Baronies of Avalon Faction Guide

v1.0 – 05/31/20 Canada at Midnight Vampire: The Dark Ages Back to​ ​Player Resource Guide

Vampire: the Dark Ages Faction Guide: Baronies of Avalon Courtly Manners

Hierarchy

High Politics

Introduction omposed of the British Isles and conquered territory in Belgium and the Netherlands, the Baronies are a series of cities, fiefs, and land-holdings overseen by a Triumvirate of Ventrue Elders. The Isles host a significant amount of coastline and many port cities, making the territory a power at sea and in trade. The Ventrue Methuselah, Mithras, rests in Torpor; his Childer hold onto what power they can, and his cults survive underground, both awaiting his return. Meanwhile, the Triumvirate of Elders (Geoffrey of Calais, Roald Snake Eyes, and Countess Liseult de Taine) seek to consolidate their control of the Isles, using guile and warfare among the mortal populace as tools. The Traditions, while enforced heavily in the Domain of Londinium, are only held loosely in the more remote villages. In this atmosphere, power changes hands quickly, and the cleverest and strongest survive.

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ST Warnings Vampire: The Masquerade was first published in 1991. Since then it has gone through five editions and three editions for Dark Ages. That makes for a generous depth of lore and conflicting information. You are not expected to read or sort through all of that. The information in this document and others like it make up the totality of official lore for this chronicle, unless otherwise shared through an official source, like a plot kit. There are many ways to tell a story about history. We are telling fiction. Stories about culture are to be explored in a way that avoids stereotyping and respects the wishes of modern descendants of past groups in their depiction. Although some events are inspired by real ones, the​ Content and Consent Policy​ applies and is expected to be followed at all times. Topics of racism, sexism and discrimination are not Standard Content and are not to be in play except with the clear consent of all players, staff and observers involved in the scene. Failure to abide by this policy will lead to strict disciplinary measures.

History The oldest vampires to stalk the British Isles were those who ran in the wilds: The Lhiannan and the Gangrel. One of the few exceptions to this is the Morrigan, a Brujah Methuselah that settled in Éire. These early Cainites cast themselves as gods or priests, ghouling tribal leaders and forging blood cults. Their only rivals were Lupines and Fae. This misty era came to an end with the arrival of the Roman Legions. The earliest “civilized” Cainites were Brujah, Malkavians, and Ventrue, who came with Roman traders. The next wave was the Roman army, a force ten thousand strong. As the Romans conquered Britannia, so did the Cainites. Within the Roman army was a cult worshipping the Persian god Mithras - only Mithras was real. Less than 30 years after the arrival of the Roman armies, Mithras revealed himself to his worshippers and inspired them to even greater feats. The Cainites who stood in his path either bent the knee or became dust. Mithras’s Roman armies never quite pacified all of the isle. The north and west remained wild, to say nothing of Éire off the western shore. More Cainites came from Rome to challenge the old guard. For a time, so long as they paid him tribute, Mithras left them to fight over what he himself did not use. As the Roman empire began to fray, so did Mithras’s patience. He began to slay all new arrivals, as well as any who were not loyal to him. He appointed advisors he called Satraps to Cainite courts, and dictated the boundaries of each fief. These Satraps were to slay the disloyal and unwanted, but some took control more directly to enforce Mithras’s will. Early in the 5th century, the last of the Roman legions was recalled to defend the empire. Those who’d settled into a peaceful existence under Roman protection became the targets for the

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Celts, Picts, Irish, and Germanic Saxons. Mithras’s vassals turned to him for aid and protection in this time of terror, but Torpor had dragged him to slumber. Without Rome - without Mithras anarchy descended upon the Isles. As Mithras slept and Cainites squabbled, dark things rose from the earth. Fae answered blood sacrifices, dragons stirred, and giants stepped forth. The Saxons now populated the eastern shores, calling upon Wotan, the All-High, their own undead god-king and his army of Einherjar to protect them. Between these forces were the scattered and fractious Britons. The Saxons may have won the mortal wars, but it was the now-native Cainites that won the night. They fell upon the weakened bygones, while the debilitated Einherjar fled back to sea with what goods they could carry. The coming of Christianity sharpened the divide between the Cainites of the isles. This religion gave “civilized” Cainites a new weapon with which to control the mortals - and lead them against the remaining Lupines, Fae, and bygones. Those Cainites who clung to their pagan ways found themselves fighting all of these forces, and struggling to survive. Even the Morrigan was driven to suicide by the True Faith of one Saint Patrick. This is not to say that unlife was easy for those siding with Christianity. Without Mithras, the civilized monsters fell upon each other in bids for personal power. The Silence of the Blood and Tradition of Domain were frequently ignored, leading to the creation of the position of Sheriff to ensure that all within a Domain obeyed the Traditions. In 1020 CE, the power of the Baronies would shift: King Æthelred II of England had sent his son to grow up among the Normans of France. Three Ventrue saw an opportunity for power and arrayed themselves as advisors to young Edward, stoking his ambition. They came to England well in advance of Edward, knowing that his armies would bring opportunistic Cainites in its wake. Arriving first and acting in concert, this Triumvirate took full advantage of the chaos of the night. They did not conquer with swords, but with words. They flattered the vampires of England, traded with them, promised them aid from the continent, and set them against each other. Then, they brought mercenaries from the continent for their “protection”. Some of the Barons longed for order; a cessation of the internecine conflict. Others sought respectability. These the Triumvirate offered. Those who resisted were burned out of their Havens. By 1025 CE, the Triumvirate conquest of civilized England was effectively complete, and Edward’s return to claim the throne with Norman support in 1042 CE cemented it. Many Barons chafe under Triumvirate rule, some few Princes resist outside of their borders, the rare pagan Cainite lurks in the hinterlands - and Mithras sleeps.

