Gabriel

From LanceaSanctum

         [Gabriel on GraceAmazing.com]

[edit] Public Information

Physical Description: Caucasian, 6'4" tall; short choppy dark hair with long flowing ponytails that are kept dyed to match his style of the month; hazel eyes; clean shaved. Mannerisms: Gabriel is known as a social and manipulative creature. He is arrogant, demanding, condescending and degrading. He has no quarrels letting others know his own self worth. He enjoys interjecting himself into a conversation; however, only if he has something of value to say. In the Lancea Sanctum, and even those not of the Covenant, known him as a confessor and one who has had many titles over the years; such as Bishop, ArchBishop, Prince, Pastor, Wei Shu and Lin Lung. He does not hesitate upon engaging with someone new to attempt to ascertain their worthiness and then work to convert them to the cause and beliefs of the Sanctifed. As of recently, his mannerisms have toned down a bit. His pride is letting in a realization of humility in recognizing his frailty and susceptibility to the Ventrue dominations. He is going through a period of self realization in finding his place and stabilizing who his real allies are.

Reputation: Traveling through the Americas in the early 1900's, Originally calling himself Gabrael, he modernized his name to Gabriel along with his attitude upon taking the position of Prince in Richmond after settling there in 1925. He built, nearly by hand, both the Elysium and Halls of Justice in Richmond. Prior to prince he upheld the laws of Elysium and repairing breaches of the masquerade as Keeper of Elysium. A staunch supporter of the Lancea Sanctum, he has held a place almost always in the ranks of authority in one form or another. Any that have known him, have always known him as "Confessor".
However, the defining factor of his attitude was believed to be different based upon who you asked:

• Some thought that it was the sleep of torpor
• some would whisper that he believes he was the ArchAngel Gabrael
• others held their tongue to avoid being called heritics
  • behind closed doors, some would even relenquish a statement to their acceptance that e was the Archangel Gabrael, cast to earth to take human for doubting God's will, no longer Divine, but Damned.

None-the-least, he was a unique individual whom any around could see that he was either going insane, or as many accepted, being manipulated in many ways to behave as the "Puppet Prince of Richmond"

Forever a follower of the teachings of Longinus and a Confessor in whatever city he holds home; Previously a Bishop and Archbishop of Richmond, VA for 20 years until assistance by the Order of Dragons landed him the title of Prince. As of late was claiming title of Emperor to distance himself from his previous position as a puppet prince, but with the advent of Suran-Gal, has become Prince Bishop Gabrael, of the Lancea Sanctum, of the Westminster Creed, of Richmond
With a recent hiatus due to a staged death not of his own doing resulting in a 6 month torpor, Gabriel has returned with a mind clear of the Ventrue manipulations placed upon him for nearly 400 years; many of which were only 2 years old and have run their course. He faces a long road to clear his name and convince those around him that the powers used upon his person to make him insane are no more. He bolsters the same Pride and determination one would expect; but with a hint of newfound humility and a air of redemption around him. He a proud and honorable individual holding most dear his word and deed above all else.

[edit] Background

This information, though available in character, would only be known by those who were around at the time that the event occurred or asked him to recount his history for them.

