City on the Elbe - Magdeburg 1211

Letter between Subject Celsus Obertus and Subject Gaius Menas Pelagius.

1211
Dear Gaius,
I trust that your travels in Europe are keeping you well, your continued correspondence has been a most entertaining read and has given us many interesting insights into the politics of the various Courts of Europe, there are those among our number who believe that some of these cities would make good locations for the establishment of some new safe houses and abbeys though perhaps by members of our number who will blend in better with European society. You will be glad to know that we are still going strong, despite the occasional attack by the more violent Viovodes, I have recently heard from Nilus that he his having some success in rebuilding one of our monasteries in the stabler parts of Byzantium.
This is not the reason I write to you however, your next destination has been decided. It has been decreed that you should travel to Magdeburg as soon as you are able, there are events unfolding within Lord Jurgens court that are of interest to us, hopefully this may also provide an opportunity for you to establish a new abbey and also perhaps give us a presence within the courts of the Black Cross. However, I should warn you that there may be a great deal of Usurper presence within the city, as their found breed is also moving to take advantage of the current political situation, you should also be careful that there will be members of our clan within the courts there, I cannot promise that there will be any familiar faces however as most likely these will be out Carpathian cousins who are often less than friendly towards our bloodline.
Be careful, move with caution.
Your Sire,
Celsus Obertus


Extracts from the Journal of Subject Gaius Menas Pelagius of the Obertus

Extract 89-94

1211
As you can tell from previous entries, I have been travelling Europe in the company of Osias of Clan Brujah and Kalidah of The Followers of Set. I suppose what many would be asking is that why would two god fearing members of the damned flock of god be travelling with one of the heathen followers of the church of set, who act to corrupt all of those they encounter through their trading of favours and vice? The answer to this is both simple and rather complex, I have known Kalidah for nearly eight years; a piffling amount of time to one of the undying such as me I admit, however in these years while Kalidah has attempted (and occasionally succeeded) into luring me into indulging my desires and vices she has repeatedly fought side by side with me, and despite numerous opportunities has yet to betray me or the rest of our companions despite numerous opportunities to do so. As such, while I cannot say I agree with her choice in religious practices, I have come to count her as a comrade. Further I feel that I owe her a great debt for her support in the events that transpired two years ago, for that alone I will defend her as she did me.
As for Osias, I believe that he travels with her out of interest, he is a scholar first and foremost and the opportunity to experience more of Europe and learn information about the religion and culture of the Followers of Set is far too tantalising a possibility to ignore. My retainers and followers have accompanied the travelling merchant families of Kalidah for some time now, passing from court to court and staying for a relatively limited time, often long enough for us to evaluate the social situation and the political topography as well as searching for some of Kalidah's clan mates. I have often taken the opportunity to garner boons and favours in the territories I pass through by exchanging knowledge or teaching a few of my talents (though not my rarest) and by plying the gift of moulding the human clay given to us by the lord. In exchange for these favours, I have usually requested financing, future favours as helping my clan establish a presence and occasionally one or two books or tomes that have caught my interest. I have been working hard to maintain contact with my Obertus brethren, such as some of my colleagues who are currently engaged in a similar activity to me by spreading the presence of the Obertus and gaining a foothold in one land or another, or those who remain in the Balkans and our remaining monasteries however I admit that contact through the usual mediums is difficult due to the fact that I am frequently travelling.
My sire is the individual I am most frequently in contact with, it his from him that I have received my latest orders from the Obertus. I am to travel to Magdeburg in the Court of the Black Cross, apparently there is something unfolding there that is of some importance to the elders, though I can't say I look forward to the presence of more usurpers and I worry that my Carpathian cousins will be less than happy to see me. Say one thing of the Usurpers, for all their politicking their clain isn't nearly as fractious as ours. I wonder whom among our previous travelling companions will be present in Magdeburg? I have been keeping in contact with Xavier Hugo of Clan Cappadocian, who is apparently working harder to study theology and the religious aspect of academia, perhaps there is hope for him yet, this has however led to some rather lively debates between the two of us.
I wonder what Magdeburg will be like, I have yet to learn to speak German, however I hope to quickly add the language to my repertoire. I'm sure that Kalidah or one of the other linguists among our small circle will be willing to teach me in exchange for a small favour. As for what will occur within the city on the Elbe, only God knows.


