Vesperes Van Hasselt - Kaiser

[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

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Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Appearance
• Abilities
• Weaknesses
• Skills
• Personality
• Clan Leader/Kaiser Profile
• Familial Relations
• Basic History
  
  • Background-lineage and Childhood
  • Prior to the End of WWI
  • WWI Aftermath and WWII
  • Return from the Battlefield and Behind the Iron Curtain
  • Negotiations/Emigration to America  and Recent History
• Expanded History
• Current (on Site) History
• On Site Relations and Interactions

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Basic Stats

Name: Vesperes Van Hasselt

Age: 2000
(Born 12 AD in late winter. Moon phase: New Moon, special -Black Moon)

Race: Vampire- born

Class: High

Rank: Kaiser (formerly of District 1, currently District 3)

Occupation: Investor, Idle Rich, Irritating council members that aren't Klaus Brauer

Origin: Prussia- Royal Vampiric line

Languages: Germanic (various dialects), English, French(but doesn't admit it)

Notes: Stubbornly maintains accent

Relational notes: Father to Kristian, Volker, and Antilles(unknown),
                         Second cousin of Klaus Brauer, 
                         Third cousin of Gunner Helgison

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Appearance

Height: 5'9"
Weight: 130
Build: lean
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Blonde
Scars: None
Tatoos: None

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Abilities

• Standard Vampire abilities - High level
• Vampiric Glamor - Blood line specific
  
  One of the two abilities specific to his royal bloodline, vampiric glamor works much as regular glamor does on humans, except it works on vampries. At his class and advanced age, he can easily glamour any vampire through psychic means. This requires only for him to look upon the vampire, and does not require a gaze in return. His control is maintained while he is in the general area (the size of a large room ) and for 3-4 hours after contact. He can accomplish this with multiple vampires when combined with his Aura or Intrigue ability.
  
  
• Aura of Intrigue - Blood line specific
  
  The second of his Bloodline specific abilities, Vesperes can project an aura around a large area that generate a sense of comradery, leisure, general good will, and an absent low level fondness towards himself. This is not as potent as glamouring, as he doesn't control vampires, but rather just stimulates general feelings within those within the affected area. At his advanced age he can control the level to which he projects this aura.
• Calling of the Black Eagle- regional by national origin: Prussia/Germany
  
  Being in combat heightens his abilities such as reflexes, precision, and focus. No matter the level of emotion, with a dule or battle to be won, he slips into a mindset that knows nothing but the hunger to see his enemies fall and the calling to follow his commander's orders (when applicable ). When the commander, his perception and attention to detail are honed, and the odering and care of his troops may temper the otherwise single minded focus.
• Blessing of the Teutonic Knights- historically based
  
  Integral to the formation of the Prussian and German nations, the Teutonic Knights did the bidding of "God", their blessing not only renders any and all religious symbols, ceremonies, or magics moot, but turns potentially harmful energies back on the offender equivalent to the level of faith/belief the user has and/or the level of desperation they must be driven to to try to use a religious based attack against him.
• Unified stance - inherrited
  
  The ties of familial bonds are strong. When in the presence of born kin of any degree, turned kin of the immediate family or with whom there has been prolonged contact with and/or particularly close lovers or mates , the weaknesses related to physical needs and limits are lessened. This does not mean the vampire's weaknesses are lessened, but rather things like fatigue from activity, pain from injury, muddling of the mind and body do to hunger are undone proportionally to the number of applicable individual present, and the strength of the bonds among them.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Weaknesses

• Moonmadness -all three types (blood, body, power) ( birth condition related: Born during a 'Black Moon' (the third moon in a celestial based season in which there are four new moons instead of the typical three)
  
  There are three types of moon madness, a 'curse' as some vampires consider it to be, especially those of older times. When born on a black moon it was said a vampire was very likely to suffer from at least one form of it, having all three is exceptionally rare, and many vampires who did would be put to death if the condition was discovered due to the danger they could pose. Vesperes, thankfully lacks serious ambition, and is rarely motivated to strive for something more, this and his royal status were what helped to keep his parents from being overwhelmed and having others put the vampire down before he could become dangerous. The madness consists of lusts, as the vampire comes into the world under the dark, and fiercer side of The Mistress (the moon ).
  
  
  • Blood:
    
    Noted early in his life was his lust for blood. Nothing thrills Vesperes like the spilling of it, or the consuming of it. Both are equally wonderful in his not so humble opinion. Despite his clever and tactical ways, sometimes a bribe of blood, or incitements to engage in battle can sabotage his plans, and certainly allow for other vampires to have a means by which they might manipulate him.
    
    
  • Body:
    
    Vesperes is exceptionally motivated by sexual pleasure. In his youth it was one of the two pursuits that consumed nearly his entire existence (when not under the gaze of his parents ) the other, being the formerly mentioned lust fulfillment. This makes Vesperes susceptible to powers related to sexual persuasion, and distractions. He isn't a complete slave however, so don't think just throwing ones self at him will do the trick. He is particular on just who is going to be in charge, and the quality of those he will engage. After all, just cause you work him up, doesn't mean he can't find someone else to take care of him.
    
    
  • Power:
    
    Due to his lack of ambition in general, it isn't always easy to spot this. However, with the exception of Klaus Brauer, with those around him he feels a definite need to establish himself, if not as -the- dominant power, as one of the dominant powers. He does not tolerate his power being challenged, and will readily defend his standing, even when outnumbered or outmatched. Only for the good of his people will he back down from a challenge, or if he has some greater tactic planned (though this varies )
    
    
  
  
• Dog of War - tied to Klaus Brauer
  
  While with any other vampire he will make it clear, he answers to no one, and only does as he is asked when it suits him and at his leisure, with Klaus Brauer he is compelled to become submissive and obedient. This goes beyond just their kinship, past, and his considerable respect for the other. This vampire causes his sense of loyalty, obedience, and need for order to override other impulses or desires, when he chooses to assert himself over Vesperes. He would readily lay down his life if the other so wished it to be.
• Point of Contention- WWII and Dissolution of Prussia
  
  Vesperes has lived long enough to know that there are times one should let insult pass, or ignored. However, there are certain things, if broached in the wrong way will set Vesperes off, and few will be able to calm him down until he has satisfied his outrage (or has been sufficiently taken down physically). While this is more likely to mean harm to others, it can put him in a dangerous position. Calling him, or any German a Nazi, or alluding to such a sure fire way to set him off. Other ways include speaking ill of Prussia, or insulting his Prussian heritage.
• "No man gets left behind"
  
  Vesperes is fiercely loyal to those he cares for and to those who serve him most faithfully. While it is well known that those who are devoted to him have an almost unconditional affection for their leader, it is not as well known that this affection is returned. If he sees an opportunity to save one he cares from danger or the threat that comes with being held by his enemies, Vesperes will take it, though never at the expense of more of his 'men'. This doesn't mean he will charge in blindly, but risk is not a deterrent for him.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Skills

• Weapons Expert:
  
  Vesperes is a master at wielding all manner of weapons, swords, guns, to name a few though he has a far greater fondness for the former, especially European blades, as those are what he grew up with.
• Horsemanship:
  
  Can't have a raid without a worthy mount now can you?
• Tactical skills:
  
  His Prussian upbringing, and milennia of experience has made Vesperes quite gifted at planning out strategies (when he decides he feels like doing it or it needs to be done << ) whether it is for a battle of war, words, or wills. When it suits him, he carefully considers his options, and can often execute his plans with subtleties that his enemies can't perceive, until it is too late.
• Vampire Hunter:
  
  During his time behind the Iron Curtain, Vesperes had found himself in a world in which young Soviet vampires were turning far to many people, and those of moderate age roamed the country side killing any vampire skilled or aged enough that they might benefit from draining the vampire in question. They had roamed the streets in groups, gangs that combined their strengths to take down their betters. Vesperes, in response spent his time in East Germany killing as many of these vampires as he could manage, to maintain the human/vampire ratios balanced, keep their existence from being revealed, and to protect the German, Prussian and even Slavic vampires that were threatened by the new Soviet forces from being taken out by these thugs. As such, he has developed skills in tracking, stalking, and killing of his own kind no long just as a warrior or a soldier, but as a hunter of hunters.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Personality

self-assured, proud, stubborn, willful, obedient (conditional), demanding, loyal, ruthless (when motivated), cruel (when motivated), generous (conditional), laid back.

Vesperes has always been confident, some would say arrogant. this arrogance however is not unjustified. He fears nothing, and knows his skills; if the time comes that he is defeated or even killed it would simply be so, no regrets, he will have gone down in true Prussian fashion, indomitable and fighting. Those who are close to him know Vesperes to be fiercely loyal and kind, even indulgent of those around him. However this side of Vesperes is treasured and not quickly shared in the rumors and tales of his exploits.

