Vampire Script for LRP
Simon Ferenczy by Pete Finch
Simon Ferenczy was born in 1745. His Father, Andrew Ferenczy, was a blacksmith in the local village of Ashford Creek, in Southern Romania. His Mother, Victoria, had died during childbirth and she had had no other children. He lived with his Father, and helped with the business. Every Sunday he went to Church in the village and he would thank God for letting his Father earn enough to keep them in food and clothes, and keep them warm in the winter. After Church they would go home and have a simple meal, then go for a walk in the woods just outside the village. However, this Sunday was different. There was a fire at the forge whilst they were at Church, and it took the best part of the afternoon to put out, and clear up. Dusk was settling in when Simon and his Father decided to go and cut some replacement wood for the burned wall. These woods were called Ferenczy Woods, and Simon was rather proud of his link with them, even if only through name. There was a dark legend attached to the woods, a story that was told around the fire in the evening on long cold winter nights. The legend said that years ago, when the world was young, and the woods were instead a forest of dark pines, there was a cave system deep below the earth. When the world was still shaking from its' birth, and strange creatures walked the land, there lived a people under the ground that waged war on all living creatures on the surface. These people were evil, and they hated the sunlight, so they built a complex system of caves under the forest. These people only came out at night to hunt for blood. They looked like any normal top-sider, except for their piercing eyes, and canine teeth. They used to ravage whole villages, and then be gone before the dawn. They left nothing except desolation in their path. And no corpses. Where the inhabitants of the villages went, no-one knew, but wild guess' were made; the people were killed and then frozen for food later, or they were turned into a cave-dweller; or they were slowly tortured for sport. No one knew. But as time went on these raids became less and less, and the forest became a wood. The last village to be raided actually fought back and won, killing the raiders with fire and stakes. The leader of the village was called Janos Ferenzcy, and the woods have been named after him ever since. Janos decided to find the entrance to the cave system below, and took a score of men below. None ever returned. Simon mused over the story as he walked, wondering about the stuff of legends. As he walked in thought, Simon started feeling strange. He had never experienced this feeling before, as if he was being pulled somewhere. He mentioned it to his Father, who just shrugged and said it was probably his imagination, but Simon knew something was wrong... And then they came across the chapel in the woods. Simon knew it was there, and had often played in it with the other children when he was younger, but this time he felt malevolence seeping out from the chapel in waves that crushed him, and brought him to his knees. His Father stopped, and helped him up, but Simon cried out and as he cried, so big globs of blood came up from his chest, and ran down his chin. Andrew, frantic now for he knew nothing of what was going on, tried to pick him up and take him home, but Simon started moving towards the chapel. Crawling, he cried out in pain as he coughed up more blood, and Andrew started shouting for help, and tried to grab Simon, to stop him moving. But Simon seemed in possession of preternatural strength, and his Father could not hold him. All he could do was watch as his only Son crawled into the chapel, leaving a trail of blood behind him. When Andrew entered the chapel, there was no-one there, and there was no trace of Simon. He ran back to the village to get help, and when he returned with 20 men, they ripped the old chapel apart, but Simon could not be found... ...inside the chapel, Simon looked around, and saw that it was full of people. He had stopped coughing as soon as he had entered the sacred place, but sacred to what God ? All the people were sitting on the pews, facing the High Alter. The chapel was in pristine condition, not like it was last time, with rotting boards and holes in the ceiling. Simon stood up and walked down the aisle, and as he did so the organist started playing a dirge. The assembly stood up, and then a priest entered from the left, to stand behind the Alter. Simon continued walking, and as he walked past the people he got a closer look at their faces. They were all dead ! Yet each one could speak, and move, but they were themselves dead ! Putrid flesh hung off faces, bony hands touched him as he walked past, hollow eye sockets with red hell-fires glowing behind stared into his soul... they were dead all right, or maybe undead ! Simon continued walking, for he could not stop ! He finally reached the Alter, and stood before the priest, who wore a black robe, over his naked body. Simon, 22 years old, looked up, and saw the Lord Of Hell standing before him, with yellow eyes like slits. The hold over his mind relaxed, and he assimilated the full horror of his predicament, and passed out of consciousness... ...and awoke with the sounds of chanting, and his hands bound to something hard against his back. The Lord Of Hell held a blade over Simon, chanting in some archaic tongue. Suddenly the blade turned into a Viper ! The snake was brought closer and closer to Simons mouth. Simon started screaming, and the Lord Of Hell started laughing, and as Simons' mouth opened in one final awesome scream the snake was forced into his open mouth. The snake did not bite, it just slid down Simons gullet, and into his stomach. Simon's eyes bulged, and he gasped for breath, but to no avail. Slowly, the Life within Simon Ferenczy was snuffed out. More. More. More. More! More! More! MORE!! The words were spoken from lips blue from the touch of Death, caked in dried blood bubbles. A man knelt beside the groaning youth who was showing more life than he really ought to. The youths eyes fluttered, and opened, and the kneeling man stood up. Simon sat up and looked around him, and saw a group of five men, all wearing red robes with black trimming, and arcane symbols on the sleeves. Around him was carnage. All the undead things were now scattered like leaves, and the one by the Alter, the Lord of Hell, had his head cut off. It was lying on the floor near the alter. One of the robed figures stepped forward, and spoke, "You are Simon Ferenczy. Clan Tremere. Welcome". Simon looked at him, and saw with his undead eyes for the first