Alternate New Orleans XII

Chapter Twelve: The Sabbat

The Sabbat of Louisiana consist mostly of nomadic packs. They have lived a hand-to-mouth existence for centuries. Despite their constant struggle for survival, the Sabbat roams over most of the state, and few Camarilla are willing to leave the safety of New Orleans. At any given time, there are three to five packs in Louisiana, wandering about the state, surviving on the rural population. Only one of the packs, led by the Brujah Manuel, stays near New Orleans.

Given the danger of living in a nomadic Sabbat pack, there is little real permanence to most of the Sabbat in Louisiana. The average "lifespan" of a pack is 40 or 50 years. By that time, the pack has either met some unpleasant end, or has grown so large that it must split apart. The name of the pack may survive, but the members will change. Packs vary in size from 5 to 10 vampires. Smaller packs either create new members, or meld with another pack. Larger packs put too much of a strain on the mortals the vampires must feed on. Either they split into smaller packs, some of their members transfer elsewhere, or something catches up with them and culls their numbers.

All the Sabbat in the state answer to John Murrell, the Bishop in Shreveport. Murrell's pack, the Phoenix Claw, is the only founded pack in the state, and the only one with any real history. John Murrell is the driving force behind most of the Sabbat activity in the state. Murrell is an aged Lasombra, toughened by centuries of fighting and several diableries. He has been fighting to take New Orleans from the Camarilla since the 1820s.

History

New Orleans has never been in Sabbat hands, though there were a number of Sabbat strongholds elsewhere in the Southeastern United States. Throughout the first half of the 19th century, the Sabbat was caught up in bitter internal struggles, and the Camarilla was able to systematically drive the Sect out of the south city by city. The Sabbat fled west, towards their strongholds in Mexico.
Murrell's original pack, the Phoenix Claw, decided it would be better to make a stand in New Orleans, a city only recently made part of the United States. Murrell hoped to expand Mexican Territory up to the Mississippi, and checkmate the Camarilla's westward expansion. He and his packmates worked to instigate a slave uprising, planning to use the confusion to destroy the few Camarilla vampires in New Orleans. Unfortunately, Texas fell to the US, and Murrell was cut off from reinforcements. Somehow the Camarilla found out his plans, and his pack was slaughtered. Only Murrell escaped.

For a time Sabbat power was at a low ebb. Another vampire, Muricia stepped into the void. Muricia was a Gangrel antitribu whose pack had been lost in the state in the 17th century. She had managed to befriend some local werecats, and knew a great deal about the Louisiana wilderness. Her time with the shapeshifters had changed her, and she had, in fact, become the founder of a new Bloodline: the Ahrimanes. Muricia set up a sort of "underground railroad", smuggling Sabbat west to Mexico from their fallen cities elsewhere in the US. Muricia gained a great deal of prestige, but was not inclined to take a position of power. In the 1860s, Murrell returned to make another attempt on the city.

Murrell's careful scouting revealed that the power of the city had shifted into the hands of a couple of black vampires, Accou and Annie Christmas. Because of reconstruction, blacks in New Orleans had gained a sudden amount of political power. The Phoenix Claw worked against this, by supporting and ghouling a number of racist groups, early manifestations of the KKK. Eventually, blacks were driven out of power, but Accou had anticipated their fall, and had prepared other pawns. Murrell's extreme racists, mostly a rural movement, were locked out of city politics, and again the Camarilla kept their power.

Bitter, Murrell worked to get the state capital moved out of New Orleans to Baton Rouge, hoping to dilute Camarilla power elsewhere in the state. Once he succeeded, he fought hard to keep the Camarilla cornered in New Orleans. Any Camarilla vampires that left the city were hunted down and diablerized. However, the Camarilla was able to keep a fair amount of control over Baton Rouge through proxies and ghouls, and few were inclined to move to the drab little town when New Orleans was so nearby.

Murrell once again prepared for all-out war. This time, Muricia stepped forward to oppose him. Muricia had discovered a recent influx of Setites into the city, and thought this was a more important threat. They argued bitterly, but Muricia had a lot of status; her voice carried. The Sabbat spent the next few decades in a war against the Setites, who had infiltrated many smaller towns in the state in the absence of Camarilla princes.

Finally, in the 1930s, it seemed that the Setites had been driven out. At the same time, the Camarilla of the city seemed on the verge of overthrowing the prince Accou. Murrell would wait no longer. Muricia still opposed an open war, but had few good arguments left. Murrell was tired of political maneuvers, and had the Louisiana Sabbat create a vampiric army for a typical Sabbat Jyhad. By 1937, all was ready. Murrell arranged the assassination of Governor Huey Long, whom he saw as the prince's pawn.

