Vampire: Fresh Crimes and Ancient Sins

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-22 07:03pm

There wasn't really any more Jack could say in his conversation with James. "Anyway, take care of yourself, Jim," he said. "If you hear any more, it'd be great if you'd let me know. I'd rather not be blindsided if things take a turn for the unpleasant."

With that, he walked towards the newest arrival. When he was only a few feet away, he began to clap slowly, with the tiniest hint of a smirk on his face.

"Bravo, Mr. Prasad," he said. "Bravo. I couldn't make the rest of the Vancouver Camarilla more paranoid if I tried, though of course I never have the opportunity to say, 'Hi, I'm part of a clan that has historically hunted other vampires. But don't worry, I totally don't do that.' I could probably count the number of Kin that would take you at your word on one hand."

He walked up next to the Assamite, and looked at the painting he had been viewing. "Though I suppose I should thank you. With the presence of a member of one of the less popular independent clans, members of the less popular Camarilla clans will probably be considered a bit more...acceptable."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-23 02:09am

Civil War Man wrote:...With that, he walked towards the newest arrival. When he was only a few feet away, he began to clap slowly, with the tiniest hint of a smirk on his face.

"Bravo, Mr. Prasad," he said. "Bravo. I couldn't make the rest of the Vancouver Camarilla more paranoid if I tried, though of course I never have the opportunity to say, 'Hi, I'm part of a clan that has historically hunted other vampires. But don't worry, I totally don't do that.' I could probably count the number of Kin that would take you at your word on one hand."

He walked up next to the Assamite, and looked at the painting he had been viewing. "Though I suppose I should thank you. With the presence of a member of one of the less popular independent clans, members of the less popular Camarilla clans will probably be considered a bit more...acceptable."

Not yet turning toward the gentleman who had just approached, Kergan stared at the painting for a moment more before turning to look directly at the man, smiling as he did so.

"My clan may not have engendered many friendly feelings over the years, this is true - however, I did speak every word true. If you doubt me, ask me a direct question, and I shall answer you honestly."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "As for 'acceptability,' my hope is that it's based more on personal merit than by what Clan one was sired."

Kergan smiled gently, though did not extend a hand in greeting. "I'm pleased to meet you, though - may I have your name, good sir?"

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-23 06:33am

"I fully understand your sentiment," was Jack's reply. "Seeing as how I have had to put up with paranoia and derision over things much pettier than clan. I personally don't care whether you were telling the truth or not. At this point in my life I might be hard pressed to trust what my mother would tell me, supposing that she were still alive.

"As for my name," he continued, in response to Kergan's question. "I am Jack Griffin, a member of the unwashed populist commie rabble known as the Brujah." It was clear from his tone that, although the terms he used were derisive comments aimed at the Brujah by critics, he was currently wearing them like badges of honor.

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-23 08:36pm

Civil War Man wrote:"I fully understand your sentiment," was Jack's reply. "Seeing as how I have had to put up with paranoia and derision over things much pettier than clan. I personally don't care whether you were telling the truth or not. At this point in my life I might be hard pressed to trust what my mother would tell me, supposing that she were still alive.

"As for my name," he continued, in response to Kergan's question. "I am Jack Griffin, a member of the unwashed populist commie rabble known as the Brujah." It was clear from his tone that, although the terms he used were derisive comments aimed at the Brujah by critics, he was currently wearing them like badges of honor.

Kergan nodded to Jack with a smile. "Well, I'm pleased to meet you, Jack. Quite honestly, I was hearing all the snide comments and such, and I was becoming...somewhat weary of them. If I could do one dramatic thing now and get it over with, I hopefully won't have to deal with it as much later."

He smirked. "At least, that's the hope of it. I'm certainly not hoping to invite drama. So, please tell me - what's with all the suspicious looks and evil looks from the room? I understand an appearance from a member of my clan may cause...uneasiness for some, but it did seem a bit extreme. Has something happened in recent times?"

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-24 02:54am

Elsewhere

The door shattered inward and a nightmare of spikes and armoured muscle forced itself through the doorway and into the study. The man behind the desk raised a chrome plated forty-four and put three rounds into the monstrosity's chest. It didn't slow down. The gun spun across the room and the ghoul was pinned against the wall, his feet dangling in the air. Other vampires entered behind the beast.

