Anarch & Independent Setting

Welcome to San Diego

Anarch & Independent Setting

During the 1800 the kindred community made its way to the area Of San Diego and from day one they have been in a constant struggle with the Garou in the area a silent war that that mellowed in the mid 1890's when a form of stability reached the reason. The first noted of the kindred clans to come to San Diego where the Gangrel seeking an escape form the encroaching settlers in the area they where quickly followed by the Ventrue and the Giovanni seeking to tap unclaimed resources. The stability in the reign was quickly upset with the onset of the great depression. The flocking of Kindreds to the coast open the onset of the second world war. Though the mass of quakes on the San Andreas fault has proven to be an attractive incentive to drawing Kindreds off all kind lately the city, its sounding area has been refuge to the Independents and the Anarchs. This caused then to be seeking to either stay out of the Camarilla and the Sabbats privet jihad or in the case of the Anarchs it has provided a proper training ground as well as keeping them out from under the watchful eyes of the Prince and the Arc Bishop.

Independents and Anarchs of San Diego are desperately resisting the prospect of invasion from all sides. The Garou are to the east of Sweet water Reservoir very close within the border. Camarilla have the North, the City of Angles, LA. The Sabbat is to the South in Tijuana. Therefore, the city of San Diego is California's second largest city. This is where the blue skies keep watch on 70 miles of beaches and a gentle Mediterranean climate begs for a day and night of everything and nothing both at the same time. Bordered by Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Laguna Mountains, San Diego County’s 4,200 square miles offer immense options for business and pleasure.

Of all the sects within this territory, they have suffered the most in the changes that have raced through the city in the past decade. Once, they were the dominant power of Los Angeles and San Diego and they had a number of skilled leaders to guide their cause. Then the Camarilla pushed in and tried to steal there corner of their world. Finally after many years of back and forth struggles the Anarchs who were once the dominant power in the southern region of the state where forced to settle in the city of San Diego dwindled in numbers but not out of the game yet.

San Diego a City now under its own rule. Here all men are created equal and entitled to all the same rights this however tends to draw not only the independents wishing to stay out of the Camarilla and the Sabbats privet Jyhad but draws unsavory charters like the Anarchs places of note are well known to the Kindred in this city.

Forsaken a Gothic night club is a freehold into he city. All are welcomed and the rules are simple the club is owned by a Toreador named Valack Angel and his two Childer; Nimith Escobar and Cathrien Fushi. Valack Angel, known to employ other kindred. The club is a great place for exchanging information and finding a decent meal to eat .

San Diego Today - The Independent and Anarch

Assasimite
Assam al-Iblis is the leader of the Falaqi: 'Night's Passage' and is possibly the oldest vampire within San Diego, if not California or a vast majority of North America. He predates the Camarilla by two centuries and came into his own during the Long Night. He has had a seat on the Council of Scrolls in two different positions throughout his near millennium of unlife and has consumed more souls than his entire, vast, brood of childer throughout the years combined. He is among the few Assamite warriors to have never suffered under the Tremere curse, and was there at Chorazin when the Blood Sorcerers shattered it over what would become the Assamite Antitribu line. However, he rigid holding of Haqim's Laws forbade him from joining the Sabbat whom do not so much as acknowledge the existence of the Law of Protection. Throughout the ages he has become decadent and detached. Having once been a great aspirant among the Path of Blood, his control is slipping and he feels himself less and less inclined to obey it's dictates. Upon Ur-Shulgi's return, he was the third Assamite to kneel down at the feet of Ur-Shulgi and pledge his undying loyalty to Haqim above all others. Recent events in involving the Assamite have been directly effected by his unraveling morality and self-control as his Thirst grows more and more out of control.

Assam al-Iblis is the top Assamite for the entire west coast of America, and for much of it's central portion as well. He has connections and contacts with every Falaqi and Elder Assamite west of the Mississippi River. He is respected and renowned for his enlightenment along the Path of Blood as well as for his astronomical number of contracts completed. The Assamites of San Diego fall into one of three categories, they fall into Night's Passage Falaqi, they are part of his own personal brood, or they have come seeking his wisdom and instruction.