On the eve of the assault, disaster struck. Somehow, Murrell's vampiric force was discovered. The entire group of fledglings was slaughtered, as well as a few older packs. No amount of vampiric magic could determine the source of the assault, and there was no trail to follow for a counterattack. Murrell was once again forced to retreat and rebuild, though strangely, the Camarilla failed to follow up while the Sabbat was vulnerable. The Camarilla even left his network of spies in the city intact.

Unfortunately, the slaughter of Murrell's army was only the first attack of this kind. From then on, every decade or so, a Sabbat pack would mysteriously disappear in much the same way. Usually, it was a pack that had gotten too large or sloppy to hide the signs of its existence, but the Sabbat was never able to catch the perpetrators of the attack. In time, the Sabbat started to call these attackers the Reavers, and they are still greatly feared. Younger Sabbat packs are warned to keep their noses clean, lest the Reavers find them.

After this, the Sabbat fell into a pattern. Any time Camarilla vampires ventured outside New Orleans, they were destroyed. Baton Rouge became a sort of neutral ground, with neither Sect able to get a permanent hold on the city. Every five to ten years, a Sabbat War party will sweep into New Orleans, diablerize a vampire or two, and retreat. Packs come and go, but little really changes.

Murrell and Muricia continue to argue over the importance of taking New Orleans. Murrell managed to set up another attack during the Anarch War of the '60s, but it was a repeat of his previous Jyhad. 

Despite precautions, the mysterious Reavers found and destroyed the fledglings, though this time few older Sabbat were lost. Since then, the Setite situation has worsened again, and Murrell hasn't been able to drum up the strength for another Jyhad.
All this time, Murrell hasn't been quiet on the national Sabbat scene. Every few years, he petitions Sabbat in other areas to come and help him take new Orleans. Each time, the other Sabbat, busy with local affairs, have politely refused. The leadership of the Sabbat has been directed its wars elsewhere, concentrating on retaking the Northeast.

Murrell has recently changed tactics. He has made a more easily fulfilled request. He has asked only that to have a small scouting party sent to New Orleans, so that outside Sabbat can evaluate the situation for themselves. Secretly, he has made this request of both the Cardinal of New York, and the Cardinal of Mexico. Once the two packs arrive, he hopes to play them off each other, and use the rivalry of the New York and Mexican Sabbat to goad one group or the other (or both!) into helping him with a Jyhad. He hopes the outside Sabbat will be able to break the curse of the Reavers, and give the Sect New Orleans at last.

John Murrell

John Murrell has been fighting since the day he was embraced. He went through the Sabbat Creation Rites just as the Sabbat were being pushed out of the United States by the Camarilla. Though created as cannon fodder and not expected to survive, his fervor earned him a place in the Sect. He has chewed his way up the ladder. Originally 10th generation, he has diabolized his way up to 7th.

Murrell has always believed the Sabbat should move aggressively to regain its lost territory. He has been engaged in several plots to retake Louisiana, the first of which was a slave revolt he engineered in the 1830s. Each time, his plans have been blocked or foiled by the Camarilla, because he has never been able to muster the forces necessary to take New Orleans. He continues to struggle in this region, even though the Sect lost Texas 150 years ago and he is isolated.

Murrell's isolation has worked both for and against him. He is unable to convince Sabbat leaders that Louisiana is a priority. They prefer to concentrate on their victories in the Northeast. On the other hand, Murrell avoided the Sect's infighting in the early part of the 20th century. Only one person in the region was strong enough to contest his position as Bishop, and she has never made a move in that direction.
That one individual has long been a thorn in Murrell's side. Muricia is the founder of the Ahrimanes bloodline, and many Sabbat in this region owe their survival to her extensive knowledge of the wilderness and the shapeshifters of the area. She has always been against Sabbat territorial expansion in Louisiana, however, preferring to concentrate on eliminating the Setites. She and Murrell have bickered bitterly about where the Sabbat should place its priorities.

Clan: Lasombra

Age: "30", 7th Generation, born 1765, embraced 1793 by Gordon

Image: Murrell is always dressed like a gentleman, and often carries a cane, with a retractable blade at the end. Though he seeks to be calm and controlled at all times, his outbursts of anger can be frightening. He is ruthless in overcoming any obstacle. Murrell would not appreciate the comparison, but he behaves in many ways like a Camarilla Prince.

