# Bala's Vampire: The Third Reich Campaign *Archived from https://nazivamp.blackrosesociety.com/* --- ## Preludes *Posted: September 27, 2010* Yesterday, we got 5 player characters created. I had forgotten how complicated things can get, but, in the end, it went well. I'm amazed at how different characters can be in the World of Darkness and how completely customizable any template can be. You really can make any kind of character you want, even the 'useless' characters are rather interesting and completely viable. Today, I played out the first prelude. It took me a bit of time to understand what I was doing, but Kal was a good sport. I wanted to establish some PC-NPC relationships through RP instead of just forcing them. You may post your journals concerning your prelude here (for 1 xp). ### Comment: debinani *October 23, 2010 at 3:59 pm* Can I get you another drink? Here… No, I'm quite alright at the moment, thank you. So where was I? Oh yes…so honestly I felt like I was being set up. You have to remember in these circles, it's nearly unprecedented for someone of my relative youth and inexperience to be elevated so high. I was sure they had something up their proverbial sleeves. But how could I refuse? It was an honor, and I was sure Felicie would be understanding, if not proud. At least that was my hope – she was still being groomed for the role of Seneschal anyway. I accepted, naturally, and started thinking about how I could fulfill the duty without being able to be in ten places at once. Luckily, the opportunity arose shortly thereafter at a dinner party hosted by Heir Rambert Flaschen at his castle. The event was a send-off for some youth who was heading to the States to study anthropology, Alfred and I suffered through the hours of small-talk until finally just a few principals were chatting over cigars and brandy. You really are quite lovely – forgive my forwardness, I was momentarily entranced by the candlelight flickering in your eyes. The study, yes – so Rambert goes on and on about some nonsense about being the descendant of a god or some such – all of us just amusing him. What I really wanted though was time to follow up with Arthur Dietrich…yes, the chief of police…about keeping me into the loop about the goings on at the places of Elysium that I was supposed to be responsible for. It was strange though, Rambert's goings-on weren't just draining on a psychological and intellectual level – Alfred and I both felt that he was draining us somehow, in some real, tangible way, with his insufferable nonsense. Maybe there's something to his being descended from some supernatural entity. In any event, Rambert asked me if I would provide occasional music instruction to his Hitler Youth at the castle, and of course I agreed, I'm sure the favor will be repaid when next I have a need. I finally raised a toast to such friendly relationships, putting a little of my personal je ne sais quoi behind it, which seemed to enthrall Arthur immensely. I took that tactically perfect moment to ask after my favor, and he agreed enthusiastically. Now, if anything is reported at any of our places of Elysium, Alfred and I am notified. A very convenient arrangement – the police don't have to deal with anything supernaturally dangerous, and I don't have to hire an army of bruisers to keep an eye on the places. What's that? My personal…? Oh, yes – it's a little trick of mine…would you like to see it? Here…. … You look like you could use another drink…. ### Comment: Anonymous *October 25, 2010 at 1:59 am* "This is the true Annunciation. You know me Mr. Tanner. I'm the girl. The beautiful abomination who knows it's all a lie. A lie. Where was this savior when this happened to me? Why do I still walk when no blood pulses though my body? How could this be allowed? This…this beautiful abomination." She glides her hand down the edge of the smooth cool picture frame, caressing the corner before letting her hand drop. She turns, looking into the mirror, tucking a midnight strand of hair behind her delicate ear, and smiles sweetly before exiting her dressing room. "Was I worth the wait?" she purrs. The naked man nods enthusiastically. A thick muscled, man with fine features lays gagged, hands tied to the bed posts and ankles bound together. The man appears to be mesmerized by the woman. "Kat is back." Whispers the woman clad in a satiny-black robe. She slinks her way onto the bed, straddling the man and crawling her way up his body. She stops at his navel and dips her head to place her tongue above it. Playfully she twirls and flicks a trail to his neck. "We're both monsters in our own ways." she whispers against his skin. The man groans in response. "Two evils and the one without a pulse is the better of the two." She purrs softly before sinking into his neck. She sucks hard and the man arches his back with alarm in his eyes. She drinks deep and long, the man squirms and the woman moans. The squirming slowly diminishes until the man lies still and cold. The woman raises her head and licks her lips. She gazes into the dead depths of the man's eyes before closing the lids and walking away. She picks up the phone and dials. It rings and a man answers "hello?" "Hello, love. I have another one for you." she says and hangs up. ### Comment: Anonymous *January 29, 2011 at 11:31 pm* Who am I? You can call me Viktoria, though I was given the name Wilhelmina at birth. My full name was Wilhelmina Helma Ottilia. My family's name, I will keep out of this; they no longer acknowledge me. I was born south of Koln, Prussia in 1896. At the time of my birth, Wilhelm II was still the king and emperor of Prussia, and as my mother was rather fond of our Deutscher Kaiser und Konig von Preussen, I was given the name Wilhelmina. At least she never lived to see his "abdication" in 1918. My grandfather was an old Prussian soldier, an officer, of the kind you rarely find these days. There are some; the Prussian blood is strong, and it is good to know that some, at least, remember what it means to be Prussian. My grandfather named me Helma, after Helmuth von Moltke, who, though not a Prussian of birth, joined the Prussian forces and became one of her leading strategists of the last century. And he named me Ottilia, after Otto von Bismarck, whom he considered to be one of Prussia's greatest statesmen. My mother was the only child of a minor noble; too small to be mentioned in the history books. The family kept to itself, much, though some of the people from the village nearby visited grandfather frequently. There were, or so I learned from some other children once I visited the village, rumours of dark secrets, of violence, and some say, mental illness. The truth is even more strange. My father was a wanderer. He was a British scholar, and my mother, unmarried, spent several nights with him. Then he left, leaving my mother with kind memories, and me growing in her belly. In most families, this would have been a problem, but it seemed