[OOC] World of Darkness: City of Angels

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Zeroth

"Welcome to LA homie, the only city of it's kind in the world. Where the fuck else you get Hollywood and Compton in the same city? They can't even fuck with it."

World of Darkness: City of Angels is the latest installment in a series of roleplays telling an alternative story of the Last Nights. The chain of events of previous games has lead to the greatest threat the Free State of Los Angeles has ever faced, player characters may well find themselves having to cope with the reality of the Final Nights by the end of the game's plot. 

While Kindred rule Los Angeles and the greater Free State of California, all are welcomed. The Lupine, mages, hunters, changlings, and beyond; the Free State has a little of it all. It's no secret the powers of the supernatural world have come to view the Free State with desire, but given the recent Kindred Civil War that resulted in supernatural casualties of all kinds (not just Kindred) few are willing to jump in without knowing what they're jumping into this time. Last time the world assumed the Anarchs and their unofficial leader Jeremy MacNeil ruled the Free State. 

They should have known better. There's always an older, stronger, force under the surface in this world. So it was with the secret presence of two Toreador who created much of the Free State, creating San Diego, Los Angeles, and Hollywood between them; 5th Generation Christopher Houghton and 6th Generation Eva. When Sabbat and Kuei-jin both made their moves for invasion, it was the immeasurable power and influence in the Free State they had created, even under the nose of the Camarilla during it's brief reign in California decades earlier, that kept the Free State free. A home turf advantage that no one had seen coming, and do could do nothing about. 

Although their actions in defending the Free State made select circles aware of their existence, precious little else about either was known. Camarilla and Sabbat started their entire intelligence gathering process anew; even known elements of the Free States could, now, in theory be pawns of "the Mysterious Two." Nothing, and no one, known within the Free State could be trusted until re-examined.

Within the Free State new problems arose. The Anarchs truly believed they had been the source for the Free State, and the power behind it. Had they, too, simply been pawns? Jeremy MacNeil had known about one of the Mysterious Two, but not the other. And the one he had known about had been a 13 year old Kindred he knew as the Kid that appeared too fragile and fearful to be any hidden power. MacNeil had been wrong, and it cost him dearly. The Kid turned on MacNeil seemingly out of nowhere, forcing the Brujah and his close followers to retreat to the northern stretches of the Free State. 

The dominoes began to fall, enough to alert and alarm the Kid's unknown co-creator in the Free State and Hollywood: Eva. Eva was forced public to start dealing with the problems the Kid's actions were suddenly causing them. It was the start of a division between Christopher, the Kid, and Eva that would end the Kindred Civil War of the Free State. None outside the Free State saw it coming, only the young Anarchs seemed wise enough to the streets to see it coming. Much of them followed Eva after the charismatic young Brujah community leader Catlin Monroe revealed herself to be Yanci, a 7th Generation Toreador and childe of Eva. Yanci explained how decades ago Eva had instructed her to pose as a young Brujah, to learn and understand that community better. To help them out whenever, and however, they could without betraying the secret of their existence. 

That moment of honesty, of leveling with the Anarchs of the Free State, did radically more for Eva than Christopher's paranoia and sudden cruelty did for his cause. In the parking lot of the Rant held in the Staples Center of Los Angeles, the Kindred Civil War began. It's clear that the conflict came to a sudden end when Eva committed diablerie on Christopher. Though Eva had loved Christopher, the Kid's near madness and irrational paranoia had recently overwhelmed any good sense he had left, forcing her hand. The Kid was so certain his sire would plotting to appear and get revenge for the damage Christopher had done to his sire centuries earlier. 

Los Angeles is just now beginning to settle into it's new reality: a Free State, but with a Los Angeles unified under the rule of a single Baron. Not Eva, but her childe and right hand, Yanci. No one that knows seems willing to say, and those who don't know say Eva is still around, just going back underground and into secret where she had been for centuries before the Kid's actions forced her public. But now the Sabbat, the Camarilla, and others still know what the true power in the Free State is. The future of the Free State is a dangerous game, but still the only place in the supernatural world the persecuted can find safe harbor, and still the only motley collection of the supernatural under one loose banner in all the world of darkness. 

Game Brief

GMs are Ezekiel and myself.
The year is 2017.
The game has a story and plot, though it's sandbox enough if you want to run a sub-plot too.
Advanced writing standards.
Try to post once a week, communicate with the GMs if life gets in your way. Understandable.
We're fine with powerful characters, just realize this game isn't a competition, even conflict is a collaboration.
Post unapproved Character Sheets in the OOC. Post them in the Characters tab once approved.
There's too much in WoD to mention it all in this OOC, so have a question? Hit us up in the game Discord, or PM the GMs.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, the World of Darkness setting, and thus, the setting of the rp, the premise is fairly simple. Take the modern world and make the myths of our nightmares, the supernatural, real. Then turn the world several degrees 'darker.' The climate is worsening, the governments more corrupt, the multinational corporations more powerful. To the common man the world is much the same, but the horrors that lurk in the dark are true, and the world hangs ever more on the balance of humanities hubris.

