Ray has recently entered the modern era and has his very own internet access. I look forward to hearing from him more often in the future.
Big D, my most recent player to this chronicle, is tech saavy, but simply hasn't had the time with the story for such submissions (and is playing a character who is unlikely to use e-mail as a means of communication).
Sir,
I am writing to inform you that our mission here in Detriot is at
least partially successful. We have established a Camarilla powerbase
and selected a Prince, one Kasiel Saboon. There is still much work to
be done in the way of consolidating power, and there is a matter of a
large and unruly(and unruled, I may add) Nosferatu population here. I
believe that there is something strange going on in the sewers. Their
leader, one Cailean, assures us that it is none of our business down
there. If it is at all possible, perhaps an archon from the Nosferatu
Justicar(or better yet, a group of them) should investigate. I believe
that something very untoward is happening below the stench of Detroit.
There are at least twenty Nosferatu kindred in the undercity at all
times, sometimes more. And what if perhaps he is lying to us and there
are even greater numbers? A likely possibility.
Any world on the arachnae or The Jaguar? I believe I may have
reasons to be paranoid about these particulars, and any updates or
news would be well received. Thank you for your previous information
regarding Egypt and it's kindred population. It has come to be known to
us that Tiamat is "the Hungry", and loves to feed. She exists outside
our modern beliefs. She was suckled at one point by a kindred called
Orlun(or whatever his name, was, wookie, I don't have that sheet.) the
unseen, deep in the recesses of history. Her presence in the city
unnerves me, and I wonder what deeper demon she represents,
coincidentally, she likes the nosferatu....hmmmm
Hopefully you are experiencing good luck with you endeavors, and
moving perhaps toward a resolution with any enemies who have vexed you
of late. If there is anything a paltry hedge magician can do to help,
please just ask.
I remain your servant in blood if not name,
Reginald James Jefferson II
To Etrius and Meerlinda(Personallized, though incredibly similar
letters, I'll mail hers first as she is my region's head, but only by
a few minutes):
Honored Etrius(or Meerlinda), Council Member to the Lord Tremere,
I have established a foothold in the once Sabbat-dominated city
of Detroit. I am founding a chantry here, with my childe Cheryl. A
power structure has been consolidated, and the Prince is none other
than my longtime acquaintance Kasiel Saboon. There is, of course,
still much work to do. I will be contacting Byron DuMonde, the Prince
of Windsor, and should be keeping a standing relationship with him. I
have been named the Primogen of our clan here.
It will take more time to be truly in control of Detroit, but I
will do so for the glory of the clan and founder. Elder kindred seem
to flock here, and something is very important about this place. I
will get to the bottom of it and inform thee as events unfold. The
gift of the blood will soon be passed on to another, who is worthy.
The will of the council will be felt in the Midwest through myself and
my progeny.
For the Clan and Founder, always your loyal servant,
Reginald James Jefferson II
To Byron DuMonde:
Esteemed Prince,
We have established a foothold here, and created a Camarilla
powerbase. I have been named a Primogen of the region. The Prince,
one Kasiel Saboon, has delegated it to me to ask you about the River
and it's spiritual prohibitions. Any help you may be able to send to
clean up the remaining Sabbat would be excellent.
There is now a pack of Sabbat defected into our ranks, and the
Nosferatu say that they hold clan over sect. I have suspicions. The
former Archbishop is still at large, for the time being, but we have
plans for him. His powerbase is gone, his club ashes, and allies
destroyed. We work in steps towards total domination of the streets of
Detroit.
Thank you for your council and wisdom, and perhaps we may speak in
person some time in the near future. I am establishing a chantry as we
speak.
Good night, for the honor of the Clan and Founder,
Reginald James Jefferson II
to Khalid:
Honored Elder,
Good evening, I hope this message reaches you well. I realize
that in your seclusion you wish to avoid kindred politics. I wish to
know more of the state you named to me on our last meeting. I hope
that you are well and on your way to some salvation. My information
was paltry, but I can only hope it has done some good. I seek similar
refuge from both the politics and the state of my being. Perhaps we
can talk sometime. I am establishing a chantry in Detroit. You are
welcome here at all times. If you need sanctuary in the Midwest, I
will provide it.
