enough to enjoy sex.

Necro

Lysander nods.

'Just the other night. A Tzimisce from my homeland.'

Fourier

"No..." Strauss says shocked.

"Yes" Cock Robin rolls his eyes.

"Why did you invite him Lysander? Did you know him from before? Back in Milan? Or did he come of his own accord"

"His own accord" Cock Robin interupts. "Lysander was simply being helpful"

"Great..." Strauss throws his arms up in the air "...now we have to worry about the Masquerade being breached so much, the Chicago branch will be suing us for the next two centuries"

OOC: Chicago is basically the capital of the US in Vampire terms

Necro

Lysander shrugs.

'It may be a concern. I will know more when I speak candidly with him. He has items of interest here in LA.

One is the former Sabbat mansion.. I plan to accompany him to the site tonight.

The other...'

He looks at Jacqueline.

'The dragon skull in the museum.'

Fourier

Necrominus wrote: »

Lysander shrugs.

'It may be a concern. I will know more when I speak candidly with him. He has items of interest here in LA.

One is the former Sabbat mansion.. I plan to accompany him to the site tonight.

The other...'

He looks at Jacqueline.

'The dragon skull in the museum.'

She narrows her eyes.

"Approved"

Strauss nearly leaps out of his chair.

"Are you mad? We discussed that artefact, you're an idiot if you think..."

Suddenly Strauss falls to the ground, as if a ten ton weight were placed on him, breaking his chair. Jacqueline is simply looking at him. Lysander feels Cock Robin's Vitae stir beside him, ready to burn to power a discipline.

"Don't speak back to me. My word is law. Camarilla law. There is no higher authority than me in this city. To speak back when I have made a decision is to violate the most ancient laws."

Strauss struggles.

"Yes...my prince...."

"I'm not LaCroix Strauss, don't get ideas"

She releases him and he stands awkwardly.

Fourier

Jacqueline looks to the room.

"Before I close this meeting does anybody want to say anything?"