Name: Awuku Senanu
Family: The Senanu clan does not technically count as their own vampiric clan. Instead, they are vassals of the Anqobe clan, who sired the forefather of the Senanu. This happened some two-thousand years ago, when the Anqobe desired to expand their influence north and west, but did not wish to reside in the more tumultuous and often times arid regions. Instead, a new clan was sired by the Anqobe clan head. He gifted Yaw Senanu, his most trusted servant, with vampiric abilities. With some help from a handful of Anqobe vampires, he established his clan as a local power and legend.
As a clan, the Senanu have held influence over the mouth of the Niger River and its surrounding areas ever since Yaw's exodus. Hundreds of individuals have joined, thrived in, and met their final death bearing the Senanu name. 'Life' as part of this clan was often shorter and more brutal when compared to the vampires of Europe, as most African vampires experienced. The rise and fall of some lesser clans could be measured in centuries, rather than millennium. The average African vampire could be expected to last perhaps two or three centuries, while the most ancient were comparable to those of European descent. However, the Anqobe, and thus the Senanu, stood firm and lasted through the storm.
Things changed for the Senanu when colonists began their gradual takeover. Disease would spread from European goods, infecting blood stock which would in turn affect their vampiric hosts. For some, their domains were overtaken by entirely by the Whites, and when they attempted to fight back were met with cold steel and knowledge of their weaknesses. Once the abundance of African vampires was discovered, the land became something of a hunting ground. Vampire hunting parties, masquerading as missionaries, ventured to Africa to practice their trade against fresher monsters, rather than the often older and more experienced European brand.
By the end of the 19th century, much of Africa felt the yolk and heel of the Europeans, and the local vampire lords were no exception. Even some European clans had sent representatives to potentially gain footholds on the continent, but these were often expelled if they lacked imperial backing. Following the Scramble for Africa, however, the political landscape has vastly changed. Rival clans could come and go as they please, and many from saw the new colonies as potential havens if the hunters grew too powerful in Europe. The times are changing, and the Senanu must change with it or face the consequences.
Familial Political Support: Conservative. The Senanu and Anqobe wish to relive the times of old, when they were feared and did not have to worry about being hunted by Europeans. Above all they desire to have their hunting grounds returned; But know that's very unlikely.
Appearance:
True Age: 200
Blood Lust Affinity: Scandinavians. Early after his turning, the Danish and Swedish outposts were a favorite, if dangerous hunting ground of his. Although he hasn't known their taste for some time, Awuku still thirsts for them.
History: Awuku Senanu, sired by Kofi Senanu, sired by Yaw Senanu, is one of the younger members of the Senanu family. However, although being young by vampiric standards, he has a measure of influence in the clan, being third in line to inherit the title of clan head for the Senanu. Awuku was sired by Kofi, who saw great potential in him after he fought against missions from Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. As a young warrior with a name and pride, Kofi took him under his wing, testing him and putting through dozens of trials measuring his worth.
For Awuku, the power of being an
adze, or Ewe vampire, was welcome indeed. It allowed him to fight alongside his new clan, against the scourges that sought to exploit his people, as well as outside tribes that held his disdain. He did not know that he was little more than an expendable soldier at the time. Still, as he rose through the ranks and became a favored of Kofi, the man realized that he held a measure of power which brought the enmity of his peers. Despite this, he accepted his position in this new life, becoming the clan head's right-hand in times of need.
Following his region's colonization, Awuku was chosen as one of the few to learn about the intruders. He learnt English, French, and German as well as how to shoot a gun and the ways of the White man. For a decade he lived in one of the European strongholds, masquerading as a trader to serve his clan in many ways. Now, he has been tasked with leaving Africa, making his way to London to make contact and open discussions with the families of Europe. This mission could potentially make or break his position in the Senanu family, setting up as potential first heir or dropping him to the bottom of the pecking order.