The most common, or at least, the most prominent of these supernatural beings are the Kindred, as they call themselves, vampires, is what the teeming masses of humanity would recognize them as. Ever since Caine was cursed as the first vampire, the kindred have been alongside humanity, pulling the strings from behind closed doors, be they castle or boardrooms. The ability and character of a Kindred is defined by his clan, the bloodline from which he or she stems, these can all be found here; whitewolf.wikia.com/wiki/Clan_(VTM)

Info on the other races of the World of Darkness can be found through the same wiki.

The Kindred of the modern day are mostly divided into three groups, the Camarilla, the Sabbat and the Anarchs. The Camarilla is the oldest of these three and the most powerful. They are the ancient hidden society of the Kindred that set the rules on how Kindred should behave, both towards each other, and humanity. The Camarilla's main purpose, or, what they would have you believe, is the upholding of the 'Masquerade' the deception that keeps the bulk of humanity blind to the existence of the Kindred. While the Sabbat and Anarchs fundamentally disagree with the Camarilla's approach to this, all three factions currently enforce a similar set of rules. Kindred are an urban people, the countryside is ruled by there werewolves who are ancient foes of their kind, and so they are ruled city-by-city. A Camarilla city is ruled by a Prince and a council of 'Primogen' the Elders of the vampire clans within the city.

The Sabbat worship Caine as their unliving god of the night, and seek the open dominion of the Kindred over humanity, the Camarilla view them as insane zealots who read too much into the myths of the Kindred, while they view the Camarilla as merely another obstacle in the way of their rightful place of dominion. Thankfully, the Sabbat are the weaker of the two global powers, and for now are forced to maintain their own version of the masquerade, simply for their own survival, even in the cities and nations they control.

The Anarchs are the smallest of the major groups and are confined to specific parts of the globe where isolation, or the relatively recent industrial and technological age have allowed cities to remain free on the control of either global power. The most famous, and deliberate, example of this is the Anarch Free State of the American West Coast, which for most of the 20th Century has spanned from Washington to Southern California. The Anarchs have a wide variety of beliefs, but mainly are united in their protest against the crushingly hierarchical Camarilla and the frankly insane Sabbat. The Anarch movement grew out of the chaos of the World Wars, which largely distracted the Camarilla and the Sabbat from their open rebellion, and now that the world is stable once more, the Free State has gradually been chipped away. Anarch cities are ruled by 'Barons' and their Coteries, although usually in a much less formal sense than a Prince and Primogen.

In our setting, Los Angeles has been a part of the Anarch Free State, although many kindred loyal to a variety of causes make their home here, alongside other supernatural beings. Recently, the de-facto Baron of LA, an ancient, but perpetually young kindred known as the 'Kid' attempted to impose a more direct rule on LA, openly declaring himself Baron and at war with the Camarilla and pretty much anyone else he did not trust. The following civil war between the Kindred of LA was fierce, and most are still recovering. During that time, one of the Kid's childer (A Kindred whom he himself turned) rebelled against the Kid, slaying him, and draining him of power. While she has disappeared from the every day life of the city, members of her coterie are now prominent in LA society. LA is offically no longer part of the Anarch Free States, instead branding itself it's own Kindred Free State.

San Diego - First Sabbat territory, then Anarch territory, then briefly Camarilla territory with the Kindred known as Tara ruling as Prince of San Diego and Los Angeles--in title only for the latter. However it gave Eva an idea; after the securing of San Diego back into the Free State, the Baron of San Diego title has gone to the Baron of Los Angeles: Yanci, until a suitable candidate for the Barony can be selected. The city is relatively calm at the moment, with a major Lupine presence outside of it, as well as more Changling activity than much of the other Free State. 

Los Angeles - The emergence of Christopher Houghton into the public eye was a sea change for not just Los Angeles, but the entire Free State. The Kindred Civil War that followed centered on LA. Most Anarchs consider the result of Eva's victory and Yanci's Baronhood the best of less than ideal options left to them. Even though the Free State influence only grew throughout California the epicenter remains LA. Yanci's Baronhood is as absolute a rule that LA has seen since the days of Prince Don Sebestation shortly after World War II. The entire supernatural community is adjusting to that.

San Fransisco - Both Sabbat and Camarilla claim San Fransisco presently. Neither have a real claim on it. Anarchs could claim the city, too, except something seems to be stopping them or holding them back. Keeping them on the edges of the city, or across the bay in Oakland. Most street Anarchs just tend to stay away from the city, anyway. Oddly enough a great concentration of lupine have appeared around the city, though they don't seem disturbed by the Anarchs, and the Anarchs don't seem too paranoid about the lupine. The Sabbat and Camarilla do not share the Anarch calm on the matter. 

