War Report #1

My Dearest Auntie,
 
I must report that the impending war between the coterie I have become attached to and the forces of the second inquisition seems to have moved into semi-open conflict. I had hoped that the violence would remain on the cool side for some time but I am afraid no such luxury will be permitted. I have encrypted this communique as best as I am able. I hope it reaches you securely and in a timely manner. I have made preparations in case something should happen to me before it reaches you. We were attacked recently, at what I believe (perhaps incorrectly, I am still taking in the territory) is our central holding. The kine are confidant, brazen even. One of my coterie has been developing some manner of computer network. Despite our understanding of Camarilla policies this seems to have been sanctioned. Legal standing aside it was an easy target for the kine who used it to send a message, a warning of an imminent attack. Perhaps the Camarilla is correct in their estimate of such technologies. It is possible that we simply cannot compete with mortal adaptability in such a field in a meaningful way that would allow us to use it safely. Unfortunately, I see no other way to continue our own interest in mortal finance without it. This is troubling in itself but more troubling was the attack I had mentioned. From what I have pieced together the inquisition sent no more than two of their soldiers to attack us as we fled the lair. Once we had departed there was no sign of continued actions at the location. This leads to me believe the attack was a feint, an attempt not to cause harm but to maneuver us into the open. If this is the case I believe we have stepped directly into our enemies trap. How devastating this has proven I cannot yet say. At least it has cost some safe ground. I'm sure you have heard of the recent parking garage explosion. A brightly burning sacrifice to cover our retreat into the night.
 
News is not all dire, however. We have located the hunters base of operation. It would seem quite a number of independent and government organizations are being housed under the same warehouse. (full details below). I do not believe this is an installation that can be breached and stormed, at least not with the strength of our coterie alone. We have attempted to seek assistance from Prince Jackson but I cannot speculate on what his response will be. Even if we were successful in such outright and violent methods I believe the risk of exposure and collateral damage would run too high. I have offered two alternative suggestions. One that we employ a shield of mortal activists and rabble rousers by painting the enemy stronghold as some sort of government black site for holding political prisoners. Chicago has a history of housing such infrastructure and I believe this to be our best path forward. Also official documentation for the ownership of the building seems to have in an....incorporeal status. If we cannot find an owner we may have an opportunity to at least attempt to purchase the property. Likely any such offers would be rejected and fruitless but the paperwork required in verifying proper ownership and submitting an offer may make it harder for our enemies to hide from the crushing weight of mortal bureaucracy. Both of these options delay our enemies, drive them out of their hiding place or make it harder to hide and organize but they will not resolve the situation on their own. Sooner or later a terribly violent night will fall over Chicago. I hope by then I have enough of a hand on the situation in this city that I can remain far away from the worst of it, still assured of our victory, but I doubt I will be so lucky.
 
Your loving nephew,
 
A. Dunsirn.