time. He could see a glow around the mans body, and he felt friendly, if cautious. The mans feelings and emotions just filtered down to him, and he knew that he meant him no harm. "Who are you ?", asked Simon. "We are your sires, you are our progeny", came the answer. "What am I ?", asked Simon. "A member of a very prestigious group called the Kindred", was the reply. "Oh ? How did I join ? I don't remember", inquired Simon. "You died. The Setites killed you for your blood, your Ferenczy blood. The snake in your gullet has been removed, and has been burnt. We also want your blood, but we want you too. This is why you were chosen to be embraced into Clan Tremere". "So, what are you going to do with me now ?", said Simon. "Teach you. Your blood has untapped power, and you must learn how to use it". "How can my blood have power ? How...", Simon suddenly felt a pressure on his mind, and he could not speak. "Listen to us. Your Life depends on it. What we tell you is Truth, but we cannot make you believe us". The colours around the man shifted, and suddenly Simon knew the man was lying - he could make him believe every word he spoke !! But he hadn't, had he ? A glimmer of trust formed in Simons mind, and he stood up. "Lets go somewhere and talk. I want to know everything that has happened to me, what I have become, and why I have become it. I also want to find my Father who must be worried sick by now." "We will take you to a safe place, our chantry, but I am afraid that you cannot go and see your Father, for they will be watching your house now, and will surely attack tonight. You will come with us." "I cannot leave my Father !! What sort of person are you ? Leave me alone !", exclaimed Simon. "We, you, are Vampires, and we have no place in the affairs of mortals, though they do play parts in ours. Your Father has had a good life. It is more than some of us get, but less than others." "W..what will h..happen to him ?", stammered Simon. The five robed figures exchanged glances. Simon saw the glows around them turn blood red, and he knew what would happen to his Father. "NO !!!", he shouted. "Never !! I will not allow it !", and he ran to get out of the circle around him. But one of the five was already ahead of him, and Sim on ran right into his arms. "GET....OFF....ME.....!!!!", screamed Simon. The one holding him let go, and Simon just went limp. "Let me go to my Father, let me save him, and I am yours.", said Simon. The five exchanged glances again, and again Simon saw colours, and felt impressions of emotion from distrust, to excitement. "A bargain has been struck, Simon Ferenczy, of Clan Tremere. Honour it, and it will honour you. However, you must do this alone for we cannot interfere more than we already have in this business. Now Go !" And Simon ran out of the chapel... ...and into a forest clearing. The chapel was ablaze, and the heat hurt Simon in a way that he had never experienced before. The pain was excruciating, and he managed to stagger away without passing out. He felt much better as he entered the dark, cold forest. He noticed that he could see everything in such crystal colours. The world was beautiful, but he needed to find and protect his Father. He orientated his direction, and ran to his house. As he approached so looked for a light, but there was none. The oil lamp was not yet lit, but Simon could hear his Fathers breathing inside, steady and slow. He was asleep. Simon entered the house, and looked at his Father. And he felt a feeling in him like he had never experienced before... a wanting... a need... a nd it wouldn't go away. He took a step closer to his Father, and he picked up a scent, a sweat smell... similar to copper but with a twang of... he couldn't think of it. He took another step closer, and that was when he noticed his mouth was shaped differently... his canines had grown, and were deadly sharp. Perfect for biting... Suddenly he knew how the Setites (whoever they were?) would kill his Father, as they had killed him; by draining all blood from his body !! And he wanted to do it, needed to do it, he had to kill his own Father !! The blood pounding in his head, the Hunger clawing at his Soul he stepped towards his Father and bent over him, found his jugular as if by instinct, and bit deep. The canines broke the skin easily, and the blood flowed quickly. Simon drank deep. The pleasure was unbearable, but not as bad as the pain that was in his Soul, that would mark him forever. His Sin was complete. He stopped when the blood stopped pumping and the heart stopped. His Father lay as if still sleeping, but there was no life in him now. He never even knew... Simon looked at his Father, and knew what he had done. He had committed the most heinous of Sins; Patricide, to slay ones own Father. Now the Hunger was sated, he looked at the shell of his Father, and wept tears of blood. He knelt down and prayed to God to forgive his Sin, to let him die too, but God had stopped listening. Then an anger overtook Simon, and he grabbed the unlit oil lamp, and smashed it on the wooden floor. He took a candle and lit it from the coals in the fireplace, then he set it down in the pool of oil. He figured that would give him a couple of hours to get away before the candle flame would ignite the house, and burn the evidence of his Sin from History. Only he would know. He looked again around him, memorising the scene, and then walked out. He ran to the forest, and hid watching the house until an orange glow appeared inside. It took time for the other villagers to come to help, and by which time the whole house and its occupant was fully ablaze. His Sin was erased from the mortal world. Except for on his Soul, and he felt that mark burning in him, and the anger, and the sorrow at what he had done. At least the Setites had not got him... He made his way back to the chapel in the forest, which was burnt and fallen in on itself now, and walked in through where the front door had once been... ...and the same chapel formed around him, with the same five Tremere waiting. Simon spoke, "Do not ask me where he is. I will not tell you. Tell me of the Ferenczy blood. Remember, we have a bargain". The lead Tremere answered, "Indeed we do, but let us now leave this place, and we will talk in more comfort. Come, join hands together". Simon looked at them and decided to join hands. The lead Tremere spoke one word, and Simon felt a tugging and a twisting sensation, not altogether unpleasant. And then he was in a medieval Hall. Simon let go, and looked around in wonder. So much had happened to him from this morning that something as trivial as instantaneous transportation was