Malibu/Catalina Island - Kindred territory. Malibu saw fighting during the Kindred Civil War, as the havens of many influencial Kindred rested along the high hills overlooking canyon or Pacific Coast. Catalina Island saw no fighting, though the security on and around the Island became astounding as US Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security forces were called in. The overwhelming civilian security presence under the pretense of "terror threats", combined with private Kindred security that has always operated on the island, have led many to believe a major elder is hidden away on Catalina Island. The most common rumor is that the island is home to Eva's favorite haven. 

Ventura County - Equal parts lupine and Kindred. The ironically named Camarillo is an Anarch staple, even Yanci is rumored to have a home in the hills there. Oxnard is a gang stronghold, while Ventura itself is home to a small collection of old Ventrue that centuries ago fled Europe. Yanci allowed the Ventrue coterie to claim themselves Baron of Ventura, if they can ever get past politicking each other and pick one of them for it. Thousand Oaks is heavily Kindred, Ojai is lupine territory. Ojai is also home to some of the largest biker gangs in California. Naval Base Ventura County, and surrounding military installations, are believed to be controlled by Kindred on the inside.

2016

The early Summer of 2016 becomes infamous in local Kindred circles as the time of the Elder Killings. A series of high profile, often public, attacks on Kindred sanctuaries results in the deaths of many of the ruling elite of Kindred within LA. In Kine society this is perceived as a dramatic increase in gang activity and anarchist attacks against high profile targets. Smiling Jack is seen as the most likely suspect by most Kindred of the city. In response, the Last Round, is destroyed in an arson attack.

Several ancient artifacts go missing in the LA area. Found in a local ancient burial site, this is seen as but one of many side effects of the increase in criminal activity by the Kine, but it is far more dramatic for the Kindred. The Sabbat believe the artifacts to be far older than modern human civilization on the West Coast, and have connected the artifacts to a hidden vault near to LA. Sabbat packs roam LA's streets once more.

The Sunset Lounge becomes the last known Elysium in the city, it's owner, Henry Locke, refusing to allow the conflicts stretching across LA to be brought inside. Many of the surviving Elders hold court here during 2016.

As the situation spirals out of control, and rumors of another potential Camarilla takeover surface, along with the building Sabbat presence and lack of unity among the Anarchs, Christopher Houghton finally acts. At a gathering of the city's kindred, he declares himself the new Baron of LA. At the same time, he provides evidence connecting Henry Locke to the Sabbat packs searching for the missing artifacts. Henry is not present to defend himself, but several present seem to refute the finality of the statement and evidence. They are ignored, and a Blood Hunt for Henry Locke begins.

Henry, and the Brujah, Catlin Monroe, recover and destroy the artifacts in a final confrontation with a large Sabbat pack. Henry is made aware of the Blood Hunt when Catlin is informed and passes on the message. He goes underground, while those plotting to depose the Kid begin to execute their plans.

The Summer of 2016 ends with the Kid finally capturing Henry, bringing him before his inner circle to pass judgement. While reports of what actually happened are sketchy, by the time the dust settles, Christopher Houghton is dead. Treachery and arrogance are his downfall, the capture of Henry simply bait to lure him out by those who knew him best, but eventually turned against him. Most notable of these, Eva, a figure now tied to him in his creation of LA and the Free State, instructs her Coterie to openly take over the city, with Catlin Monroe, revealed to be the Toreador, Yanci, as Baron. Meanwhile, Eva speaks privately with Henry Locke, before entering Torpor.

Infighting within Eva's coterie, while no dramatically public, shatters the bonds which held them together. Henry Locke intervenes, and the Nostferatu known as Nathaniel is slain.

2017

The new year is defined by the struggles of the new Baron to secure her rule. While few of LA's kindred are willing for large scale conflict following the events of 2016, there is still push back against immediately following a new, relatively unknown authority. In the process of this, LA and it's surrounding kindred 'vassal' cities, leaves the Anarch Free State.

Large scale conflict spreads to other regions of California, the Prince of San Francisco dies, the Anarchs, Sabbat and Camarilla vie for control of the city. The Kuei-Jin, as always, watch from across the sea at the folly of their Western counterparts, ever waiting for an opportunity to strike. The Garou gather in large numbers around the embattled city.

By the Summer of 2017, a year after the Elder killings, San Francisco has fallen to the Sabbat, but LA seems to have stabilized, as much from a lack of surviving alternative than Yanci's leadership.

The Roleplay begins.

WIP.

(This will CS format will be updated soon, but this will get us started.)

Name:
Age; (actual/appearance)
Species: (Kindred, human, werewolf, kuei-jin etc)
Appearance: (Preferably a picture, can have written description as well)
Personality: (Just a paragraph or so about how they usually conduct themselves)
Biography: (A few paragraphs, or more, major events and the like)
NPCs: (Any well fleshed out characters you will likely control, feel free to do micro sheets for them).

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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Red Coil

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My tea was done brewing at just the right moment! :)

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Name: Gwen Strong

Age: 35 but appears 25

Species: Mage.