I am alarmed by the presence of at least a score of your
clanmates(or antitribu) underneath my place of residence. Cailean is
the name of the one who controls this den, or warren as he refers it.
I am suspect of his motives and undertakings in the bowels of
Detroit. Any information you have on this Kindred would help me.
I thank you for your time and considerations, and wish you luck in
your endeavors,
Reginald James Jefferson II
From Meerlinda:
Primogen Jefferson,
I am very pleased to hear of your progress. I am sure that the clan will achieve much in that region under your guidance. Detroit has been a volatile area for the past century. The Sabbat put forth great effort to maintain control - much more so than other regions of North America. When the Camarilla last controlled the city, a clansmen by the name of Mortimer Wurther held a Chantry in the Prescott Building, located two blocks west of Woodward Avenue on McNichols. The building also housed a library, and is very near a university. As Mortimer is assumed destroyed, I have no knowledge of what has become of his belongings. Please look into this matter.
You are correct in your ascertation that Detroit is an area of importance to kindred. The clan has been interested in it for some time. We know that the Nosferatu zealously guard the catacombs beneath the metropolitan area, but not why. All past attempts to gain influence in area mining and municipal services have met extreme resistance, even when the Ventrue were recruited to aid. The last reported leader of the Nosferatu was Cailean, an elder Antitribu who once ruled Detroit as its Archbishop, though he apparently relinquished his title for reasons unknown. Any information you can gather about the city's Nosferatu population would be appreciated.
I should also warn you of an ancient kindred residing in the area, though I suspect you may already be aware of him. He is known as Kaslos and has declared a small section the outlands as his own domain. It would be wise, and you should inform your prince on my behalf, to honor his requests. He is reclusive, but gentile, and will likely extend hospitality to those who request it properly. Likewise, he will accept hospitality from those who properly offer it. It would be wise to present him with a gift each time you enter his domain, a tradition that has sadly been forgotten in these modern nights. The gift need not be much, but the more personal it is, the more flatteringly it will be received. Kaslos is far too old to hold much regard for the differences in sect ideologies, though I believe he looks more favorably upon the Camarilla, as we uphold the ancient traditions of kindred. If you can confirm Kaslos's presence in the area, please do.
When the city has been tamed and it's institutions controlled, I would very much like to visit, so that we may discuss further the more pressing issues of the region. Until then, I know that you will continue to keep us updated on your progress. Send word when you are ready to pass the blood onto another, and I will make the arrangements.
On behalf of Etrius and the Clan,
Meerlinda
From Byron DuMonde:
Loyal Reginald,
I have had my attention on Detroit for the past few months, and admiration for your efforts is deserved. I will now admit to knowing what you and your coterie were attempting, and I assure you I honored your desire for secrecy. I only hope that you bring the cretin DelMardigan to justice in short order. I would like to personally introduce myself to your prince, if you would be so kind as to provide a means by which to contact him.
As for the Detroit River, I report that my ritual is still intact and working effectively. So long as it is in place, Cainites will be unable to cross the running water from the St. Clair Beach to the south of the Fighting Island. I have insured that the ritual works deeply, so that the tunnel is protected, as well. Obviously, it is possible to bypass the effect by flying over the river, but the altitude required necessitates an aircraft of some sort, and I have agents monitoring the skies very closely. I am confident that the sabbat could not mount a sizable offensive from Detroit with this ritual in place, and I am pleased that they now are incapable. It may also ease your search efforts knowing that no kindred fled to my city. I look forward to the time when I can be done with the strenuous upkeep the ritual demands, and welcome kindred from across the river into my domain. It has been nearly two decades since I have visited Detroit personally, and I would graciously accept the hospitality of prince Saboon once the city is properly prepared for visitors.
