Sunday, 27 August 2017

Lorey: Origin Story






So you want to get to know the real me, huh? No more persona's, no more code names. The real.. Lorey. Well, it's not something I share freely, or eagerly.. but for now, I guess I can make an exception. My life has changed so much, recently, and so rapidly. Maybe it is time to look back.
So, Lorey. Not Belle, Noa, Sarah, Anastasia.. Heh, it's been so long since I've used any of those covers. I'm not even sure if I ever will, again.

I was born Lore de Vos, I'll get to the name change later, in Antwerp, Belgium. Even though we lived in the city, we lived on the outskirts, the 'bad part of town'. My parents weren't rich, far from it in fact. They had been high school lovers, and had me when they were barely graduated. Stubbornly, they insisted on raising me alone, and alienated their families in the process.
They hadn't been addicts, at least not back then, but they used drugs recreationally on occasion. With money running out quickly as they tried to provide me a good life, they started selling drugs on the side, and eventually producing it themselves. This, at least, ensured I was fed and dressed, and nobody asked questions.

I did well enough in school, I liked a lot of the subjects and the teachers seemed pretty fond of me. My peers.. a different story. I wasn't the most social kid, and with me never able take anyone home because of the whole..  drug lab thing.. I guess the bullying was inevitable. So, I tried to survive by keeping my head down, doing my work and pretended I didn't hear them whisper.

My parents were really, really bad at keeping their dealings a secret from me. I mean, in general it's hard to keep a secret from me, even back then.. But even at a young age I knew exactly how they made their money. Eventually, I started to help them out with their business. First I would just help bag product, later I'd help mix the less dangerous chemicals. I remember how uncomfortable it would make them, seeing how quickly I caught on to all this stuff, and how much of a knack I seemed to have for it.

In my first year of high school, however, they started to accept it more. They saw the high marks I got in Science and Chemistry, and would allow me nearly free reign of their lab. It felt.. awesome. Being that good at something, having this one place where I could shut the world out and understand something so well. It wouldn't take long before I surpassed my parents in skill.

But, it didn't last. Somehow, someone must've gotten suspicious, and our house was raided. My mom and dad were locked up and I was put in a foster home. It.. never worked out. They tried to turn me into a normal kid, but with the life I'd lived up until that point.. I wasn't gonna fit into that mold. So I ran, a lot. And they'd catch me every time, and try to fit me in with a different family, until they gave up on that and just started putting me in youth detention centers because I got up to so much trouble.

For me, that turned out to be a much better place to be in. Being around a lot of troubled kids taught me even more ways to survive. It was shockingly easy to manipulate others to get my way. I started to become very good at observing people, at understanding what made them tick. Teaching me how to pull their strings to get exactly what I wanted. Again, I felt great to be that good at something. It made me feel.. in control. But still, I lacked freedom. So when I broke free, I decided to go somewhere I thought they wouldn't find me; another country.

I figured my name, Lore, was too recognizable as Belgian.. so I started introducing myself as Lorey. To the people I trusted, anyway. It was around that time that I began to hide my identity more. Persona's like Belle, Noa.. that's when they came to life.

In my travels north, I didn't get very far. Selling drugs along the way, some of them of my own design, I eventually settled in Amsterdam. Even then, I knew this wasn't far enough to be truly free, but.. I got comfortable. I made a killing in the Dutch capital, and it got to my head. I thought I was untouchable.

During one particular deal, I got careless. I hadn't vetted this 'client' properly, and they turned out to be a lure, a cop undercover to bust dealers. Thankfully, I didn't get jail time. Instead, they placed me in a high security rehabilitation center. I'd never used my own product, but it seemed wiser to let them believe I did.

As much as I hated myself at the time for letting myself get busted like that, that center is where I met her. Maria Vanderhoff. She seemed.. larger than life, back then. Despite being deeply broken inside, she kept up appearances so well.
I was at the lowest point in my life, then. I'd lost the freedom I so desperately craved, with nobody but myself to blame. And despite her own suffering, Maria was there for me. She just had this way about her, that made you believe everything she said. And while she certainly used that power to rally others to do her bidding, she also displayed such a good, caring nature.. Or at least, that's how it felt to me.

