Bonus mini-update to clear out my picture stash for the next update.
The Tremere Chantry is surprisingly warm, although that might just be because I've been trudging through damp crack houses and rotting sewers for the past few hours.
The sitting room of good ole' Maximilian Strauss, head of and apparently the only Tremere in LA. Hopefully he's got something worthwhile to give me for my trouble, as valuable as the good will of the Anarchs
assuredly is.
"Hello, neonate. Is there some way I can assist you?"
"I fixed the plague, more or less. It's not going to just go away, but it's not gong to spread any further, either."
"You have? Impressive, young one. What, exactly was the source of the epidemic?"
"A vampire who went crazy and wanted to end the world. The details aren't really worth remembering."
"Hmmm. I see. Had he waited only a little longer, he may have lived to see his dream." I open my mouth, but he cuts me off, his tone becoming much less morose. "But, to business. I have a debt to pay you for your services. If you so desire, I can give you a unique talisman that might be of use in the future. If that does not interest you, can compensate you with hard currency. You decide."
I don't really need more money and I don't know anyone who'd pass up
ancient artifacts of unreasonable power.
Unless it's like that fucking fetish.
"I'll have the talisman."
"A wise decision, neonate. True power lies not in wealth, but in the things it affords you. I hope this object serves you well." He extends a gloved hand, revealing a necklace with a tiny amulet. The amulet looks like a bit of red crystal emerging from a tiny chunk of rock. I take it and look up at Strauss.
"What does it do?"
"The talisman eases the burden of awakening your
true supernatural abilities, allowing you to maintain that heightened state for a much greater period of time."
I slip the necklace on, surprisingly without any sense of doom coming over my head or silent screaming ringing in my ears.
"Thank you again, neonate. You will have a bright future, of that I am sure."
I bid Strauss farewell and leave the warmth of the Chantry behind me.
Next stop: Stupid Bitch.
At least she's been getting easier to deal with.
Hopefully now that the plague's been stopped, I'll be rid of her.
"Hey. Anarch. City's safe, plague bearers are dead. Praise the will of the Camarilla and all that horseshit."
She stares at me for a moment before raising an eyebrow.
"You killed all them.
You?" She leans back, looking me over again. "Huh."
"Well, you did what I asked so I guess we're cool. For now, I mean."
"What, not going to sock me in the jaw again?"
"If it didn't vaporize I'd still
have your jaw." She pauses for a moment, and her tone changes. "But... no, I mean I still think you're pond scum, but... maybe not the totally irredeemable kind, you know? I think LaCroix would go sunbathing before he helped anyone, so at least you're not that bad."
"Not as bad as Nixon with a hundred year term of office. Thanks Damsel."
"Look, you're a bitch in a team of mega bitches, what more do you want? Honestly I'm glad you're with the Camarilla. I don't really want you here but if you knock that asshole LaCroix off his ivory tower we'll be a lot better off even if all you do is set up shop in it yourself."
"I'll see what I can do."
Suppose I'd better book it to Hollywood.