A Letter to Lord Azrael: July 20th, 2008

[Angelique]

*addressed to*
Lord Azrael
Elysium, City of Istas
Malas


Greetings Lord Azrael,

I make bold to write to you as we have not met and you know not who I am. My name is Angelique Diavolo, I and my father before me are occult researchers based out of Moonglow. My father spent some time in Satamarin before secluding our family and turning his attentions to writing rather than fieldwork. I was away studying at the Lyceum when he became... afflicted with an ailment that spread through part of the Satamarin community I believe. This affliction has since wiped out my family, except for my father and myself. Recently I have found myself alone with no one to turn to for understanding or direction and yours is the only name I've found in my fathers writings that I find still in use.

Sir I wish to learn if there are any others also afflicted like myself, or if there is a place I can go to learn more about coping and living in this state. I would like to meet with you at your leisure to discuss my situation and find out all I can of others from Satamarin also living like I do. Please send word if you are cordial to such a meeting, and if so when you would like it to take place.

Sincerely,
Angelique Diavolo
The Mages Guild,
Moonglow

_____
Source: solantavo.crimson.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1102

[Angelique]

*A letter returned in a small silver scroll case, bearing a black waning crecent seal on the parchment, via a blue eyed crow.*

addressed to:

Angelique Diavolo
The Mages Guild,
Moonglow


Lady Diavolo,

It has been long indeed since my nights spent in Satamarin, and your correspondence has given me long pause to recall those nights. Nights when the affliction of which you speak was...far less controlled. The affliction is a heavy price indeed, and you have my condolences for the loss of your family to it.

I would indeed invite you to come to Istas and speak with me, any night at your convenience. Your presence will be noted when you arrive, and I can usually be found at the Elysium offices to which your previous letter has been addressed. I have made certain that while I remain a relatively known entity in occult societies of the facets , those like you will retain the benefit of anonymity the Masquerade provides. I ask only that the anonymity of what you may learn be maintained.

Perhaps I can offer answers and some measure of guideance in your search...


*signed simply*

~A

[Angelique]

Addressed to:
Lord Azrael
Elysium, City of Istas
Malas

Greetings Lord Azrael,

You honor me with your consideration, I truly appreciate having a contact by which I can attempt forging my own path. In your last letter you mentioned anonymity and used the term Masquerade. I apologize that I have never linked the two; however since completing my studies at the Lyceum anonymity has been the utmost concern instilled by my father. The man from whom my father acquired the affliction to which I previously spoke, abandoned my father soon after and it is only through research and study we know anything of the state we now live in. In the years since, my father, Christian Diavolo has kept our family sequestered away in a private manor on Moonglow. My work is submitted to the Mages Guild anonymously, and once I leave Moonglow all that will remain of my family name here is our family mausoleum. If there is some practice or traditions to be followed I do not know them, however would devote myself to their learning to maintain my anonymity to the public as a whole.

I would like to arrange a way to continue correspondence where we both can be assured our letters are not intercepted, as that is the only way in which I believe any information that passes between us would be acquired by others. I find the later hours suit my needs better and can be found in the Guild Hall exclusively at night, when I am not working in the field. I have used the Guilds messenger pigeons until now, however that can be changed to suit your needs. Please advise me on how you would like to proceed.

Sincerely,
Angelique Diavolo
Mages Guild
Moonglow

[Angelique]

addressed to:

Angelique Diavolo
The Mages Guild,
Moonglow


Lady Diavolo,

I would like first and foremost to introduce you to my servant, Lucif, the crow who has delivered this , and my previous message. He has been with me for sometime now, and understands most common speech. He will remain in the vacinity of Moonglow and act as a personal courier for the more sensitive material now contained in our letters. Included in the scroll case is a small whistle, its pitch too high for normal human hearing. Simply use it to summon him to a window or balcony to deliver your next missive when time allows. He will not be intercpeted by third parties, and is equipped with directives and abilities to destroy the contents of the scroll case before discovery if need be.

You seem to already be practicing the first of the Tradition Laws now used by those left of the bloodlines. Masquerade, and hiding your nature from the masses allows for greater freedoms, without threat of persecution, and witch hunts. Though indeed, my nature remains more public from a time passed in the era of Satamarin when there was no Masquerade. I have chosen to utilize that public knowledge as a sort of smoke screen, and it has worked flawlessly thus far, especially in recent nights. Most abroad having issues with Vampires do not look beyond me, and any persecutory thoughts and ideals are directed toward me, while those left remain safely anonymous.
The bloodlines of Satamarin continue to flourish.