Over time, we grew very close, and we became somewhat of a team. I was able to work from the shadows, wrap people around my finger. And she was this figure of absolute authority, that nobody dared to cross. But, we also opened up to each other. We shared a lot of the pain we were carrying with out. In hindsight, we helped each other much more than the therapists in the center ever did, or maybe could.

But one day, she was gone. Someone.. had pulled some strings, and got her released early. Later I would find out that this someone was Van Leeuwen, the vampire Prince of Amsterdam at the time. And for a time, I was lost again. Started to keep to myself again, not talking to anyone unless I absolutely had to. Until the message came that I was to be released early as well.

Somehow, Maria, now a Childe to the Ventrue, had convinced her Sire to let me on as her Ghoul. At the beginning, I was overjoyed. I had my freedom back, and I was able to truly put my skills to the test. I quickly learned Van Leeuwens true nature, however. He never lay a hand on me, but the things he did to Maria.. and I doubt she let me in on the true depth of his depravity. I couldn't sit idly by and let this happen to someone that basically saved my life, and helped me grow into the person that I wanted to be. I pitched a plan to her, to overthrow the Prince and secure her a position of power.

With a little help from a local Toreador, Sebastian, the gave the bastard his Final Death, and me and Maria lobbied hard to get her installed as the new Prince of Amsterdam.

And things were good.. for a while. I was still Maria's Ghoul, as well as assistant and confidante, but somewhere I'd hoped she would've Sired me, after all was said and done. At first I hoped, eventually I started hinted at it and then outright demanding it. But, she always refused.

But then, after a mission with two very disturbed Malkavians gone very, very bad.. I got my wish, sort of. The curse one of them left on me forced Maria's hand. Still, she would not Sire me herself. Instead, she had me Sired into clan Lasombra.. a Sabbat clan.

It.. took a little while to find my way, after that. And I don't think I'm quite there yet. I sought out the Sabbat for a while after my Siring, claiming to have broken away from the Camarilla. It turns out infiltrating an opposing faction isn't the smartest idea when they're all sadistic killers. Again, I had nobody to blame but myself. And again.. Maria saved me.

And that's where I am, now. Trying to find my place in this world, in Kindred society. Playing with all these new strengths and.. powers. Like.. this one. Mhmm..? But of course, that's me you can feel creeping up your back.. Or rather, the shadows I control.

Now, that's enough reminiscing for one night.. I think I'd rather spend those last hours til sunrise demonstrating the true power of clan Lasombra..

Thursday, 11 August 2016

The Selene Effect - Chapter 5 - 6


Story by Stephen Elmy
Narration by Lisa Indigo




Begin log Selene Shepard 5:

 So now I was as ‘powerful’ as Saren, I only answered to the Council, and if I chose not to listen to anyone else, then they couldn't stop me; I now knew how it felt to be Maria Vanderhoff *giggle*.  You would think I would simply jump on the fastest ship off the Citadel and make Saren fit into a small box, but my curiosity became piqued by hearing about someone known as 'The Asari Consort'.
I mentioned I find the Asari fascinating, but this was different! By all accounts this consort sounded like a Kindred, despite how impossible it should have been, but the level of awe, control, mystery and influence she seemed to have over everyone seemed nothing short of breathtaking... I just 'had' to know more... Her name was Sha'ira according to the Asari girl at the entrance to her establishment, an enigmatic name to go with an enigmatic Asari I thought... Apparently the establishment was some kind of Therapy-like in-house Escort kind of place.  The clientele I could see from the entrance seemed very happy, almost too happy... I had to keep repeating 'there are no Asari Kindred' to myself, especially given the first-hand experience I had already had trying to feed off one!  So how could Kindred ever turn one without turning into a Smurf!? I did giggle at imagining Maria with blue skin though *giggle*.  I asked about making and appointment with Sha'ira and wasn't surprised to hear the waiting-time was 3 to 4 months... So I asked about an appointment with any of Sha'ira's Asari staff, which would get me in the door and closer to learning Sha'ira's secrets, but again I was told the waiting time was 3 to 4 months.  I then realised with equal annoyance and intrigue that Sha'ira's Asari had been conditioned to be immune to both visual and psychological influence!  Feeling defeated, but vying to find another way, I turned to leave.  Suddenly, I heard a voice from the back and the Asari at the entrance whose name was apparently 'Nelyna' said that Sha'ira was asking to speak to me!!!  My curiosity level increased only further at this!


