Beat Still, My Great American Heart (V5 Quest)
Interlude 2.02
- Pronouns
- He/Him
While you can't say you're totally at ease with aiding the Prince's criminal enterprise, the safety of the people of Cabrini-Green comes first. Storming a gang hideout or raiding a drug lab might do more to reduce crime in the neighborhood, but such actions offer little comfort to the little people forced to hand over their meager savings to some punk with a cheap gun. Thus, when Prince Jackson asked you to find those responsible for preying on the weak, you gladly accepted the opportunity to stop such "minor" tragedies. Let the Prince devise his grand strategy while you put your boots on the ground and get to work.
Of course, that's not to say you don't have big plans yourself. While you can count several vampires within Chicago's Kindred community as mawali, you lack your own sources of political power. Though vampiric strength flows through your veins, relying on your Kindred abilities alone won't be enough to make yourself a real player in the Chicago domain. You'll need money and muscle, and the Kindred you're meeting tonight might be just the person to help you turn Crossguard Security into a real force in the Eternal Struggle.
The Kindred before you appears to be an Indian man in his early thirties. His dark hair and beard are well-groomed, and part of you that sounds much like Annabelle notes the precise tailoring of his immaculate Savile Row suit and the bright red color of the ruby on his ring finger. At five foot ten, his lithe build and regal bearing make him look every bit the part of a corporate suit, but you know he is no Blue Blood. Not many of Clan Ventrue balance themselves on the balls of their feet as though anticipating a fight. After all, who would dare lay a hand against a member of the Clan of Kings? No - Arjun Shah is a Child of Haqim - a blood sorcerer like the Ashirra ambassador to Prince Jackson's court.
Your visitor rises from your living room couch to shake you by the hand, and you can feel the calluses of a warrior against your palm. You wonder what sort of melee weapon your guest prefers, even as you utter, "Welcome to Chicago, Mr. Shah. I'm thankful for this opportunity to speak with you. Would you like a drink before we begin?"
"No, thank you. However, your hospitality is greatly appreciated," Shah replies in a posh British accent, every word reflecting what may be decades of training as an orator. "I was most pleased to receive your email. A strong working relationship between Crossguard Security and Syndexioi Limited will greatly benefit both firms."
"I agree. However, you didn't come here just to talk business, right?"
Shah nods. "You are correct. Though I am here as a representative of Syndexioi, I also act in service of my god, Mithras."
You nod. While Arjun Shah may be the Kindred behind the Milwaukee branch of the slick Syndexioi private security firm, he is also the "pater" of the Milwaukee Mithraeum, who you could politely describe as a group of kine and Kindred dedicated to the worship of the Ventrue Prince who ruled London and the British Isles for so many centuries. To put it less politely, Arjun Shah is the head of a cult that worships a Blue Blood methuselah that met Final Death at the hands of the Second Inquisition.
What do you make of your potential new business partner's religious beliefs?
[ ] [MITHRAS] I'm open to discussing the Mithraic Mysteries with Arjun.
[ ] [MITHRAS] A religious movement centered around Kindred sounds like an institution ripe for abuse.
[ ] [MITHRAS] Methuselah worship sounds like another vampire circle jerk, but I'll let Shah talk if it means closing a deal.
[ ] [MITHRAS] This meeting had better not be a pretext for Shah to invite me to an Eyes Wide Shut-type orgy.
[ ] [MITHRAS] I honestly don't give a damn about who or what Shah decides to worship.
[ ] [MITHRAS] I'll write down a more nuanced opinion of Shah's belief in Mithras.
-
"Tell me, how is unlife in Milwaukee these nights? I hear Prince Decker runs a tight ship over in Wisconsin."
Shah nods. "Prince Decker maintains strict control over the Kindred of his domain, and while his justice may be harsh, it is not unfair. He has appointed me and one of your clanmates, Anastasia, to sit as fellow Judges over Milwaukee's Kindred. You could consider our role similar to your Sheriff, though our main responsibilities are trials and sentencing, not executing the warrant, so to speak."
