Influences of Crescent City

Bureaucracy Bureaucracy Influence is the ability to affect the aspects of local government. A character can manipulate the rules, red-tape and regulations that are necessary to run a city. Influence can be attained by amassing contacts or allies among the clerks, supervisors, utility workers, road crews, surveyors, other civil servants and even city councilmen and alderman. Crescent City’s political and bureaucratic world is vast, sprawling and byzantine beyond compare. Its areas of authority overlap and its various functions, bureaus, and authorities form a labyrinth which few can navigate. 1 - Trace utility bills 2 - Fake a birth certificate or driver's license; Disconnect a single small residence's utilities; Close a small road or park; Get public aid ($250) 3 - Fake a death certificate, passport or green card; Close a public school for a single day; Shut down a minor business on a violation 4 - Initiate a phone tap; Fake land deeds; Initiate a department-wide investigation 5 - Start, stop or alter a city-wide program or policy; Shut down a big business on a violation; Rezone areas; Obliterate records for a person on a city or county level City Specific Areas City Hall serves as the bureaucratic seat of Crescent City. It is there the city houses its exhaustively numerous departments, including Archives & Records, Labor Relations, Human Resources, the Office of Cultural Affairs, Compliance… and more… many, many more. • City Hall City Hall is the nerve center for Mortal politics in Crescent City, handling municipal policies, zoning regulations, and public services. It’s also a carefully managed piece of The Camarilla’s infrastructure, where Kindred influence trickles down through mayoral decrees and city council decisions. This location acts as neutral ground for Kindred and mortal politics. • Crescent City Utility Authority – The Utility District The CCUA is vital to the city’s infrastructure but suffers from chronic underfunding and occasional scandals around mishandled finances. While ostensibly run by mortals, Kindred have vested interests here; certain areas of Crescent City experience scheduled “blackouts” during Kindred operations, or sudden water shortages near known Elysium sites, coordinated by complicit CCUA employees. • Federal Government Office Skyscraper Church The Church and those associated with it, are no strangers to politics and intrigue. This, of course, is something upon which the opportunistic Kindred can capitalize. Church Influence usually only applies to mainstream denominations, which include: Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and the Islamic faith Other religions, such as Paganism, would fall under Occult Influence. Contact and Allies affected by Church Influence include: ministers, bishops, priests, activists, evangelists, nuns and assistants, as well as attendees. 1 - Identify most secular members of a given faith in the local area; Pass as a member of the clergy; Peruse general church records (baptism, marriage, burial, etc.) 2 - Identify higher church members; Track regular church members; Suspend lay members 3 - Open or close a single church; Find the average church-associated Hunter; Dip into the collection plate ($250 Access private information and archives of a church 4 - Discredit or suspend high-level church members; Manipulate regional branches of the church 5 - Organize major protests; Access ancient church lore and knowledge City Specific Areas Crescent City is a city of religious diversity. Everything from Catholics to Toaism can be found in Crescent City. However, only a few of them have a large following. • Church of Free Faith The Church of Free Faith is a non-denominational spiritual center located between the neighborhoods of Blackmeadow and Cypress Heights in Crescent City. Its mission is simple yet profound: to provide an inclusive place of worship and community for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life. Known for its open-door policy and welcoming atmosphere, the church has become a spiritual hub for the area’s diverse population, offering hope, solace, and a sense of belonging to many residents. • St. Adam’s Cathedral Saint Adam’s serves as a place of worship for mortals, as well as a sanctuary for Kindred seeking peace or spiritual reflection. Bishop Giovanni, a member of Clan Giovanni, maintains the cathedral’s neutrality, enforcing strict rules against violence or disruption. The building’s reputation for peace draws Kindred of all factions, though its deeper catacombs are rumored to hold relics and artifacts tied to Kindred history. • St. George’s Chapel In the Residential District of Crescent City, Saint George’s Chapel is a beacon of faith and tradition. The chapel, though modest in size compared to the grand cathedrals of the metropolis, stands as a serene and beautiful testament to the enduring values of the Protestant faith. Its classic architecture and peaceful setting make it a place of reflection, solace, and community. • Sons of Jacob Synagogue Located in a vibrant but slightly older part of Crescent City, the Sons of Jacob Synagogue stands as a symbol of resilience, faith, and community. Founded by Jewish immigrants in the early 1900s, the synagogue has weathered both the challenges of time and the changing tides of the city's culture. Today, it remains a cornerstone for the city’s Jewish population, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural and social center. • The Northern Islamic Society The Northern Islamic Society Mosque is a low-profile yet elegantly built mosque with soft, white stone walls, an expansive courtyard, and a tall minaret that stands against the Oceanview skyline. Designed with a blend of modern architecture and classical Islamic