Shiro Tadaka, the eldest childe of Assam al-Iblis in America is the Liason between the Assamites and those clans seeking to be patrons or request contracts. Shiro is not only a superb warrior, but always in life he was an Asian-American Contract Lawyer and has a staff of ghouls to complete his information gathering and to be first point of contacts between Clan Assamite and their Would-Be Clients. Shiro is charged with the tremendous task of managing all the requests for professional hit men, specialized security implementation, information gathering and the collecting of payment for services rendered.

War.

It was so short as to be amazing. But with the reprisal strike on the Gangrel of San Diego was brutally devastating and had the anticipated effect that Assam al-Iblis wanted. It nearly wiped the clan off the map of southern California. Even now Assam has his subordinates seeking out the two gangrel whom were rumored to have survived that night. As well as any new gangrel arrivals. Assam is a creature of great pride, and the deaths of a visiting emissary from Alamut and destruction of three of his prized childer enraged him to no end that he would heed no council but the Gangrel who came to bare him the news.

Now the Assamites look for what allies the Gangrel had to have informed them of the location of his childer whom traveled with the Emissary from Alamut.

Accusations fly and tensions build btween the Assamites and all other independent clans. The Giovanni, the Followers of Set, the Ravnos and there need be no mention of the open-hatred and hostilities between the Assamites and the Gangrel. After that daunting example of force, the othr clans are reluctant to go to war with the nest of Assassins. Individually it is true they would fall, but if Assam continues his aggressive information gathering campaign, he might find himself against an alliance of clans each with various means of deposing of him and bringing his ravening brood to heel.

At one point there was a large Tremere presence in San Diego. Decades ago they were scourged from the city in a final night, and their deaths heralded the arrival of Assam al-Iblis to the North American continent and the beginning of San Diego becoming a pilgrimage site for path of Blood adherents. His followers still refer to that night as 'Assam's Cullng' as it is rumored Assam, by himself, drank the death of the cities thirty Tremere in one night.

Information Contracts handed down as orders of Assam al-Iblis himself for Assamites to investigate the activities of the Followers of Set, Giovanni and Ravnos as well as the Nosferatu of San Diego. If any of them held any place in the destruction of his childer and the emissary, it will not be long before he knows. The contracts are open ended as those whom come with the most vital or influential information shall be rewarded based on the information gained.

Vinchenzo Putanesca- A Contract for the life of Vinchenzo Putanesca has been offered by Shiro Tadaka himself, based on the Putanesca utalizing the services of the Assamites, and than refusing to offer his payment to them after services were rendered.(A Setite Warrior Ancillae was the target and was slain successfully.) Currently none have taken Shiro up on this contract.

None of their contracts are known publicly, but what is known publicly is the Assamites near total extermination of the regions Gangrel in one night, as well as the aggressive information gathering campaign being waged. Nobody knows WHAT information they are seeking. But their methods of information gathering range from hacking secured networks, paying for the information, to accusations of abduction and torture fly around the other clans, and may have even drifted into the Elysium of L.A. as well as the Sabbat of Tijuana.

Currently Night's Passage remains the only officially recognized Falaqi of San Diego. There are disciples of Assam but they are more spiritual adherants or students. Nothing more.

Loyalist to the Extreme. Schismatic Assamites are given a single offer to recant their loyalties and side with the Loyalists if they are found in San Diego. if they do not. They are captured and taken to Assam to feed the ancients thirst. Antitribu are welcome within San Diego so long as they observe the Law of protection while within San Diego. Those who do not are captured and taken to Assam to be victims of diablerie. Dispossessed are welcome without harsh treatment, but are treated as if they are second-class citizens and are rarely involved in anything occurring underneath Assam, whom is disgusted by their pretensions of independence.

These facts are well known by Loyalist, Schismatic, Antitribu and Dispossessed of the California area.

