Setting Information

= The City of Brotherly Love = Like most large cities in the new world, Philadelphia is a battleground. While Sabbat push ever forward, their onslaught was far less successful in Americas than in the Old World. As Europes Camarilla domains shrink to the old cities, America is engulfed by the fire of Anarchism. Philadelphia reflects that reality, a prize wrestled so many times out of different hands. Ten years ago, the weakened Camarilla fell to warpacs, allowing Sababn and the neighbouring Barons to tear it between themselves. The Tower, however, never retreats fully. Recently it started building a new foundation, hoping to one day retake the city. Meanwhile the smaller clans prosper as the sects circle each other in cold war, aiding to all and to none.

Interactive Map

= The Sabbat =

When the war packs rolled into Philadelphia fifteen years ago, they found an already weak and crumbling Camarilla. It was little trouble to sweep in, dust out the rubble of the Ivory Tower and set up a base for the Sword. The Anarchs, lacking the power and the unity to oust them, instead struck up deals with their Archbishop. The two factions coexisted relatively peacefully in a Cold War for five years before the Camarilla rolled back in. They set up their Praxis in a remote corner of the city, on the far side of the Independents from the Sabbat base. The Camarilla forces are, so far, too small and too weak to earn the concern or attention of the Sabbat.

Status Quo
Backed by the Cessabits, the Status Quo in Philadelphia is the predominant faction. They push for maintaining the current order of business and upholding the Code of Milan.

Loyalist
Backed by a pack of Feral Heart Gangrel known as the Ferrox, the Loyalists are a small but determined voice in the city's politics, less than happy with the level of control the Archbishop wields and eschewing the Code of Milan; after all, the Sabbat was formed on the ideal of freedom. By locking themselves into a code, are they not becoming that which they rebelled against?

Orthodoxy
Backed by a pack led by a Nosferatu named Sandra Chay, these Kindred advocate a return to the dedication of the Ritae and an emphasis on the Priest’s position within the Sect (above the more militant positions, such as Ductus). They postulate that the Sabbat has somehow displeased the Dark Father, by turning away from the Ritae, relying too much on modern technology, or by allowing heresy to enter the Sect. Orthodox Sabbat advocate a greater use of the ritae, more authority for pack priests, and a narrower description of “heresy” – the better to allow the Sabbat to research new and powerful weapons and blood magic for the ongoing war. At the moment, they seem to be struggling to gain much traction, facing pushback from the more traditionalist factions.

Order of St. Blaise
Through careful manipulation of resources, the Order of St. Blaise take on the task of protecting Sabbat cities in ways most Sabbat traditionally neglect. They are powerful influence mongers and controllers of the mortal world. In general, members of the Sabbat disdain humanity and mortal life. The more vocal members of this faction in Philadelphia include the Ductus and Pack Priest of the Prometheans, as well as the Priest of the Red Dawn. Though still rather small, the faction is seeing burgeoning success as the nights grow ever more dangerous.

Ultra-Conservatives
Ultra Conservatives favor strong leaders and insist upon intensive training, ensuring that every member of the Sect has the capacity for war. Ultra Conservatives work to consolidate the strength of the Sabbat through strict and efficient hierarchical structures. They recommend the Vaulderie between all packs of a diocese, and are certain that with enough ties of blood, the Ductus position will no longer be necessary. One day, the Sabbat will be a unified nation, abandoning the medieval concept of the cellular “pack.” The Ultra-Conservatives aren't a very vocal group in Philadelphia, though the Regulus pack is the most prominent of their backers.

= The Camarilla = The city of Philadelphia from the outside has been predominantly Camarilla for years but no one truly knew of how hard it had fallen once, leaving the city torn between Sabbat, Independent, and Anarch presences. In recent years a new Camarilla had returned, however, aiming to reclaim what was lost. They had slowly gotten traction over the years, gaining more and more territory within the broken city, mainly by deals and rarely by force. Nowdays they hold most of Downtown and South Philadelphia, making them well entrenched in the city they once left.

Traditionalists
The newly recovering domain of Philadelphia is largely beholden to centuries old Camarilla traditions and those who thrive under them don't see anything wrong about that. Headed by the Chief Harpy, with the unofficial blessing of Ramon and having support of a large portion of the Council, this is by far the most popular opinion amongst the inhabitants of the city.