unsurprising. The Hall was large, and there was an empty throne at one end. At the other, a large door, with a circle and triangle design was opening. A tall Tremere walked in, and said, "So Simon Ferenczy, you want to know about your bloodline ? Let me explain some things first. C ome in to my office. He made a gesture and the floor moved under their feet, or did they move across the floor ? Simon found that most disconcerting. They stopped in a medium sized room, with old oak furniture. It looked like a private study. "Are you thirsty, Simon ?", asked the tall Tremere. "Errr, no, err, yes. I don't know....", came the reply. The tall Tremere smiled. "Well, if you feel like a drink then just ask. Though you look like you just fed. However, this must be a strange day for you. You were summoned, though you did not know it, by the Setites, to the chapel. The Setites are a Clan of nefarious Kindred who believe in corruption. They have heard of your bloodline and want the power for themselves. They almost succeeded. Luckily my, 'agents', found you and saved you from their embrace. You were killed by Setites, but embraced by Tremere. I advise you keep your demise secret, else 'people' will think you a Setite. My name is Paul Krakovitch, and I was also raised in Romania. I am the governor of Clan Tremere in these parts. You have much to learn; and much to experience, for you are now dead, but alive like neve r before ! Relish your new life, but keep the Hunger controlled, and the Beast chained. You will understand as time goes on. Now step forward". It was a command, and Simon obeyed. Paul took his nail on his index finger, and nicked the flesh on Simons right arm. A drop of blood oozed out the small wound. Paul took the drop and placed it in a bowl, and said a few words over it. He then nodded his head, as if in understanding. "You have the ability to see Aura's already, and Senses like that of Gangrel. This is the survival instinct of your Bloodline; 'normal' Kindred do not have this. These powers will be lost to you, as you study the books of lore in this chantry. Now, let us talk about what we are, and the clan you have become part of", and Paul explained everything that Simon needed to know about Clan Tremere and the Kindred in general, including enemies, and the Camarilla. They talked for nights, and slept in the day. Simon understood exactly what was going on, and that he was a pawn in a game, but what could he do about it ? Survive. Learn about his bloodline, and the power it contains. Understand why the Setites are falling over themselves to embrace him. These are things he must find out. "So, Paul, tell me of the Ferenczy bloodline. Tell me why you embraced me". "Simon, it is a long story, with many holes. However, I will tell you what I know, and the rest you can read for yourself", and he produced a book. It was a small brown leather bound tomb, about the size of a note book, with the word Ferenczy as title in some archaic script. "It took years finding this book, and many died for it to get here, to you. Take it", and Paul handed the book over to Simon. Simon took it hesitantly. "Before you read, first let me speak", said Paul. "A long time ago, around the time of that prophet Jesus, the Kindred were of less number, but higher power. The blood was not so thin. Yours, I am afraid, is of this type. Your blood is thin, but that can maybe be changed. Anyway, as I was saying, there was a Vampire of Clan Tremere who was doing his own research into bloodlines, hoping to create his own. His name was Janos Ferenczy." At the name of Janos Ferenzcy, Simon started, "I know that name !", he exclaimed, and he proceeded to tell Paul of the legend he was thinking of the day he 'died'. "Hmmmm... Very poetic. That would be the early kindred, probably Brujah. I do not know how he became Tremere, or was allowed to work with the Tremere, but it seems that the two are the one and the same. You, Simon Ferenzcy, are a direct blood descendant of Janos Ferenzcy ! But, please let me continue... Janos was of extreme intelligence, and mastered all the works of Clan Tremere up to that point. We have progressed far since then, but his works still remain a mystery. He tried to change blood so that it could hold all memories and experiences even if the physical body was destroyed. How ? We do not know, but what we do know was that twenty five years ago a Kindred who was of your bloodline was destroyed by fire, which is deadly to any Vampire. A week later he was seen walking around the streets of London, England, as if nothing had happened ! He should have been destroyed, but he wasn't. Now, some Kindred poses a discipline called Aegis, which will allow this to happen, but he did not poses this power. He could not, for his blood was as weak as yours ! Let me explain - The more potent the blood, the more power it contains. Aegis is advanced, and one must be of low generation before one can attain it. However, once it is attained it will allow you to withstand final death ! Janos Ferenczy had tried to make this power innate in the blood of his progeny so that none could be killed. You understand that to be in possession of such an innate power makes you a very potent weapon ? You can beat final death !!!" Simon just sat and thought about this for a moment, then he asked, "What happens if a vampire stakes me, or incapacitates me so that I cannot flee or fight, and then commits Diablorie on me ?" Paul sat back, and looked at Simon. "If you were to be staked or incapacitated you will be as helpless as any other Kindred, except that if you were to die, you would come back. As for Diablorie ? The Diabloriser goes insane over a period of a week, and finally combusts. The blood is meant only for Ferenczy. Once the Diabloriser is ash, the Ferenczy may rise again. This is mentioned in the book you hold, amongst other things. I took the liberty of reading it". Simon thought some more. He understood that he was truly immortal, that he could not die, even by the extreme methods employed to kill Kindred. He also understood now why the Clan Setite wanted to embrace him, to have his power under their control. But also he understood the only Clan who had a hope of understanding the Ferenczy bloodline were the Tremere. They were also the only people who could help him find his roots. He made a snap decision to work with them. Paul smiled. "How did the Setites find me ?", asked Simon. "They were the ones who tried to kill one of your line twenty five years ago. They have been looking for Ferenczys' for years. There are not many mortal ones left, if none. They want to take your blood and mingle it with theirs, and