elements, the mosque is a beacon of serenity, offering a welcoming space for prayer, study, and community gatherings. During the day, the mosque is a community center for the city’s Muslim population, offering classes, counseling services, and charitable outreach programs. • The Temple of the Shrouded Moon Tucked away in the dense, mist-shrouded forest just beyond the outskirts of Crescent City, The Temple of the Shrouded Moon is a tranquil and mysterious Buddhist sanctuary. The temple’s re-mote location and its mystical ambiance have made it a destination for those seeking peace, spir-itual reflection, or something more profound. Revered by both monks and spiritual seekers, the temple is a place where the natural world and the transcendent come together in perfect harmony. Finance All around us are the trips and trappings of affluence and the rich and famous capture our attention on a daily basis. Kindred who enter into the world of Finance can speak the language of money and investments. They peruse the Wall Street Journal with all the interest another person lends to a fabulous novel. Kindred with this influence know where to find capital; they can access banks, mega-corporations and the truly wealthy of the world. Those with this influence control CEO's, bankers, corporate yes-men, financiers, stock brokers, loan agents and even bank tellers. 1 - Learn about major transactions and financial events; Raise capital ($1,000 Learn about general economic trends; Learn real motivations for many financial actions of others 2 - Trace an unsecured small account; Raise capital to purchase a small business (single store or small service) 3 - Purchase a large business (a few small branches or a single large store or service) 4 - Manipulate local banking (delay deposits, some credit rating alterations Ruin a small business 5 - Control an aspect of city-wide banking (shut off ATMs, arrange a bank "holiday" Ruin a large business; Purchase a major company City Specific Areas First Providence, People’s Trust, and Red Shield Bank are the largest multinational banking corporations within the city and control the majority of financial transactions therein. • First Providence Located in the heart of the Financial District, amidst a forest of gleaming sky-scrapers, the First Providence Bank stands as a monument to wealth and power. This prestigious institution is known for its stringent security measures, impecca-ble service, and a reputation that commands respect in the world of finance. • People’s Trust Nestled among the towering skyscrapers of the bustling Financial District, Peo-ple's Trust Bank stands as a pillar of reliability and accessibility. This institution combines modern banking convenience with a welcoming atmosphere, serving a diverse clientele ranging from everyday citizens to local businesses. • Red Shield Bank Standing proudly in the heart of the Financial District, amidst the gleaming sky-scrapers and bustling streets, Red Shield Bank exudes an air of formidable power and unwavering stability. Known for its elite clientele and cutting-edge financial services, this prestigious institution is a cornerstone of the metropolis's economic landscape.
Health In this modern age, there are many organizations and places and people that exist and make their living at easing the aches, pains, illnesses and needs of people. These organizations are rife for manipulation and exploitation by enterprising Kindred. Those with this influence control health agencies, hospitals, asylums, medical groups and even nursing homes. Contact and Allies affected by Health Influence include: nurses, doctors, specialists, lab workers, therapists, counselors and pharmacists, amongst others. 1 - Access a person's health records; Face vaccination records and the like; Use public functions of health centers at your leisure; Get a single bag (1bp) of mortal blood 2 - Access some medical research records; Have minor lab work done; Get a copy of a coroner's report; Instigate minor quarantines 3 - Corrupt results of tests or inspections; Alter medical records 4 - Acquire a body; Completely rewrite medical records; Abuse grants for personal use ($250 Have minor medical research performed on a subject; Institute large-scale quarantines; Shut down businesses for "health code violations" 5 - Have special research projects performed; Have people institutionalized or released City Specific Areas Many various institutions can be found in Crescent City, from small, private clinics to dentistry offices. Of them, there are two especially prominent factions in the city’s health sphere: • Banshee Pharmaceuticals A large Pharmaceutical Corporation that is based in Crescent City. It’s known to have a factory in the Industrial District and a Business Office in a Skyscraper in The Business District. • St. Gabriel’s Hospital and Trauma Center Located in the heart of Downtown Crescent City, St. Gabriel Hospital and Trauma Center is the city’s largest and most advanced medical facility. As a massive, state-of-the-art, level 1 trauma center, it serves as the region's main hub for emergency and critical care. Spanning an impressive four city blocks, the hospital is a constant whirlwind of activity, with its sprawling complex providing around-the-clock care to thousands of patients each day. Known for having the busiest emergency room in the city and housing some of the best medical professionals in the state, St. Gabriel is a critical lifeline for Crescent City and its surrounding areas. • St. Gabriel’s Morgue and Crematorium Located in the basement of the opulent St. Gabriel's Hospital, the morgue and crematorium stand in stark contrast to the pristine, high-tech facilities above. This hidden, somber corner of the hospi-tal is where the realities of life