Arlo Dunsirn
Arlo Dunsirn
Arlo Dunsirn came to Chicago, at the behest of his elders in the Hecata, to represent and develop the families interest in the city. It took the most silver tongued ambassadors the clan had to offer months to arrange a deal with the Prince that would allow the Hecata to begin to grow their business interests in the City and as part of that deal the Hecata promised the Camarilla that there representative would serve as a tool to be used as the Camarilla saw fit. Arlo is that tool and is proud to serve his families purposes in that role. While not the most socially proficient member of the family he embodies the reputation the family seeks to spread amongst the Kindred of Chicago. He is earnest, above petty subterfuge, driven to make himself indispensable to those with wealth or power enough to afford his services and grimly competent in the services he offers.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Arlo's body could best be compared to a banana that has gone past ripened and become speckled and sweetened with age. There is the sense that in his prime he may have been quite athletic but his muscles as softened with age, the roots at his temple have started to silver and a small ponch has begun to form at his gut. He has what the kids call "Big Dad Energy".
Facial Features
Arlo keeps his mutton chops long but well cleaned and trimmed to match the thick mustache that connects to them.
He has intense blue eyes and a hawkish curved nose and his expression is usually stern.
He has intense blue eyes and a hawkish curved nose and his expression is usually stern.
Apparel & Accessories
While he doesn't wear them every night he is often seen with silver cufflinks that bear an emblazoned, heraldric D.
Mental characteristics
Gender Identity
Male
Sexuality
Arlo is an extremely private individual and if he has any interest in sex he hasn't made it known publicly. It is possible that due to time and the effects the oblivion discipline that part of his humanity has been long discarded.
Education
Arlo has been provided with an intensive education in most fields, particularly in business and economics.
Intellectual Characteristics
Arlo is a man of intense focus and his tendancy to withdraw into his own mind can make him slow to react to real world events and threats. Like all of the families recruits he has a very promising mind but what caused him to stand out amongst his peers was his sense of drive and purpose. Like a great hound, once Arlo is set to a task he will not stop until he has reached the end of the trail.
Morality & Philosophy
"Greed is Good"
Power and wealth flow upwards from the weak and the craven to those deserving at the top of the world. He feels no guilt for the advantages he was born into or for those who struggle at the bottom.
"Family First"
Loyalty and responsibility towards family is what seperates us from the beast and armors our humanity in the endless night. Always honor the ties that bind us together.
"Always Honor a Deal"
Once an accord as been struck you must do your best to uphold your end of the bargain. Wealth and power are the trappings of our family but reputation is the foundation that we build on. The clans reputation has been darkened by centuries of Giovanni rule. If we are to be reborn into these modern nights our reputation must be built anew.
"Family First"
Loyalty and responsibility towards family is what seperates us from the beast and armors our humanity in the endless night. Always honor the ties that bind us together.
"Always Honor a Deal"
Once an accord as been struck you must do your best to uphold your end of the bargain. Wealth and power are the trappings of our family but reputation is the foundation that we build on. The clans reputation has been darkened by centuries of Giovanni rule. If we are to be reborn into these modern nights our reputation must be built anew.
Social
Family Ties
Dunsirn Family
Giovanni Family
The Hecata
Giovanni Family
The Hecata
Religious Views
Nominally Catholic
Wealth & Financial state
Arlo is incredibly wealthy
Mild-mannered accountant. Proud family man. Secret cannibal.
View Character Profile
Date of Birth
3/22/1948
Children
Gender
Male
Eyes
Piercing blue eyes
Hair
Reddish brown wavy hair combed backwards into a windswept look
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pale, a light red to the cheeks even in death.
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The Journal Entry’s title
Begin writing your story here...