that cannot be allowed for then they will all be able to beat final death, and corruption will spread across the Earth faster than vampirism ! There are some of you who are Kindred, but they know not what they are, or why they can do what they do. And since they are already kindred, the power of the blood has taken hold. You will read about it in the book. The power cannot manifest in the mortal body, only once the Ferenczy has become a vampire. Then will the blood work for that Clan." "Now I suggest you go and read this book, for tomorrow your study begins with the blood magic", ordered Paul. So Simon left, and went to his quarters. He felt the Hunger knawing at him, but he felt that he could last at least one more day. He settled down to read... ...I am Janos Ferenczy, Clan Tremere. My origins are unimportant, it is enough that I am. This Journal describes my work, though it does not describe the methods I used. That work is now destroyed once I saw to what levels the kindred could attain. I tested my theories on human subjects, but they all failed. Until recently... This is why I am writing this Journal, so that I can record my success. I successfully implanted the discipline Aegis in the blood of a human, and then embraced him. HE LIVED !! I tested him, by making him walk through fire, under water, cutting his head off, and staking him. Of course it appeared that he died. He turned to ash, and felt real pain, but within the hour he was back ! Arisen from Final Death ! He could not die !! He had survived it all, without even a scratch, or the weakening that affects kindred who have been unfortunate enough to have to use this discipline. The blood works on any generation; but the blood must be Kindred to work. I do not know the effects of this blood on a Lupine, but I doubt that it would do it any good. Now, in my research I created a normal vampire, and I made him Diablorise my first experiment, who turned to ash as his soul was drunk. The results were really interesting, for he was all right for a while. He had all the benefits of the generation, of the extra blood, etc, etc... but then he started getting funny, and his emotions became erratic. The Beast started coming out more, and I thought that I would have to start all over again. I locked him up for my own safety, and after three nights of ranting there was suddenly silence. The Vampire was a pile of ash on the floor. Around him we re scorch marks, as if some intense heat had burned him from the inside ! However, knowing the nature of my work, I decided to wait and watch what happened. The next night, my original experimental vampire was alive ! In the cage, wondering what had happened to him. The ash on the floor was gone. He appeared fine, and ready to feed. I repeated my experiments on this one vampire many times, and he has not weakened at all, nor suffered from any adverse affects. I wounded him with fire, with acid, with burning iron, and yet these most serious of wounds, that aggravated all Kindred, he just shrugged them off using only one point of blood to heal ! The blood is strong in us Ferenzcy... Let me summarise : The bloodline is now in some human males called Ferenczy. This blood is not made evident in these mortals, but if one is to be embraced then that blood is activated, and the Ferenczy becomes one of the Sire's Clan, but with the bloodline. They will take on Clan Disciplines, and work with the Clan like any other new progeny, but he can survive Final Death !!! In short I have created a new type of Vampire; The Canite-Superior ! Now if somehow a Ferenzcy is killed, or thought to be killed, depending on the extent of their wounds will define the length of time in which they will return. If a Ferenzcy is be-headed, burnt, or otherwise destroyed and turns to ash, he will be walking about in a matter of hours, depending on the severity of the 'death'; if Diablorised, then he will be back when the blood burns the evil-doer, after seven and one day; and if his ashes are scattered over a large area, then the ash will find itself over a period of one lunar cycle, and then reform. However, if some is removed permanently, as I have done for experiments, then it matters not, for the Ferenzcy will still return after the lunar month, but with a missing hand or arm, or leg. It will take a small amount of time for the latent Vampire's regenerative powers to replace what is missing. But the Ferenzcy will heal from the ash or a portion thereof to become whole again. The ash at this time, holds the bloodline, holds the power. The ash is the body, which houses the soul of the Ferenzcy. The blood is the life!! I am now going to go and find new ways of improving the Kindred, but I think that my theories will only work using a Discipline that does not need to be activated by the vampire. For instance, Fortitude, and Resilience will work, whilst Command the Wearied Soul will not. I am now going into hiding to continue my experimental work. The Ferenczy's that I have put in the world will keep the blood from generation to generation. Some might even be lucky enough to be Embraced.... So mote it be... And the book finished. Simon was left wondering what was going on, this book told him that he was a New Vampire, a Canite-Superior !! No wonder the Tremere had embraced him ! They wanted him for their purposes, and to find the secrets of Janos Ferenczy's work to use themselves ! He wondered of what became of his fore-father. Was he still in the cave-complex ? Did the cave-complex still exist ? If it did, what would be found there ? He decided that when he was ready he would try to find an entrance, and discover more about Janos Ferenzcy. Simon went to sleep, and dreamed of caves, and blood red stalactites... The next night Paul was waiting for Simon as he woke, and handed him a decanter of blood, which Simon poured in to a glass, and drank before it got tepid. This eased his Hunger somewhat. Paul spoke first, "Today you start to learn the Tremere Discipline Thaumeturgy - Blood Magic. Once you have mastered this, you will master other Paths, including the Path of Flame, but that will be many years in the future. Come". Paul led the way down stairs in to the what looked like a study area, where there were many other Tremere, studying away, holding vials of blood, and doing strange rituals. "This is where you study. This is where you become fully Tremere. Here is your mentor, Sven Kiev, he will answer any questions that you have. I shall keep in touch. Remember, no-one must know who you are. You name now is Simon Krakovitch, since I embraced you, you will take my name. That is the norm. Now go", and Simon sat down, and