[CLOSED] Elysium - Early September - Chicago Field Museum - Vampires [12/10/25]
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Date: [12-10-25] -- Early September, 2014
Location: The Field Museum, between 11 pm and 4 am
Player Characters Present: Vanda, ‘Sarah’ Uwe,
‘Sarah’ Uwe (Mehket/Unaligned – Courier from Tokyo vampire family visiting with the Lancea Sanctum messenger. She doesn’t speak, and stays near Vanda, ever watchful of her surroundings. Her clothing is either what the young people in Japan are wearing (tight pants, shirt, jacket, pony tail), or for Elysium such as this, a formal temple outfit of white and red.Vanda the Black Nun (Ventrue/Lancea et Sanctum – Messenger from Rome – an occult scholar with many academic ties throughout the supernatural world visiting to investigate the Blackout and other phenomenon on behest of the Bishop Morrow.
Open Spots: Any Vampire
NPCs Present: See belowPrince Nathaniel Beauregard (Daeva, Invictus / Lancea et Sanctum Ally) – Well dressed white tuxedo, Beauregard is the southern gentleman of fine repute, the educated man, the one who despises those who are unlike him and sees the city as being a wild, urban place that needs a firm hand to bring it to order. His Sheriff, who does not come to Elysium, is said to be a powerful diablerist and monster that kills quickly and efficiently at his command. They say he has no Sheriff but a Hound that attacks for its master.
Bishop Alaric Morrow (Nosferatu, Lancea et Sanctum) – A tired man who looks to be the victim of terrible burns, his flesh melted and running, frozen in that façade. The Bishop was said to once have been a firebrand for the church, burning and hunting heretics, but those years are long passed, and now he is fine just being comfortable and advising the Prince on matters supernatural and spiritual. Still has a very strong connection to the Catholic church, to the Prince of New Orleans, and the orders of Rome.
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Lydia Crane (Daeva/Invictus – master of elysium – Art gallery owner flirty and fun, likes young vamps)
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Evangeline Hart (Ventrue/Invictus – Corporate magnate that runs businesses for Prince)
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Lord Alistair Valerius (Daeva Primogen/Unaligned – trust fund philanthropist and art collector, Lord Alistair is said to be an American magnate from the early 1900’s that married a bankrupt English Countess for her title, bailing her family out of debt in the process. He often fails to take sides in conflicts and likes to know where the cards will lay before committing to any action.
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Tamara ‘ash’ Nguyen (Nosferatu Primogen/Unaligned – Pale as snow and hairless, info broker that works all sides and is tolerated for her influence, and powerful allies)
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Sebastian Duval (Daeva/Invictus – Frenemy of the Prince, but controls many elite circles and pollical connections making him indispensable despite his eyes on the throne)
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Clara Voss (Mehket Primogen/Ordo Dracul – scientist and investigator working to unlock the secrets of the Blackout and other phenomenon in the city)
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Gideon Frost (Ventrue Primogen/Invictus – Financier with a heart like a black prune who deals in debts and loan sharks to any who need it)
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Marcus ‘Grave’ Donovan (Nosferatu/Unaligned - spy and info broker, looks like a disfigured homeless man and is always with Tamara)
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Celeste Harding (Ventrue/Invictus - HARPY – Socialite and fundraising extraordinaire, runs the Prince’s PR )
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Riku Tanaka (Mehket/Unaligned* - occult computer savy private investigator. Between a curious young person and an investigative journalist, Riku often works freelance for the Ordo. Said to have ties to one of the Tokyo families)
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Simone Leclerc (Daeva/Invictus - Seneschal – wealthy enforcer of traditions. Often acts as the judge for the Prince. Acts as go between for the Covenants)
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Miles Sinclair (Ventrue/Invictus – Courier from NY – a well dressed man with a southern accent and impeccable manners. He is known for Sinclair Corp which covers up masquerade breaches for kindred, for a price. Visiting from NY and not in good graces with the Prince)
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About 20ish young vampires from the surrounding area, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin. They try to get time with the others but are mostly ignored and stick to themselves, being too low in status, influence, or usefulness to merit much attention. These are 1 or 0 City Status, 1 Invictus or Lancea et Sanctum status vampires trying to get a job from other kindred to get noticed.
Current Scenario: Elysium is called bi-weekly on Friday nights at the Field Museum. Every kindred who can shows up, as there is nowhere else where one can get audience with the movers and shakers of the city, and hear what gossip is going on in the streets. As such, there is rarely an Elysium with less than 40 kindred present, and some have had close to 100 as many travel in from outlying domains to show their loyalty, and fear, to the Prince of Chicago. This Elysium is not so heavily populated with just the locals present, and one exciting new update.
