09-30-2013, 12:27 AM
This was the side of the Sabbat that Bertram loathed the greatest. This was the side of the Sabbat that sometimes left him longing for his days as an anarch, free to roam the streets of Los Angeles without a care in the world. This was the side of the Sabbat what would have chansed him away long ago were it not for his pragmatic approach to everything.
The Sabbat had strength the Anarchs did not possess. These twisted rituals helped to reinforce the fellowship that kept them from falling upon each other. These rituals had their place within the organization, as they were the very foundation of its strength, but that didn't mean Bertram had to find the same twisted pleasure in them that his peers did.
His eyes were dull and dispassionate as he watched them. There were no smiles, no thrill of pleasure at watching what was unfolding before him. Truth be told, he wasn't watching the beginnings of an individual's liberation... Spin it however they wish, the Sabbat of today wasn't about liberation, the Sabbat was about blind patriotism, fanaticism, to a cause, an idea so strong that it blinded its servants to the truth. This was all fine, and dandy, because you needed some degree of unity in order to hold such an organization together. Bertram wasn't so much opposed to it, as he was capable of looking outward and seeing the situation for what it was. William, Vee, Flood, and yes even Bertram, were nothing more than pawns in the hands of this Cardinal, playthings to be used until she was bored and then they would be thrown into the fire or sent far away where they would never trouble her again. William, more than any, had no idea what he was signing on to, and that thought didn't bring much pleasure to him. The Sabbat was a tool, a means to an end, and that end was the freedom the Anarch Movement could never truly offer him, but most... Would never see that end. Most would throw themselves blindly into the flame expecting that somehow their final destruction in the name of a cause validates their pointless existence. So Bertram didn't exactly celebrate the fact that more kindling is being tossed on the fire right in front of him. Though this shouldn't be taken to mean Bertram had issue with the Sabbat! He simply chose to see the Sabbat for what is was.
Bertram watched the ritual, and he adds how he would have done it differently in his mind. Destruction of something one already hates simply didn't have the impact that the destruction of something an individual truly cares about would. If you want to sever a man's ties to who he was wouldn't the best direction be to prompt him to destroy something he holds to be truly sacred? If you want to teach a man that he was no longer a man, then you ask him to sever his humanity as Bertram already has.
Bertram saw only in gains and losses, benefit vs. consequences. Bertram only saw the brass tacks and how he could use the situation to his benefit. So the ritualistic side of the Sabbat didn't stir him as it had for some. Let them have their moment, however, because Bertram also understood that even though he did not place value in this sort of thing... They did, and what would be the point of living forever, if you couldn't enjoy the time you spent in this eternity? So by all means... Laugh and murder... Feast and be Merry. For if you cannot spend eternity satisfying your own whims, then you certainly aren't free. Not by a long shot. This wasn't for him, it was for morale, and that was a practicality which did not bring Bertram pleasure, but he understood its practicality.
However, when William loses control of himself, Bertram finally DOES smile. This was amusing, in his mind, because as he sees things the embracing of this giant created a severe liability. One which showed itself from the day they met for this journey. "Isn't this an interesting turn of events" He asks as his blood begins to flow, fueling his strength as he begins approaching the scene, already he was stronger, but with each step he grows stronger and stronger. The honest truth was that Bertram was likely the physically weakest of the group, but with his Clan's disciplines his potential strength was terrifying indeed.
His size had made it impossible for them to travel discreetly. His size would have made it impossible for them to go anywhere without drawing attention to them anywhere they went. His size and strength had proved to be a boon when they faced off against Lupines, but now, as they struggled just to hold him down, it was proving to be just as dangerous to them as it had been to the Lupines.
More blood flows, and his strength soon surpasses even Williams, he draws his hand closed into a fist, cracking knuckles as he does so, and by the time he takes ahold of William the beast can likely feel his terrifying strength sinking in. There was nothing normal or natural about Bertram's vicelike grip, his hands could easily crush bone right now, his hands could easily bend a tire iron, and the strength of the Brujah is revealed when he joins the group in restraining the beast. His fear overwhelmed him and he spoke softly to the creature. "Fear is your friend young one, understand it, let it teach you, but do not let it control you." Bertram may not like the fledgling, but then again Bertram doesn't actually like anyone. However, it couldn't hurt to offer his own advice to this one.
This might be Vee's problem, however, right now that didn't change the reality of their situation. This thing could do a lot of damage to them if it was allowed to roam free, this thing could potentially destroy one of them. So to let it run free without offering his assistance would be rather irresponsible of him. So he lends the power of his vicelike grip to the others ensuring the beast's restraint.