[edit] A History of Lies

Listening to Gabriel talk in a quite corner of Elysium in Richmond, Va, you can barely make out his conversation as he talks in the dimly lit corner: Gabriel was chosen because he was to be the sick and depraved vision of a Powerful and deranged Elder, Ardeus Tribeatus. Ardeus had locked himself into his castle, looking to bring what he could from his religion to life, present itself with what he thought was the way. He had a vision and was certain that he could make it true. Through his blood and those of his coterie, he took a young man from the city, a individual who spend much time in the church, and put him through a ritual where he would be “empowered” by God. He put the blood in the corpse and locked it in the painted and bound room. Torpor hast a odd effect on ones mind, or at least an effect of making centuries fade into minutes and minutes seem like a millennium. Given that even Angels have free will, and that which can be construed as sympathy is also that which is the fallen disgrace of God. When given the opportunity to disobey, you would think I would not be capable. However, when it came to the judgments of so many Damned souls, I should have known that since I took pity on them, I too would soon become one. As I looked at the flow of so many that would be saved, damned due to their choices in life, I felt drawn to them. I had crushed so many foes in my past before, what would this matter as I was the Right hand of God. The one who would act out punishment, bring down the judgment passed to me, the bringer of light and of sorrow. How fitting though, that I to be judged as those before me, cast out of heaven for having the slightest doubt to his power. I questioned the judgment of one and for that I pay. I awoke from the darkness in what I remember to be around the year of our Lord, 1450. Feeling the power of the curse that had been bestowed upon me, I chose to use what God had given me and accept my judgment as others had been forced to do in the past. God still spoke to me, however, very little now as opposed to before. He told me that he had many great plans for me and that the first one would be to gain favor with Henry VII of England. After the failed revolt of his cousin, Henry Stafford, Henry became the leading Lancastrian contender for the throne of England. Convincing Henry to gain the support of the in-laws of the late King Edward IV was no easy task. However, once completed, Henry was able to amass an army of around 5000 soldiers and through Gabriel’s guidance, was able to follow God’s will and defeat the Yorkists under Richard III in 1485. Gabriel stayed with Henry in the background, manipulating and dictating things until around 1505. Hearing the voice of God again, Gabriel made his way to Castle of Xavier near Sanguesa in Navarre, Spain. He took the time and guidance to build up the city and pass judgment on the evil that brewed inside the castle walls. While there, a child was born: Francisco de Jaso y Azpilcueta. However, Gabriel knew, for he had heard the Voice of God yet again. This child, known now as Francis, would grow up to be a great man, a wise man, and would eventually, long after death, attain Sainthood. With Francis Xavier’s Father’s death in 1515, soon there after Gabriel followed Xavier to Paris where he would stay until 1530 to study. In 1534, Xavier and 6 other individuals created the Society of Jesus, with the a few unknown members from the Lancea Sanctum of the city including Gabriel. ... he then pauses... That is the memories that fade in and out of my mind. Those are the lies that were filled in my head. Torpor is a vile and disturbing thing. But sometimes, it serves a purpose. Sometimes it's clouding of your mind... it's clouding of my mind gave me the Fear, the Power, the Guidance and the Vision to break free of my bonds and release my mind of it's restraints... Those were the lies that filled my mind... Now let me systematically recant to you what actually happened....

[edit] Signifigant Changes

Gabriel recently suffered a mental relapse brought on by a force torpor that 'cleared' his broken mind. So some "facts" you might have known about Gabriel, given a short conversation you might realize weren't true at all. Most items in his history are actual and should confirmable. Entries which were rediscovered and have resurfaced as the mechanations against his psyche have cleared are Italic for ease of identification.

[edit] Actual Historical Timeline

[edit] 1401 - 1800

1401- Ardeus Tribeatus, a powerful Daeva diablarizes another vampire and has a frenzied vision within the church he diablarized in. He envisions God placing the soul of the ArchAngel Gabriel within a vampiric body to justify the existence of the Lancea Sanctum.

1405- After many years, Ardeus has managed to form a Cotorie of 5 followers and has selected a man who will be sacrificed in order to allow Gabriel to enter the body. Ardeus kills the man and sires the child. “Gabriel” is locked underneath the altar, in torpor, to rest until his “time” comes.

1406- Ardeus and his Cotorie are destroyed for being crazed with diablerie lust.

1450- Gabriel awakes from torpor

1460- Gabriel is Anointed as Confessor by Bishop Emanueal Archelli

• {Known only to Members of the OBC} - Pledging alliance and friendship, Gabriel swears Oath to Richard DuChuneil as Chaplin via Confessor

[edit] 1801 - 1900

1845- Travels to England. During a portion of the voyage, encounters a Pirate named Angelica who is apparently accosting Lancea Sanctum Shippers. Manages to defend the ship and his life against the onslaught.

1848- Befriends Charles, a new to the area Gangrel with ambitions and a good sense of character.

1850- Asked by De Count Va’Lefrostus to transport a artifact to the Church of Saint Kevan. Chance encounter on the open seas pits Gabriel against the Pirate Angelica and her crew again. This time is much less brutal than the previous as both side are aware of the great risks of a direct confrontation.

1860-1890- Not willing to risk his Requiem again, or just to avoid Angelica, Gabriel travels to China both to learn the culture and the spiritual rituals of those of the area to get a more variant understanding of cultures around the world.

• 1872 - With the Islands of Japan only a short hop and some Social manipulation, Gabriel spends a few years getting aquainted with the customs and culture
  • During his time here, he comes across a Unique individual by the name of Toku Yamamoto. Growing fond of each other, and their Foreign ways, they spend time teaching each other their ways, debating many things (Gabriel, of course, focusing on sheparding Taku to the Lord and God Almighty). They exchange debates on the sheer power of a GreatSword vs. the grace and beauty of a well handled Katana.

[edit] 1901 - 2000

1915- Lands the “admiration” of a pack of hunters bent on ridding the earth of all Vampires, 1 at a time.

1918- Unable to avoid the Hunters to this point, Gabriel manages to lead them to Charles as well. Knowing that it is time to move on, Charles and Gabriel leave for America.