Saturday, 21 May 2016

Callidora, The Gift of Beauty

The Gift of Beauty

by Lisa Indigo



Blinking slowly, I let my eyes adjust to the lights around me. Everything was blurry, unfocused. Shapes seemed to dance as I swiveled my gaze around the room I was in. It was suppose to be a familiar sight, as I’d spend years here, studying, poring over ancient tomes and texts. But I could only seem to make out the outlines of my treasured books. As I was feeling the fatigue of slumber leave my body, a realization dawned on me. I brought my hands up to my face, my thick rimmed glasses still fixed onto my head. A shiver ran through me when I gently took them off, closing my eyes in anticipation.

When I reopened them after setting them aside, everything became clear to me. Literally, in fact, as I could suddenly see with a clearness that I’d never experienced before. Excitement ran through me when I took in the room with my amplified senses. Not a piece of parchment was out of place since I’d last seen it, the night before, but somehow it seemed like I was taking it anew.  My cluttered desk, filled with time-worn documents on all matters of the occult, complemented with my own frantic scribbles. The walls hidden by sheets I’d drawn out, explaining puzzling rituals that the Regent had me study. I could make out all the little details, even from my current position.

The Regent. The thought of him stirred a whole new set of memories, of what led up to this moment. I’d always known that my rescue had been orchestrated by the same clan I now completely belonged to. They had given me everything. A new life, and a new name: Bożena Kwiatkowska. The Tremere’s goals were often beyond comprehension for anyone not within its highest ranks, so I never tried to questioned it. Instead, I made the most out of my new lease on life, giving my best both to serve the family I was adopted into, and to my studies. But not too long after I enrolled into the Oxford university to study Symbology, the Regent had taken a special interest in me.

I was never one to complain about the opportunity to learn, to explore and to experiment, so I took well to his personal tutelage. When he first showed me his magic, something I’d come to know as Thaumaturgy, or blood magic, I thought it to be an illusion of sorts. It wasn’t until he taught me to master it myself, that I started to understand just what kind of organization I was dealing with.

When I lived my life with my Revenant family, they never fully explained the elixirs I was given for ‘strength’. Questions were ignored, so I figured it some sort of medicine. During my time with the Regent, I’d come to understand the true power of the blood. A sect of vampires, or Kindred as they called themselves, dedicated to understanding the obscure magic of this world. 



And now, I was one of them. Sired, by my tutor, the Regent, only the night before. It was a well prepared event, and he wanted me to fully comprehend several Thaumaturgy paths before he even considered the blessing. I should’ve felt afraid when I felt my own life essence flow from my body into his, but the allure of being able to study forever was stronger than anything else. Just before I felt my life leave me, he offered me his own blood. A ritual blade was sliced along his wrist, and I barely registered the thick liquid making it’s way down my throat, transforming my body.

Suddenly, I was eager to explore everything about my new senses. Quickly I hopped out of bed, marveling at the lack of vertigo, and made my way over to my desk. I ran my fingers along the leather of a book, enjoying the sensation. Picking up a different tome, I held it under my nose. Inhaling deeply, I felt as if I could smell the paper, the ink, the dust, all as individual aspects. The soft rustling of the pages as I leafed through it made my scalp tingle and my head buzz. Letting my eyes dart over the contents, an interesting documentation on Greek mythology, a single name stood out. Callidora, the gift of beauty.

Thursday, 24 March 2016

Mel's Tale - Part 2 - A Response to Tragedy by Callisto



Story by Callisto

Narration by Lisa Indigo


What does it mean to be in love with Tragedy? When the sorrow weighs heavy on my heart, and continuing on means more agony. But then this disparate love somehow… drives me forward.

But what is the point, when sadness begets only sadness, and I find myself more comfortable with its caresse? Happiness becomes a fleeting memory, and a mere gauge to measure how far I’ve fallen into despair.

I feel this anguish seep into my veins, tainting what little is left of my true self.

And so, as a matter of survival, I have learned to extract such venom, through much hardship, and mix it with oil. I use this combination to devise my paintings, and infuse them with my very essence. These are the pieces that have held you spellbound for nights on end.

It all stems from my love for you, Melpomene; my love of Tragedy.