The five remaining traditions can be covered in time, as our condition allows for plenty of it. I look forward to continued correspondence.

Carpe Noctem,
*signed simply*
~A

[Angelique]

Addressed to:
Lord Azrael
Elysium, City of Istas
Malas

Lord Azrael,

"The bloodlines of Satamarin continue to flourish"

Sir you have no idea how much hope that gives me, I was very certain for a time I would find no one. Brief bits of information here and there are all thats sustained me in my search. I've made a couple contacts that have been very beneficial to keeping my anonymity and have utilized their skills to reach into areas I can not due to time constraints, especially those that keep us to odd hours. When your name was acknowledged to me in and an address provided I didn't dare to believe I'd found a path to follow.

You speak of Traditions, and Laws, I have great interest in learning more of them, and how they are applied. I've spent most my life governed by study, research, experimentation methods, structure and logic. Setting boundaries for myself where none have existed before. My understanding of Satamarin is it was very much unregulated, governed by a survival of the fittest mentality. I know I am naive to many of the truths from that time, but my fathers experience there leaves much to be desired, and shows little of Law or Tradition. I am your attentive student in this matter, and look forward to what you have to impart.

Humbly,
Angelique Diavolo
Mages Guild,
Moonglow

*whistles for Lucif putting the letter in the silver scroll case and handing it to the bird as he lands on the balcony*
"Take this to Lord Azrael," said softly
*watches as the crow ascends the skies taking her letter to his master*

[Angelique]

Lucif lighted onto Azrael’s shoulder as the Seti walked past the courtyard archway of the newly restructured Elysium office building toward the double steel doors of his office. Azrael reached up retrieving the silver scrollcase from Lucif’s beak as they entered, and closed the door behind them. As he sat in the high-backed chair, Lucif hopped to the top of the seat, and Azrael read the newly arrived letter carefully before taking pen to parchment once more and writing:



Angelique Diavolo
The Mages Guild,
Moonglow



I am pleased to see my previous letter arrived, and was well received once more. Lucif has imparted that he seems to be enjoying his time on the island of Moonglow and it’s warmer temperatures.

Indeed, the Laws of our kind are Six in nature, and called ‘The Traditions’ among those of us following the Masquerade.

The First we have discussed, the Masquerade, and its nature of secrecy. The Second follows accordingly. The Tradition of Domain.

“Thy Domain is they own concern.
All others owe thee respect while in it.
None may Challenge thee while in your Domain.”

This is an often misunderstood and frequently abused tradition, though in Istas, it is the foundation of order. Domain is reflected in spheres of influence. As Seti my domain is the city in it’s entirety, and the holdings of those who call this city home. On a smaller level, those of equal stature in the city may mark their domains as their own havens.
This tradition is followed in accordance with properties, retainers, and all things within our unlife, it is rigidly enforced, hence the preservation of order.

It is a tradition extended even to other kingdoms and holdings outside the city, and again I enforce this law for those of Istas implicitly. Those visiting other kingdoms are expected to abide not only by our traditions, but inheritly by the laws govern those kingdoms. For it is the Domain of the Rulers of those kingdoms. While they may not be kindred, nevertheless, Law should not apply to only part of a Kindred’s unlife, while being dismissed in other areas. Doing so would only breed contempt and disregard for the Law as it is enforced among those of this city.

The application of this Tradition and the logic in it’s reasoning abroad gives stability to the First Tradition of the Masquerade, strengthening the ideas the Masquerade is built upon. The old addage, “When in Britain, do as the Britain’s do” comes to mind, and while this idea may seem trivial, is actually one of the most important ways to make certain the Masquerade is preserved abroad in the world, no matter where a Kindred may go.

