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| Welcome To The Night You find yourself in London - but not as a mortal as something entirely different. Welcome to the world of Vampire The Masquerade. The game uses the cursed and immortal Vampiric condition as a backdrop to explore themes of morality, depravity, the Human condition, salvation, and personal horror. Your fate is your own - Join The Camarilla or The Sabbat, rise and become powerful or scheme from the sewers. Anything is possible in our World of Darkness. Create Your Account! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
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| Topic Started: Saturday, 3. March 2012, 20:52 (440 Views) | |
| Archon Hamilton | Saturday, 3. March 2012, 20:52 Post #1 |
 
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A tall, handsome man walked into Elysium wearing a black as night suit and a Blood red tie so rich in color and vivid it looked good enough to drink. HIs suit fit him well and hinted at the muscled body beneath. His hair was slicked back and everything about him screamed Ventrue. He held a suitcase in his right hand and made his way in looking around. It was not often that Archon had the pleasure of coming to Elysium. It was a shame that he did not for the building was quite nice. People Kindred and kine alike may know him as that wealthy lawyer with an incredibly high conviction rate. He took a seat and opened up his suitcase and started pouring over cases for the following week. Even when he is off work he is working. Oh well he was what he was, someone had to be after all. Besides perhaps this would allow him to rub elbows with some of the local Kindred out side of the court room. After all London was a big place and he was sure that there were Kindred out there that he did not know, and some he really wanted to. Having a Nosferatu ally would be incredibly useful, but alas he had not met any of the sewer rats as of yet. Oh well the night was young and these case files were not going to read themselves. So there Archon sat, pouring over case files looking completely wrapped up in his work yet bored as hell. If nothing else he made good time reading them, taking less then a minute to read each one. Some he shook his head at others brought a wry smile to his lips. But mostly he had a bored expression on his face and a flask of something next to the suitcase. Long night, ha, he was ready for a long night, had his cases, had his cell, and had his Blood, what more could he need. |
| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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| Renard | Saturday, 3. March 2012, 21:08 Post #2 |
Nosferatu Primogen
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Some outsider looking at where and how James had spend the last night would have thought he would be one of the more carefree slackers in town. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case, as he had been busy with the usual Nossie stuff once again. But now that he was through that, he retired to the more recreational areas of the Elysium, a fitting drink in one hand, his almost trademark cane in the other. Most of the time, the music didn't fit his tastes, but at the moment it was at least bearable. Looking for a seat, he noticed the new arrival busy with some files. A smirk formed on his face. Once you started working with files you never really got rid of it. It reminded him a bit of his own job he had once held. The man looked wealthy enough, so probably one of the higher-profile clans. As he skimmed through his memory, he remembered he had witnessed the man's introduction to the Prince back then, but he wasn't able to remember the name... It was a quite uncommon name that much he knew. But then, if you had any questions, you just went there and asked, right ? Therefore James decided to walk over to Archon's table with his sleight limp and opened conversation. "Good evening, Sir. Is this seat already taken ?" |
| Verba docent, exempla trahunt ! | |
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| Archon Hamilton | Saturday, 3. March 2012, 21:24 Post #3 |
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Archon's beast raged for but a second as he was startled by the mans approach. While he showed no outward sign of having been startled inside he screamed and grew angry with himself for getting so wrapped up in his case files that he was unaware of the mans approach. And that was how one ended up as a Sabbat trophy. And that Archon thought to himself was not a pleasing thought. "Tis a large table chap, please wont you join me." Archon gestured to the table allowing the man to pick his own seat. He noticed the cane and wondered if it were for show or for practical use. He was unsure as he did not notice this ninja of a man approach. Either way he thought of it though it was more than trivial. He offered the man a friendly, genuine smile. "So what brings you here Kindred? Break the law? One of the Traditions? I can help of you of course for a fee, consider yourself good as cleared, the jury will find you innocent, if you broke the Traditions however that will be a little more tricky, especially if you broke the Masquerade. However though I may be able to lawyer you a lesser sentence than death. If it meant avoiding Final Death would you be willing to submit yourself to a Blood Bond involving one or more people, long term staking, or even exile from London? Well whatever you did you came to the right Kindred, Archon Hamilton, Kindred Attorney, at your service." Archon clearly thought whom ever this Kindred was before him was a client. |
| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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| Renard | Saturday, 3. March 2012, 21:43 Post #4 |
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Nosferatu Primogen
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"Thank you very much then !" James leaned the cane on the table like he always did when he wasn't needing it. He also placed his glass on the table, listening to Archon's introduction carefully. He connected the dots one by one. Hamilton, right, so this was Mr. Preston's childe... Now that he had the name, he also remembered some of Archon's more recent dealings that involved the public. "I'm simply here for my line of work and the resulting small break, so unfortunately, I'm afraid I won't present any opportunity for you to exact your services, please accept my apologies for that. But I will keep your words in mind." He offered the younger Ventrue a handshake. "Sir James Henderson of Gravesham, the pleasure is mine !" |
| Verba docent, exempla trahunt ! | |
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| Archon Hamilton | Saturday, 3. March 2012, 21:53 Post #5 |
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Archon listened to the James. and then nodded. The fewer Kindred that need my services the better. But I do what I can to help preserve the masquerade. Ever the dutiful Ventrue. And yes I know exactly what you mean. This is supposed to be night off, alas, here I am pouring of bloody case files for the following week. I am beginning to think that relaxation his a bit rubbish if you ask me mate. Then again there is no rest for the Undead. Had to meet a client last week at eleven in the morning. I don't think I was ever as tired as I was then. Blasted Sun." Archon took James' hand and shook it with a firm shake. "Well I have not been Knighted but I assure you am just as noble a creature. Look at me my good sir, just a prattling on, how terrible of me, you must thank me some daft child of Malkav." Archon said finally stopping, though he thought to what he said and while he did talk a lot, he did not waste any speech, or much any way. At least that is what he was going to tell himself. Edited by Archon Hamilton, Saturday, 3. March 2012, 21:53.