Appearance: 

Personality: Gwen is a protective person towards those under her care, as well as those she finds innocent, mostly Sleepers. Although adverse to Vampires and their machinations, the Mage is pragmatic enough to know that if her new organization is to survive, she needs whatever help she can get. Once a believer in the cause of the Technocracy, Gwen's disillusionment with both it and the Traditions' programmes has led her to believe that all major Mage organizations were in error to keep the Sleepers controlled, misinformed, and miseducated. Despite the good intentions of all of them, Gwen has come to the conclusion that most Magi are (unintentionally at best) preying on the Sleepers.

And that must be stopped.

Biography: Gwen's first memories were living a life in the streets, before being taken in by a charity in San Francisco, which later turned out to be a front for the New World Order, one of the Technocracy's Conventions. She then remembers being taken care of, and observed for the potential to Awaken; this potential was fulfilled in late adolescence. She thus became an agent for the Technocracy itself as soon as she reached legal adulthood. Stationed in San Francisco, she participated in several missions against 'Reality Deviants', clearing out several Traditions Cabals in the aftermath of the Avatar Storm. Many Mages were killed, others were captured, some to vanish from Technocracy records.

Gwen, on a whim, decided to investigate the fate of those who had vanished; instead of being subjected to gilgul, the act of severing one's Magi soul, the vanished Traditions Magi instead had their brains used to power a new class of HITMark. This, in turn, was allowed because the project in question was ran by a secret cell of Nephandi that had infiltrated the Technocracy and were using the latter's hatred of 'Reality Deviants' to encourage corrupt and sadistic tendencies within the organization. And Gwen didn't know if her superiors had been subverted, nor was she stupid enough to act alone.

So, she sought out the Harbingers of Avalon and the Friends of Courage, as well as information on the Technocracy's past as the Order of Reason. Not just that, but she also acquired and persued all the information on the Traditions and other, smaller organizations of Magi that can be accessed. This time, Gwen parsed over the information with a clear mind, trying to be as objective as possible. And it was then that she realized something about the Technocracy: It had lost its way. No, all major Mage organizations have lost their way, or never walked it in the first place. By neglecting or abusing the Sleepers, by not valuing how they and their beliefs propped up Magi, the Awakened have denied themselves Ascension.

This had to stop, even if it meant committing treason to do it. But not even the Harbingers of Avalon or Friends of Courage would help her, except for a few.who were radical even for them. And so, using what contacts she can, Gwen arranged for the transfer of herself and her new 'friends' to LA, where an opportunity had appeared to form a new amalgalm (a Technocracy cell whose members were drawn from multiple sub-organizations). There, she sought out the local Vampires, and swallowed her distaste long enough to negotiate for protection from them in exchange for what services the Awakened can provide.

Then, with her back covered by protection from Eva's coteire, Gwen announced her betrayal in the most blatant way possible: She and a few other Magi snuck into a secret Technocracy prison using a Correspondence portal/gate, and freed several Traditions prisoners; some which she had put in there in the first place. Barely making it back to Los Angeles with their freed captives, Gwen then released a video message proclaiming the formation of the Reborn Craftmasons, and inviting people from both the Technocracy and Traditions to flock to her banner. Surprisingly, some did, enough to encourage her in her road to war...

Priscilla's Spheres are Prime (Level 4), Forces and Correspondence (Level 3), Life (Level 2), Entropy (Level 1).

NPCs: 

Edwin Carter - A former Iteration X engineer who was disillusioned with the Transhumanist ethos of the Convention, and decided to side with Gwen; he also has the ability to create Primium, a material that negates supernatural attacks and defenses and which can harm Werecreatures like Silver can. Has Prime (Level 3), Matter (Level 4), and Forces (Level 3).

Meredith Ann Mae - A former Syndicate member who joined the Reborn Craftmasons because of disillusionment with the corporate structure and monopolies taking control of everything. She believes that if there is an 'Invisible Hand' of rational self-interest driving the global economy, then it must be freed from large organizations taking advantage of it - not just governments, but corporations. Has sided with Priscilla in founding the Reborn Craftmasons' 'New Coin Initiative'. Has Entropy (Level 3), Prime (Level 3), and Mind (Level 3).

Lance Joyous - A member of the Traditions' Celestial Chorus who has been won to the Reborn Craftmasons' views; God sides with the poor and oppressed, does he not? Acting as the 'Knight' of the R. Craftmasons, Lance is a bruiser who qualifies as a Special Forces soldier even before using Magic. Has Prime (Level 3), Forces (Level 3), Life (Level 3), Mind and Time (Level 1).

Organization: The Craftmasons Reborn

Origins: Several Local Traditions and Technocracy Cabals in the LA Area decided to give both organizations a big 'fuck you' and restore the Craftmasons instead.

Beliefs: Where the Traditions and Technocracy went wrong was that they decided to tell the Sleepers what to think, instead of teaching them how to think. Their methods involve the stronger dictating what the weaker believed; whether it was Faith or Reason, not allowing the common people to choose for themselves, for good or for ill. After all, aren't they better? Aren't they more 'Enlightened' and 'Awakened'?