Followers of Set - Setites
Heirophant Anub-Arak, the Unseen Weaver is the Heirophant of the Followers of Set and an Eternal of Sothis. Over a thousand years old, he is the eldest active vampire in San Diego, older than even Assam al-Iblis although his power stems not from personal skill in combat, or even dedication to his inhuman path, though he is more than a match for a coterie or three of neonates in either regard. His owner stems from his consorting with a fallen tribe of Garou, the ancient enemies of all Cainites and the dark blasphemies of his knowledge of spirits and the spirit world. He is a Sorceror without equal in San Diego and rivals even the eldest thaumaturge in California with his formidable repertoire of spells. He has given much to expand his training of the mystical, going so far as to have traveled to Eastern Europe to broker a deal with an inconnu of power and renown. Most vampires in California, in America even, are unaware of his existence. Drake Monsalve, the Monitor of Calironia and Sascha Wouters, Prince of Los Angeles are the only undead beings not imbued with the divine blood of Set whom know of his existence, and both would rather treat with this ancient from afar rather than risk his formal presence before them. His age doubles either of those two elders and his personal power overshadows what their aligned groups could accomplish if turned against him. He is, in short, nothing less than a divine being. One of the childer of a direct descendent of almighty Set himself. He warred against the Baali, Silent Striders, Mokole, Bastet and Mages on behalf of his God and Grandsire in ancient egypt and his knowledge of supernatural beings in the world at large makes him one of the foremost experts on the 'other' denziens of the World of Darkness.

He is an Eternal of Sothis, having nearly complete his SECOND Sothic cycle. And he is patient. He is eternal. He is a God.

To the public eye High Priestess Rose Valentine is the elder among the Setites of San Diego, or even Nag Jin whom leads the Children of Wapwawet. An extremely conservative and reclusive bunch, the majority of underlings are still unaware of Heirophant Anub-Arak's existence and would quake with fear should they know these two elders, the High Priestess and Warlord of their powerful Nest are but pale shadows next to the divine brilliance that is Anub-Arak.

The Temple of Forgotten Secrets is one of the most infamous temples in the world. Up with the Temple of Bones and Temple on the Isle of Dogs. It is a place where the accumulated lore of the Followers of Set is housed, a massive repository of learning, forbidden secrets and the stocked and recorded debts of thousands of mortals, ghouls, vampires, mages, garou and stranger things that have had dealings with the Followers of Set. As such it is a place of great learning, and is adequately defended.

Setites in the region work to further the influence of the Followers of Set and hope to one day make San Diego a place where the Aeons chains warp and unravel. The security and funding for the constantly expanding temple as well as it's defenses, particularly in light of recent Assamite aggression make this an auspicious time to be a Follower of Set in San Diego. So much to do, so much to gain.

The Temple of Forgotten Secrets was founded before California was actually named and mandated to be part of the United States Territory. As such the Followers of Set have always been here it seems. And now, as before any activities they have undertaken have been sufficiently secretive and guarded.

The Temple of Forgotten Lore brings setites to it, the call having gone out for defenders has drawn more thans cholars and setite sorcerors. San Diego is now home to the single largest population of Warrior Setites, and their martilry is tempered by Nag Jin the elder Warrior Setite in the region and their religious fervor honed by the blasphemous sermons of High Priestess Rose Valentine.

For as long as any can remember, there have always been Followers of Set here. When San Diego was founded and originally placed under Camarilla rule when the United States was young, their Prince an 'elder' Tremere, if any among that Bloodline can truly claim such a title, attempted to remove the Setites from his city. It seemed to have worked, but a scant decade later Camarilla power was broken and Anarchs 'liberated' San Diego from the Camarilla, helping take one of the last steps to turning California into the first Anarch Free State. None question how the Anarchs were able to make such surgical strikes, and none ever knew what happened to that foolish Prince or his court for no Anarch remembers destroying them.......

Gangrels
Dwell among the Volcan Mountain Preserve territory [http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/intermap.html ] Formerly Hellhole Canyon preserve. Barren Rogers of clan Gangrel the Jarl of San Diego leads. Among them is Elder Casamere Murenyo (Kass-Ah-Meer More-En-Yo). Barren Rogers himself is formerly known as a Gangrel Antitribu, American Civil War Hero. Barren takes after his sire Kass-Ah-Meer in the preference for moot ever-Full Moon. Though he has been known to seemingly arbitrarily 'call off' meetings between the Gangrel for no apparent reason and without explanation. The last clan wide meeting was a Massacre. The Start of a drawn and bitter feud between two clans, and the Gangrels extreme set-back in numbers for the area. The meeting, as always, was open to all childer of Ennoia, Sabbat, Camarilla and Anarch as well as those who ran free. Less than three months ago the Gangrel were driven from the Hellhole canyon when during their moot they were ambushed by the Falaqi of Assamites whom, without warning, opened fire with mortar shells pounding the area with deafening roars before the killers fell upon Gangrel left and right. The battle was fierce and their was no reason given for the unexpected assault.