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| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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| Renard | Saturday, 3. March 2012, 22:07 Post #6 |
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Nosferatu Primogen
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After the handshake, James decided to sit down and took a sip from his glass. "This is exactly why I have never set a foot into law. The work just keeps clawing at your spare time until it's all gone for good. Not that most jobs in our society are much better, though... But I have to say, I'm quite impressed by your dedication, if you are willing to risk a sunburn for a client, Mr. Hamilton." He put the glass down again, turning it in his fingers a bit before. He smirked at Archon before finally replying. "Well, I haven't been knighted either as I'm actually a baronet but then, most inhabitants of this lovely little domain don't know that, so I don't think I would have to put you into the Malkavian drawer. My card, if you like, Mr. Hamilton." James fetched a small box from inside his jacket and handed Archon a card. 'Sir James E.G. Henderson of Gravesham, 3rd Bart.,DSO, MC' Below this it had a phone number and an email address, but apart from that the card was unassuming and empty, almost nondescript. |
| Verba docent, exempla trahunt ! | |
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| Archon Hamilton | Sunday, 4. March 2012, 15:00 Post #7 |
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"Well Mr.Henderson, I do have a reputation as a super lawyer to uphold. Also fighting off the day sleep is not an easy task, only by the sheer power of my will did I accomplish said feat. Tis no easy thing and should not be done that often. Mostly do to the incredibly high chance of breaching the Masquerade. As a Ventrue, that does not appeal to me. Law can be a troublesome thing but certainly worth while. I am incredibly well versed in both Kindred laws and the laws of the Kine." Archon stated matter of factly. It was not rude, simply a statement. Archon opened his flask and took a long drink, looking into the eyes of the man sitting with him, more so a sign of respect that any attempt at intimidation. Letting the Crimson Ambrosia slide down his throat he closed his eyes for only but a moment, enjoying the taste of the refine blood in his flask. He opened his eyes and smiled at James, a charming genuine smile flashing his fangs. "Not actually Knighted. I see. My apologies for my audacity. Is there any particular title that you would prefer? I would not want to be so brazen as to call you something that you would not prefer or something that you would. So if I offended you my good chap, I apologize. Know that it was not intentional.." Archon corrected himself hoping that the other Kindred was not offended. Sometimes his bluntness as a lawyer could get him in trouble though he thought he was choosing his words tactfully. Archon took the card that Henderson handed him and glanced at it. He slid it into his wallet and then handed him a card in turn. Archon&Archon Attorneys at Law. Archon smiles and readjusted his tie. He looked to the other man and waited for a response or any sort of body language that would betray thoughts or feelings. |
| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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| Renard | Monday, 5. March 2012, 06:15 Post #8 |
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Nosferatu Primogen
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"No problem, Mr. Hamilton... After all, a person's deeds should be a bit more important than their heritage. Therefore, there has been no offence and thus no need to apologize. Most of the time, I simply go by 'Mr. Henderson', but if you prefer something different, just let me know. I do not insist on having all those fance titles and postnominals thrown after me. Those are remnants of my mortal days, no more, no less." They came in handy from time to time, though to instill at least some kind of respect among the 'higher' clans... James also took a small sip from his cocktail while he looked at the card thoughtfully. "But it is a good thing there are still people around who are willing to go the extra mile for their clients. It happens seldom enough nowadays. I guess that's one of the reasons Mr. Preston chose to introduce you to our little club. After all, not everyone takes the Masquerade as seriously as it should be taken." |
| Verba docent, exempla trahunt ! | |
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| Archon Hamilton | Monday, 5. March 2012, 06:29 Post #9 |
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"It is Mr.Henderson my personal belief that those Kindred whom breach the Masquerade should be brought to final death, for in breaching they not only endanger themselves but this organization, and the Kindred as whole. The Traditions are not simple guide lines, but rules and regulations that guide our society and separates us in part from the Sabbat. Another thing that separates us is our Humanity, granted though all Kindred are monsters, and you have them with in and with out the Camarilla. But it is my whole hearted belief that the Camarilla is the lesser of two evils and actually has Kindreds best interest at heart, which is why if I willing to risk my unlife for a mortal client, imagine my dedication to the Camarilla and to my Clan." Archon said with a wry smile. "As for titles, Mr.Henderson is what you will be called than my good sir, until an appointed time in which you would prefer me to call you something else. As for me Mr.Hamilton will do nicely. Many kindred don't bother with social niceties any more, it is refreshing to see someone that does. You know Mr.Henderson, there are Kindred and there are kindred of quality, and I believe you to be one of the latter." Archon gathers his files and sets them back in his case and locks it. He then takes another drink from his flask and crosses his legs and levels his gaze at James. "You have my complete attention." Archon stated with a business like look on his face, rather it was natural or in the blood it was unknown. Edited by Archon Hamilton, Monday, 5. March 2012, 06:31.
