VtM Part Four - Family

Fourier

"Ly..."

Lysander hears the voice in the distance. It's Clarissa's.

"Lysander"

Jacqueline's.

"Kid"

Cock Robin's.

"My Childe"

Lau-Som-Bheu.

Then another speaks:

"Wake now. You owe me and I have debts to pay myself. Awake Shadow and lead"

Lysander's eyes burst open. He is lying in a room overlooking the Los Angeles night skyline.

Necro

Taking a moment to adjust to his surroundings, Lysander looks around the room warily. His last memory was of releasing the power he had taken from Jacqueline... then nothing.

'Where... am I? Did I... time jump?'

Fourier

The room is a very fancy bedroom in what appears to be the penthouse of a high rise building on the city's outskirts. Thankfully a digital clock beside the bed tells him it's only a week later.

Necro

Lysander rises and goes to the window, surveying the city briefly.

He then walks around the penthouse, stretching his legs.

He calls out softly
'Hello? Anybody there?'

Fourier

As Lysander calls out he feels a presence in the room. Turning quickly he sees another Kindred.

"Mr Karpov. You are awake"



OOC: Lysander is powerful enough to know this Vampire isn't really here, it is merely a projection. The sense he gets is a Ventrue

Necro

Lysander turns and surveys the projection.

'Yes, what has it been a week? Who have I the pleasure of speaking with on this fine night?'

Fourier

"My name is Kevin Jackson...I assume that is enough"

OOC: Jackson is the Prince of Chicago, as head of the most important Vampire city in the country he is essentially "King" of USA's Kindred. Everybody knows his name

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"My name is Kevin Jackson...I assume that is enough"

'Ah, forgive my ignorance Prince Jackson, it is the first time we have met and these are trying times. Praytell, what has given me the honour of your... well, presence?'

Fourier

"To formally announce that the Camarilla world council has declared you Prince of Los Angeles.

Not only do you do so as a member of a clan we have long hoped would join us in a position of power, but also you have struck a mighty blow to the Sabbat. Once the council considered unthinkable. You have struck at the core of their creed. By depowering an 'antediluvian'..." he says the final word with a smirk "...as the Sabbat call them you have shown these monsters to be nothing more than simply another powerful Kindred. Dangerous yes, but not insurmountable. Certainly not the bringers of Doomsday the Sabbat bishops drone on about"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"To formally announce that the Camarilla world council has declared you Prince of Los Angeles.

Not only do you do so as a member of a clan we have long hoped would join us in a position of power, but also you have struck a mighty blow to the Sabbat. Once the council considered unthinkable. You have struck at the core of their creed. By depowering an 'antediluvian'..." he says the final word with a smirk "...as the Sabbat call them you have shown these monsters to be nothing more than simply another powerful Kindred. Dangerous yes, but not insurmountable. Certainly not the bringers of Doomsday the Sabbat bishops drone on about"

Lysander shrugs.

'Lau-Som-Bheu wished to rule through fear and domination. That way of thinking went out with the Dark Ages.

Whilst we Kindred must have a certain level of this to ensure no one would challenge us... it is not the way forward.

Thank you Prince Jackson, with great honour I accept this role, and now that my Lasombra kin see what can be achieved... I expect some will flock to the side of the Camarilla.'

Fourier

"They already have. There is another reason I am here before you"

He walks to the window and gazes out at the city.



"When I was human I would have given my right arm to be in a penthouse in LA..." he looks lost in thought before continuing "...there is a letter for you on the kitchen table. From the Amici Noctis I assume. I can guess what it is about. Consider what they say. Should you agree, I will order the Primogens of this city to govern it in your absence for a while. See you soon. I hope"

He vanishes.

OOC: The Amici Noctis govern the Lasombra globally. There are few of them as it is an exclusive society. You were never ruled by them, being an antitribu

Necro

'Amici Noctis....?'

Lysander makes his way to the kitchen table and looks at the letter.

Taking deep breaths almost as if he were human, he opens it.