my grandfather, her father, was happy enough, even if he was disappointed when it proved I was a daughter, and not a son. Still, for reasons that would become clear when I grew older, it did not matter too much to him. As for father, mother always said he would have married her had she asked him, but she enjoyed her freedom, and so he left. My mother, like her father, my grandfather, was Garou, more specifically of the Children of Gaia. I was raised knowing what she was, and what I am. My father meant little; he was just a way for her to find a father that would not interfere in the future of the child. And though this might not, from what I understand, be the way things are usually done, my grandfather, and his family, did things in their own way. In this, and other things besides. I suppose that is where I got that from. My grandfather made sure I was tutored properly. I learned both Latin, Greek and, for some reason, Hebrew. And he made sure I learned about other things as well, among them the mysteries of the Kabbalah, and the lore of our people, and of the Wyrm. Still, he also made certain that I was "brought up properly" as he put it, and so I was also taught by the village priest, like the other children. How, exactly, my grandfather managed to combine this faith with the teaching of the Lupines; I certainly never could. When I was 18, der Kaiser's friend, Franz Ferdinand, archduke of Austria-Este, heir to the Austrian throne, was assassinated, and though historians (and others) seem to disagree on what exactly happened, we suddenly found ourselves in the midst of a great war. A war that would prove to be the greatest the world had ever seen. For a few weeks, I thought this was the greatest, most dramatic, happening in my life. But in September 1914, something else happened that changed my life forever. I was 18, as I said, and for some reason, I had still not gone through my first change. That did bother me, of course. At that point, I had nigh given up, thinking I would be nothing more than Kinfolk, never run through the forest feeling the earth under four paws, rather than two feet. My mother was worried about me, as she felt it was becoming more and more of an obsession with me. She might have been right, as I by then was pouring over whatever documents and books I could find pertaining to the Garou in some way, in the hopes of finding a way that would assist me in becoming a part of the Garou, rather than remain just Kinfolk. September 1st, 1914, however, my life changed. My family, being what it was, often spent the nights outdoors. While we lived close to Koln, our estate was in the countryside, with wide forests surrounding us. None of us feared being alone in the forest at night, as noone would be foolish enough as to touch us. That night, however, I was attacked by someone, or something. It was Tuesday night, I was on my way home after having spent some time with friends. My mood was dark, since they had both gone through the Change, and I had not. So I paid less attention to my surroundings than I should have. I do not remember much of it, but that was the night I first changed. When I came home that night, for some reason, my grandfather was furious, and my mother was horrified. He made some horrible claims, disinherited me, and threw me out. I heard later, through channels that need to remain nameless, that my mother died soon after. I did not even dare to go back for her funeral, I do believe my grandfather would have killed me. --- ## Schedule *Posted: October 16, 2010* Here's the schedule through November. - 23 Oct. Kick-off date, some rule-learning and housekeeping. - 6 Nov. - 20 Nov. After that, I expect we'll have to see what people have planned for Thanksgiving and the December holidays. --- ## A little historical background *Posted: October 16, 2010* In the year 1933 . . . - 30 Jan., Hitler becomes Chancellor - 3 Feb., Lebensraum defined as the true purpose of the Nazi Party - 27 Feb., Reichstag fire - 5 Mar., Nazi party claims 44% of general election vote - 20 Mar., Dachau concentration camp (KZ) created - 23 Mar., Enabling Act passes due to an alliance between the Catholic Centre Party and the Nazis - 31 Mar., Communists and other "enemies of the Fatherland" are excluded from government - 1 Apr., First boycott of Jewish shops - 7 Apr., Jews and non-Aryans are banned from practicing law and working in the civil services - 26 Apr., Gestapo formed by Herman Goering; Nazis take over local governments - 1 May, Trade union offices are stormed by SA - 2 May, Trade unions are officially banned - 10 May, Book burnings begin - 14 Jul., All political parties, except the Nazi party, are banned - 20 Jul., Reichskonkordat signed with Rome. Violations begin immediately. - 21 Oct., Germany withdraws from the League of Nations The campaign will begin on the night of 21 Oct, 1933. (The prelude combat exercise will happen 'some time before' this date.) --- ## If you're interested in working on the ruleset and extensions *Posted: October 24, 2010* I've created a SourceForge project so we can share the work and track changes we'd like to see made to it. If you're interested in contributing, let me know your SourceForge username and I'll add it to the solution. You can find it here: https://sourceforge.net/projects/brsnwodruleset/ --- ## Session Notes, Session 1, Oct. 23rd *Posted: October 25, 2010* First off, we spent about an hour and a half just running through some combat. I was just winging it and, in one case, decided to put a ridiculously strong mage in the combat just to see what might happen (yeah, 'iron man' was completely overpowered and I have no true mechanical rationale for his -10 on defense — I just wanted to get a sense of NPC power-levels vs your team of ninja-vampires). Then, we settled into some RP. The players had been called to Maria's estate to guard the Seekers as they did, well, something in the basement. The PCs got a chance to do a little BSing and sizing each other up before a phone rings and, a few minutes later, Fritz going berserk below. I could post the chat log if that's something folks would like to read. It would take a bit of editing though as private messages to the Storyteller also appear. Thoughts? At any rate, post your journals/stories/whatever here. ### Comment: KharaSummers *October 26, 2010 at 2:00 am* Notes and photographs covered the table. To the unknowing, the pile was random, with no discernable patterns or meaning beyond images and scattered words. To Elisabeth, the layers of a story were slowly unfolding. She couldn't yet see the whole picture, but she knew it was there. It had to be. After ten years – had it been ten already? No, more than that…. But after so many years, she was still searching, still trying to decipher the clues so painstakingly collected. Spidery trails of truth were surfacing. The rest would come with time. And she certainly had nothing but time now. Brushing aside a loose strand of auburn