Greetings Oh Pioneers of the Night! Some say that we are a frontier town barely pulling ourselves from the mud, but Seattle is quickly becoming a city of both culture and strength. I have much to report this evening and so I will jump right in.
***
Our last gathering, on the Elysium of the Chinese Room of the Smith Tower, began with the city’s Primogen meeting to select a Harpy. Three candidates were brought up even as I stepped from the Toreador Primogen seat in favor of the *revered* Marian DeWinter.
NidHogg was raised as the first candidate, since he has been publicly campaigning for weeks. Unfortunately, the Nosferatu was severely lacking in political capital. His nomination was met with universal rejection … and a small amount of giggling. I admit that by the end of the night I grew weary of the complaints of his abrasiveness and rudeness. There are so many better ways to win friends and influence people than being considered *tactless* whenever one opens one’s mouth. It is a stain upon a noble clan to have a newly minted Primogen who so quickly brings scandal down upon them. Unfortunately this is not the only unpleasantness involving Clan Nosferatu. More on that later.
Primogen Gilda Myers of Clan Brujah stepped onto the hot seat and raised several issues in defense of Anarch rights. Like a third party candidate in American politics I don’t believe she intended to win the Harpy spot, but her candidacy allowed her to voice her issues officially and she was quite eloquent.
Primogen Alice Nussbaum of Clan Malkavian nominated yours truly. Although I have not sought this office, I was able to answer the many questions that were brought before me. I must say that Primogen Ladislav Gogol of Clan Tremere can be quite the bulldog when he wants to be. In the end I was selected Harpy, although Grendel, the Nosferatu Primogen at that point in the evening, did not see fit to publicly support me.
***
The evening wore on with the Prince holding court and granting hospitality to many of the Camarilla and Anarch members of his domain.
However, the evening was not entirely peaceful. Two acts of violence have reached my ears and I simply must share the stories with you. The first is one of ambition and danger while the second tells of youthful bravery in defense the domain.
The Nosferatu Clan in Seattle has endured a public power struggle since arriving here. For a people who enjoy the shadows, they have been very good about seeking the spotlight. Both Grendel and NidHogg have at times been on top, but then Grendel became the Primogen. NidHogg, intent on his goal to be Harpy, seemed to let this go unchallenged, but after I became Harpy, NidHogg seems to have changed his course. The story I heard is that he attacked his Primogen and staked him, demanding the Primogen seat! My investigation shows that no crimes were committed in this coup d’etat. They were wise enough to have this duel out of mortal view and off Elysium. NidHogg is now ascendant in the struggle for power. I wonder what will happen when more Nosferatu come to the city. Will they join in the brawling or will they take over the clan’s power structure? It will be interesting to watch.
My second story involves the Ventrue of this city. They were confronted by a Sabbat infiltrator named West who had designs on assassinating our own Sheriff Holliday. The young Primogen, Arthur Kingsley would have none of that and “traded lead” with the villain in defense of his Sheriff. I hear he needs to work on his aim a bit, but he survived his first combat with style and grace. The famed Doc Holliday proved why he is so *feared* by placing a single shot right through the Sabbat spy’s head, bringing him down. Some have questioned whether the Ventrue were wise to place so young a member on the Primogen Council, but if such brave acts are any indication of the future, they have chosen well.
***
The final key event of the evening was the naming of our new Keeper of Elysium. The *honorable* Stephen Court has taken this position from a large field of worthy candidates. He immediately named two sites of Elysium, those neutral sites open to all Kindred who act in peace. The Chinese Room of the Smith Tower, and the Asian Art Museum have been selected. Both are artistic wonders and will be a constant reminder of our loss to the Asians so recently. It is good to remember, lest we repeat the failures of the past.
Keeper Court named Katara Millstone of Clan Brujah to be a Lesser Keeper. He also announced that there will be a series of parties as a contest to earn the public favor of the Prince and possibly other prizes. Any individual, group, or clan may host a party and the one who impresses the Keeper and the Prince the most will win. The first to sign up will gain the added bonus of being allowed a second chance at the end. What a wonderful idea! Coordinate with Keeper Court for all the fine print and to schedule your event.
***
I would like to extend an invitation to any who might choose the life of a Harpy to apply as one of my Lesser Harpies. Contact me privately for full details.
***
Sparked by Primogen Myers’ passionate plea for the rights of the Anarchs, I have been doing research and seeking the opinion of colleagues and members of the court. The issue of boons seems to be a key sticking point. The Camarilla does not enforce boons for those who do not choose to accept Camarilla society. Our means of enforcing our own members is not possible when dealing with those outside. I attempted to reach a compromise, but all avenues failed when brought before the light of Camarilla law and tradition. The truth is that it is outside the Harpy’s responsibility to interfere in the workings of other sects, clans or organizations outside the Camarilla.
The official policy, ordered by Prince Belasco, is that boons may be traded between Camarilla members, Anarchs, and Independents, but these are traded caveat emptor (buyer beware). The Prince wishes it further known that he expects agreements to be entered into honorably, lest the matter be used to aggravate relations between the Camarilla and its neighbors. Undermining the security of the domain will not be tolerated.
***
When speaking of the Anarchs one must not neglect Grendel of Clan Nosferatu. Oh, I do not claim that he is an Anarch himself. I find it disturbing however, that he would threaten to order the Anarchs to act against me one day and then tell me he can protect me from them the next. On the streets I was raised this was called a protection racket. Personally I didn’t think that the Anarchs liked being on the leash of a Camarilla member and wonder how much of their support Grendel really ever had. My impression is that the Anarchs are eager to maintain peace between our two societies.
Such actions could threaten the very status quo in the domain that we all enjoy. Grendel really should be more careful in how he deals with both those he wants as allies and those he sees as adversaries. He has also made it clear to me that he wants me to change his standing in our society and in that I am happy to oblige. The Harpy of Seattle finds Grendel to be *impulsive* in his dealings. He is quick to anger and quick to threaten people over the smallest perceived offenses. I urge him to rein in his ham-handed attempts to use the Anarchs against the Camarilla lest he find himself in a very dangerous position with the Prince. A good lesson for us all.
***
In closing I wish to inform you that Harpy Hamilton of Spokane has graciously agreed to watch over our next gathering. I have been invited to a small private gathering of Master Harpies at the invitation of Royal Harpy Ancelin Blanchard in Boston. I would hate for my absence at so prestigious an event to reflect poorly upon the Domain of Seattle so I have agreed to attend. I will only be gone a few days and will be in contact through the forum while I am away.
May your nights be peaceful, profitable, and filled with beauty.
Harrison Franklin
Harpy of Seattle
OOC:
Harrison grants the negative status *tactless* to NidHogg for public rudeness.
Harrison grants the negative status *impulsive* to Grendel for his actions as noted.
I am going to North Carolina from 9/26 - 9/30 for a family event. Feel free to PM me any status changes or boons you need to register and any scandals you wish to report. — Michael
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Harrison Franklin
Harpy of Seattle
*6 Permanent Status, 6 Loaned Status*
ooc: Michael Dyer