Well, guess what? The common people are the ones that provide you with food, shelter, roads, and believers. They are the backbone that provides you with the necessary needs for survival so that you can 'lead and theorize' from your ivory towers. We have had enough of you putting them down as 'muscle power' or worse.

And so our ideology is this: The Sleepers must be allowed to choose what shape reality takes. We can argue with them, present the facts to them, teach them how to think clearly and recognize their biases, but we can no longer coerce them. Reality belongs to the Sleepers; Meaning and Identity are as important as Knowledge. Believe it.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Dark Light

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Bio

Name: Dorian Radahaw
Age; (22/97)
Species: Kindred 
Clan: Tzimisce
Appearance: As above 

Personality: Curious, proper, polite, cold, calculating, slightly arrogant.
Biography: A young and daring photographer of the early 1940's he was renown for his risqué raw portraits and truthfully brave war photos. It was in that profession that he caught the attention of his future sire. 

At first she lured him with her mysterious beauty, then the riches and glory of a celebrity lifestyle, later fear became the motivator. They had many years together.
When he eventually separated himself from her he reinvented himself by travelling afar and stealing a mortals identity. 
A few years ago he returned to LA. A place that in their early kindred years was full of wild, rich and sentimental memories. 
Seeking his former glory and lavish lifestyle he has taken the role of a plastic surgeon.

NPCs: (Any well fleshed out characters you will likely control, feel free to do micro sheets for them).

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Plank Sinatra

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Plank Sinatra the reaper won't come when you're ready for him

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I don't see any messages in the Discord right now and I'm not sure if it's glitching out for me, so I just thought I'd ask here - what's the state of some of the world events right now? Obviously there's no Gehenna (phew) but have the Assamite split, have the Gangrel left the Camarilla, etc. etc.?

Hidden 7 yrs ago → 7 yrs ago Post by Red Coil

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Wrote up some a miniature character sheets as I polish my full PC sheet a bit more (should give a decent idea of what I am aiming for, although changes are likely).

PC character:
Sofia - A 7th Generation Tremere and a member of a most prestigious line of Magi. Groomed as the protégé of her sire by virtue of her thaumaturgical talents. Purported to have fallen out of favor due to a recent series of failed experiments and a rebellious streak (usually unheard of among the strict Tremere). Sent (see: exiled) to the Free State on the orders of her sire. Currently retained as a nominally independent thaumaturgical contractor by Eva's Coterie.

Stalwart Bodyguard Type for the Kindred Magus (NPC):
Steiner - A (suspected) 7th Generation Brujah with a distinctly German twist to his English. A grizzled, grey-haired kindred of unknown age and lineage, Steiner maintains cordial but cool relations with most Clans or even factions of Kindred (Camarilla/Anarch). Rumored to have spent most of his life before his embrace as a soldier, the few records that can be traced back to the kindred suggest that he participated in the grim fighting on the Eastern Front of WWII and several later wars. In the troubling and conflict-ridden times of the Final Nights, the kindred known only as Steiner, has staked a career on prodigious feats of violence and a steadfast ability to complete even the most challenging of jobs.

I plan to keep my PC fairly aloof of the other Tremere, but wrote up a small bit about the Regent of the LA Chantry just for fun, so I'm happy to make changes to fit what others (GMs/Players/super-AI entities) might desire in regards to the LA Chantry.

Tremere Chantry Regent (NPC):
Hans-Joachim von Tiesenhausen - A 7th Generation Tremere. A young, powerful, and ambitious warmage. With the disappearance of Maximillian Strauss, he is the recently crowned Regent of the LA Chantry. Eager to prove himself to the elders of Clan Tremere, his goal is to efficiently resolve many of the issues that have arisen for Clan Tremere as a result of the creation of the Free State Los Angeles. Whether the future of the LA chantry lies in building new ties of cooperation, if not perhaps open friendship, with the unaligned Baron of LA or through the reforging of old alliances with the Camarilla remains to be seen.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Hallion

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...have the Gangrel left the Camarilla@Plank Sinatra

If we're going by current timeline (the RP is set in 2017), then yes, the Gangrel have long split from the Cam since I believe that happened at the turn of the 21st Century. That being said, you can't assume every clan member has, but it's also safe to say that they would probably appear to other Gangrel as "traitors". 

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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Ruby

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Ruby No One Cares

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Bio

<Snipped quote by Plank Sinatra>

If we're going by current timeline (the RP is set in 2017), then yes, the Gangrel have long split from the Cam since I believe that happened at the turn of the 21st Century. That being said, you can't assume every clan member has, but it's also safe to say that they would probably appear to other Gangrel as "traitors".@Hallion

Not a bad answer! But not correct for our game. 

All the "Final Nights" events like Gangrel bouncing from the Camarilla has not yet occurred. The Gangrel issue, I believe, will be brought up when Henry and Yanci sit down with Founder-Justicar Hardestadt.

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Hidden 7 yrs ago → 7 yrs ago Post by Hallion

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@Ruby

I believe I have my character fleshed out, but let me know if there is anything significant that I may have missed. 