Most will hear of his fiercer side. He is known to glamour other vampires for sport, simply to make it clear who is in charge, and this is something that vampires would find offensive. They wouldn't know that he carefully plans each glamour, never using it without though as to the vampire's rank and the situation at hand, as ill timed or warranted glamoring of another vampire could motivate to many to act against him. Worse than his playful glamoring is tales of what he does when he is provoked, crafty and well versed in the arts of torture and humiliation, Vesperes is no stranger to using his ability to make others do his 'dirty work ' for him, torturing themselves in horrifying ways, all while certain they are loving every minute of it. If not his crueler antics, it is well known that Vesperes is also inclined to indulge in pleasures of the sexual sort. Many fear he would use his glamour to force them into such acts, though honestly it isn't his style. Perhaps to alleviate uncertainties or fear of an encounter, but never to invoke more desire than to simply have a target behave rather embarrassingly. Vesperes has plenty of personal charm, and is alluring enough he doesn't need to use glamour for such things, and would find it an insult to his character to do so.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Clan Leader/Kaiser Profile

Leadership Style:

• Demanding: 
  
  Vesperes expects the clanmasters under his rule, and his clanmembers to offer complete loyalty, and to show dedication and diligent fulfillment of duties owed to him. He does not tolerate laziness or excuses for failure.
  
  
  • In District 1 he had the fealty of his clanmasters 3 from strong, prior connections to him, and 1 through the fear of what it is rumored Vesperes does to those that cross him.
     
  • In District 3 he intends to be a little more lenient as he recognizes he has not yet earned the trust and support of the Clanmasters here; however, make no mistake, those within the Kaiser clan won't be cut any slack. 
  
  
• Devoted:
  
  To those who are loyal to him, he gives in equal measure loyalty and devotion.  He is willing to endure sacrifice for the good of those who serve him, and places his needs above their own only as it relates to the good of his people communally over an individual, or in keeping his family safe.  However, even his family know and except that while he will put their individual needs over his own and those of any other one person, if he must put his people as a whole first, it is his duty to do so.
  
   
• Benevolent
  
  Vesperes is naturally inclined to see to it that those who are under him are comfortable and pleased with their lives in general. He craves a sense of unity among his people, and for his people to sense that he also is a part of that unity and not merely a detached overlord calling the shots.  He enjoys encouraging or hosting events, and declaring 'holidays' be honored in ways that give others a break from various difficulties or inconveniences in day to day life.
  
  
• In District 1 he was well known for district wide celebrations, extended over the course of weeks to allow every member of the clans an opportunity to enjoy the festivities.  He was also given to special holidays, or lunar events being marked by 'no work' days during which lower ranking vampires could enjoy time off from their duties, and the higher ranking ones could be assured their duties to him were also put on hold. 
  
  
• In District 3 he is a bit on the fence as to how extreme he will take his typical benevolence, these are, after all, new vampires who don't yet understand the full measure of respect he is due (as he has yet to prove himself to them ), and being too generous may be seen as an attempt to get his underlings to like him, which frankly is not something Vesperes is concerned with. He conducts himself as a good leader ought to, whether he is liked or not is beside the point. 
  
  

[li]Selectively Open to Council

Depending on the matter at hand, Vesperes will allow those who are qualified or directly related to the matter to offer council.  He occasionally seeks advice, but this will usually only be either those he really trusts and respects.  However, those that actively challenge his leadership, or question his decisions once they have been made will be swiftly dealt with. [/li][/ul]

Qualities Desired in Clanmembers:

• Loyalty/Fealty: Above all else
  
• Ability/Skill: A must
• Intelligence: preferred
• Military experience/training or willingness to be trained: favored
• Prussian/Germanic descent: favored
• Born: Given slightly more consideration
  
  ***Please note he is currently avoiding bringing vampires of Prussian descent or turned by those of Prussian descent due to conflict with the High Council, however he may relax this a bit with the arrival of a new Kaiser***

Qualities Avoided in Clanmembers:

• "Soviets" (his typical term for Russians): Intolerant of
• Cruel or Harmful to children: Intolerant of
• Generic Rebellion to Authority: Sevear prejudice
  
• "Gauls" (his typical term for Parisian French): Moderate Exception
• Individuals with known ties to the High Council (excluding those with ties to Klaus Brauer): 
            -Mildly objects too. 

Views on the World:

• Turned Vampire
     He believes most turned vampires are inferior to their born counterparts
     However, for those that prove themselves capable he will retract that
     assessment.
  
  
• Dhampire
     Dhampire are the lowest race, but if they mind their place in the world he
     will tolerate them.  Intentionally killing or aborting Dhampire children is
     offensive to him and the perpetrator will be severely punished
     publicly he claims this is done under the premise that Dhampire
     are clan property. He personally treats Dhampire slaves no different
     than any other slave, but will not keep them as cattle.
  
  
• Lycan
     Lycan are a lesser race, second to humans on the scale. 
     However he is opposed to hunting them in lue of forming mutually
     beneficial arrangements with them. In his former district he outlawed
     the hunting of them. However, here in District 3 he has yet to take a stance
     on the matter due to the fact that Lycan are not in enough force nor in a good
     position to make getting on the bad side of at least one clanmistress potentially
     worth it. 
  
  
• Humans
     In general he has no problem with humans. He is proud and pleased by those 
     of those from the human nations corresponding to his own and Klaus,
     and tends to think of them as 'their people' though not in quite the same
     way he does with vampires that share their nationality.  Even Americans the
     people he typically views in a neutral light... however their leaders and politicians
     do tend to enter his mind as people he would like to make 'disappear'.
   
• Slaves
     Are kept, and kept well, but they are still slaves, and he sees nothing wrong
     with that. He does not tolerate mistreatment or neglect for 'what is his'
     and makes sure that slaves of his clan are well fed on good food, given ample
     time to rest and have awake 'down time', as well as access to reasonable modern
     day amenities, such as hot water for bathing, electricity, and comfortably
     maintained temperatures in their living areas. They are also allotted some
     entertainments and time off clan territory. Those that hold professions are
     allowed to keep a percentage of their earnings for personal use. 
  
  
• Cattle
      Are kept in circumstances similar to slaves, except they are afforded no
      privileges that aren't necessary for general health and upkeep
      as well reasonable comfort, such as bathing facilities, reasonable
      climate control where they are kept, and good, healthy food in
      appropriate quantity. 

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

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Familial Relations

Offspring (in order of birth):

• Renate: Daughter
  
  His first born, and perhaps the offspring that most closely resembles what Vesperes might have been like if it weren't for his moon madness and the events that took place after the first World War. He often referred to her as his 'little soldier' when she was younger, and now occasionally his 'devoted soldier'.  The pair of them often shared activities such as weapons training, and  playing games or plotting strategies involving military tactics and strategy, though typically only strategies at the individual battle level, as this is what Renate has the greater knack for.  The fact that his eldest daughter tends to act more as one would expect a son to hardly bothers him, and he often encourages her gruff, dominant behaviors, as they are simply a part of who she is.  She is the child he relates to best when it comes to his military past, and the one he is most likely to discuss his decisions as a Kaiser with. 
• Kristian: Son
  
  His first born son, and pretty much the opposite of his eldest daughter.  Kristian is the child he is most gentle with and shares his softer side with most often.  That his son tends to enjoy some of the more 'feminine' activities, and enjoys wearing things that are cute only bears relevance to Vesperes as it has served as a fair indication of what his son needs from him.  He doesn't doubt Kristian's ability to defend himself, nor his confidence in who he is so he tends to worry about Kristian a little less than his child's lack of will to be aggressive might otherwise invoke in him.  They often do the sorts of things a father usually only get to enjoy with his children when they are younger, such as watching family films, playing traditional games, or even just going out to enjoy life in general, and that Kristian likes to hold his hand during such outings is something he finds endearing.  Kristian is the child he is most likely to share stories about his early life, especially those involving the boy's grandparents, though he tends not to remind the other of the very real discrimination he faced in those early days, as even though it doesn't bother him, it would upset the tenderhearted Kristian.
• Gisela: Daughter
  
  With Gisela he is often made grateful for the centuries during which his parents taught or encouraged royal behavior from him.  Gisela, simply put is a lady, as such he often finds himself catering to her desire to be treated as such, and for a certain sense of propriety to be honored by those around her.  It hardly bothers him though, after all, what father would deny his daughter pretending to go to a ball and fancy, lady like dresses when she is little. He knows sometimes he irritates her as he often gives in to his far less proper character, but  he has also caught her hiding her amusement from time to time, so he figures it evens out.  Typically their time spent together involves more sophisticated pastimes, or at the very least quiet ones, such as reading together in the study, or discussing inter-clan goings on.  She is the child he goes to immediately whenever he finds himself in need of attending or hosting political social events, or events honoring the sorts of guests that wouldn't enjoy the various sorts of parties or get togethers Vesperes would usually host. 
• Tobias & Tanja: Twins (Son and daughter respectively)
  
