"Finally home." Misha sighed, happily. "Hello Harold, you deed good, the house looks magneefeecent!"

Misha went upstairs to her room, showered and changed, and came down carrying a large box of geefts.

Victor: "You are always so classy, Veector. Always such a gentleman to me, and to others. I wanted to get you a new suit weeth a nice new tie that would always represent how handsome you are." Misha bought you a very expensive fancy new suit, pants, belt, shirts, vest, dress shoes, and tie included. You can pretty much use your imagination as to how it looks, and assume it's very classy, fitting you perfectly.

Sorrin: "Sorrin, you are a vampire of honor, always eempressing Misha with how well you treat everyone weeth respect and courtesy - thet goes a long way weeth Misha. So, Misha got you something from the far east asia country from people weeth funny eyes. Ha!" she jokes. "Just keedeeing. Here. I hope you like thees." Misha bought you a very fancy silk yukata/kimono, one obviously a male would wear. It's casual, so you can wear it around the house, and it's made of silk, so it's very comfy. It comes with matching slippers, too.

Aless: "For the most sopheesteecated and beautiful woman in my life, for Aless, I got you something special that accents how beautiful I theek you are, and the theengs I absolutely love about you. Thees ees for you, my love." Inside your box are a very sexy pair of high heels, and a ravishing leg-revealing long tight dress to go along with it. Finally, the last layer is a very warm elegant coat made from the fur of an animal Misha can't pronounce.

Alana: "And of course, how can I forget leetle Alana, a gorgeous flower among the fields! She has danced into my heart every time she ees near, and I got you something that shows how much Misha appreciates you." Inside your box is two bottles of very expensive wine from a place you've never heard of before, not to mention about 5 pairs of the sexiest lingerie you've seen. It's almost inappropriate how sexy they are. 

Prior to the gift exchanging, Alessandra went up to her bedroom to slip into something more appropriate for the holiday. Harold had urged her prior to get into the Christmas spirit by trying to wear a different color of dress. Black was her signature color afterall, but wasn't too festive, and with his fashion eye, he created a gown suitable for her, even if she wore it once a year.

When the clock struck midnight and the gift exchanges were being done, Alessandra gave hugs and kisses to them in thanks. She loved their gifts, promising Alana she would have either Victor or Misha (or both) teach her how to shoot it, and also promising Misha she would wear the dress, coat, and heels tomorrow, just for her. Before she could receive any other gifts, however, she gives hers to the coterie, prefacing it by saying, "I thought it would be nice that since we have been together so long, we have something that links us together, similar to friendship bracelets just... more expensive. I do hope you all like them."

 Alessandra lifts her sleeve a bit to show hers.

 "I thought it would be a cute idea, but if you don't like them, then please let me know and I'll get something more suitable."

Victor warmly thanks everyone for the gifts they give him, promising to make good use of what he's been given before presenting them their gifts. (Images in Discord)

Alana: Your box contains a diamond choker, as well as a set of lace underwear. "Not that you don't already capture the eye of every mortal you come across, but with these, they'll have a hard time taking their eye off of you, whether they're in the crowds at the Bliss or your followers on the web. And I'm sure that Lestat would love to see you around the house with those."

Alessandra: Your box contains two dresses that reveal plenty of leg, as well as a pair of open-toed Jimmy Choo heels. "I couldn't decide which dress to get for you. So I got both, because you're worth it. I know that you'll look absolutely stunning in both of them, especially with these heels."

Harold: Your box contains a Rolex watch. "Alessandra told me that you like watches, so I made sure to get you the best there is. You deserve it, for being a good friend to all of us."

Misha: Victor leads you down to the gym, showing you a set of weights that you won't find in any gym, as well as a Wonder Woman bikini and a collection of DC Animated films. "For our very own Wonder Woman. These weights might actually prove to be a challenge for you."

Sorrin: Your box contains a set of dolls. "In this life, you have access to whatever luxury you might want. Sex, fancy clothes, cars, you name it. So this year, I'm giving you something from the old country, so that you can have some connection to your old life. 

Misha was, of course, ecstatic at everyone's thoughtful gifts. She gives great big kisses to each and every one of the coterie, wearing a Santa hat and jingle bells around her neck. She never misses any opportunity to give each of you hugs and kisses, enjoying the mirth and merriment. The huge pile of weights were top quality, she noticed, and went above a maximum of five hundred pounds - so a challenge indeed! She couldn't wait to try on the Wonder Woman bikini and have yet another opportunity to show off what Bane gave her - not to mention all of the sexy clothing everyone else got that she'd love to see them in.