started reading... ...and he studied and leant at that chantry for over 200 years. He learnt the Path of Blood; Blood Mastery, and Inquistion of Captive Vitae; and the Path of Flame; Hand of Flame. He noticed that the 'instinctive' disciplines of Aura Perception and Heightened Senses had fled him, for he was learning of the Disciplines of his Clan. He was looked down at by many other Tremere students because he was allowed to learn secrets that they would have to wait centuries for, but Paul had made express permission, nay ordered, that Simon learn the Path Of Flame, for then and only then could he attempt to defend himself from the Elders. However, the study was intense, and hard, and Simon only had time to learn the first part, before he was ordered to continue with his research. In his private time he did experiments on his own blood, and proved that what Janos Ferenzcy had scribed was in fact truth. During his research he excelled in Blood Magic, even though he had had no Occult background, he had always prided himself on his open mind. He accepted the principles of the Occult as easily as he accepted his Vampirism. He infact excelled in it ! So it was of little surprise that he learnt more about his bloodline than was written in Janos' book. Simon had learnt that the only way he could be killed and consumed was by Diablorie, but the Diablorist must be at least four generations lower than himself. Only then could a Kindred consume his blood, and the power of the bloodline would pass to the Diablorist. This was because of the pot ency of his blood, any other Kindred would gain a Derangement, the madness for seven days, for each point of Ferenzcy blood consumed. If a Kindred were to attempt Diablorie on one of the Ferenzcy bloodline, then for each day of seven a Derangement would manifest, the madness would take hold and the Beast would be unleashed, and then after the seventh day the Kindred would burn, their blood boil, and then turn to ash. Such was the potency of the Ferenzcy Bloodline. And then the miracle would happen, for the Ferenzcy would rise from the ashes like the Phoenix and become whole again. However, because of the adverse effects of his blood on Kindred he could not blood bind other Kindred to him, but then he too could not be bound. He had researched this too, for the Legend of the Blood Bond was strong amongst the Tremere. His blood was dominant, and any weaker Kindred blood was just absorbed as rich food (equal to three normal traits). However, a Kindred of four generations lower than him had potent blood too, and it was a 50% chance that he would be bound. Of course as the generation gap got larger, so did the chance of Simon getting Blood Bonded. As for his blood being stolen and used against him ? He supposed that it might be, but he must not let any vampire steal his blood, for even the most nieve Thaumaturgist would notice that his blood was different, more potent, than their own. Another problem was that the blood lasted extremely well outside the body, and even survived direct contact with sunlight. But that was to be expected, thought Simon. Simon also wanted to know if he could lower his generation, which would of course give him more chance of survival if any Elders found him and wanted his blood. He found that by Ritual he could lower his generation, but not by direct Diablorie. This was because his blood would reject another kindreds blood drank in that manner. However, he still had to test his theories. Sven Kiev helped him in this, and assisted Simon in warping the Necter of the Bitter Rose for his own needs. It involved not the use of a live Kindred, but a dead Kindred; one who is ash. The rite involves mixing some of his own blood with the ash, while reciting the ritual, and his blood will 'ressurrect' the spirit of the dead kindred into the mixture. As the ritual progresses, so the dead kindreds blood starts forming from the ash and combining with the Ferenzcy blood, and at the climax of the rite, the Ferenzcy would drink the mixture, and thereby gain a generation. Simon could perform the ritual since it was designed for him, but could not comment on the effect it would have on his aura. It would not work for any other kindred since it uses the power of the Ferenzcy bloodline. Sven of course reported everything to Paul, his superior. The only part of his research that he managed to k eep to himself was the only way he could be killed. This was kept from Paul, as far as Simon knew anyway, for he suspected that Paul wanted the power of his bloodline, and wanted Simon to tell him. Well, Paul would have to rip it from his mind to get that secret!, thought Simon. So, time went on, and Simon tried new angles in his research. It came to pass that with hindsight now he realises that he went a bit too far in his ritual manipulation of his own blood. For over a month he had spent collecting sunlight, ritually charging a diamond with the rays of the sun. The object of this experiment was to direct a single beam of pure sunlight, via the diamond as a focus, at a vial of his own blood, and watch what happened. Would the blood survive ? What will it take to destroy it ? Will it return if it is destroyed ? These were questions that he needed answers to. But in his eagerness to understand more of his physiology he miscalculated the capacity of the diamond. During the rite that would release the sunlight, the diamond exploded, showering his whole study in razor sharp shards of diamond ! But what was worse was the intense light that filled the room, like that of a small sun, and each piece of the shattered diamond contained some of this solar essence. They pierced Simons' body, and reduced him to ash before he even felt the pain... ...Simon awoke lying on the floor of his study. The first thing he felt was the Hunger knawing at him. He mentally pushed it aside, and shut the cage in his mind, chaining the beast until he had no choice except to feed; he had to find out what had happened ! All around him lay shards of diamond, each one even now with a faint glow inside. The glass vial that would have taken the full brunt of the explosion was shattered, but even now dripping off his desk was his dark red blood. He tasted a drop, and it tasted just like normal ! He quickly did Inquisition of the Captive Vitae, and true enough the blood was his, and it had withstood the explosion !! But of course the blood would have survived ! He had, hadn't he !!? Simon went and found a mirror and looked at his face. It was fine. He was naked so he looked at his whole body, looked for any imperfections, cuts, bruise's, diamond still imbedded within him, and he