You nod as you consider Shah's words. From what you can tell, the Milwaukee Camarilla is unique within the sect for its departure from the traditional vampiric political structure. You might want to ask your guest more about the hierarchy in Wisconsin. "Sounds like Milwaukee is a place worth visiting. Speaking of the city, Syndexioi has a branch office in the US Bank Center, doesn't it?"
"Yes, on the 41st floor. Syndexioi counts many mortal veterans among the employees that handle physical security. However, we also maintain nesting boxes for the local population of peregrine falcons as part of a conservation program that began during the 1980s. Given your clan's affinity for animals, I imagine you could find a use for such noble birds."
"Yes, I could," you reply. Even without replacing Courage as your famulus, having a bird of prey bound to you by vitae could prove invaluable as a way to gather information, and that's without considering the damage a sharp beak and talons can do. You wonder what else Syndexioi could offer. "However, the security company is merely a means to an end, correct?"
Shah nods. "I won't insult your intelligence by pretending otherwise. Yes - Syndexioi Limited is another way those faithful to Lord Mithras influence the mortal world. The company does not make a profit merely to accumulate wealth of its shareholders - the money goes toward a higher purpose."
"And what is that purpose?" you ask.
"To walk the path once trod by our lord and savior, Mithras," Shah replies. While he hasn't raised his voice, his words carry the quiet conviction of a true believer. "To master ourselves so that we too can ascend to divinity just as he did."
"I imagine it must be difficult to proselytize when the Second Inquisition's turned your god into ash."
If Shah takes offense at the mention of Mithras's Final Death, he doesn't show it. Instead, he smiles with genuine pleasure. "Oh, you'd be surprised. Prince Decker has been most receptive to my words. Given time, I am sure that respect will grow into a true brotherhood under Mithras. His soldiers, the Anubi, also hold great potential. Their battles against the Anarchs and Lupines have made them weary, but I know they can be much more."
There's genuine respect in Arjun Shah's voice - an honest admiration for the Kindred of Milwaukee. As your guest falls silent, you take a moment to consider your words. Do you ask Shah more about Milwaukee and its Kindred, including himself? Do you stay focused on his security business? Will you allow him to tell you more about his faith in Mithras? Or is it finally time to see what he can provide for you and Crossguard Security?
[ ] [QUESTION] Write-in.
[ ] [QUESTION] I've learned all I need about Arjun Shah and what he can offer. Let's get to brass tacks.
[X] [MITHRAS] I'm open to discussing the Mithraic Mysteries with Arjun.
[X] [QUESTION] What is his faith's position on Golconda?
[X] [QUESTION] What are the principles of a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What is vampirism to a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of Noddism?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of the Antediluvians?
I think Artie would be a little weirded out by worship of a Methuselah but generally curious and open to talk about it. Artie is also someone who asks a lot of questions.
[X] [QUESTION] What is his faith's position on Golconda?
[X] [QUESTION] What are the principles of a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What is vampirism to a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of Noddism?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of the Antediluvians?
I think Artie would be a little weirded out by worship of a Methuselah but generally curious and open to talk about it. Artie is also someone who asks a lot of questions.
- Location
- Australia
I initially misread 'an' as 'another' and did a double-take.
On the one hand Christianity, on the other hand Christianity.
Really flexing that Charisma 1 there.
[X] [MITHRAS] I'll write down a more nuanced opinion of Shah's belief in Mithras.
-[X] [MITHRAS] Methuselah worship sounds like another vampire circle jerk, but no less interesting for it.
I'm not sure you can be raised religious and switch to atheism without having some opinions on religion, and Critias the cheeky methuselah professor is right there, so I don't think Arty would be very impressed at all. But still, vampire cults are literally made to be interesting to learn about, and Arty's a very curious person.
- Location
- The World
[X] [MITHRAS] I'll write down a more nuanced opinion of Shah's belief in Mithras.
-[X] [MITHRAS] Methuselah worship sounds like another vampire circle jerk, but no less interesting for it.
-[X] [MITHRAS] Methuselah worship sounds like another vampire circle jerk, but no less interesting for it.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Fortunately for our inquisitive little Sewer Rat, Arjun Shah is more than happy to share his faith. The Cult of Mithras may not be as powerful as it once was under the leadership of its god-king, but perhaps you might be the one to help restore it to its full glory.
