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 Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:40 pm
The Townhouse There is a townhouse towards the edge of town, an old, two story apartment building that appears dilapidated from one angle and passing for stable at another. You can live in it, and that's all that matters. It is the abode of Jan "The Verse", an eccentric and... well, an eccentric. An eccentric who publishes Gaia's only known tabloid, the World Weakly (think tea). Within the walls of her home dwell several creatures and, most notably for this Guild, a few (none too many at the moment) anthropomorphs.
There aren't many rules in the townhouse--mostly because Jan refuses to impose her will on anyone living there--but human decency is the overshadowing law of the land. You might as well take a look at the bulletin board, there's nothing much else to see, besides the anthros themselves.
Rooms List:
Kitchen, fully functional and intended to be used. Clean enough but cluttered.
Library, of middling size and used primarily for precious books. The rest of Jan's large collection lies scattered around the house.
Living Room, no better word for it. TV with limited cable, used primarily by Jan for watching her movies while she arts.
Dining Room, because Jan is of the belief that every home should have one, no matter how infrequently it is used.
Study, where the computer is. And the desk. And the wheely, plush chair. One or another of the residents of the townhouse is liable to steal this chair for napping purposes.
Storage, Storage is actually a set of rooms where Jan has knocked down the walls. There are various doors inside these collection of rooms, some hidden behind stacks of boxes (cardboard and otherwise). Where these doors lead is unknown, though some go straight to other parts of the house.
Various Bedrooms, no s**t, Sherlock rolleyes
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Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:42 pm
[OOC Note: It seems prudent to make a list of terms several of my (and raven's) anthros takes for granted, just for fun surprised Also included, a brief description of the vampiric societies in the world they (Oliver, Roman, Marks, Cody, Alan, Alex, Bryon, Darin, Edward, Davian, Oscuridad, Ramon) came from. In fact, I'll just make a bunch of definitions clear just in case I use 'em later.
The Embrace - New vampires are created by a process known as the Embrace. The sire drains the victim of all their blood and puts some of their own blood in their chosen target. Even a single drop is enough to turn the human. All newly created 'childer' are of their sire's clan, though it is debatable whether the nature of clans is as hereditary as it seems...
The Clans - Thirteen of 'em - thirteen main ones at least, there are quite a few 'bloodlines' with fewer numbers and/or newer origins. All clans have one 'curse' unique to their blood.
Caitiff - The Clanless vampires, either abandoned by their sires after the Embrace or of too weak blood to manifest any clan traits. Outcasts of the Camarilla society, which will sometimes hunt them down or use them as scapegoats just to get rid of them. Cannon fodder in the Sabbat's eyes. [Alex was Caitiff]
Generation - The strength of blood in any given vampire. The story goes that the vampires originated from Cain, making him the 'first generation'. The third generation, known as the Antediluvians, originated the clan. By the fourteenth generation, however, the blood thinned severely and many fourteenth and fifteenth vampires developed no clan traits. Fifteenth generation vampires could not Embrace.
The Camarilla - One of the two big organizations in the modern day and age of the world. Formerly comprised of seven (now only six) of the thirteen main Clans, it follows a strict set of rules known as the Masquerade and urges its members to blend into human society, though it does not acknowledge the mortals as equals, not by a long shot. Characterized by brutal politics and social backstabbing. Like to call themselves 'Kindred' rather than 'vampires', also 'Cainite' though that is an older term and is mostly associated with the Sabbat.
The Sabbat - The other of the two big organizations, comprised of only two clans but with far more members of just about all the others than the Camarilla can boast. A bloody and brutish organization by comparison to the Camarilla which fears and hunts older vampires and waits for the prophesied day when the Antediluvians will rise up to devour their children and end the world... A prophecy the Camarilla scorns and ignores.
The Independents - Recently welcoming a former Camarilla clan to their ranks (which are now therefore five in number), the Independents tend to steer clear of the Camarilla and Sabbat, preferring to wend their own way through the world.
The Beast - The manifestation of the vampiric curse which lives in all vampires, like a really nasty incarnation of Freud's id.
Frenzy - A state of animalistic fear and aggression that a vampire may fall into when their inner Beast is provoked. After a while the frenzy simply 'runs out' though usually not until some serious damage has been done to the nearest mobile creature.
