So, the first of the bloodsuckers died. He went out in a manner appropriate to his personality to be sure. This was the second very strong session in a row, to boot. The players are coming into their own, as a whole, and the events really point to that, as it was not simply some foolish missteps that led to the demise of a member of the coterie. It was, rather, the combination of bravado, subterfuge, and a willingness to act when others merely watched.
The coterie had been tasked to chase down a rogue group of Tremere. This group, known as House Porthos, had been rumored to be using necromantic magic, but unlike the Giovannis, who simply chat with their ancestors and wander the spirit world for heirlooms, these Tremere seem to be tapping into something “far more sinister”. That, of course, has been the spectre that has kept driving the coterie, and the goal has been nebulous enough to keep them on their toes and keep looking for the next clue around the corner.
Our erstwhile undead predator had a particular propensity toward displaying his prowess on the battlefield. In theory, this seemed like a sound tactic. It was, however a poor overall strategy, as the foes that the coterie fell upon were, generally speaking, best avoided rather than confronted.
Case in point, the group had split for two concurrent missions, one to gather intelligence regarding the local situation, and the other to search for some concealed locations, with the hopes of uncovering some useful archeological evidence. Group A, being bloodsucking fiends, were quite at home within the grey walls of the city, and moved about appropriately and relatively safely. Group B, on the other hand, was wandering the countryside without a guide. They were waylaid by a curious Garou, who simply wished to test their mettle and then opted to leave. The test, though, nearly cut the poor vampire in question in half, and he was totally incapacitated.
Now, due to some quick thinking, our point of interest was well-tended, and appropriate vitae was provided and he likely would be ready for the waking world in short order. In the hopes that he would remain in gentle spirits, he purposely remained staked until his supply of vitae was restored to a decent level.
The group opted to shelter under the waves, in the shore of a small cove. Thus protected, most of the coterie slept soundly. When the time came to awaken, the group had separate assignments and went to perform them. For some reason, our character in question was left less than reasonably attended and, as fortune would have it, became unstaked.
Now, it turned out that this creature was in control of his faculties and was master of his domain. He could have decided upon the path of simplicity and safety and chosen as his hunting ground the areas of the city where flesh was plentiful and docile. Instead, he chose the path of bravado, as was his wont, and so he prowled for maritime sustenance.
After catching a number of fish, the chummed waters attracted a school of sharks, completely within our ill-fated vampire’s plan. He knew that sharks would likely be a better source of vitae than the smaller fish on which he was currently feasting. He was correct in that assessment, but he did not count on such a sizable number approaching.
Now, a canny predator might recognize the peril of such a venture, but not our friend here. See, this is his bravado in full display, where it was the challenge of such proportions that would provide him the greatest satisfaction for the hunt. In short, this vampire actually needed to prove his manhood. Seeing as there was no one around, the only entity to whom he could prove this was himself, well, and the sharks.
Suffice it to say, he managed to feast for a time, but all the while was been nipped apart by a pack of predators so well into their element that the contest was over really before it started. Also true to his own philosophy, he did not give the sharks the satisfaction of taking flight. His effort, while valiant, was in vain, and the sharks prevailed, scattering his shredded body across the cove. The intrepid members of the coterie made attempts to salvage his remains, in the hopes of saving him, but they simply were unable (or unwilling) to recover the more vital portions of the hunted vampire. The morning sun, naturally, finished off what the sharks began.
It was a fitting end to a vampire so ready to prove his mettle to those around him. Questions remain, though. For example, how was he unstaked? Why did the little Gangrel left to watch over his paralyzed form wander off? What about the other members of the coterie? What does this mean for the solidarity of a group where such activities have risen to the surface.
The coterie will likely need some soothing of tempers, and certainly a reinforcement from the ranks of existing undead. To be certain, there will be repercussions, consequences. What those will be, though, won’t be unearthed until later in the story.