Coterie of Progress
Critiases march and retaking of New York had made waves, despite the failure of Chicago. His ideas took root and had been championed especially by those who had the opportunity to talk to him in person. Jake, being one of those people, has arrived to Philadelphia after leaving New York with the express purpose of spreading said ideals. Despite dislike from the more conservative elements of the city, the movement has gathered some support, to the point of being unignorable.

Crusaders
The picture perfect of vocal minority, those in the Tower who advocate first and foremost for a violent and rapid retaking of Philadelphia call themselves Crusaders. The most vocal voice calling for blood is the Keeper of Elysium and many young and rowdy second his sentiment. The slow and careful retaking, while very successful for now, is far too incremental for those who would prefer to have fast results, even at the cost of bigger risks.

Prominent Coteries
Ruling Circle

Those closest to Ramon Fernan are often surrounded by controversy and accusations. Regent, a mad prophet and an bestial murderer draw constant ire of Primogen council and, coincidentally or by design, leave Ramon himself to operate somewhat freely. Not once the threat of naming Maya a Seneschal has silenced the Council trying to push for a puppet to take the place. Audrie despite not having a political presence to speak of is a terrifyingly efficient killer while Calebs role in Ramons Circle is one shrouded in secrecy and rumors.

Primogen Council

As divided and united at the same time as one expects. Unofficially headed by Eva Fellner, council fulfills its role in providing balance to the Prince mainly due to her. The political stance of the Council is varied and prone to changing but for now they exist in a shaky equilibrium.

Astartes

A coterie of Tremere rouge hunters, Astartes are a tightly knit and single minded force. Outside of the Chantry they are barely known at all, even seeing one of them outside is a rare occurrence, let alone talking to them.

The Dolls

A coterie formed recently on the efforts of the socialites of the Daughters and the Tremere, Viktor Nasren. Founded in the basis of creating a network of allies paired with the social and political acumen, this coterie is new to the scene but never the less felt in its reach. Boasting multiple ranking Camarilla between Pearl and Felicity Jäeger of the Daughters and Eden Ula of the Kiasyd. The coterie is a safety net of some of the rising stars of Philly's Tower. And hey, they host some of the best parties in downtown.

Clans of the Tower
Ventrue

The clan of power under a Ventrue Prince, they have a large presence and are one of the reasons the Masquerade holds as well as it does in Philadelphia. Have a reputation for saving anyone from the mess they create for a heavy price. Though, of course like any other clan they are far from a monolith, they largely support the Prince as he is the garant of their power. Are said to gather in the private conference rooms of "Not of the Ordinary", a nightclub owned and maintained as hunting grounds for the clan and those they deem trustworthy.

Brujah

Brujah despite having one of the largest numbers in Philadelphia are hopelessly divided. The ideas of the Rebels run the gambit from the anarchists to Tower loyalists with every inbetween imaginable. They still are the frontline fighters and are awarded the privileges that implies, at least for as long as the three way cold war brews in Philadelphia. They often gather in a local bar known as 12 Steps Down for company and unofficial or official Rants.

Tremere

Tremere have a small but well entrenched presence in Philadelphia. The regent of the city is commonly recognized as an unofficial Seneschal, questioning whom is akin to a political suicide. While having a significant amount of power, the clan holds to themselves for the most part, keeping up a veil of mystery over their doings. The tales of Jonathan Smiths treachery have reached Philadelphia long ago and resulted in a heightened alertness for any of the clans secrets that slipped out. It is said that those taken by the House and Clan will find no protection with the Prince.

Toreador

A surprisingly small presence in the city, Toreador still at the heart of its social life. Elysium regulars, social butterflies and trendsetters, Toreador despite their small numbers are seen more than many other clans combined.

Nosferatu

It's always a challenge to gauge the strength of the secretive clan in any given city. A smart Kindred will not risk angering the small visible presence of Nosferatu. As such, they are well tolerated for their usefulness but hardly loved or welcomed at social gatherings. Still, they de facto own the subterranean part of the city and only a complete fool would disregard the wealth of knowledge they possess and are happy to sell.

Gangrel

Nomadic Gangrel who consider themselves of the Tower congregate in the FDR Park. Despite not having much of a social presence, the clan is one of the major reasons the Camarilla holds on to the territory that it does. Due to that, they enjoy a fair amount of respect the wartime awards.

