Vampires in the mountains were rare indeed before the spread of the industrial revolution. The highlands of Western North Carolina remained in the hands of both the wolfs and those old gods that sleep deep under the mountains. Since the railroad and then the airplane, the urban valleys have sustained a relative few, yet hardy Kindred.
Truly the wilds, home to the Garou and the Fae, the Blue Ridge was avoided by all but the most brave Kindred. The railroads further north or south provided safer travel and protection to those who dwell in the night seeking passage West.
George Vanderbilt decides to begin purchasing his 12,500 acre estate, assisting both Pentex and vampires who each seek to gain a foothold in the Land of the Sky. The Ventrue Elder Evander uses this opportunity to settle in the region and benefit from the wealth being generated and make his mark on the nascent expansion of the region.
Despite all odds, the war with the Lupines and nature spirits of this land seems to have tipped heavily in Evander's favor. The domain of Asheville is properly established with the turn of the millennium when Evander declares the domain safe and officially establishes Praxis in the Land of the Sky. Despite this declaration, intermittent conflict continues between Evander's forces and the Lupines and nature spirits.
The Sword of Caine, otherwise known as the Sabbat, seeks to establish a stronghold on the East coast of America. They dispatch young dissidents en masse to assert their influence in the ongoing conflict between Evander's domain and the Lupines and nature spirits, with the goal of gaining a strategic domain which the Sword may utilize for cross-Appalachian travel. Young Sabbat firebrand Tallula Donegan leads the fledgling operation.
¶ 1914 - The Land of the Sky falls to the Sword of Caine
Evander's youngest childe, E. W. Grove, famously betrays his sire to the Sabbat and the domain falls. Evander is destroyed, and Tallula Donegan declares Asheville won for the Sword of Caine. She receives the bloodbath and ascends to Archbishop of Southern Appalachia.
Archbishop Tallula Donegan strikes a truce with the Lupines, establishing mutually recognized borders. Lest any Canite wishes to challenge the Archbishop to Monomacy, they are not to engage themselves in the affairs of the Biltmore Estate or the Vanderbilt family.
Despite his recent public demise, Grove finishes his original plans for the fourteen floor skyscraper, a towering monolith that stands above even modern Asheville.
Scandal struck when the Archbishop sullied herself with a ghoul, and a group of dissidents decided to remedy this fact. After the fire that consumed Highland Hospital, the deceased Zelda Fitzgerald was embraced in front of the assembled Diocese before challenging the arsonist—a Brujah dissident—to Monomacy.
¶ 1991 - The Treaty of the Land of the Sky returns the domain to the Camarilla
For reasons that remain mysterious, Archbishop Tallula renounces the Sabbat and becomes the domain's Prince as part of the Camarilla. Many Sabbat rise against her, meeting their final death that fateful October night. Outlying towns such as Black Mountain and Waynesville remain home to Sabbat packs to this day. This treaty is overseen by the domain's new Tremere liaison Elder Volshebnik who, despite threats of diablerie, proves to be here to stay. The Basilica of St. Lawrence is established as an Elysium.
Clans Brujah, Gangrel, Lasombra, Malkavian, Nosferatu, Toreador, and Ventrue are granted seats on the first Primogen Council.
A first well planned assassination attempt against Prince Tallula Donegan is made by the Black Hand. It is defeated, and the attackers summarily executed. Further attempts occur at semi-regular intervals over the next seven years, though none are successful.
With threats of the end time nigh, Tallula takes a hard line against prevalent Gehenna cults, while stating that the Land of the Sky shall weather whatever catastrophe is to come.
Countless domains trade hands, and the fall of Atlanta to the Sabbat weighs heavily on the Land of the Sky even while it remains above most of the bloodshed that engulfs almost every major city on the East coast.
Locally, clan Gangrel renounces its seat on the Primogen Council, regardless of Tallula's wishes to let them keep it despite not having pillar status.
The recent defection of the Schismatics from clan Banu Haqim finds a warm welcome in the Land of the Sky, and vizier newcomer Magda Doluda is named to the Primogen Council, taking the seat formerly held by clan Gangrel.