  The twins always sort of puzzled him at first.  Their cool and detached demeanor nothing like what he had tended towards in his early years.  Their logical, calculating ways are a characteristic he himself usually only uses when dealing with opposition, whether on the battle field, or handling political matters, so it was a bit unusual to him to see such behavior when the pair were among family.  Still, he loves them just the same, and treasures their more subtle demonstrations of affection and loyalty towards him just as much as he does the hugging and hand holding of his eldest son.  Like Renate this pair enjoy military and strategic activities, though their gift lies in dealing with the bigger picture. They also show a particularly keen interest in politics, and as such are the children he mostly discusses his dealing with the council, or debating the course of actions taken by various royal and otherwise high ranking vampires he tells them about when discussing his past duties as a royal, and his current overseeing of the managment of his Prussian vampires. 
• Volker: Son
  
  The child he most often finds himself concerned about.  Volker's habits of distancing himself from the family pain Vesperes, as does his certainty that his son feels inadequate and out of place.  It is difficult for him not to often overcompensate for the other's feelings with too much affection and protection of his troubled son, but with Klaus' guidance he has been navigating this dangerous road carefully.  Given the other's affinity and comfort around animals, Vesperes has made it a point to work with this son in developing his horsemanship skills, and finds that taking him along to merely be around one another while being outdoors or enjoying the moon are good ways to reach out to Volker, who seems to relish their time together, even though he doesn't seem to be able to identify anything he might like to do.  Volker is the child he is most apt to sharing some of his more humorous failings and misunderstandings in life, for the other's amusement and the fact that such things put him at ease yes, but also in the hopes of whittling away some of the hero worship and larger than life qualities the other ascribes to him.  His hopes in doing so being that the boy will feel better able to relate to him, and will feel less put upon to uphold the high standards he seems to think being a part of the Van Hasselt family entail.  
• Antilles: Son
  
  Currently the existence of Antilles is unknown to him. 

Other surviving family:

• Klaus Brauer: Elder 2nd cousin
  
  He holds Klaus in a position of high regard, respecting his opinion above all others (yes even often his own).  Klaus has always filled a role of a mentor to Vesperes in his former duties as a royal, especially those that involved his duties to the vampires in his military, and his own career under the military of his father.  His love for the older family member goes beyond mere respect and typical inter-familial connections, however.  Since physically venturing into maturity, he has always had an 'interest' in his older second cousin.  Perhaps it was initially related to his moon madness, and unknown corresponding abilities and weaknesses between them that put their indulging in this attraction in motion; regardless, millennia  of supporting one another, and seeing the various joys and atrocities that have occurred throughout their long lives has cause that physical attraction to develop into something much deeper.  They have shared the bite on quite a few occasions, and Vesperes knows that he would not hesitate to bond with the other and become his completely, and exclusively.   He has long been just fine with his feelings towards his 'Vetter' as, but for the fact they are both male, they likely would have been contracted to one another to make the ties between their bloodlines stronger anyway. 
• Gunner Helgison: Younger 3rd cousin, 1st generation turned
  
  He and Gunner have a relationship that tends to fluctuate a great deal.  They are both skilled at provoking one another without meaning too, which usually result in his being irritated with the other, or having to scold his younger family member.  Either of these events seems likely to have the effect of making Gunner angry with him.  Still, they are family, and Vesperes loves Gunner deeply, besides, he has never been one to hold grudges over such unremarkable disagreements.  Sometimes it is difficult for him to deal with the other however,  as Vesperes knows that he does tend to have difficulty coming to terms with some aspects of his present life.  He often longs for various details of his past life that are long gone, and these are often unknowingly 'dealt' with by his wanting to treat the other much as he did when they were far younger.  Rejection from Gunner is usually ignored, but he has been known to slip into irritation or hurt, both of which tend to result in him acting superior to the other, offering some sharp but subtle verbal sting to the other, distancing himself for a time, or any combination of the three.  Recently, not long before Gunner lost his place on the High Council, the pair of them had an instance of being physically involved with one another, it is a matter that Vesperes experiences some ambivalence towards, and seems to have the contradicting effects of making the other seem to doubt his genuine affection towards him, and making him more susceptible to getting caught up in physical contact with him (regardless of its nature ).  
• Ayberk Burakgazi: (honorary)
  
  His former guard and personal protector when he had been a child, this once trusted family servant had long ago become honorary family to him, indeed even before his parents died.  Still, Ayberk, while accepting this closeness, has continued to have difficulty excepting Vesperes as anything other than his master (due to his status as royalty, not any indication of slavery).  This has steadily decreased, however, as the pair of them formerly worked together as Kaisers in District 1, where Vesperes was mindful of taking the other's suggestions and opinions into account, and treating him as an equal.  He has completely faith and trust in the old Turk, to the point where he is not concerned about having left his Prussian vampires that followed him to America under his care and management.  They continue to maintain close contact, and often consult one another on the goings on in their respective districts, as well as discuss matters pertaining to 'his' vampires that are still in Europe. 

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Basic History

Background-lineage

Royal vampiric lines have long been established in the world, but unlike human royal lines, birth is not always enough to keep the status of royal. Royalty in vampires is established by ability, those that are especially powerful and especially rare that are passed down through the generations. Passing of these abilities is not guaranteed, however, and the status of royalty or nobility is directly related to the passing of these abilities. Depending on the nature of the ability, and how long it has been proven to be able to skip generations and resurface later (though this is also not give, as even if an ability can skip a few generations and reappear, it does not mean it will always skip). Understandably the production of viable progeny (those who can continue the bloodline) was and still remains a serious matter in vampiric society, as is the strengthening of bloodlines.

Vesperes' parents were originally going to be put together in a temporary union for the purpose of uniting their bloodlines, and hopefully creating a progeny with both the royal powers of Vampiric Glamor and Mortalis. Both the Prussian Lord and the Germanic Lady had their objections, not wishing to be tied to another just to push out progeny, however temporary the arrangement might be. However, it came to pass that the two met, and found that they were destined to forge a bond of eternal and exclusive devotion to one another.

Vesperes did not arrive for a long while after his parents' union, and as it would turn out, is the only child they successfully bore. It became speculation that, for some reason, the crossing of their bloodlines interfered with the creation of a viable offspring, not impossible as vampires, unlike humans, do not carry defective offspring to term. Vesperes, however, only inherited the abilities of his father's line, a fact that he would be sensitive about for a portion of his youth. Regardless, by the measures of royalty, he is considered royal on both sides of his ancestory as single generational skips are allowed in all bloodlines, and of course he is an 'active' royal through his father's blood.

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Early History: Childhood

The black moon, opposite the blue moon which occurs when in a celestial (determined by solstice and equinox) season when there are four full moons instead of the usual three, is a phenomenon that occurs when there are four new moons in a celestial season. The third of these moons is the black moon, and it was during such a moon that Vesperes, inheritor and rightful ruler of the Prussian vampiric nation, was born.

His parents adored him, and in his early childhood he doted on, but also brought him up to be obedient and well behaved, at least it worked whenever they were around, or when his actions could have consequences that would likely affect them. No one ever fed nor held him aside from his mother and father, and Ayberk Burakgazi, a Turkish guard that had been given to the family, and had risen to the status of being seen less like a servant and more like one of their own. Vesperes delighted in the attentions of his parents and "Aybie", who was trusted with the most sacred of duties, guarding the treasured heirling.

Ayberk saw to much of Vesperes' training in swordsmanship while his parents were busy with official duties, and was the first to note the young vampire's quickness to favor deadly blows over glancing once, and lunges that offered the most graphic displays of blood and gore, even before the boy had faced his first opponent. It was the first sign that he had the moonmadness for which black moon vampires were known. In the world the Turk came from this would override the child's worth, but he was no longer of that world, and loved the boy with all the ferocity his family had inspired him to. So the Turk knew, no matter how old this vampire got, he would have to keep his interests close at heart.