Suggested Dice Pools: Social checks for asking questions, listening in on conversations, or trying to ascertain things with mage sight
End Trigger: After everyone has had a chance to interactOpener: The Prince opens Elysium with a welcoming speech, his thick Georgian accent giving it an almost surreal tone, with the learing beasts in the wings of the large room, skeletons of dinosaurs, elephants, and other monsters from Earth’s past looking down on the congregated kindred.
An art gallery is set up at both entrances to the museum, with many pieces painted by kindred, their ghouls, and other tortured artists in the community. The deep reds and black veins of the paintings mix well with the dampened lighting, and a few statues of black marble mixed with other materials to create swirling storms of darkness that rise out of the ground like billowing smoke.
Those in attendance know that several side rooms are available, but only those designated. The Prince does not like anyone sneaking off into clandestine secret meetings beyond their view, both for safety and for his own paranoia. A small banquet is laid out with various floral aperitifs and curiosities, and a bowl of thick red blood flanked by metal goblets. The blood is from animals, so most know it to be for the younger kindred present, as they often have trouble feeding safely and keeping them fed keeps tempers sated.
“My dear kindred, welcome to our Elysium. Your safety here is assured, should you follow our rules. I am glad to welcome tonight our guests from abroad, and New York, where Prince Crow holds praxis atop his hollow tower. Let it be known that the Prince of New York has challenged my Praxis, my right to be here, and wishes violence upon our domain. His boy, Mr Sinclair, brought a gift challenging me and my methods, as if they were not ordained by God himself. Such a blasphemer is surely lost to the mists and needs the long sleep to recover. In the coming nights, know that such an insult, that such heresy, will not go unanswered. You may be called upon to carry war to them, to take up arms and defend your domain, and in so doing earn yourself title, territory, and name.
Like many years ago when the Yankee came down South to terrorize our people, this too is another terror of the misguided fool that thinks they can govern us, can command us, can enslave us, the nobler race, from afar in their gated homes. They shall send their slaves to fight us, and we shall devour them. In so doing, we shall take their strength and use it to bring wrack and ruin upon them that they shall never forget. Once done, New York will need of itself a new governance, one that follows the rights and privileges of our people while adhering to those laws laid down eons ago by our ancestors that cannot be ignored. The Traditions cannot be flaunted, and heresy cannot be ignored. Take heed these words, and sharpen your blades, as our crusade shall soon sally and we shall not return until we have taken our trophies and laid to rest this insufferable yank and his pathetic sycophants.
With this announcement, I do commence our court. All Primogen and my council come forth. We shall meet and discuss this terrible news. Once our council has adjourned, I will take petitioners for one hour, so speak with your Primogen if you wish a place in line. A thank you to our dearest Lydia for making these arrangements, providing refreshments, and this truly magnificent display of art so near our nature. “ Lydia, in long silky dress, her hair done up in a very elaborate side weave, lifts one hand to accept the notice, smiling languidly and turning towards the crowd who give a short applause.
After this, the five primogen take their leave with the Seneschal and the Prince into a private room, while the others mingle about whispering of what may come of this.
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The Bishop remains out among the kindred in the main chamber, as many split into coteries, covenants, and allies of convenience to plot how to leverage this new news.
Vanda, the Lancea et Sanctum Messenger, and the Bishop stand off to the side, looking at a couple of the paintings in the gallery and discussing something in Latin, using hushed voices. Uwe, the silent guardian stands nearby staring daggers into any neonates foolish enough to approach, but allowing those with more standing to come by. It does not seem to be difficult to tell who is above the rabble. [they want to know how the Santified in New York will react, as they do not want the covenant fighting itself. They are also interested in any knowledge about the Blackout or other supernatural goings on in the city]
Tamara and Marcus, the two most obvious nosferatu, huddle in the shadows of one of the side exhibits, glancing periodically at the other kindred while nervously talking, undoubtedly upset at the news of possible conflict with another large domain. [They fear for their lives, and need to know how soon action will happen, and how strong the Princes forces are. Any knowledge of the powers, resources, and means of attack are of great value to them]
Sebastian is making rounds, toasting and clinking with young kindred causing them to laugh nervously and smile too much in their excitement to be noticed, but to the trained eye is clearly sizing up the 'soldiers' who would be doing the dying if the two cities do come to blows. [Sebastian needs to make sure there are soldiers willing to defend his local assets. He is looking for mercenaries and hit men that are willing to defend, and also prematurely strike at his rivals in New York, before any larger attack is telegraphed]
Simone stands alone, a statue himself in expensive tux and holding a goblet that never touches his lips. He glares at the young kindred with a look that is either accusing, or wishing for their deaths to come sooner. The only recent arrival of the Prince and his court has left the city still very much in chaos, and Simone has been known to say things about the younger kindred that elude to his distaste. [Willing to talk with older kindred and plot to see how they can take advantage of the chaos of war. Prefers those with good etiquette and some means]
Evangeline and Lydia are together, as usual, talking about the art, the prices for the collection and pieces, the recent auctions, and the disastrous accidents that the younger kindred have gotten themselves into. [Gossips, they are interested in the market changes, any insider information, and how this might affect their assets. Both assume they will be left out of the fighting as pacifists, and any hint that this may not be true will make them angry. They are also interested in any rising stars in the art world who they watch for potential childer or ghouls]
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Character Name: Umemura Sawano (Sarah)
Dice Pool: Wits (3) + Composure (2) = 5d10
Action: Keeping apprised of any potential threatsHealth: 7
Vitae: 8
Willpower: 4
Conditions: NoneDescription:
Sawano is standing behind Vanda with a stony expression contrasting with her small, Japanese frame. Her glare is discerning, reserved for any who seem like they should have no business with her charge or that may have hostility in mind. Her outfit sports the pure white and bright red of a shrine maiden of a Shinto shrine. She does not join in with the conversation being held in her proximity, choosing instead to hang back and observe.Those that are more perceptive than others and are actively trying to analyze Sawano may detect that she is uncomfortable being seen; she does not like being out in the open where others can watch her. Derived from that, it is clear that she would rather be in the rafters or hidden behind a piece of art, but social norms require her to be in the open.