Funnily enough, Mithraists were rivals of the early Christians up until the end of the 4th century, when the latter finally suppressed and eliminated the former in the Roman Empire.
While Artie probably has issues with organized Christian religion, given their gender and sexuality, I'm curious as to what you all imagine their relationship with God to be. Do they still believe in God, but disdain those who claim to act in His name? Are they a full-blown atheist? Or do they acknowledge God's existence, but refuse to render worship?
- Location
- Australia
I'd say atheist pre-vampirism. Arty hasn't shown even the smallest amount of religiosity throughout the quest even despite finding out the supernatural's real, so it'd be weird if actually they believed in God this whole time. Post-vampirism, I think they'd be agnostic since the supernatural definitely exists and God could legit be possible. God's still only one possibility though, and not a particularly likely one unless the Cain myth turns out to be legit; Jesus could've simply been a friendly neighbourhood vampire, all miracles might've been magic or true faith, and so on. Curious and open but nothing more.
Arty's opinion on God's mortal worshippers would probably be unchanged by the new perspective, and I don't think that opinion would be baseline positive given their experiences with them. Their brother's cool, but that's one person contrasting against two parents, the local church, and Arty's former community. As for God's vampire worshippers, Arty hasn't met many, and their situation is quite different from mortal worshippers, so opinion's still pending.
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The shift in faith with him becoming a Kindred makes sense as does Arite's previous beliefs pre embrace given his background.
- Location
- USA
I'm not intending to make this a whole thread discussion but this is my opinion on the matter. I always felt that the amount of negativity homosexual people received was unwarranted. People say it's a sin, but I'd look at anyone stupid if they compared it to murder. I believe in god but anyone preaching hate in his name has lost their way.
Now as for Artie, him being disillusioned with his faith is something I feel sympathy for. My parents told me and my brother that they would love us no matter what. And in a typical Texan fashion when they sat us down for the Birds and Bees, outright asked us which way we swung. So Artie having such a negative response from a lot of people in in his life is just darn tragic. Shame on them for something as dump as that and good on his brother.
Now from a less emotional point of view, being turned into a Vampire and learning about the supernatural is one heck of a revelation. And I agree with the other commenters around this next subject in the context of the World of Darkness. While yes magic is real, so is science, nothing we've learned is definitive proof for or against anything we already thought of the world. You can take anything you learn about the supernatural and two people could draw opposite conclusions from it as far as faith goes. Personally as a Baptist, I have never ruled out the supernatural or an act of god in any event in my life, but that doesn't mean that will be the first conclusion I draw from. So a reveal that magic is real and so are demons, vampires, etc. Would leave me more worried about my safety than change my belief.
Sorry the topic got me ramblin'. Anyways I'm open to asking more questions about that religion and the other topics. It's getting late so I'll come up with questions tomorrow and post them in the after noon.
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- Location
- USA
Artie might already know this, what kind of company is Syndexioi Limited? They seem to be in both private security and banking but it was mentioned that these are just branch offices. I'm hoping by knowing more information I might get some creative ideas for Crossguard Security.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Syndexioi Limited isn't involved in the finance sector. They just rent out the 41st floor of the US Bank Center in Milwaukee - the tallest building in Wisconsin. The company operates primarily in the security sector, whether by stationing security guards at clients' locations or having their white-hat hackers conduct penetration tests on their clients' computer systems.
Perhaps more importantly, Syndexioi also serves as a front and source of power for the Cult of Mithras. The money and connections the firm brings in make the Mithraists a force to be reckoned with on the Kindred political stage.
- Location
- USA
[X] [QUESTION] What is his faith's position on Golconda?
[X] [QUESTION] What are the principles of a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What is vampirism to a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of Noddism?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of the Antediluvians?
—Ask about Milwaukee and its kindred?
[X] [QUESTION] What's the kindred hierarchy of Milwaukee like? How well does it function compared to other places?
[X] [QUESTION] What's it like being one of Prince Decker's judges?