Friday, 11 March 2016

The Selene Effect - Chapter 3 - 4


Story by Stephen Elmy
Narration by Lisa Indigo




Begin log Selene Shepard 3:

 So, we arrived on the Citadel, and it's a good thing I was used to throwing huge Balls and Parties before my Shepard days because the Citadel isn't for the reclusive.  I had to 'listen' to the human ambassador spout rhetoric which would have been enough for me to get out of there and leave the humans to their silly wining, but for Captain Anderson.  The man gave off an aura of courage and respect that I hadn't seen since Maria...I bet she's mad I got away... But Captain Anderson was endearing, for a non-kindred... Even wondered if he was a ghoul at one point, but he aged, shame... I was thankful for my 'saviors' telling me I could do things 'my way'; it still surprises me how easily us kindred can influence humans with words or a stare, and they forget their annoying wining and you can keep doing it to them later without them understanding what your doing to them... Silly humans.  I made the rhetoric stop.  I was then told I had to go to some tower, but I wanted to have fun...

One thing I had to get used to, was almost always being followed by 2 others.  I like crowds, but personal time is important too, and being tethered to 2 others could be thought as a violation of personal space.  First time on the Citadel I was followed by Kaidan, no biggie, and Ashley... At least she was easy to silence... But back to the Citadel.  If you took all of the different kindred clans and ghouls in all their varieties, especially the Tzimisce, it would be nothing compared to the races and people on the Citadel!  It was decidedly homely if it wasn't for one particular point... Vitae.  I was told I could feed if I really needed to as long as I didn't let others see, but I learned the hard way when I couldn't badly needed Vitae and indulged myself.  I hadn't realised how long it had been since I had fed until I saw an Asari in a corner... It was in side corridor, secluded and overlooked, and she was so beautiful... I had managed to plant a suggestion into Kaidan's mind to say my name if he saw me freeze, and Ashley was easy enough to influence to make her talk to Kaidan so that they wouldn't see... 


Wednesday, 2 March 2016

The Selene Effect - Chapter 1 - 2


Story by Stephen Elmy
Narration by Lisa Indigo



Begin log Selene Shepard 1:

Log... I can remembered when the only logs I knew of were in the forest near our home... Where can I begin... It's been so long... I can barely remember the steps that were taken to 'safeguard my life' as someone once put it.  All I remember back then are fragments of emotions, and even they feel like someone else's... The Malkavian... My life... The rosary... Soe... My old life if you can call what Kindred have a 'life' ended with something I never thought would happen... They let me see Soe...It meant...so much...Soe... Where are you...?  Sorry, it hurts every time I think of Soe now, but more about that later.
After that Selene Liselore De Vries ceased to be, or ceased to matter, I no longer remember... My 'saviours', not knowing how best to rewrite my life, staked me... I no it doesn't kill us... But it still hurts my heart...especially since her… Next I remember I woke up when someone called my name, though it seemed right at the time, it took me a while to realise what happened before someone called me 'Shepard', Selene Shepard.  When I looked in the mirror, it wasn’t quite ‘me’ staring back... Oh they were my piercing red eyes, eyes that had helped me many times to get what I wanted... My red lips, like Vitae and fire, my hair was all red now, didn't bother me, looked good... but I was taller, again, not a problem, height is good... But I had aged... How was that even possible? We kindred don't 'age'... It was explained to me that it was done for my safety, to hide me from my enemies... I don't remember them. 
Selene Shepard was born on April 11th 2154 on Mindoir in the 'Attican Traverse'... Places still alien to me, though they are more beautiful than Amsterdam, and that mattered more than it should have.  Whoever 'remade' me couldn't undo Cain's curse that we Toreador are obsessed by true beauty, though they did somehow plant a hypnotic suggestion in my head.  When Toreador see the kind of beauty I have seen, they can be frozen forever, but when someone says 'shepard', then its like a liberating thaw comes over me, and I'm back in the situation at hand.  I hate being...hypnotized but I'd thank whoever did that to me.  I was told I was in the 'alliance military' which I enlisted in after being saved from slavers who slaughtered my family and friends... That point even though I don't remember it bothers me more than it should have.  What made me laugh though was that I was some medal-gifted hero who saved many under impossible odds, though the odds of how I got here are certainly impossible.