A Matter of Accounting
Aunt Esme,
You will be pleased to know that I have settled comfortably into my new position. I eagerly await the premiere of Frank Capone: A Chicago Story to show you the growth we have enjoyed in this city. There are still some issues to contend with but I won't bore you with them now. However, there is something I must trouble you with. Do you remember our cousin Nina? You said you hadn't had the chance to meet her but I was looking over an account she had set up recently and saw that you had co-signed on the account. I've attached copies of some of the paperwork I'm talking about so you can see it yourself. I would again express my concern over your failing memory and insist that if there is something you are not sharing regarding our young cousin that you be more open with me in that regard. If you still insist that you are in the dark about this I can only say that as we age they say the memory is the first thing too go and it may be time to seek professional examination.
Sincerely and with great concern,
Your nephew.
A Time for Ambition
Dearest Auntie,
I apologize that our correspondence has suffered as of late, as you can imagine I have been occupied with our recent mergers in Chicago. Despite an ever growing list of issues, most of which are not related to our business interests, I believe I can take this time to update you on the situation. The family it seems has started to move in to the city. I recently ran into a couple of Puttanesca cousins in the neighborhood. It would seem they are again working with our cousins in the Giovanni. I met with Nina, she was lovely. I'm told you had spoken with her recently yourself. I'd be very interested to hear the contents of that conversation. It would have also been nice to have known they were coming to the city. They were slow to show the expected respect to representative Quinn but I believe we have come to an accord and family stability will be maintained. I am, however, concerned that this may not be the last wrinkle caused by new arrivals. I believe the answer to these concerns is to proceed immediately in furthering our own ambitions.
The time is right. Our dealings in Chicago have not only proven profitable but they have provided the family a niche that will make us indispensable to our peers. We have a close working relationship with representative Quinn and connections to Mr. Jackson as well as his Chief Enforcement Officer. The family must acknowledge that we are entering a new era and a new era requires new leadership. I understand our interests exist beyond the scope of what happens in Chicago, and when we began this endeavor it was a simple matter of opening a new market but I think it has become clear that the next chapter of the Dunsirn family will be written in Chicago. I have full faith in Ms. Quinn's ability to lead the family but they are a newly appointed and untested leader and that makes them vulnerable. The support of the head of a family, someone who can wield status with the clan within and outside of Chicago will no doubt be invaluable in cementing their position....especially if that person should have a hand on the family's purse strings. I will also have need of the resources such a position can provide, especially in matters of security for our interests and troubleshooters that are on call to clean up whatever unexpected messes arise. As you know, my stay in Chicago has thus far largely been on the good graces of our connection to the Giovanni family. With the re-structuring of their operation and with new leadership in place I can no longer depend on this relationship. If the Dunsirn are to raise their position in the family and to be recognized as a worthy contributor on our own we cannot accept a situation where we are dependent on the Giovanni. We're not the fucking Puttanesca.
I do believe, however, that I will be poaching the driver they assigned me. He's proven discrete, loyal to family and skilled. I will be sure that in his new contract there is little room for conflicts of interest or uncertain loyalties.
With the utmost love and confidence in our future endeavors,
Your Nephew.
P.S. Filming has completed on our Frank Capone movie. I trust I will see you for the premiere?
A Matter of Debt
`
Mr. Quinn,
I wanted to take time to again thank you for the information you provided. It has proven as fruitful as I had hoped. Certain bad actors within our community have taken much of my attention as of late but I wanted to ensure you that I have not forgotten that I am in your debt. In fact, now that things have calmed down I have devoted some time to thinking about how I may repay you for your much appreciated support. Unfortunately my best efforts may require that I fall further into your debt before we see the ledger cleared.
Rumors may have already reached you that my sire will be coming to Chicago. I can confirm this is not the empty ramblings of a Princes court. I have spoken very highly of you and your contributions to our local community and I am certain that while she is in town she will want to make your acquaintance. To cut to the point I would consider it a personal favor if you would make yourself available for such a meeting. I'm aware this may prove to be an inconvenience but, while I cannot speak for my sire or make any premature promises, I believe that if you do accommodate me in this matter that such a meeting will be quite profitable. Enough so that it may strike clean the debt between us.
Details are in flux, the short notice of Esme's arrival in the city has made proper scheduling problematic but simply let me know that you are amicable to such a meeting and I will do my best to make scheduling as comfortable as possible.
