Wanna get some dirt on someone? hit up Crook's Lounge. Though I'd be careful, Crook is a wily one. One conversation with him and before you know it, Crook may have some dirt on you— Cedrick Callhoun
Long considered to be the smiling (albeit gnarled) face of Chicago's Kindred, Charles is most known for being the most personable of Chicago's dammed. Crook has the gift of the gab and his charm makes those talking to him at ease. Enough for any unsuspecting Kindred to spill their guts out to without even realizing it. He is a font of information regarding local Kindred affairs and is often the go to guy when needing dirt or information.
Before his embrace, Charles' body was already mangled and deformed. He was born with a multitude of physical disabilities. Charles' family immigrated to the states from their native country of Australia in 1930. The family ended up immigrating to the small town of Madison, Indiana. It was here the mixed European, Aboriginal family were the target of malicious racism. This all culminated in the Dawson homestead burning to the ground. It was ruled the family were a victim of a racially charged attack, Charles was the only survivor. This tragedy would normally shake a man and wrap their mind in trauma; not so much for Charles Dawson. When Crook relays the story, he seems to have little hurt feelings over the whole affair.
The rest of Crook's life is largely a mystery. Tidbits here and there have been gleamed through conversation - but a full picture has yet to form. After the fire Charles ended up being taken under the wing of two con-men Claude and Poe. The origin of Crook's nickname is mired in falsehoods and lie. Most of the time Crook often jests he got the nickname due to his deformed frame, his crooked body. But the truth is far less charming. It is said by those who knew Poe that Crook was a fixture in Claude and Poe's cons. They would get the boy to play pool with unsuspecting bar patrons in order to hustle money from them. They discovered that bar patrons would never give it their all against the disabled child and when the hustle was successful, they never wanted to beat up a poor, disabled child. Thus, the nickname Crook was born - for whenever Charles would talk, you were sure to loose money.
However it happened, Crook, Claude and Poe ended up in Chicago in the 50's where they continued their hustling ways. During this time Crook was embraced by Poe who had grown an attachment to the boy. The embrace didn't alter his frame dramatically, the boy was already twisted. The transition into the life of a
Nosferatu was not a hard adjustment for Crook.
During the War of Chicago, Poe met the final death at the claws of attacking Lupine. This left Crook with all of Poe's holdings, including a bar in Gary, Indiana named Poe's Lounge. Crook re-branded Poe's into Crook's Lounge and took over operation. Ever since, Crook's lounge has expanded into a franchise. Crook's Lounge began to pop up around areas like New Jersey, Milwaukee and San Francisco. South Chicago is home to one of these franchise locations, with another opening around downtown.
Crook's Lounge is known as a haven for Kindred. Each location is fitted with temporary havens and places where bodies can discreetly be hidden, for a premium of course. Each location has a phone which connects to Crook's current location, this is all in the name of expanding Crook's reputation as an information broker. His knack for extracting information has been particularly useful for a number of Chicago's
Caitiff, who he has helped them locate their wayward sires. It is said that Crook has a number of Caitiff in his pocket.
Though Crook is friendly with the
Camarilla and
Anarch, he has little other loyalty to their causes. Fortunately, Crook's reputation as an information broker has granted him a brief immunity from both sects. If he causes enough trouble, that may outweigh any favour he may have garnered in the past.
There is rumour from
Malkavian who frequent Crook's bars that Crook has a dark side under his smile. They say he often talks about starting fires and has fantasized about starting a new Great Chicago Fire if he ever gets bored enough. Many of those that believe these stories feel like Crook is a
Sabbat agent in hiding.
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