Fifteen gangrel had gathered that night. Two survived.

Barren Rogers and his sire Casamere Murenyo clawed there way through Assamite ghouls and undead killers, through hell napalm and high water, and escaped into mist forms, dispersing through the forests. Now they put out the local call again, warning those Gangrel of all sects of the atrocity committed and the lack of reasoning behind it. Casamere wishes to know only -why- the Assamites attacked, whereas Barren wishes all out war.

Barren is a potent symbol to follow. He represents everything most other clans view the Gangrel as and the Gangrel themselves pride themselves on. He is in-tune with his beast, his combat prowess is absolutely terrifying, he holds to his word regardless of other parties, he is slow to forgive and never one to forget. He honors his clans’ allies and is a scourge of their enemies. Until recently, he was not seen due to healing the wounds sustained and maintaining a low profile.

When he was holding the moots/meetings they were a time for Gangrel to come together and renew bonds of unity to clan and to discuss their various unlives, share stories, share the blood of fresh kills brought in from the parks and preserve and retain a network of clan-mates and keep live the oral tradition of the Clan history.

The best known factors of the Gangrel are Autonomy, Loyalty, Freedom and Pride. Casamere Murenyo has a great amount of pride in his clan, and has instructed his childe well. They retain their teaching of both loyalty to the clan balanced out by the freedom to make your own decisions. Like an understanding family always, ready to support. They have a great amount of autonomy due to the fractious nature of San Diego's population, not to mention the presence of the Anarchs. The clan has a greater need for unity among disparate factions with various sect affiliation, particularly in the wake of the amazingly brutal and efficient Assamite aggression.

Father- A City gangrel independent whom had dealings with the Assamites of San Diego. has vanished without a trace two weeks prior to the Blood-Moot where the Gangrel were devastated. Many suspect he was the first victim of Assamite Aggression. Some suspect he was sisters sire, but others are not sure, as Sister is an 'any means possible' type of killer with no regard for personal honor or the opinion of others, while Father was rumored to have been on the Path of Honorable Accord.

Giovanni
Markus Giovanni a known 7th generation Ancillae. He came to San Diego only recently. Before his arrival there was no concentrated Giovanni presence in San Diego, it just was not a location of import. Over the past five years he has been here however, Markus has proven that despite being less than two hundred years old, he is as canny, manipulative and resourceful enough to have made San Diego one of the largest tithing points in both financial and spiritual tithes to Vienna. He was given the 'gift' of being able to diablerize a captured Ventrue Elder from Europe which reduced him to his current generation. Markus is cold and entirely logical. His inhumanity shown for all whom meet this reclusive don. He has an almost machine-like manner and demeanor. Referring to things impersonally and not brooking failure or disobedience of any type. He however, does not let pride, hope, joy or anger get in his way. He is incapable of feeling those anymore. He is referred to as the 'Ice Don' by many of his subordinates behind his back, and such a name is more than accurate. Cold, Harsh and unyielding.

Markus Giovanni invites any and all productive members of the Giovanni clan into the fold. He delegates the purposes of each individual based upon their natural proclivities and encourages infighting and social pecking order amongst the clan as it distracts them from making any real attempt to stab him in the back.

An important note to be made: Markus is interested in the study of death. Little else. Single Blood or Double Blood mean beyond nothing to him. He in short, does not care about your blood so long as you produce. Making San Diego an incredibly cosmopolitan place to be of the Giovanni clan.