I'm still trying to figure out Sam's current role (which is in the "Presently" section) and I'm thinking that maybe she's in contact with Eva (or one of her coterie) with regard to LA border protection or other relevant services in exchange for funding, etc. 

Anyway, let me know your thoughts :)

Name: Samantha Helisaria
Given nickname since the Embrace: Sam Hell

Apparent Age: Late teens
Actual Age: early to mid forties (born about 1972?)

Species: Kindred
Clan: Gangrel | 13th Generation
Disciplines: Celerity | Obfuscate | Protean
The first two replaced the traditional Gangrel disciplines, as Sam adapted more to urban life, thereby promoting the necessity to “blend in”. (Adopted from “City Gangrel" subset.)

Bad Habit/Vice: A drug user prior to her embrace and presently a point of contention amongst her coterie, the urge to satisfy the craving still exists, but more so through vitae infused with many of the street drugs common within the City of Angels. Her cravings, however, may cause death for the victim of the feeding if her own will is not strong enough to resist. 

Appearance: At just over six feet of a petite, yet lean build, Sam’s presence is generally never missed, even when she would rather remain invisible. Her wardrobe is of a “90s grunge/punk” influence, from black denim and leather pants cut to accentuate her frame to cloth tank tops and plaid shirts varying in color and inked with custom artwork from local artists. Her shoes are little more than leather & steel “shit kicker” boots, which is probably the only style she'd ever wear for one reason or another. Her head is kept shaved most of the time, rarely allowing it to grow out for no other reason than because she can. And various piercings adorn her ears, lips, nipples, and other places you'd need to get to know her better to find out. Her love of the mystical and fantastic extends to several tattoos, ranging from dual serpents along her left forearm, to ancient glyphs that may or may not hold any real significance to her past or perhaps her present.

Personality: At first meet, Sam tends to come off as brash, with little regard for those around her, and using sarcasm to hide emotional baggage from both her mortal and immortal life. But, once the hard shell of insecurity is breached, she can be more bearable to have around, perhaps even confiding in another. If mention of her past  -specifically with regard to her father's demise- came up, she would quickly snuff out the topic, unless the person in question persisted, which then it would be seen as outright disrespect and a challenge, especially if coming from another clan member.

South Boston - late 1980s

“At what point, Padre, do we forget who we are, what we stand for, and where the fuck we're going?”

The young girl, stained in grime, blood, and soot sat on the floor at the base of the church altar, her head resting against the severely outdated wood paneling that had most likely existed when the building was constructed almost a century ago. Black mascara that once accentuated her emerald eyes ran down both cheeks like diluted ink on canvas, mixing with the still damp blood that was around her lips and chin. Blood that was not her own. Her head, shaven out of a rebellious heart and hatred for the man she once called “father", stained with what could only be assumed as the same blood found on the rest of her body. Her eyes darted back and forth until finally resting on the elderly priest sitting and listening intently in the pew across from her, doing his best to keep from shifting nervously from not only the horrific news of what she'd done shortly before arriving, but also the unusual aura that the girl he once knew was now emitting.

“I'm not ashamed of what I did.” She finally blurted out, her strained voice echoing through the great sanctuary. “The bastard had it coming. So think whatever sick shit you want to come up with and I guarantee you won’t even be close to the truth.” The girl flashed a wry grin before averting her eyes from the other and staring blankly at the stained glass ceiling. “You think I’m just some junkie from the slums, yeah?” She accused in a mocking tone, trying to hold back any tears of blood that would never come, while the events from earlier still played back in her head as a nightmare on an endless loop. “And I bet all us tattooed freaks look the same to you...” She forced a pathetic laugh, running a dirty hand across her stubbled head. “Besides, you only ever tolerated me because of him...”

The priest leaned forward in the bench and gazed for a moment at the adolescent he knew as “Sam”, the tall yet slim girl who was now in her late teens and very different than what he’d remembered her as, appeared pale, and almost lifeless now. A black “Motorhead” tank top and tight jeans riddled with small holes and tears was all she’d had on. Even her shoes were missing for whatever reason, which exposed mud-covered feet and black toenails. The old man’s attention turned to the twin serpent-like tattoo interlocked on her arm which appeared as though it could strike out at any moment. And then to the crow just above her petite chest with wings that spanned from shoulder to shoulder, looked as though it would launch into the sky. Several areas of her body, from what he could see, had various tattoos of myth and fantasy, or ancient glyphs which seemed more to be of a paganistic nature.

The Priest knew who she was, or who she had been at one time, and possibly even what she was if he believed in that sort of thing. Although with a history of drug use, he couldn't tell if she was suffering the effects of substance abuse, or something more. In either case, however, knowledge of anything didn’t make being in her presence any less awkward...

