Deacon Hill Chantry.

Appearance.

History

Horizon Realm

Politics.

Stats.

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Appearance: The Chantry is located in a huge mansion in excess of over 100 rooms, with almost an acre of land surrounding it. Although located, now, in the center of a large city, the mansion has still managed to maintain much of its mystique and privacy.

Built in the Mid-18th century the mansion is built to mirror an ancient castle located in Europe, the home of the �Deacons�. The gothic towers, and turrets give it a  strong, eerie presence, despite the fact it is home to a large amount of people. The locals mutter of dark deeds in its past, and many shiver as they walk in its shadow, but strangely its inhabitants ,although considered �eccentric�, are treated well. Within its extensive grounds the remains of an aviary, and an impressive and well kept maze provide some pleasant scenery.

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History: In the mid-18th Century the wealthy nobleman, Thomas Deacon, built a large mansion on the then outskirts of town. A noted philanthropist he turned his home into a school for gifted youngsters. This school continued for many years, until his sudden death in a mine accident out of town. With the beginning of the American Civil war the majority of his pupils died in the battles. The house fell disused, and over the following years a great mystique began to gather. Over time as the city expanded the mansion became visible, and suddenly those who stalked in the city became interested in it.

The real story is somewhat more interesting. Thomas Deacon was a young Child of Gaia from Boston, following a vision quest, he and his pack opened a cairn on the site of the mansion. To make his actions feasible, he constructed the story of the school for gifted children. In reality all the teachers and students were Garou or Kinfolk, and members of the cairn. The Cairn was powerful and successful, only failing upon the death of its leader Deacon in battle against the Wyrm. No one else was capable of uniting the disparate tribes, and when the country ruptured, the Sept. was abandoned. Before they left the last Theurge performed a ritual of closure, the house fell silent and empty. However the last ritual had not been performed perfectly, and the cairn leaked power. This explained the strange phenomena. This Theurge also left a curse, to prevent the house being used by the Wyrm, indeed this curse still prevents  the current occupants being able to gain access to the main cairn area.

The house remained dormant, and for the most part ignored until it was claimed by a distant relative of Deacons. Rumors abounded that the documents were false, and that the strange new inhabitant had made his money by unfair means. Count Vladimir Nevsky claimed to be descended from the Russian Czar, and had suffered so badly during the Flu epidemic, and his escape from the terrible Bolsheviks, that his doctors instructed that he remain indoors throughout the day. However his tenure in the place was not long, his body was found riddled with bullet holes, a year to the day he moved in. Again the house fell empty, and now the house was easily sighted from the suburbs.

Unfortunately the cairn attracted the attention of a Russian Tremere. Count Nevsky had indeed fled Russia from his former herd and the Brujah. However unlike many of refugees Vladimir fully earned the fury of the peasantry. For decades, stretching back even to his mortal years, he had performed sadistic experiments and satanic rituals initially to increase his life span, and later on to increase his power. He continued these rituals upon his arrival in America, using the cover of the Flu, he preyed on the city for both food, and components. When the Prince learned of his diabolism and his experiments began to threaten the masquerade itself, he slaughtered Nevsky himself, leaving a flesh-crafted ghoul in his place. The souls he tortured in some of the rooms, still haunt the mansion, as does the spirit of Nevsky. He continues to �corrupt� young mages even to this day, attempting to convert them to the Nephandis. His success recently has led to the death of many members of the Chantry, as he encourages his �pupils� on. The other ghosts are mainly shades, incapable of response, and those that aren�t are �bound� by powerful rituals preventing them from communicating with the new inhabitants. The mere presence of such supernatural activity has led to both the Arcanum maintaining an active file on the property, and the Prince maintaining tabs, lest Nevsky return. Mundane humans will not remain in the house, regardless of cost, even normal mortals feel the spirits pain, psychics have trouble even looking at a picture of the place.