The first connection that Vesperes made with any other than his most treasured three occurred during a visit from his mother's kin. He had known Uncle and Aunt before, but "Vetter", cousin, this was a new creature to him. Aybie reminded him to remain respectful when the adults spoke of matters of war and peace, and other uninteresting things that the royals talked about even when they were related, before he was brought in. Only five or not, he had come in, gait exceptionally confident, even if he was holding his guard's hand gently. Then there they were this, cousin creature. Suddenly overcome by a wave of shyness, something he did not know, he slipped a little back, behind his guard to peer at him more carefully. For some reason one of them seemed... so much larger than the adults he knew, powerful but not feeling gentle from a well established affection for him. This lasted but the briefest of moments, when suddenly he felt quite suddenly that this was not the way of things. No, he would not let this cousin thing make him feel meek; he would show this cousin thing that he was not afraid. So, Vesperes let go of his guard's hand, and made his way to 'cousin', before he could be introduced as Klaus, and boldly climbed his way into the older vampire's lap. Settling there he didn't note the tension that passed with his guard, who eyed his mother carefully. Cousin was the first being other than his first three to have such close and controlling contact with Vesperes, who also failed to notice that tension fade as his mother glanced over Klaus, her far younger cousin, with her precious son in his lap, and decided she approved.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

History- Prior to the End of WWI

By the time he was physically enough to venture out away from his ancestral home (15 and still quite the infant by vampiric standards), Vesperes was well trained in the art of war, well as well trained as a child could be. It was no difficult task to draw other young and eager vampires to him, and quickly took to finally indulging his intense blood lust. Taking human villages, and farms, mercilessly claiming lives, and indulging in other baser activities with his followers. His guard followed, though he was greatly displeased, but allowed it, and again was the first to see what the black moon had wrought in the young vampire. However, he was already old, old enough not to be troubled by the compulsions of youth, even to the extreme that Vesperes did.

Raids on humans often became attacks on vampires of other nations, the Calling of the Black Eagle emerging to start to help curb the danger the intensity of his urges might have condemned him too. Not quickly enough however, and with his growing boldness, and increasing intimacy and affection between himself and his lackeys, Vesperes was soon commanding his guard to watch over not him, but his men. The Turk was old enough, skilled enough, Vesperes knew he could trust him with such a task. However, this change in policy came much too quickly, and Ayberk had not cared for it anyway, so it was decided another needed to accompany him as often as was able, one who Vesperes held no authority over, and who would not give in to his charms when he demanded to be allowed ventures that were too risky. Klaus Brauer, royal of the Germanic line, the cousin thing, was asked to take on this task. Truthfully, even with if Klaus had been asked to keep an eye on him, no one could have been more thrilled to have Klaus along for the fun than he was.

When Klaus was not present on the raids, no one equaled Vesperes' command, however some unspoken understanding seemed to circulate among them. When Klaus was there, Vesperes lead them, but always, always Klaus' orders were to be followed. Klaus watched to be certain no ill befell the apparently indifferent to death Vesperes, and suffered greatly for his efforts. Vesperes took to teasing and provoking him, hoping, apparently to engage his second cousin in more than just the spilling of blood, but in other, more intimate endeavors. What did Vesperes care of propriety and the effects of this fear it would cause in the other vampires, fear that their houses were moving closer, preparing for a union and likely, getting ready to dominate other vampiric nations. So what if there was scandal in the risk of two male royals possibly becoming bonded mates and dooming two prestigious lines, -he - knew he only wanted a bit of fun with his dear second cousin, and it wasn't like Klaus was letting him get anywhere with it. Besides, they were royals, had they been opposite gender, they were far enough removed that the excuse of 'preserving blood line purity' could have been used.

Shocked, even to this day perhaps, that his cousin did, one day, give in to him. Well if it could be called given in. On an occasion where Klaus had come to his home to visit, and his parents were off visiting other dignitaries, he brought a human slave girl for his own entertainment. In a fit of ill plan acted upon jealousy, for Vesperes had no desire to share -his- Klaus with some stringy human wretch, he waited until Klaus had turned in for the day and got rid of her. Now this might have worked well and good, except for one thing, Klaus always woke in the evening before Vesperes. He could only guess that Klaus had been trying to shock him into backing down, when he brought his, choosing a replacement for the girl, and it probably would have worked, would have but their were factors the pair didn't know were at play, Klaus' susceptibility to submission, his Emperor's Charm, the true extent of Vespere's Moon Madness, and his susceptibility to sexual persuasion. Thus began a long, consistent game of denial and encounters, and always, always Klaus kept a firm hand on every act between them, and despite himself, Vesperes found he did not mind, eagerly giving himself to Klaus, even so far as sharing the bite, an even more intimate act than sex itself.

Shocking also, and also caused by that cousin of his, came twelve years before his second century. Klaus, that fiend, ran off on a 'short trip' to the north that had taken far too long. Now, Vesperes could forgive a vampire getting caught up with chasing those damn Gauls, or sticking around to enjoy new blood, but it had been at least a year, and even now that his cousin was back; he hardly saw him at all. No, this was not acceptable in the slightest, and he would not take this sitting down...maybe laying down wouldn't have been so bad, but sitting down was out of the question. So, he went for a visit to see just what Klaus was up to, and what should he find? Why a pretty new turned servant, or so he thought. The teasing, arrogant and sexually inappropriate vampire made poor Gunnar Helgison squirm, not sure what to do in the light of attentions that made him wish for more even while he was certain they weren't proper. In the course of things, he revealed to Vesperes that Klaus was, in fact his maker. Outraged at what he was sure was betrayal, Vesperes couldn't believe he had been replaced by a mortal. At the time, vampires were only turned to keep a treasured pet, quickly accumulate minions for a vampiric war, or to be taken in as lovers and mates.

So this was Klaus' mate was it? A mate so important that Klaus no longer had time for him, or raids or any of the things they did together even aside from the sex and biting. His course seemed clear, and the Prussian lashed out, ready to kill this creature that dared to take his place. Poor Gunnar might have wound up a white wolfie fur on Vesperes' bed, but Klaus returned to save the boy in time, and to set the matter straight. Gunnar was not his lover, but his hand selected progeny. Progeny, the full weight of that is likely well forgotten in modern times. It was shameful to turn progeny when one was a born vampire, especially a royal who had a duty to continue a viable line. Stunned into silence it might have seemed he would turn away from Klaus, this was the same thing to do, to preserve his reputation and distance himself from 'shame'. As if Vesperes ever cared about what he -should- do if it was something stupid and less important than what he thought was right or what he wanted. It took him the span of only a few seconds to recover and to realize that now he must make it his duty to toughen up the young vampire, and to stand by Klaus and Gunnar should anyone try to start trouble for his kin. Certainly he has knocked out a few fangs on the boy's behalf, and that was not changed, as he established, in his presence only one vampire could say anything about Gunnar being turned, and that was that.

So time past, fairly uneventfully. Klaus often tried to encourage him to be more patient in life, and to actually try accomplish something, and he usually waved such matters off, and reveled in his 'awesomeness', as he always had been the 'awesomest vampire ever' with Klaus of course, being second to him alone. They loved to raise hell for the Celtic Gauls (French), and kept others in the dark about their more carnal pastimes. As humans gained in influence, they did as vampires had always done when human nations went to war, took advantage. Certainly Vesperes was thrilled by the way Prussia expanded, and his the good fortune of his cousin's nation of Germany. When the opportunity arose, he engaged in their battle, of course, restricted to the night, and mindful not to reveal himself. Vampiric wars were even more of a delight, but were far rarer, as vampires were more cautious and had far more stages between peace and war than humans tended to. Things went well, up until Germany's defeat in World War I.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

WWI -Aftermath

Those damn Gauls, as if they weren't infuriating enough already. With that damn Treaty of Versallies, it was an insult. The French and their allies had had just as much blame in the war, but Germany and its allies were expected to pay for everything. It wasn't just the insult that was dealt, however that concerned Vesperes. True, the war had been a human one, but they were far past the point where the politics of human nations didn't effect them.

Regardless of race, Vesperes had a soft spot for children, and seeing them, stomachs tight and cheeks gaunt from want, hearing the cries and pleading youths begged their dying parents for permission to consume their bodies once they had died, never had he known such compassion for the suffering others. Parents worked themselves to their graves, scraping and struggling to earn wheel barrels full of worthless currency, only to find the market was out of the loaf of bread they would have been able to purchase. There was no hope for their humans, their people, only the long, agonizing wait for it all to be over, for the cold of German winters to slip the to wearied bodies into a sleep where hunger could no longer gnaw at them from the insides out.

