The first Prince of the Baltimore was Arnaud, a Toreador only five times removed from Caine. He carved the Domain out of the wilderness and ruled there for centuries. His reign was undisputed, his laws undeniable. No one defied him. There were flaws in the Domain though: the absense of a noticable Nosferatu population, the annihilation of every Anarch in the early 1850's, and the destruction or disappearance of every member of the Primogen in 1990. Though these matters may have hampered another sovereign, Arnaud seemed above it all.

In January, 1993, tragedy struck: Arnaud and his Cainite consort, Katherine, were destroyed before an assembly of Kindred.

Though many do not believe he was truly slain, but instead decided to move on with his beloved rather than continue to rule a Domain so beset by chaos, that did not stop the Elders in the city from swiftly moving to claim Praxis.

And then Gideon arrived.

None know whence he came, or how long he had been in the city. He arrived with a force of several ancient Ghouls and Retainers, and held sway over every area in which Arnaud had ruled supreme in the mortal world. When he claimed Praxis, all were too stunned to react. When his first command as Prince was to demand a new Primogen council be formed, the slighted Elders took the opportunity and decided that biding their time until they could overthrow the Toreador would be much more tolerable--with a title.

At present, most Kindred are still trying to decide if Gideon is truly the just, even-tempered soldier he seems to be, or if he's merely his Sire's Childe waiting to show his true tyranny.

You have now experienced the power and majesty of the Prince first hand; as well as the surprising dichotomies which he seems to represent. Anachronistic, passionate, harsh, uncompromising: the Anarchs, the elders, and his own Childe have each painted a different picture of him. Now all that remains is to discern which is true...

MarKus, Warrior-watcher

Wherever you find Gideon, it's a safe bet that Markus is nearby--whether you see him or not. This Ghoul is older than most Kindred you've met in Baltimore and is staunchly loyal to his leige-lord. Stealthy and dangerous, he's known as a hunter and guardian.

Injured at the Anarch rant, who knows if he will survive, or if he will ever be the same again.

Gregorio, Brujah Primogen

The present Don of Baltimore is an eighth-generation Sicilian, whose family was among the first Italian immigrants to leave their mark on the New World. Don Gregorio bears a striking resemblance to his father, who looked remarkably like his father. Don Gregorio, of course, is Kindred, and is several centuries old. He is one of the eldest of the Camarilla in the Domain, and long suffered under Arnaud's shadow.

Until Arnaud was destroyed, that is.

An ancient Brujah arrived from the Old Country and struck down the Toreador despot and his little "wife" too. Gregorio shed no tears, for he had never kept his ambitions a secret: he felt Baltimore was rightfully his, for it was he who had fought off the Giovanni to keep the Underworld under Camarilla control, it was he who made sure those slimey Necromancers stayed well out of politics and crime here. And it was he who deserved to become the next head of the city.

Or maybe not. Gideon ruined that plan very quickly. Everyone in the city expected to have a Brujah Prince, and none could have forseen the coup. Gregorio naturally became the Brujah Primogen, and seems quite content.

Salinger, Brujah Ancilla

Almost as long as the Baltimore Museum of Art has been around, Salinger's been there to act as it's curator--and guardian, when necessary. Some of the younger rabble used to tease him that he took his cues from Indiana Jones; but Salinger is much older than that, and could probably teach Indie a few things.

When Arnaud was destroyed, Salinger made sure that the Elysium were kept safe--since most of them are locations dear to him: museums and galleries are as precious to him as churches are to their faithful. He is the reason the BMA has acquired so many rare and unique items.

He has also become Alexandra's secret protector. He made it very clear after Arnaud's passing that no one was to mess with her--and so far, no one has.

A closet Idealist, he is a regular figure at Gideon's "forums," and is found listening more than adding to the discussion. He still manages to hold the attention of today's Brujah though, having earned their respect despite his refinement and "boring" ways.

Donovan, Gangrel Primogen

The Gangrel helped Matt figure out where he belonged in the scheme of things. He helped guide him and taught him what he needed to know to become a better Gangrel.

He is often seen throughout the city, appearing without notice now and again in his frighteningly recognizable black Hemicuda.

Five years have passed, and Christine has not been seen in the city, nor has she made contact with any of you. Donovan reports only that she is well in the care of her Mentor, Jordan, and her Ghoul companion, Phoenix.