and death are handled with quiet efficiency and solemn respect. • St. Jude’s Hospital St Jude's is one of the smaller clinics where most people go, though there is a primary hospital in town for those who can afford luxuries like insurance. But it is the clinics like St Jude's' where gunshot, stab, and needle wounds are treated. The staff works tirelessly around the clock in a city where crime is well above the national average. • Whisperwood Sanatorium The city’s mental hospital, Whisperwood, currently houses over 200 patients, most of which are criminally insane. The facility focuses on containing the patients rather than rehabilitate them, exercising methods that directly reflect this. The sanatorium is based in The Wastelands. High Society There are people in this world that, by dint of birth, possessions, talent, luck or knowing who to blow, have risen above the “unwashed masses.” Those with this influence are able to control and direct the energy and actions of mortals who move amongst society and in the entertainment sector. Contact and Allies affected by High Society Influence include: dilettantes and debutantes, the old rich and the nouveau riche, movie stars, rock stars, artists, dancers of all sorts, fashion models, trendsetters, critics, and fashion models. 1 - Learn what is trendy; Obtain hard-to-get tickets for shows; Learn about concerts, shows or plays well before they are made public 2 - Track most celebrities and luminaries; Be a local voice in the entertainment field; "Borrow" idle cash from rich friends ($1,000) 3 - Crush promising careers; Hobnob well above your station 4 - Minor celebrity status 5 - Get a brief appearance on a talk show that's not about to be canceled; Ruin a new club, gallery, festival, or other posh gathering City Specific Areas The High Society in the city revolves around the Cultural District and the various well-to-do families. Though old money families like the 5 Founding Families tend to Dominate the social scene and have the most well known names and reputations, the nouveau riche families, fueled by fairly recent successes on the stock market or in banking as well as a few inheritances, have made the biggest splashes in the gossip columns. The main places those of good standing within in the city meet, apart from the numerous annual charity events, galas and receptions is both the Wendelton Yacht Club and the Wendelton Country Club, with admittance into both clubs being a proud badge of honor amongst the rich and difficult to attain. • The Wendelton Country Club Nestled in the verdant outskirts of the metropolis, the Wendelton Country Club is a bastion of old-world charm and refined elegance. Catering to the city’s elite, this exclusive club offers a serene retreat from the urban hustle, surrounded by lush greenery and meticulously maintained grounds. • The Wendelton Yacht Club Situated in the wealthiest district of the metropolis, the Wendelton Yacht Club is an epitome of maritime elegance and affluence. Nestled beside the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, this exclusive club offers its members unparalleled luxury, breathtaking ocean views, and a haven of nautical camaraderie. • The Five Founding Families The Athertons, Cromwells, Griffiths, Maxwells, Redfords Industry The World of Darkness is rife with the grinding of machinery, the thuds and clangs of smoke-billowing engines, and the ceaseless and thankless toil of its pastry-faced workers whose lives are ended far too early due to the constant exposure to toxins, long-hours and stress. Those with this influence are able to control and direct the energy and actions of mortals who move in the industrial complex, engineers, contractors, construction workers and the poor souls who labor in factories. 1 - Learn about industrial projects and movements 2 - Have minor projects performed; Dip into union funds or embezzle petty cash ($500 Arrange small accidents or sabotage 3 - Organize minor strikes; Appropriate machinery for a short time 4 - Close down a small plant; Revitalize a small plant 5 - Manipulate large local industry City Specific Areas • America Federation of Warehouse Workers The AFWW is the largest Union in the city, though their power is limited compared to the past. Still, with 30,000 members, the union is able to make things difficult for companies that get too greedy. • The Crescent City Ship Building Company The CCSBC prosperity, like the city’s, seems to be always in flux. Originally one of the largest employers in Crescent City, their property has historically served as one of the main shipyards for the US Navy on the west coast, though nowadays it has seen a recent resurgence as the US seeks to modernize its fleet. These new contracts have not done much to help the blue collar worker, though, as most of the money is going to the engineers and investors. • General Kinetics Corporation The largest manufacturing employer in the city, their large plant in the manufacturing district mostly constructs cruise missiles and as such is very difficult to gain direct access to without clearance. Most of their workers belong to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers. • Midnight Waters Waste Treatment Plant Nestled in a desolate industrial zone at the edge of the city, the Midnight Waters Waste Treatment Plant is a Grim and foreboding facility that embodies the shadowy nature of the World of Darkness. Overlooking the murky expanse of the ocean, this plant is a blight on the landscape, notorious for its dubious practices and the toxic effluents it secretly dumps into the sea. Legal In the so-called hallowed halls of Lady Justice, Kindred walk with influence can walk with impunity. Those with this influence are able to control and direct the courts and justice bureaus. Those who enter this influence can even affect the law schools, and law firms attached to the Court system. Contacts and allies can include: lawyers, judges, bailiffs, clerks, and District Attorneys. 