"Tear this place apart. I want his master found." The human squirmed in his grasp. "Little mortal," the monster hissed, "if your feeble brain holds what I desire, one way or another I will take it from you."

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-24 04:47am

"Lots of things happen. The Camarilla is not a very happy family, though Vancouver is relatively stable. Hell, even the Anarchs can sometimes show up around here and not get anything more severe than some angry glares. But still, things happen. Angry words, fights break out, even disappearances. Of course everyone blames the usual suspects. Of course, when it comes to fights, by the usual suspects, I mean the Brujah. And when a Kine disappears mysteriously, it sucks to be an Assamite, even one without that weird appetite. Doubly if they're a newcomer."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-24 05:12am

Civil War Man wrote:"Lots of things happen. The Camarilla is not a very happy family, though Vancouver is relatively stable. Hell, even the Anarchs can sometimes show up around here and not get anything more severe than some angry glares. But still, things happen. Angry words, fights break out, even disappearances. Of course everyone blames the usual suspects. Of course, when it comes to fights, by the usual suspects, I mean the Brujah. And when a Kine disappears mysteriously, it sucks to be an Assamite, even one without that weird appetite. Doubly if they're a newcomer."

Kergan chuckled amusedly at this. "Interesting. In this case, my making a prominent spectacle of myself was perhaps...a good thing. Though you should know - there are three castes of Assamites, and only one has the blood thirst as a general rule. Unfortunately, they're the ones that get the most attention." He turned his head slightly to the side and back again, with a slight smirk. "In this particular case, it might look rather frightening to see a Brujah and an Assamite speaking so easily to one another - we might be plotting!"

He chuckled. "I do appreciate the greeting though, even if it was sarcastic. And I did mean what I said: I have every intention of living here peacefully, studying undisturbed, and taking part properly in the Camarilla. This, after some thinking, really did seem like the best choice. Vancouver I thought would be...relatively quiet." Kergan smirked again, this time a bit more wryly. "Apparently I was wrong. Even so, I've seen worse."

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-24 05:19am

A pale woman with short blonde hair, dressed in Italian skirt suit probably cost as much as some cars, entered the Elysium. Pyotr bowed to her. "Miss Devereaux. How can I be of service?"

"You cannot," she said frostily, turning her back on the ghoul and surveying the gallery. She walked towards the gathered vampires.

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-25 08:11am

"People aren't too concerned about the possibility of a Brujah plotting. A lot of us have a tendency to broadcast everything we do in surround sound, which actually serves as a pretty good cover for the more subtle member. As for living peacefully here, the trick is to have some skill or talent that is so unbelievably useful that the others will put up with you no matter how annoying you are."

Jack turned his head slightly, and his eye caught none other than the Ventrue Primogen. Now things would start getting interesting.

"Speaking of being annoying," he said to Kergan. "Don't look now, but it looks like the Ventrue Primogen for the city just walked in. Watch this." Turning towards the vampire, he said in a loud voice, "Ms. Devereaux, you are looking as lovely as ever. If my heart hadn't stopped beating long ago, you'd really be getting the blood pumping."

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2007-01-25 08:30am

Kyle felt the arrival of the primogen more than he felt it. Her icy nature seemed to preceed her wherever she went. Their relationship was not the most heartful. Like so many Ventrue of tradition and power, his own history still felt a bit too flashy than they felt comfortable with. It was not nearly as bad as when he was fresh from Torpor - and he had regained some of his status of old since then - but it would be years until he was just another normal, unsuspecting Ventrue. If he ever wanted that. He started to like his little eccentricity.
"Gweneviere," he whispered and pointed his face towards the newcomer, "that would be the Ventrue Primogen entering. She can be somewhat frosty from time to time, but that is just her."

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2007-01-25 09:00pm

Franco walked the streets from his penthouse suite overlooking English Bay to the Art Gallery in the the heart of downtown with casual ease. It had been five years since his arrival in Vancouver and in that time he had had the opportunity to do business with most of the major players in the city. Though his politics stood outside of the system, those relationships were solid and his reputation spoke for itself. His business was information, deepest, darkest secrets, and there was no one else in the city with the resources he had, not even the sewer rats. Whoever had first said that dead men don't tell tales had never met a Giovanni.

