VtM Part Three - City in Motion

Fourier

Lysander wakes.

Above him he sees beams pale moonlight shining through floorboard cracks.

Looking around he seems to be in a small room with some farming equipment and a ladder.

Somewhere nearby a guitar plays softly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_goHl-GuNk

Necro

Lysander pushes lightly at the floorboards and slowly pulls himself to his feet, surveying the room he is in.

Fourier

Necro wrote: »

Lysander pushes lightly at the floorboards and slowly pulls himself to his feet, surveying the room he is in.

The floorboards lift above him, leading out to what looks like a shed.

From here he can see the door of the shed. A man sits playing the guitar and beyond him lies the desert.

Necro

Lysander slowly and quietly approaches the door and as he gets closer tries to make out if he recognises the man with the guitar.

Fourier

Approaching the man, Lysander can hear his heartbeat. The smell of his blood is new, Lysander does not know this man.

No slight pick up in heart rate or change in perspiration consistent with adrenaline can be felt or smelt by Lysander, so the man has yet to notice him.

Necro

Lysander considers feeding, but deigns against it for now at least. He approaches the guitar player, and puts on his best country accent

'Nice night for a song, ain't it feller?'

Fourier

The man turns around in shock, going to hit Lysander with his guitar on instinct.

When he sees his face he stops pretty much instantly.

"Ah Señor Karpov...sorry you move very silently" the man's accent is Mexican "Nice to meet you"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

The man turns around in shock, going to hit Lysander with his guitar on instinct.

When he sees his face he stops pretty much instantly.

"Ah Señor Karpov...sorry you move very silently" the man's accent is Mexican "Nice to meet you"

Lysander smiles.

'You're not the first person to say that to me.... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.'

He looks out at the desert briefly.

'So, the South, yes? I presume you were waiting for me, I wonder why?'

Fourier

"Si, the South, just South of San Diego, near Dulzura. I am Francisco....well to you I am a ghoul of Señor Robin"

He puts down the guitar.

"I have being looking after you. Removed the stake from your heart today on Robin's orders"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"Si, the South, just South of San Diego, near Dulzura. I am Francisco....well to you I am a ghoul of Señor Robin"

He puts down the guitar.

"I have being looking after you. Removed the stake from your heart today on Robin's orders"

Lysander looks at Francisco oddly.

'Stake? Why was I staked in the first place.... Where is Robin?'

Fourier

"Robin said you needed to staked so you could not be found...I do not understand the details, he said your blood would be too cold to sense"

OOC: Lysander would not really know for sure what this meant.

He points toward a white building, a bunker of some form, on the horizon.

"Robin is over there, he does not permit me too approach"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"Robin said you needed to staked so you could not be found...I do not understand the details, he said your blood would be too cold to sense"

OOC: Lysander would not really know for sure what this meant.

He points toward a white building, a bunker of some form, on the horizon.

"Robin is over there, he does not permit me too approach"

'I guess that's where I have to go then. Any easier way than walking?'

He starts walking away towards the building anyways, not expecting any assistance.

Fourier

"Not that I know of Señor Karpov" Francisco calls as Lysander walks out.

Within about an hour Lysander reaches the bunker. The white walls have been scrubbed clean of Vitae recently, he can sense it.

The door is heavily bolted.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"Not that I know of Señor Karpov" Francisco calls as Lysander walks out.

Within about an hour Lysander reaches the bunker. The white walls have been scrubbed clean of Vitae recently, he can sense it.

The door is heavily bolted.

Lysander examines the bolted door and looks around the front for any other entrances, an intercom, camera or anything that might allow him a way in.

Fourier

Necro wrote: »

Lysander examines the bolted door and looks around the front for any other entrances, an intercom, camera or anything that might allow him a way in.

A smear of Vitae lies on the door. It's Cock Robin's.

The only other "entrance" in a sense is a ventilation shaft a few yards from the building itself. A very slight amount of steam rises from it.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

A smear of Vitae lies on the door. It's Cock Robin's.

The only other "entrance" in a sense is a ventilation shaft a few yards from the building itself. A very slight amount of steam rises from it.

Lysander checks out the ventilation shaft.

Fourier

Lysander walks toward the ventilation shaft, but about four yards from it, his feet almost stop of their own accord. An automatic reaction. The steam is burning Vitae.

Vitae of a very powerful vampire.

