Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
On the surface, Ft. Lauderdale is a thriving city full of sights and wonders for the urbanely challenged. The city shines brightly in the hot sun of Florida like a jewel among the rough rocks from which it was born. Most mortals go about their daily lives in peace, content with the hand of fortune life has dealt them. They are unaware of the subtle cloud of fear that hangs over the city or the deep darkness and terror that lies just beneath the polished veneer.
The city is run by Prince Victor Hallus, a Ventrue Circle of the Crone of high standing and refined tastes. Most of (if not all) his associates are also Crone and he tolerates only a few kindred of other covenants to hold any positions of authority. If one were to speak to the kindred of Ft. Lauderdale they would be told that Prince Hallus is a stern ruler, but fair and he doesn’t miss much of what goes on in his city. He also is not lax when it comes to delivering justice for crimes committed against the Traditions or his laws. What one would soon discover is Prince Hallus is obsessed with only one thing in his undead existence: control.
At first glace the laws of the city seem to be acceptable, even common sense. If one were to stop and give it further thought, however he would find that most of the laws tend to restrict one’s independence and push towards a specific school of thought. The way in which the city officers conduct themselves seems rigid, mechanical, and lacking a sense of individual flare.
Staying in Ft. Lauderdale for any length of time would reveal the place to be well maintained and run, but lacking a sense of true warmth and community. “Ruling with an Iron Fist” seems to be the motto of Prince Hallus and most of the city officers show an uncanny loyalty to the Ventrue. However, there are quite a few of Ft. Lauderdale’s kindred population who do not hold the Prince in any esteem what-so-ever.
Sometime in the early 1930’s Prince Hallus took the throne of Ft. Lauderdale and began to remold the city. The large boost in population also brought a number of kindred with it and thus the court of the city was born. Shortly after Hallus’s claim to power, the Invictus and Sanctum of Southern Florida attempted to rise up and take the city for themselves. Unfortunately there were not enough in either covenant to do the task properly and they only succeeded in isolating their respective groups. Hallus took pity on the Invictus, saying they were unduly influenced by the twisted ideals of the Sanctified and were allowed to reside within the city. The Sanctified were not as fortunate and have been banned from Hallus’s domain since. They do not really view this as a loss though, considering Hallus treats all non-Crone kindred with the same attitude of barely concealed disdain.
The Carthian Movement
Prefect: Samantha Walker
Most Carthians seem content to keep to themselves and go about their nightly business unhindered. They follow the laws of the city and pit on a face of cooperation. Behind closed doors, they discuss the state of the domain and the chafe of Hallus’s rule. They have already sent forth members to infiltrate the other covenants and find answers to a number of unasked questions. They do seek to break the Prince’s hold on the city, but they have not discovered a means to do so.
The Circle of the Crone
Hierophant: Victor Hallus
Currently there are more Crone in Ft. Lauderdale then any other covenant. Of course this is to be expected when the Prince himself is a member. Strangely, the Crone do not flaunt their status among the other kindred or host elaborate ceremonies and celebrations. They seem to be a quiet lot who regard their Prince with loyalty and in some cases adoration.
There is a rather disturbing rumor roving through the covenant, however and some of the Crone have perked up their ears to listen. Some have speculated Hallus to be a member of the Queen Bee bloodline. They claim it explains the actions of the Prince and the utter loyalty he seems to have from select Crone and his mortal staff. These are only rumors though and are not discussed in any kind of open fashion.
The Invictus
Alder Lord Jonathan Trist
Although the attempted coo seemed to have tarnished their reputation, most of the Invictus do not seem as ruffled by their diminished status as they should be. When the Sanctified were cast out of the domain, the Invictus opened it’s arms and invited them to join the First Estate. Most of the Sanctum were thus absorbed into the Invictus, as it should be of course.
This allows them to reside within the domain without fear of being hunted down and continue their plans to remove Hallus. The Sanctified/newly Invictus members have decided Hallus is not what he seems. Maybe Brood, maybe something worse, they aren’t exactly sure but they mean to find out. With careful planning and quiet determination, they carry on their existence in the lie of the Invictus.
The Lancea Sanctum
There are no Sanctified in Ft. Lauderdale. Every Sanctified has been hunted down and slaughtered like the dogs they are or forced out of the city by means of threat and intimidation.
The Ordo Dracul
Covenent head: Rhianna Mims
Throughout Prince Hallus’s reign the Ordo Dracul has been left to their own devices for the most part. They have heard the rumors. They have listened to the “truth” of both sides and have chosen to stay on the teetering edge of neutrality. Some Dragons have argued it to be in their best interests to get involved in the conflict, but most disagree with this sentiment. The Queen Bees are a myth and the Brood could not possibly be organized enough to run such an elaborate scam on the Crone. But still some wonder what the truth really is…….
The Unaligned
Surprisingly, there are quite a few Unaligned kindred in Ft. Lauderdale. Most of them tend to reside in the Everglades and other secluded areas of the city, staying away from the political and religious conflicts that could rise up. They are certain to announce themselves when entering the city and proclaiming their wish to stay, but this is more to do with the fear of Prince Hallus’s Sheriff then out of any real respect for the Prince himself.
Victor would prefer not to have any Unaligned in his territory. Thus the Crone have been instructed to try vigorous recruitment techniques to bring the Unaligned (and therefore unenlightened) into the fold.