I consider breach of this law, by any of my Clan in regard to Rulers and kingdoms abroad, a personal affront to me. There are no excuses for not behaving and relegating in accordance to the mandates of a ruler, whether you agree or not, when in their lands.
Preservation of Order…above all things. When respect is shown, respect is given, (even for ones enemies.) and if it is not, then one may stand in self defense with the certainty of Order.
Good and Evil are ideas which hold no logic, both must exist , for either to exist. Order and Chaos are the only factors in this existence which hold real merit in the stability of the equation. The Tradition of Domain ensures that while chaotic acts may still occur, while rules are still broken, Law continues to support the stability of Order in any region.
Without Domain, without law, we are nothing more than mindless roving animals (Be we kindred, human, elven, or otherwise), or perhaps worse in the case of the nature of the beast in we Kindred.

Monsters we are, lest monsters we become…

And when the beast is unleashed, without restraint and control, without law, then the populace of the world will gather, if for nothing else, then out of fear of what is not understood. Humanities’ first impulse is to destroy. So long as the numbers of living humanoids in this world exceeds our own exponentially, then none may assume they are immune to destruction by sheer numbers alone.

Again, it is a matter of simple logistics, and social patterns.

I look forward to our continued correspondence, and for now will leave you study the implications and applications of the Second Tradition.



Carpe Noctem,

~A


Azrael sealed the letter with a black-waxen, waning crescent moon, returned it to the scroll case, and handed the case to Lucif once more. Extending a hand to the door, it unlocked, and opened just far enough for the blue-eyed crow to flit through it and towards the island of Moonglow once more, before closing again.

[Angelique]

addressed:
Lord Azrael
City of Istas,
Malas


Lord Azrael,

I have begun to look for Lucif in the sky's over the Mages Guild Hall, he is a welcome sight as I anticipate another letter from you. Trial, error and observance can only teach so much about what we are, and give no indication of social structure or differences in individuals. Partnership in learning really is one of the best systems in any society. I am very grateful for the opportunity to write to you.

Your home is your castle is a concept with great meaning to me and my family, my father saw fit to create exactly that environment in the early years of his affliction. Long before Satamarin and my fathers isolation, when the Diavolo's were prolific; rank and authority could be peeled away like layers of an onion and at the heart the patriarch of our family tree. Each man was head of his household but his own father had headship over him. The ties of blood and family being very strong. Position in the family was always determined by what you could do for the family and how well you did it. Hard work paid off in family privilege. I've learned these things from journals and stories my father told me. My father was the last male Diavolo, and I am the only Diavolo left that I am aware of while my father sleeps, perhaps a new tree can be started.

Worlds within worlds is not a foreign idea to me either, my research and field work has revealed over time, societies embedded within each other for protection, self preservation, and access to resources in many forms. Not only for people afflicted like ourselves, but normal beings, hiding fringe religious groups, secret organizations, enclaves of mages and other parties. The most successful are those who adhere ardently to a set of practices that ensure they're not being found out by the population as a whole. You sir have been practicing this for sometime, and though I understand it on paper I've only experienced it on a small scale. I am sure I will learn more when I step out into your world and make a more full practice of it myself.

I've longed for a time and a home in a place where what I am has little significance over who I am, and what I do defines how I am remembered. I look forward greatly to learning more about Istas and in time hopefully being part of the city.

Sincerely,
Angelique Diavolo
Mages Guild
Moonglow

*Sits on the railing of the balcony overlooking northern Moonglow taking the silver whistle from a chain round her neck she whistles for Lucif. Setting a small beetle free to run down the railing towards Lucif as he lands, she takes the silver scroll case and encloses the letter inside. Once ready, she holds the case out to Lucif and softly asks him to take it to his master, watching in awe as he takes to the sky once more, smiling in anticipation of a new letter soon.*

[Angelique]

Lucif tilted his head watching Azrael from his perch atop a nearby bookshelf. His bright, unnaturally intelligent, blue sapphire eyes glinted in the candlelight of the main office of Elysium where Azrael now sat at his and the Setess’ desk placing pen to parchment once more. Azrael asked gently while he wrote, “Do you wish to deliver this message tonight?”

Azrael felt consideration of the question from the crow for a moment before hearing the distinctive double tapping of Lucif’s talon on the bookshelf indicating a “yes.” The answer was quickly followed by feelings of enjoyment for Moonglow’s mild late-summer nights.

Azrael nodded slightly and continued to write in the silence and deep shadows of the office:

Angelique Diavolo
The Mages Guild,
Moonglow

I am pleased to read that your father has already instilled within you the foremost of the six traditions of Law among our kind, and that your family has been practicing the second as well. Our laws once again are in place to preserve order, and survival of our kind.