Respectfully,
Arlo Dunsirn.
Reunion
Auntie Esme,
I cannot express how happy I was to hear that you would be joining me in Chicago. The announcement that you would be arriving has greatly captured the attention of our prince and he has expressed his anticipation in meeting with you. I remind you that I, in my own crassness, offended this man recently so I hope that you are able to smooth over any misunderstandings that may give our fair Prince a cause to hold our family at arms length. Already I have made preparations for your arrival and we (my coterie and I, at the insistence of Prince Jackson) will be waiting for you upon your arrival in Chicago. I have a glut of entertainment prepared for your stay as well as a rousing bit of business you might find engaging.
It has recently come to my attention that one of the properties I have recently began purchasing holds the interest of our deer Isabella, the protégé of one Ricky Goetz. She has requested that we make some allowances for her to purchase the property, offering up the idea of a partnership or at least a mutually beneficial deal in order to obtain it. She was very eager and expressed a sentimental attachment to the location. As a close friend and member of my coterie I of course want nothing more but to see that this property is returned to her ownership but I understand that our family is not running a charity. I have included an attached offer for what we would be willing to part with the property, I would appreciate it very much if you could look over the proposal and provide your keen insight on where we may be able to make some considerations for our friend.
If you would like I can see that this is done before you arrive but I thought you might enjoy having a bit of business to attend to while you were in town and as of yet I am intending on postponing closing any deals until your arrival. I should also include in my assessment of the situation that it would seem our darling Isabella has started to reach beyond what would be considered socially acceptable in her dealings. She believes herself to be well protected in this enterprise and I have not had the heart to reveal that with the proper motivation her entire enterprise could be brought to light. There's no reason to make her worry before our talks are closer to concluding but when the time is right we will be sure she understands the position she is in.
With much love and anticipation,
A. Dunsirn.
P.S. I know it's short notice but the Bahari of our Coterie, Sophie, has been asking if I could introduce them to a member of clan Lamia. If you were accompanied by such a person I'm sure they would be delighted to meet, although we would be straining the hospitality of our dear Prince....but surely he must expect some amount of attaches in your company. I believe even a ghoul, properly instructed in the Lamia's faith, would satiate the Malkavians curiosity for now. I have also come to learn if I have not mentioned it before but Sophie's sire is the Sheriff of Chicago and shares her faith. Showing a friendly connection to the Lillin could produce a powerful ally in the city.
War Report #4 - Conclusion
My darling Auntie,
I am pleased to report that our current conflict with the Inquisition has been resolved...for now. What's more we have managed to achieve a personal victory in the assassination of Josephine Redwood. Unfortunately we could not take her alive for questioning but death is a minor barrier for those of our family and I intend to make sure that Ms. Josephine has not escaped her chance to be useful to her enemies.
I'm eager to get back to my assigned task, although I think it would be wise to keep one eye open for the church mice's return. I wish I could say that this defeat will drive them off, crush their resolve, but their organization seemed well funded and committed and I doubt they will give up that easily.
I intend to turn my focus back to the financial empire of Ricky Goetz and building our own enterprises within Chicago. While I don't imagine he will be much use on that front our conflict with the Inquisition has lead me to a valuable ally in the spirit of Frank Capone. It turns out the price of his services was quite reasonable and I believe we can have a continued congenial relationship that will allow me to delve deeper into the spiritual underworld of Chicago.
Aside from these updates there is not much else to say. I am certain I will be quite occupied in the coming months and hopefully quite productive. I will keep you informed once my efforts have begun to show fruit.