Thankful for the gifts and kind words from his friends, Sorrin was all smiles when he stepped out of the room for a moment. Returning with a small bundle of presents, "Merry Christmas everyone~"

Victor: "I figured that, with how often you're driving, and how you like to drive, you would benefit from having one of these." Sorrin gives you a pretty envolope that once opened, shows every kind of liscence for driving in the US, all registed to Victor. On top of that, he also passes you a present that is in a classic box, which upon opening has a set of metalic & crystal dice.

Misha: "For as little as we've spoken, I came to realize you and I like to push ourselves. So I reckoned I could find something to solve that for us. So I present myself~....haha, I kid as well." he jokes in retaliation. "Hope you like it." Sorrin passed her a wrapped present, that once open, contained a, what at first glance looked like bondage gear, but at second look and upon futher unpackaging, was training gear. An oxygen mask meant to strain oxygen flow. Weighted vests and limb guards, meant to be hidden unclothes or simply worn freely. And a strange outfit made of leather and rubber that comes with an instruction manual, making it seem that it's meant to restrain general movement.

Aless: "For our dear hostess, taking what you spoke to me in the past to heart, I thought you'd enjoy this. If I'm wrong, I sincerely apologize." Pulling out a long chest with a bow on the top for the sake of the holiday, the chest itself seems old, nearly ancient. Upon opening with a key that Sorrin had to provided as well, inside was a book, describing a time of magic and dragons, much like the world Aless had spoken off before, and a fine steel rapier, who's blade was engraved with a number of slavic runes.

Alana: "Last but not least, orIthinkthat'showthatgoes, Alana, I pulled some strings through my company, and was able to get you this~" Passing you a standard looking wrapped box, upon opening it you find a tablet. Sorrin beckons that you turn it on and you find that there is a list of models and B-list agents that seem to be willing to network or work with you. "Sorry I couldn't get anyone fancier, but the company is still rising to the top."

Victor laughs as Misha peppers him with hugs and kisses, doing his best to return Misha's displays of affection, although as he knew very well, such a thing was easier said than done, as Misha always had a lot to give. His endurance isn't tested too much, however, as she eventually turns her attentions towards another member of the Coterie. He smiles when Sorrin hands him the envelope full of licenses and the dice. "Well now we can have some real fun on the road." 

Then he heads over to Alessandra with the bracelet she gave him around his wrist. "It's an absolutely wonderful gift, Alessandra. This Coterie has been the best thing to happen to me in my unlife and now I have something that signifies the bond we all share." He pulls Alessandra into a warm and loving kiss. "Thank you."  

THE ABYSS GAZES BACK
A Chronicle for Vampire 5th Edition

There is an ancient biblical story that describes how before God created light, there was darkness - also known as: the Abyss. Thousands of years ago, during the time of the First City, Caine and the Second Generation ruled a population of mortals in peace. Then, the Second Generation created the Third Generation: the founders of the 13 Vampire Clans. One of those Third Generation vampires was called Lasombra. Lasombra was the unequaled master of the powers of shadow and the Abyss - today, Lasombra Vampires weave shadow and darkness at their whim, a power passed down from their Antediluvian. The Anarchs claim, tentatively, that Lasombra allowed for his own diablerization, to free himself from the shackles of his physical body. After that, his soul entered the Abyss, seeking to become one with it. In the process, he became more than a mere vampire, turning into an abyssal monstrosity void of any remains of humanity that were left in his undead form. 

Vampires of clan Lasombra are social Darwinists, predators, elegant, and inhuman - they are vampires who cast no reflections. They cannot be seen in mirrors, bodies of water, reflective windows, polished metals, photographs and security cameras, etc. This curious anomaly even extends to the clothes they wear and objects they carry. They are halfway drawn into the Abyss, operating on a different wavelength of reality than other vampires. Their reflections and recordings distort, flicker, or become transparent (though this does not conceal their identity with any certainty), live or otherwise. Microphones have the same difficulty with the vampire's voice as cameras have with their image, and touch technology becomes unresponsive at best. Similarly, modern technology relying on other forms of direct interaction — such as use of a stylus — tends to glitch or simply act unresponsive to the Lasombra, and electronic detection systems easily pick up the tell-tale signs of their passing. It’s as if they exist on a slightly different frequency to other beings, flickering in and out of light.