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| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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| Renard | Monday, 5. March 2012, 08:29 Post #10 |
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Nosferatu Primogen
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"You know, I think it is better to differentiate at that point... I have to admit I do not know law as intimately as you definitively do, but one should always take the circumstances into account. After all, the children have to be able to learn from their mistakes and it makes a huge difference whether someone violated the Masquerade by accident or not. Obligations or not, most of us have moments of weakness, I just think that the death penalty should be reserved for repeated violations or those who create public breaches willingly. But I guess arguing about that is moot, isn't it ? We do not make the laws after all." James smiled at the social niceties remark. "Well, times change, but some things just are invaluable if you want to save face in this world. Unfortunately, the habits and customs that are demanded no longer match with what the younger children know, so it almost has to be imposed on them, with foreseeable results." He sighed. "No wonder the younger ones have difficulties coming to terms with society once they are part of it." |
| Verba docent, exempla trahunt ! | |
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| Archon Hamilton | Monday, 5. March 2012, 08:54 Post #11 |
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"Objection my good sir, think of it this way, Johnny Kindred is walking down the street, a mortal is walking alongside him, he shoves Johnny Kindred and spits in his face. Johnny Kindred even as humane as he is, is insulted to his core and his Beast wants out and Johnny lets it out. Moments later poor John Doe or whats left of him is hither and thither, and worse, some of his neighbors recorded, put it on Youtube and worse the local lat night news." Archon paused for a moment and clasped his fingers together looking very much like an Elder of his Clan, despite him still being a Neonate. "Hunters then see this, the Prince of said city sees this. So, now instead of fight a battle with just Sabbat, or Anarchs, or maybe both, you are no fighting on all sides, Hunters, Sabbat, Anarchs, the Media, and you have Camarilla Officials such as Archons or their masters the Justicars coming down to the city to see what in the blood hell happened that things got out of hand, all do the actions of one kindred whom lost their composure. But as you said my friend, the point is irrevocably moot as we are but servants to the laws and not their creators." Archon said. No heat or malice in his voice or tone. Archon watches James smile and that brought a smile to his own face. His hands still clasped in his lap he changes legs and crossed the other. Taking a moment to once more drink from his flask. "Times do in deed change, children just are not taught respect any more, respect for their Elders let alone their fellow man. But then again maybe you and I are exceptions, exampled of an era now gone for good, when politeness and general manners were not only looked for but expected. Now all kids know is rap, and anger, and there is no cause, no ideal in which their anger clings to save for anger in and of itself. I weep for the Neonates of today's nights, I myself grew up in the fifties and and sixties. Even the music had class then. Now its all about young woman grinding and gyrating on men." Archon shuddered at that bit. |
| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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| Renard | Monday, 5. March 2012, 09:22 Post #12 |
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Nosferatu Primogen
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"An interesting example, although it is missing the point a bit. After all, if things get out of hand, all we can do is keepeing the damage small. All that does not include the kindred that caused everything and also does not cover whether we had got him or not, not even adressing the punishment. The important thing is how these unwilling breaches are handled. Do we allow the kindred to see what troubles he has caused and give him a chance to show he has learned from the experience or do we simply line him up death row ? In any case whether the Prince decides to defend the Masquerade through one means or another reflects his view of his subjects and also his subject's morale when it comes to sanding up for the Masquerade on their own. Not even taking into account that your example is based on the worst case possible." Henderson smiled and took another sip from his glass. "Ah, well, kids always try to distance themselves from the generation of their parents. It was the same when I grew up, but moral standards and customs were softened up or suffered massive changes after the war. I guess that was what helped make the things you just detailed entirely possible in the first place. After all, traditions, customs and the 'old system' were seen as the main reasons for the war, in a certain light... I mean just look how they judge the Empire nowadays in some publications. These viewpoints that came into existance after the war of course influenced upbringing and therefore behaviour toward authority of the children." |