[X] [QUESTION] How often does a Kindred get convicted of a crime? Has anyone escaped Prince Decker's Justice?
—Ask Shah about himself?
[X] [QUESTION] How did he come to worship Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] Have you ever had your faith tested?
[X] [QUESTION] Mithras may no longer be in the land of the…undead but what qualities did he have that were worthy of veneration?
[X] [QUESTION] Would I be correct in assuming that some attempt will be made to try to convert my men to the Mithras faith?
—Crossguard & Syndexioi Limited business
[X] [QUESTION] What kind of agreement do you see existing between Syndexioi Limited and Crossguard Security? Both in the short term and the long term?
[X] [QUESTION] What might it take to purchase a few falcons to use for my own services?
[X] [QUESTION] What can you tell me about the locations my men will be guarding? Are any of them "extra-ordinarily" dangerous?
[X] [QUESTION] How does Syndexioi balance the kine side of its members with the Kindred side?
This is quite a few questions, I'll post any more I can thank of if they come. If y'all have any questions just ask.
Sorry y'all abit distracted this week, my dad got knocked over by a bunch of cows and took a nasty fall. Thankfully no bones in his spine or ribs were broken, just some strained muscles in his back.
💪 My family are hardy folk.💪
[X] [QUESTION] What are the principles of a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What is vampirism to a worshiper of Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of Noddism?
[X] [QUESTION] What do worshipers of Mithras think of the Antediluvians?
—Ask about Milwaukee and its kindred?
[X] [QUESTION] What's the kindred hierarchy of Milwaukee like? How well does it function compared to other places?
[X] [QUESTION] What's it like being one of Prince Decker's judges?
[X] [QUESTION] How often does a Kindred get convicted of a crime? Has anyone escaped Prince Decker's Justice?
—Ask Shah about himself?
[X] [QUESTION] How did he come to worship Mithras?
[X] [QUESTION] Have you ever had your faith tested?
[X] [QUESTION] Mithras may no longer be in the land of the…undead but what qualities did he have that were worthy of veneration?
[X] [QUESTION] Would I be correct in assuming that some attempt will be made to try to convert my men to the Mithras faith?
—Crossguard & Syndexioi Limited business
[X] [QUESTION] What kind of agreement do you see existing between Syndexioi Limited and Crossguard Security? Both in the short term and the long term?
[X] [QUESTION] What might it take to purchase a few falcons to use for my own services?
[X] [QUESTION] What can you tell me about the locations my men will be guarding? Are any of them "extra-ordinarily" dangerous?
[X] [QUESTION] How does Syndexioi balance the kine side of its members with the Kindred side?
This is quite a few questions, I'll post any more I can thank of if they come. If y'all have any questions just ask.
Sorry y'all abit distracted this week, my dad got knocked over by a bunch of cows and took a nasty fall. Thankfully no bones in his spine or ribs were broken, just some strained muscles in his back.
💪 My family are hardy folk.💪
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- Location
- Australia
Thank God, having bones in your spine and ribs is one of worst things that can happen to a person.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Yowch. I hope your dad recovers soon. I've been watching many animal videos recently, so I've gotten a fair idea of what even "domesticated" animals can do.
Funnily enough, the ancient mithraeums always featured a tauroctony in which Mithras is shown slaying a bull. God, I hope what happened to your dad isn't a sign for Artie's rolls...
- Location
- USA
😂 Haha! Man that typo sounds hilarious! Thanks for the laugh man. 😊
Oh for sure. Not to scare anyone away from working with or owning animals, but you'd be surprise how badly they can hurt you under the right circumstances. From my experience such things are very rare and typically can be attributed to individuals of those animal species that are just psychotic and unfit for human interaction.
We once had a Steer* named Cayenne who was just too crazy to work with. The guy liked to run his head into barn poles for fun. After he had a freak out from us trying to give him a bath we wound up selling him off. For the curious he threw my mom over an eight foot tall fence.
*(a Steer is a castrated bull used for livestock showing and eventual butchering.)
