Seraphima
Prince Seraphima Fyodorovna Nikolaeva (a.k.a. Fina)
Seraphima is a woman driven to acquire power. Typicaly calculating, she will take any opportunity to further her own goals. This drive has seen her ascend to the Throne of the Princedom of Venice at a remarkably young age (which is somewhat ironic that she should become a monarch given her previous hatred of the aristocracy). It has also seen her diabolise several other Vampires to gain more power.
She cares little for others; she does reward success but only really because the occasional praise has proven to be an effective way of manipulating people. Failure is punished mercilessly.
In response to events in her past she has developed a friend in the form of a spider named Dushen'ka who sits on her shoulder and prompts her with ideas and observations, most often sadistic in nature.
Her overconfidence combined with her ambition has led her to take many risks. The greatest of these have so far paid off and enabled her rise in power. However, she continues to make enemies, particularly the Giovanni and Tzimisce. While her contempt and mistrust of others has meant she only has a few allies.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
A fairly small pale woman she is rarely without a veil to hide her inhumane features.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Early Life
Born in St. Petersburg and raised in a middle class family, Seraphima was an influential revolutioary in the Narodniks movement. At this time she passionatly believed that the Aristocricy must be brought down for the good of all hard working people. In 1868 she went to Warsaw to spread the movement. Impressed with her growing political influence within the disinfrancised of the city the Prince of Warsaw, Henryk Rzegotka, gave her the gift of immortality believing she would make an excelent Ventrue and a powerfull piece in the game. Unfortunatly for Seraphima her sire was not strong and succumed to the machinations of the Tzimitcse Natashen'ka before Seraphima was fledged. Under the Tzimitsce's influence Seraphima endured many physical and emotional torments, forcing her to close herself off to human empathy and fracture her personality producing a friend whome she can confide in and who suggests ways in which she can solve her problems (usually sadistic or destructive to others). Over time she managed to trick Natashen'ka and escape her grasp. Fleeing from Warsaw she informed the Camarilla of the situation and they sent an Alastor to exterminate her sire and the Tzimitsce, and set things to rights. Unfortunatly Natashen'ka escaped and her wherabouts are still unkown. Naturally having such an infamous sire had an impact on her own standing within the Camerilla and she was soon sent away to Venice to assist the Ventrue Ex-Prince Melchior regain his throne from the Giovanni as a nearly impossible test.Venice
Seraphima was heavily involved with a small group of other neonites working for the Primogen in their attempts to reinstate the Ventrue Malchior to the Princedom of Venice. They had some success early on but the real test came in dealing with the Aincient Cappadocian they discovered hiding beneath Venice. Seraphima acted as a mediator between the Primogen and the Cappadocian while studying the occult. Thus, when the extent of the Giovanni's plans were revealed and all the differant factions forced to move, she was well placed to interfere in the magic the Cappadocion cast, redirecting it against the Giovanni stronghold instead of the whole city. When the dust settled all the old powers in Venice were dead or missing and so Seraphima stepped into the power vacuum, becoming Prince of Venice.Recent History
Seraphima has held down her position as Prince of Venice for some years now, quite an acheavement for one so young. Recently she has become the object of the affections of the Rogue Toreador Fenalik and as of 1877 he has delivered increasingly elaborate displays of affection to her dispite all attempts to keep him out. Her Childe Antonio Bello has also been taken by his own son ( Anthony ). An act which she has little interest in except that Anthony is a Tzimisce and working with a group who have been attacking her city.Failures & Embarrassments
She considers her childe Antonio to be an embarrassment, for which she blames him entirely.
While she would never consider them failures, some of her achievements have brought negative repurcusions as well. Her diablerie has left her with a corrupted aura, extra sensitivity to bright lights and a couple curses.
Morality & Philosophy
The weak deserve nothing but contempt, the incompetent scorn. Power is all.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To acquire power. "Everyone would be much better off if they just did as I told them."
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Adept at reading and manipulating others.
Likes & Dislikes
Hates the Tzimisce and the Aristocricy.
Vices & Personality flaws
Seeks vengence against Natashen'ka and by proxy the Tzimisce.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Relationships
Wealth & Financial state
She has some wealth of her own but prefers to use others as much as possible. As Prince of the city she can achive this with ease.
She had recently been left in charge of the Bello fortune following the final death of Vieri Bello. Unfortunatly much of this wealth was lost in the finanial crash of 1873.
Species
Ethnicity
Currently Held Titles
Year of Birth
1833 AD
67 Years old
Birthplace
Russia
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Current Residence
Venice
Gender
Female
Eyes
Brown
Hair
Dark Brown
Height
5'
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Ruled Locations
Journey to Troy
20th July 1872
Stuck on a pirate ship after Fenelik tried to kill us. It was good to see him explode in a fiery ball of destruction, but I doubt that was the last of him. To add to it there was a most embarassing scene beforehand involving the previous ship's captain, Graham, Silas and Antonio, because of course Silas and Antonio couldn't just let thing's go smoothly. Needless to say I've had strong words with them. To keep up pretences I had to spend the day in Graham's quarter's, not the most comfortable arrangement but at least the company was pleasant.