Necro

Lysander attempts to turn and makes for the door again. He tries the bolts to see if they will open, or if they can be broken off.

Fourier

Necro wrote: »

Lysander attempts to turn and makes for the door again. He tries the bolts to see if they will open, or if they can be broken off.

On touching the bolts the Vitae on the door recognises Lysander and the door reveals itself as a powerful illusion.

The entrance way lies open into a corridor with two rooms on each side and a vault door at the back.

The vault door is currently slightly open.

Necro

Lysander makes his way down the left side of the corridor slowly and quietly and checks the first room.

Fourier

The first room contains a study desk and an ornate chair. Hot Vitae in a cup lies on the desk next to several obscure texts. Lysander can read some of the Latin names:

On the Antediluvians
Those of the first city
The Book of Nod: Complete 17th century commentaries
Translation of Babylonian tablets concerning the Elders

He evens sees Netchurch's book that he himself had read.

Sprawling over the desk are Cock Robin's notes. Even a quick glance reveals he has figured out what Clarissa is.

Necro

Lysander continues on down the corridor and looks in the second room.

Fourier

Here Lysander finds a couple of human bodies, but more shockingly some Neonates.

All drained dry.

The floor of the room is bare soil and the walls are a dull grey, unlike the last room which was a cosy study.

At the center of the room is a tree whose roots extend into the blood drenched soil. It's fruits are packed with blood.

Necro

Lysander examines the Neonates to see does he recognise any of them.

Fourier

Necro wrote: »

Lysander examines the Neonates to see does he recognise any of them.

He recognises a few from the recent meeting among the Primogens. They were outside waiting for their leaders.

He has also seen one or two at the Asylum nightclub.

None he knows personally, but what Cock Robin is doing seriously violates Camarilla law.

Necro

Lysander leaves the room and makes for the vault. This is getting stranger and stranger. He considers going back to check the rooms on the right, but deigns against it.

Fourier

Within the vault he finds Cock Robin kneeling on the ground, concentrating with all his might.

The room is bare, with metallic walls.

Clarissa is pinned to the wall with metallic stakes. One through her heart, several in her ribs and one driven into each eye.

Cock Robin doesn't react on Lysander's approach.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

Within the vault he finds Cock Robin kneeling on the ground, concentrating with all his might.

The room is bare, with metallic walls.

Clarissa is pinned to the wall with metallic stakes. One through her heart, several in her ribs and one driven into each eye.

Cock Robin doesn't react on Lysander's approach.

'R-Rob? What are you doing?'

Fourier

"Lysander...."

He winces.

"...I'm trying to...control her..."

He leans forward and coughs up Vitae.

"I...it's too much...she an antediluvian or something...has she had you in her thrall this whole time?"

Lysander can now see that Cock Robin is using some kind of ritual to continuously burn Clarissa's flesh, but it's healing as he does it.

"I'm afraid she'll force the stakes out and then...."

He grimaces as something takes hold of him.

"LYSANDER RELEASE ME!!" Clarissa's voice blares out of Cock Robin's mouth.

However he then reasserts control.

"She's managing that more and more frequently for the last two days"

Necro

'She is bound, Cock Robin. The owl assisted me in doing so. What happened whilst I was... staked?'

He approaches Clarissa and looks at her.

'Calm down and I might consider releasing you. This behaviour needs to stop young lady!'

Fourier

As soon as the final sentence exits Lyusander's mouth, Clarissa's Vitae goes silent.

Cock Robin takes a split second to react, accidentally continuing the ritual enough to burn off her hands.

"She is bound? How....how the hell have you bound her...the owl? What is she?" Cock Robin looks scared and confused.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

As soon as the final sentence exits Lyusander's mouth, Clarissa's Vitae goes silent.

Cock Robin takes a split second to react, accidentally continuing the ritual enough to burn off her hands.

"She is bound? How....how the hell have you bound her...the owl? What is she?" Cock Robin looks scared and confused.

'What she truly is... I do not know, admittedly. I bound her with my blood. Me being staked possibly interrupted the binding.'

Fourier

Cock Robin lights a cigarette and pulls on it hard.

"Biologically I can't be addicted and yet I still need one of these at times...what does that mean?"

He laughs.

"Okay, let's not stake you again. I did it so that Camarilla hunters couldn't track you, I've a way of disguising torpored blood almost entirely.

Everybody on the West Coast felt princess here 'wake up' I suppose you could call it. Then that lightening strike.