1 - Get free representation for minor cases 2 - Avoid bail for some charges; Have minor charges dropped 3 - Manipulate legal procedures (minor wills and contracts, court dates Access public or court funds ($250 Get representation in most court cases 4 - Issue subpoenas; Tie up court cases; Have most legal charges dropped; Cancel or arrange parole 5 - Close down all but the most serious investigations; Have deportation proceedings held against someone City Specific Areas Crescent City is speckled with numerous law firms, but it is two institutions that stand more prominently over the rest in the city’s legal sector: • County Courthouse The County Courthouse, a stone and glass edifice, sits on a prominent corner in Central City. It houses numerous courtrooms and administrative offices, serving as the primary center of legal authority in Crescent City. While it functions publicly as a bastion of mortal law, the courthouse is heavily influenced by the Camarilla, with select judges and attorneys acting as Ghouls or affiliates. • Savage and Morrison (S&M) The premier criminal law firm in the city, they have the highest acquittal rate, as well as the highest hourly rates. If you want to avoid a charge, you want Savage and Morrison. • Pelican Bay State Prison Situated in the remote coastal town of Crescent City, California, Pelican Bay State Prison is a fortress of steel and concrete, a stark and imposing structure isolated by dense forests and the rugged coastline. The prison is notorious for its high-security facilities and its infamous SHU (Security Housing Unit), designed to contain the most dangerous and unmanageable inmates.
Old Media Old Media is the eyes and ears of the mortal world. At once informative and insightful, it is also considered corrupt and biased. No one is surprised when news people seem to turn a blind eye to big problems and then on the next day, make much ado about something relatively minor. Those with this influence are able to control and direct the printed news and the broadcast news. The Kindred who controls the media is a powerful Kindred indeed, frequently sought to handle breaches and the like. Contacts and allies can include station directors, editors, reporters, anchors, camera people, photographers, and radio and television personalities. 1 – Learn about breaking stories early; Submit small articles (within reason) 2 – Suppress (but not stop) small news articles or reports; Get hold of investigative reporting information 3 – Initiate news investigations and reports; Get project funding and waste it ($250) 4 – Ground stories and projects 5 – Broadcast fake stories (local only Kill small local articles or reports completely City Specific Areas • Crescent City Examiner The Examiner serves as the city’s primary news source and newspaper. Concerned with fact-based and logical news reporting, they are quick to dismiss and explain strange occurrences within the city. • Crescent City Mirror The Crescent City Mirror is the city’s infamous tabloid news source, known for its sensational stories on supernatural rumors, political scandals, and celebrity gossip. Housed in a dilapidated two-story building, the Mirror is often dismissed by the general public as a joke, but some readers—and Kindred—know that hidden within its ridiculous articles are grains of truth. • Moments of Clarity Radio Station Broadcasting from the heart of Crescent City’s industrial district, Moments of Clarity Radio Station (WCLR 88.3 FM) is a unique, alternative radio station that serves as both a refuge for free thinkers and a hub for those on the fringes of society. Known for its eclectic programming and deep, often philosophical discussions, the station's reputation is a mix of countercultural defiance and mysterious allure. • Northland Media Corporation The Northland Corporation owns and maintains the two largest news networks on TV. AZTS News Channel 23 and WPCT News Channel 14. • The Underground Voice (TUV) Radio Station Hidden beneath the industrial sprawl on the outskirts of Crescent City, The Underground Voice (TUV) is a pirate radio station that broadcasts subversive messages advocating for the disenfranchised and encouraging rebellion against the systems of oppression. It operates far outside the bounds of legality, its signal flickering in and out across the airwaves, reaching the ears of those who are forgotten, ignored, or silenced by the mainstream. Run by a small but fiercely committed group of activists, TUV is a beacon of defiance for those seeking change in a city where corruption and injustice run deep. • Iron Lair Radio Station The station’s host, known only as “Iron Voice,” is as enigmatic as the station itself, discussing topics from existential dread to occult philosophy, with occasional, cryptic asides that suggest a knowledge of Kindred society. Iron Lair is a favorite of the city’s vampire population, providing ambient music that fits their eternal nights and echoing their dark introspection. • Morning Tide Tribune The Tribune is a mouthpiece for the Camarilla and serves to control public perception. While it often reports on crime and corruption in Crescent City, it subtly downplays the supernatural aspects, redirecting public attention toward mundane explanations. Primogen Willow Cromwell uses the paper to manipulate both mortal and Kindred political landscapes, strategically targeting rivals or promoting allies through articles that indirectly sway public opinion. • Crack of Dawn Radio Station Crack of Dawn is notorious for exposing stories that other stations shy away