A greedy property developer attempted to purchase the property then, however a new city ordnance led to the mansion (much to the horror of the locals) being designated as a site of heritage, the property developer retreated, and by the 60�s the property was no longer protected and was sold by auction. The bidders were a weird group of college students and rejects from further South. This group produced poetry, music and small pamphlets that would inspire the Hippy generation in this area. This group seemed to fade as the 70�s went on, although they still own the building it has now became a �communal� building, if someone can pass a vote of all members, and is willing to maintain a room, they may move in. Many small groupings have now moved into areas, and some families have began to arrive. The homes in the area realizes (subconsciously) that the house seems to push out the nastier elements, and that its inhabitants, if odd, are good to have around.

In the late 40�s John Elliot, a local english student and poet, persuaded two of his friends, Abraham Mallor & J.C King,  to break into the house for a research project. The three friends lives were to be changed completely, each was unaware of their potential, all three awakened as mages within the mansion. The house, which had so stubbornly refused to yield to Nevsky, opened up to Elliot quiet friend Abraham. Realizing that they had found something, the three returned to town, they were welcomed into the fold of the traditions (who had used this event as a catalyst.). Gathering support from some of the weaker traditions, and the Cultists, Elliot was able to purchase the mansion at auction. Establishing a �free university� they welcomed all those who were willing to teach, study and learn. The Chantry flourished and became respected. With this respect came jealousy and anger, the local technocracy raided the Chantry in the late 50�s, the Chantry although acquitting itself well lacked the defensive strength to withstand such an assault. Many Chantry members died defending the Chantry, and the Cult of Ecstasy faction was almost totally destroyed. Elliot was killed, King vanished during the battle and has never been seen since. Abraham the surviving Deacon, the Dreamspeaker was never powerful in politics and was unable to prevent the takeover by Kane and Flood, who altered the nature of the Chantry permamently. They establish a strict hierarchy to �protect the Chantry', began to discriminate against the cults and became selective in who they allowed in. Finally, to the disgust of the remaining original members of the Chantry, Flood established a peace treaty with the Vampiric Prince of the city.

Flood using at best questionable methods was able to �break� into part of the original cairn, a large underground series of tunnels and �nooks�. Some of the Chantry maintain labs here, sarcastically named Fraggle Rock by the younger members of the Chantry. The origin of these caves is often debated - some hypothesize that they were perhaps Faerie held, others that they once homed the local Indians, others still that they are a burial ground. To date all of these views has been equally popular, and a young adept can make a good name for himself by suggesting evidence to support a view. In any eventuality it is possible to access the horizon realm easily from here. With Abraham almost entirely dropping out of politics in the 80�s, he has been replaced by Tuo Bahn, an Akashiac who guards the node. The Chantry has recently suffered attacks by technocracy, rival tradition Chantries and a major assault by the Nephandis. These attacks have removed powerful scholars, and promising students alike and as such the reputation of the Chantry is on the wane. Also many mages have complained that the spirits have of late become more violent, disrupting experiments and causing nightmares. All in all the future is faced with uncertainty, with the fear that winter is coming soon for the Chantry.

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Horizon Realm.

Lirana - the name of the huge horizon realm linked to the Chantry.

The horizon realm appears to be a huge Italian cityscape of the renaissance period. Ruled over by the Doge Cesare, an old man of 70, who has already selected his successor. The Doge is ruled by his ever-resent advisors (the deacons of the Chantry). The actual cityscape, similar to Venice, is built on canals, and is hugely overpopulated by apparently normal human beings. Swordsman, thief�s, academics and nobleman operate, some of whom are �enhanced� as the result of the freak leaks of power, or the actions of the �academy� as they refer to the magi. The academy itself is a large building, surpassed in size only by the Doge�s palace itself. Large towers and marble pillars, the inhabitants of the town are routinely amused by the �crazy� inventions as Sons of Ether (and Cultists lampooning them) allow their imagination to take control. In addition almost all mages �create� a townhouse suited to their personality - Flood has an ancient townhouse, Abraham has a small house with perhaps the most beautiful courtyard in town etc.