He stayed with Klaus during this time, his parents had one another, and he felt that he was needed more with his German kin. Vampires needed to be kept in line, to ensure that their people were not snuffed out, that the tired over taxed forms of the dreary eyed free Germans weren't driven to their deaths, and the population suffered. Whatever the vampires were, masters perhaps over humans, the humans were still a part of their nation, of Germany and of Prussia. The royals helped as they could, sharing their own cattle and slaves as prudence allowed, taking on menial tasks to send their humans out to tend gardens or do other tasks to keep the owned humans fed. Pretending they could depend on economy as they had wouldn't do much good in such times. Vesperes would never wish to admit that he felt the plight of the humans, but it was evident in the way he took on chores in Klaus' home, and spent his nights walking the streets, monitoring the activities of the vampires under his cousin's lordship. It was harder though on Klaus, the older vampire was more intuned with the suffering of the Germanic humans than he, and less able to lose himself in the anger and fury Vesperes felt towards their enemies who had treated Germany so unfairly. It was small wonder that when a gutsy though horribly misguided Austrian rose to power, giving the people food for their bellies and hopes and dreams of restoring their pride and their future, that he had been initially eager to see this hell brought to an end... and quite fortunate he had an older cousin to see the fresh new hell that stood to rise in its place.

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WWII

The Austrian had some pretty lofty goals to be sure, but he was making it happen. Children weren't going hungry, the German people had purpose, and this was reason enough to be pleased. Then came talk of war, and who was he to object? Vesperes loved a good war, or more accurately, loved to be able to sneak into the fray whenever timing permitted. The humans new weapons made it dangerous to be in their skirmishes, and that made it fun. However, while he allowed his mind to be put at ease by the suffering no longer evident to his gaze, and to become excited over the prospect of the expansion of Germany, Prussia and their allies, Klaus' wiser ears found other matters to pay mind. It was Klaus that kept him from the war. Pointedly told him that they would not support the Austrian, or his cause. Vesperes didn't understand at first, he hadn't seen for himself the atrocities being done to the people taken from their homes, and such things were not generally known. What rumors that might be, people thought surely this was not true, it couldn't be, why they had been told everything was fine, and surely no one would really allow -this- or -that - to happen... but Vesperes had known Klaus for many mortal lifetimes, and though he didn't know all there was to know on the matters of this Hitler fellow, he did know this. If Klaus said these things were happening, they were true, and what already was whispered was plenty for him to get on board with their chosen path. Take in and hide any who needed to be spared from the seeking gaze of the Third Reich, keep them safe.

How many men, women, and children they came to house he could not guess. His concern grew daily for what might or might not happen. Klaus, one of his dearest, was putting himself in danger. If it was discovered they were harboring these people, soldiers would come, and while they were only mortals, as thankfully it didn't seem the Austrian had vampiric connections, mortals could be dangerous, and there was always the rise of the sun to be worried about. Still, he stayed with Klaus, in his home, helping to assist the people, thoughts far from war, and the occupation of France, though sticking it to the Gauls would have been fun. The bombing of England wouldn't have interested him anyway, where was the fun, or even the rightness of a battle fought in such a way. It wasn't till it became known, Russia was no longer an ally to the Axis Powers... Germany matched east to Moscow, that war picked at the back of his mind. More and more he felt the truth of matters, this war, it would not continue indefinitely, and it seemed that though more and more land was claimed, Germany was stretching itself to thin, and the Austrian, for whatever reason, was losing tactical genius to madness.

They marched east, this time of year, with no preparations for winter, that is what he heard, and true it was early yet. It was not unlikely that Moscow would be taken before the snows but... it nagged at Vesperes. Worse, he knew the Soviet, an ocean did not blind him to the threats of the nation that had been killing far more than the Austrian, killing even the loyal people... and their vampires were little better. No, he did not believe in the Austrian, and now, as more and more was known, and the German people themselves started to tremble in the shadow of a man that had once been their savior, he felt the wrongness in doing anything that aided him. His heart, however was for Prussia, and for Germany, and he felt it, the truth that those already fighting knew. If Russia was not taken, she would strike back, and if that happened, the end result would be disastrous. Russia had to be kept as far back from German land as possible... until finally Germany lost, and found itself back in the clutches of the same forces that beat it down the last time. He had to go to the east, to do what he could to slow the progress. The Allies might be unfair, might grind Germany into the ground... but they were not the Soviet. He would bank on the lesser of two evils.

He had expected anger from Klaus, almost hadn't spoken to him before going for fear that he would be shunned, but he hoped enough to at least get a farewell. Perhaps it had been the years before the war, and then the years of watching those terrified faces in their keep, always jumping or starting at noises that might be someone to take them away, it could have also been his feeling of eminent doom for the nations they loved, and the future suffering of the people who came from the same lands as they, whatever the case, Vesperes felt his heart was heavy to go to these fight, and that it was quite likely he would not come back from it. He had to at least try for a civil parting, Klaus and he hadn't really bonded or anything, but he was well within the process of coming to understand that he would love no one the way he loved Klaus; their affection and devotion for one another had always run deep... and he did not have time to stop at his ancestral home to see the rest of his kin before he went.  If he wasn't to return, he wanted at least to have said something to at least one the people that meant most to him. 

Klaus surprised him, hugged him. He actually hugged him, even as he stood their in the door, wearing the rather attractive officers uniform, that bore the much hated symbol of the disgrace that shadowed Germany, the symbol of death, cruelty, and madness. Their parting was far better than he dared to hope, and Vesperes was certain that now, if he died in battle or while trying to sabotage some enemy weapon, or even if only because he could not find shelter from the sun while trying to get to his people marching onward to their eventual demise, he would feel no pang of loneliness or regret. Of course that didn't mean he was just going to go lie down and die somewhere. He was Prussian after all, and the Russians had better tremble in fear until one of them managed to take him out.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Return from the Battlefield

No time had a greater effect on Vesperes than what came after the second World War. He had thought the depression after the first had been hard, but the solution that the Allies came up with to divide the spoils of war would devastate the vampire in ways he had not expected. Yes, he had expected Germany to lose when he left for the eastern front. It was hard to see the pillaging, killing and raping of any one German, or suspected to be German... or lets be honest, just in the path of the Soviet forces, and finding a safe place to hide when the sun came up was impossible to ensure. Every ditch, collapsed bunker, or abandoned shambles of a farm house could have been inspected, could have meant his end at the hands of one of the Communist Bastards. It was hard, but he had done what he could, engaging in night battles, sneaking into Soviet camps, sabotaging weapons. On his way to find secure hiding places he would warn what civilians he could, the Soviet lines were approaching, to take what they could carry and go. It came as a relief to him when finally surrender was given, when the excuse to brutalize their enemies lessened for those Russians. Finally he could lodge himself into some nook for the day at least moderately certain he would open his eyes once more to be able to seek out the Mistress.

Such peace would not last for him. He should have known something was wrong. Vampires did tend to move in on the footsteps of a front, and in the wake of human victory in battle. But when he was violently grabbed from his not quite ready to end slumber, and nearly thrown into the wreckage of an abandoned tank, it nearly shocked him into non response. The Soviet vampire was not looking to fight, or to drill it into his stubborn Prussian skull that his nation had lost, and the lines of what belonged to who was going to change, something the Prussian vampires would resist no doubt anyway. Vampiric nations didn't always back away when human ones changed the map. No, this vampire meant to kill him, and to do so after making sure it was a memorable event for the both of them. It was then he realized his opponent was not alone. Never in his life had he been so grateful for his bloodline, if not for his Vampiric Galmor, his story would have ended there... he should have known something was wrong. No vampiric nation would have moved that quickly onto Prussian soils otherwise.

The rush of enemy vampires, and their apparent determination to follow the human war with one of their own made process slow for Vesperes. He was a vampire of considerable ability and power, but no vampire was immune to death, and he was one, alone, and they came in force. By the time he was near enough to lands that were considered less Prussia and actually Germany, he had heard whispers about Prussia being dissolved. It made him sick, Prussia bearing the blame for what an -Austrian- started. Still, he was mostly angry, and some part of him was still sure that all should be well. Prussia was strong, the black eagle would rise again, and the Prussian vampirics, in the mean time, would only have a bit more work to keeping their lands theirs.

His thoughts were first to get home. He could get to Klaus later, and home was on the way anyway, built as it was on lands that had been the Prussia to the humans before the first World War, and still was Prussian soil for the vampires, if he would really be able to go to his cousin, more likely he would have to dive right into his own responsibilities. He was, after all the next in line royal of vampiric Prussia, his father would need him ready to fight, to show these damn Soviets what they were made of, and to rally troops, monitor carefully that their activities didn't make things worse for the Prussian humans that had to suffer foreign banners and flags for the time being, but he could send word. Finally when he was back, back on the soil that had seen the thundering hooves of his first mount, the skies that had seen so many of his moons as far back as his first black moon, the night he, the sole son of his parents had been born.

