Maximillian Strauss

Maximillian Strauss is one of the Primogen in Los Angeles during the brief time the Camarilla had taken control in 2004, representing the Tremere. Among his clan, he holds the title of Regent and supervised the local Chantry in the downtown area.^[1]

BiographyEdit

“	True power lies not in wealth but in the things it affords you.	”
	— Regent Strauss

Strauss is a mysterious figure, but his rank as Regent indicates that he mastered the blood magic of his clan to an alarming degree. Given he claims he created a Gargoyle seen in Hollywood, he must have created him prior to 1489's Montmartre Pact, making him over 500 years old by the modern nights, and lending credence to his claims of having attended the Convention of Thorns.

At one point, Strauss curses illegitimate Tremere childe Eva with an unnatural pale pallor, rendering her hair and skin almost snow-white. He is also highly proficient at the Obfuscate discipline, and seems to be the one responsible for leading and anchoring the Tremere influence back into L.A.

He is the archetypal Tremere wizard, and like most of his lineage, is dedicated to scholarly pursuits, but also willing to sacrifice little bits of knowledge for the safety of the clan. He shows a great deal of loyalty to the Camarilla, but little loyalty to Prince Sebastian LaCroix.

Following the events surrounding the Ankaran Sarcophagus, Strauss left Los Angeles. By 2005, the only Tremere left in Los Angeles were the "marrow-sucking, divine-with-your entrails kind," which made prominent Anarch Damsel yearn for Strauss and his "stupid shades" in comparison.^[2]

Strauss returned to LA in 2018, having been appointed as Keeper of Elysium by Vannevar Thomas, the latest Camarilla prince to claim praxis over LA.^[3]

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines Edit

QuestsEdit

• The Regent's Riddle (Part 2)

• A Plague for the Angels

Once the player have got the previous quest, talking to Strauss he will reveal that there is plague spreading among the kine. Upon accepting this new quest he will also suggest to talk about it with the Anarchs in the Last Round for clues about its origin.

Background Information Edit

• Strauss's appearance is probably inspired by Morpheus from The Matrix: his chambers bear a resemblance to the hotel room seen the first time we see Morpheus, he wears a leather long coat, he's bald, and he wears round sunglasses. While Morpheus greets that series' protagonist with "hello, Neo," while Strauss greets the protagonist with "hello, neonate."
• 
  Strauss' distinct look returns in Saint's Row: The Third with the appearance of the Morningstar Specalists, who are bald, wear red trenchcoats, and wear small round sunglasses.

ReferencesEdit

1. ↑ VTM: Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
2. ↑ VTM: Beckett's Jyhad Diary, p. 114
3. ↑ VTM: Vampire: The Masquerade: L.A. By Night