A Neonate attempts conversation with Sawano, and in response, she furrows her brow, narrows her eyes, and bows her head slightly to the offending vampire before proceeding to ignore them, resuming her stalwart vigilance. The Neonate wanders away awkwardly.
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Fiadh "Sable" Brogan - Aaron Kluck
Dice Pool: Manipulation (3) + Empathy (1) = 4
Action: Use Obfuscate to blend in amidst the myriad vampires present. Chat up a few that she knows to try to learn what she can about what's coming.Health: 7 - no damage
Vitae: 7
Willpower: 4
Conditions: NoneDescription
Sable enters the Elysium event with an air of aloofness and confidence that she doesn't feel. She doesn't feel part of this world, yet; not really. It takes time, her Sire assures her, but that brings precious little comfort.
Sable is dressed, as she typically is when dropping her Mask, head to toe in black. Well, if we're honest, she typically dresses all in black when covering her Dirge back up, but there's a lot less black makeup involved in that case. She had a goth side long before her embrace, and, though she's keenly aware that she's become a walking cliche, she owns it.
She starts the evening casually eavesdropping on various conversations as she passes groups of Kindred. She doesn't linger long enough near any particular group to draw attention, and her Obfuscate abilities make her just another face in the crowd anyway.
Sable sips sparingly from a goblet meant for neonates like her. If anyone does take note of her, she doesn't want to appear like she needs it. Even so, she relishes the slack it grants her.
Christ, he does love the sound of himself, she thinks as Prince Nathaniel makes his proclamation. If confidence were competence, we’d be sorted by now. She makes her rounds through the crowd again, eager to get others' takes on the news. For her own part, Sable wants no part in a direct conflict. Although... if the price were right, her more indirect services would be for sale.
Spotting a kindred (lowercase-k) spirit in Riku Tanaka, Sable intercepts him when he's between conversations. "So, Riku. Whatddya make of this shite?"
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Sawano has made clear the line in the sand, and only those brave enough to cross it.
Vanda gives her a small nod, a grateful look in her eye. The older vampire seems to have started to grow a fondness for her, like a grandmother finding a lost cat who watches over her.
Riku starts, almost dropping the glass she was holding. A small thing, she looks over at Sable and blinks a few times.
"You actually came?" There was a sort of thankfulness in her voice, even though it had been weeks since the two had seen each other.
"I know you hate these things, but it's getting really hot in here," she smirks like she made a great joke," and the prince is basically on fire with the amount of heat coming from him. I think," and she leans in conspiratorially, "that the prince wants to open up New York for one of his Lancea sanctimonius buddies to take over and create a Two Towers situation. Not the 9/11 one, the Lord of the Rings one." She says the last bit matter of factly, like she has to make sure there are no bad feelings."Rumor has it he's been reaching out to the OTHERS to get some help. What he's going to give them in return is what has me tied up in knots. You don't make deals with witches and warlocks in any story and come out on top."
"Oh, Sable, your sire sent me a message. Really creepy too. They're really weird, you know that right?" Riku scrinched her face up at that, like it smelled gross.
"They want me to introduce you to one of the cousins. Said it was really important. I don't know why, but like, family, amirite?' She gave a little elbow nudge and a giggle.
"Here's my number again. New phone." This was the fourth time in a month Riku had given Sable a different phone number. "text me later and I'll take you over there. Dress, um, just like this please." She looked Sable up and down, and there was clearly some kind of joyful inside joke playing at her eyes."I have to ask though, if the Prince decides were going to hit New York, where do you think you'll be?" She tries to make herself sound non-challante, but Sable catches a look of her eyes, and there is intensity there that tells her that her answer is far, far more important to Riku than she wants Sable to know.