You know strangely back when me and my brother were showing Steers a peculiar phenomenon would occur. For like seven years in a row my Mom would somehow accidentally break a bone in her hand between the months of December and February. But during these years we would do really well at the major livestock shows. So we began jokingly associating my mom's repeated injury with good luck at the show that year.
I think it's still ongoing today, because when it does happen anyone we've sold a steer to does really well at the shows. Last year we found out she had apparently chipped a piece of bone off one of her Tarsals in here hand. And we only found out because the pain she'd been feeling in her hand for the past 8 months had become sufficiently distracting enough to convince her to go to the doctor. It turns out, yes, she had broken the bone and chipped a piece off. However so much time had passed the bone was completely healed, the pain she was in was do to the separate shard of bone that was slowly being pushed out of the palm of her hand! That's easily the third craziest thing my mom's anatomy has done.
Anyways, as strange as it sounds my dads injury might be a sign of good luck in the future.
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Interlude 2.03
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Part of you wants to roll your eyes at the idea of worshipping another vampire as though they were a god. It's not uncommon for Kindred to start scam religions to make a quick buck, gain easy access to vessels, or stroke their egos. With the power inherent in their vitae, it's easy for vampires to take advantage of desperate mortals by working "miracles" with Disciplines or swapping the communion wine with vitae to create blood-bonded ghouls. It would be easy for you to dismiss the Cult of Mithras as another group of foolish kine and Kindred who've misplaced their faith in a literal bloodsucking monster.
However, another part of you finds the continued existence of the Mithraic Mysteries utterly fascinating. Here you are, speaking with a man that has carried on the traditions of a religion thought to have been driven extinct by the rise of Christianity. Over a thousand years ago, Roman legionnaires made sacrifices to honor Mithras. Centuries later, Arjun Shah and others like him continue those ancient traditions, even in the face of the apparent Final Death of their god. Could there be something more to this cult beyond the easy acquisition of blood and money?
You decide to delve deeper into the topic. "So what do you and your fellow Mithraists believe in, Mr. Shah?"
"Above all else, we believe Lord Mithras to epitomize what it means to be Kindred, a king, a god. Long ago, he commanded us to support our brothers and sisters in the faith and protect the pregnant, the newborn, and the newly Embraced. By upholding his teachings, we walk the road he traveled long ago. It is not a lonely path, for even when you are not among those who know his mysteries, you are never alone."
You nod. Arjun Shah speaks with genuine conviction, but you get the feeling that he hasn't told you everything. You don't think it's intentional deception on his part - merely a focus on what would be most appealing to outsiders. After all, many Christian churches prefer to emphasize the Almighty's love and forgiveness, not the prohibitions on homosexuality, adultery, bestiality, and eating shellfish found in the Book of Leviticus. "And where do Kindred fit into Mithras's world?"
"Those granted the Embrace are closer to Mithras than any other, for their shared existence as Kindred enables them to understand the true nature of power and the burden of wielding it. It is a reward reserved for those worthy enough among the faithful."
Shah's voice is full of pride - the kind that comes from graduating as valedictorian from an Ivy League school or joining a Tier One special operations force. "Speaking from experience, Mr. Shah?"
Shah nods. "When my sire, Damurah, came to London in search of a worthy childe, my name was put forth by Lord Mithras himself. Since then, I have worked each night to be worthy of the honor bestowed upon me and the secrets Lord Mithras learned throughout his long existence."
The Sewer Rat in you is now at attention, and you can't help but lean forward with renewed interest. "Such as?"
Shah favors you with an indulgent smile before learning forward as well. "When I was mortal, I witnessed Lord Mithras walk among us in broad daylight. I believe it is because he achieved Golconda - the final secret he will teach us."
You find yourself leaning back into your comfy armchair as you ponder Shah's words. Did Mithras truly achieve a state of Golconda? Or did he use his mastery of Clan Ventrue's fortitude to shrug off the damage dealt by the sun's harsh rays? "Now that's something I'd have liked to see for myself."