A decade after Praxis is established, the North Carolina Arboretum is established as an Elysium, much to the chagrin of Keeper of Elysium, E. W. Grove. The amphitheater is protected as a destination for ritual combat making many fear a return to Sabbat tradition. The first Kindred to be disposed of in the arena is the Brujah Primogen at the time, who meets the final death at the hands of Seneschal Big Ben.
After Grand Conclave, the Ominous announce the following decisions (and events occur):
* A list of Anarch domains in violation of the Edict of Succession is ratified.
* A Measure to return to full war with the Sabbat is defeated.
* Negotiations for the Setites to break from the Independent Alliance and enter the Tower are begun.
* Clan Gangrel is reinstated as a pillar clan of the Tower.
* Imperator Karsh vanishes.
* New Justicars are chosen. (See sidebar table).
* More relevant locally, it is decided the Land of the Sky must be inspected by an Archon to ensure it is in compliance with the Land of the Sky treaty.
Quaesitor Ferrum Civis's arrival is imminent. The Primogen Council, Sheriff, and Seneschal await his arrival at the airport, and the rest of the domain are ordered to Gather at Elysium. What festivities await the assembly, and what drama does this visitor bring with them?
Gather Location: The Basilica, transitioned to Grove House/Scandals after opening court.
Opening Court
Prince Tallula Donegan opened court, announcing that the Seneschal [Big Ben], the Sheriff [Oliver, Clan Nosferatu] and the Primogen Council [Magda Doluda, Clan Banu Haqim; Sadie, Clan Brujah; Johannan Wilder, Clan Gangrel; Maria Ramirez, Clan Lasombra; Hattie McCloud, Clan Malkavian; funnyM0rray, Clan Nosferatu; Miles Wilkins, Clan Toreador; Tyrell Jackson, Clan Ventrue] assemble to greet the arriving Archon [Quaesitor Ferrum Civis, Clan Tremere].
Each Clan appointed new Whips to second their Primoge. Daveed Fourié [Banu Haqim], Atalanta Wright [Clan Brujah], Ursula Walker [Clan Gangrel], Anya Petrova [Clan Lasombra], Harold Harkness [Clan Malkavian], Bugs [Clan Nosferatu, Jack Greenlimb [Clan Toreador], Feodor "Theodor" Ilyasov [Clan Ventrue].
Harpy Sister Tiffany (Clan Malkavian) announced a Symbel for anyone the best information brought to her by the end of closing court, with the two best pieces of information being named her Talons, and the very best to be named Victorious.
Damien Natosa (represented by Clan Ventrue) announced a Symbel to educate him on modern fashion as he had been in torpor for some time. Those vying for Victorious offered him up various styles and pieces of clothing throughout the night.
Opening court was interrupted as Prince Tallula received a phone call [those with Heightened Senses could faintly hear a voice on the other end of the line which sounded like Madga Doluda]. She announced an incident at the airport, and at this point the phones of many of the assembled Kindred began to ring. There was a flurry of activity as calls are answered and information received.
Prince Tallula declared that Gather would move locations to Grove House. She called on the Whips to determine the status of their Primogen, and quickly marshalled two groups of Kindred to deal with the situation: one to venture to the airport and deal with whatever threats might be present and investigate what transpired; the other to wrangle mortal influences to maintain the Masquerade in the wake of whatever might have occurred. She called on the Symbels to continue, as well as Elder Janus's games, that those left behind might not be left with idle hands.
Closing Court
Prince Tallula addressed the court, announcing open war with the garou. As her Sheriff and Seneschal were still missing, she appointed Daveed her acting Sheriff and Shimmer [Clan Brujah] her interim Seneschal. As all Primogen were currently either confirmed dead or missing, she elevated each Whip to the Primogen seat of their clan, excepting Clan Banu Haqim as their whip had been named Sheriff. She named Emerald Beauregard to that post for Clan Banu Haqim.