1919- Gabriel frequents various cities throughout the Americas

1920-1922 - Gabriel Spends nearly Two years in the city of Jacksonville, Mississippi.

• He works hard to establish very close relations between the Sanctified and the Crone.
  • His ties to the Crone become too Stressful for the Bishop of the city and Gabriel is called a Heritic. The Bishop calls Crusade against the Crones as well.
    • Fearing for their life, the Crone go into hiding while the matters are attended to.
    • Looking for a peaceful solution, Gabriel requests and is granted Synod. Peter Constantine resides over the synod, hearing all accusations and rebuttal presented.
      • At the completion of Synod, it is learned that the Crusade was unjustified and the actions Gabriel were just.
        • He was attempting to teach the Crones the Teachings of Longinus in an Attempt to Convert them.
        • He was being called a Heritic for being willing to accept the Crone teachings as part of his plans to convert them. He, however, was not and was cleared of being a Heritic.
      • However, with no further ability to do what Gabriel sees as his calling, he moves on. His work to convert them virtually lost. However, not all was lost as it gives Peter the incentive to close the gap between the two and ally himself with them.

1925-1990 Gabriel finds his calling in the City of Richmond and makes it his home

• Gabriel serves as Bishop or ArchBishop as required for many years.
  • Gabriel is reaffirmed as Bishop by the Cardinal Unkept upon entry and Oath to the Unkept
    • The Unkept Anoints Gabriel as ArchBishop during this time
• Constructs Elysium under the Blessings of Prince Alexus Gingers of the Ordo Dracul
  • Gabriel Lucien, hearing of a great effort to build, by hand, a Elysium that was also a church for use by the Sanctified to provide Spiritual guidance to the city, travels to Richmond, VA in 1951 to assist with it's construction. Over the next year, Lucien presents to Gabriel a realization that there needs to be more. Extending the time that construction will take, but developing the idea of a place of "judgement", the halls of judgement are devised and their construction incorporated into the plan. They both, along with the others that are there to help, get on with the construction that is incorporated into the plan. However, Gabriel Lucien finds his calling elsewhere and leaves around 1952.
    • Builds the Halls of Justice
    • {Known only to Members of the OBC} - Begins construction of a Chapter House

• 1981 - While assisting and traveling with {a fellow Sanctified}, their attempts to follow through on what appears to be a tangible and reliable clue to texts regarding a potentially new, having been lost, Sanctified Rite of Theban Sorcery; Travels to Keizersberg to seek permission from Monseigneur de Béthune to enter and research the clues. It is believed that a recently acquired collection of Theological and Occult texts potentially included some hidden texts as well. Unfortunately, after two years, no new or lost Rites are discovered. However, Gabriel does not consider it a loss by any means as the two years of studying the available Sanctified Texts under the leadership of de Bethune caused Gabriel to not only leave more knowledgeable but with a renewed fervor to confess for and Convert others to the Covenant.
  • During this time, disputes between the Crone and the Sanctified over domain become an issue. Gabriel, one to work to mediate between or convert other covenants, works to assist in the background to ease the tensions. Ektor responsible for any Crusade or war that were to occur between the covenants becomes an ally of Gabriel's in the task. Mostly because Ektor would have to go to much effort to wipe out the Crone, much ado about Gabriel's pleadings not to systematically eliminate the Crones.

1993 - {Known only to Members of the OBC} - In Preparation for coming obligations, Gabriel removes himself as a member of the The Most Holy Order of the Broken Cross due to the conflicting requirements of being Bishop and Prince of Richmond. Though he still takes confession, he believes he cannot uphold himself to the high standards required and maintain the focus and dedication required of a Prince as well.

1994- Gabriel Seizes praxis with the assistance of the Ordo Dracul as the Ordo Dracul hunt down their now defunct Prince, Alexus Gingers.

• The Unkept Anoints Gabriel as Prince-Bishop

1997- Encounters and Befriends Rebecca, a not very social individual attempting to raise funds for her “jewish” acquaintances.

[edit] 2001 - Present

• Early 2005... The stability of the city is rocked as Prince after prince obtains the position.
  
  • Synod is declared by Unkept and Gabriel is sent to Lazaris Vacca to look into declarations that Gabriel is a Crone Ally and a Heritic.
• Mid 2005.... Esteemed Cardinal Unkept is destroyed at the hands Dimitri in a bloody and controversial Praxis seizure
  
  • Gabriel returns to Richmond and immedeately becomes prince.
• Throughout Late 2005 through 2006, The position of Prince changes in what becomes known as the "Revolving Door Princedom" of Richmond. Eventually Gabriel finally holds onto prince one last time before Jack Adrian, Esquire brings to frutation ventrue mechanations placed in Gabriel's mind, costing Gabriel the princedom.
  • Late 2005.... Gabrael obtains prince. Hampton Roads closes its boarders to Richmond, citing the instability of the city as reason.
    