hair, Elisabeth shuffled a few newspaper clippings closer to a tattered photo. She frowned over them for a moment then nodded in satisfaction. Better. That would explain who was receiving shipments…. "Come in, Merrick!" she called absently a second before the knock on the door sounded. She moved another photo nearer a cluster of three others. "I'll never get used to that," Merrick muttered in annoyance as he shut the door behind himself. Elisabeth only shrugged, still not looking from her work. "I heard you as soon as you came down the stairs. What did you find?" "Not as much as we hoped." He came closer to sit on the edge of the table. When he reached out a hand to pick up a photo, Elisabeth swatted it gently but firmly away. "And a good evening to you too, Elsi." Sighing, she pushed back from the table to look up at him. Hazel eyes narrowed slightly, but faint amusement dispelled any malice. "Forgive me. Good evening, Merrick. I'm so glad you could stop by. Now, what did you find?" Merrick mustered a slight smile although his dark eyes remained guarded – as they always did those days. He pulled a small packet of papers from his jacket and began laying them out on the only cleared area on the table. "As I said, not much. A few scattered reports on the three from the club. Nothing on the other woman, even less about this fellow here," he tapped a finger on a page bearing not much more than a name. "The younger kid had some ties to the Youth, though that's hardly unusual anymore." He slid out one sheet with a few more notes on it. "Our good Herr Doktor didn't turn up much either, aside from what we already knew. Unless you have more to add?" Elisabeth shook her head, looking over what scant information the pages held. "He still shows up at the University. But that's about it." She frowned and touched the seal atop one page. "Merrick, this is the department's letterhead. Did you take it from the files?" He snorted. "It's only a copy. I put back the original. That was the only paper handy." He looked at her for a long moment, although she never met his gaze. "I'm being careful, Elsi." "I know. But you know what they're capable of. It's worse now than when I was dismissed." Merrick shrugged again. "They've done their little checks on me. Half the department has been replaced, but I passed their muster for whatever reason." His voice softened briefly. "And you know I can't tell you no." "If this is all you have, you should go home, Merrick. It's late." Elisabeth began to sort the new pages into order. He barely flinched at the flatness of her reply. "True. Are you sure you don't need anything else? It's been a while…." She finally looked up at him, but the look was bland. "I appreciate you doing this work for me, Merrick. I truly do. And I appreciate the offer. But Raoul will be by later – if I feel the need, I'll indulge on him. He doesn't have to report to anyone in the morning. He's desperate to ingratiate himself with me anyway. Besides," she couldn't completely hide notes of regret and annoyance, "you know I can't give you what you really want." With that, she went back to organizing papers. Sighing heavily, Merrick stood. "If only you'd come to me first…" He trailed off and walked briskly to the door. "Goodnight, Elsi. I'll bring anything else I find." "Goodbye, Merrick." ### Comment: Anonymous *November 3, 2010 at 5:19 pm* Nothing changes people as much as war. After the Great War, the War To End All Wars, the great Prussian Empire was divided; most of the land Germany was forced to surrender, were parts of Prussia. As for the end to all wars, that did not, of course, happen. That is simply not a part of human nature. The civil war in Russia. War between Poland and Ukraine. Between Hungary and Romania. Greece and Turkey. In the east, the beast of war touched Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Romania. In the south, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Turkey, Hungary. Finland against Russia in the north. And in the west, Ireland against Britain. The wars further west, those fought in America, have not yet touched us, at least not by much. Germany too has been haunted by unrest. They might not, per definition, have been wars, but to us who lived through them, they felt much like it. Attempted revolutions and coups, the French and Belgian occupation of Ruhr, the British occupation of Cologne. Oh, yes, the British occupation of my homeland. By then, I was gone from there; I have never returned, and I do not today know whether my family's estate still exists, and whether it, if it does, still is in the hands of my family. It would have had to go to a remote cousin, of course, as grandfather had no other heirs but my mother and me. I do not even know if my family is still alive. Perhaps someone else has taken over the territory. Perhaps it is ruined; who knows what the British soldiers did to it while they were there, though they seemed to be kinder, by far, than the French. But then, the Britons have far better an understanding of what it means to be a soldier than the French. Or so grandfather always claimed. And now, now my country is dying. Proud Prussia is dying. Taken as spoils of war, or nibbled to death by politicians. Damn the man. May Franz von Papen zu Königen burn in Hell for that betrayal. I sometimes wish I could go back. But the world has changed, and Köln is no longer what it was. I do not think there is a place for me there anymore. Though here might be little better. There is a taint here, and it permeates everything. And while some of the people I meet here seem fairly polite, the taint is there. Maybe it is a sign of the times. Maybe this is in truth the final days. And this is one reason why I cannot leave. I have access, here, to books and texts that might give me answers, might give me something that can help my people in the fight that is to come. ### Comment: debinani *November 5, 2010 at 12:32 pm* Here you are. Wonderful isn't it? Alfred makes it. Feels like you can just about touch the sky. And you know what feels really good…. There's nothing like fingers through the hair after a few glasses of Alfred's finest. So I guess you could say it all started in October of '33 – The Seekers – that's what they called themselves – invited a goodly portion of their childer to the Landerburg estate. I'm not sure if it was all, but there were seven of us, plus Alfred. They got us all together and had us watch the door to the basement while they went down to do whatever it is they do. It was, in essence, an absurd waste of everyone's time. There wasn't much chitchat, but at least there was a piano, and Katja was wearing a low-cut gown that I could nearly see through, so I was, at least, entertained. A young punk that Maria had brought over was shooting his mouth off, but it too was, at least, entertaining. Karl was reading auras to blow the time – made a crack about "holes in my aura." What? Oh, there's just a few things I can't remember