These inventions dominate the environment, indeed the locals often have anachronistic technologies, in the style of Michaelangelo. Flying machines, steam powered boats and odd printing presses. Here, although science and reason are regarded well, fantastic machines are protected from the disbelief of our time. Ironically enough one of the more unusual humans has been named Michaelangelo as he himself has created many inventions in this style.

The city appears to have food brought into market, and through the ports. In addition the city appears to be a powerful trade nation, with the subsequent diplomatic �problems�. Consequently a mortal named Othello ,by the Deacons, recruits and leads the army in battle. The guards for the Chantry are selected from this stock - as are normal servants. To date only inhabitants of the horizon realm will remain in the house, and so act as �assistants� to the mages.

The Horizon realm provides the following bonuses to spheres  +3 to Life, matter, mind, forces and spirit.

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Politics

Internally this Chantry will soon rip itself apart. The Chantry is still run by the ancient college methods of the Hermetics, and Sons. A triumvirate of Deacons runs the Chantry dishing out the labs and tass. An orthodoxy of sorts has been imposed, and traditions not of the triumvirates liking are being pushed out.

 Only 3 of the original members of the Chantry survive- Abraham, a Dreamspeaker, Thompson, an almost useless Cultist, and Havana,  who is believed to be an Orphan. These three have little power, although Abraham has begun to pull a small group of undesirables under his wing and protection, supplying them with Tass from his own private supply. In addition the years have made him wise, and he is the only person who technically owns the Chantry. Realizing this he intends once again to remove Kane from the Deacon�s triumvirate, and to reestablish the hippy ideals of the Chantry.

In addition the cabal charged with protecting the Chantry - the Raiders- have begun to hunt other supernatural, particularly vampires, who frequent the area near the Chantry. This will break the fragile peace established by Flood with the Prince of the city. Their task has been made easier due to the fact that library boasts an impressive amount on Kindred Lore, especially Toreador and Tremere.

Kane, unfortunately, has fallen prey to the Count�s advances - he has deliberately stirred up the internal divisions, to weaken the Chantries members. So far he has achieved this ability with a fearful success rate, he fears only Abraham, who he believes (correctly) is plotting against him, has communicated with the spirits and knows of the Count (correct). Consequently he has begun to target indirectly Abraham�s supporters in attempt to totally isolate the old fool. Kane is a Son of Ether barabbi. In addition as he holds control over the syllabi - he is slowly corrupting all the young students in the Lyceum cabal.

Current Cabals.

Deacons Triumvirate - the most powerful grouping;

Jebediah Flood - an Order of Hermes, Master of Prime and Forces. Responsible for external relations.                                                                                                               Kane - Son Of Ether Barabbi, Master of Matter and Forces. Demonic investments. Responsible for research and teaching material.                                                                 Tuo Bahn - Akashic Brotherhood. Master of Life and Mind. Charged with Chantry Security.

Raiders - 5 members led by a Euthantos named Raphael. Responsible to Tuo Bahn for Chantry security. Currently very radical and militant- are beginning to remove undesirables (e.g. crooks, vampires) from preying on the surrounding area. Spheres are of middling power, and geared towards combat.

Lyceum - a 7 member cabal of low power. All are reasonably young students (mainly  O of H/ S of E), of low power.

Rubcek�s Children: A moderate power cabal of 6. Led by a S of E named Mallochai, they are studying cybernetics. Currently they are spending a lot of time in the Horizon realm, and hiding what they are doing.

Abraham�s Group - about 6 members of disparate Chantries and power. Most of this grouping spend a lot of time monitoring the spirit defenses of the Chantry, and in the horizon realm.

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Stats.

The official stats.