One of the most difficult issues facing modern day kindred is that of numbers. Which brings us to the third Tradition: The Progeny.

“Thou shall only Sire another with the permission of thine elder.
If thou createst another without thine Elder's leave, both thou and thy Progeny shall be slain.”

Kindred beget Kindred, and population control is a far more serious matter for vampires than it is among the mortals. Having too many vampires in a given area threatens the Masquerade and makes hunting difficult for all. As a result a Seti and Setess wish to know how many kindred are in their given territories and to whom those kindred owe allegience in a familial sense. In our system of government the permission to create childer is one of the most fiercely sought after boons a Seti or Setess can offer.
It is generally regarded that the “Eldest among thee” remain the Setess and Seti regardless of their actual age, though indeed, I am the oldest of our kind left in the facets. This stipulation is set in accordance so that in places where independent coteries or families of Vampires dwell who have no contact with the larger network of Kindred Politics, a stable system of creation can still be enforced. The responsibility of controlling the population falling to the eldest of the Coterie or group of kindred.

This tradition is closely followed by the bloodlines now, though it was not always so.
Doing so helps to ensure that complications arising from unauthorized creation and the subsequent loss of guidance and purpose for the Caitiff (clanless vampires) remains as small a margin as possible.

The Third Tradition falls very close to the fourth: The Accounting.

“Those thou create are thine own children.
Until thy Progeny shall be released, thou shall command them in all things.
Their sins are thine own to endure.”

The methods and function of the fourth Tradition are fairly straightforward. Creating childer should be the single most important responsibility any kindred undertakes. The maintenance of the relationship and education of that childe in our laws is an investment in the future of our race who’s impact is unlike any other.

Childer are to be presented to the eldest who’s permission has been garnered, and The Eldest continues to monitor the childe and Sire’s relation until agreeance can be found that release is in order.

While in their Sire’s care and under their tutiledge, the sire is held accountable for all of their childe’s accomplishments and failures until that childe is released from their responsibility (usually after several years.)

Again the implications of these traditions are not to be taken lightly. They form the undercurrent of structure for the Masquerade and law of Domain for the future of our kind. Just as with any social structure, the future of a group inheritly is dependant upon how well they prepare and educate their children, be they mortal or otherwise.

The measure of a Sire and a man is truly found in the eyes of those who call him father…

I look forward to our continued correspondence, and will cover the remaining two traditions in a future letter. I hope the night finds you well and until then…

Carpe Noctem,

~A

Carefully Azrael rolled the letter and sealed it in black wax, bearing a waning crecent moon, sliding the document into the small silver scrollcase. Azrael sat the case on the desk and rose, opening the heavy iron office door.

Lucif lighted to the case picking it up and took flight quickly into the open air second floor hall before spreading his ebony wings and soaring into the icy night of Istas toward the moongate.

[Angelique]

*After re-reading the letter from Lord Azrael again, Angelique set pen to parchment and began to write him back*

addressed:
Lord Azrael
Elysium, City of Istas
Malas


Lord Azrael,

I hope my letter finds you well, though I've often considered that statement over the past while with regard to our condition. I recognize being well isn't strictly a physical condition, but it makes me pause when ever I write it. Thank you kindly for your recent letter, each one is a glimpse inside a world I wish we were part of from the beginning. I can well attest to the chaos that can come from unregulated creation without responsibility for what is sired. Learning what I've become, what this state offers me as benefit to what's been lost, how to find sustenance. so many changes that without a guide has at times left me frustrated and angry. I feel very fortunate that somehow my father managed to glean enough understanding on his own to protect us; but with him in his long sleep, I've at times wanted to lash out against his sire, for abandoning him and in turn me without a full understanding of whats taken place. Most of what is written about our affliction reads better as fiction than fact. The basics of survival are frightening in how they are covered, with written works leaning more to a romanticism or an extreme of eroticism along with a rather mindless, uncontrollable blood lust being the extent of our existence. On one hand I appreciate that so little is known about us, but it offends me greatly sometimes that anyone could believe that of me if they knew the truth. My thirst for knowledge in general is never quenched, but in regards our affliction the thirst has been maddening.