Influence: Murrell is respected or at least feared by all the Sabbat in the state. He does not turn away challenges to his rule, but has never been defeated. Most of the Sabbat here will follow him as much as they would follow anyone.

Secrets: B- (mainly learned through spies, he also knows nearly everything about the Sabbat in the area)

Habitat: Murrell's one success is Shreveport. The Sabbat controls this small city, and it is Murrell and his pack's stamping grounds. As a result, his life is much less precarious than the more nomadic packs. He still makes periodic but secret trips to New Orleans, to keep a finger on the pulse of that city.

Goals: Murrell wants to conquer Louisiana for the Sabbat. Until the Sects leaders give him more muscle, or Muricia agrees to aid him, he has little chance of success. His current scheme is to trick New York and Mexican Sabbat into competing with each other to help him.

Manuel's Pack: The Baratarians

The Sabbat pack closest to New Orleans is the Baratarians, lead by the Brujah Manuel. They live mostly in the bayous and islands on the south coast of Louisiana. Unlike many vampires, they are willing to brave the water, and own several boats of varying sizes. When not engaged in Sect business, the Baratarians can sometimes be found doing a little night- time piracy, mostly for laughs.

One of the Baratarians, Simon, is secretly a member of the KLF, and a spy in that Anarch gang. The rest of Manuel's pack is supposed to keep a low profile, and stay out of the city except when meeting with Simon. Being what they are, they often get bored, and go "wilding" in the city, or prank someone. They have yet to be captured, but several New Orleans vampires have guessed who they are.

Manuel

Manuel was embraced by the Sabbat in Mexico, but went north to be closer to the action. He formed a pack around him, now known as Manuel's pack, or the Baratarians. Manuel is a cheerful leader and his pack-mates follow him willingly. He is generally very friendly, and likes to buddy up to people he has just met. He is a fierce whirlwind in combat, though.

Clan: Brujah antitribu

Age: "25", 10th Generation, born 1914, embraced 1940 by Ortega

Image: Manuel is a large Hispanic man. He generally dresses in jeans, T-shirts and leather jackets. He is boisterous and, given to large gestures. He often has a half-smile on his face.

Influence: Manuel's pack usually keeps close to New Orleans, to keep track of the goings-on of the city. They have one member, Simon, who is a spy amongst the Anarchs there. They try to keep quiet, but get bored on occasion, and go "wilding" in the city.

Secrets: C-

Habitat: Manuel's pack moves around, but they have a haven set up in an abandoned house south of the Mississippi.

Goals: Keep an eye on New Orleans, and have a good time.

Harvey

Harvey is another member of Manuel's pack, and potentially the biggest challenge to Manuel's leadership. Harvey likes to skulk in the background, and not draw attention to himself. He has a vicious streak in him, though, and likes to torment his prey. He is the pack's primary liaison with other members of the Sabbat, and is favored by Murrell.

Clan: Lasombra

Age: "30", 11th Generation, born 1924, embraced 1955 by Simone

Image: Harvey is caucasian, with short brown hair. Harvey wears dress shirts and jackets, but they always have a "rumpled" look, as if he sleeps in them. There is always a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

Moses

Moses is priest of Manuel's pack. She is quiet and reserved, and dedicated to the Sabbat. She makes certain the pack keeps to the rituals and ways of the Sabbat. With her, Vaulderie is a holy act. The other members of her pack are a little intimidated by her.

Clan: Tzimisce

Age: "40", 11th Generation, born 1920, embraced 1958 by Joan

Image: Moses is a black woman of medium height and build. She is given to wearing black, either long flowing dresses, or the uniform of a Catholic priest.

Gabrielle

Gabrielle is the quietest member of Manuel's pack, and spends a great deal of time off on her own. She has extensive knowledge of the wilderness areas surrounding New Orleans, especially the bayous, which other vampires consider too dangerous to enter. She often acts as the pack's scout. Because of her thin, Ahrimanes blood, the other members of the pack have no Vinculum bond to her, but most of them like her as a friend.

Clan: Ahrimanes

Age: "20", 12th Generation, born 1949, embraced 1970 by Avery

Image: Gabrielle is a medium height white woman with long, dirty-blond hair. She either wears loose-fitting, comfortable clothes, or nothing at all. She rarely speaks, but her eyes can be very expressive, and rarely seem to blink.

Speck

Speck is the kid of Manuel's pack, but is well liked by all of them. Speck is loud and enthusiastic, and is more fond of "wilding" than the rest of the pack. She is always bouncing about, humming to herself, and is constantly cheerful. When things are tense, she likes to do something humorous, to break the mood. The older members of her pack tolerate her behavior, thinking it is "cute". Her Derangement is that she is can never stop moving, unless she is asleep. This can be a problem on missions, though Obfuscate can cover it up.