He couldn't process what he saw, but he did fall to his knees, staring at the ruins of what had been his ancestral birth right. Rubble, completely destroyed, not by war, he would have heard if an airstrike had come, if that would have even made sense giving the location... it had been bulldozed, torn to pieces by the Soviets to symbolize that Prussia was no more. His family, did they make it, had word been received and the countless servants and pets, slaves and guards and nobles been moved somewhere safe? He knew already this was not the case, it took time for death to lose its potency to the sensitive nose of a vampire, and a part of him could feel in that way that could not be explained that here had been more than just destruction.

When shock subsided enough for him to move once more, he took himself to survey the destruction more closely, mapping out the corridors, the servants' housing, where the bedchambers of his parents would be. Throat closing tightly till the insides hurt from the stiffness there, pressure built at the back of his eyes as he realized...there was no way, no way that any vampire could have survived. The wing where the royals slept had been, unknowingly to the humans, crushed into rubble open enough that even if a vampire could survive such handling, even if luck did not see a severing of the spine, the sun would have found them. He should have left it at that, but Vesperes carefully picked his way through the mess, an insurmountable feet, picking carefully through, and seeking with his senses what he should have left well enough alone. The bodies were not just vampiric in the rubble, the humans had tried to stop their own kind, perhaps had pleaded, but apparently those that came through either didn't care if they got out, or assumed they would once they saw that the bulldozing would not be stopped.

Nights passed, he didn't care to count, and never once lifted his gaze to seek out the mistress, no he found himself a safe pocket in the rubble, what had once been the hall he first climbed up into Klaus' lap, a memory that was just barely a shadow known only from the telling as he had been far too young to imprint it freshly in his own mind. He wasn't sunliight to easily pour through and fill every corner of a trap through even the smallest hole, he needed to move things aside to get in, and many times he found the wrong rooms, it was much harder to navigate what once he could have mapped out flawlessly, right down to the tapestry that had needed to be mended after he had accidentally introduced it to his first blade. Finally he found the room he was looking for, and hardly noticed that his certainty had caused him to pick up his pace, working more quickly than his body allowed him to heal. Bloody hands, an odd thing for a vampire when the blood was not another's, granted him access to his parents' room. He didn't have to guess to know when this had taken place, humans worked during the day after all, but the site of a pillar over the majority of his parent's bed, and the pair of curled up forms, one half visible as the lower half was pinned by the unfeeling stone, upper half cradled as the larger form curled around it. He knew it was larger, for despite the raised welts and bubbling the burning baking sun rendered faces and features unrecognizable, but clothing, clothing did not suffer from the sun. His father hadn't even tried to leave her for shelter, it seemed had had stayed there, trying to shield his mother with his own form, comforting the woman he had loved.

Hands quivering, he moved slower, settling on the stone column, and oddly enough, without even thinking tried to gently push it, gentle at first but of course it didn't move, and a strange desperation filled him, maddening and ill defined. Gritting his teeth, a savage howl tore from him as he pounded at the rock, hitting it with alll his might, feeling the small bones in his hands crack, pain shooting up his arm as he pummeled the structure that even vampiric strength couldn't budge, until the pain was too much and his blood splatter the dusty grey in thick crimson streaks. Turning around so his back was against it, he slid down sit on the floor, barely an arms length from... he couldn't even think it in that moment, as he drew his knees up to bury his face in them and wept. This was not how it was supposed to be, they were vampires, ancient beings, and his parents had been strong royals, older than even his mind could perceive. It hadn't been a battle, hadn't even been a purposeful slaugter, they had been collateral damage. Those that had loved him most, and been there since even before the moon's darkened gaze had first found his newborn form, had died the way an insect was spattered across the front of a moving car.

He was a proud being, had never more than sniffled in his life, and then he had been only a very small child with a scrape or cut that needed a mother's touch. Yet pride and dignity meant nothing to Vesperes as he curled up on the debris ridden floor, so near his parent's forms that he could feel the presence of those hauntingly still, grotesque figures. Choking down a few more sobs, he wanted nothing more than to stay. The sun would rise again, he could join his parents... When even had been the last time he has just been with them? Before the other war? How many wars had carried him far from home, always taking strength in what he was, in who backed him, and now there was nothing. Prussia was in ruins, his parents were gone. He couldn't bring himself to consider Ayberk. If he did he might want to look for him too, and he knew he couldn't handle this again. Klaus, surely he was alive and well, but in this moment there was not enough sense in all the world to shake the fear his pain struck in him. What if Klaus was not fine, what if the Allies had come in with guns blazing, what if there was a bomb strike he didn't know about... What if he really was completely alone? It would be better to allow himself to join them.

He was waking before he knew he had passed out, the night was nearing its end, and his mind was eerily silent. It wasn't a thought that picked him up, no feeling of strength or fortitude. Vesperes merely rose up mechanically, and made his way back to his temporary sanctuary to wait out the day, instinct carried him to safety, but it couldn't fill him with anything more. The following night he returned to his parents, inspecting more closely. His hands hand healed of course, despite the biting hunger in his gut that even his emotions weren't able to block out. He hadn't fed since before he'd arrived. Nothing he could do would move the stone that pinned his mother; he had told himself he couldn't leave them there, they deserved better, but in the end he had to decide that it would have been worse to separate them, and he hadn't the nerve to leave a portion of his mother behind... it would mean having to remove a portion of her from the rest, the mere thought of it making him ill. There was nothing he could do. He had to either stay or leave, if he stayed at best he would die, at worst he might carve out an existence of madness. With soft apologies for his failure to honor them properly, he preyed to the Mistress, that she would protect and care for the souls of his parents, not of course that she would need to be asked such a thing, as she loved all her children. There was nothing left to do... but to return to what was left of Germany.

---

Behind the Iron Curtain

It took time to get to land that was now considered Germany, no, East Germany. Vesperes had fed since leaving his... leaving and he had come across other vampires, some that weren't soviets but his own nation. They seemed surprised and pleased to see him, these vampires who knew him only by name and visage having lived elsewhere in what had been his, no their nation. He knew the pain was in his eyes, it was in theirs to a lesser degree, but still he offered them encouragement, and they offered him understanding. They knew the life that must be his while their homelands lay in tatters, at best he could be a shadow in his lands, or go into self imposed exile to keep himself from being killed. It became clearer and clearer to him, the Soviets had known what had happened, this was why they moved in so quickly, they were eager to take all they could and establish themselves. For the last remaining royal vampire of Prussia to surface now would mean his death, well if they could catch him and kill him, both difficult tasks. Still, a public resistance would hardly be possible, forget about wise.

He didn't have to tell them where he was going, they suggested it, they were going too, some of them to the west if they could, some were heading for the wilds. Either way, they assured him, always they would be Prussian, no matter what banners they had to suffer overhead. Their assurances were appreciated, but difficult to truly receive. Still, his mourning could not last as a veil before him for long. The closer he got to the west, to the iron curtain, that stood between him and the only kin he could hope lived, old eyes and ears picked up on the dangers.

Soviets, they were everywhere, the nobles had moved in, eager for a bite of the land, the chance to establish themselves as more. Countless men and women were being turned, too many far too many, the human population would be strained at this rate, and the antics of unruly young vampires would only serve to risk exposing them. Then there was the others...

He first became aware as he slipped through the streets of a small city in East Germany, an older vampire too stalked this night, trying much as he was trying, to ignore the looks that had returned to the faces of their humans, much like the ones after the first World War. By the Mistress the humans under Ally countries were stupid. Complained that Prussia caused the war, and what do they do? Condemn half of Germany to the same conditions that had saw that damned Austrian rise to power. Worse yet, well not to him, but according to logic, the countries between the Soviet and Germany had been handed over too. How the hell did that figure anyway? Oh they spoke ill of Germany he was sure, invading Poland, how dare they, and then Poland gets handed over to Russia.

The pair of them only met each other's gaze accidentally, briefly, but there was a certain pleasure in knowing neither of them were Soviets, and neither were freshly turned. As they parted ways, he was nearly to the alley way he had decided to turn down when he heard the commotion. Should keep going he told himself, but the German vampire had gone down that direction, and his sense of loyalty to what was a countrymen flared up inside him. Turning round he silently made his way to the scene, there the Soviets were. Young enough that they weren't particularly impressive, old enough they could get uppity, and they where troubling the German, and elder if he guessed right. He was quick to the defense of the other vampire, though they outnumbered the pair almost overwhelmingly. Still it was neither he nor the German that fell that day. This time parting ways successfully, Vesperes was left with a troubling feeling in his gut that had nothing to do with his sparse feedings. So he kept his eyes and ears open.