Ever Obliging,
Prince Byron DuMonde of Windsor
I will assume that Reg would not address the local Sept Leader as "Glass Walker dood", and you were right, his name is Donald McCormick.
Reginald Jefferson II,
I am pleased to learn that your conflict has come to an end. War is seldom good for anything except an appreciation of peace. I retain my faith that our two societies can co-exist without conflict, and I am thankful for your thoughtfulness. Know that I, too, have informed all of my people of our agreement, and claim no jurisdiction over those who would break it.
Speaking of my people, I would have you know that they are not predisposed to harboring in urbanized locales. The majority of my sept members prefer the suburbs, and are only in the city when matters of protocol supersede personal preferences. I have heard some comments that the city smells better after the unusually wet winter. The spirits tell me that it was not mother nature who brought the rains, but I appreciated them nonetheless.
I am aware of the Society of Leopold. They have hunted my people for as long as they have yours. We have taken the necessary precautions, but I am pleased to hear of their migration.
I fear, friend, that my people would be wary of my meeting with one such as yourself for personal discussions. It is one thing to perform diplomatic necessities with a rival, but another to be seen socializing. Though the offer is quite intriguing, I stand to lose much should such an affair be discovered by my subordinates. I am afraid that the vast majority of my people do not share my open mind regarding our cultures. I can never be truly alone, you see, for the spirit world sees all, and my actions could be discovered by those who chose to inquire. However...
Technology is confusing to some of my kind, abhor-able to others. I would feel comfortable meeting you in Netspace for your proposed discussion. Though the spirits do indeed inhabit the Net, very few of my kind would think to interrogate them, and fewer yet would be able to understand their language. Please reply if you find this idea at all appealing.
Continued success in your endeavors, and peace to your nation, as well.
Donald McCormick
Reginald,
Alicia is ok, but she can tell something is wrong. She knows I'm different now, and it's hurting her and, I guess me, too. Part of me really wants to tell her, but I know that would not do any good, and it would just get the both of us in big trouble. I thought about asking Prince Saboon if I could embrace her, but I think I decided that that isn't really much of a favor to do for a person. I just want her to be happy, and I don't think she is going to be as long as I hang around. I am beginning to understand what you were telling me last fall. I realize that I am not really the same guy I was when I was... well, before. I'm somebody - something - different now, and should try to stick to my own kind. I've been trying to pretend I'm still a man all this time, because I couldn't bear the thought that I was like the others I knew. But now I know that I don't have to be like they were. I can be like you are.
Frank
*assume that this exchange between Frank and Reg takes place AFTER the incident that is described in the hand out you will get on Sunday*
>
Reginald,
I am pleased to hear of the continued good fortune of those whom I admire and respect highly. I believe you are warranted in your suspicions of the Nosferatu. The clan as a whole has been erratic the world over. Remember, too, that the last Camarilla regime in Detroit disappeared in a single night. Cailean likely displayed his influence as a message of warning. It seems likely to me that he wants Kasiel to know what the consequences of trifling with him would be. Be certain that Cailean did not tip his entire hand. Be wary of Caileans obvious spies, but more so of the hidden ones. You bed in treacherous territory still, I fear, but if any can prevail, it would be the lot of you.
I have been researching Cailean through Camarilla manuscripts and the like. I found reference to a kindred called Khalun, who surfaced circa 700 A.D. in southwest Asia. From accounts, this kindred was likely Nosferatu. I then found a stone carving among a collection of one of my more eclectic scholarly acquaintances, who was kind enough to allow me to peruse his cellar. The tablet is from the early Dynastic period of Egypt, and the text refers to an advisor named Khalemorus. Though nothing more than his presence in the pharaoh's court is mentioned of him, the carving depicts him as a bald man who's face is wrenched into a distorted frown.
Your Servant,
Eric Grimold
Koslos greets you with friendly words from a cold face. His bearing, demeanor, and manner of speaking reflect warmth and friendliness, but an utter lack of emotion steals the sincerity. He accepts your gifts graciously, and offers you a concubine from which to feast. You politely decline, having taken liberties earlier in the evening.