Rotschreck - An intense fear of fire in all vampires, which will send any vampire who suffers it mindlessly fleeing from the source of flames.
Diablerie - The act of drinking not only another vampire's blood (all of it) but their soul as well. Reviled in the Camarilla and glorified in the Sabbat, as the latter believes that its members must gain all the power it can before the ancients rise from slumber. There are many benefits to the diablerist, as it grants them some of the power of the soul they steal, though the act itself is brutal and inevitably psychologically damages even the most humane of individuals.
Torpor - A different sort of sleep than the one a vampire usually falls into everyday. Either induced by physical harm or chosen by the sleeper, it is a long and deep sleep from which it is impossible to wake for a time depending on the degree of the vampire's relative humanity. Less humane vampires will sleep longer, for hundreds of years even. If torpor is entered voluntarily the sleeper may wake when he or she so chooses.
The Kiss - A general term for when a vampire bites his or her victim. The bite induces feelings of intense pleasure which render the victim immobile, unless in the case of a certain clan.
The Clans in Further Detail - There are thirteen clans and an undefined number of bloodlines. There are so few members of all bloodlines it is impossible to define them as aligned with either the Camarilla or Sabbat.
Assamites - The diablerists and assassins, a clan of middle-eastern origins (though not all its members are of middle eastern decent - not anymore) that once warred with the other clans (before the Camarilla and Sabbat were born). The Tremere cursed them with the inability to diablerize at the expense of intense pain, and for this they bear great resentment... (Independent)
Brujah - The rabble rousers, formerly the philosopher-kings. This clan has fallen far from its old standing, as it is now known for the rebellious punks and skinheads rather than the noble causes of old. The Brujah curse is a burning 'cause' instilled within each of its members, for example a hatred for vampires who manipulate human lives. (Camarilla) [Edward was a Brujah]
Followers of Set - The serpents, the intoxicators. An Egyptian-based clan who follow devotion to their ancient God, whom they believe they will one day raise from the sands. It is unclear whether this God is a vampire or something else... or more than a figment of imagination, for that matter. As it stands, the Followers of Set lead their victims into webs of temptation and sin. They are cursed with an intolerance of light. (Independent)
Gangrel - The beasts, the wildlings. A clan devoted and bound to the wilderness, which they are more at home at than any other vampire. They care little for subtlety or mindgames, though are terrifyingly crafty predators. The Gangrel curse is that after every frenzy, a Gangrel develops animal like traits, from golden, slitted eyes to tails to furry feet. (Formerly Camarilla, now Independent) [Oscuridad was a Gangrel]
Giovanni - The necromancers. A debauched Italian family that stole the power of a now forgotten clan some time in the Renaissance. Possessed of an unholy fascination with all things dead and comprised of only members of its mortal family (and a few families it has 'adopted' over time - the cannibalistic Dunsirns, for example, a Scottish banking clan). They have a strict agreement of neutraility between the Camarilla and Sabbat, though they are so reviled it would be unlikely for either organization to accept them even if they wanted to join. Their bite is incredibly painful, which is their curse. (Independent) [Ramon was a Giovanni and Marks has ties to them]
Lasombra - The shades, the mariners. As the Ventrue are to the Camarilla, the Lasombra are to the Sabbat, only less focused on conserving power and more centered on their brutal domination. The only clan known to have actually destroyed its originators, the Lasombra are to be feared and respected for their single-minded cleverness and viciousness. The Lasombra curse is a loss of their reflection. (Sabbat)
Malkavian - The seers, the jokers and madmen. Malkavians are universally insane, as is their curse - the madness manifests differently in all its members, of course, but it is a terrible, volatile thing in all cases. A Malkavian will not wander around in pajamas holding a stuffed bunny thinking she sees butterflies and unicorns in fields of flowers, but she might wander around in bloodstained pajamas holding a stuffed head thinking she sees demonic bunnies and pits full of severed limbs and guts. Such is the nature of their madness. (Camarilla) [Oliver was a Malkavian]
Nosferatu - The sewer rats, the spies. The Nosferatu are cursed with hideousness and all its members are terribly ugly, usually both inside and out. However, the most 'humane' (humane as vampires get, of course) vampires may be found among this disgusting clan. Renowned information gatherers who stick to their sewers to escape the human eye. (Camarilla) [Darin and Bryon were Nosferatu]
Ravnos - The tricksters, wanderers and illusionists. The Ravnos originated in India, coming into Europe and the rest of the world through the gypsies and remaining a nuisance ever since. It is general knowledge that making a deal with a Ravnos unless you have him nailed to the wall is a very stupid idea. The Ravnos curse is that every member has a signature crime which, if given the opportunity, they must indulge. (Independent - who'd have them?) [Marks was a Ravnos, Davian was also a... Ravnos-ish?]