Fragment of a letter discovered in Alexandria Archive 57 belonging to Subject Khalidah


……I tire of this continual travelling, of this lack of faith in myself and in my divine mission. The world is intended to test me and try to unsettle my beliefs; it seems to build me up only to knock me back down again. This is not what I thought it would be like at all.
I thought I knew my heart and what I wanted, and yet since my return to Jerusalem only to be denied I feel lost and abandoned by the one I loved. We are so different that he is almost my antithesis – and yet I feel that I cannot give up on him, that he truly is the person with whom I am meant to be with. I had thought the blood hunt was in jest, but now I know much differently. I am certain I can get around it, if I can be given but a few moments with him.
Even as he denies the aid I gave him against his enemies and sends his followers to tear me apart, even as I feel the anger rise within me and unfurl about him, I will not give up on him. He is a gift, and like all offerings of the Dark God, he is a double edged sword to be used with caution. He is a double edged sword that seems to strengthen and weaken me in equal measure, able to turn on me at any time. I gave up so much to be with him, I am now a pariah of my own clan because of my inability to give up on a lost cause. I have never felt this way of anyone before, so I know it must be true. There is more to it than the blood: whatever he believes.
Even as I scribe my heart with his name, I cannot help but feel I must apologise to Talbot, but I know he will not have me; I also fear I only wish his company to fill the hole that Lucius has torn through me. I might go to him under the guise of needing his advice, only to end up in the same position as I was in before, only this time, he may well wish to do me harm. I should be concerned for my safety, and yet I am not so worried about the damage he could to me – I am ready to pass over with a clear conscience.
But not before I have made up with Lucius. He is in my blood, as I am in his…..

Letter discovered in Alexandria Archive 57 between Subject Khalidah and Subject Jaffar

Most Esteemed of Set

I thank you kindly for the loan of the books you sent with your last letter, and respectfully return previously leant tomes along with a few additions I have picked up across my travels. In particular, I draw your attention to the writings, copied in haste, from the collection of Gaius: though I know the clan has no interest in the mistruths of other faiths, there is a certain amount of interesting points that might be worthy of further investigation. I have many questions to discuss with you upon my return, but rather than burden this letter with my ignorance, I shall wait till I see you next, and see if I cannot figure some of them out on my own.
I am somewhat suspicious of the willingness of my companions to accompany me across the face of Christendom: as charming as I, I am not exactly cut from the same cloth as they themselves. They seem to have convinced by my ‘conversion’, and it will be a charade I continue throughout my travels. I am also intrigued by the notion of using it as a way of converting them to the true way of the Dark God – Gaius has weaknesses enough and indulges in them frequently enough, but Osius is still a mystery to me. Brujah are always a little…hard to crack though.
When we last spoke you were good enough to mention my previous failures: at the time, I had no words to say to you regarding the matter. Now, having meditated upon it awhile, and for the love I hold for you as my sire, I must respectfully point out that everyone has their failings, and how else can I learn without making a few mistakes? Have I not always taken care of the problems afterwards? I am certain that not even Great Set Himself was perfect, but that constantly striving for self- improvement and understanding was the way he taught us to survive.
As ever, send my well wishes to my brood-siblings, and I hope for your continued life and love.

Khalidah.

Extract from the Journal of Subject Xavier Hugo.

Thus did the "excitement" in Carcassonne came to an end. Khleda left soon after, and with her Gaius and Osaiis. I remained behind, studying under the careful if idiosyncratic tutelage of Irenie. She taught me much - not merely about Mortis, but about the wider purposes of our clan. Irenie held great favour for the virtues of reasoning and rational thought; these virtues, first and foremost, she imparted to me. We spent endless evenings walking through the cool night of the graveyard, as she gave me puzzle after unsolvable puzzle. And, largely, she seemed... satisfied... with my progress.

Dolphus, likewise, continued to tutor me, through the medium of ritual magic. Our conversations wandered over various and varied topics; we swapped news of our respected homes, and I introduced him to Irenie; we talked about our studies, and advances we had made in both the study of death, and the perfection of the arts of sorcery (his advances in both fields were significantly more impressive); and he continued to tutor me in the philosophies of the clan.

My studies were lacking, however - both my teachers agreed on this. While my pursuit of sorcerous knowledge was considered positively prodigal, my stubborn refusal to consider the fields of theology and politics resulted in, my tutors felt, a gaping holes in my education. The first was simply solved: Irenie appear at my haven one evening, arms laden with books of a religious nature, gathered from across the known world. Her instructions were simple: I was to read, and learn.

The second was less easily solved. No text I have read before or since has ever fully captured the infinite and subtle complexities of Cainite politics. This was something, Irenie and Dolphus agreed, that I would have to see for myself.