Your Nephew,
A. Dunsirn.
War Report #3
Aunt Esme,
It would seem that Prince Jackson's lack of interest in the current church mouse situation was an attempt at misdirection or I have severely misinterpreted the situation. When we went to disclose our plans it was revealed that the Prince had already moved to see the issue resolved. Currently a gang war is raging around the warehouse. I should be pleased, grateful even. As I have made clear I was not looking forward to dealing with the inquisition directly but I must admit I feel like a rug has been suddenly pulled from underneath me. This is doubly frustrating because if we had only been informed of the Princes plan my coterie, who were already eager to engage with the inquisition, could have worked in tandem and ensured that the leaders of this movement were dealt with. Now there is nothing left to do but wait and see if our enemy manages to go to ground to hound us at a later night. In order to snatch something that our group can use from this situation I am rushing to complete my earlier preparations, adjusted now to attempt to take one of the organizers captive. I have no reason to be sure of success in this endeavor but if it fails it will have cost little and I find sitting and waiting quietly while a problem I was tasked to deal with is resolved by others.
Also of note I met with Adler Quinn. His operation is quite impressive and it seems he has recently began making offerings to secure his good graces with the Family. It may be worth looking into who is handling his re-assimilation into the family and if it were possible if we could take charge of this and offer him a better deal. I believe he has much more to offer than whatever percentage of his operation he is currently paying as dues.
Arlo
War Report #2
My dearest Auntie,
Our meeting with the Prince did not go quite as I had hoped. He seemed receptive of my suggestions but ultimately left the issue in the hands of our coterie who are committed to direct acts of violence. It did not seem to concern his majesty to learn that there was a small army rallying on his door step. My first instinct was that this man is a fool and that we have chosen poorly by attempting to do business in his domain but I reminded myself of our discussions of the man and that fools do not live long enough to rise to such stations. Having taken the time to reconsider I must assume one of two truths about the Prince. 1.) He is troubled by some greater concern than the second inquisition or 2.) He has full faith in the members of my coterie to resolve the issue, even should it come to direct conflict. If the first is true our investments in this city may still come to naught should such problems prove to be impossible to resolve in a profitable way, but if such problems can be overcome with a helping hand from The Family it would certainly do wonders for any attempts to build trust and friendship within the city. I am not so averse to risk as to squander a possibly worthy reward but we will need to assess and judge these matters as our understanding of the Kindred situation in the city expands. The second option seems like wishful thinking, but it's true that I do not have an accurate assessment of my coteries strength. As I have mentioned before the Dragon seems quite old and I'm certain their power is great. I have made the acquaintance a two returning veteran members as well. One seemed to be familiar with our family name and carried themselves with a level of grace and confidence that I would neither be surprised to discover they were a trained killer or had simply spent a majority of their unlife perfecting ballet. The other, though a bit distasteful, is open about their combat experience and current occupation as either simple muscle or killer for hire. They have marked and desecrated their flesh in such a way to pay homage to serpents and reptiles. It is possible that they may have some connection to The Ministry but the way their demeanor calls to mind the Gangrel. Either way, when it comes to a fight I do believe they will offer a great deal to our efforts. The wildcard is the Malkavian, (Imagine...) They seem absolutely undaunted by the idea of raiding a fortress head on or that we recently discovered our enemies have armed themselves with incendiary rounds and have at their disposable holy weapons that burn a kindred simply by contact. I cannot tell if this bravado is a mark of confidence and strength or if their judgement has been simply warped by a lust for revenge against wounds the inquisition has struck against them. Either way, they have committed us to our path and now it must be walked.
As you can imagine I am less than pleased but no situation has ever been improved by dwelling on what it could have been. If I am to be of use to this coterie, if I am to build the trust and friendship that our Family requires I must be able to offer a meaningful contribution to their plan. I gave my word to the sheriff that I would help and watch over them but I did not promise to throw my unlife away in doing so. Thankfully I believe I have come up with a solution that will produce meaningful results without putting myself in danger...at least not danger from the second inquisition. Despite your insistence that such things were no longer necessary I have chosen to keep up with my study of the occult and the arts practiced by our Giovanni cousins. I believe that with some preparation I will be able to not only summon but bind a spirit to my will. However, a spirit that can easily be bound to my will likely not turn the tide of our battle or make much of an impact at all and even if it were I would have gained a powerful enemy in the spirit world once it had finished it's task. With this in mind I believe my best course of action is to seek out a spirit that is likely beyond my ability to control and in the true nature of our family make a deal with it., attempting to force my will on such a being only as a last resort. Finding a suitable spirit and uncovering a suitable payment for it's services will take time, time I can only hope to have, and is likely outside of my ability to manage alone. With that in mind I have shifted my priorities and have moved meeting with Adler Quinn to the top of my list. He seems to have been in the city for some time, if anyone could direct me to what I need or offer assistance in completing the necessary rituals and dealing with a powerful spirit it is him. I can feel your judgement as I write this, please understand that I know how reckless this course of action is but that I am left with little in the way of options.