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Dice Pool: Manipulation (3) + Empathy (1) = 4
Action: Use Obfuscate to blend in amidst the myriad vampires present. Chat up a few that she knows to try to learn what she can about what's coming.Health: 7 - no damage
Vitae: 7
Willpower: 4
Conditions: NoneDescription
"I know you hate these things, but it's getting really hot in here,"
"I do leave the house occasionally," Sable replies, a crooked half-smile touching her lips.
"Rumor has it he's been reaching out to the OTHERS to get some help."
Sable's brow furrows. "What, like mages?"
"Really creepy too. They're really weird, you know that right?"
She chuckles, then shrugs. "The first impression’s the worst of it," she says.
"They want me to introduce you to one of the cousins. ... Dress, um, just like this please."
"I dress for the lighting," she replies as she punches in the number of Riku's new burner into her phone. "What can you tell me about this cousin?"
"If the Prince decides were going to hit New York, where do you think you'll be?"
Sable falters, unsure of the true answer herself. "I’m only new to all this. I’d have liked a bit more notice." She glances around to make sure no one is too close, all too aware that many Kindred possess exceptional hearing. She doubts anyone would care to eavesdrop on her, but who knows about Riku. "I don’t mind being asked. I’m still getting used to being told." She shakes her head after a beat asks, "I’m having trouble picturing it. We’re not actually lining up with muskets, are we?"
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The Prince and the council exit from the back room, making a flourish as the Primogen spread out to meet with the gathered kindred, taking orders for those who wished an audience with the Prince.
Riku watches the fanfare, eyes watching the primogen sharply.
"No, I don't think its wizards or whatever. Other things. Scarier things. Dangerous things."
She whispers that last bit, as if thinking it to herself.
"Oh the cousin? He's a poser under the Crone's moon. Hides out south of town from the Prince's goons. Used to work for the sheriff of the previous Prince I hear. Some kind of detective for the weird stuff. I always thought that was the Ordo Dracal or whatever with their fancy coats."
The Prince disappeared back into the meeting rooms, and one of the primogen went up to talk to the Prince's Seneschal about applicants.
"Oh, you haven't seen a city fight before? It's really dumb. They make a bunch of gangs and just raid any spot they can figure that vampires in the other city hang out at. It's a lot more West Side Story and lot less American Revolution or whatever. Sometimes, they'll just make a bunch of messes so the locals have to spend all their money cleaning it up. I've never heard of one being much more than that. They can get bloody though if one side finds out where everyone's hiding, or worse, hires outside help. That's...that's a bad time." She never looks back at Sable during the conversation, as she is watching something only she could see, staring off.
Looking to where Riku has been staring, the door opens and four large people enter. Two men with tanned brown skin, clearly middle eastern and wearing clean sports coats and cowboy boots, a smaller man with square features and tight short military haircut wearing a dark suit and glaring, probably eastern european, and finally a small white woman with stark white hair, a scar on her face, and basic dress clothes. No heels.
The four walked through the room with such purpose that all the kindred simply stared.
A pack of younger Invictus quickly formed to challenge the new comers, but the Seneschal raised a hand.
"They're expected, just early. Come, he can see you now." The Seneschal looked annoyed more than anything, undoubtedly because the meeting was supposed to be much more secret than it now was, which may have been the intent of the newcomers.
As they came through the room, they emitted a feeling of intense heat and unsettling...something. It made your skin crawl.
Werewolves.
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Dice Pool: Composure (2) + Empathy (1) = 3
Action: Vibe check on the room. Glean whatever she can about the werewolves.Health: 7 - no damage
Vitae: 7
Willpower: 4
Conditions: NoneDescription
Sable is a bit slower on the uptake than most of the room, but she eventually realizes what her senses are telling her about the newcomers. "Here?" she wonders aloud to Riku. "So. You were saying. About outside help?" she continues, eyebrow raised.
She uses Auspex to ask her senses, who here is most likely to turn to violence? She's eyeing the werewolves as well as each cluster of Kindred.
Wits (3) + Empathy (1) + Auspex (1) = 5 -
Riku doesn't let her eyes leave the new comers.
They enter the private room with the Prince, and the whispers sound like a wave across the room. Within half an hour, they exit the room and leave the building.
"That was anti-climatic. That must be the outside help I'm worried about. They definitely made some kind of deal, and it will probably not be great for anyone outside that inner circle."
Auspex: the werewolves exude pure menace. They stare down any vampire that tries to look their way too directly, and move with the grace of practiced killers. These are not freshly changed, these are experienced killers here for a reason.
After the werewolves leave, everyone seems to be in a hurry to do so themselves, as if they the wolves will return with a vengeance and bring death upon them. No such thing happens, just a lot of young, panicked vampires leave.