Thus it was that I was sent off to school - in the form of Magdeburg. I was to observe a great meeting, between the Clan Ventrue and others. It was there that I again met Khleda, and Gaius, and Osaiis...



Proclamation by Subject Jurgen, found in Vienna Archive 2.

Cainite Prelates of Christendom, I Jurgen , Lord of Magdeburg, Childer of Lord Hardestadt, paragon of Clan Ventrue., do invite all those who know and respect the might and power of our clan to attend the great festivities that will be held at our Elysium in the city of Magdeburg. All who acknowledge the superiority and position of our preeminent clan will be welcomed most warmly as dear friends, and will be gifted as deserves that friendship. For now in these dark times the true light of civillisation and rule of law shall be brought to the heathen lands of the east, where the savage and barbarian have ruled the night too long. None may stand in the way of divinely appointed order, for the earth must match the heavens, and all of mankind must be brought under the rule of the one true faith. Have it known that those who stand against us, stand against reason and peaceable society itself, they shall not be spared in their fates.

Lord Jurgen

Prince of Magdeburg

March 1211


All Letters found in Vienna Archive 2

Letter 1 between Subject Albin and Subject Lucretia

My Lady,

While his grace Lord Jurgen may very well be enjoying the accolades and applause of his supporters and friends in his recently proclaimed venture, I can assure you that this is not the case for the burgesses of the city. Our numbers have grown too great for the city and not enough herd has been brought or provided for by the visiting Cainites. The people fear to walk the street and suspect our presence, though they are unable to fathom it. I urge you to speak to Lord Jurgen on this, lest inaction bring down doom upon us all.

Albin

March 25th 1211.

Letter 1 between Subject Kara and Subject Rustovich

My Lord, Sovereign of the East.

I have as you commanded delivered your words to the warlord Jurgen in his court at Magdeburg. He and his simpering sycophants have not the wisdom or the sense to hear reason. It is to be war. Knights of the German Order will soon be dispatched into your territory. I shall attempt to serve your ends here as best I can until it is no longer possible for me to remain. I have heard rumours that the Gangrel Morrow and her pack are in the city and have attacked numerous convoys on the road between Magdeburg and Hildesheim.

Kara Vlaszy Lupescu

March 26th 1211

Letter 1 between Subject Tancred of Benevento and an unknown recipient.

Dearest Friend,

I have conversed with the Patrician Lord Jurgen, and have gained his word concerning the boy Frederick. Otto may wear the crown currently but Jurgen will not interfere if a new contender should arise to claim it. His and indeed Hardestadt’s eyes are firmly locked on the East. Hungary is their prize. Preparations may now begin for the boy’s journey North, Genoa appears favourable. Mithras’s puppet will not last long, the Toreador of the Empire have already turned more in favour of their French cousins and our brethren in Rome have the ear of the Curia. Capetian dominance may soon be assured.

Tancred

March 26th 1211.

From the journal of Xavier Hugo, of Clan Cappadocian, Carcassone 1211; translated from original Chaldean...

Oh, don't things just keep getting better?

I had but one small piece of good fortune this night - not a word spoken between myself and Vykos. I awoke and left the inn early, tracking down a local crypt to partake of the draught of blood and ashes - I figured I would need it for another night at Elysium, and I was not disappointed. Khleda and Gaius continued to snipe at me about Vykos' insane obsession.

My one brief relief was an enjoyable little sojourn with Osaiis down the river. It seems that the Prince was expecting one of the German river boats to arrive bearing some important cargo, and it was not too long before we discovered exactly why it was delayed - for it had been driven into the bank, and all its crew killed. Out of the mist appeared Morrow herself, as well as several of her followers. What followed was a civil enough conversation; Morrow politely requested us to return to Jurgen and relay her assurances that the stolen cargo (a stash of valuable silver bars) would be used to arm an army to stop his expansion. We were also given a letter.

It wasn't until we got back, of course, that things became complicated. Firstly, I discovered an exsanguinated body by the side of the road - not a victim of a visitor hunting out of the allowed area, as first I thought, but actually a victim of Albin. That soon became the least of my concerns, however, as the Toerador's precious lost sword was found in the possession of the Ravnos. They have been arrested, but Alais is convinced they are innocent - and I must say, I am tempted to agree. It is far too neat, and even the Ravnos would not be so foolish as to steal a item of such obvious political importance.