found none of these things. He was as he was just before the explosion ! He had beaten final death !!! No other Vampire could have survived that explosion he knew ! Yet he had. Truly was he Canite-Superior ! Simon was ecstatic, he yelled and quickly threw on a robe and went out to feed. But even the feeding was not as good as the way he was feeling at that moment. He wondered how long he had been 'dead' for. An hour ? A Day ? A Week ? How long ? He went and found a Tremere student in the main study area, and asked him what day and time it was. The student looked strangely at him, but complied, and told Simon it was Thursday 19th September 1903, 20:04. Simon remembered the date as being the day before. He had been 'dead' for only one day !! He realised that he if he was 'killed' in a normal fashion, and turned to ash, he would be back in hours, but a whole day ? That must have been one powerful explosion ! He realised that the more intense his 'death' the longer it would take to come back. Lucky that that short of explosion doesn't happen outside the lab, he thought. He went back to his study, and cleared up the shattered diamond. Each shard was still glowing, so he placed them in a bowl and used them for light, instead of a candle. It looked very beautiful. As far as Simons' research went he could see no other benefits that his blood gave him, even though he could see that he was beyond Death, he had to keep it secret that he was Canite-Superior. The other clans would want him and that must not be allowed. He also knew that if he was captured there were some very nasty tortures that could be done on an immortal vampire ! He must blend in... so he made plans to meet Paul... The next night he received a letter from Paul asking Simon to join him for a talk at a convenient time. It was strange, but Simon guessed that Paul could read his thoughts, or some of them at least... ...Simon entered the Great Hall in the chantry. He had spent over 200 years in this place, not once venturing outside. The blood was supplied, so that feeding need not interfere with study. The Tremere had special 'doners' for this purpose. He knocked on the large Oaken Door to Pauls study, and was suddenly inside ! As the room reformed around him, Simon saw Paul sitting behind a desk, reading a book. "Ahhh, Simon Krakovitch, please be seated. This is indeed an honour. I had not expected you so soon. I must speak with you about an urgent matter. Please be seated. Wine ? Or maybe something more suited to your, err, specialised pallet ?". Paul grinned a toothy grin, without mirth. "No; thank you", answered Simon, forever wary of Paul. He knew how the Tremere minds thought, and he had learnt to think like them over the last 200 odd years. "Simon, I have been speaking to my superiors, and you have come up on many an occasion. They want you to do some work for the Clan. It is not much, just plain observation really, but something were you can keep out of trouble but still learn about the Modern World. You came to us in 1767, and the year now is 1987. Thats 220 years you've been locked up here, with your head in books, researching your bloodline, learning the Paths of Blood and Flame. You have learnt much, and the results from your research are fascinating. However, you must learn again how to survive in the mortal world. You must go to England. A small town called St Albans, close to the countries capitol, London. There are events occurring in this area, and the Clan is involved somehow. We want you to find out how. We will of course inform the local Tremere of your imminent arrival, but your true nature shall be kept quite from them. If you have any problems with them, then do not hesitate to contact me, and the problem shall be dealt with via the 'chain of command'. Do you understand ?" "Yes Lord", breathed Simon. He was being sent out on Clan business ! Why him? Why not someone else ? Unless.... "Here is a grimoire, of Blood Magic Rituals. There are some in here that will be useful to you, and some that will require a higher understanding of the Path of Blood. The first ritual I suggest you learn on you flight over to England is the Engaging the Vessel of Transference, which will allow you to collect blood easily, and make inquiries of it whenever you wish. Now go and pack. You can leave your research here; it is safe in the hands of the Clan. Good luck Simon Ferenzcy", and with that Simon felt that weird sensation in his stomach and was in his chambers again. He packed, and left his research notes in a brown envelope on his desk. The Ferenzcy notebook he sewed into the lining of his coat. He then went to the front door to the chantry, and opening it, walked outside. A car was waiting for him - he had seen pictures of them, and knew how they worked, but had never seen one up close before. The chauffeur opened the door and he climbed in. The car pulled away and Simon felt ill... but he kept his stomach down for the entire journey. On the way he read the Ritual of Engaging the Vessel of Transference. It was a rather simple ritual to do, and so he asked the driver to stop just outside the airport. He took a room in the Bucharest Hotel, ordered some miniature bottles of spirits. He then emptied them and cleaned them, and then performed the ritual that would charge each bottle with the power to drain one trait from whoever it touched. This took only two and a half hours in total. Simon then paid the bill and left the hotel. The porter looked strangely at Simon; there are not many people who take a hotel room for a couple of hours, on their own ! At the airport in Bucharest Simon saw the planes and wondered at the Human Race. Why build such machines, when on the words of a spell Paul Krakovitch could move between continents ?! It seemed insane... and then Simon wondered why Paul had sent him on an airplane. It was either to show him parts of the Modern World, or there was a more sinister reason. Simon kept a look out just incase. He boarded the plane with no problems, and got off in London, a little sick but still together. It was then that he saw the welcoming committee. Three Brujah dressed in casual clothes which he had not noticed before, but now were moving towards him. Simon thought quickly. He only had the Grimoire which was a small sheaf of papers inside his coat. He decided to act normal, for he could not die, and the Brujah would burn at a caress from his immortal hands... let them come ! So Simon moved to the arrival lounge, and picked up his chauffeur, and went outside to the car park. The three Brujah followed. The car park was empty, and quite, and it was then that they decided to attack. Two