well. I like to think of it as being born again, in a way. Come now, come now, stop trying to change the subject…you are far too adorable when you pout, my dear. So there was a time of foolishness, then a telephone rang in the basement and then…there was Fritz screaming…. ### Comment: Anonymous *November 6, 2010 at 1:32 am* Why oh why must Maria always have me babysit the goons? I know she values my loyalty but it is so excruciatingly boring! Aside from a (small) bit of (not very) witty banter, this group is so droll. That is, except for the insane ones, but sadly, they are not even the entertaining sort of insane. No, they are the boring, stare out the windows and occasionally make obtuse remarks about nothing sort of insane, which is the worst kind. To be subject to this in my own home is horrible, but without so much as a drop to drink while enduring the drudgery — torture! I blame Fritz for this, Fritz and his crazy eyes. I do wish he would stop hanging around so often, he is a bad influence and a distraction. --- ## Some Notes on Czechoslovakia *Posted: October 26, 2010* Czechoslovakia became a country in 1918 when it was carved from the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, and, by 1933, was one of the most stable democracies in Europe. The country was ruled by progressive, intelligent and fair politicians who could count on the support of a patriotic population (despite deep racial and cultural divides). This wasn't always the case for the sizable German minority. The 3 million Germans – who opposed being separated from Germany in the first place – continued to pose problems for the Prague government. In 1920, Germans were not allowed to participate in the forming of a constitution. Afterwards, a series of small German rebellions shook the Sudetenland. For several years of the mid-to-late 20's, German agitation turned to a more constructive detente, but in 1933, when Hitler began to promise a Reich for all Germans, the German minority in Czechoslovakia began to grumble again. Beginning in the early-20's, the Czech army began to patrol the German-Czech border with increased diligence as weapons, prostitutes, drugs and hostile political elements crossed back and forth. By 1933, the Czech government was actively worried about a porous border and the clearly foreseeable threat from Nazi encroachment. The Sudeten Mountains have long been home to packs of werewolves. There are though a number of small fortified keeps controlled by the Tzimisce and Tremere who have somehow made peace with their lupine neighbors. Most vampires avoid the region if possible, knowing full well that the region is extremely dangerous. Yes, umm, you may choose to take a little trip soon. --- ## Session Notes, Session 2, Nov 6 *Posted: November 6, 2010* The Seekers want you to find a missing book. Apparently, Maria's agent in Prague acquired a notebook from someone concerning the Anathema discipline – where it came from and what is behind it. The Seekers trust the agent, Hans, and were awaiting an in-person report when the agent and his driver were reported missing. The car was found near the town of Dubi in the Sudeten Mountains across the Czech border. The Seekers enlist the aid of the players asking them to discreetly recover the notebook. They did not want their names brought up at all. Maria though has made connections with the Prince of Dubi – who informed the Seekers of the missing men in the first place. Dusan was informed in advance of the coming party. Once the party managed to get transport (Johannes' car, a truck and Fred on a motorcycle), they were stopped at the Czech border in the middle of the night. Alfred says they are going to Dubi to put on a concert, which makes the guard suspicious. The guard makes Alfred get out of the car and searches him. He finds weapons and the whole car is about to be searched when Johannes uses his powers to convince the guard to intentionally disobey his orders and let the party pass without any trouble. Once the party gets to Dubi, they notice some men fixing an old German army truck. They are clearly soldiers. Gasper, Dusan's Seneschal, meets the party and brings them to an old inn. Once the group has been given refreshments, Prince Dusan tells them where the car is. The party explains that they are looking for some kind of package. ### Comment: debinani *November 19, 2010 at 12:40 am* Yes! Screaming and babbling away! They came up the stairs shortly thereafter, Fritz still chattering on about the end of the world or somesuch. Maria decided it was time to get the lot of us involved. The four of them had apparently had a courier out retrieving some artifact or another and he got himself lost in Czechoslovakia. I made a few phone calls to make sure the club was taken care of, and put a call into Klarie to find out her relationship with this Prince Dusan fellow in Dubi. So Marcus comes along with Katja, Alfred and I in the limo while the rest take a whole lot of time to decide to pile into one of Maria's trucks, except for Freddie, who decided to take a motorcycle. The Czech border was tightly guarded, and a suspicious fellow decided he wasn't going to listen to me and patted down Alfred instead, and of course found the guns he carries. Oh yes! He's quite a dangerous fellow, our Alfred. So it took a judicious application of my little trick to convince them to let us into the country. What? Oh wouldn't you like to know…. Hah hah, no it doesn't have to be like that. Not like with you…it can be different…. We stopped in the woods on the side of the road to get through the day, and some scruffy little bastard came out of the woods and approached Alfred, but wandered off when the rest of us started waking up. We roll into Dubi the next evening, come across a couple of chaps working on an old German surplus truck. The city Seneschal met us, warned us off the guys, as they were hunters, and took us to the Prince. We announced ourselves, got a taste, and decided to head out to where they found the truck…. What? Why yes, I can absolutely play you something. Come up onto the stage here…. ### Comment: Anonymous *November 20, 2010 at 11:31 am* This is not, I fear, an auspicious beginning at all. The task itself is simple enough; find the notebook that Maria von Landenberg's servant was bringing to her. But even before we left, the problems started. The only two men who could drive, the musician, Johannes Nacht's servant, and the young one, Friedrick, insisted on driving their own vehicles. One a car that could fit four, and the other a motorcycle. Even though Maria was willing to lend us her truck, with room for everyone. And though she did lend us a driver, the fact that it was even necessary does not bode well for the continued mission. Maria's servant disappeared close to Dubi, a small town in Czechoslovakia. Meaning we would have to cross the border, with all the complications that would entail. And though there are no hostilities between Czechoslovakia