Okay so what conclusions have you come to about her?"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

Cock Robin lights a cigarette and pulls on it hard.

"Biologically I can't be addicted and yet I still need one of these at times...what does that mean?"

He laughs.

"Okay, let's not stake you again. I did it so that Camarilla hunters couldn't track you, I've a way of disguising torpored blood almost entirely.

Everybody on the West Coast felt princess here 'wake up' I suppose you could call it. Then that lightening strike.

Okay so what conclusions have you come to about her?"

'There were three of them, you know. All ordered to be killed by Jacqueline. I burned the others alive, but kept Clarissa to... study her. Initially I used the books that you have in your study back there, but her powers began to differ greatly.

She was able to take me to a different... dimension... I think. Not the Abyss, somewhere different entirely.

When I met with Dracula, or Count Mike as he kindly let me call him - at the Sabbat mansion he unleashed some form of demon. In return for allowing him to become my companion, he told me of an old prophecy.

It turns out the prophecy involved Clarissa... and myself.

When I went to the mansion after a call from the Sheriff - I met with the owl. I know very little about this being. But following my escape, killing the vampire hunters that attacked me - I took the Sheriff who was close to death.

Clarissa had grown too strong, she devoured the heart of the Sheriff.... and somehow this enabled, with the help of this owl... my blood to bind her.'

He looks around.

'Where is... Larry... anyways?'

Fourier

Cock Robin nods.

"Larry headed off two days ago. Said he was preparing a haven in San Diego for you. Loyal man I think. I take it he is the Demon? Some of the things he can do, not even a Mage can do.

The Owl though...never heard of a being like that...makes me worried, but still if you hadn't bound her....And there were three? We need to find the Sire, I'll deal with that.

The most pressing issue is the Sabbat. Their entire religion is based around killing Antediluvians. If they learn a new Clan Founder has emerged, they'll be coming. Some of my contacts saw Sabbat elite cross the Californian border. Also Clarissa herself is a threat to the Masquerade and the Camarilla, but too useful and dangerous to attempt to kill. If there were a way of ensuring her loyalty....She could be a brilliant member of the central council in a few centuries, but we don't want a blood god on our hands.

Also the emergence of something like her is supposed to attract Caine...I never used to believe, but...and now a prophecy..."

He takes another draw.

"The Camarilla is looking for you, as the Sabbat will be in time. Of all people Jacqueline helped me hide you. I'm not sure of her game there."

Necro

'Yes, initially took the form of my sister...'

Lysander sighs.

'San Diego it is then I suppose. I have a clan to establish. The sooner I can build the foundations for a Camarilla Lasombra clan, the more insulated I can be.

Clarissa should come with me, along with being bound she quite clearly provides some essential protection if necessary. I plan to speak with her, and try to explain why what happened did, and why she had to be bound. Perhaps that will assuade the Camarilla forces from hunting, if I can attempt to win loyalty to them from her.

As for the Sabbat... well they will come anyways, Rob. A clan establishment was always bound to do that. I expected a response at some point, especially given what happened to their clan in LA.'

Fourier

"The prophecy, have you gotten your hands an a copy?"

Cock Robin is pacing now.

"Also I suggest you remove the stakes. She might still be free to attack me."

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"The prophecy, have you gotten your hands an a copy?"

Cock Robin is pacing now.

"Also I suggest you remove the stakes. She might still be free to attack me."

'Sadly no. I think... Larry... might be able to help there though.'

He approaches Clarissa and speaks to her.

'Now Clarissa dear, keep your rage in check or I'll be very cross.'

He begins to remove the stakes.

Fourier

As the stakes are pulled out the wounds close up almost instantly.

Clarissa falls to the floor and stands back up.

"No worries Ly, I get it"

She looks over at Cock Robin and narrows her eyes. (OOC: Manipulation + Insight to read her thoughts from her face, or Domination if you wish to pull it out of her mind)

"I'll wait in the study"

She heads out.

Fourier

Lysander realises Clarissa was studying Cock Robin, not a hint of anger.

Necro

Lysander looks at Cock Robin.

'What's with the neonates, Rob? I only ask because you know things about me that others do not.'

He leans against the wall.

'I suppose San Diego is calling us both regardless. Have you still a copy of the dossier on the candidates? Might make for some light reading on the journey.'

Fourier

"Yeah, I've left it with some clothes and a pistol in your new place. I've a car obfuscated outside..."