Further, we have been approached by the Keeper of Elysium herself (who, being the one who engaged the service of the Ravnos as entertainers, has fallen out of Lord Jurgen's favour) to investigate the matter. Who could it be? The untrustworthy Tremere, who stand to gain by becoming Jurgen's 'trusted advisers'? The emissary from the Courts of Love, who seeks to use the fact she was falsely accused as political leverage? The Gangrel, engaging in a twofold attack, both obvious and subtle? Perhaps, of course, it is Albin - who the rumours state was Prince of Magdeburg, until he was deposed by Jurgen. But... no, Albin would not have framed the Ravnos, but would have spirited the sword away completely, leaving the alliance between Jurgen and the French Toreador to crumble.

So; it could be the Tremere, being content to prove their worth to Jurgen, then affix the blame to a notoriously untrustworthy low clan, thereby wrapping the matter up nicely (I shall have to see if I can discuss this with Fredrickson - he may have information). It could, again, be the Toreador, seeking to force Jurgen onto the defensive, having falsely accused her of betrayal. It could well be the Ravnos engaged in some unlikely double-bluff...

Ye gods, politics is complicated. What did Irenie hope I would learn here, other than that my dislike of the ways of court has been quite right all along?

It grows late - the sun rises soon. Tomorrow night - another court, more intrigue, more danger.

Xavier


Letter 1 Between Subject Henrich von Achern and an unknown recipient.

Everything has gone according to plan. Lord Jurgen has put the Lasombra fools fear’s to rest with his promises of neutrality over the position of Emperor. He has promised that Hardestadt and the Ventrue of the Empire will take no action concerning the rivals Otto and Frederick. Otto and his army are ready and by now should be crossing the Alps in to Italy to meet the ill prepared boy head on. The Lasombra are as of yet unaware. To think that we would stand for one of their puppets as Emperor! They shall return to the Sea of Shadows with their dark tails between their legs!

Jurgens plans continue apace here in the east, it appears that war will soon be upon us, Kara Lupescu and her master Rustovich are arming I have no doubt. Lord Jurgen is displeased, a shipment of silver bullion has gone missing on the Elbe having left Freiheim. Word is that Morrow is responsible.

Until next time,

Heinrich

March 27th 1211.