I smiled to myself reading your explanations of the third and fourth traditions having mentioned starting a new line of Diavolo's in my last letter. I am glad that in time there is an avenue for me to create a legacy of my own; once I learn my place in your world, and earn the privilege for myself. Many of my peers believe I have the position I do in the Lyceum because of who I am related to and not on my own merit; a lifetime spent following at my fathers side, learning from him and those he worked with doesn't constitute experience of my own. I am looking forward to building a life where the responsibility and credit both belong to me alone. I don't know what I would have to offer your city, my skills and talents lean towards research, experimentation and practice of ritual magick, my current preoccupation is rituals involving blood. I am still very much a fledgling, learning and growing with each success adapting what I used to practice to this new state of existence.

I have learned of the Istas Library and other arts centers. I am currently living in a much smaller space than I am used to and am wondering if there is a place in Istas where the more arcane arts can be practiced and expounded upon? The ritual chambers in the Lyceum though well equipped are not entirely private. I have the means to build a home for myself, recently liquidating all of my family's holding except for our mausoleum. Other than my continued work with the Mages Guild and Lyceum, the path to Istas is my main focus it seems since our correspondence began. I hope before long we can speak in person.


Sincerely,
Angelique Diavolo
Mages Guild
Moonglow

*pulling her robe tight around her, taking the letter secured in its silver scroll case, and moves to the stairs of the mausoleum. Taking the silver whistle from her pocket she whistles for Lucif, smiling softly as he lights on the wrought iron fence. "I wish I knew how to offer you something to show my thanks for your taking my letters to your master Lucif" Angel says softly to him holding out the scroll case for him to take. As Lucif takes it and flys away into the night sky a cool breeze carrying the first signs of autumn blows across the cemetery and Angel moves back inside to the seclusion of her fathers crypt.*

[Angelique]

Lucif lighted onto Azrael’s shoulder as the elder entered the courtyard foyer of the Elysium office, and the hallway leading to his and the Setess’s main office, dropping the scrollcase into the vampire lord’s hand as he reached toward Lucif’s beak. Azrael layed the rolled parchment from the case on the desk, and quietly lit one set of candelabra for proprieties sake, before seating himself, and breaking the seal on the message. Lucif continued to sit on his shoulder, and watched expectantly, before both Elder and retainer, began reading the letter.

Azrael arched a brow slightly, and glanced to the crow, “I suppose you will be returning this evening with a new letter to deliver?”

Lucif tapped twice on Azrael’s shoulder with a thin, black talon, indicating a, “yes.”

Azrael nodded a bit and took pen to parchment once more:


addressed:

Angelique Diavolo
Mages Guild
Moonglow


Indeed, your letter finds me. Beyond that, “well” and not “not well” are very relative terms for the dead. I too find it fortunate that your father had the foresight to instill within you the rudiments of Kindred unlife, …and indeed, I can understand your anger as well as your frustration at times with not having more guideance for both you and he.
Many kindred abroad have had no guideance in the least before finding their way to me.
Though your father sleeps I do hope our continued correspondence and eventual meeting can provide some guideance for you still.

In that line of thinking, I would like to cover the two final Traditions in this letter for you, beginning with the fifth tradition, that of Hospitality.

"Honor one another's domain.
When thou comest to a foreign city, thou shall present thyself to the one who ruleth there. Without the word of acceptance, thou art nothing."

This Tradition is at the foremost of the idea of tempered control of kindred population and flow. We have covered the importance of feeding and doing so discreetly, this traditions helps to ensure that all within a region will have an ample flow of blood, sanctioned by the Seti or Setess, and argument or disagreeance will not arise between kindred. This tradition plays an important role in Domain as well. Once recognized and permission given for stay in a region, then the rights extended to all kindred under our laws are granted. Without recognition, a kindred has no rights in a city or a region in matters of Vampiric Law and dispute. The meeting is much like the one you and I would be having when you come to Istas, when you feel it is time, and is a tradition similar to registering on a census in any kingdom, be it mortal or vampiric. Without structure, we are nothing more than roving beasts…

And with all systems of Law, there is punishment.

The Sixth, and final, Tradition is the Tradition of Destruction.

"Thou art forbidden to destroy another of thy kind.
The right of destruction belongest only to thine Elder.
Only the Eldest among thee shall call the Blood Hunt."