****

Sam grew up to a mother she lost way too early, and to a father -the honored ex-military police captain who was hailed as some hero from years ago- she was simply known as “Some kind of Damaged” for most of her childhood, never living up to his expectations and rebelling against him at every turn. His love was to the job and upholding laws that apparently didn’t apply to him either. But no matter how often the beatings came, or the sexual assaults attempted, or even how many days she was locked in her room without food, his only daughter wouldn’t change. She couldn’t be normal like he wanted. But it didn’t matter. He was gone now. Nothing but a charred corpse and a hollow building she once called a home.

****

“It’s God’s job to judge, not mine” The priest finally responded, trying to avert his eyes from following the path of the women’s ornate body art, which lead into areas he deemed inappropriate for a young lady to defile with such imagery.  “And...yet you being here, confessing, allowing me to listen, is a step in the right direction to redemption. So I applaud you for that my child. I just wished you’d come to me more often for guidance, as it’s God’s Will to see justice and mercy granted.”

“God?” She snorted. “How is it that the God you believe in allows such monsters to roam the earth?” Her hand beat against her own chest, driving the point of the comment meant for herself. She knew what she’d done, and didn’t know how to cope with it, even as a creature she’d barely understood.

The main sanctuary doors at the other end of the aisle quickly burst open revealing a handful of uniformed Military Police officers, flashlights and assault firearms poised at the ready as they spread their ranks to cover all exits and entry points.

“Samantha Helisaria, you’re under arrest for the murder of your father, Captain Jorgio Helisaria” The lead officer held the girl at gunpoint, the muzzle of the assault rifle only inches from her dirt and blood-riddled visage. “You sick piece of Gypsy trash.” He mumbled under his breath, but still loud enough to be heard. “Why’d you have to burn him alive?”

“Burned?”  Her expression screwed up into confusion, until she realized...

****

Victim is Your Name and You Shall Fall

Only hours earlier, she found herself laying on the cold linoleum kitchen floor of the two story Telegraph Hill Brownstone, a place she’d called home since she was born. A place she’d shared good times with a loving mother before her passing, and yet also a place that was darker than the pits of hell could ever be. Sam’s body felt stiff for that moment, and the thought of being back in the house made her stomach churn, sending a fire through her veins as the blood she’d consumed only moments ago, -blood from the corpse of her very dead father that laid inches away- began reconstructing her insides, repairing the flesh and bone that the Embrace destroyed, and heightening senses that would forever change her perception of the world. It didn’t matter to her at that moment why she was there, or even how she ended up there, but the memory of the one who called himself “Marcus” resonated within her very being and his low, even voice eventually soothed the beast within her as he spoke.

“Wake up Sammie. Your nightmares are over and a new life begins.” 

Marcus chose her for several reasons of his own, and after months of observation from the shadows, had decided the time was now. But a deeper-seeded motivation had brewed within the mind of the Gangrel, as he was well aware that Samantha Helisaria was indeed the disowned and abuse daughter of the very police Captain who had been solely responsible for the arrest and destruction of dozens of his closest coterie members over the years. Unforgivable actions that Marcus, and much of his brood, could not let happen any longer. And what better way to kill two birds with one stone, then to set the stone’s fiery rage and hatred onto his enemy, and perhaps finish out with an ally after the ashes cleared. The job was done, their clan avenged, and the once mortal teenage girl was a Child of the Night, and she had no recollection of just how much of an instrument of revenge she'd become for her Sire. But the night wasn't over for the fledgling.

The young girl, still slowly recuperating from the frenzied state that left her former father torn to pieces on the kitchen floor of their home, heard the distinct blaring of police squad car sirens coming closer. It didn’t take long for her mind to wrap around the notion that she was in serious shit already, having no idea what had happened and yet giving into a flight response all the same. Even as she tried to get up, it was as though her legs didn’t want to work. They felt like two rubber bands, unable to stiffen so she could actually use them. 

“C’mon, Sammie.” The voice of her Sire echoed in her head. “I know you have it in you to survive...”

She eventually pushed herself up, and staggered through the kitchen and living room area toward the window facing the alley that separate their home from the building next door. 

“Psst” She heard from behind her, as Marcus stood in the living room, armed with a gasoline can and a Zippo lighter. “I’ll take care of this mess, beautiful, you just get the hell out here.”

And without a word, Sam crawled through the open window and landed on the cobbled stone and brick surface of the alley, running full speed in the opposite direction of the police officers and not wanting to look back ever again as she vanished into the shadows.

****

The girl, her eyes wide with a mix of anger and fear, looked back at the priest, whose somber expression gave away too much.

“Y-You called them?” She exclaimed, her voice echoing throughout the sanctuary hall. “Bastard Gadjo!...I knew I shouldn’t have trusted you! What the hell happened to that ‘seal of confession’, or whatever bullshit doctrine you’re supposed to follow?” 

The priest shifted uncomfortably as he spoke. “I didn’t tell them anything, except that you were here. They already knew the rest Samantha...”

The girl, enraged, lunged out toward the priest from her sitting position “You son of a b-...” She was caught by one of the officers mid-way, spun around, and pushed back down onto the floor, the unrestrained supernatural energy causing the officer to lose his balance before calling the others over to apply their weight. 