"A glorious thing to witness, to be sure," Shah agrees as he leans back. "However, by all accounts, Mithras met Final Death while taking many enemies with him - a truly glorious death in battle. I would have liked to fight by his side until the bitter end, but I was under orders to flee London and spread the Mysteries across the world. At first, I thought to establish a mithraeum here in Chicago, but I saw much more of Lord Mithras in Prince Decker of Milwaukee than in Prince Jackson. A warrior-prince holding his ground against impossible odds, even as his supposed allies among the Warlocks abandon him."
Snippets of casual conversation with Erichtho reemerge in your mind. If you recall correctly, the Primogen of Milwaukee's Tremere left the Ivory Tower and formed her own faction of blood sorcerers - House Carna. However, you don't know much beyond that, and you doubt Shah would be the best source for that information. You decide to change the subject. "Then what do the Mithraists think of the Book of Nod? The Antediluvians?"
This line of questioning gives Shah pause, and you watch the light shine off the ruby on his ring as his fingers flutter up and down, as though playing some melody on a piano that isn't there. Finally, he speaks. "There have been powerful Kindred since before the dawn of Lord Mithras, one of whom Embraced him, but I cannot say if they were Cainites who inherited a blood curse the Abrahamic God inflicted on the first murderer. In any case, the question is moot. The Antediluvians have long turned to ash in the wind - if they existed in the first place."
"I see. Then how about Milwaukee? How does it compare to other Camarilla cities you've visited?"
"Given my position as one of the city's Judges, I am admittedly biased. However, there is no doubt that Milwaukee is one of the safest domains in the continental United States. So long as you abide by Prince Decker's law, you need not fear the threat of Anarchs, Lupines, Sabbat, and our friends in the federal government."
"I've heard some bad stories from Kindred passing through town from Milwaukee. Is there any truth to them?" you ask, keeping your voice neutral to avoid upsetting your guest.
"Not every Kindred finds Milwaukee to their liking," Shah concedes. "However, it is vital for all of us to understand that if we wish to enjoy safety and prosperity, we must abide by the rules. While we Judges have the authority to decide sentences unilaterally, the Prince prefers us to sit as a panel. While Mark Decker has served admirably as Prince of Milwaukee, he understands the importance of wise counsel."
"Has anyone ever escaped Prince Decker's justice?" you ask.
Shah's lips tighten in a way intended to show amusement. However, there is a tension to that smile that warns you not to go too far. "No system is perfect, of course, but rest assured that the court of Milwaukee is more than capable of delivering retribution to those who defy its lawful authority."
"I apologize. I meant no offense," you say before leaning forward, a serious expression on your scarred face. "Would I be correct to assume you'll try to recruit my people into the cult if we make a deal here tonight?"
Now it is Shah's turn to appease the vampire before him as he raises his hands. "While it would be the greatest pleasure to find even one convert amidst your ranks, rest assured that I am not here to subvert your efforts with Crossguard Security. I admire your attempts to give these forgotten warriors new meaning through gainful employment and would hate to step on your toes."
Shah then leans forward, looking you directly in the eye. "Now that I have answered your questions, are you prepared to discuss business with Syndexioi and the Mithraic Mysteries?"
[ ] [DEAL] Yes. Crossguard Security would benefit from an alliance with the Mithraic Mysteries.
-[ ] It'd be nice to work with a Kindred with beliefs beyond amassing blood, money, power, and boons.
-[ ] I'm confident I can get more out of the cult than they can out of me.
-[ ] I have another reason for agreeing to work with Arjun and the Mithraists.
[ ] [DEAL] No. Crossguard Security is better off without the Cult of Mithras.
-[ ] I don't want my fellow veterans under any malign influence from a methuselah cult.
-[ ] Working with someone conducting a grift is one thing, but a true believer is another.
-[ ] There's another reason I'm refusing to get involved with Shah and the Cult of Mithras.
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- Location
- Australia
[X] [DEAL] Yes. Crossguard Security would benefit from an alliance with the Mithraic Mysteries.
-[X] It'd be nice to work with a Kindred with beliefs beyond amassing blood, money, power, and boons.
Haven't found any reason to refuse, so let's go for it.
>immediately discusses theology
-[X] It'd be nice to work with a Kindred with beliefs beyond amassing blood, money, power, and boons.
Haven't found any reason to refuse, so let's go for it.