Time passes, and slowly William begins to calm. This period of soothing settles Bertram, the immediate fear of William getting lose and ripping someone to a bloody pulp is gone. Still he holds the man fast, and it is likely here that William gets his first realization of just how strong this otherwise unimpressive man can be. His hold isn't intended to harm, or inflict pain, it is intended to keep the giant from slipping free, and it is likely one of the firmest grips he has ever felt. Humans, simply do not get this strong.
Though his behavior might have been mistaken by others almost as one might expect a Ventrue to behave, it is in moments like these that others are reminded he was Brujah down to the very core. For they couldn't possibly know his radical ideas, and his fierce adherence to the ideas of the original Anarch Movements, the movement the Sabbat would eventually become. They couldn't possibly know how firmly he clings to his personal freedom despite the overwhelming pressure from the outside to surrender himself blindly to the cause. All they likely know of him at this point was the fact that he was selfish, and didn't like to lift his hand unless it benefited him directly. So the strength with which he holds William until the time has come for him to be let go would likely be their first impression that this was no Ventrue. That, and the fact that the Ventrue of the Sabbat tend to be the exact opposite of their Camarilla cousins.
When he is certain William has returned to them, he lets go. Allowing the newly accepted Cainite his chance to take part in the Vaulderie. Though he loathed this control mechanism, he also understood it's practicality, and usefulness! Without the Vaulderie the Sabbat would have likely fallen upon one another in a violent rage long ago.
Bertram is not here to join them as a member of their pack. They have already discussed that their directions are quite different from one another... Bertram was, however, a member of the Sabbat, and if the ritual is intended as the shared ritual in which all members take part then he would join, otherwise he would refrain and allow the new pack their chance to seal their bond with each other.
[We'll say Bertram has been burning his blood since William lost control. He just watched William Wrestle a Lupine to death! So... Bertram isn't gonna take any chances with this one! So -3 blood, so it is noted for the scene! Spent over several seconds! And let's add Bertram's roll to restrain! Even though it's technically over... This roll was actually made just before Sam's post so it's still good!]
Umbralwind @ 12:02AM
[Str+Brawl+Potence = 9, added to everyone else's rolls to restrain, tossing in a WP cause William is strong as fuck and I don't wanna get Diablerated!]
Roll: 9 d10 TN6 (1, 2, 3, 7, 7, 9, 9, 10, 10) ( success x 7 ) [WP] VALID
Tithe @ 12:03AM
0_0 Witnessed.
The Sabbat had strength the Anarchs did not possess. These twisted rituals helped to reinforce the fellowship that kept them from falling upon each other. These rituals had their place within the organization, as they were the very foundation of its strength, but that didn't mean Bertram had to find the same twisted pleasure in them that his peers did.
His eyes were dull and dispassionate as he watched them. There were no smiles, no thrill of pleasure at watching what was unfolding before him. Truth be told, he wasn't watching the beginnings of an individual's liberation... Spin it however they wish, the Sabbat of today wasn't about liberation, the Sabbat was about blind patriotism, fanaticism, to a cause, an idea so strong that it blinded its servants to the truth. This was all fine, and dandy, because you needed some degree of unity in order to hold such an organization together. Bertram wasn't so much opposed to it, as he was capable of looking outward and seeing the situation for what it was. William, Vee, Flood, and yes even Bertram, were nothing more than pawns in the hands of this Cardinal, playthings to be used until she was bored and then they would be thrown into the fire or sent far away where they would never trouble her again. William, more than any, had no idea what he was signing on to, and that thought didn't bring much pleasure to him. The Sabbat was a tool, a means to an end, and that end was the freedom the Anarch Movement could never truly offer him, but most... Would never see that end. Most would throw themselves blindly into the flame expecting that somehow their final destruction in the name of a cause validates their pointless existence. So Bertram didn't exactly celebrate the fact that more kindling is being tossed on the fire right in front of him. Though this shouldn't be taken to mean Bertram had issue with the Sabbat! He simply chose to see the Sabbat for what is was.
Bertram watched the ritual, and he adds how he would have done it differently in his mind. Destruction of something one already hates simply didn't have the impact that the destruction of something an individual truly cares about would. If you want to sever a man's ties to who he was wouldn't the best direction be to prompt him to destroy something he holds to be truly sacred? If you want to teach a man that he was no longer a man, then you ask him to sever his humanity as Bertram already has.