Fourier

The letter is written in pure shadow manipulated to form letters. It is in Latin but Lysander can read it from his mortal legal training.

Dear Friend Karpov,

We have selected you as the first Camarilla member of our society. We need not go over what you have done to merit this for it is clear. Recent evens, your actions among them, have made us reconsider the clan's membership in the Sabbat. It is clear now that we must see the entire clan transitions to Camarilla membership. Again your example has been of great importance in our deliberations.

For this reason we have placed several agents in key cities. They are to petition to be Primogens of Camarilla clans as you yourself managed recently in Los Angeles and San Diego. When the time is right they will all simultaneously petition to the Camarilla council for the entire clan to join with ultimately one of us in the Amici Noctis sitting on the council.

We would first seek to see if you have the qualities of one who might lead our clan. If you do, we will discuss how you might aide one of our agents. The most important one.

If you are interested, then come to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

If not? We will understand. You will never hear from us again, barring strong interference in our plans

Regards,
A Friend

Necro

Lysander sits down and re-reads the letter multiple times, the words sinking into his mind.

'Join the Camarilla.... Lead the clan....'

He stares at the letter intently, wondering if it is some trick that has been played on him.

Prince, approved by the Camarilla.... and now this.

'You'd better believe I'm interested... A Friend... You had better believe it.'

He checks the penthouse for any other letters or documentation before leaving.

Fourier

There is a single velum parchment lying on a coffee table. Writing side down. Though Lysander knows from the smell it is written in blood.

Necro

Lysander stops and pockets his letter from the Amici Noctis.

He turns over the velum slowly, having an idea who this may be from.

Fourier

When he turns it over the blood simply reads 'A Goodbye'.

"Hi Lysander"

The voice is Jacqueline's from behind him.

Necro

'Jacqueline? You... you're here?'

Lysander whirls around, startled.

Fourier

"Well not really, like your friend Jackson. No you consumed me fair and square. This is just an echo, the last bits of my personality before I'm completely absorbed.

Well done. You're Prince now"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"Well not really, like your friend Jackson. No you consumed me fair and square. This is just an echo, the last bits of my personality before I'm completely absorbed.

Well done. You're Prince now"

'I suppose I am. And I did what you asked, it probably doesn't make us even... but at least it may give you some comfort.'

Fourier

"No it's what I wanted. It was my mission here. I just want to know one thing..." her forms begins to fade "...Jesus this takes more effort than I thought. I see that you went to the afterlife...do we exist over there?"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"No it's what I wanted. It was my mission here. I just want to know one thing..." her forms begins to fade "...Jesus this takes more effort than I thought. I see that you went to the afterlife...do we exist over there?"

'I'll be honest Jacqueline... I do not know. There are so many different areas in the afterlife... and I was rather rudely ejected.

But yes... I think so. I hope that gives you comfort. Thank you for everything, without your initial guidance and bringing me here... well this would not be possible. And... sorry about the whole diablerism.'

Fourier

"Well good to know. Hopefully it's full of more hierarchical pricks fighting over who gets to rule. Well, no hard feelings Lysander and watch out for yourself. You're in the big leagues now. Even I didn't see much of that beyond hints"

She gives a light smile and jokingly salutes him before fading.

Lysander's blood burns as Jacqueline's power fully merges with him. As he stumbles back and places his hand on a pillar it cracks along the point where he touched it. It will take time before his command of the power is as good as Jacqueline's was.

OOC: Potence 3 gained. Jacqueline had a special form of Potency. As you level it up you will gain it in the way she did

Necro

Lysander waits until the feelings making him stagger have somewhat passed, before straightening himself and making for the exit.

He has an appointment with 'A Friend' to keep

Fourier

The penthouse apartment door exits onto an elevator. Taking it down Lysander exits into a lobby where all the Kindred of LA are kneeling. The Primogens are the first row, their right hands behind them and all others behind them. The Lasombra are to the right. Just Nostro and Imelda, who seems to have resurfaced.