>let's discuss theology later
>immediately discusses theology
[X] [DEAL] Yes. Crossguard Security would benefit from an alliance with the Mithraic Mysteries.
-[X] It'd be nice to work with a Kindred with beliefs beyond amassing blood, money, power, and boons.
Artie may not agree with their motives but I think he'd respect that they have principles and believe in something.
-[X] It'd be nice to work with a Kindred with beliefs beyond amassing blood, money, power, and boons.
Artie may not agree with their motives but I think he'd respect that they have principles and believe in something.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
That's what I get for answering each question individually before stitching it all together. I'll rewrite it slightly so that the continuity makes more sense.
- Location
- USA
I get the feeling whoever popped into his head, got on his personal hit list. That got a lot more personal than I expected, so good thing we backed up.
[X] [DEAL] Yes. Crossguard Security would benefit from an alliance with the Mithraic Mysteries.
-[X] It'd be nice to work with a Kindred with beliefs beyond amassing blood, money, power, and boons.
So far we've heard nothing that concerning. Heck I was surprised their worship is centralized around a person who might have achieved Golconda.
This has left me even more interested in learning more about Mithraic Mysteries. Artie may not become a worshipper, but one can gain a lot of perspective by learning about the teachings of other faiths.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Getting more involved with the Mithraic Mysteries is definitely on the table. Artie could become Pater of the Chicago Mithraeum, if they so desired. However, bear in mind that you've only seen the cult as it wishes to appear to those outside the faith...
It's less a personal grudge and more a desire not to make the Milwaukee domain appear weak to outsiders. It'd be like asking a state senator to talk shit about their constituency.
Personally I don't want to become a member of the Cult, but I'm okay with allying with them and learning about Mithraeum Mysteries out of curiosity.
Image is important and all that.
@Rogue Attican
How does the Cult of Mithras view the various clans of Kindred?
- Pronouns
- He/Him
As with so many other places in Kindred society, Clan Ventrue makes up a disproportionate percentage of the cult's leadership. It doesn't hurt that Mithras himself was a Blue Blood. However, the syndexioi respect strength above all, so it's quite possible for a Sewer Rat like Artie to ascend to the highest office should they prove themself a capable servant of Mithras. Arjun Shah is a Banu Haqim by vitae, though he has little in common with the majority aligned with the Ashirra.
However, two clans in particular have earned the wrath of Mithras: the Tremere and the Ministry. The Warlocks are untrustworthy usurpers-in-the-making, while the Setites reminded the Lord of Light too much of his ex, Kemintiri.
- Location
- USA
As far as joining goes I have no strong opinion. At the moment I'm interested in them as an ally and as yet another puzzle piece that is Golconda. Knowing where we can find such kindred to possibly pass that knowledge, if we do hypothetically achieve it, would be valuable.
Think of this like the Lasombra, as with all things kindred there are going to be elements that we will find distasteful, but there will also be elements we can easily work with.
…Minus the being in bed with one of the figureheads for said elements.
That makes sense! I hadn't realized it would come off that way. In my head I thought it'd be more along the lines of asking a Prosecutor if he can think of a Suspect who managed to escape Justice for one reason or another.
- Location
- USA
A part of me wants to look ahead and read some lore. But apart of me also doesn't want to, so I can be surprised when/if we learn more.
I'm looking forward to the next arc. I'm speculating it will most likely fall into one of these three scenarios.
1. The arc will focus on building a relationship between Syndexioi and Crossguard. Likely with a joint training operation that will no doubt go horribly wrong. This might involve more details of the deal being hashed out, maybe expanded into the game mechanics of how Crossguard might be utilized outside of Chicago and our immediate control. Using Assassin Creed as an example we can send X number of Units of appropriate XP to perform a Mission of varying Difficulty and if the rolls are a majority of a success, not only do they succeed but maybe theirs a bonus prize.
2. Someone we owe a debt to calls it in and we go on what will no doubt be a hair brain adventure with excitement, drama, intrigue and loads of inquisitive questions!
3. We get another choice of the next story arch or we are drawn into a mission due to our role as a Hound.