Koslos begins by commenting that he has not had so much kindred interaction in the last century as he has in the past few months. He reminisces about the time when a kindred could sit atop his castle and claim all the land to the horizon as his own, and not another cainite would intrude for decades upon decades. You find that while he speaks of these things, a twinge of personality shows through his stony features. It is when he sits still, listening to you speak, that his age and unnatural nature can be seen. It tends to unnerve slightly. The two of you sit in the study of an office, which occupies the entirety of the third floor of an office building in Royal Oak. The study is spacious and comfortable, and you sit facing each other on two comfortable sofas positioned near the fireplace. The room is furnished in exquisite polished woods, from the floor to the crown moldings, and the room glows with the warm light from the gentle fire.
" Lupines? Yes. Ferocious beasts, moreso than we. In days long past, they were a proud race who served their passions and faith well. Now, they seem to be more like caged scavengers, prodded from all sides with sticks. Forever snapping their jaws, but never bettering their situation. I imagine personal encounters with them have changed little over the ages - either it is agreed that there will be another time, or someone perishes. This city has it's garou visitors, but most keep to the northern forests. What do you know them?"
"If expanses of wilderness must be crossed, which is less likely in these nights than in those of the past, it is wise to arrive at your destination before the full moon. A lupine's fever is hottest at the full moon, and an encounter during this time is not likely to be pleasant, as the beast is thinking only of tasting blood. It is important to be discreet, as well, and not draw the attention of predators. Bury the carcasses of any creature you might take for sustenance, for the smell of rotting flesh will draw the lupines closer. A Cainites dead flesh attracts them, as well. Sleeping in the earth and covering one's clothing with animal musk or urine does well to camouflage one's passing. Disrupt not the flora and make no fire. Carry not silver, for though it is useful in defeating them, they can sense it's proximity. Have you plans to travel?"
"One's destiny is never certain, regardless of the level of insight. Your restlessness surely has it's purpose, and you are wise to heed your instincts. I sense that they will serve you well. I've noticed that your eye was outed - before your embrace, I assume?"
"Reversing the Curse of Caine? Is that how you view it? As a curse? How unfortunate to have a potentially endless existence and all the while be cursed. I am certain that whatever my condition may be, cursed I am not. It is difficult for me to recall my feelings from the same time period in my existence. I may have had some uncertainty then. I assure you that on this night, however, I view my existence as a gift."
*Koslos was very close to expounding on why he believes such, or maybe modifying his thought. In a moment, he thought better of it, and said nothing. After a brief pause...*
"Have you heard of Golconda? It is believed by some that those who achieve it can rid themselves of the beast and know humanity once again. It is whispered that only one who has suffered to the brink of self destruction will ever achieve this mystic state, though I have reservations that any vampire has ever achieved it. I've also heard of very powerful Thaumaturgy that can temporarily allow a kindred to walk in the sunlight without fear or injury, though I have yet to meet one who studies it. I wish you the best of fortune in that endeavor, though achieving it doesn't interest me. I would be interested to know how you managed to succeed, or why you didn't, someday. You are searching for an answer to a question that has been asked since the beginning of our history. Is there redemption for one shunned by the light? I honestly don't know, and I am quite comfortable in the arms of the night."
The remainder of your stay is spent discussing things such as the the differences in the nature of magic and magick, the evolution of magick, mortal magick vs. Thaumaturgy, etc. Koslos ends the meeting, stating that he has some things to attend to yet this evening that cannot be put off. He assures you that he enjoyed your company, and that perhaps you should meet and talk again soon. Say... next winter. You leave feeling as though you have revealed everything about yourself to him - like he knows everything about you. You wonder whether he may have toyed with your mind like you once did to Frank Young, or whether he may just be perceptive enough to "see" you. It is apparent that Koslos does not follow the morals of Humanity. You also believe that while he views his existence as a gift, he must be bound to the region by something, else he would be living in the Carpathians. He must be burdened by, or has a duty to, something.