Rounding a corner onto the ever busy sidewalks of Robson street, he pushed a hand through his thick, black hair and flashed an eye, just as dark, at a group of young ladies making their way to look in the window of the next store. God, how he wanted to hear their pained whimpers and gasps for breath as he sank his teeth into them. Alas, that would not be practical under the current administration. Too high a chance of death for the vessel and all that. Instead, he simply flashed a wicked smile and left them blushing.

He loved walking the streets of the city. Like this, at the ground level, among the crowds and the sounds and the smells, you could feel the mood shifting around you. Like this, the living and the dead mingled more than anyone would ever like to know. Leave the car at home, he thought. One never knows what dirty little things one will find lying on the street.

That is, if the Nosferatu hadn't snatched it up first. To be sure, there was no ill will between himself and the clan of monsters, in fact he had worked with them on many occasions to mutual advantage. Each had their place. His place, with his money and privilege and Mediterranean good looks, was up on the streets. There's, well, there's was in the sewer and other people's garbage. Still, somebody had to do it, he supposed.

Musing so as he walked, it was not long before the Giovanni was looking up the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery to the main entrance and the lone guard visible at the doors.

"Pete," he said with a wide smile and arms to match. "When are you going to leave this shit and come work for me? Eh?" Shaking the man's hand he slipped him a few hundred dollars and moved on into the building, not bothering to listen to any replies if they were to come.

Inside, Franco made his way to the other Kindred and stopped to take them all in. In a black silk shirt, hanging untucked over black pants, which were in turn, perfectly cuffed over black leather shoes, all of the best labels of course, he struck quite the figure. True, it was a figure seen all over Kindred society, but he wore it well.

So many interesting people he had never met before filled his vision; Jack was standing with a newcomer, DeWitt had a lady at his side that Franco had never seen, even the girl next to that dirty hippy Devon was unfamiliar. Tonight seemed to be a good night to be out. Cocking his head, as if listening to something, he settled on a direction and made his way into the crowd.

"Jimmy!" he greeted with a smile as he passed the man. "I was talking to your mom the other day. I asked her how she was doing in hell. She said it was a nice change from dealing with you."

"Jack, my man!" he moved to the next man without a pause. "Who's your new friends?!" Dropping his voice conspiratorially, he looked over to the Ventrue Primogen. "Man, look at Devereaux. I'd like to just cut her chest open and fuck her heart out. Probably do her some good too."

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-26 05:30am

"Gweneviere," Devereaux sai with perfect civility, "may I have a word with you?"

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-26 06:50am

"In my experience I've found that the normal kinds of fucking are enough to improve a person's temperment," said Jack. "But to each his own. I'll just chalk up the heart-fucking lust to your family. Anyway, this is Kergan. He's an Assamite, so we've finally snagged someone who's from a clan that creeps people out more than yours."

He glanced over Franco's shoulder at Devereaux. "Man, not even an icy glare. She must really be pissed...Oh, by the way, Franco, I'm doing fine. Thanks for asking."

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2007-01-26 09:38am

"Jack! Bro-Bro! Don't do me like that!" Franco held his hands up in mock defence. "You know I don't need to ask how you're doing. You're indignant about something. You always are!"

He turned to Kergan and pointed back to Jack, shaking his head. "This guy.

"Seriously though, an Assamite? Nice. You guys are always good for my business. Just keep your fangs to yourself, right. You need anything, Kergan, you let me know."

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-27 01:00am

Nodding with a smile, Kergan replied carefully. "I'm pleased to meet you, Franco. Perhaps I might, if my need is great enough."

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2007-01-27 11:39am

rhoenix wrote:Nodding with a smile, Kergan replied carefully. "I'm pleased to meet you, Franco. Perhaps I might, if my need is great enough."

"Good, good," Franco said, giving Kergan a quick pat on the side of the shoulder. He looked around the room again beforeturning back to the pair.

"So what's the word today?"

rhoenix · Post by **rhoenix** » 2007-01-27 03:42pm

Kergan shrugged. "I just got into town tonight, and the first place I go for a drink, I get a polite reminder to be gentle on the supplies. So, since this city appeared to going well, I asked for the Prince, drove down and presented myself as a Camarilla citizen, and then came here. Coming here has been...the most interesting so far."