Clan: Malkavian antitribu

Age: "25", 13th Generation, born 1963, embraced 1986 by Johnson
.
Image: Speck is a petite caucasian woman, and her hair is always cut and dyed in various wild combinations. She occasionally paints her face as well. She wears sleeveless tank tops, and jeans or short skirts. She is constantly giggling and cutting up.

The Skull Pigs

The Skull Pigs drift in and out of the state in their meanderings. The Skull Pigs are the only pack that has ever directly challenged Murrell, and their leader, Torrence, has even faced Murrell in monomancy on several occasions. Each time, Murrell has defeated them, and then given Torrence some minor boon, to help him save face. Other Sabbat see this as excellent leadership on Murrell's part, a clever way of handling a rebellious, but useful vampire in the Sect. 

Others whisper darkly that Torrence and Murrell are in league with one another, and their entire interaction is a sham.

The Pigs also have the only open member of the Black Hand in the state, Asima. Murrell has expressed his distrust of the hand on numerous occasions, so Asima keeps a low profile. There may be other, hidden members of the hand in Louisiana, though, and Asima may not even be their leader.

Fulminous Bile

The Fulminous Bile is a truly repulsive pack. The pack consists of a pair of Nosferatu, a Malkavian, a Gangrel, and a Tzimisce. Through Vicissitude, the pack members have twisted their bodies so far that even the Nosferatu are more repulsive than normal. Their leader, the Gangrel Ichabod, has frenzied so many times that he is indistinguishable from a beast. Rather than hide their ugliness, they revel in it.
Many of Biles follow the path of Cathari, and all of them live their unlives to the fullest. They regularly share blood with one another, and their Vinculum bonds are incredibly strong. Despite their wild and loathsome manner, the pack's loyalty to the Sabbat is unquestioned, and they are often the first to remind others of the Sect's traditions.

The only strong political position of the pack is Ichabod's hatred of the Ahrimanes. He sees the bloodline as a perversion of  clan Gangrel, and opposes them in council whenever he can. This wins the pack the gratitude of Murrell. The fact that Ichabod's sex makes him ineligible for the Rite of the Third Birth may have something to do with his hatred.

The Maenads

Almost all the Maenads are Ahrimanes. The only two members who are not are a Nosferatu and a Pander, both of whom are female. The pack's exact size is unclear. The Ahrimanes, June and Cleo, and the pack's leader, Malachi, are clearly members. Other Ahrimanes share the vinculum on rare occasions, and sometimes find it politically astute to claim they are members of the Maenads. The Maenads don't mind, and never impose on their sisters' independence. The only Ahrimanes that are definitely not in the pack, are those in other packs, and Muricia herself.

The Maenads are mostly involved in Muricia's war against the Setites. The pack scours the rural towns of Louisiana, looking for infiltration by Snakes. Two of their members, June and Cleo, sneak into New Orleans to help the Snake Hunters with their fight. Muricia knows of this, but Murrell does not, and is bound to be angry at this breach of traditions.

The Phoenix Claw

The Phoenix Claw is the only founded pack in Louisiana, and the oldest and most powerful pack as well. Led by the bishop Murrell, the pack has come near to destruction on several occasions, always barely surviving to rebuild itself later. The only two constant members are Murrell and his Paladin, Elsa.

As for the pack's other members, Murrell has a tendency to rotate lost Sabbat through his pack. Many of the Sabbat in New Orleans, and almost all the pack leaders, were at one point members of the Phoenix Claw. After a decade or so, Murrell encourages them to go off and build a pack of their own. As a result, every pack in Louisiana but the Maenads can trace its origins back to the Claw. The Maenads sometimes call the state's other packs the "fingers" of the claw.

The Night Runners

This pack has only recently arrived in the state, having come from New York at Murrell's request. Distrusting Murrell's motives, they have so far kept their distance from him, and have started scouting New Orleans on their own. They are in the process of placing a few of their own vampires in New Orleans to check out the situation, and see if an attack on the city is feasible. They are not yet aware of their Mexican counterparts.

La Sangre del Christos

A pack of Mexican Sabbat, they, like the Night Runners, only just arrived. They don't plan on being here long, only long enough to give the city a cursory glance to satisfy form. They are as unaware of the Night Runners as the Runners are of them. Murrell is planning to introduce the two packs during the next Palle Grande, after both have had a chance to see New Orleans a bit. The fireworks should be interesting.