In-Chronicle Events Check back in a year or two.

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Kingdoms & Conspiracies The Baronies:​ Although the entirety of the British Isles and some of continental Europe are referred to as the Baronies of Avalon, the kingdom that gives the territory its name only occupies a portion of the land. Forged by Mithras and now maintained by a Triumvirate, the Baronies are well organized. Each Baron gives tribute of some measure, usually blood, to the Monarch. It is delivered on festival nights either in person or through a representative. However, there are cracks in the system. Many Barons chafe under the Triumvirate, but they aren’t in much of a position to argue. Furores: ​When the Cainites of the Isles warred against each other, it was the young that suffered the most. A significant minority of those who survived rebelled, becoming brigands and free spirits. They refused to bow down before the Traditions and the rule of the Elders. Many carve out kingdoms of their own, not physical Domains so much as realms of influence within the rising merchant class. These guilds provide cover and resources for their rebellious activities. Cainites of both High and Low Clans find a place among the Furores. Independent Princes: ​Not all Domains openly bowed to the Triumvirate. These Independent Princes rest outside the Baronies. While they still war with each other now and then, there is an unofficial entente, as they all share concern over the Triumvirate’s control of the Baronies and that trio’s insatiable thirst for power. Lhiannan: ​Although not the only pagan Cainites, the Lhiannan are the most notable - if only because the Baronies of Avalon have the largest population of Lhiannan in the known world. Unfortunately, they are at odds with almost everything; Fae, Lupine, Gangrel, Baron, and Prince alike would all rather see them dead. Of course, with so many of their enemies eyeing one another, the Lhiannan are in a position to play them against each other. One of their few allies are the ancient Ventrue of Connachta, but these adherents to the Road of the Beast are more like savages than Princes, and reject the politics of vampiric courts.

Measures of Blood Common Clans:​ [0 Merit points] Cappadocian, Gangrel, Lasombra, Malkavian, Nosferatu, Ravnos, Toreador, Ventrue, Ventrue: Crusader Uncommon Clans:​ [2 Merit points] Assamite: Vizier, Assamite: Warrior, Brujah, Gangrel: Noiad, Lhiannan, Salubri: Healer, Salubri: Warrior, Followers of Set, Toreador: Ishtarri, Tzimisce Rare Clans:​ [4 Merit points] Assamite: Sorcerer, Baali, Brujah: True Brujah, Caitiff, Cappadocian: Lamia, Gangrel: Hellenic, Malkavian: Ananke, Malkavian: Knight of the Moon, Followers of Set: Viper, Tremere, Tzimisce: Carpathian Very Rare Clans:​ [6 Merit points] Tremere: Telyav, Tzimisce: Koldun

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Touchstones NPCs Adrian (Toreador, 8th): ​The rich coastal land of southeast England falls under Adrian, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Although Adrian is a member of the Cainite Heresy and holds little loyalty to the Triumvirate (or Mithras before them), he is tolerated by the powers that be as he does not move against them openly and maintains a quiet Domain. The eyes they’ve placed in Adrian’s court also keep him in check. Camden (Cappadocian, 6th): ​ Chamberlain to Mithras, the ancient and powerful Methuselah Camden has made himself useful to his former (now slumbering) Prince. He has taken a novel approach to the riddle of death: start from scratch. Who knows what wrong assumptions may have already been made? This has endeared him to both Neonates, who like the idea, and Elders, who are amused by it. Duke and Duchess Amber (Ventrue, 5th):​ Intelligent, loyal, and active (plus members of one of England’s oldest families in Britannia), the Duke and Duchess presented the perfection the Ventrue are said to strive for. Mithras hoped they would be his greatest creation; instead, they have let the Triumvirate all but conquer the Baronies that their Sire assembled. Edward de Warene (Ventrue, 7th): ​Grandchilde of Baron Stephen of Lincoln, Edward rules as Prince of Dublin. In some ways it is a hollow title, as few Cainites live in his Domain. Edward has little love for the Triumvirate, preferring to concentrate on the development and fortification of his city. For now, the sea has kept them from giving him too much attention. Geoffrey of Calais (Ventrue, 6th): ​This French Ventrue claims to have fought alongside Charlemange in life. Whether boast or fact, there is little doubt of Geoffrey’s skill at arms. The unofficial maille fist of the Triumvirate, Geoffrey commands the bulk of the trio’s mercenaries. He is known to be an adherent of the Road of Kings, and claims a veneer of honor that is easily discarded for ambition. Liseult de Taine (Ventrue, 6th): ​The Eldest of the Triumvirate, Countess Liseult has casually hinted at a relationship to Vercingetorix of Gaul. Of course, she has casually hinted at a great many things that have set Cainites against each other. She is the one with the schemes and the will to see them through. So long as the Baronies listen to her and do what she demands - not asks - all will be well. Magda (Lhiannan, 5th):​ Also known as the "Witch of Connaught", Magda is a Lhiannan who inhabits the territories of Éire. She is rumored to be a direct Childe of The Crone, and is considered ancient and powerful within the ranks of her Clan. Magda is very protective of the old ways in Éire, and dislikes this new Christian faith and all who follow it (be they mortal or Cainite). She seeks to protect the natives of the island as best she can from the spread of this new monotheism.