He clicks his fingers.

"...should be visible now.

The neonates were both to feed her and power the ritual, I was beginning to cut into being noticed though. Didn't like that. Most were taken from small towns around Colorado and Wyoming...the Dakotas as well. Little Camarilla presence out there to monitor their disappearance"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"Yeah, I've left it with some clothes and a pistol in your new place. I've a car obfuscated outside..."

He clicks his fingers.

"...should be visible now.

The neonates were both to feed her and power the ritual, I was beginning to cut into being noticed though. Didn't like that. Most were taken from small towns around Colorado and Wyoming...the Dakotas as well. Little Camarilla presence out there to monitor their disappearance"

'Will you not be joining me immediately? I presume the dossier is in the car, yes? Ha, might get Clarissa to recommend a candidate, see if it aligns with my choice. If that is all for now then, Rob, I guess we should get out of here.'

Fourier

"I'll come with, sure. Have to meet the Prince here anyway and declare you.

San Diego is to join the Camarilla formally in three weeks. So for now you are safe, you're outside the jurisdiction of those who'd like to have more than a word with you"

He heads out of the bunker.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"I'll come with, sure. Have to meet the Prince here anyway and declare you.

San Diego is to join the Camarilla formally in three weeks. So for now you are safe, you're outside the jurisdiction of those who'd like to have more than a word with you"

He heads out of the bunker.

Lysander makes for the study to collect Clarissa.

When he gets there he speaks.

'I suppose you have questions. Know that this wasn't done to harm you, my dear. I just wish to understand you, to hopefully keep you safe. As I have done the entire time we have known each other. I apologise for Cock Robin, he merely did not understand. It will not happen again.'

Fourier

Necro wrote: »

'I suppose you have questions. Know that this wasn't done to harm you, my dear. I just wish to understand you, to hopefully keep you safe. As I have done the entire time we have known each other. I apologise for Cock Robin, he merely did not understand. It will not happen again.'

"Don't worry Ly, I get it. As for that man, for some reason I don't care, I was furious until I heard you speak.

I know you did something to make me obey you, that made me angry...more than angry, but somehow...now I don't care.

Just since you spoke to me there now.

Weird.

Anyway see you in the car"

After Clarissa leaves Lysander notices the study desk has rotted slightly and an ooze of Vitae runs from a crack in the wood.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"Don't worry Ly, I get it. As for that man, for some reason I don't care, I was furious until I heard you speak.

I know you did something to make me obey you, that made me angry...more than angry, but somehow...now I don't care.

Just since you spoke to me there now.

Weird.

Anyway see you in the car"

After Clarissa leaves Lysander notices the study desk has rotted slightly and an ooze of Vitae runs from a crack in the wood.

Lysander thinks about touching the Vitae but looking at the desk he deigns against it. He follows Clarissa to the car.

Fourier

Outside are two Ferraris.



"Yours is that one"

Cock Robin gestures to the one on the right.

On the passenger seat Lysander sees the Dossier.

Clarissa climbs in and lifts it up.

"Who are these three guys Ly?"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

Outside are two Ferraris.



"Yours is that one"

Cock Robin gestures to the one on the right.

On the passenger seat Lysander sees the Dossier.

Clarissa climbs in and lifts it up.

"Who are these three guys Ly?"

'Well, my dear - they are candidates for a new clan in the Camarilla. First ever Lasombra US branch. And I am to be the patriarch.'

He pauses and shifts the car into reverse, backing out slowly.

'I would like you to help me decide on the best candidate. I like the politician, but your input would be helpful.'

Fourier

"He looks good..." she says after a pause long enough to get them onto the main road to San Diego.

"...Bruce...he has a business here in San Diego, as well as places in Los Angeles. So we'd have access to him.

Next is a start up guy...toned, wearing a motivational T-Shirt...Dennis...ugh!

And the last one...she looks pretty cool, a Luchadora...Imelda"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"He looks good..." she says after a pause long enough to get them onto the main road to San Diego.

"...Bruce...he has a business here in San Diego, as well as places in Los Angeles. So we'd have access to him.

Next is a start up guy...toned, wearing a motivational T-Shirt...Dennis...ugh!

And the last one...she looks pretty cool, a Luchadora...Imelda"

Lysander nods.

'Yes. Bruce I think is the candidate. Keep reading though, if anything stands out let me know.'

He relaxes a little and continues the drive in silence for a bit.