COTERIE AND DOMAIN CREATION 
A Coterie is a group of like-minded Vampires - who claim an area dictated by the Prince, called their Domain. It's now time to learn about these advanced concept of Vampire: The Masquerade. We are going to mechanically define our Coterie and our Domain. Like Vampires, our Coterie and their Domain can be described mechanically with dots in certain areas that describe more specifically what resources and advantages our group and our Domain has. Our Coterie has a pool of dots to spend on these details - 8 dots plus an additional 2 dots per player, so a total of 16 dots to spend as a group. You will decide as a group how and where to allocate these 16 dots to the following Traits.

NOTE: All of these traits and descriptions are something the Coterie shares, not the individual. One person does not own or only receive these benefits - we ALL do, as a group.

CHASSE: This trait describes TWO things. One: it describes how well stocked, vulnerable, and rich our domain and it's surrounding area is as a hunting ground. Specifically, hunting OUTSIDE the Bliss in the area that is considered our Domain. Hunting outside the Bliss in our domain is a DV6. Each dot in Chasse lowers the DV by one. Two: Chasse also refers abstractly to the physical size of the Domain we control. Vampires are VERY territorial, and the Prince has given us the area around the Bliss as ours, and ours alone, to hunt in. We don't like other vampires feeding on our food or causing trouble in our Domain, so we must describe how large our Domain encompasses to describe how much we actually control. Chasse does not mean we OWN financially the things in our territory - it is more like our "turf".

1 dot - Equivalent of one city block.
2 dots - Two to four blocks, one park, and one small site, like a mall, hospital, or tourist landmark.
3 dots - Eight blocks on both sides of a major street, and one medium site like an airport, casino, or college.
4 dots - One neighborhood or defined district, a square kilometer, and one major site like a large university or amusement park.
5 dots - Three neighborhoods, a large group of features (all the parks, all the hospitals, all the highways).

LIEN: This trait describes how well integrated the Coterie is into their Domain. Each dot in Lien adds one die to a Coterie member's pool on attempts to interact with anyone in their Domain when searching for information, investigating anything in their Domain, or when trying to gauge the "word on the street". Lien does not affect Hunting rolls - it is simply an abstracted way to describe how well we can get information on what's going on in our territory.

PORTILLON: This trait describes how secure the domain is against intrusion or disruption: other vampires, mortal police or predators, Second Inquisition, etc. Portillon is more of a resistance trait, meaning, for each dot in Portillon increases the die pool by one when i'm rolling for trying to create a situation where an enemy is trying to sketchy things under your nose.

TYPE OF COTERIE: Our particular Coterie is called a Cerberus - we exist to protect and guard a certain spot or important location as ordered by Prince William of Denver. Alana is owner of the Bliss, and Aless owns the Mansion. However, what other benefits does our Coterie have as a group? Any extra dots that we have can be put into the same Backgrounds like we do with Vampire characters: Ally, Contacts, Enemy, Haven, Herd, Influence, Mask, Mawla, Resources, Retainers, and Status. Remember, these Backgrounds describe our power and benefits as a GROUP, and do not extend to the individual - basically, what does our Domain provide? How do others in the vampire community see us? Do we have anyone we can rely on, count on? Since we own Bliss and the Mansion, it is highly recommended to be able to describe this mechanically in dots for our Cerberus Coterie now. At times, it may come into play where this mechanical information comes into play versus just saying, "Yes, we have this and that." 

CHRONICLE PROLOGUE

SHERIFF SAMANTHA STOKES
DECEMBER 26, 2019
On December 26th it was "back to business". Recovering from fun and, possibly, a hangover, your cell phone rang. It was Sheriff Samantha Stokes. "We've got a situation that Prince Williams requires your attendance at his office to discuss about. We're not sure, but we think the Lasombra are up to something in Sevilla - something to do with the impending solar eclipse in two weeks. We could have asked one of the other coteries, but you guys are definitely up and coming and more qualified. See you at midnight."

When it comes to the two main vampire factions, the Lasombra are members of the Sabbat, vampires who openly reject the philosophies and traditions established by the Camarilla - and truly believe that Caine and the Second and Third Generation actually existed.

It's a new day, so don't forget to make your nightly Rouse checks. 

Victor had a lovely Christmas with the Coterie, which did not make him want to do his Prince's dirty work the next day. Bastard can't get off his lazy ass and do it himself. Things like this were why he distanced himself from Camarilla life as much as possible. He put on the new suit that Misha gave him, figuring that this would be a good time for that.

Chasse: 3 (Our Domain includes the Manion, the Bliss so we probably need 3 dots at least in this: about 8 blocks worth of territory.)
Lien: 2 should be good here based on the fact we need to place other dots in other things.
Portillon: 3 points here would indicate, abstractly, a well defended Domain.
Haven: 3 (The Mansion 3 dots, which in the book 3 dots is: "very large, secure, or private haven")
Resources: 2 or 3 (Income from the Bliss. 2 dots is considered a "middle class" income. 3 dots is "rich". )
Retainers: 2 dots. (Harold is considered a "family servant" to Aless.)