of the Brujah leapt either side of Simon and pinned his arms behind his back, whilst the other took out a wooden stake and lined it up over Simons heart. Simon thought fast - Both his hands ignited and the two Brujah leapt back in cries of anguish as their jackets went up in flames ! The single Brujah missed with his stake, and went to help his two friends, who looked pained, but angry. The three advanced on Simon, a bit more warily. Simon thought quickly, and brought out a bottle from his pocket. It apparently contained nothing, but the Brujah slowed their pace even more. Then one of them called a charge, and they all ran at Simon, fangs glistening, and spittle dripping from their mouths. Simon moved fast; sidestepping a blow from the Brujah to his left, and managed to touch the Brujah to his right with the bottle, which immediately filled with blood. Simon then held the bottle in his left hand whilst his right hand burst in to flame. The Brujah whos blood was quickly disappearing from the bottle stood and stared at him, as if dumbstruck, as Simon put his burning hand on the Vampires face, burning his eyes to liquid. His skin quickly blistered and caught alight, and the Brujah fell back, his face aflame, screaming in agony. One of the Brujah then frenzied, and launched himself at Simon, who easily sidestepped and touched the vampires clothes with his flaming hand, which immediately caught alight, and started burning him too. The last Brujah looked at his friends in agony on the floor, and turned to look at Simon. Simon saw fear in his eyes, and pitied him for this foolish act. The mighty Brujah, defeated by a single Tremere ! Simon grinned and put his hand in his pocket, removing another glass bottle. The other two Brujah were now piles of ash on the floor, and it was now one on one. The Brujah suddenly made a leap forward at an impossible speed and landed a mighty blow on Simons cheek, which caved in under the impact. Simon flew back, but kept hold of the bottle. The Brujah then jumped on top of Simon as he was getting up, holding a stake raised to strike ! Simon held the bottle, and thrust it in to the Brujahs face, and the same time activating his Blood Mastery, and Hand of Flame, and punch ed the now bemused vampire square in the face. His nose exploded, and he flew back, with scorch marks around his face where his vampire flesh had been seared by the heat. Simon felt in his pocket for another bottle, but he had only made two ! He grabbed the dropped stake, and jumped on the screaming Brujah, plunging the stake into his heart ! The vampire screamed and tried to move, to strike, but he was paralysed. Simon looked in to his eyes, and saw fear, but still defient. He then felt a mind touching his, and immediately used all his willpower to force it out ! The Brujah was a damned mindmage !! Bastard ! Simon avoided his gaze, but got his blazing hand and moved it closer to the Brujahs face. At the last minute Simon looked at the Brujahs eyes, and then he saw fear. His face then exploded in a fireball of flesh and blood. Simon stepped back, and watched as the vampire burnt, and was quickly reduced to ash. He didn't hang about to watch all the fireworks, he got in the car and told the chauffeur to drive to St Albans, Hertfordshire. He had escaped, but now someone knew that he was here in England, and he would have to be careful. In the car he healed his face, and tried to clean up as best he could. He arrived in St Albans without incident, and made his way to the chantry. Inside he made his way to see the Lord of the Chantry of St Albans. By reports he had no name, at least none that he cared to share. His Chantry called him simply 'Lord'. "You must be Simon Krakovitch", were the first words the Lord spoke. Good, thought Simon, word has been sent of my arrival. "I am, Lord, and I seek your Chantry. I have traveled many miles this night, and would have a place to rest", asked Simon in perfect English, bowing his head, not meeting the eyes of the 'Lord'. "You may have the guest quarters until we can arrange something a little more permanent for you. Tomorrow we shall talk some more", and Simon knew he was dismissed. He left the Chantry and outside the Hallway, there was a 'young' vampire, no more than 30 years undead. He introduced himself, "Simon Krakovitch ? Hello, my name is Sam Mire, but you can call me Sam. I am here to make sure that your stay with us is comfortable. Let me show you to your quarters", and with that he lead Simon down a long hall towards what Simon guessed was to be his quarters. "Sam, I am hungry after such a long and tiresome journey. After you have shown me to my quarters, would you be so kind as to show me where I can feed in this vast city ?", inquired Simon. "Of course. I understand that the Tremere in Romania shut themselves away in their Chantys for centuries, and hardly notice the World go by. I shall teach you the customs of the Modern World, and all the dangers it holds". They arrived at the guest quarters, and Simon checked for protection from spying eyes and ears. All was clean. Nonetheless he decided to perform his own rite of protection when he was more alone. When Simon was ready, Sam lead him outside, into the city center. It was a warm Friday night, the time of year where new lifes start. In Romania, many years ago, Simon would have been seen the new born lambs in the pastures. Now, he saw Mortals, and lights, and strange dark men with dark skins. It was all new to him, and it assailed his vampire senses. He had to fight the Beast that was straining against it's chains. Where were the peasants ? The farmers ? The cattle ? The horses ? The castles ? In their place were ugly brick buildings, motor vehicles, men and wo men in gaudy clothes. There were many drinking houses, and the two vampires made for one that Sam recommended. An establishment called the Firkin. Simon had never heard of it, but when he entered the smell of the blood intoxicated him; his nostrils flared, his senses keened, and his blood pounded in his ears. Sam noticed this, and worried, but Simon kept cool; the Beast remained chained. They made their way to the bar, and Sam ordered two pints of beer. Simon wasn't sure he would like this English brew, but after a swift sip he drained the glass, and ordered another. Sam hoped that he could hold his alcohol. They took a seat, and Simon surveyed the pub. There were many youths here, and their blood pulsed in their veins. Simon felt the Hunger rising in him again, but fought it. How much longer could he keep it down ? He had noticed that over the years his desire for blood was stronger than that of many Kindred, but he