Maximillian Strauss steps forward.

"Prince Lysander. Do you accept me once more as Primogen of Clan Tremere?"

Necro

Lysander takes Strauss's hand and looks him dead in the eye (OOC: no powers).

'Primogen Strauss, thank you for meeting with me. Of course I will accept you - you served the former Prince well... as you will me now, of this I am certain, yes?'

Fourier

They all approach in turn to have their status reaffirmed.

OOC: Let me know if there is anybody you question or refuse

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

They all approach in turn to have their status reaffirmed.

Lysander accepts each of them in turn, greeting them in the same way and meeting their eyes directly. He watches for any flinching or flickering when meeting their individual gazes.

Fourier

Teresa Salvador, the Toreador Primogen, doesn't flinch exactly but Lysander detects fear.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

Teresa Salvador, the Toreador Primogen, doesn't flinch exactly but Lysander detects fear.

Lysander accepts Teresa like the others. In fact, he likes the fear that Teresa has.

'Easier to keep in line' he thinks to himself.

Fourier

Finally Nostro approaches.

"Well seeing as how you are Prince now my Sire...I was wondering perhaps should I step forward as Lasombra Primogen?"

Lysander detects apprehension. Not fear for Nostro trusts Lysander, more like a child afraid they're being a bit cheeky.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

Finally Nostro approaches.

"Well seeing as how you are Prince now my Sire...I was wondering perhaps should I step forward as Lasombra Primogen?"

Lysander detects apprehension. Not fear for Nostro trusts Lysander, more like a child afraid they're being a bit cheeky.

Lysander looks at the others and then to Nostro.

'Yes, Nostro. You have proven yourself loyal and deserving. From what I have learned there will be a need for a cool head in my place.

Areas and territories can be discussed another time..'

He looks at the other Primogens when he says this as well.

'Nostro, rise as Lasombra Primogen.'

He takes Nostro's hand as he did the others.

Fourier

"Thank you Sire!" he says grasping Lysander's hand firmly. Lysander feels the Sire bond burn fiercely within Nostro, it would be hard for even mental disciplines to turn him against Lysander now.

He returns to the crowd and the kindred of the city rise and begin to mingle and talk. None approach Lysander initially. A Prince is intimidating. A Lasombra prince with an aura of power and shadow even more so.

Necro

Lysander surveys the Kindred and looks for a familiar face in the crowd...

While doing so he approaches the Primogens.

'Now that the formalities are out of the way, are there any matters pressing for any of you? If so, we arrange meetings, in private if you wish your own clan business to remain that way.

How fares the city since the Sabbat were pushed back?'

Fourier

Louis Fortier, the Ventrue Primogen speaks first.



"We are rebuilding. Infrastructure wise little was affected, though there were severe Masquerade violations. Most of us have suffered heavy losses...in fact the loss of half our clans in most cases. We would all petition for siring my Prince"

Necro

Lysander nods.

'Siring, yes. Back up to your former levels, no higher. And gradually... we don't want mass panic with new Kindred roaming the streets.

Does that please you all? Remember, happy Primogens make for a happy Prince.'

Fourier

They nod among each other. All except Teresa Salvador.

"I have...tastes...Sire. I may need to fly proper candidates in. Can I arrange such?"

Maximillian Strauss looks disgusted.

OOC: Just the bit from the char summaries relevant to this:
Teresa Salvador - Older of the two Toreador Primogens, ordered murder of Clarissa and her friends. It's likely that Teresa Salvador is a vampire who still feels sexual attraction, something only possible for certain Toreador. This was repulsive to Strauss as Tremere tend to be very removed from humanity. Was not present during the attack on her mansion

Necro

'Clan business is clan business. Send me on the details of your candidates when you have selected them Teresa, I will need to approve them.'

He looks at Strauss.

'We must all co-exist my friend, as long as she keeps it in house, there is no need to worry.'

Fourier

Teresa Salvador smiles smugly at Strauss.

Strauss doesn't respond.