Time to clean up the riff raff
12th December 1871
I have decided I am not content with just having the Giovanni out of my city. They are bound to cause trouble if left alone, so I have sent Erika Wittich to Vicenza to deal with Donna Giovanni. Erika seems a promising Ventrue who has answered my call for new residents to Venice. If she succeeds she will have a Dukedom.
I have assuaged the doubting Thomases
9th December 1871
As expected a Justicar, one Mr. Hawkins, arrived a few days ago to test if I am worthy of being Prince of Venice. Amusing that the Council of Elders waited this long before sending him. They probably expected that I would just be usurped quickly and wouldn't require a Justicar's time. Still it is good to know they thought highly enough of me to not just kill me in my sleep.
Mr. Hawkins was gracious enough to give me a few days to prepare for the duel, a mistake on his part. I am not sure who Mr. Hawkins spoke to over the last few days, but whoever it was appears to not have given him enough information. My magic circles held his wolves while my hollow men dealt with them. It was pleasing to see Mr. Hawkins coughing up his own blood. He really should be more careful where he eats. Needless to say I left without a scratch and I do not think the Council will underestimate me in the future.
Still, no reason to not be a gracious winner. I will take Mr Hawkins out for dinner tonight and show him my city. He seems a most fascinating character.
Well look at that I have my own city, All Hail Prince Seraphima
12 August 1871
An interesting turn of events. It seems most of Venice's primogen and the former Prince Malchior have disapeared during the altercation with Serena and no one else wants the job. Well, I don't mind the responsibility. To think I was sent here three years ago to reinstate Malchior as Prince, and now I have the post.
A family that sticks together dies together
11th August 1871
I greatly appreciate Serena's setting all this up for me. Her over confidence and the Giovanni's incestuous need to live together has made it very easy for me to trap them both in her net. They are now in the very shadow realm Serena meant to banish all of Venice to. A shame some of the Primogens were so obsessed with getting rid of the Giovanni that they trusted Serena, believing her when she said she would work with them. I suppose it is a weakness of our species. One day it would be good to change that.
Gaining an ally in Antonio Bello
30th July 1871
Vieri has been kind enough to honour the favour he owed me, leaving me control of his estate. I have made arrangements with his nephew Antonio who I'm gifting Villa Bello and will arrange a monthly stipend for from the Bello estate.
When a fool dies the world laughs
23rd July 1871
Vieri Bello met his end tonight. I always took him for a fool, but he proved that ten times over when he allowed fire to slowly consume him. I have kept some ashes as a reminder of my superiority over him as I triumphed during Tzimisce tests where he only perished. We will be far better off without him, he was a liability on too many occasions. It would have only been a matter of time before I had to kill him myself, such as if I had to attend another of his dreadfully dull parties.
A new start
2nd July 1869
I am finally settled in Venice and own a small tavern near the Rialto Bridge. The original owner was easy enough to ghoul and influence to sign over his establishment. It will provide a good place to listen for goings-on within the city. I have even managed to source a superior wine which should increase the quality of my clientele. The supplier is Kindred making transactions easier. He is an odd fellow, having the Brujah's sympathetic view of the Kine but also a predisposition for detail never found in that Clan.
I am fledged at last
18th June 1869
I am being sent to Venice to aid the previous Prince, one Melchior Kiesling, reclaim the city from the Giovanni. This seems to be a test of my worthiness to be Kindred and my loyalty to the Camarilla. I suppose they still suspect I am under Natashan'ka's control. They probably think I will just be killed trying. They shouldn't underestimate me. I won't fail. I never do. I am stronger than I have ever been because of my time in Warsaw and with Dushen'ka by my side I will become more powerful, achieving greatness and ascending to the highest rank within the Camarilla. Those who stand in my way will fall.
The end of a tainted Prince
15th June 1869
My sire has been deemed unworthy and killed, as is only fitting. It disgusts me that such a weak-willed being created me, but that is the way of the aristocrats. I will never be so complacent and imprudent, Dushen'ka will keep me from being so, as he has done so far. My fate has yet to be decided.
My plan has worked
14th June 1869
I have managed to escape Natashen'ka. It wrankles that I had to pretend to be a broken coward to earn her trust, and even more so that there was no opportunity to just kill her. However, when I see her turn to dust it will all be worth it.
A family reunion and a friend gained
23rd February 1869
I paid a visit to my family today. They now know of my gift. However, Henryk and the Camarilla need not worry about a breach of the Masquerade; Natashan'ka and I have taken steps to ensure it was not violated. Oh, I have also gained a friend. He seems quite pleasant and so full of interesting ideas.
A new member of the household
28th March 1868
I think the Prince has taken a mistress. I have caught glipses of a woman in his quarters of the palace.
Something is odd
25th March 1868
The Prince seems different of late. He has changed his teachings and withdrawls to spend time alone more and more often.
A first evening of many
7th March 1868
It is such a joy this gift I have been given. I now have the time and network to truly change the heirarchy of power within my homeland and help those strugling under the current system. My sire, Henryk is a kind man with similar goals to mine. It is a shame he is an aristocrat, however he at least uses his standing to influence positive change. I only wish there was a way to tell my family the good news.
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