could control the Hunger in equal proportion. However, his feeding was that to make any Kindred who saw him cringe for he always drained his victims, and cared not for the grieving friends and family that were left behind. Simon spotted a couple of girls sitting alone, and pointed them out to Sam. He got up and wandered over to them, Sam following, wondering what Simon was going to do. As he approached the girls looked up, and one of them smiled at him. "May we join you ?", Simon asked in Romanian. "Sorry ?", said one of the girls. "You are not English ?" "My friend here has just arrived here from Romania. He is going to be spending many years in our wonderful country. Please, can you show him some hospitality, and teach him somewhat of the English customs ?", replied Sam. "Oh, sure. That would be fun wouldn't it Kim ?", laughed the girl. "Yeah, sure. Let me introduce ourselves; My name is Sara, and this is Kim", said Sara. And in halting English Simon said, "My name is Simon. This is my pen friend, Sam. May we join with you ?" Kim looked worried, but then realised that it was just his way of talking. He didn't really mean 'join with you' did he ? He meant 'join us' surely ! "Ok", she replied. Sam and Simon sat talking to them until closing time. Simon had stopped drinking the beer, for which Sam was grateful. However, he was still worried about the way Simon kept looking at the girls when they wern't watching. Sam could see the Beast behind his mask. Sam looked at each girl in turn right in the eyes, and said, "Follow us". The girls and Simon stood up, and walked out the pub. The vampires walked down towards a quite part of town, and found a back alley. The girls followed. As soon as they were in the alley Simon grabbed Kim and sunk his fangs into her jugular ! She moaned as if in ecstasy, and slowly passed out; first of consciousness, then of life. Simon threw her corpse on the floor, blood dribbling from his chin. He had almost forgotten to lick the wound. Sam was watching him with a hint of fear in his eyes. He had drained half of Sara, who was now unconscious. "Finish her !", growled Simon. "She'll know that she was in that drinking house with us, and there were many witnesses that saw them with us! Here is one corpse, let them find two". Sam looked at Simon, and saw the blood-lust raging behind his normally calm eyes. "You finish her!", and he threw the half dead girl at Simon. He caught her, and drank deep of her life-blood, until she, too, was dead. He licked her neck wound, and then covered her in rubbish that was all around them in the alley. Sam looked sick. "In this Tremere held town, Simon, we do not kill our victims. We hunt in pairs, one of which must have the Forgetful Mind so that they do not remember the feeding. We do not kill ! The Prince tolerates us only because we keep our heads down. Do not make our life more of a hell than it already is ! I say again, do not kill !", and Sam walked past him, and back to the Chantry. Simon thought about flaming him, but resisted for he must keep up his appearance. "Sam ! Sam ! Wait !", he called. Sam stopped and turned around. Simon ran towards him, and caught up. "I am sorry. In Romania the peasants expect to find corpses. They respect us. We do not hide from the kine, nor keep our heads down. We are proud to be Kindred; proud to be Tremere ! That I will not change. But I will control my feeding more, and hunt with you again, if you so wish. Blame this incident on me if you need to. I can deal with it". Sam looked at Simon and thought, A strange one this. I must keep my eye on him. "Thank you Simon, we shall hunt again. But now it is time to return to the Chantry, and study. Come". And they returned to the Chantry. The next evening the Lord of the St Albans Tremere called for Simon. He asked him about the incident the night before and Simon explained to him the same reasoning he had given Sam Mire. The Lord was not pleased, but let it slide, considering it was Paul Krakovitch, Govoner of the Romanian Tremere, who had sent Simon here. It was common knowledge. But why had Simon been sent here ? That was something he wanted answering, but the only answer Simon would supply was that he was doing research on the way blood and climate interact, and the apparent negative effects of cold air on the Kindred. The Lord knew this for the lie that it was, but would not get anything else out of Simon. Simon knew that he dared not force the information out of him, for then he would have the Council of Seven to answer to, as well as Simons Sire, Paul Krakovitch. Simon was politically immune, and he knew it !! Simon decided in his second night to try to meet the Prince of this area, as was proper. He asked Sam about it, who told him never to seek out the Prince, for the Prince was aware of everyone entering his Domain. He only met with them if he so desired. And then it was because he wanted something. "Of all Kindred in this area, beware of the Prince", was the warning. Simon decided that it would be better if he didn't meet the Prince, all things considered ! The years rolled by, and quickly the Past gave way to the Present. The year is now 1996, and Simon Krakovitch has been in the Chantry of St Albans for nine years. He has kept his bloodline a well guarded secret, and carried out false research on the impact the cold climate has on Kindred blood. He has few friends for he keeps himself to himself, but the friends that he does have keep their ears and eyes open, and Simon knows much of what is going on inside and outside the Chantry. Of the politics and power struggles within the pyramid. He makes regular reports to Romania through secure channels, and receives a œ500 of English monies each month into a private bank account. He hardly touches it, except to buy clothes. He is now part of the Chantry, and people are less suspicious of him now. Sam is his closest 'friend', though Simon knows that there are no friends when you're a spy... Name : Jake Stark, Peter Newman (alias Simon Krakovitch) (Simon Ferenzcy) Clan : Tremere Concept : Deviant Gen : 12th Nature : Survivor Blood : 4 Demeanor : Loner Willpower : 1 Physical Social Mental 5 3 7 Abilities Occult 2 Subterfuge Brawl Melee Disciplines Thaum : Path of Blood I i) Blood Mastery ii) Inquisition of Captive Vitae Path of Flame I i) Hand of Flame Grimoire with Rituals for Path of Blood I and II (phys rep to be made) Engaging the Vessel of Transference Ritual : Nectar of the Undead (for lowering generation - phys rep to be made) Derangements The Hunger Influence Clan Politics Special Ferenzcy Bloodline. Spy for Tremere Council of Seven. Money : œ50,000 Status Infamous XP 2