and Germany at this point, both countries still remember our history. We were, after all, allied with Austria-Hungary, now the Republic of Austria, before and during the Great War. And the republic of Czechoslovakia was once a part of that empire, but declared independence after the Great War. And as if that was not enough, they were ceded Sudetenland, including the areas settled mostly by Germans. Granted, they have done well since they became independent. Still, those of German origin who live there probably would have preferred living under German, or possibly Austrian-Hungarian rule. And then there is the simple fact that we lost the War. We were forced to take the blame for it, though that is not the truth. That adds to the problem. And though the War ended years ago, it still lives in people's minds. So some, especially if they feel injured by it in some way, might grab that chance to get some measure of revenge. In short, when crossing the border, we might expect trouble, or even harassment. To avoid attention and problems, we need to make certain they have nothing specific they can use against us. And what did that fool of a servant do? He brought his guns, even after being told that being outside of Germany, the regular licenses were not sufficient. And when he told the border guards that we were headed to hold a concert in Dubi, a village with, what, a thousand citizens, maybe two, the guards got suspicious. Johannes used his powers, "convincing" the guard commander to let us pass. Though it is a good thing that no one actually fired a weapon, I just hope that this will not give us any trouble when we head back across the border. We could always go through the mountains, but I do not think the others wish to risk it. We already had an encounter, though a peaceful one, with the local Garou. I mean, what else can he be? He was wary of us, of course, and the others were wary of him. I wish I had been given the opportunity to talk to him. At least we reached Dubi without any further problems. What we will find here, however, is another matter. I just hope this beginning was not a portent of what is to come. ### Comment: Anonymous *December 4, 2010 at 3:21 am* What a bunch of twits! Maria is going to have our hides if the puppies or army don't get them first. Why does that fop always let his damn butler do the talking? It's bad enough to trust a mage but clearly there is something not right with his head if he lets him stammer through talking to the border guards while armed to the "teeth." We'll be lucky to make it back alive – in one piece, let alone with whatever this missing book is supposed to be. Too bad that little tease didn't take a ride with me on the bike. I'd have shown her what riding with a man is really like. --- ## Session Notes, Session 3, Nov 20 *Posted: November 20, 2010* After waking up on the evening of 24 October 1933, the group discovers that the Czech army has rolled into Dubi. They have already impounded the three vehicles the group came in on and were preparing for a more elaborate search of Dubi. Dusan, the Prince of Dubi, while remaining outwardly calm, asks that the party leave as soon as possible. The group heads out on foot and after going about 2 miles up the road, they discover the courier's car. The men apparently left it without a struggle. Another group of footprints (which smelled of werewolf) lead the couriers down the road. From there the party heads up to an ancient ruin and are met by a man and a young lady. They are clearly werewolves and, once Viktoria explains what they are doing, seem rather amused. Other werewolves circle the group. Then they are told they can go talk to Theobald Zardov, one of Dusan's childer. When the party gets to Zardov's odd keep, they are welcomed and the book is turned over in short order. Zardov admits that the men's deaths were his fault, but doesn't really explain what that means, nor does he really explain the relationship he has with the werewolves or with his Sire, Dusan. He simply, and quickly, finds a place for the players to rest for the day and leaves. ### Comment: debinani *November 30, 2010 at 4:03 am* It's Brahms. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure, I've just…always known it…. Sonata Number 3 Mmmm…you're a vision, leaning over the sounding board like that…. What? Dubi? Yes, Dubi. Well, the next evening we found a contingent of Czech army regulars poking around and our vehicles confiscated. Apparently our border crossing didn't go unremarked. Dusan most certainly didn't want us around, and told us to check in with his childer Zardov in his small castle outside of town. We headed up the road and checked out the car – there didn't seem to be any sign of struggle. Markus got the scent of werewolves, and it would seem that our two guys just got up and walked away, escorted by the mutts towards an old broken-down mansion a short way down the road. We girded ourselves (and the silver slugs in the hand-cannon) and went up the road to the mansion. We were approached by an older man and a young woman (and surrounded by the rest of their pack), who seemed amused at our inquiry and pointed us in the direction of Zardov's castle. Viktoria seemed pretty well-versed in woofie, and did the talking. We hiked over to Zardov's place and they let us in. Zardov was obviously full of shit, but when we pressed him, he produced the notebook we were after. He said the courier and his driver were dead, and that may be his fault, and made some vague reference to negotiating with the puppies. Frankly, I didn't give enough of a damn about the whole affair to ask any more questions. We had the notebook. It seemed legitimate. Before we retired for the day I sent Alfred out to do his thing and get a glimpse of where our vehicles were taken. ### Comment: Anonymous *December 4, 2010 at 3:26 am* This damn book better be something special. I know I shouldn't question the Mistress, but really, our lives, such as they are, must not be worth some scraps of paper. Why else would she send us into territory covered with fleabags, soldiers, HUNTERS and even what now seems to be an unfriendly local prince with something to hide. Speaking of him, he better not try anything. This little hick burg might have a decent hotel but Maria will have it wiped off the map, army or no army, if he messes with us. And after all the complaining I did get it, I better get that damn bike back, or I'll be next. Maybe our resident butler will be able to come up with something useful while we're stuck indoors. I don't trust him either. You know who else I don't trust? That bossy one, the witch who seems to know an awful lot about talking to wolves. Maybe she's one of their agents, and that's why we're not having any luck. At least the crazy one isn't screwing anything up yet. ### Comment: Anonymous *December 4, 2010 at 2:50 pm* As I walked through the town the next evening, I saw several soldiers around the square where we had left