“Fuck! The fat ass deserved it! You pricks knew he was corrupt and abusive-” Her words caught in her throat, as the lead officer pushed her face against the cold floor and clasped her wrists with handcuffs, taking extra care to tighten them until she screamed. The lead officer quickly followed up by pulling out a syringe filled with enough sedatives to knock out an elephant, and immediately stuck it in the girls neck, unloading the entire vial.

“Shut your mouth or I swear I’ll shut it for you, bitch! You were spotted running from the house after you set it on fire you dumb cunt, so don’t even try.” The arresting officer snarled as he pulled the empty syringe from her skin, his knee still pressed firmly against her back. "Cop-killer scum like you don’t have rights. And where you’re going, you’ll wish I’d put a bullet in your head right here...”

****

Hours later...

Sam woke to what could only be described as chaos to the senses, but amplified to a degree that became borderline agonizing, coupled with smells of stale alcohol, engine grease, and the sweat of mortal men. Opening her eyes, it was blurs of haloed lights, as the effects of the sedatives she was pumped with slowly wore off. Whispered voices in the background ceased for a moment and the girl could see a silhouetted figure approach through the single doorway.

“Where the fuck am I?” Was about all the girl could muster, trying to ignore the constant buzzing in her ears, and the pungent aroma of just about everything around her. 

“You’re home, princess.” The recognizable voice of her Sire, Marcus echoed from across the room. “And you’re one of us now.”

Blood Will Follow Blood

For over twenty years she’d been part of clan Gangrel, part of a family who genuinely cared about their own, even to the point of death. Sam didn't know what that was like up until then, and now she couldn't imagine being anywhere else. She’d not only learned skills and trades that would help her navigate through society as well as protect herself and others, but supernatural abilities that enabled her to better adapt and blend into urban environments, a significant deviation from the traditional Gangrel innate abilities, but just as important to their survival nonetheless.

And yet even in that relatively short amount of time as a vampire, she’d still found herself trying to adjust to the life of an immortal creature whose sole purpose was to…well, she didn’t know exactly. Coping each day was still a challenge, and to counter days such as those, she'd found herself sliding back into old mortal vices, specifically drug usage, even to the discontent of her peers.

To be a Gangrel -or any Kindred clan during the Final Nights- meant being tested to the brink of cracking, hitting the physical and mental thresholds again and again until nerves could be steeled, and goals were never fully out of sight. As much of a pain in the ass that the Anarchs were, they still had uses and Sam had a knack of persuading through any means that would get their attention. 

Gangrel-run Broods were building up across Los Angeles under the guise of (fairly) legitimate Auto Repair & Body Shops, many of which were spearheaded by Marcus, and enforced by other pack members including his childe, Sam. Their job was simple: To Protect their own territories and the ever growing interests of the city's Elders".

NPCs:
(Still a WIP) Sam’s coterie consists of mainly “Petrol Heads” working out of several garages along the outer territories of Los Angeles. The members consist of Gangrel and their ghouls/blood dolls, sworn to protect certain territory near the outskirts of LA whether by tooth and nail, or the exchange of information.

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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Rawk

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Hey @Ruby &@Ezekiel!  Glad to see you have a new WoD RP, and I'd love to throw my interest in if you're still accepting.

@Hallion Love your character idea and maybe we can co-partner as I have a Nosferatu in mind. 

Anyway, good to see this normalized (for the most part).

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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Red Coil

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Still working on a Tremere thaumaturgical prodigy, delayed a bit by the lack of a guild for the last couple of days, will get some more work done on my CS in the coming days when free booze/snacks aren't calling my name.

Hidden 7 yrs ago → 7 yrs ago Post by Ruby

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Hey @Ruby &@Ezekiel!  Glad to see you have a new WoD RP, and I'd love to throw my interest in if you're still accepting.

@Hallion Love your character idea and maybe we can co-partner as I have a Nosferatu in mind. 

Anyway, good to see this normalized (for the most part).@Rawk

Hey Rawk! Still accepting, sure. :)

Likewise we have a Discord!

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Eva's been posted.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Je Hyeon

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ooooo, this looks interesting.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Briza

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I have an idea for a Ventrue, maybe.

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I have an idea for a Ventrue, maybe.@Briza

Hey @Briza, wb to the WoD! Ventrue was my go-to if not Nosferatu, since I had one from the last WoD RP and may want to bring him back. We'll see :)

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<Snipped quote by Briza>

Hey @Briza, wb to the WoD! Ventrue was my go-to if not Nosferatu, since I had one from the last WoD RP and may want to bring him back. We'll see :)@Rawk

The Go-To is Malkavian, but Briza is going to try to be a prudish/snobbish normie this time 'round. Or not → Plot twist.

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The Go-To is Malkavian@Briza

I would have never guessed :D

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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Hallion

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@Hallion Love your character idea and maybe we can co-partner as I have a Nosferatu in mind.@Rawk

Sounds like a plan, although things are moving slower for me due to RL

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