| Verba docent, exempla trahunt ! | |
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| Archon Hamilton | Monday, 5. March 2012, 09:38 Post #13 |
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"I see your point, while Final Death may need be the first thing one turns to, it should be a viable option. Maybe take it to committee with the Primogen Council and see what they say. Granted though I would also say not trying to bring politics in to this conversation but rather or not the Kindred in question was up to that point an upstanding member of this city and of the Camarilla as a whole. Then again we are not even accounting for the largest factor in this scenario. Me. If said Kindred hired me to...aid him or her they would almost certainly not face the Final Death. Unless of course your Prince happened to be an extremist, then not even I could persuade them otherwise, and I am damn good at what I do. I have a 97% conviction rate. With results like that my friend I am Kindred that any one would want on there side." Archon permitted himself a laugh, albeit a subtle one as he thought and reflected on Henderson's words. "Well it is things like that, that led to the Anarch Revolt back in the thirteenth century. Childer did not like the rules laid down by their Sires or their Sires Sire and boom, it was Childe fighting Sire, Neonates fighting Elders. Praise God for the Convention of Thorns. Oh yes kids not adhering to rules and guidelines of there parents and in our case Sires can only lead to chaos, and through that chaos death. There would be no winning, in the end we all would lose, for when Kindred go to war is not not the mortals that have to pick up the fragments of their lives and start anew?" Archon posed the question to James. |
| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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| Renard | Monday, 5. March 2012, 10:17 Post #14 |
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Nosferatu Primogen
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"Well, it depends largely on the severity of the breach. If the cleaning squad was fast enough or an extensive publicity could be avoided, the punishment should be less severe than in the aforemented case that everything found its way directly into the public. You should also consider the fact that the new Prince is a fellow Ventrue, making him directly authorized to issue instructions to your sire and you. I guess things will take quite a turn after Prince Lemort's... departure. The effect this has on you conviction rate remains to be seen, but I doubt it will go completely unnoticed. So good luck with that in advance, Mr. Hamilton ! And you are not even including hunters and the like in that little description of yours. But as you rightly stated, open conflict should be avoided at all costs. One of the reasons there is currently no direct clash with the anarchs. They keep to their territory, we keep to ours, everybody is happy." |
| Verba docent, exempla trahunt ! | |
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| Archon Hamilton | Monday, 5. March 2012, 10:33 Post #15 |
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"My conviction rate is so high not due to any machinations of a Prince but because of me. A little Presence here, a subtle use of Dominate there. I am not a man easily trifled with. While young by kindred standards I am an old man by human standards. I have accomplished much. A perk if you will of ambition, it keeps you going. Do you have any aspirations here Mr.Henderson? Unsung leader of whatever Clan you may be, to become Primogen perhaps? Seneschal, or maybe your aspirations aim a little higher and one evening seek to become Prince? Ha ha."Archon said continuing the conversation but in a more casual direction. Archon reached for his flask again and took another drink. He took a quick but subtle glance around to see if there were any other kindred in Elysium but seemed that he and Henderson had run of the place tonight. Last time he was here a few months ago this place was booming with Kindred activity. Granted though with all that has happened he could not blame the Kindred for trying to re find themselves. Just so long as during their rediscovery they did not step on his toes, he would hate to break the Tradition of Destruction. "Well my good Mr.Henderson no one, not even the Nosferatu can account for all things in a battle plan. Regardless of how thorough they are. It is inevitable that there is going to be a contingency not for seen. A prime example is when I was in court one evening the defendant called in a Toreador witness! A Bloody Kindred! I was not expecting that. That sadly was a case I lost, bloody judge wouldn't take his eyes of her breasts. Rubbish any bloody way." Archon said with the slightest bit of heat edging into his otherwise calm voice. HE clearly did not like the fact he lost that case. |
| "Regere sanguine, regere in veritatem est." ("To rule through blood is to rule in truth".) | |
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