The implications of this tradition are rather plain to see. Diablerie (draining of the hearts blood of another kindred, thereby gaining their memories and powers) is forbidden in all but the most extreme circumstances, and not without sanction of the Setess and Seti.

Though this Tradition is waved for various official offices operating under the authority of the Setess and Seti, it is still not an action taken lightly. When a kindred is to be killed, they are disposed of in a united effort, and only by the authority of the leaders of our people. We are few in number as a race, and the destruction of any is a serious matter.

Varying degrees of this Tradition, not all of which actually include death, are once again handed down by Setess or Seti, and carried out personally or by officers in their employ, all of which would be covered beforehand when you Account for you presence in a region.

As for your inquiry regarding personal space in Istas, indeed, I believe arrangements can be made. Facilities exist as well for ritual that may be used by any kindred who wishes to do so, hidden far from the public eye. (Though the attempts of various “knightly and virtuous” men across the kingdoms to discover these “secrets” in our city makes for hours of humorous anecdotes and enjoyment every few moons. It seems there is never a short supply of fools or their persuits in the world.)

I look forward to continued correspondence. Until then , Carpe Noctem.


By Deed and By Blood,

~A


Azrael carefully rolled the parchment, and sealed it with black wax and waning crecent moon impression, before slipping it into the silver scrollcase and handing the case to Lucif. Lucif sliped his beak into the handle and hopped from Azrael’s shoulder to the table, waiting for the shadow near the door to mechanically pull the handle, and allow enough room for the crow to take flight into the icy skies of Istas toward the island of Moonglow once again.

[Angelique]

*Angel whistles for Lucif and opens a package of meat for him on her desk while she finishes a letter to his master*

Lord Azrael
Elysium, City of Istas
Malas


Lord Azrael

Your letters have become a welcome diversion from my tasks as teacher, and researcher. From them I've studied your traditions and meditated on them. I created a bracelet for myself with a bead for each that when I am deep in thought, I pull the beads through my hand and what each represents marks the cadence of thoughts at the time. The Masquerade comes naturally to me, second nature thanks to my father. My family background puts me at ease with the idea of Domains, and how they spread out from the individual. It is my sincere hope that soon I will find myself as part of your own.

Siring and the responsibility it entails we've written on, logical sense and assurance of the best possible environment to "grow up" in would have saved me and my father a lot of heartache I believe. I appreciate the creation of such a tradition, having started my unlife without it. Though in hindsight, had my fathers sire lived up to the tradition, I may not be corresponding to you now, so perhaps a blessing can be found in my circumstance. I hope in my letters to you, I have kept with the tradition of Honoring your Domain, and I look forward to presenting myself to you in person before long.

Few societies thrive without a way to enforce the rules or laws put in place to protect them. The tradition of Destruction, a way for those living in a society to feel safe knowing those who choose not to keep the order presented to them will be dealt with. I take comfort in that you noted how serious the tradition is taken, and that judgment is not mediated lightly. The society you've brought together is a far cry from what most believe of us. How far off, are the ideas we as undead are exclusively lawless, that we prey on the weakness of mortal society for sport, that all of us are inherently evil. Mortal man far exceeds us I believe in their monstrosity, and ability to do evil to each other. I've seen much of it in my research, though most wish to blame an outside influence, and project their own hatred for what man does onto what they don't understand rather than be accountable for what they have done themselves. All too often in the name of Virtue, or some other "good" ideology mortal society lashes out against the wrong enemy, when they should be looking within to root out what they hate so much.

I wish I could put into words the growing excitement I feel at meeting you and becoming familiar with Istas. I only hope I can offer to you, some return for the hope you've given me. Exam week is fast approaching and I will use this time to visit Istas and I hope to put a face to the hand that writes your letters. Lucif is a welcome sight when he is close, I hope my feeding him, has not infringed on any training or regiment you have for him.

I look forward to your next letter,

Humbly
Angelique Diavolo
Mages Guild
Moonglow



*reading the letter over, Angel seals it and slips it into the silver scroll case. Moving to the window she smiles as she passes it to Lucif to take back to Istas. "Safe flight my friend, I would go with you but pomp and circumstance requires me at a ball tonight," she says as he takes wing and soars into the night sky.*