The Prince emphasized the importance of not stepping foot on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, as not knowing which groups of werewolves had acted against her domain and which had, she thought it prudent to not goad any uncommitted to the cause of war in that direction.
Sister Tiffany, named Arcady [Clan Lasombra] as one of her Talons and Elder Beau [Brummell, Clan Banu Haqim] Victorious , however the Elder announced he would forego the posting of Talon in favor of Rosencrantz [Clan Malkavian].
Elder Damien Natosa named Robin [Clan Lasombra] award Victorious.
Prince Tallula named Cassandra [Clan Malkavian], James Caspian [Clan Ventrue], and Arcady Sabo Loyal for their various contributions to the domain.
Prince Tallula declared former Primogen Johannen Wilder [Clan Gangrel] the instigator of the war with the garou. She declared the Blood Hunt, naming him Forsaken by the Tower. There was an exchange between the Prince and Robert Fraser [Clan Gangrel] and Mark Bratovitch [represented by Clan Gangrel], wherein the latter seemed to cast doubt on the Prince's words regarding their former Primogen.
Elder Ana Maria Alvarez [Clan Lasombra] gave her Favor to Anya Petrova [Clan Lasombra].
Dogwood [Clan Toreador] offered major prestation to the Prince for the return of the ashes of the Banu Haqim Primogen to Clan Banu Haqim. The Prince tabled that discussion as it were best dealt with in private rather than in open court.
Henri Childermass [Clan Tremere] addressed the court, offering his thanks for allowing his Clan space in the domain, and pledging their resources in whatever investigations might be undertaken to ascertain the truth of the evening's events.
Elder Elezar [Clan Tremere] offered his medical services to any who might have been injured during the course of the evening.
In the wake of the death or disappearance of much of Prince Tallula's court, as well as a declaration of war from the werewolves heralded by an ominous message at the Biltmore Estate, painted in blood, reading “Treaty Broken”, can the scattered denizens of the Land of the Sky Kindred come together, or will they fracture further?
Gather Location: Scandals
At closing court Elder Damien Natosa attempted to lay hands upon Keeper Grove. Before this action could be completed they suddenly stopped and apologized. Some in attendance whisper that Elder Beau Brummel used powers of the blood on Elder Natosa to protect Keeper Grove.
As blood runs short and tempers run high, the Primogen council plans to meet to discuss the difficulties which beset the domain and advise the Prince on a path forward.
Gather Location: Grove Park Inn
Opening Court
Prince Tallula arrived at court sporting two gunshot wounds to her chest, and one to the back of her head. “I will be needing the services of a new Seneschal,” she announced. “One that will not shoot me when given the opportunity. I suppose whoever is useful throughout the night will be named by closing court. There are a number of matters addressing our domain. I am aware that there are a number of threats and would request that you speak with my Sheriff for matters pertaining to the Masquerade and the Sabbat, and to the Deputies left by my Scourge, who is absent on business, for anything to do with the werewolves. When we are done here I will be speaking with my Primogen Council directly." She then turned the floor over to any court officer who wished to address the court, then any Elders.
Elder Beau Brummell (Clan Banu Haqim) named Feodor "Theodor" Ilyasov (Clan Ventrue) his Favored.
Elder Janus (Clan Nosferatu) “As you all know, I normally bring a game to this Gather. I have brought Uno as I enjoy it. If I am not at the table where we have been playing you may play without me.”
Elder Izem (Clan Brujah) [addressing the Prince] “So, you killed Shimmer. Why didn't you talk to her?”. The Prince, “I don't know, maybe the fact that she tried to murder me.” An argument ensued, which the Prince concluded by stating she would speak to her Primogen Council on this matter.
Closing Court
Sheriff Daveed Fourié (Clan Banu Haqim) stood beside the Prince and produced a gun, holding it casually in front of him at the ready. The Prince spoke. “There are a number of announcements. As was discussed at opening court my old Seneschal is destroyed. Former Sheriff Daveed will be replacing Shimmer as Seneschal. Ophelia of Clan Malkavian will be Sheriff. I am also naming one Robert Fraser Enforcer on matters unknown but of his discretion. One name has come to me as particularly valiant from your efforts facing the Sabbat this evening. 9's of Clan Gangrel I name you Courageous.” She then opened the floor to her court officers.