It soon became clear, despite his wish to find Klaus, and to seek some sort of comfort for his tattered soul, Vesperes could not leave East Germany, it was as close to Prussia as he had, and his vampires, his and Klaus' vampires were in need of him. Older vampires were being hunted down to be drained of blood, younger borns were being seized and sent away to the moon only knew where, and the Soviet vampires threatened every thing, the humans, the vampires, all sense of order. He had to stay to keep this matter form getting too out of control. So stay he did, seeking out the worst parts of the country, warning the vampires that belonged their, and putting down the ones that did not. There wasn't much on his person, a few trinkets from home that he always been in the habit of carrying, but the was a vampire, he didn't need much. Quickly he learned to value what little was his, clinging to it to ground him in a world where when not under threat of death or arrest (which was about as good as death ) there were the thugs. Trust no one, that became the way of things, even the Germans vampires were growing desperate enough to present a problem, though he never put one of them down unless he had no choice.

Soon he specifically was being targeted, oh not by name at first, because he wasn't known by name, he was only the vampire that saw putting down the interlopers. That was enough of a mark. Eventually desperation, loneliness and the fact that he still didn't know if Klaus had fared well since he left, drove him to sneak out of East Germany, through the iron curtain.

He had likely frightened his cousin, showing up and slipping back and forth from his old self, to something quite different. He knew his mind was cracking under the onslaught of event after event that was chipping away at who and what he was. There was no use complaining or lamenting about it, there was nothing to be done, except to push forward. Years continued, occasionally he slipped away to see Klaus, knowing he grew worse and worse, more distance, less trusting and more desperate to just give in and actually stay with his cousin, to enjoy beer sweetened blood, and engage in the art of capitalism. The allies were not a welcome presence, but they were at least tolerable, though maybe Klaus was only hesistant to say anything while he was there. When exactly the Soviets figured out just who was being a constant thorn in their side, things had begun to improve, not because order was restored, but because he was beginning to see the people pick up, adapt, not necessarily happy, but German, and determined to succeed, to outlast this situation.

Finally the time came that the Soviets vampires were going to try to behave reasonably, to restore order. Unfortunately, Vesperes was no more interested in their order than he had been in their chaos. He had the routine down of killing them, and he didn't know how to stop, even if he had wanted to.
Truly, he didn't want to, even as slowly the realization that, it might be better for his vampires. If the Soviets were kept in check, letting things settle and allowing order to be reestablished.

It might have been Klaus, it might have been the Soviets, he didn't know who had initiated the idea to talk with him, to come to an understanding. The Soviets wanted him out of East German and any other Soviet occupied lands. Likely they wanted him out of Europe all together, America or Australia would probably be their preference. Klaus, of course, had been the one to broach the subject, as no Soviet would have been able to get close enough to him without his trying to deal with them permanently. At first he was suspicious, but he was certain his cousin was as confident about this proposed meeting as one could be, so he agreed.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Negotiations and Emigration to America

They wanted to talk to the Prussian, and so to the Prussian they would speak. Vesperes, the craft bastard that he was, found an old Prussian Uniform, Napoleon War era no less. Black boots that rose up his calf shined bright and clicked loudly against the hard floor, sharp, and commanding with each step. There was something dramatic as well as nostalgic in the dark blue top that flared out over grey pants. He even had a sword at his hip, though it was not his favorite one, that was lost somewhere in the rubble of his home. Tricky, crafty bastards, the true child of a Black Moon. He wasted no time, sending out his power to glamour all in attendance that were not the officials he was hear to speak with. A gesture of power, and a clear statement. He was at the disadvantage here, he was one and they were many, but he was Prussian, he was Ves-fucking-peres, and he would get all that he demanded in exchange for their conditions, and they would like it, because they would only get one chance.

Tipping his head slightly back and to the side, he offered the cocky smirk that he had practically been born with, as though they had come groveling before him begging for his mercy, and perhaps he might be moved to consider it. Not all the Soviets were amused, a younger one of their representatives even was ready to speak out against him, but was restrained, a hand on his shoulder from an older one, one that saw the hints of his Calling of the Black Eagle in his eyes. This was not a battle of weapons, but it was a battle of wills, arguing with Vesperes at this point would only hinder the goal.

His demands were not meager. For one, reimbursement and compensation for all that was lost to him personally. After all, if he was to go off to America, he would not do so a pauper, not when he could live that role here with far more entertainment to make it worth while. His demands in that regard were outlandish, though the Soviets wouldn't be privy to the fact that, Vesperes had put a large chunk of that into funds that were not for him. One day, Prussia would rise again, and would need the funds to do it with. Secondly and more importantly, for he made it clear there would be no negotiating his point, the demands for his people, both vampire and human. The relocation, persecution, and enslavement of Prussian and German vampires was to cease immediately. Their former status in vampiric society was to be reinstated, and every vampire born or turned were to be known to be Prussian, not Soviet, they were his people, not theirs even if his people would have to follow them (for now). No human of Prussian or German descent was to be turned or owned by a Soviet, any Soviet vampire breaking these laws was to be killed in the case of ownership, or sent to him with their turned for him to deal with. They also did not need to know that he had been found by Ayberk, and that the vampire an ancient among ancients, had a most useful skill that allowed for the breaking and reforming of vampiric bonds without risk to the vampires involved. He could take the -Prussian - vampire and kill the Soviet one, he had no doubt Ayberk would follow him to America, the older vampire had been unsettled that he had been ordered to stay in West Germany while his last remaining 'master', the one he had held as an infant, faced dangers in the East. Now to be sure that the duplicitous, honor-less Soviets would play nice, communications would remain open between himself in America and his Noblemen in Europe, and each vampire, man, woman, and child would know their rights, and the rights of their human counterparts. They would know what they had the right to demand, and how to reach Vesperes himself if they were not treated as they deserved... and if that happened, he, Vesperes would return himself to 'assess the situation'. All these things, and in some way it amused him, they wanted him gone so badly. Needed him gone, and they were right they did need it, because if he did not leave he would continue to resist them, sabotage their plans, and in their minds it was only a matter of time before he called his people to arms. They weren't wrong, but he could feel the time was not right, wouldn't be right for quite some time.

They weren't happy, but they agreed, and were relieved that he was going to leave. His exodus had to be carefully arranged, after all, what deals vampires made did not tear down the walls built by the humans. Word got out that he was leaving, it spread among his people, but with it came the truth of all that he had demanded for them. He was leaving, but he did so proud, the victor as he improved things for them, and while the Soviets, who claimed to believe in communism but hoarded everything for the favored, didn't understand, his people, his Prussian's did. Yes, he would live comfortably, but the lion's share of the funds he procured were for them, for the day they could make a stand, but would need the resources to do so.

He was met by his vampires, and despite the gloom and the pain of this long stretch of time that started since the lost of the First World War, he felt a joy and a pride in in seeing their faces. They reached out to touch him, and he returned it, brushing hands, gripping a shoulder, taking a child that was lifted towards him to hold him or her, and offer a kiss to the top of it's head or other appropriate gesture before returning the child to it's mother, reminding her that the funds her family was due should take her child into account as well, assuring that keeping the name of Prussia in her child's ear was all that he needed or asked. They came to meet him as far as it was safe to do so, and his promises to return, and that Prussia would never die so long as the Black Eagle was allowed to nest securely in their brave and loyal hearts made the accompanying Soviet underlings vastly uncomfortable. Let them squirm, let them remember just what sort they were trying to keep their iron grip around.

He returned with Klaus, as Klaus would not leave him completely in the care of the Soviet underlings, and of course Klaus would be the one to ensure that he secured passage to America. So it was, that Vesperes left Europe, but always, always kept eyes and ears turned to his homeland, monitoring and waiting.

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Recent History

Coming to America has hardly proved to make Vesperes more compliant with the desires of others. Immediately he set about establishing himself, with little mind to what Gunnar, Klaus' turned progeny, and his kin, who had become the guy in charge of America thought about him sauntering around with those that had followed him across the ocean and taking a hunk of America for themselves. Ah he did like Gunnar, adorable thing really, so he only teased him a bit, and would occasionally humor him with his obedience, but the truth was that a part of him was very much attempting to find some normalcy in the direction his life had taken.  Gunnar had been the 'child' he had looked after along side his Vetter, and this mind set was easy and still is easy for him to slip into in regards to the younger ancient.

Not unlike the rest of his life, he quickly and easily gained follower, taking in American vampires and instilling Prussian ideals and structure in them. Even before the districts were established he had favored northern lands, sparsely populated for a fair portion, driving out, or in most cases, taking out other clans that were too close for his taste. It was only natural when the districts were created that he remain near Canada, with his three clanleaders and advisers from Prussia. he spent his time amusing himself, indulging in absent pleasures, and investing money very carefully to ensure the future for himself, and one day for his people again. He's raised a handful of progeny though none with his bloodlines ability, still none were any less valued. Of course he has carefully monitored the goings on of Europe as he said he would, and even spoke with a number of his people who really just wanted to reach out and be sure he was still around.