from—sometimes uncovering Kindred-related secrets. The Midnight Caller’s audience includes rebels, free thinkers, and some of Crescent City’s disenfranchised Kindred who listen to the station as an act of defiance. The station has a reputation for airing rumors about the city’s “Shadow society,” subtly hinting at Kindred influence while carefully skirting the Masquerade. New Media New Media is the eyes and ears of the local online world. At once informative and insightful, it is also considered less reliable than traditional sources and sensationalist. No one is surprised when news people seem to turn a blind eye to big problems and then on the next day, make much ado about something relatively minor. Those with this influence are able to control and direct digital news and the Twittersphere. The Kindred who controls the media is a powerful Kindred indeed, frequently sought to handle breaches and the like. Contacts and allies can include Website managers, editors, reports, bloggers, tweeters, online personalities. 1– Learn about breaking stories early; Submit small articles/video’s (within reason) 2– Suppress (but not stop) small online articles or reports; Get hold of investigative reporting information 3 – Initiate news investigations and reports; Get project funding and waste it ($250) 4 – Ground stories and projects 5 – Broadcast fake stories (local only Kill small local articles or reports completely Occult The supernatural world and those that move in it are a strong curiosity for a great many people. Many look at the Occult world and its occupants and cannot help but consider it a sham and a fraud. This could not be further from the truth. Those with this influence are able to control and direct the world that comes the closest to the Kindred world. Kindred who have control in the Occult world are able to garner support and information from cult leaders, alternative religious groups, charlatans, would-be occultists and New Agers. 1 - Contact and make use of common occult groups and their practices; Know some of the more visible occult figures 2 - Know and contact some of the more obscure occult figures; Access resources for most rituals and rites 3 - Access vital or rare material components; Milk impressionable wannabes for bucks ($250 Access occult tomes and writings 4 - Learn of signs of local supernatural activity and possibly contact those involved 5 - Access occult artifacts and rare occult writings; Control a small cult or circle City Specific Areas Crescent City’s occult circles… don’t exist? Perhaps curiously, there’s little significant occult Presence in the city… at least, as far as publicly known. One or two pagan groups – centered more around religious practices and stereotype rather than true ritual – can be found in the city, but beyond that, if there is an occult presence in Crescent City, it’s a secretive, insular one… and open to only those select few that can, first, find them and, second, actually fit in. • Gathering of Whispers Led by Gladys Hutchinson. She is rumored to have dead bodies buried in her front yard and mind altering granny candies. She has several kids that live or work for her which are references as Boy or Girl followed by a number. • Life Temple & Seminary Based in Oceanview out of the home of a couple known simply as Jarilo and Morana, the Life Temple is possibly the most well-known Wicca and New Age group in Crescent City if only by merit of being the most prominent presence in newspaper ads. • Night Flame Coven The Night Flame Coven is an ancient and secretive group dedicated to the study and practice of dark magic. They are known for their profound knowledge of the occult and their ability to harness forbidden powers. The coven operates in the shadows, their influence extending into the realms of both mortal and supernatural societies. Police Protect and serve. That is the motto of the enforcers of the law. But kindred and kine alike know this is not entirely true. In most cities, many people are truly wondering who the police truly serve… and why. Most of the time, they are serving their Kindred masters. Those with this influence are able to control and direct the police and their affiliates. Contacts and allies include beat cops, desk jockeys, prison guards, special divisions such as SWAT teams and homicide, detectives and all the related clerical and ancillary positions associated with law enforcement. 1 - Learn police procedures; Hear police information and rumors; Avoid traffic tickets 2 - Have license plates checked; Avoid minor violations (first conviction Get “inside information” 3 - Get copies of an investigative report; Have police hassle, detain or harass someone; Find out bureau secrets 4 - Access confiscated weapons or contraband; Have some serious charges dropped; Start an investigation; Get money, either from the evidence room or as an appropriation ($1,000) 5 - Institute major investigations; Arrange setups; Instigate bureau investigations; Have officers fired City Specific Areas • CCPD The Crescent City Police Department maintains law and order on the streets of the city. Though efficient, there are signs of corruption and occasional tales of excessive force, racism, and discrimination. The police department is far more concerned with dealing with street gangs, the homeless, and any others attempting to disrupt the peace and safety of the city than it is with dealing with taint of organized crime. • CCPD Tactical Negotiations Team If you want to shoot people on the taxpayer dime, the TNT is for you -- provided you can get past all the security clearance. With an obligatory prerequisite of active military service, the CCPD Tactical Negotiations Team is Crescent City’s version of SWAT, and is known for using lethal force when need be.
