Live by the Sword

On Saturday, we played the Giovanni Chronicles, moving forward to the convention of Thorns. What's that you say? What's the Convention of Thorns? Without going through too many details, the Convention is meeting of vampires, called Kindred, to discuss certain issues that affect their kind. Namely, the Anarch Revolt.

Anarchs are young, inexperienced vampires who are attempting to throw off the tyranny of the Elders, old and powerful Kindred, who are desparate to maintain the status quo. In the middle of this is Santiago, a swordsman Embraced at the twiligth of his years. Although in essence, Santiago is young in terms of how long he has been a vampire, he is considered by the Anarchs as an elder because of the power in his blood.

Throughout the session, we were treated to discussions with famous Kindred who were choosing sides in the conflict. But the most profound discussion (at least for myself as a player) was when Santiago confronted a nameless Anarch who had accused him of murdering his friend.

Santiago, who sees himself as honorable and fair, fighting for the rights of all Kindred, nearly lost it when the Anarch started accusing him of supoprting the Elders tyranny. In the blink of an eye, he was inches from the fledgelings face, his fangs extended. Instead of attacking, Santiago rebuked him.

"I have lived by the sword and I will die by it. Your friend should have known that as soon as he wielded his blade against me. If you cannot accept that, then you have no business being here."

The Anrach, unable to return a smart remark, left.