Speaking of Mr. Quinn I managed to sample his miraculous method of making alcohol suitable for kindred. For the first time in over 80 years I tasted the peat of Islay. I felt the burn in my throat and the warmth in my belly and I thought for a moment that I would see the sun rise again. If the Family could replicate this method we would find doors open to us in every city. I can understand why the local kindred seemed so protective and possessive of Mr. Quinn when they spoke of him. He has gifted Chicago an unthinkable treasure.
Unfortunately my actual duties have been forced to the back of my mind with the inevitable battle but I have not been totally remiss in my duties. I am still mapping Mr. Goetz holdings in the city. I am eager to see if he has developed his holdings solely within the territory of the coterie or if he has reached out into the affairs and domains of other Kindred and at what cost. As I mentioned before his focus seems to be on nightclubs and hotels. Not wanting to step on the toes of our potential ally I believe our best course may be to start in businesses that are similar but purpose-adjacent. Attached to this missive you will find several suggested purchases in local transportation and courier businesses, messenger services, cab companies and the like. If nothing else they are the sort of business that you can always sink money into and have fail should we need to funnel our assets out of Chicago.
Your loving Nephew,
A. Dunsirn.
War Report #1
Arlo
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.
Family Business
Arlo
To my dearest Auntie,
Your advice that I attend the recent Gala at The Succubus Club was well received. Setting up my enterprise these past few weeks has taken most of my considerable focus and I was pleased to find the time to have a night on the town, taking in Chicago's night life. I am equally pleased to report that evening was a productive one as well. I was able to meet with a recently appointed leader in law enforcement, someone who's career I'm sure you've heard of, and discuss what our family could best offer to the community of Chicago. She asked for assistance with a local business owned by a friend of her daughters, The Bram Smoker Cigar Club. Apparently they are having a bit of a problem with invasive church mice. It is perhaps more humble a beginning then I had hoped but it is a beginning none the less. It is interesting, however, that this business is owned by none other than Ricky Goetz, a notable Chicago businessman. I have been following his career closely ever since I became aware he was behind the purchase of the recently sold branch of Chicago First Bank. He's seems to be a very private man. So private in fact that it took the entire card ride to the club to deduce such information. While I'm certain I could offer even further financial privacy and protection I am concerned that I may not be able to offer so much more than he would dispatch his current staff to take a risk in working with our family. However, it is unclear what influence our families reputation may have in this endeavor. I intend to map out his financial holdings in depth. Once I have done so I will send you my information in a more private manner. I have already located several locations that are being turned into entertainment venues as well as a number of hotels. With these cash heavy businesses there is always a risk that something is moving through unseen. I'm sure reporting such illicit activities, if they were discovered, would be greatly appreciated by Mr. Goetz. I've also made contact with his protégé, Isabella. You will be pleased to know that unlike Ms. Wallow and her daughter, who seem invested in the power of the moon, the divinity of the feminine and other such heathenry, Mr. Goetz and his protégé appear to be devout Catholics. There was another newcomer to town who was inducted into the same circle of concerned citizens on that night that is worth noting. She is an elder woman from Romania who seeks her missing husband. She seems quite sweet in her antiquated way but I can tell she was a true Dragon in her prime. Anyway, I had better start looking in to these mice. Such infestations are bad for everyone's business.
Your loving nephew,
Arlo
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