Malkavian

Malkavian presence is the smallest in the Camarilla, as the Prince has little patience for their pranks and breaking of the Masquerade. Still, a Malkavian is one of his closest advisors and those who strike a balance between the real world and the world open only to those of Malkavs blood are welcomed in Philadelphia.

Caitiff

There isn't a large presence of non traditional clans in the local Camarilla. The few Caitiff and thinbloods that do populate it find patrons amongst those of more fortunate blood or are driven out. Still, some prefer the comfort and protection of Camarilla even if that means a life akin to a ghouls. More yet simply are given no choice by their "generous" benefactors.

= The Anarch's = Long have the Anarchs of the western coast longed for a bastion of power besides their trademark Los Angeles, and in Philly they liked to think they had found one. They rolled into the city and fought for every single inch of land they could, but they were nowhere near as organized, or as powerful a force as the Camarilla they spent years sanding down. Long in a perpetual standstill with the Ivory tower, the Sabbat and their warpack opened many, many positions of power for them all that was ripe for the taking. Dmitri, of the Nosferatu was the first to hold meetings and hold domain. He and the Archbishop having made their deals, as long as one didn't bother the other, existed in cold warlike harmony. Barons came, and went. And like time, they fell to ashes like sand in the hourglass.. Dmitri stood above them all, and with the newest barons having taken up their places. The city is ripe for either more change, or for further struggle.

King
The most recent Baron to ascend in place of the disastrous Pawn, Alexander White projects the authority and power of a Ventrue in every move. Whether or not that confidence is earned, as the lands he inherited are chaotic to put it mildly. Rumors brew among the citis anarchs that he is the one who killed Baron Crystal, rather than simply used the power vacuum of her death.

Knight
Leon Rossi is a controversial figure in most circles. A rare example of a sabbat antitribue, living in close proximity to the Sabbat, his ability to survive and thrive in such conditions speaks of his power and ability to find the right allies.

Rook
Headed by the old Nosferatu known as Dmitri, this barony is the most populated in Philadelphia but also one that had recently been the center of multiple confrontations. Still, it is largely known as the safest, if not the most stable baronies.

= The Clan Assamite = The small cell of Banu Haqim in Philadelphia surround themselves in mystery and misdirection. Their reason for coming to the city is known only to them. Only things that is publicly known is their shaky alliance with the cities Camarilla, based on the Tower providing them territory in exchange for serving as a buffer between them and Sabbat. Indeed, very few from the Sword are stupid enough to pick fights with the assassins, even if their numbers are not large.

Loyalists from the Alamut, the small coterie gladly sells their blades for money and vitae to anyone willing to pay. Sometimes, the payment for their services involves information, purpose of which baffles. There are great many rumors surrounding them, not the least of which is that they seek a powerful and old member of their clan who betrayed them.

= The Clan Ravnos = A small coterie of surprisingly friendly members of this much hated clan calls Fishtown their home. Using the lack of a central ruling power to drive them away, they have found a comfortable nest in Philadelphia. However, rumors of disappearances circle the group, lending them an ominous air. Whether it is simple hatred for their clan or if the rumors have a good reason to exist is unknown.

= The Clan Giovanni = The family had lived in Chicago for a long time. Be it with the previous Camarilla, Sabbat or Anarchs they care little. Their numbers are respectable and power hard to overestimate and only fools don't take them into account when thinking of the politics. To those who have a familiarity with the family, one thing would become apparent: not many of this necromancers actually carry the name Giovanni.

= The Followers of Seth = Using the chaos of the city, the Followers have established a Temple in Philadelphia not so long ago. Despite seeming disinterest in war and their willingness to trade and converse with anyone, there is little trust extended to this group. Still, they supply the main flow of special alcohol and other substances and always welcome visitors to their club.

= Other Independents = War breeds opportunists. There are a few of their kind in Philadelphia

Mariners
Once considered an urban legend, the coterie of Gangrel Mariners is largely recognized among most sects as owning the Delaware river. Not very prone to socializing with any landlocked kindred, they keep to themselves.

Ethan Royle
An Autarkis Malkavian who is well known for his business of supplying skilled human labor to those who can pay the right price

Maxim Reed
A Toreador who, it seems, prefers to accept no label of loyalty, including that of an Autarkis. A small time weapons dealer and information broker, as well as trading anything and everything.

Leslie
Independent Nosferatu who operates from the Warrens and prides himself on his connections and amiable relations with all sects. Despite the stereotype, his business is less information trade and more tailory.