  • Gabriel, through a "Love Spirit" and the related fallout, is put in a position of Binding and Being bound to the Crone Heirophant and Speaker, Claire.
  • Synod is declared by Sabineah Ipres Larkin to look into declarations that Gabriel is a Crone Ally and a Heritic. He is cleared of all Charges.
    • However, he is stripped of all Titles

• 2006 (december) to (July) 2007- Gabriel suffers a Torpor at the hands of an unknown assailant and finds himself awake near Orlando, Florida.

• 2007(August)- Gabriel returns to Richmond

[edit] Character Inspirations and Tie-ins

[edit] Character Inspirations

• VNV Nation - Gabriel - Dark Angel Remix
• ArchAngel Gabriel
• Movies: Equilibrium
• Constantine
  • Gabriel from the Movie Specifically

[edit] Quotes

• SEE: Charli--"Have you ever noticed in the Bible that whenever God wanted someone punished, or whenever God needed a killing, He sent an angel? Did you ever wonder what a creature like that must be like? The whole of existence spent praising your God with one wing dipped in blood? Would you ever want to see an angel?" ~~ The prophecy

[edit] Character Tie-Ins

I welcome any suggestions for character tie-ins including Allies, Acquaintances and Advesaries. Feel free to place yourself in my history anywhere you like. I only ask that you send me a quick e-mail to kevin.scheidt@gmail.com just to let me know.

• Acquaintances will generally be individals with which Gabriel attempted to convert but was unsuccessful, however not Alienating them.
• Allies would most likely be individuals with whom Gabriel formed a strong bond. He dosen't claim many to be ally, but when you are, he will treat you with respect and would likley do everything shy of, and possibly including, giving his life to honor his friendship.
• Adversaries can range from anything as simple as an individual with which a political move affected them adversely to Gabriel converted your childre 30 minutes after you embraced them and now your childre hates you! Be creative, but I'm not looking for any "I'll do anything to get Gabriel Killed" ties.

[edit] Interesting Facts

• Built Richmond's Elysium starting in 1933 and completing it in 1965
  • Built the Halls of Justice as well.
  • Many Facts about Richmond can be found in the books Richmond by Night.
  • Richmond's Elysim was first broken only 1 month after it's completion.
• Was the Prince of Richmond for nearly 15 years
  • Siezed Praxis with the assistance of the Order Dracul
  • Converted many in Richmond to path of Longinus including the one known as The White Dragon, Wei Fong
  • Recently lost praxis to a Carthian named Jack Adrian, Esq.
    • The 5 most recent years suffered a smear against his Princedom as various indviduals "broke" his mind with Ventrue powers.
• Gabriel takes confession from anyone, regardless of Clan or Covenant
  • However, the pennance has been known to be bloody, demeaning and painful
  • He never offers forgiveness: "That's not what being Damned is about"

[edit] Lie to Me (Rumours and Damned Lies)

(please feel free to post rumours you have heard about this PC here)

• Is an ally of the Crone
• Believes he is the ArchAngel Gabriel, cast to earth for his Sin.
• Is a de la Cruz
• Is the ArchAngel Gabriel
• is hunting Stephen de Ocham to appease a promise to the Crone of Hampton
  • Is a tier 2 salesman of Cookies for Longinus
• Is Married to a Crone
  • Ektor recently contacted Gabriel sub Rosa with a simple notification: "Heritic, my war engine has turned toward you."
• Was actually the Unkept.
  • The Unkept was actually a Mortal controlled by Gabriel
• Is a Diablarist
• Was Wei Fong's Sire
• Is a Gangrel of Status who is Infultrating the Daeva
• orcastrated the death of the Unkept
• Met his final death to the morning sun and was resurrected
• Despises the Order Dracul
  • Is actually a Dragon infultrator. His hatred is his cover story.
    • Why else would they help him become prince?
• is a super secret member of the Shrouded
• Is a Crone Infulrating the Sanctified
• Resurrected the dead of an entire city before or during a Regional Gathering of Kindred somewhere in the West (Perhaps Oklahoma or Texas?))
• helped fund and is a supporter of The Sanctified.
• The only reason Gabriel is proficent with a sword at all is because of Toku Yamamoto. It is rumored that he spent many nights in torpor recorvering from his shortcomings with a sword. Even sparing can become deadly. Lucky for Gabriel he had a loyal and proficient Ghoul and Obfuscate.
• is a secret ally and follower of Stephen De Ocham