(Mid 2010s, NYC)

Caine, known as the Father by all Kindred, was the first vampire to be made, having been turned into one by God himself for his crime of killing his younger brother Abel. Caine eventually spawned the second generation of vampires, who in turn spawned the third generation known as Antediluvians, god-like vampires who created the 13 Kindred clans that still exist today.

Each Kindred hails from one of 13 clans, which is their lineage, the “family” into which they were Embraced. The Banu Haqim, specializing in assassinations and collecting blood for rituals to bring them closer to their progenitor, hailing from their hidden fortress in the Middle East. The Brujah, a clan of radicals and troublemakers who were once philosophers, kings of an ancient civilization now only rebels and rogues. The Gangrel, bestial and untamed who often come to resemble the animals over which they demonstrate mastery. The Hecata, who practice the art of commanding the dead while commanding global finances. Lasombra, proud nobles who command the very essence of darkness and shadow, almost to the point of worship. Malkavian, a clan fractured by madness who were among the founders of the Camarilla. The Mesu Bedshet, also known as the Children of Rebellion or the Followers of Set who believe that Set will one day return to rule or consume the world. The Nosferatu, hideously disfigured by the Embrace, keep to the shadows in the sewers and traffic info they collect. Ravnos, who are nomads and tricksters who can force the mind to see what isn’t there. Toreador, Cainites that enjoy every sensual pleasure the world has to offer, idolizing physical beauty and the adoration of their thralls, who are responsible for the legends of vampires that seduce and entice their prey. Tremere, vampire sorcerers that wield the supernatural power of their past as a hermetic house, and arguably the most powerful clan in the modern era. The Tzimisce, eldritch old world lords who have little in common with the mortal world and can manipulate both flesh and bone at a whim. And finally, the Venture, one of the proudest line of vampires, whose members work hard to maintain a reputation for honor, genteel behavior and leadership. They not only consider themselves the oldest clan, but also see themselves as the enforcers of tradition and the rightful leaders of Kindred society, remaining the largest supporters of both the Camarilla and the Masquerade.

Laura Harrison, a Kindred from the Venture clan from 1800s England who came to America after the Civil War and was Embraced by the former Camarilla Prince in New York City, had recently become the new Prince of New York after taking their sire’s position due to his death at the hands of the Society of Leopold. After taking over, Laura began cleaning house, eliminating the known Sabbat Kindred and ruling with an iron fist over her city whilst maintaining the Masquerade.

However, rumor has been spreading throughout the clans in New York: an ancient Elder Kindred has been spotted in New York, their allegiance and what they are doing in this city being unknown to all. Only time would tell whether this Elder would fall in line with the Camarilla, or align themselves with the fanatical Sabbat…

“Francisco… what have you heard of this new Elder in my city?” Laura asked her assistant as she stared out the window of her penthouse, looking out into the darkness of the city.