THE DAY BEFORE

Misha dreamed.

The beach again, nighttime. Is this..Maui? Misha looked around, again, the beach was empty. Quiet. Why do I have these dreams? Could it be the Smoke? From all those centuries ago? With the loss of Bane and the Gods of old, how is this still affecting me? Misha felt a presence, slowly turned. Father? Commander? No..a woman!

A female with short blonde hair, in full plate armor - barely able to contain her ample breasts. She looked at Misha with longing, affection, and familiarity. Misha knew this woman. She knew her. The sea of time had dulled Misha's memory, but something in her heart, her soul, TOLD her she knew this woman in life long ago. Very long ago. Misha stood there trying to remember, and her heart pounded in her chest. They stared at each other silently, quietly, the blonde woman clearly knew Misha, it was written all over her face, but she did not speak - she just stood there. Misha tried to place who this woman was, but could not, and grew frustrated and at the same time, sad. Had the passage of time dulled her memory so much? After a few moments of silent recognition, the woman turned to the night sky, slowly pointing above to an object that appeared.

Misha looked up, eyes blurry with tears, and she saw something she had never seen before. The moon, blocking the sun - but instead of a white corona of a star, it was red, blood red, and she was suddenly overcome with dread, for Misha had never seen this phenomena before. She stared at it for a long time, and when she could finally peel her gaze away from the eclipse, Carrhae was gone.

With a snap and a startle, she woke up. The Lasombra had a sinister plan. She had no idea what, or how, but something told her something terrible would happen without intervention.

Victor drinks from a few blood bags to sate his hunger when he wakes up. I'm hungry every ******* morning. I only turned 20 last week, it shouldn't be this difficult to wake up yet. He knocks on everyone's door to wake them up. "Good morning. Our 'lord and master' has given us another task." From the way he says lord and master, it's very easy to tell that Victor finds the Prince pompous and that he's not too terribly fond of him.

"Good morning, Veector..!"

Misha, who was no stranger to law, order, and superiors, simply chuckled at the way Victor spoke about their superior. She made no attempt to tease or correct him, as that would have proven futile. She knew how he felt about authority. Had it been another time, perhaps she would, but in this day and age, she was not inclined to do so.

It was about four hours from midnight, enough time to wake up, and get a good workout in - Misha was anxious to try her new weight set in the gym room . After all, these biceps and abs weren't going to work out themselves. After about an hour, sweaty and enjoying her pump, she passed Harold in the hallway and gave him a high five - once up top, then around the back - as they passed by. Towel around her shoulders, and wearing nothing but her new workout top and shorts, she went into shower and dressed up, did her hair, and wore something professional for the eventual meeting with the Prince.

Harold had been taking down the decorations of the mansion (and giving sick high fives to Misha) while the others readied themselves for the night ahead. When they passed by they would see him in a fancy new suit, courtesy of Alessandra, and wearing the Rolex Victor had kindly gifted him. Alessandra herself was already up and preparing herself when Victor knocks on her door, thanking him regardless for the reminder and snorting at his tone. "Can't always play, now can we?"

She joins the others in the main area, wearing the dress and heels Misha had gifted to her as promised (and of course the bracelet), with the coat hanging on her arm for when they were ready to leave. 

Alana woke early, sorting through the various lingerie with a happy smile. Christmas had come and gone and she enjoyed every minute of it. Getting up, she showered, brushed her hair carefully, picked a comfortable pair of lingerie, and dressed in some formal winter attire, sliding the bracelet Aless had given her onto her left wrist. She styled her hair slightly and applied some light makeup, nothing that would fix her pale complexion regardless, and headed downstairs, moving to grab a wine glass and a blood bag, sipping it calmly. She'll smile and wave at whoever she sees or passes, moving to explore the new tablet Sorrin had gotten her. Her fur lined coat awaits near the door for when they were prepared to head out.

Outfit: 

"I suppose so." Victor says in response to Alessandra as they wait to leave. "You look lovely in that, by the way." He says as he sees her in the new dress and heels that Misha gave her. "Misha has quite the eye for fashion." He also smiles upon seeing Harold wearing his new watch. "I'm glad that you like the watch I got you." He signs.

“She does, doesn’t she?” She says looking down at the dress, then turns to Victor. “You do too, you know? Very nice gowns you’ve gotten me. I’ll be wearing them sometime soon.”