Toreador - The dilettantes and artistes, lovers of art and beauty. They are so easily intoxicated by beauty that especially beautiful things will entrance Toreadors to the point where nothing short of a pointed elbow to the gut or some other such action will break their distraction. Looked down upon by many of the other clans as fairly useless. (Camarilla)
Tremere - The mages, the witches. Dangerous beyond measure though sometimes passed over as arrogant geeks with delusions of grandeur. A highly organized 'clan with a plan' as well as rabid hunters of a particular bloodline... Being something of a manufactured Clan, their curse is also somewhat... uninherent - every Tremere is bound by blood to the uppermost circles of elders within the Clan. (Camarilla)
Tzimisce - The fleshcrafters and freaks, monsters in all respects. It is from these ranks that Vlad the Impaler arose, creating the myth of Count Dracula and the 'gentleman vampire' of the Victorian Penny-Dreadfuls. The freaks have a taste for many things sadistic, as goes with their unique power of being able to twist and craft living (and dead) flesh and bone to their fancy. Their curse is that they must sleep with a handful of dirt from their birthplace nearby or suffer physical harm. (Sabbat) [Alan was a Tzimisce]
Ventrue - The aristocrats, businessmen and kings of the Camarilla. Ventrue are cold-blooded and ambitious, the perfect politicians though they are often struck with martyr complexes. Now seen as the polar opposites to the Brujah. (Camarilla)
And bloodlines...
Daughters of Cacophony - The chanteuses. A collection of virtuosas (universally female) known for their amazing talents for music. Few know that the Daughters' talent hides a dangerous, supernatural power. Centuries ago, there was a branch of the Daughters' known as the Sons of Discords but they have, for reasons unknown, all disappeared. [Roman was a Son of Discord]
Salubri - The demonologists and soul-stealers. In name at least. Reviled by all, the Salubri are creatures of myth given away by the third eye in the middle of their foreheads, rumored to suck the souls out of their victims. In reality the Salubri are a deposed and hunted former clan of healers of the original thirteen, whose blood was stolen by the Tremere. Unfortunately, being pacifists, there's not a whole lot they can do about the affair... [Cody was a Salubri, Davian was also... a... see the footnote at the end of the Ravnos, it's complicated confused ]
Kiasyd - The scholars, the reds. A little known bloodline that is, oddly enough, actually aligned with the Sabbat. Perhaps because they were originated by the Lasombra. In actuality a Lasombra experiment to mix their blood with fairy blood, the Kiasyd have disturbing powers of illusion and abilities to delve into the mind. ]
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 3:57 pm
 A new place, a fresh start... Mordred was on the attack, seeking out a place filled with a certain kind of prey. He'd decided that tormenting his fellow 'Nestlings' had quickly become more of a bore than a battle, and thus he'd decided to investigate the homes in the nearby vicinity-- starting with the one apparently belonging to the strange individual he'd heard raven talking about the other day-- one "Jan".
Without knocking, Mordred flung open the door strode into the townhouse, deciding that humble visitation and 'protocol' were highly overrated. After all, why should you bother knocking when you know that you'll be let in anyway, right? It defeated the entire purpose.
His eyes afire with the peculiar passion which comes only from breaking and entering, Mordred glanced around the townhouse.
Well, he could certainly learn to get used to spending time in a place like this-- provided there was anyone who interested him in the least.
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:05 pm
While solitude suited him and going outside was a past time that rarely occurred to his already cluttered mind, Arthur was fairly certain he didn't want to spend much more time in the townhouse this afternoon. Atticus was looking for a fight. The verbal kind, most likely, and though debate was something Arthur enjoyed at times, Atticus was not his favorite person to debate with--or have any sort of conversation with at all, for that matter. He didn't even take pleasure out of the Beta's complaining, it was just... irritable to have the coon anywhere nearby.