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-27 05:36pm

"Trouble seems to be the main word," Jack said, in a quieter voice that was barely above a grumble. "Bobby's vanished. I don't know much about the circumstances, since I've only just heard it today, but apparently both Katrin and Stapleton have been assigned to investigate."

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2007-01-27 05:55pm

That got the Giovanni's attention.

"Now that IS interesting," he said. "Sheriff and Scourge both looking into it, you say? Curious. I wonder what Fingers knows."

Civil War Man · Post by **Civil War Man** » 2007-01-28 09:24am

"I plan on asking him tonight, assuming he shows up. Though I'm not holding my breath. Apparently everyone involved in the investigation is being real hush-hush. I wouldn't put it beyond a Nos to find out, anyway, but with shit going on at that high a level, I'm not going to assume that he has."

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2007-01-28 11:40am

"Well... There's more than one way to find things out. I almost want to go over to Bobby's place now and see if he's still... hanging around." He wiggled his fingers in the air at the last words.

"Don't know where that is though. Didn't really know him much. I'd have to take some time and find out unless someone else does."

Captain Cyran · Post by **Captain Cyran** » 2007-01-28 12:59pm

Mark awoke later in the night than most vampires his age. Slowly sitting up he turned on the light in his small room and headed to the shower. After cleansing himself of the dust and grim of last night's work Mark quickly got dressed in one of his many suits, black pants and overcoat with a deep red shirt and a white tie, and stepped out into the open air to find the sea all around him. With a smile the kindred bent down and dipped his fingers into the chilled water, not that he could tell now that he was dead, but he still knew. Mark took a few deep breaths of the ocean air before turning around and heading into the office of his small houseboat. There he found the usual stack of papers which kept him informed on the going-ons of the city. Mostly it consisted of Kuie-Jin and werewolf movements, but reports on kindred of interest were also in the stack, it always paid to be well informed. Mark spent an hour going over his paperwork before he put it aside and decided that he needed to make an appearance at elysium after having disappeared for several weeks.

Stepping up to the controls of the small houseboat Mark started up the engine and pulled the anchor in, then turned around and headed back for home. He was somewhat disappointed at having to leave the water again, but important matters had to be taken care of. Docking his boat Mark walked up to his relatively small but lavish two story house. It took him only a few minutes to make certain everything was in order before heading into the garage after locking all the doors in his home. Stepping into his Lincoln Sedan, Mark made his way towards the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The city was still full of life at this hour, and likely would continue to be for several more before it died down, as such it took some more time than Mark would have liked, but getting into one of the parking garages near the Art Gallery, Mark walked the rest of the way, looking somewhat out of place amongst the crowd, but Lasombra haughtiness had gotten the better of him somewhat. As he stepped up to the doors to enter the Art Gallery he gave a short nod to the doorman, a ghoul named Pyotr.

"Good evening Pyotr. I see the nights are still treating you well." Mark had always found that treating the ghouls with a formal politeness rather than spitting on them produced the desired effect, both from the ghoul himself and from the kindred. But he stopped only momentarily for Pyotr to respond and open the door for Mark before he stepped into the Art Gallery to spot a whole gaggle of kindred, many familiar, some new. Mark raised his eyebrows at this some and smiled inwardly before he stepped off to the side and made a show of examining one of the more interesting pieces of artwork while he listened to other conversations.

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-28 11:11pm

After completing her conversation with Gweneviere, she dismissed the younger vampire and gestured for Kyle to attend upon her.

Dahak · Post by **Dahak** » 2007-01-29 07:12am

Imperial Overlord wrote:After completing her conversation with Gweneviere, she dismissed the younger vampire and gestured for Kyle to attend upon her.

Kyle saw the Primogen calling him. Nodding quickly to Gweneviere and walked towards Devereaux.
He respectfully bowed. He didn't even try to fake a smile. She would see through it, anyway. He was a firm believer in honesty in those departments. "You wished to see me?"

Imperial Overlord · Post by **Imperial Overlord** » 2007-01-29 07:20am

"It depends," Deveraux replied. "How interested are you in acquiring my good graces?"