the vehicles. And the vehicles were gone. Most likely impounded. So, it seems our little escapade at the border did attract some attention. It was obvious that Prince Dusan wanted us gone. Not that I blame him. He allowed us to come here, and we repay him by bringing trouble down on him. This is a small enough place that someone will have noticed where we went last night. And someone will most likely tell the soldiers. Which will bring them to his door with questions and possibly worse. So we left. Not fast enough for my taste; we were lucky that the soldiers had not yet decided to check out the hotel. No doubt they would, though. The town was small enough that this would be the logical place to look for us. As for the Prince, I suspect if he thought he could have gotten away with it, he would have killed us, or handed us over to the soldiers. He will, after all, have to live here in the future as well, and it is in his interest to stay on good terms with the soldiers and the authorities. But that would probably result in a fight he would just as soon avoid. Interesting, really, that I am assuming they would fight the soldiers, should they get too close. Perhaps I am being unfair. It may be that grandfather's words have coloured my view. Still, so far, what I have seen just supports what he said. Considering the Kindred's tendency to Embrace those who are like themselves, I can only assume that this is what people become, when given eternal life and too much power. The Prince told us we might find shelter with his Childer, who lives just north of Dubi. In my opinion, the main problem with that, aside from the possibility of a trap, would be if the soldiers decided to ask questions at the keep as well as in town. Since it was still early, we headed for where the car had been last seen first. On the way, we passed some ruins, rather interesting ones. Very much so, in fact, I would not be surprised if it was a caern. The car was not hard to find, but it was, of course, empty. Tracks indicated they had come from the ruins, and the Gangrel confirmed my suspicions. There were Garou involved here, and they could be found among the ruins. I have to admit I would have felt far safer had I been alone. I was half expecting one of them to say something stupid. Incredibly enough, not even the musician did, though. And I think _they_ found it all rather amusing. As for their leader, he seemed to believe that Prince Dusan had sent us to him because he wanted to see us dead. In the end, he told us where to find the book. Asking for just one thing in return, and that only after being prompted, to hear how it turned out. I have to admit I was rather surprised that the others managed to stay quiet and let me do the talking. It seemed that Prince Dusan's Childe had somehow gotten his hands on the book. No point even asking how they knew, of course. They had been down on the road, by the car. They probably had a hand in the man's disappearance. Still, they did no harm to us. And in a way, I trust them more than this Zardov. It was just too easy. He admitted he had the book, and handed it over without hesitation. I am fairly certain it is the right one; though it was difficult, I could piece together enough of it to read parts of it, at least. The strange thing was that Zardov also admitted that he was, in a way, responsible for the death of Maria's servant. He also made it clear that he has some sort of understanding with the Garou in the area. And I am not sure that his and their understanding of the agreement is the same. They did, after all, send us to Zardov. Either they know each other very well indeed, or they are playing some game of their own. Or perhaps they just found the whole thing amusing. It is all rather confusing, I must admit. Had he been a Ragabash, it might have made sense. But that is not likely. I would guess Philodox, and a noble one. A Silver Fang, perhaps, or a Shadow Lord. Zardov gave us sanctuary, for now. I am not sure I trust him, but it will have to do. We are in someone else's territory, after all, and the protection of someone who belongs here is not to be scorned. When I returned later that night, to keep my promise to them, they seemed rather surprised. Perhaps it was because I returned alone, or perhaps it was because I returned at all. I do think he was a bit disappointed that it all had been so void of action of any kind. Still, they were courteous enough. And another thing. While we had been at the keep, the Garou had clearly been in a fight. And what those wounds told me… Had I thought they would have accepted my aid, I would have offered it. But I am a stranger here, so I asked no questions about it, and they volunteered no information. Still, they were more welcoming than most others I have met of late. Sad, that I have searched so long, and find what I am looking for here, when I soon have to leave again. --- ## Session Notes, Session 4, Dec 4th *Posted: December 4, 2010* After waking up, the party decides it's time to leave Zardov's little keep. Once the group goes upstairs, they hear the sound of the door slamming, men talking and then a death rattle. The group approaches the doorway, where they see Zardov's body quickly decomposing into dust. Just then they notice a figure, composed, seemingly of pure shadow. Its luminescent eyes regard them for a moment as if carefully deciding its next move. It sinks into the floor and is gone. The party steals a couple of fancy cars and proceeds down the rutted old mountain road toward Germany. Friederick drives on ahead and is stopped by Czech border guards, but successfully uses his disciplines to get the whole party into Germany. Once back at Maria's, the group doesn't make the Seekers particularly happy. Though the book had been recovered, it was at the expense of an international incident, a pissed-off prince, and the possible involvement of hunters and werewolves. Felicie quickly grabbed the book and that's the last you've seen of it. About two months later, Prince Klara calls a small conclave in which she gives another long and rather boring lecture on the dangers of modern governments, the importance of the Traditions, especially the Masquerade, and introduces Wyprect, the new Nosferatu primogen. She publicly, and unexpectedly, chastises the player group for stirring up trouble before dismissing everyone to their own devices. ### Comment: Anonymous *December 18, 2010 at 12:16 am* Saturday, 28th of October, 1933 The next evening, everything went to hell. Something killed our host. I did not see it myself, but from what the others said, some shadow with glowing eyes consumed him. It could be a wraith, or perhaps a Lasombra creature. If it is a wraith, that might be bad enough, but if the Lasombra are somehow involved in this, or even just one, it is a very bad sign indeed. The only ways I can think of that would be able to do this require quite a lot of power. At least it was not a puddle of blood. That _would_ have been bad. In far too many ways. But I still cannot help but wonder if whoever killed Zardov was after the book. If so, we might well have a problem. And whoever was behind that, also killed Zardov's guards. They were torn apart, though I am fairly certain the Garou did not do that. Surprisingly, Doktor Rabe agreed. At least one other among us seem to favour knowledge over brute strength and their special powers. With the soldiers looking for us, and the possibility of being blamed for Zardov's death, we did not have much choice, so we borrowed two of his cars and drove through the mountains back to Leipzig. On the way, I asked Fraulein Loewe to stop by the ruins for a few minutes. As the guards had been torn apart as well, someone who did not know what to look for might think it was the local Garou who were behind the deaths. Or whoever comes to investigate might think we were behind it. Still, as they did us no harm, and in fact pointed us in the right direction, I thought I owed them something in return, something more than just telling them what happened. I wrote them a short message, in Russian and German, since I do not know Czechoslovakian. Most likely, they can all read German; this was, after all, a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. And if their leader is a Silver Fang, he might just appreciate that. "Zardov was killed, they might blame you, could look like a Garou kill to those who do not know better." Not eloquent, and not what I would have written, had I the time to put some work into it, but I was short of time, and writing it in a dark, moving car. They looked at me as if I was mad, but Fraulein Loewe did stop as I requested, giving me enough time to exit the car, hold up the message so that anyone watching would see it, and place it on a rock, with a stone on top of it to keep the wind from taking it. I have no idea what they will think of it. Or if they will even find it. But I have made an attempt, and that will have to be sufficient. We somehow got across the border without trouble. Whatever had prompted the border guards from our border crossing further south to come looking for us, the guards on this road had not heard, obviously. Maria von Landenberg was not amused when we reported back to her. Not that I blame her. What I found almost amusing was how some of the others tried to pretend most of the problems had never happened. As if she would not hear of it from others. Far better, then, that she hears it from us first. It might give her time to salvage some of the relationship with Prince Dusan, or at least break the news to Prince Klara von Hippel. Though I have a feeling we have not heard the last of that… incident. *** Monday 1st of January, 1934: A new year. So far, it does not bode well. The Prince called a conclave yesterday, and spent most of it pointing out how important it is that we remain hidden. And she referred to what happened in Dubi, though she did not name any names. It seemed that Prince Dusan lodged a formal complaint against us. I do not think there will be any repercussions, at least direct ones, I think we would have heard by now, though. So this was most likely just a warning. What worried me more was what she said about the humans, the normal ones, that is. So I had to ask. The signs have been there for a while, and she confirmed that the Thule Society, among others, was the reason for her warnings. Though a lot of the members of the Thule Society are more interested in fighting Jews and Communists, it is still worrying. In this age of reason, for the politicians and leaders of this country to take notice of the occult, this is not good, and yes, it is a definite danger to all of us, not just the Kindred, but to the Garou as well, the Mages, any member of the supernatural community, really. So why do we not even seem to consider working together? This threat is real. If we have a government who believe in magic, who believe in ghosts, werewolves, vampires, things might turn ugly. And the Thule Society is just one of them. The Guido von List Society, the Germanenorden, Edda Society, and others beside. As if that was not enough, the mundane world too is becoming dangerous. The new courts, the Sondergerichte, this is not, I think, a good thing. Not at all. It seems to me that we are forgetting who we are. The violence in the streets is bad. The SA is fighting the Communists in the streets, and people are being killed. The SA are attacking others as well, Jews seem to be particularly popular targets, but it seems all it takes is to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And there are rumours. Ugly rumours. I fear things are only going to get worse. A new year. How much worse can it get? ### Comment: Anonymous *December 18, 2010 at 6:59 am* Great. Just great. First we lose the bike, then we make friends with the wolves, then we sit around in the basement while the Prince's childe gets…whatever it was that happened…and after all that we finally return with the stupid book and what do we get for our troubles? A scolding. Like she's our nanny and we just spilt our milk on the floor. Those morons wouldn't even have gotten back to Germany if it hadn't been for me, but no, do I get a thank you? No, I get lumped in with the lot of them, and take their lumps. Why do I even bother? ### Comment: debinani *December 18, 2010 at 5:38 pm* Turned out it was to an army base and there was just no way we were going to get them back. When we woke and prepared to leave, we heard, again, screams. We moved for the doors and came across a shade hovering over the rapidly-disintegrating form of Zardov. His guards were shredded, presumably by a similar force. We helped ourselves to some of his cars and got out of there. I was no longer in the adventuresome mood. For reasons that are beyond me, Viktoria insisted we stop so she could have a word with the werewolves again, but at least she didn't take long and we moved on. I thought to myself at the time that I really should speak to Marie or Klarie about this association – though as it turned out, the need for allies would trump ancient enmity. We took the mountain…the…the mountain…. You are stunning – I must say, though it is more forward than I generally like – that the curve of your breasts…you drive me to distraction, with those eyes lit so from the stage lights…. I believe I may be enamoured! Mmm…now that I have stolen a kiss, I will continue the Sonata, and the tale… We took the mountain road out of the country, and Freddy talked us past the checkpoint with substantially more grace than Alfred had before. We returned to Leipzig, turned the damned book over to Marie, and were scolded for causing an international incident, such as it was. About a month later, Klarie called all of the kindred in the city together for a gathering, scolded us *again* in so many words, and offered up some warnings about the up and coming government – which, as we know, had formally sanctioned