Primogen Jack Greenlimb (Clan Toreador) named Elder Tristan de Lovette Acclaimed, and Ancilla Danny Reeves Loyal. "It's come to our attention that some of you are just chomping [sic] at the bit to join in our Fight Club. Now it is my most sincere apology that we have not started this month, however that was never the plan and whoever told you this told you wrong. Or may have been sadly misinformed I don't know where it started I don't care. However starting next Gather I intend on hosting a Symbel Ordeal, for the winner of that tournament shall be named Victorious.
Harpy Sister Tiffany (Clan Malkavian) named her Talon Rosencrantz (of Clan Malkavian) Honorable.
Elder Beau Brummell (Clan Banu Haqim) spoke, “Thank you for your attention! As you know we started a little Symbel last Gather and, um, we had so many participants we couldn't finish in one night! Oh my God (inaudible) are great! I would like to announce, we had some wonderful participants, lets say… some honorable mentions. You don't really get anything other than the fact that you're awesome. Um, Elder Ana of the Lasombra with a wonderful poem. So cute. Seriously everybody ask her about it. I would also like to mention our local pirate, where are you Robin? Wonderful, if you want to gossip this is the person you should talk to. However the actual person I will name Victorious is Emerald!”
Primogen Atalanta Wright (Clan Brujah) spoke, “In recognition of her esteemed service from the very beginning of the Camarilla I find Elder Izem Acclaimed. For her willingness and flexibility in serving the Camarilla I find Neonate Elara Loyal.”
Elder Ana Maria Alvarez (Clan Lasombra) named Robin “The Shadow” Prescott (Clan Lasombra) as her Favored.
Elder Izem (Clan Brujah) named Garrett Porter (Clan Brujah) as her Favored.
Primogen Feodor "Theodor" Ilyasov (Clan Ventrue) spoke, “Ms. Rogers, your bravery this evening has not gone unnoticed. I proclaim your Loyalty to the Camarilla.”
Primogen Harold Harkness (Clan Malkavian). “As Primogen of Clan Malkavian I wish to announce that a new arrival, Romeo Reyes of Clan Samedi will be represented by Clan Malkavian moving forward.”
The Prince spoke, “Understood. As there are no further statements I will leave you with one final remark: former Sheriff Daveed made a request to my Primogen Council. I would entreat you to continue this kind offer to Sheriff Ophelia. Stay safe. Stay vigilant. Have a good night.”
Other Events of Note
At the beginning of Gather, Seneschal Shimmer attempted to assassinate Prince Tallula Donegan while the Primogen Council debated expanding feeding territories. Seneschal Shimmer was reduced to ash.
Have the arsons which plague the domain finally ceased? Fingers are crossed as final preparations are made for the debut of Fight Club and the Court gathers at the 27 Club to socialize and possibly participate in Pretty Boy Slim’s Symbel Ordeal to see who shall emerge Best Dressed.
Gather Location: 27 Club
Opening Court
Prince Tallula addresses the court, acknowledging the turbulent night, with many sightings of garou reaching her ears. She directs any Kindred with such information to speak to her Scourge (Henri Childermass, Clan Tremere).
The Scourge addresses the court, asking that any information regarding unacknowledged Kindred or garou in any part of the domain be reported to him.
Prince Tallula cautions against panic, or venturing places alone or in the wilderness.
The Primogen of Clan Toreador (Jack Greenlimb) addresses the court to remind all of this evening's inaugural Fight Club. Attendance is the cost of a trivial boon (with the gate fee waived for Elders) and bets will be taken by Talon Arcady (of Clan Lasombra). He also thanked his Whip Danny Reeves for his service before dismissing him and naming Lana Kogan as his new Whip.
The Primogen of Clan Ventrue (Feodor "Theodor" Ilyasov) recognized James Caspian (Clan Ventrue) as Acclaimed.