Political Politics is an art which even the youngest Kindred knows something about. From the time a Neonate is introduced to society, he or she begins to learn exactly how complex and convoluted politics in the Kindred world truly is. Many Kindred find it amusing at how cut-throat mortal seems, but they themselves know how deadly real politics can be. Individuals which Kindred can latch onto and use include statesmen, pollsters, activists, party leaders and even members, lobbyists, candidates, and politicians. 1 - Minor lobbying; Identify real platforms of politicians and parties; Be in the know 2 - Meet small-time politicians; Garner inside information on processes, laws and the like; Use a slush fund or a fund-raiser ($1,000) 3 - Sway or alter political projects (local parks, renovations, small construction) 4 - Enact minor legislation; Dash careers of minor politicians 5 - Get your candidate in a minor office; Enact encompassing legislature City Specific Areas City Hall, and the surrounding City Square, is Crescent City’s political hive. • City Hall City Hall is the nerve center for mortal politics in Crescent City, handling municipal policies, zoning regulations, and public services. It’s also a carefully managed piece of the Camarilla’s infrastructure, where Kindred influence trickles down through mayoral decrees and city council decisions. This location acts as neutral ground for Kindred and mortal politics.
Street Overlooked, underappreciated, and even ignored, those who live on the street have their own culture, their own lifestyle and deal with the harsh lot they have been dealt in their own, unique way. Disenfranchised and jaded, insane and ill, those who dwell beneath the underbelly of a city are a force to be reckoned with. Contacts and allies can be found in the darkest of alleys and poorest of slums. Those who can be used by Kindred include: gang members, the homeless, street performers, petty criminals, prostitutes and the forgotten - this would include Veterans and those cast out of mental wards. 1 - Open an ear for the word on the street; Identify most gangs and know their turfs and habits 2 - Live mostly without fear on the underside of society; Keep a contact or two in most aspects of street life; Access small-time contraband 3 - Get insight into other areas of Influence; Arrange some services from street people or gangs; Get pistols or uncommon melee weapons 4 - Mobilize groups of homeless; Panhandle or hold a "collection" ($250 Get hold of a shotgun, rifle or SMG; Have a word in almost all aspects of gang operations 5 - Control a single medium-sized gang; Arrange impressive protests by street people City Specific Areas Numerous street gangs roam the poorer areas of the city, though many of them are just disaffected youths banded together to cause violence and trouble, or small time street criminals looking to sell a little coke. Very rarely are any truly organized or directly affiliated with the more dominant underworld families in the city. • Hope’s Haven Homeless Shelter Despite it’s location in one of the worst parts of town, Hope’s Haven Homeless Shelter continues to struggle to act as a beacon of compassion and support for those in need. This modest but well-maintained facility offers a safe haven for the city's homeless population, providing essential ser-vices, a warm meal, and a sense of community. • Iron Claw Chop Shop Tucked away in the heart of an extremely crime-infested neighborhood in the Wasteland, The Iron Claw Chop Shop is a notorious hub of illegal activity. Known for its shady dealings and unsavory clientele, this chop shop operates under a veil of secrecy and danger, a place where the law dares not tread. • The Crimson Bulldogs The Crimson Bulldogs are a fierce and highly organized street gang known for their unrelenting brutality and territorial dominance. They are recognized by their vivid crimson colors and bulldog insignia, symbols of their aggressive and tenacious nature. The Bulldogs have carved out a significant power base in the city's underworld, instilling fear and respect through their ruthless methods. (Drug Trafficking, Arms Dealing, Robbery and Heists, Protection Rackets, Territorial Control). • The Liberated Syndicate The Liberated Syndicate is a street gang with a unique twist—they combine criminal activity with revolutionary, anti-establishment ideals. Their core belief is that society’s rules are chains designed to keep the weak under control, and they exist to break those chains, whether through subversion, violence, or criminal enterprise. While their rhetoric is steeped in ideas of freedom and personal liberation, in practice, they’re a ruthless gang that controls parts of the city through force, intimidation, and propaganda. (Smuggling, Black Market, Protection Rackets, Propaganda and Recruitment, Community Projects) • The Lost