HARDEN, Malkavian Primogen

Harden is a Neonate who has barely enough Status to hold onto his title as Primogen. Within the past decade, the Malkavian Clan has undergone some drastic changes. While the Nosferatu have become more plentiful, the descendants of Malkav have been rapidly disappearing from the Domain--most voluntarily, as if in response to some unheard summons.

There are very few, if any, Malkavians left in the city. Most believe that any Malkavian encountered is merely Harden in another disguise (since they all uniformly sing his praises). His appearance at Council meetings must be disruptive, at best. It's a wonder they manage to get anything done with someone like him around...

Simon Vain, Nosferatu Primogen

He could be a GQ model, except the long days would kill him. Perpetually Obfuscated to cast a leading-man jawline and flashing an incredible smile, he is the first Nosferatu to show his face in the city as long as most can remember. He protects his Clan fervently, and he has made it very clear that their rights and duties are his paramount concern. He is sophisticated, highly educated, and it's said that he makes sure to be among the first to arrive at any Council meeting--much to the chagrin of Gregorio and Rebekkah, who have made their opinions known via Ghouls who lounge in Elysium. Both Primogen have cast a scornful eye at the Ancilla: one for his youth, the other for his clan.

Rebekkah, Toreador Primogen

Gideon's childe is at least four centuries old, making her an Elder, though she is as cutting-edge as any Neonate Poseur. She is often found in any Elysium (except the Cathedral), gossiping with the Harpies, flautning the newest fashions, and generally making sure she's kept up with the latest rumors--or creating her own.

She came to you: alone, shaken, obviously afraid. She spoke to you quickly, as if every second was precious, as if every syllable weakened her resolve. She spoke of the atrocities her Sire committed in frightening generalities, told you that his promises were lies, his generosity a facade; she prayed for your help. She told you of a way that Gideon could be incapacitated, and once this was done, you would begin to see the depths of his depravity. "The city must be freed," she begged; "only you can help me..."

Portia de la Croix, Ventrue Primogen

Despite the fact that she controls a lion's share of business and technology on the East Coast, Ms. Dela Croix is best known for her incredible beauty. Her business acumen is usually overlooked--which often works to her advantage.

She appeared during the late 1800's and quickly rose through the ranks of her Clan, establishing herself as a leader in the Camarilla. She was in Boston for quite some time, but finally chose Baltimore to stake her claim. When the Primogen was destroyed, she stepped in as acting head of her Clan--and all accepted her, though some grudingly so (notably Morden, of the Harpies).

Decker had a bizarre experience with her in the cemetery a few days ago. Will he reveal to you the secret of his past, one which he evidently shares with her? What he doesn't tell... may cost you all.

Devon, Ventrue Ancilla

Just over a century old, Devon's experience, Sire, and Generation have granted him a boon in the Camarilla; he is respected by virtue of being Portia's Progeny. His advance in the Ventrue Clan has been accelerated largely thanks to that noteriety, but also to his own saavy and wit. He seems sincere and approachable, and is often found in Elysium. He is the most reliable way to get word to the Ventrue Primogen about any matter.

Trevor Black, Tremere Archon

Known as Archon, acting Primogen, sole Tremere in the city, and notorious spooky guy, Trevor is an individual rife with contradictions. He's rarely seen in public unless it's at the Baltimore Museum of Art or the Cathedral. He has taken on an apprentice, it's whispered (but only by the bold); no one knows who he is or why Black has decided to do anything, his being on the Council is merely courtesy: in deference to his age and experience, they allow the Archon to join their meetings.

He's been in town since the old Tremere Chantry, in Annapolis, was destroyed. All kinds of strange phenomenon used to occur at that house... but things seem quiet now. Though, why has he remained if he is, indeed, serving as an Archon? Doesn't his Justicar have better things for him to do...?

Apparently not. He appeared, briefly, to condescend to Matt and Rain, after they chased off the horror which called himself "Jack," and saved both Alexandra's and Salinger's lives. Neither he nor Gideon had much time to listen to "Neonate drivel" while they discussed more important matters by themselves. Ah, Elders...

Kyle Griffin, Caitiff

Griffin arrived with his childer and coterie in late spring, 1993. He left after that summer, but has returned each summer since. The Prince doesn't seem to pay him much notice.

But should he?

It is said that Griffin is the progenitor of a new Bloodline. That "House Glenarden" is more than just a "family" of Caitiff, it's a fledgeling Clan. If that's true, someone has developed--or spontaneously generated--a new Discipline. They're such a secretive bunch, though; whatever could they be up to?