efforts involving the supernatural. For the rest of the winter and into the spring, things continued. When you're as old as I am, you start seeing socioeconomic and political patterns that repeat as time goes on. I was concerned at the direction of the regime. Alfred and I operated the club in as lean a manner as we could that winter, and we took the profits and distributed them in different interests across Europe – a box in Switzerland, bonds with the Bank of England, some spots in Italy and France only Alfred and I know of. If things were going to go bad, we were going to land on our feet, wherever that may be. But you can only keep your head down for so long bef… "Mmmm…" You are wicked! ### Comment: KharaSummers *December 18, 2010 at 7:36 pm* Elisabeth was furious. So angry that she sent Merrick away even with the hunger preying on her again. It would have been so easy to feed, and he certainly was willing. But in her rage, last thing Elsi wanted was to do permanent harm to him. So she told him to leave and continued pacing restlessly. The mood of the city was rapidly changing to fear, and with good reason. People were wary of the changes coming with the new government. Arrests and disappearances were frequent. Now they had taken Raoul, and Elsi's efforts to find him had failed. The little man was scarcely more than a petty thief, but he had his uses. He had simply vanished into the night. That had raised Elsi's ire. The Prince's reprimand in front of the entire populace of Elsi's peers pushed her into a near rampage. The entire trip to Czechoslovakia was a farce in her opinion, regardless of Max's involvement. The incident at the border was foolish. They were lucky they hadn't had to kill the soldiers. The run-ins with the wolf-kin could have ended with their own demise. And the Prince and his family oozed danger. "How the hell did we get home at all?" Elsi fumed, still pacing. "And all for some little book??" At least she had a better idea about which of her enforced companions she could rely upon. Viktoria was largely an enigma, just like Markus, but she obviously knew a great deal. The doktor was intelligent and offered some good advice. Despite her misgivings about the whole group, it made Elsi feel slightly better about their chances of surviving whatever this was that Max and the others were scheming. That wasn't much, though. Her angry pacing continued until hunger finally overrode rage and drove her out into the streets. --- ## Session Notes, Session 5, Dec 18th *Posted: December 18, 2010* The party meets at Maria's estate where they are told that the book has been fully translated after consultation from various experts. Apparently, an "old one" arose in 1908 in Siberia. The "old one" apparently is the author of the Anathema discipline. Some speculation arose that the Lasombra may be on the lookout for the book (as the Sabbat has a keen interest in "Caine sightings") and the shadowy creature in Dubi fits the description of some of their minions. A rumor about a rogue vampire was discussed: three obvious vampiric deaths were reported in downtown Leipzig over the past few weeks and the Seekers "suggested" that the party remain at the estate. Soon after, the party was informed that a visitor was at the gates. The fellow turned out to be a scraggly Russian named Vyacheslav Pugach. He claims that he is the new Prince of Leipzig and suggests that no one enter the city. As he leaves, Markus follows him into the woods. Markus then turns into a wolf and Vyacheslav turns into a strange bear-like creature. Markus is promptly mauled, having his throat nearly torn out. The party takes the torpored Markus back to the estate. ### Comment: Anonymous *January 15, 2011 at 9:28 pm* Tuesday 1st of May, 1934: Another 1st of May is coming to an end. There were, of course, few demonstrations, and whatever gatherings I saw were organised and supervised by the SPD. Grandfather never liked this day. He said that any landowner worth his salt would treat his people honourably, with respect. There was no need for demonstrations and speeches to deal with a landowner who did not. In this, I think he was mistaken, though. What I have seen here, well, maybe the day is not _needed_ as such, but it does, or at least did, help giving the workers a sense of unity. Until Blood May, that horrible day back in 1929. I was not there, of course, since this happened in Berlin. SPD banned the demonstrations, and KPD decided to go ahead anyway. It was a certainty that there would be trouble. But that more than 30 people died, and almost a hundred were seriously injured, that was far worse than I had expected. At least this 1st of May was far more peaceful. On another note, it seems we have a visitor. The others assume he is Russian; since that came from Doktor Rabe, I am willing to assume he is right, until I meet the man for myself. It seems he attacked the feral one, from what I heard, after Markus had followed him. They also speculate that he is the Lasombra. That assumption may be correct, but it would be a mistake to act as if it that were true. Still, from what the others said, there was no doubt at all that there was a new player on the field, and a powerful one at that. I wish I had met him. ### Comment: debinani *January 18, 2011 at 7:34 pm* My…what a breathtaking creature you are! So…so we were called back to the manor…and…um…Maria… You, my sweet, must tuck away that exquisite little nipple right this instant if you wish me to focus on either this piano, or my story! Ahh, how bitter the loss, how sweet the promise. So, the estate. It seemed that there was a new player in town, bodies were turning up with no rhyme or reason behind them except for exsanguination being the cause of death. Maria asked us to stay near the estate for a few weeks while the situation was assessed. Alfred and I attempted to comply, within the boundaries of our commitments. In the interim, the Seekers had the book translated and from it gleaned that an old one had woken up in the early part of the century and had been the source of this new power. What? Yes, utterly terrifying. Once you get that old…there's nothing human left. They sometimes sleep for centuries as a way to stave off madness. Well yes, I suppose that could happen to me someday – I try very hard to stay firmly grounded in the modern world – it keeps me busy and I find the pleasures much more satisfying. In any event, a few weeks later, a chap arrived at the gates, Russian, looked like hell. Told us he was in charge of the city now, and it would be a good idea to stay clear. I put in a call to the woman who was actually in charge of the city to let her know, and while I was doing so, Markus decided to follow this fellow into the woods, where, apparently, he was ripped to ribbons. We brought him back to the manor to recover. And where do you think you're going? Oh? You think I allow just anyone into my private chambers? Mmm…well in that case, I'm convinced… ---