Boys The Lost Boys are a street gang made up mostly of kids, teens, and young adults who have been abandoned, neglected, or otherwise left to fend for themselves in the harsh city streets. They form a tight-knit group, bound by a shared sense of survival, loyalty, and belonging, often operating from abandoned buildings, Sewers, and other forgotten parts of the urban land-scape. To the outside world, they’re just another group of juvenile delinquents, but to each other, they’re family. (Scavenging, Petty Theft, Information Network, Community Protection) • The Needle Riders The Needle Riders are a notorious street gang known for their ruthless control over the drug trade and their unmatched prowess in motorcycle handling. Their name comes from their primary mode of transportation—high-performance motorcycles—and their involvement in the distribution of a powerful, hallucinogenic drug called "Needle." (Drug Production and Distribution, Protection Rackets, Illegal Racing and Betting, Arms Dealing) • The Reapers The Reapers are a ruthless and feared street gang known for their brutal enforcement and control over several illegal enterprises within their territory. With a reputation built on violence and intimidation, they are recognized by their grim symbolism and their mastery of the urban jungle. The Reapers thrive on chaos and fear, using their savage methods to maintain dominance over their turf. (Drug Trafficking, Arms Dealing, Robbery, Theft, Protection Rackets, Territorial Control.) Transportation People have to move. They have to travel to and from work, shopping and for business and pleasure. People fly, drive, and travel by train. Goods are hauled over rail, sea, air and via the highways. With the means of moving about, our big old world becomes a much smaller, accessible place. Contacts and allies can be found on the roads, in the airports and in train and bus stations. Those who can be used by Kindred include: cab drivers, bus drivers, pilots, air traffic controllers, travel firms, sea captains and their crews, border guards, and many, many others. 1 - Know what goes where, when and why; Travel locally quickly and freely 2 - Track an unwary target if he uses public transportation; Arrange passage safe (or at least concealed) from mundane threads (robbery, terrorism, sunlight, etc.) 3 - Seriously hamper an individual's ability to travel; Avoid most supernatural dangers when traveling (such as Lupines) 4 - Shut down one form of transportation (bus lines, ships, planes, trains, etc.) temporarily; Route money your way ($500) 5 - Reroute major modes of travel; Smuggle with impunity City Specific Areas • The A+ Shipping Company – The Docks Located in the old city Docks, A+ Shipping Company is a bustling logistics hub known for its efficiency, reliability, and expansive network of global shipping routes. Specializing in freight and cargo transport, the company serves as a vital link between the metropolis and the international markets, with a reputation built on delivering goods swiftly and securely. But only for those who can afford the premium. • The Atherton Shipping Corporation – The Industrial District The Atherton Shipping Corporation is owned by one of the Founding Families, the Athertons. It was started as a small Shipping company early on and has grown and developed over the years into what it is today. • The Crescent City Airport – The Airport The airport’s location and relative anonymity make it a potential staging ground for covert Kindred operations, such as smuggling or transportation. The (Kindred) Sheriff's Office has arrangements with select airport staff to monitor suspicious flights, keeping tabs on mortal and supernatural threats entering Crescent City. Only recently, however, has The Second Inquisition’s interest in Crescent City raised concerns that they may be monitoring the airport more closely. • The Crescent City Train Station – The Industrial District The train station is used by Nosferatu for transportation and gathering information, with Kindred often meeting in the deserted areas after hours. The Nosferatu also exploit the station’s labyrinthine layout and abandoned maintenance tunnels, making it a key stronghold for their clan. Occasionally, it is designated an Elysium when the Prince or Nosferatu Primogen deem it necessary, but only for small gatherings. • The Crescent City Transit Authority – The Utility District The Crescent City Transit Authority (CCTA) is the governing body responsible for managing and maintaining the city’s expansive and modern mass transit system. As Crescent City has grown into a sprawling metropolis, the CCTA has become a critical part of daily life for millions of commuters. Known for its efficiency and technological integration, the system connects the city’s diverse districts, from the industrial outskirts to the bustling downtown, while serving as a vital lifeline for workers, students, and residents from all walks of life. Underworld Organized crime, the undercurrent that is common in each and every city, large or small. Each group that moves through the Underworld provides a "valuable" if nefarious service and provides access to those who will carry out the most dangerous and questionable of deeds. Contacts and allies can be found in hit men, the Mafia, Yakuza, bookies, fencers and launderers. 