Where Markus is all efficient, Rachel could be a Toreador for all her 'skill'. She is a bigot and a Giovanni whom takes the matters of what blood is in your veins and what surname is attached to yours as an automatic sign of capability. She is neither a skilled Necromancer nor particularly talented in social or financial arena's. She simply happens to be the woman whom knows a little bit of everything about everyone. She is a secret keeper and hoarder of knowledge first rank. Rachel has her eyes set on the Entertainment venues in and around San Diego as where she plans to make her mark. She already has some sway in the Media sector and her current tryst with a notable local politician has her sinking her hooks into the political arena as well. She is young, but she knows the value of information. WHERE does she get all her information from? If the clan discovered she would be killed instantly. She has traded necromantic secrets to the local Nosferatu elder in exchange for the juiciest tidbits. It's not a one-time deal either, the pact was made for constant and consistent information. And Thus, her training buys her all the information she'll ever need. Even that ghosts could not collect. Her plans for the future are nothing less than deposing Markus and drinking his death so she may become more powerful and legitimize her lofty aspirations.

The poor girl just doesn't realize that Markus is already fully aware of her plans and waits to find an excuse to feed her to the hungry dogs looking to scramble up the social ladder of the Giovanni.

For all intents and purposes Vinchenzo Putanesca IS the Underworld in San Diego. Even the Followers of Set have less influence amongst the Underworld and Streets than Vinchenzo. Vinnie began as a lowly Putanesca leg-breaker for Markus Giovanni when Markus was still human. His tenacity and determination, as well as his mean right hook, earned him Markus favor almost from the word 'Go'. He delegates the influences of his five street gangs, and vast Organized crime contacts amongst more than Italians. He has his hands in the Yakuza, Russian Mafia, Italian Mafia, two different Cartels from South America operating in San Diego and is the personal head of 'Silver Star Inc.' a PMC(Private Military Contractor) which grew up out of a Security company. He is the reason Markus has survived so long as a Don. He is the reason that the Giovanni were able to carve a niche out of the heart of San Diego and firmly entrench themselves while fighting off all other claimants to the area. His personal entourage of ghouls remains with him at all times, and his grand-nephew, a Proxy-Kissed Ghoul named Albert Putanesca is his greatest asset in the mortal world. Directing the Putanesca's efforts with precision. Recently, Vinchenzo ordered a hit on a troublesome Follower of Set whom had begun to muscle in on his stranglehold of the San Diego underworld a little too openly. A contract was arranged with the Assamites, and after the contract was done, Vinchenzo renig'd on his end of the deal. Feeling the Assamites would be busy with the Gangrel survivors and the others to try and go after such a well-protected target as himself.

Harrow- Harrow is a Wraith created by Markus when he tore the soul out of a Lupine and slew the body. In life Harrow was a Black Spiral Dancer Theurge, fallen from the Silent Strider Tribe and a woman with an incredibly unhealthy fascination with death, ghosts and necromancy. It was her obsession with ghosts that finally got her to Markus attention. And after a brief exchange of information, Markus showed her what it was like to be a ghost. Now Harrow serves Markus as a spy and teacher. Educating Markus(At his supernatural command) on the Garou, the Tribes and the cosmology the Garou have faith in. Topics which fascinate Markus, and may prove to be the key to gaining exceptionally unlikely allies or tools in the coming conflict with the Assamites.

The Giovanni are gearing up and preparing all their resources for what looks like an imminent confrontation with the Assamites. After their eradication of the Gangrel occurred so fast, Markus had no choice but to sit up and take notice. A ghost harvested from one of the dead Gangrel's ghouls was able to inform Markus what had happened and how. Now Markus uses wraiths to keep tabs on whatever he can happening with the Assamites while he tries to locate an individual whom will be capable of being a diplomat to the Followers of Set, the Gangrel and the Ravnos. As Markus feels the only logical way to survive Assamite hostilities would be to forge alliances.

Considering they have been here only five years in any organized numbers. The Giovanni's rocketing into a position of prominence among the local clans is impressive. Wraiths, Ghouls, Influence, Wealth and Contacts are all things they have in surplus. Thanks to the directive efforts of Markus.

Markus continues to advance his clans holdings and expand. Thus, he is always seeking young ambitious members of the Giovanni clan to perform various activities. Of most stressing current events is the Assamite aggression and preparing defenses, physical and otherwise against the clan while trying to enter into diplomatic discussion with the other independent clans.