Bertram saw only in gains and losses, benefit vs. consequences. Bertram only saw the brass tacks and how he could use the situation to his benefit. So the ritualistic side of the Sabbat didn't stir him as it had for some. Let them have their moment, however, because Bertram also understood that even though he did not place value in this sort of thing... They did, and what would be the point of living forever, if you couldn't enjoy the time you spent in this eternity? So by all means... Laugh and murder... Feast and be Merry. For if you cannot spend eternity satisfying your own whims, then you certainly aren't free. Not by a long shot. This wasn't for him, it was for morale, and that was a practicality which did not bring Bertram pleasure, but he understood its practicality.
However, when William loses control of himself, Bertram finally DOES smile. This was amusing, in his mind, because as he sees things the embracing of this giant created a severe liability. One which showed itself from the day they met for this journey. "Isn't this an interesting turn of events" He asks as his blood begins to flow, fueling his strength as he begins approaching the scene, already he was stronger, but with each step he grows stronger and stronger. The honest truth was that Bertram was likely the physically weakest of the group, but with his Clan's disciplines his potential strength was terrifying indeed.
His size had made it impossible for them to travel discreetly. His size would have made it impossible for them to go anywhere without drawing attention to them anywhere they went. His size and strength had proved to be a boon when they faced off against Lupines, but now, as they struggled just to hold him down, it was proving to be just as dangerous to them as it had been to the Lupines.
More blood flows, and his strength soon surpasses even Williams, he draws his hand closed into a fist, cracking knuckles as he does so, and by the time he takes ahold of William the beast can likely feel his terrifying strength sinking in. There was nothing normal or natural about Bertram's vicelike grip, his hands could easily crush bone right now, his hands could easily bend a tire iron, and the strength of the Brujah is revealed when he joins the group in restraining the beast. His fear overwhelmed him and he spoke softly to the creature. "Fear is your friend young one, understand it, let it teach you, but do not let it control you." Bertram may not like the fledgling, but then again Bertram doesn't actually like anyone. However, it couldn't hurt to offer his own advice to this one.
This might be Vee's problem, however, right now that didn't change the reality of their situation. This thing could do a lot of damage to them if it was allowed to roam free, this thing could potentially destroy one of them. So to let it run free without offering his assistance would be rather irresponsible of him. So he lends the power of his vicelike grip to the others ensuring the beast's restraint.
Time passes, and slowly William begins to calm. This period of soothing settles Bertram, the immediate fear of William getting lose and ripping someone to a bloody pulp is gone. Still he holds the man fast, and it is likely here that William gets his first realization of just how strong this otherwise unimpressive man can be. His hold isn't intended to harm, or inflict pain, it is intended to keep the giant from slipping free, and it is likely one of the firmest grips he has ever felt. Humans, simply do not get this strong.
Though his behavior might have been mistaken by others almost as one might expect a Ventrue to behave, it is in moments like these that others are reminded he was Brujah down to the very core. For they couldn't possibly know his radical ideas, and his fierce adherence to the ideas of the original Anarch Movements, the movement the Sabbat would eventually become. They couldn't possibly know how firmly he clings to his personal freedom despite the overwhelming pressure from the outside to surrender himself blindly to the cause. All they likely know of him at this point was the fact that he was selfish, and didn't like to lift his hand unless it benefited him directly. So the strength with which he holds William until the time has come for him to be let go would likely be their first impression that this was no Ventrue. That, and the fact that the Ventrue of the Sabbat tend to be the exact opposite of their Camarilla cousins.
When he is certain William has returned to them, he lets go. Allowing the newly accepted Cainite his chance to take part in the Vaulderie. Though he loathed this control mechanism, he also understood it's practicality, and usefulness! Without the Vaulderie the Sabbat would have likely fallen upon one another in a violent rage long ago.
Bertram is not here to join them as a member of their pack. They have already discussed that their directions are quite different from one another... Bertram was, however, a member of the Sabbat, and if the ritual is intended as the shared ritual in which all members take part then he would join, otherwise he would refrain and allow the new pack their chance to seal their bond with each other.
[We'll say Bertram has been burning his blood since William lost control. He just watched William Wrestle a Lupine to death! So... Bertram isn't gonna take any chances with this one! So -3 blood, so it is noted for the scene! Spent over several seconds! And let's add Bertram's roll to restrain! Even though it's technically over... This roll was actually made just before Sam's post so it's still good!]
Umbralwind @ 12:02AM
[Str+Brawl+Potence = 9, added to everyone else's rolls to restrain, tossing in a WP cause William is strong as fuck and I don't wanna get Diablerated!]
Roll: 9 d10 TN6 (1, 2, 3, 7, 7, 9, 9, 10, 10) ( success x 7 ) [WP] VALID
Tithe @ 12:03AM
0_0 Witnessed.