1 - Locate minor contraband (knives, small-time drugs, petty gambling, scalped tickets) 2 - Obtain pistols, serious drugs, stolen cars; Hire muscle to rough someone up; Fence stolen loot; Prove that crime pays (and score $1,000) 3 - Obtain a rifle, shotgun, or SMG; Arrange a minor "hit"; Meet someone in “the Family” 4 - Make white-collar crime connections 5 - Arrange gangland assassinations; Hire a demolition man or firebug; Supply local drug needs City Specific Areas The Irish Mob and the Italian Mafia are the two dominant organized crime “families” in Crescent City, both operating directly from and the indisputable masters of their own resident districts. The Irish mob focuses their power on the city’s dock, unions, and industries, whereas the Italian Mafia keeps themselves involved in illegal gambling and protection rackets. Both are considerable “benefactors” of more than a few political representatives. Both are also in constant competitive contention. • Blighted Legion – The Narrows The Blighted Legion is a powerful and ruthless organized crime syndicate known for its iron-fisted control over the city's underworld. With roots in ancient secret societies, they blend traditional criminal activities with dark rituals and occult practices. Their influence extends deeply into both the mortal and supernatural realms. (Drug Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Black Market, Assassinations, Extortion, Occult Practices) • Bratva (The Russian Mafia) ¬– Industrial Zone/The Barrens Focuses their power on the import and export of all things, mainly weapons and drugs. • Chaos Corps – The Barrens/The Wastelands The Chaos Corps is a violent and unpredictable organized crime syndicate known for their anarchic structure and brutal tactics. Unlike other criminal organizations, they thrive on chaos and fear, using unpredictable methods to maintain control and power. Their activities span various illegal enterprises, and their reputation for unrestrained violence makes them one of the most feared groups in the underworld. (Drug Trafficking, Arms Dealing, Robbery and Heists, Protection Rackets, Violent Enforcement) • Irish Mob – Industrial Zone/The Barrens Focuses their power on the Unions and Industries. • Italian Mafia - The Docks/Residential Districts. Focuses their power on illegal gambling and protection rackets. • Sisters of Iron – Fort Dick, Cypress Heights, Sunrise Point The Sisters of Iron are a formidable and enigmatic organized crime syndicate known for their fierce loyalty, strategic brilliance, and brutal enforcement. Comprised entirely of women, this group commands respect and fear across the city's underworld, blending traditional criminal activities with a strict code of honor and clandestine rituals. (Fraud, Robbery, Smuggling, Protection Rackets, Aiding and Embedding Convicts.)
University Knowledge is power. Everyone knows that, or at the least has heard that. University Influence is a fairly straight forward influence that covers all aspects of the University life. Contacts and allies can be found in teachers, professors, deans, students, and sororities and fraternities. 1 - Know layout and policy of local schools; Have access to low-level university resources; Get records up to the high school level 2 - Know a contact or two with useful knowledge or Abilities; Have minor access to facilities; Fake high school records; Obtain college records 3 - Call in faculty favors; Cancel a class; Fix grades; Discredit a student 4 - Organize student protests and rallies; Discredit faculty members 5 - Falsify an undergraduate degree City Specific Areas • St. John’s University Saint John’s University is the largest academic institution in Crescent City, covering several blocks in The University District. Known for its science and mathematics programs, the university is a prestigious institution and a hub of mortal academia. The Tremere oversee the university with quiet authority, subtly directing its research and advancements to benefit their clan. • Oceanside Academy of the Arts Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Oceanside Academy of the Arts is an inspiring haven for creative minds. With its breathtaking views and prestigious reputation, the academy serves as a hub for talented artists, musicians, dancers, and performers, offering world-class education in a setting as beautiful as it is stimulating.