What’s most respected in this location? Results. Nothing else matters beyond them. Obedience would be the close second, if Markus gives an order, you better damn well listen or you might see what it's like to be an eternal resident on the OTHER side of the shroud. What’s least respected here? Failure. Nothing draws the ire of Markus like failure. With the closet thing to it being disobedience. Both come with heavy fines...or death. Depending on the situation and the case.

Lasombra Autarkis
Only one, Captain Dominic Monsalve. Whom Openly admits to being of the Lasombra Lineage is known to inhabit San Diego. Dominic Monsalve isn't exactly feared such much as he makes people cautious around him. He is a wild card, as equally likely to help any faction as hurt them. The Sea's off of the coast of Southern Claifornia (From about 15 miles north of L.A. to Mexico) is the territory that he claims. This has always been this way. Dominic is neither ally nor direct enemy of anyone, and his progeny will likely follow in his footsteps. Gloria hates the Giovanni, though her current place as an imprisoned neonate does not leave her much wiggle room to make any of her dreams of vengeances come true. There are no treaties known among anyone with Dominic.

... to the sabbat

Dominic has left the Sabbat, and in doing so has made himself a marked man in that Sect's eyes. Whenever they are on shore leave. searching for the 'lost' Rashed, he is wary of any cainites he meets. Sabbat get as warm a welcome from Dominic as they would from the Scourge of a Camarilla city.

...to the Lupines

Dominic has no idea what any of the lupines are up to in San Diego, but of special note is his hatred for the Shark-men off the coast. It was during one such battle he 'lost' Rashed, and now he chums the waters and fins sharks as a pastime during the evening as he hopes to bait a conflict between the brutal shark changers and himself. Little does he know such a confrontation will result in his doom, even if it would be a good fight?

Nosferatu Autarkis
Vordor Rustovich or Crag Hack, both of whom are equally feared. Though one is feared by the enemies of the Nosferatu, and the other is feared by the Nosferatu for the danger he represents. Every Nosferatu to have heard of him has a deep abiding respect for Byron Renfield. He is the Brood Father every brood hopes to have. He lacks a draconian temperament, and is always eager to help and maintain hands on. he's remained close to his humanity so he hasn't lost touch with the world, and has a genuine, active concern for his children. He wouldn't hesitate to offer his own damp room in the warrens to a visiting Nosferatu, or teach the finer points of that reclusive Auspex discipline to his Brood mates.

Byron Renfield is the Elder of the San Diego Brood of Nosferatu and is a respected member of their society, helping direct and collect information as well as mentoring and tutoring the young, lost childer of Nosferatu whom have been shunned or simply left one of the three sects. Byron knows more than anyone the current events of San Diego as well as the plays that go down behind the scenes. When wind of Assamite aggression was just starting to kick up he and the brood vanished. Everything was fine, the Nosferatu were not able to be found by the Assamites, and the few assamites foolish enough to head into the sewers after them were dealt with by Crag Hack and the natural and manufactured defenses of the Nosferatu warrens and domain of the sewers.

But recent events have placed the Nosferatu in a great deal of danger.

Their Sewer home has been invaded by not one, but two different factions. One, an Assamite Blood-Mage has carved a chunk of sewer for his own domain on the direct border of Nosferatu territory in the sewers and has made travel through that section of sewer impossible. The second invading faction is no less than a population of subhumans whom have been displaced from somewhere. It seems from captured sources they are fleeing Los Angeles as the sewers they have been taken by a newer threat that makes assaulting Nosferatu territory to claim a chunk of domain for themselves a much more viable alternative than staying and fighting for their hovels beneath the streets of Los Angeles.

But they are not without hope. Byron has placed the call along local channels that stretch up into Los Angeles, and down to Tijuana and even further for Nosferatu whom tire of sect struggle, to come join his Brood and help them defend their territory and take back what has been lost.

It remains to be seen if any will answer his call.

The Giovanni have worked well with the Nosferatu, and Byron has allies among their number. He advises caution on an individual basis, but the Brood of San Diego considers the Giovanni their allies.