Pretty Boy Slim (Clan Toreador) announced a Symbel for best dressed, outlining the various categories with the winner being named Victorious and the four runners up receiving a small prize.
Closing Court
Prince Tallula revoked Jack Greenlimb's Noble status and stripped Clan Toreador of their seat on the Primogen Council until the following Gather. She named her Sheriff (Ophelia of Clan Malkavian) Loyal. She stated that she could think of none better than an Architect of the Camarilla to understand the Sabbat cult and and airport incidents that plague us, naming Elder Izem of Clan Brujah an abiding Enforcerwith jurisdiction over such matters.
Seneschal Daveed Fouriér (Clan Banu Haqim) named Primogen Ilyasov and Sheriff's Deputy James Caspian Acclaimed.
Primogen Ilyasov of Clan Ventrue noted both Keeper Grove's absence from court as well as the vulgarity of that absence.
Primogen Harold Harkness of Clan Malkavian recognized Sheriff Ophelia's Loyalty in "getting our cat back".
Elder Izem named Jack Greenlimb Vulgar [due to Jack Greenlimb's Favored fleeting status, this Vulgar was ignored and the Favored fleeting status was expended], and Michael Valentine (of Clan Brujah) Favored.
Elder Ana Maria Alvarez (Clan Lasombra) named Cassandra Grey (Clan Malkavian) Favored.
Elder Esmerelda Camazot Yuritzi (Clan Gangrel) named Jack Greenlimb Vulgar for lying to an Elder and endangering a member of her clan.
Elder Janus (Clan Nosferatu) named Jack Greenlimb Vulgar [this also gave him the fleeting status Warned].
Elder Doctor Nicolas Elezar (Clan Tremere) named Jamie Clark (Clan Toreador) Favored.
Elder Tristan de Lovette (Clan Toreador) announced Atalanta Wright (Clan Brujah) as the winner of the Fight Club, and thus Victorious. Atalanta then proceeded to thank Elder Tristan, however she chose to deny her Victorious laurels as Whip Clamor (Clan Gangrel) had been poisoned by Jack Greenlimb and additionally failed to secure the location of the Fight Club against intrusion.
Pretty Boy Slim announced the runners of in his Symbel as Erin Yesse (Clan Brujah), Romeo Reyes (represented by Clan Malkavian), Cornelius Pryce (Clan Ventrue), and Danny Reeves. At this point a gunshot went off. The court stopped and their eyes snapped to the Prince to see her holding a pistol and blood pouring out of the side of her head. She and several of her court officers had been playing Russian roulette during closing court. The Prince stated, "Just my luck." Then proceeded to stare at Pretty Boy Slim, who then announced Eva Harwood Victorious.
The Prince then declared Sheriff Ophelia Victorious in a Symbel Duel by her Sovereignty.
Other Events of Note:
Persons unknown firebombed the inaugural Fight Club event.
The Primogen Council voted to affirm Sister Tiffany as Harpy.
Status and positions are essential tools and defenses for the Kindred of the Camarilla. As the Domain of the Land of the Sky wrestles with its perilous position between the Lupines and the Sabbat, how will sudden changes in Status and positions affect individual Kindred, and how quickly can things change in one night?
Gather Location: Homewood
Opening Court
Prince Donegan announces a Symbel hosted by her childe, Zelda Fitzgerald. The Prince addressed the escalating situation with the garou, stating that she is calling upon her Primogen Council to meet with the Scourge to discuss strategies to hold them at bay while a diplomatic solution is pursued.
James Caspian (Sheriff's Deputy) announced himself as acting Sheriff while Sheriff Ophelia is outside the domain and announced several issues of importance. He urged close adherence to the First Tradition, and called for those with information regarding Chicken Alley, Innsbruck Mall, and the shooting at the 27 Club to speak to him. He announced Manfred von Kassel as his Deputy.
Talon Arcady announced a Symbel being held in the Triangle on April 19th regarding an Elder's responsibility toward their favored vis-à-vis Elder Tristan de Lovette and Jack Greenlimb.