Harold gives a bow to Victor as he passes by, signing a “Of course. Thank you.” Then getting straight back to work.

"I'm glad that you like them. I tried to get everyone a gift that they would serve them well. Speaking of, where did you learn Russian? Did Misha teach you?" 

THE MEETING WITH PRINCE WILLIAM

Edward William is the Toreador Prince of Denver. Located in downtown Denver, his base of operations is a large high rise tower that clearly stands out above the rest. It's a cold, chilly night, and you are expected. His tower is lavishly but professionally decorated - filled with opulence, art, and good taste. Everything looks expensive and beautiful - from the carpet, to the wallpaper, to the paintings. You are led to the highest level. In a large boardroom which takes up nearly the whole floor, it's like you are entering the personal chamber of a gallery. Statues and enormous paintings greet you as you are seated at a large table with very comfortable and expensive chairs - and are brought refreshments should you care to indulge. Prince William, a very proper and handsome man in his late 30s, is seated at the end - casually guarded and attended to as he speaks by a host of thralls. He gestures for you all to sit. You are in the presence of a very powerful Vampire.

GREETINGS AND A DEBT REPAID

"Welcome. Thank you for coming. First and foremost I wish to thank you for your service thus far to me. While I understand you hold no allegiance to either the Camarilla or the Anarchs, I would be a fool to not extend my gratitude to you all for your achievements and service thus far. With that being said, I find myself in a situation that I require your assistance with. I am a former English troubadour, embraced during the Middle Ages, amidst a bloody battle that led me to develop a strong and deeply-rooted aversion for war or any kind of social uprising. After years roaming Europe, where I kept close ties to musicians and the music world, I decided to leave for America in the early 20th century, hoping to escape the European reality of unending warfare. During my time in Europe, I spent many a years in Sevilla -  I befriended a Spanish vampire known only as the "Guide". He and I go back a very long way, and tonight I must repay a debt owed to him."

"This is where you all come in. Here is the situation:"

THE VALENCIA CHALICE, THE ANGELLIS ATER, ORDONIO DE TOLEDO

"The Guide has informed me that a very ancient religious relic - The Valencia Chalice, has been stolen by a faction of Lasombra vampires called the Angellis Ater. The Angellis Ater believe that vampires are the instrument of Satan, and they worship sin and the darkness of the soul. Their mastery of shadow and darkness lets them reach into the Abyss and manipulate it to a degree that is not typical of the Discipline - to call it forth and commit horrible atrocities. Because of their mastery of the darkness, they believe that they are the chosen of Satan. The Chalice is currently in Sevilla under the possession of a Lasombra named Ordonio de Toledo - an initiate of the Angellis Ater. We are under the impression that the Angellis Ater vampires of Spain, all Lasombra, will be taking advantage of the solar eclipse in two weeks to perform a ritual with the Chalice that will blot out the sun during the day in an attempt to summon a demon of some sort. I am sending you to Sevilla to intercept Ordonio, and recover the Chalice  an effort that, without it, the ritual cannot be performed."

ISLAMIC SPAIN, SULTAN GERUSHAH BINT YOAV

"As you may or may not be aware, Spain is currently under Islamic rule, and the vampire in charge of Sevilla is Sultan Gerushah bint Yoav. We are not sure if she knows of this situation - or weather she will prove to be an enemy, or an asset. A Camarilla agent of mine will meet you in Sevilla with more information on where we believe Ordonio's haven is. Finally, the Angellis Ater are not the only vampiric faction in Sevilla. There are a few factions that oppose the Angellis Ater who may be helpful in stopping the ritual - if they know about it. You will have to use your own initiative, while observing the Masquerade, of course, to find out. Do this for me, and you will further have my generosity and gratitude."

At this point, he pauses to answer any questions.

Earlier: "I bet she does." Victor says in response to Alessandra, with a knowing smile.

If the Angellis Ater weren't the problem of Victor and the Coterie, he'd laugh when he heard about a sect of vampires who are acting like edgy goth kids. But the Coterie was assigned to deal with them, so he was more annoyed with the cult than anything else. "I have one question. Are these factions going to offer their assistance to us once we tell them about the Angellis Ater and the danger their ritual poses or will they require convincing?" 

“Best way to learn a language is learn by someone whose spoken it for a few thousand millennia,” Alessandra explains as she smooths out her dress. “Thankfully I’ve always had a knack for learning languages, though I’m far from fluent. She is an amazing teacher though. Gives the best rewards.” She throws a playful wink over to the redhead.

—

Alessandra leans back in her chair a bit, crossing her legs as she waits for the princes answer to Victor’s question.