Skulking down the stairs with his usual narrow-eyed glare at everything in general, Arthur paused midstep at the sound of the slamming door, quickly running through the list of possible entrants. Jan and Atticus were both already indoors, no matter how likely it might be that Atticus would take to slamming things soon. He hadn't seen the blasted unicorn the whole live-long day, but he had to admit, loud entrances weren't his style unless they involved bright colors too. Which left Tsuzuki, of whom Arthur had only ever heard...
But from what he had heard, this was going to have to be a wolf in the throws of rage.
So... who?... He descended the remainder of the way and stopped stock still upon the sight of the angel at the door. Bloody, bloody hell. Very bloody, as a matter of fact.
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:14 pm
Mordred's cool didn't change a bit when the rat slipped into view. "Aha! Someone coming to greet me, I see," Mordred smirked, moving forward. "Arthur, isn't it? It must be a pleasure to meet me."
He didn't want to get too near the rat, but at the same time, something deep within him laughed at the sight of the green beast. It had been such a long, long time, after all. And the angel would have to make up for that lost time.
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:17 pm
Arthur stared at Mordred in what definitely wasn't dismay but bordered on loathing. More of a violent type of irritation, most likely. "It's not a pleasure to meet you, Mordred, it rarely is. In fact, I can't place a single time when I've been happy to see you. Bugger off."
Without further greeting, the rat stepped off the stairs, staff in hand, and headed towards the door, for all appearances completely ignoring the angel he would have to pass to get there.
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:20 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:25 pm
Strange that even he couldn't help but feel the alien strangeness lurking behind the look of those eyes... Perhaps only He could, the one, their leader. Who knew? It was strange indeed... strange not not a little bit frustrating.
Feeding the b*****d a response would only let the conversation linger, unfortunately, so no matter how much he wanted to let out some derogatory comment on Mordred's breeding, appearance or sex life he knew that A-it wasn't going to get him out of the house any faster and B-Mordred probably wasn't going to care.
Pointedly looking neither towards nor away from the angel, Arthur shouldered past him to get to the door. Damn humans and their hallways, why couldn't everything be done in big, open spaces?
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:31 pm
Mordred smirked, flying to block Arthur's exit. "Leaving so soon?" he asked, his voice a suave, arrogant croon. "Can't stand to be in my glorious presence for too long without swooning, Arthur?"
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:35 pm
It was difficult to remain expressionless when one wanted nothing more than to bash the head in of one's immediate company. Arthur could do with a good beating--of someone else, of course. Not that he or anyone else was ever going to beat Mordred at physical combat... Or mental, for that matter. He still hadn't decided whether the angel was cleverly irrepressible or simply thick in the head.
"Is there any particular reason," he rasped finally, leaning on his staff and looking at Mordred with a more laconic type of glare, "You wish to detain me? Or are you merely bored?" The sooner he knew what the angel was after, the sooner (hopefully), he could be rid of him.
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:48 pm
"Must everything have a reason, my dear Arthur?" the pompous angel asked with a smirk. "Or are you merely seeking a justification for why I've decided to take interest in you of all people?"
Stretching his fiery wings to their full expanse, Mordred laughed slightly. "If I was bored, Arthur-darling, I would've stayed at home and played games with some of my house mates. They're interesting folk-- much moreso than you most of the time."
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:53 pm
He should've said that everything Mordred did had better have a reason on pain of embarassing STDs. He should've said all he was seeking justification for was to give Mordred allergic reactions so bad he'd look like a molding cherry the rest of his sorry life. He should've said the only justice that ever had to do with Mordred was when bickering politicians took the stage on disaster relief instead of foreign wars. He should've said that he took special care not to be interesting to Mordred for very many very good reasons.
Unfortunately, the first thing out of his mouth was, "Shoo." On second thought, perhaps not the worst of responses.
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:58 pm
"'Shoo'?" Mordred asked with a smile. "Is that all you have to say to your dear friend after such a long time?" he asked. "Such a cruel, cruel one you are..."
Not that Mordred minded cruelty. You had to be some sort of masochist to enjoy war-- as much as you needed to be a sort of sadist. "You act as if you don't actually like my company, Arthur!"
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 5:02 pm
No, he was definitely thick.
"I don't, Mordred. Enjoy your company, that is." He continued to stare balefully at the angel, "In case you had forgotten."
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