Elder Esmerelda Camazot Yuritzi announced a gourmand's Symbel on behalf of Whip Clamor (who was Warned)
Keeper Grove thanked Harpy Sister Tiffany for suggesting that he attend Court and expressed his appreciation for her words of wisdom.
Bugs announced that in the absence of Darkrat he is the acting whip for Clan Nosferatu.
Talon Arcady states to the court that if you make a mess, clean up your mess; if you cannot clean up your mess, pay someone to clean up your mess.
Elder Tristan de Lovette announced a Symbel to determine who, among many identical Tristan's, was the actual Elder.
Closing Court
Prince Donegan commented on various provocations from members of the domain (without naming names) which had brought the domain to the brink of war with the Sabbat. She declared that war had been averted and Commanded the residents of the domain to focus on the real threat, the werewolves. Primogen Harkness announced his retiring from that role to focus on the war with the garou as a deputy Scourge, and named Vittoria Pistone as Clan Malkavian's new Primogen.
Zelda Fitzgerald announced the winner of the art competition Symbel, commending the anonymous author which drenched all of the entries with blood. Kasius Anderson stepped forward to take credit, and Zelda named him Victorious. Primogen Ilyasov asserted his rights as an Acclaimed Kindred to gain Zelda's honest opinion of the various entries. "The Ventrue contributed a number of different pieces, and I did find your sweet poetry reading to be quite extraordinary. The Toreador contributed an absolutely amazing piece piece that I think had quite a lot to say…though the blood did improve it. The Banu... contributed a thing. It was a choice. The Nosferatu did something unconventional and I certainly did appreciate that. The Lasombra had... an interesting take. They tried, they get credit for trying. The Malkavians... did contribute something rather pretty. The Tremere presented something beautiful, which is always appreciated. The Brujah contribution to be honest I was a little bit confused by, or perhaps it just went over my little head. The Gangrel, well that was quite a setup. And the Anarchs, who were the surprise secret entry, that was deeply amusing."
Prince Donegan named Primogen Ursula Walker, Morgan 9's Doan Acclaimed, (inaudible) and Sister Tiffany Courteous; Mark Bratovitch, Garret Porter, and Bugs Loyal.
Elder Tristan de Lovette named Rosencrantz Victorious in his Symbel.
Elder Esmerelda Yuritzi Camazon named Symon Constantine the third place in Clamor's Symbel, and Wyatt Alston Victorious. The runner up was not named.
Primogen Ilyasov of Clan Ventrue named Wyatt Alston Loyal.
Svetlana Volshebnik named the Scourge, Henri Childermass, to bear her Favor for his mastery of blood sorcery.
Prince Donegan called upon Scourge Childermass to address the court on the matter of the domain's collective efforts to combat the garou that evening. The Scourge announced that estimates placed the original number of garou arrayed against us at one and a half, however that number had now grown to five. He recognized Clan Brujah for their efforts in completing all of their assigned tasks, which went above and beyond what the Prince and Primogen Council had requested.
Prince Donegan reminded the Court that, as per her courtesies, interference in the Sabbat Diocese is strictly prohibited.
Elder Janus found Scourge Childermass Vulgar for acknowledging only one clan's efforts, as Clan Nosferatu contributed significantly.
Bugs of Clan Nosferatu announced a game of Magic: The Gathering to be held after closing court.
Elder Beau Brummell named Rosencrantz his Favored.
Talon Rosencrantz addressed the Court regarding the slander involving the Sabbat propaganda leaflets had been resolved and appropriate prestation been paid, but wished to make it known to all that Harpy Sister Tiffany was in no way involved.
The Land of the Sky struck blow after blow against lupine targets last month, and some kindred were able to gain ground or make inroads with other external threats. But the unification of a shared enemy will only go so far when kindred cry out for justice. What new grievances will emerge, what will be just, and who gets to decide the meaning of justice?
Gather Location: Masonic Temple
Opening Court
Closing Court
Other Events of Note:
Before Gather Atalanta Wright (Clan Brujah) announced a Symbel regarding Sires and their legacies.