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Marcus Veras (Ventrue, 5th):​ A Roman legionnaire embraced by Mithras, Marcus leads the Mithraic cults, keeping them alive for when his Sire awakens. Where Marcus is also the Baron of Chester, he spends an inordinate amount of time in London ensuring the safety of his sleeping lord. Marcus is wise enough not to act openly against the Triumvirate for now, only bending the knee to buy time. Meerlinda (Tremere, 5th): ​A new presence within the Baronies of Avalon is the so-called “Tremere” witch, Meerlinda. Most consider her an oddity: an up-jumped Caitiff. Her arrival was challenged by the Triumvirate, but even they could not deny the potency of her blood, her sorcerous acumen, or her political ability. Mithras (Ventrue, 4th):​ Ancient by most standards, Mithras is the personification of early Ventrue. As a warrior, he tore apart Lupines with his bare hands, protecting his soldiers from the other horrors of the night. As a general, he gathered and directed armies of men in his conquest of Britannia. As a king, he organized the fractious Cainites into a unified whole. Currently, he slumbers in Torpor somewhere under London. Nathaniel (Brujah, 6th): ​Nathaniel schemes almost as much as the Triumvirate. As Baron of Carlisle, he finds himself in struggles with the fiefs of Lothian and York. Some say that these squabbles are half-hearted at best and that they occlude an alliance between Nathaniel and the Scottish Toreador. Roald Snake Eyes (Ventrue, 6th): ​Despite his rather unfortunate moniker, Roald has the most sterling reputation of the Triumvirate. He is the consummate merchant. He knows that cheating only provides short term gain, and works to build long lasting relationships, albeit ones where he holds a position of strength. His moniker comes from his keen insight and knowledge, a reference to the serpent of Eden. Robert (Toreador, 7th): ​Safely ensconced away from the Triumvirate, the Prince of Edinburgh was once a Satrap of Mithras. He has, to date, successfully resisted the Norman upstarts - with the greatest trouble coming for Mithras’s former vassals. Robert’s moves for independence have brought him loyalty from other Scottish Domains, and concern from other former Satraps as to how Robert will act when (not if) Mithras wakes. Robin Leeland (Brujah, 7th): ​Prince of Nottinghamshire, Robin Leeland chafes under the eyes of the Baronies of Avalon. He pays lip service as needed. But more than one agent of the crown has gone missing in nearby Sherwood Forest, raising questions as to his loyalty. Robin stokes the fires of independence both in mortals and Cainites, and is seen as a leader among the Furores. Stephen (Ventrue, 5th): ​The Baron of Lincoln left his love for Mithras behind long ago. He doesn’t care for the Triumvirate, but he dreads the possible return of his former Monarch. Lately he has had to deal with Furores probing his Domain from neighboring York, something the Baron of York is tediously slow to address.

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Wulfgar the Reaver (Noiad Gangrel, 5th): ​This son of Iceland wanted more from the eternal night than an unchained beast and unslakable thirst. Tired of living like an animal, he ventured into more civilized lands and learned of the various Roads. Inspired by the Norman Gangrel, Wulfgar forsook the Road of the Beast and took up the mantle of Kings.

Locations Éire:​ The Irish are quarrelsome, fractious, and struggling between a Christian or pagan soul. Éire remains a stronghold for the Morrigan’s Brujah Childer, Autarkis Elder Ventrue, and the Lhiannan. Dublin presents the greatest bastion of civilization within the region. London: ​Once the heart of Mithras’s rule, London occupies a strange place in the country’s landscape. The Triumvirate have managed to insert themselves into the city, but they remain wary. Not only do they wish to avoid waking Mithras by some accident, but London remains thick with Mithras loyalists. They cannily guard their sleeping master, and they would surely move against the Triumvirate should Mithras be threatened. Tower of Durham: ​Built in a fashion similar to Ceoris, the Tower of Durham serves as House Tremere’s Chantry outside London. There, the House gathers their magic from the Britannian Isles, working the mystic powers of the land into the fabric of the tower itself. Knowing they are not seen as welcome by the Ventrue in power, the House keeps a low profile and safe distance from their court.

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