"Understood my lord. My apologies"

As the Primogens converse Strauss gains the courage to approach Lysander.

"My we talk afterward my lord or in private now..." he gestures to a lounge unoccupied in the lobby "...I have something I wish to discuss. About the city's defenses"

Necro

Lysander nods.

'My door is... usually always open Mr. Strauss. Let us go'

He gestures for him to lead the way.

Fourier

Strauss enters with Lysander into the Lounge. He gestures with his fingers and a green effect passes over the doorway. He sits in one of the large armchairs and offers the other to Lysander.

"Nobody can hear us now my Lord. Let me be frank to begin with. Are you adverse to blood magic my Prince?"

Necro

Lysander takes the seat and crosses his legs.

'Anything that helps the cities defenses is a boon to me... though, this seems kind of Masquerade violation territory. What were Jacqueline's views on it?'

Fourier

"She was against it. As LaCroix was before her. The Pyramid (OOC: The Tremere ruling council like the Lasombra Amici Noctis) has chastised me following the attack. They say I did not adequately protect the city with the wards and potent spells my clan is capable of.

I agree with them. I argued I was not allowed. They claimed that was irrelevant, even accused me of having lost my mastery of some of the rarer spells.

Would you permit its reintroduction? Jacqueline was against the sourcing of the blood. LaCroix just found the whole concept distasteful"

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"She was against it. As LaCroix was before her. The Pyramid (OOC: The Tremere ruling council like the Lasombra Amici Noctis) has chastised me following the attack. They say I did not adequately protect the city with the wards and potent spells my clan is capable of.

I agree with them. I argued I was not allowed. They claimed that was irrelevant, even accused me of having lost my mastery of some of the rarer spells.

Would you permit its reintroduction? Jacqueline was against the sourcing of the blood. LaCroix just found the whole concept distasteful"

Lysander ponders for a few moments.

'Strauss this is not a decision I can make lightly. I am interested, very interested as to how this blood magic works though.

Could we arrange a night for you to provide me with a demonstration perhaps? I will make a decision on whether to permit it once I know what I am dealing with.

I think that is a fair compromise, yes?'

Fourier

"Agreed my Lord. That you would countenance even the demonstration shows how open minded a Prince you are"

He bows.

"After you my Lord" he gestures to the door leading out.

Necro

Fourier wrote: »

"Agreed my Lord. That you would countenance even the demonstration shows how open minded a Prince you are"

He bows.

"After you my Lord" he gestures to the door leading out.

Lysander rises and heads back out to mingle a bit more.

Fourier

As he reenters the main lobby he spots Cock Robin and Clarissa entering through the front door. Both wave to him.

However Therese Voerman, Primogen of Clan Malkavian, blocks Lysander's view.

"Prince my I have a word...about a secret of mine" Only a Malkavian would speak so brazenly.

OOC: Therese:

Necro

Lysander nods.

'Of course Therese, where would you like to have this discussion?'

Fourier

"Well not where they can watch us. You know who I'm speaking about, I have their secrets as well

Can my sister join us?"

She gestures to Jeanette Voerman.

OOC: Jeanette:

Necro

Lysander gestures to the room he just left with Strauss.

'Will this suffice? Yes your sister may join us. Best to get this discussion out of the way in the early days, you would agree I presume?'

Fourier

The two sisters enter the room. Then Therese gestures to the chair for Lysander to sit in.

"Strauss does that not us Therese not us" Jeanette complains.

"No Strauss already did it we do it again" Therese corrects.

"Anyway my Prince I just wanted to inform you early on that another Primogen plots to dethrone you, Jeanette and I are actually the same person and there is a very old kindred and a very young one that are threats to you. And then there is the one with the old book, but he arrives. You and him want to kill somebody. Or maybe you don't yet. I forget now"

OOC: Malkavians essentially see the future and past and present both near and far. Unfortunately they only get snapshots and have trouble making sense since they're receiving this stuff all the time. Experiencing it as images and whispers in their mind