Physical:

Physical: Spooky (+5) : Extensive Grounds, gothic architecture, urban myths.                         Location (+5) : Within a city, close to many attractions.                                                   Chantry: Large (-10): Mansion - many rooms, extensive grounds and underground caverns.                                                                                                                                    Land Status (-5): Mansion - 33% privately owned by Abraham, although rest commonly held to a �trust�, managed by Flood.                                                                  Physical Repair (-5) : Although it is to an old design the Chantry has been maintained by its occupants to have up to date mod-cons, and research facilities.                               Library (-10) : extensive and renowned library. Total study points 70 (these are replenished by teaching, new artifacts added.) Generally if 7 for any subject, but 5 in Vampire lore, Garou lore, medicine.                                                                                       Labs (-3) : Superior labs, well equipped. However preferential treatment in favor of cabals researching technologies.  Order of Hermes gain best non-science labs. Other traditions have to share, or gain crummy labs.

Security:                                                                                                                         Mundane : State of the art - electronic (-10)                                                                                                      Guardians: Mundane Guard force selected from Horizon Realm. These forces are hereditary, with some adepts 20 normal, 5 adepts (-13)                                                      Average Fortifications: High walls, grounds and fortifications on turrets.                                Supernatural: Guardian (-25): Torrance - an immortal who is obsessed with contacting his lost love, and resurrecting her spirit in an immortal body. Consequently heavily involved with Mallochai Cabal. He is a loyal, powerful supernatural (lvl 6.).                     Wards : Defensive (-25)- whole Chantry against vampires. 5 pt Ward (dif 9/ 2 agg.)          Protective (-5) - against the main library (dif 9).

Other Details: State of the art communications (-2) - designed by S of E, VA�s.               Well Documented (-1) - In Arcanum records, area considered Elysium by Prince. Watchers are aware of Torrance.                                                                                                Lots of committed servants (-15) : selected from Horizon Realm.                    

Supernatural:

Status: 3, Reputation : Good 3- its reputation as a teaching college is good, but following heavy attrition its research is falling.                                                                      Mage Society : Frequently Raided (+10) - Enemy Chantries, technocracy and nephandi. Haunted (+15) - Spirits, some violent, most uncommunicative. Causing occasional nightmares and Interference. Evil demonic spirit corrupting the inhabitants.                     Mild Curse (+5) - some rooms cant be accessed, or for experiments. Normal mundanes wont stay the night.                                                                                                                Dark Secret (+2) - Unknown Curse, or how to remove it. One of Deacons is Barabbi.  

Internal Politics: Strict Hierarchy (+10) - old college, run to Order of Hermes rules          Conflicting loyalties (+5) - Deacons/ Abraham - Kane and rest.                                        Rogue Cabal (+5) - raiders are beginning to hunt vampires.                                                 Stuffy Leadership (+5) - The leadership hasn�t changed in decades refuse to adopt new methods.

Node: Huge (-35) : In underground caverns - called Lirana.                                               Average amount of Tass (-2) - Created in small trinkets in Maze, 15pts Only Abraham can harvest it.                                                                                                                           Shallowing: Average - caused by reciting a nursery rhyme out loud in Maze, or chanting in the main realm.

Horizon Realm.

Average (-5): Appears to be an Italian Renaissance cityscape. Navigation by strange steam punk, odd inventions.                                                                                                      Overpopulated with Dangerous Inhabitants (-20): Filled to the brim with all sorts of dangerous humans - mercenaries, assassins and thugs.                                                          Modern Society (-5): Ruled by the Doge Cesare, and a ruling council of Deacons. Two above averages humans control technology (Michaelangelo) & Military (Othello). Appears to be trading with other states and involved in diplomacy with neighbours.         Transumbral communication (-5) - A visual and Audio signal to the Academy established by the VA/ S of E. The Deacon�s each own a separate link.

Benefits (-30): +3 to Life, Matter, Mind, Forces and Spirit.

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