Other than disappearing to go back to Germany to be at Klaus' side for the reunification, and having to allow another clan to spring up, sadly not run by one of his, instead by some mixed heritage noble blood moron Seton. He wasn't sure why, but something wasn't quite right with that one, but he needed a fourth clan apparently, and all his favorites were happy where they were, not wanting to move and he would not ask them to do so just to keep someone he didn't like out of power. Life was pretty standard.... It had been really good to see Klaus though.

Standard, at least until all of a sudden -his - Gunnar Heligson, the only council member he would pay any mind too other than Klaus himself, was stripped of rank. This was unacceptable. Well, he meant to go see that Gunnar was doing alright, stuck under that... Dessel, the thought of it was enough to motivate him to stir up some trouble. So, Kaiser of District one, Vesperes, without permission or word headed off to go see what interesting things lay in District 3, knowing full well Ayberk could handle things back home.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

On Site Relations and Interactions

Allistar Warren Dantellian III

• A 'Gaul' he encountered at Zeo's club, 'Carnivale'. Seemed to want people to be confused about if he was male or female, well it isn't for Vesperes to worry about such things. Honestly, he'll have to keep his eyes and ears open to get a better measure of this guy and to figure out what clan he belongs to.  Vesperes sort of got distracted by the possibility of a good lay in the form of a certain studly Italian business man. 

Astrid Von Arx:

• An intriguing young vampire, she apparently enjoys hunting with a bow, though what she hunts he is not yet privy to.  She is born, and of the sort that he might like to go into contract with, blood for thought on future developments.
  
  
• It's fortunate that he took enough interest in the younger vampire to find out what clan she belonged to.  Identifying Ilati Utu clan as being a habitually rogue group of vampires, and apparently constantly attracting leaders that are unstable and otherwise problematic; he had decided it was time to purge the clan of it's leaders and dismember it. However, as it turns out, Astrid was bonded to the clanmistress.  Vesperes, as such, saw to her being removed from District 3, and sent back to his own home of District 1.  From there, he requested a favor from his long time honorary family member, Ayber  Burakgazi.  The ancient Turk used his ability to break bonds between vampires without harm coming to either party, to sever the ties linking Astrid to Clanmistress Persephone.  Last he has heard, Astrid is doing fine, and is apparently in search of some adventure of her own to undertake. 

Gunnar Helgison:

• The main reason he has come to District 3, he and Gunnar had a reunion which honestly didn't go the way he expected in the end.  Why does it always seem like he can't be sure whether Gunnar actually likes having him around, or wishes he'd drop off the face of the earth?  Well in any event, he has to admit the words offered by the other had stung, and he took offense. Storming off likely hadn't been the most mature response an ancient can offer, but oh well.  In typical Vespers fashion, he was over the matter by the time the sun arose. 
  
  

Klaus Brauer: 

• The separation from his Vetter has been hard, so he was naturally delighted to run into Klaus in District 3 Apparently they both had the idea to come and look in on Gunnar. Poor Dessel is likely going to have to deal with a great deal of their 'getting reacquainted' but really the idiot only has himself to blame. 
  
  
• A Serious conversation with Klaus has revealed that the High Council, for whatever reason, have him on their radar again, and this time it's something serious. His Vetter doesn't seem to know what exactly the rest of the council has planned, or what their problem with him is at the moment, but one thing is for sure, they are getting uneasy about him holding a district populated by so many of his loyal Prussian vampires, and a portion of vampires immigrated from Germany.  It seems like a good idea for him would be to find a solution that gets him off the High Council's mind, and keeps his people in America safe from whatever plots they might otherwise hatch.  There is another matter of concern however, and that is that he gets the distinct impression that Klaus knows more than he is letting on.  Something is up, but for now it seems prudent to let things with his Vetter play out.  Klaus has always been the dominant between them, and pushing him the wrong way will only backfire. 
  

Zeo DiPaulo:

• There is a reason Italians are said to be great lovers, they aren't Germans when it comes to the bedroom, but eh, nobody's perfect right?  Zeo DiPaulo though, he sure comes close. After a night of particularly gratifying 'training' and 'vigorous cuddling', and being allowed to sleep against a body that has a remarkable feel to it (not that he would have stood for being tossed out, but it was Zeo's choice to stay or leave after all), he does find himself just a bit concerned.  There's a reason he doesn't usually allow other's to truly be the dominant force during a 'session' (other than Klaus of course), and that is to prevent things from getting too out of hand.  It is possible the Clanmaster may have gotten a good measure or the true force behind this aspect of his mood madness. That is a bit disconcerting, but nothing he's going to worry about all that much. 
  
  
• Clanmaster DiPaulo has proven to be a vampire of honor, so far.  Finding himself to favor the Italian, as well as finding him dependable,  Vesperes contact the other in regards to 'taking care' of the habitually rogue clan.  The price Zeo asked for was hardly anything, and has not only promised he would 'see to the matter', but has already accomplished the goal of taking the former Clanmistress out, and seeing to the business of dealing with the bodies of those that died with her.  Zeo, for his part, has only claimed the out of country investments and properties of the former clanmistress, and has asked for Vesperes' support, and putting in a good word with a certain member of the High Council in regards to future political efforts on Zeo's part.  A small 'price' to pay really.  Hopefully the other will take his advice and come up with an additional payment that would be more immediate.  Vesperes doesn't really care for giving others less than they have earned.

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[Vesperes Van Hasselt]

Current (On Site) History

• He arrived in District 3, as a visiting dignitary from District 1. Of course, in typical Vesperes fashion, he didn't tell anyone, nor did he go through any of the required paperwork.  Let the council flip out over his disappearance, serves them right for tossing his Gunner out behind Klaus' back.  Gunner, is actually the reason he came to the district, even if he did get a little side tracked along the way. 
  
  
• After a discussion with Klaus, it has become obvious that it is in his, and his America located vampires if he distances himself from District 1 for awhile.  The option seemed clear enough, the current Kaiser, an ignorant turned beast known as Dessel Herrman has already given him reason to dislike the snarling creature.  For one he claims to be German, when clearly there is nothing German about him, and then he dared to be rude to both himself and Klaus in a most displeasing fashion.  Simple enough, kill the Dessel guy, and let Ayberk keep an eye on things back home, while he settles into District 3 for awhile.  Oddly enough though, when he went seeking the vampire in question, he found the man already face down, lifeless in his own quarters. Seeing as there was no marks to indicate a cause of death, it seems likely that the intriguing assassin that was forcibly bonded to him was put down.... A pity, he'd had hopes of keeping her. He has assumed leadership of District 3 and begun the task of putting the demolished Kaiser clan back into order.  
  
  
• A meeting among clanleaders, and other sources have made it clear. Ilati Utu, was a  clan that was little else but trouble.  It had previously been lead by a vampire that, frankly, should never have been granted a position over a potted plant, let alone a clan of vampires.  The new one showed signs of possibly following in her footstep.  Then there were the other higher up members of the clan.  They still conducted themselves much the same way that the old clanmistress Thea had.  The clan had to be dealt with.   The problem though was that, he had moved to District 3 so the council would chill out before something 'unfortunate' happened.  If he 'eliminated' the clan, the council was sure to freak out.  So, he contacted Clanmaster Zeo DiPaulo and discussed with him the necessity of removing the fourth clan.  Zeo and he struck a deal, though he hardly felt the other vampire asked for enough for such a task.  Of course, he first had taken the time to get Astrid out of district, and to Ayberk so her bond to the clanmistress could first be broken. 
  
  
• Iltai Utu has been dealt with.  Clanmaster Zeo has seen to the eradication of the clan's high ranking members, as well as seeing to proper respects being paid to the bodies of both those that had been taken out, and those that were too young or weak to survive the death of their leaders.  Thankfully it was unlikely there were many of them.  After all, the previous death of Thea had cleared out many of her lower ranking members.  All foreign funds, investments, and lands that had belonged to the Clanmistress are now in Zeo's possession, as it only right.  However, given the volatility of the situation in America, it was simply better for all involved that Zeo only claim those possessions within America that he could take back to his clan with him.  Oh, Vesperes didn't give the humans that land back, made it clear it belonged to vampires, and it would keep until vampires were ready to use it again.  The clanhouse and territory have been abandoned for now though.  After all, Iltai Utu wasn't the only clan that recently lost it's population.  The Kaiser clan itself was woefully lacking, thanks to the moron Diesel being too insecure in his leadership to allow higher ranking vampires into his fold.  Nearly the entire population had still not reached vampiric maturity, or were simply not strong to survive when Diesel died.  So for now, he simply doesn't have the resources to spare members to deal with the empty clan territory. 
  
  

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