Vampires are capable of astonishing feats, and even the weakest of them command powers that awe and terrify mortals. However, the kindred all share the weaknesses of the vampiric condition, and like any hunting beast they have a tendency to seek a lair. A place where they are safe, and where they can rest. Among the shadow community such places are referred to as a haven.
Like the kindred themselves, havens come in all shapes, and in all sizes. From penthouse apartments worth more than entire neighborhoods where one can look down on their domain, to abandoned tunnels where only the most desperate are washed up, to crumbling countryside manors, and isolated caverns, the kindred can be found nearly anywhere.
The following list of havens are merely some suggestions for locations one might find suitable. In addition to a description of the haven itself, there are also suggested benefits and complications that one might run into when acquiring it. Storytellers should feel free to use these as ways to increase personal plot for any players attempting to acquire these locations… particularly since coteries will often share a haven, if it’s large enough.
Here are some sample results:
15. The Coffin Nail: A bar that’s all hardwood and cigarette stains, the Coffin Nail feels like a place that was plucked right out of a country song about lost loves, bloody brawls and prison time. Attached to the bar is a second floor, but those who’ve wandered up there find the way blocked by an iron gate and a security door. If one is allowed through, though, they find a place filled with black leather and coffins. A place that’s been “managed” by several kindred over the years, some have taken a more active hand than others when it comes to keeping the Nail driving.
Potential Complications & Benefits: The Coffin Nail’s attempts at authenticity is a carefully constructed cushion against Masquerade breaches, as it tends to draw the kind of clientele for whom a little blood and violence isn’t that remarkable. The place does tend to get rousted by local law enforcement unless steps are taken, though, which is part of the manager’s job. It’s not uncommon for this to be the residence of the Sheriff, but even if the Sheriff doesn’t want it as a haven, they are often the one who appoints the kindred who are put in charge of the location.
16. U-Store It: On the surface this place is no different from most other self-storage facilities. With two stories of climate-controlled storage, as well as an expansive basement, there’s options for any client no matter the size of their hoard. A no-questions-asked sort of place, there’s no telling what’s behind any of the dozens of doors of this facility.
Potential Complications & Benefits: A secure facility where privacy is expected, U-Store It’s 24- hour open door setup is both a blessing and a curse for the kindred. The security systems are much the same. The facility might also come to the attention of law enforcement for unrelated reasons, such as being used to store contraband, criminal evidence, etc., so kindred should do their best to ensure there’s no reason for undue attention to fall on their home.
17. Carthedral: A huge automotive junkyard, Carthedral (as the locals call it) is quite a ways off the beaten track. Filled with row upon row of dead cars, old vans, semis, buses and more, the yard has been rusting away in the elements for decades. Filled with strange, metal statues, wind chimes, half-buried vehicles and more, it’s a place that has quite a few local legends about it.
Potential Complications & Benefits: While isolated and private, Carthedral doesn’t have much in the way of amenities or resources. There isn’t a lot of prey or security, either, though the place’s
reputation keeps most folks away. The land also sits in a complex situation, which could present a problem for kindred who don’t acquire ownership. The area is large, however, with a huge number of vehicles that could be used to hide away from the day, or to store the bodies of victims before proper disposal. Even more useful, the legends surrounding the place mean that unfortunate incidents will not immediately make people think of the kindred, which can help preserve the Masquerade.
Released: 12th November 2022 Pages: 29
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