Extracts from the Journal of Subject Gaius Menas Pelagius of the Obertus

Extract 95-97

March 2011
The events that have transpired so far in Magdeburg have given me much to consider, as I saw in Constantinople and Carcassone the events that transpire around me are dizzying in scope and as I have been told by Akuji and Myca Vykos: Shadows within Shadows. There is little that a piece as small as I can do to truly do to influence the moves of individuals such as Rustovich and Lord Jurgen, this does not mean however that action is pointless. Kahlidah and myself have occupied ourselves by engaging in investigations of our own, and because of our actions in causing the arrest of the Ravnos Silas and others we have been given the task of who is truly behind the events that transpire here. I fear that we might not ever find out, Kalidah and Alliases visions have been less than helpful on the subject, myself, I lack the ability to glean such knowledge from people and objects. In fact I feel that evening that the sight that I have been blessed with by the lord our god was stunted and weakened, indeed, I poured much of my will into it but gained nothing in return. Most frustrating I can assure you.
The unwanted affections of Myca Vykos upon Xavier continue to amuse me greatly, I feel that Xavier has let his pride cloud his judgment and fill what he considers to be sterile and divorced thinking into the actions of a child having a tantrum. Which while highly amusing gains him nothing more than pain as Vykos continues to torment him, all the while alluding to some sort of mark that he has left upon Xavier, I'm beginning to suspect that he is perhaps being somewhat literal and less metaphysical. While I acknowledge that I am flawed and limited myself, Xavier’s actions will only serve to cause him greater pain in the future, he needs to learn to back down and capitulate more often, surely a couple of nights under his ministrations would not be so remiss and would gain him a powerful ally? Unlike myself he does not have to worry about the toll that licentious actions would take upon his soul, after all being a heretic he is damned in Gods eyes already and condemned to eternal suffering in hell. A fate that I fear I may join him in due to my own sins and weakness, Oh, how I wish that I could console myself with the promise of purgatory or even eternal salvation but as always visions of the pit and its fallen keeps return in my dreams taunting me with my past transgressions. I feel that I am even more forsaken now, having tasted the forbidden flower of the amaranth and drank of the soul of another kindred. I have never felt such a rush before, beyond what I previously considered to be the most delicious of all fleshly sins. It is a dark and tempting mistress, more tempting even then the supple curves and slavic features of Natalys, I can sometimes feel its sirens call in my blood, tempting me for another taste and another rush of stolen power.
On the subject of the most forbidden of kindred sins (and yet, like all sins, so often indulged) Fletcher managed to quite deftly enrage me with a comment based upon my previous transgressions and I managed to lose control of my beast again, as a mortal I would never have imagined something so powerful and willful could dwell within the heart of man. Before I knew it I had dug my claws into the leathery flesh of his face and dealt him a rather painful blow, a most satisfying attack I say so myself. I had to fight the urge to lap up the blood, for I forced myself to come to my senses and realise that this would be playing into the usurpers plans. As much as I may hate my uncouth and pathetic Carpathian cousins, who foolishly have shed the forms given to them by god and donned monstrous countenances, I hate the devious usurpers more. They have stolen power that is not theirs, they pretend to power and might among Cainite ranks without possibly understanding the history and great power of the ranks that they stand among, what fool willingly grants himself eternal damnation?! What fool shoulders the curse of Caine willingly, if not joyously, with stolen blood none the less!
Before I lose my cool and reason, I should shift onto another topic. I have began to consider that there are many things that I have not been taught about the practices and traditions of my clan that I should learn in the coming years, and spending time in the east viewing their horrific works has made me consider that the applications of the creators shaping arts of flesh and form are somewhat limited as practiced by the Obertus currently, as ghoulish as the Carpathian applications are they seem to reach an understanding that many who have practiced the ways of the Obertus seem to have not. I am not at all suggestion that shedding the human form and progressing to something more monstrous is the key to understanding our inner selves and reaching divine transcendence, as the most mighty of gods creations and crafted in the creators image we must acknowledge that the human form was given to us for a reason. As much as the curse was forged for a reason, and all things in creation have their purpose.
Instead I am coming to the realisation that transcendence cannot possibly rely on the understanding and advancement of ones spiritual self alone, those thought alone would be considered somewhat heretical by the Obertus, but I cannot help but consider that if we are truly able to transcend and become one with our lord we cannot possibly neglect our physical selves. I feel that the problem with the Obertus and my Carpathian cousins is that we have both been too focused on merely one aspect of existence, some have been too far focused on the spiritual side and the support of that spiritual aspect and others have been too focused on merely the physical.
Consider, is the world not made from both flesh and spirit? The Cathars made a good point that it is in the physical world that many sins existed, but consider not that there are as many sins of spirit as there are flesh, the world of spirit and flesh are both corrupted by human inequity and failings. I cannot possibly phantom the work of Yah Wei, considering that I could do so would be blasphemy and hubris of the worst kind, what mortal could possibly understand the works of the creator better than the divine and holy himself? Instead I believe that to attain the transformation that my clan has been long searching for one must study both the physical and the spiritual, to do so gaining as much understanding of Gods creation as possible, I intend to do so by studying other beings within his creation and by attempting to divine their purpose and how they fit within the divine order, as well as attempting to understand the spiritual make up of the heathens as even in the roughest and most displeasing of rocks jewels and veins of wisdom may be found if one searches hard enough. Honing my own physical form is another step I have now begun considering taking, after all, I have turned my flesh crafting talents upon others for favours before and I work my flesh frequently to return it to its original form. Why shouldn't I turn my works upon myself and seek to perfect myself, so long as I remain motivated by attempting to understand gods creation and imitate his great works, in particular the beauty of some of his angelic servants, rather than motivated by base human greeds I should remain true to the cause.
I must finish my ramblings, as dawn approaches and I must rest once again before another night of frivolity and political upheaval approaches. I find myself missing the company of my childer more and more, I shall have to right to her soon, I miss her insights despite her relative youth and her faith serves only to fill me with increased strength and resolve when my own falters.
Gaius Menas Pelagius of the Obertus


Letter between Subject Lord Jurgen and Subject Hardestadt

My Lord,

The fiends have sent their token declaration of war. The have attempted to bait me into reckless actions, it shall not work. The host is ready and we shall march forwards. All is prepared; order and civillisation shall reign, all under the Black Cross.

Jurgen

Prince of Magdeburg

March 29th 1211

Proclamation 2 by Subject Lord Jurgen

To all Cainites within the domain of the city of Magdeburg. Be it known that the one known as Jervais Bani Tremere, of the usurping Clan Tremere, is here by as of this date, under the sentence of Blood Hunt. This is fitting punishment for the crimes and deceptions that he and his associates have committed here in Magdeburg in an attempt to undermine and destroy the bonds of friendship long held between myself and the Court of Love.

Jurgen

Prince of Magdeburg

March 31st 1211