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A Web of Shadows Three years ago, Karina Galen and the Invictus regained control of San Antonio, and saved the city from the threat of Mark Belial in the process. Though his remains were never recovered from the remnants of his Haven, he has not been heard from since. In the interim time, the city has had its own internal struggles to cope with in the wake of the second power shift. Several new Kindred have arrived in the city as well, meaning that the Danse Macabre is as unpredictable as ever. Many of the mortal systems which were so tightly controlled by the First Estate when Karina first ruled the city are currently contested between several of the Covenants. Whilst the Invictus attempt to restore their former glory, the Lancea Sanctum and the Carthian Movement are trying to take some of that control for themselves. The Invictus may rule the city now, but many acknowledge that their position is by no means untouchable. For the coterie themselves, they have already suffered a loss in number. Several nights ago, Gabriel Takeda disappeared from the city without a word to them. He left only a cryptic message with the Prince herself, via her Herald, that he was returning to his homeland of Japan, citing "family reasons". |
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Lancea Sanctum Fernando de la Cruz has withdrawn somewhat over the last three years. He spends more time at the Cathedral, and less with the younger vampires. Romina Castaños has more or less taken up the night-to-night running of the Covenant. De la Cruz is attempting to exert influence over Our Lady of the Lake University, seen as a great asset to the Kindred. In addition, Castaños is influencing a local Alderman, Cris Medina, who the Lancea hope to elevate to the position of Mayor in time. The Sanctified suffer in the eyes of the Kindred for having had a failed rule, and have lost some credibility as a result. De la Cruz seems less concerned about this than he perhaps should be, particularly as it means less opportunity to recruit. Michelle Losada remains their newest member, having joined five years ago. |
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Carthian Movement Jacqueline White's position as Prefect has seen the Carthians take a slightly more active role in the politics of the Kindred, although she finds herself often in direct conflict with Benito Costales. Costales is a member of the Carthians but is also the Prince's Sheriff…and Childe. On a number of occasions Jackie has suggested that Costales should resign from either his position or his Covenant since he cannot balance the interests of both. She has stopped just short of accusing him of being his Prince's lapdog, but it is not much of a secret how she views the situation. The Carthians' newest member is Carlos Perez, a recent addition to the city from El Paso. |
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Invictus The ruling Covenant once again, the First Estate has none of the internal squabbling of the Carthians, nor the struggle for respect of the Sanctified. Indeed, many Kindred privately respect Karina Galen for taking back her position so quickly. The Invictus' weakness is living up to their own reputation, which they are finding difficult. In many Kindred political matters, the Prince leaves the decisions to her Sheriff, Herald and Primogen. She concerns herself more with re-establishing her mortal connections. The newest addition to the First Estate is Victor, a recently-Embraced Kindred from Romania. |
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Circle of the Crone Since their embarrassing involvement in the David Burnham incident seven years ago, the Circle has worked hard to restore their image under the new Hierophant, Carmelita Velez. They are currently stronger than ever, but still behind the other three major Covenants in terms of political and societal standings. They have not recruited any new Kindred over the last few years, nor do they claim to be looking to do so. However, Velez has taken great delight in the Lancea's fall from grace, and some whisper that the Circle may move to displace the Sanctified as the city's second covenant. To do this though, they would need more numbers and more influence. |
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Ordo Dracul The Dragons' position in San Antonio remains much as it ever did - with only a small number of members it has always been difficult for them to make any kind of impact on the political scene. Just as well then that its resident Guardian, "Green" Jack, has shown little ambition in that circle. The Dragons continue their mysterious work in the shadows, and in relative peace. The other Covenants are too concerned with their own bickering and politicking to disturb the Ordo Dracul - which is just how they like it. The only scenario in which they might start to trouble the larger Covenants is if they begun to attract more members, which they have not looked like doing...yet. |
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